http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/tentacruel
Status: GP 2/2
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[SET]
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Ice Beam / Toxic Spikes
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Tentacruel is generally used as a defensive supporter, this set takes a more aggressive approach, and functions as both an offensive threat and a Rapid Spinner. Hydro Pump is Tentacruel’s main form of STAB, dealing major damage to any Pokemon that does not resist it. Sludge Bomb is Tentacruel’s secondary form of STAB, and offers excellent neutral damage when combined with Hydro Pump. Additionally, Sludge Bomb hits Grass-types significantly harder than Ice Beam. The last move is up to personal preference; Ice Beam secures OHKOs on Dragonite and Flygon, while Toxic Spikes supports the team by wearing the enemy down. Alternatively, Giga Drain can be used to give Tentacruel some form of recovery, it also hits Swampert harder than any of the aforementioned moves. Hidden Power Electric is a valid option if you wish to OHKO Gyarados.</p>
<p>The EV spread is different from Tentacruel’s standard set, and is one that you'd more likely find on a standard special sweeper. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Tentacruel to deal as much damage as possible, while 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Tentacruel to outpace threats such as Heatran, Lucario, Dragonite, and Gliscor, as well as Speed tie with other base 100s. Life Orb is the preferred item as it strengthens Tentacruel’s average base 80 Special Attack with a 30% boost in damage output, guaranteeing a 2HKO on Defensive Rotom-A. Liquid Ooze is the preferred ability as it hurts opposing Leech Seeders. Clear Body doesn’t help Tentacruel much because Attack drops from Intimidate (the only common method of stat-lowering) don’t matter to the specially-based Tentacruel.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, this set may seem inferior to Life Orb Starmie; however, Tentacruel sports several distinctive qualities that set it apart from its Water / Psychic rival. Tentacruel's Poison typing allows it to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry. Its neutrality to Grass- and Dark-type attacks make it easier for Tentacruel to switch in; it is also not Pursuit-trapped so easily, a common issue that Starmie encounters. Its resistance to Bug helps it switch in against U-turners, namely Scizor and Infernape. Tentacruel also has greater special bulk, allowing it to switch in easily on resisted Fire-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks. However, Starmie deals more damage with its higher base Special Attack, outruns more Pokemon with its higher base Speed, threatens opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt, and has increased longevity with Recover.</p>
<p>One of Tentacruel’s biggest drawbacks is its inability to deal with typical bulky Waters such as Vaporeon and Suicune; while Starmie is able to power through with Thunderbolt, Tentacruel's Sludge Bomb barely makes a dent. Tentacruel also suffers from a Ground-type weakness and a low base Defense stat, making it incredibly vulnerable to the common Earthquake. Rotom-A and Grass-types such as Shaymin and Celebi effortlessly shrug off both Electric- and Ground-type moves. Teammates such as Scizor and Jirachi appreciate Tentacruel as it can switch into Fire-type attacks with ease.</p>
Status: GP 2/2
-------------------------------------------------------
[SET]
name: Offensive Spinner
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Ice Beam / Toxic Spikes
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Tentacruel is generally used as a defensive supporter, this set takes a more aggressive approach, and functions as both an offensive threat and a Rapid Spinner. Hydro Pump is Tentacruel’s main form of STAB, dealing major damage to any Pokemon that does not resist it. Sludge Bomb is Tentacruel’s secondary form of STAB, and offers excellent neutral damage when combined with Hydro Pump. Additionally, Sludge Bomb hits Grass-types significantly harder than Ice Beam. The last move is up to personal preference; Ice Beam secures OHKOs on Dragonite and Flygon, while Toxic Spikes supports the team by wearing the enemy down. Alternatively, Giga Drain can be used to give Tentacruel some form of recovery, it also hits Swampert harder than any of the aforementioned moves. Hidden Power Electric is a valid option if you wish to OHKO Gyarados.</p>
<p>The EV spread is different from Tentacruel’s standard set, and is one that you'd more likely find on a standard special sweeper. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Tentacruel to deal as much damage as possible, while 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Tentacruel to outpace threats such as Heatran, Lucario, Dragonite, and Gliscor, as well as Speed tie with other base 100s. Life Orb is the preferred item as it strengthens Tentacruel’s average base 80 Special Attack with a 30% boost in damage output, guaranteeing a 2HKO on Defensive Rotom-A. Liquid Ooze is the preferred ability as it hurts opposing Leech Seeders. Clear Body doesn’t help Tentacruel much because Attack drops from Intimidate (the only common method of stat-lowering) don’t matter to the specially-based Tentacruel.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, this set may seem inferior to Life Orb Starmie; however, Tentacruel sports several distinctive qualities that set it apart from its Water / Psychic rival. Tentacruel's Poison typing allows it to absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry. Its neutrality to Grass- and Dark-type attacks make it easier for Tentacruel to switch in; it is also not Pursuit-trapped so easily, a common issue that Starmie encounters. Its resistance to Bug helps it switch in against U-turners, namely Scizor and Infernape. Tentacruel also has greater special bulk, allowing it to switch in easily on resisted Fire-, Water-, and Ice-type attacks. However, Starmie deals more damage with its higher base Special Attack, outruns more Pokemon with its higher base Speed, threatens opposing Water-types with Thunderbolt, and has increased longevity with Recover.</p>
<p>One of Tentacruel’s biggest drawbacks is its inability to deal with typical bulky Waters such as Vaporeon and Suicune; while Starmie is able to power through with Thunderbolt, Tentacruel's Sludge Bomb barely makes a dent. Tentacruel also suffers from a Ground-type weakness and a low base Defense stat, making it incredibly vulnerable to the common Earthquake. Rotom-A and Grass-types such as Shaymin and Celebi effortlessly shrug off both Electric- and Ground-type moves. Teammates such as Scizor and Jirachi appreciate Tentacruel as it can switch into Fire-type attacks with ease.</p>