Ubers Toxapex

aurora

GODQUAZA
is a Contributor to Smogonis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus


[OVERVIEW]

* Toxapex has decent bulk and an interesting defensive typing, possessing an array of resistances to Fairy-, Fighting-, Steel-, Water-, Ice- and Fire-type moves.
* This allows Toxapex to take full advantage of its access to Haze, easily switching in on dangerous special sweepers such as Calm Mind Arceus formes, Xerneas, and Palkia and removing their stat boosts. In particular, Toxapex is one of the most reliable answers to Z-Geomancy Xerneas in the game.
* Toxapex's resistances also allow it to soft check some physical sweepers, such as Mega Lucario and Blaziken; however, it needs a timely Scald burn to beat Mega Lucario.
* Toxapex can absorb Toxic Spikes upon switching in, which is very useful for the defensive teams that it fits on.
* Toxapex possesses excellent recovery options in Recover and Regenerator, further cementing its efficacy as a defensive pivot on some stall teams.
* Unfortunately, Toxapex has virtually no offensive presence, completely relying on poison and Scald burns to do any meaningful damage. It will also almost always move last due to its awful Speed.
* Toxapex is easily shut down by Taunt users, especially Mega Gengar.
* A crippling weakness to Ground-type moves leaves Toxapex unable to deal with most physical attackers, and it is very easily forced out by most Swords Dance Arceus formes and Primal Groudon.
* Toxapex also possesses a horrible weakness to Psychic-type moves, which means that the number of special attackers it can actually check in practice is disappointingly low; in particular, it is extremely vulnerable to Deoxys-A, Lunala, and Mewtwo, as well as Choice Specs Xerneas that carry Psychic-type coverage.
* Toxapex's low HP is burdensome, detracting from its fantastic defensive stats, rendering it overwhelmed by strong attackers such as Choice Specs Yveltal, and forcing it to run Wacan Berry over the more useful Leftovers for the sole purpose of avoiding being 2HKOed by Thunder from a boosted Geomancy Xerneas.
* These flaws mean that Toxapex can only fit on stall teams and requires significant support from its team to work.

[SET]
name: Regenerator
move 1: Toxic Spikes / Toxic
move 2: Haze
move 3: Scald
move 4: Recover
item: Wacan Berry
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Toxic Spikes lets Toxapex support its team, poisoning grounded Pokemon that switch in.
* Toxic allows Toxapex to immediately cripple switch-ins with bad poison, but it is prediction reliant.
* Haze is the biggest reason to use Toxapex, as it eliminates all stat boosts gained by the opponent. This lets Toxapex stop Geomancy and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, Z-Heal Block Palkia, and Calm Mind Arceus formes in their tracks, crippling the former two Pokemon in particular. It also prevents physical sweepers from using Toxapex as total setup bait.
* Scald is extremely weak, but its good chance to burn discourages most physical attackers from switching into Toxapex.
* Recover complements Regenerator, giving Toxapex reliable recovery and allowing it to Toxic stall opponents.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense alongside a Calm nature maximizes Toxapex's special bulk.
* Regenerator allows Toxapex to regain 33% of its maximum HP every time it switches out, making Toxapex a veritable defensive pivot.
* Wacan Berry is necessary to ensure that Toxapex is not OHKOed by Xerneas's Geomancy-boosted Thunder, allowing Toxapex to use Haze and remove Xerneas's boosts.

Usage Tips
========

* Toxapex can be comfortably brought in on Pokemon that it walls, such as Xerneas, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Ice. Toxapex will never be OHKOed by any move commonly seen on a boosted Geomancy Xerneas if it is still holding its Wacan Berry, so it is extremely easy to bring Toxapex in on it.
* Use Haze liberally against Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus formes that have attempted to set up.
* Set up Toxic Spikes or use Toxic on forced switches. However, if the opponent is carrying a grounded Poison-type, such as Mega Gengar or their own Toxapex, it's often best for Toxapex to simply pivot out into a teammate that can deal with the predicted switch-in.
* Toxapex's awful offensive stats mean that Scald does pitiful damage even against Pokemon weak to it, so use it sparingly. Only use it to try to burn physical attackers, such as Arceus-Ground, on the switch in. Bear in mind that Toxapex becomes extremely vulnerable to most physical attackers should Scald fail to burn, so simply switching it out on the predicted switch-in may be the best option in some scenarios.
* If Mega Gengar carrying Taunt is present on the opposing team, Toxapex must be played extremely cautiously, as Taunt Mega Gengar is one of its hardest checks. Toxapex's access to Regenerator means that switching out only assists it, so predicting well and double switching to teammates that can deal with Mega Gengar is vital.

Team Options
========

* Toxapex requires a teammate that is immune to Ground-type moves. Skarmory checks Arceus, Arceus-Ground, and Primal Groudon that lack a Fire-type move. It can also form a hazard-stacking core with Toxapex thanks to its access to Spikes. Giratina-O also offers an immunity to Ground-type moves and appreciates Toxapex's Toxic Spikes, as the poison they cause boosts the power of its Hex.
* Zygarde-C walls most physical attackers and Ho-Oh, while Toxapex can deal with Fairy-types in return.
* Primal Groudon forms a strong anti-Xerneas backbone alongside Toxapex, can deal with Primal Kyogre that carry Thunder, and can set up Stealth Rock to further wear down switch-ins in conjunction with Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon can also deal with Electric-types for Toxapex. However, Primal Groudon shares a Ground-type weakness with Toxapex, which can be somewhat unsavory.
* Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can trap and remove Psychic-types and Mega Gengar with Pursuit for Toxapex. If the extra Ground-type weakness is unsavory, defensive Yveltal and Arceus-Dark can also deal with these Pokemon.
* Mega Sableye blocks attempts to remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin, deals with physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp and Foul Play, and can bounce back entry hazards from Pokemon attempting to take advantage of Toxapex's passivity. In exchange, Toxapex covers Fairy-types.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Shed Shell can be used to escape from Mega Gengar. However, running Shed Shell deprives Toxapex of the ability to check Geomancy Xerneas that carry Thunder, which is one of the reasons to use Toxapex in the first place.
* Ice Beam can be used over Scald to chip Mega Salamence and Rayquaza. Unfortunately, Toxapex becomes even more vulnerable to physical attackers than it already is if it forgoes Scald and its chance to burn.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is incredibly threatening to Toxapex. Taunt variants almost completely shut down Toxapex, depriving it of Recover and forcing Toxapex to use Scald; Mega Gengar can then easily remove Toxapex with Shadow Ball. Burn inflicted by Hex Mega Gengar in combination with a boosted Hex will outdo Recover's ability to heal back damage. Mega Gengar with Substitute and three attacks fares the worst against Toxapex, but it can still PP stall Toxapex attempting to spam Recover with Shadow Ball. Mega Gengar can further annoy Toxapex and its team by removing Toxic Spikes, rendering Toxapex's attempts to set them up meaningless.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon will always OHKO Toxapex with Precipice Blades, regardless of what set it is running, and is immune to Scald. Other Ground-types are similarly threatening. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground and Dugtrio OHKO Toxapex with Tectonic Rage, while Landorus-T and offensive Excadrill can achieve the same feat with Earthquake. Defensive Arceus-Ground deals more damage to Toxapex with Judgment than it can heal with Recover. Zygarde-C can Rest off poison inflicted by Toxic Spikes or Toxic and burn inflicted by Scald. Thousand Arrows deals good damage to Toxapex, which is problematic if Toxapex has already expended some of Recover's PP. It should be noted that only defensive Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C can fearlessly switch into Scald, however.

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh takes infinitesimal damage from Scald and 2HKOes with either Earthquake or Brave Bird. It does not appreciate being hit by Toxic, however.

**Psychic-types**: Powerful Psychic-types can easily break through Toxapex. Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Tapu Lele all outspeed and either heavily damage or outright OHKO Toxapex with their super effective STAB moves.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can switch into Toxic Spikes and reflect them with Magic Bounce. However, Toxapex and Mega Sableye cannot touch each other.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Toxapex's mediocre HP and lack of investment in Defense leave it easily beaten by strong physical attackers. Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Mega Mewtwo X, Arceus, and offensive Solgaleo can all overwhelm Toxapex. Scald burns can render these Pokemon useless, however. Facade Mega Salamence is an exception, as a status-boosted Facade cleaves through Toxapex.

**Taunt Users**: Pokemon that carry Taunt, such as Yveltal, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo, totally shut down Toxapex, depriving it of the ability to use Recover. Yveltal can then proceed to remove Toxapex with Dark Pulse, while Tapu Lele and Mewtwo have access to super effective STAB attacks that simply blow Toxapex apart.

**Electric-types**: While Toxapex almost always holds Wacan Berry, which lets it survive almost any Electric-type attack, Electric-types plow through Toxapex once it has consumed its item. Zekrom and Tapu Koko OHKO Toxapex with Bolt Strike and Gigavolt Havoc, respectively. Arceus-Electric deals more damage with STAB Judgment than Toxapex can heal back with Recover. Xurkitree can overwhelm Toxapex with Thunderbolt.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

aurora

GODQUAZA
is a Contributor to Smogonis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
I rewrote this and implemented everything (I think?) that was mentioned in parivard's thread. This is ready to be looked at.
 
Last edited:

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/1
[OVERVIEW]

* Toxapex has decent bulk and an interesting defensive typing, possessing an array of resistances to Fairy-, Fighting-, Steel-, Water-, Ice- and Fire-type moves.
* This allows Toxapex to take full advantage of its access to Haze, easily switching in on dangerous special sweepers such as Calm Mind Arceus formes, Xerneas, and Palkia and removing their stat boosts. In particular, Toxapex is one of the most reliable answers to Z-Geomancy Xerneas in the game.
* Toxapex's resistances also allow it to soft check some physical sweepers, such as Mega Lucario and Blaziken; however, it needs a timely Scald burn to beat Mega Lucario.
* Toxapex can absorb Toxic Spikes upon switching in, which is very useful for the defensive teams that it fits on.
* Toxapex possesses excellent recovery options in Recover and Regenerator, further cementing its efficacy as a defensive pivot on some stall teams.
* Unfortunately, Toxapex has virtually no offensive presence, completely relying on poison and Scald burns to do any meaningful damage. It will also almost always move last due to its awful Speed.
* Toxapex is easily shut down by Taunt users, especially Mega Gengar.
* A crippling weakness to Ground-type moves leaves Toxapex unable to deal with most physical attackers, and it is very easily forced out by most Swords Dance Arceus formes and Primal Groudon.
* Toxapex also possesses a horrible weakness to Psychic-type moves, which means that the number of special attackers it can actually check in practice is disappointingly low; in particular, it is extremely vulnerable to Deoxys-A, Lunala, and Mewtwo, as well as Choice Specs Xerneas that carry Psychic-type coverage.
* Toxapex's low HP is burdensome, detracting from its fantastic defensive stats, rendering it overwhelmed by strong attackers such as Choice Specs Yveltal, and forcing it to run Wacan Berry over the more useful Leftovers for the sole purpose of avoiding being 2HKOed by Thunder from a boosted Geomancy Xerneas.
* These flaws mean that Toxapex can only fit on stall teams and requires significant support from its team to work.

[SET]
name: Regenerator
move 1: Toxic Spikes / Toxic
move 2: Haze
move 3: Scald
move 4: Recover
item: Wacan Berry
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

Moves
========

* Toxic Spikes lets Toxapex support its team, poisoning grounded Pokemon that switch in.
* Toxic allows Toxapex to immediately cripple switch-ins with bad poison, but it is prediction reliant. (RH)
* Haze is the biggest reason to use Toxapex, as it eliminates all stat boosts gained by the opponent. This lets Toxapex stop Geomancy and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, Z-Heal Block Palkia, and Calm Mind Arceus formes in their tracks, crippling the former two Pokemon in particular. It also prevents physical sweepers from using Toxapex as total setup bait.
* Scald is extremely weak, but its good chance to burn discourages most physical attackers from switching into Toxapex.
* Recover complements Regenerator, giving Toxapex reliable recovery and allowing it to Toxic stall opponents.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in HP and Special Defense alongside a Calm nature maximizes Toxapex's special bulk.
* Regenerator allows Toxapex to regain 33% of its maximum HP every time it switches out, making Toxapex a veritable defensive pivot.
* Wacan Berry is necessary to ensure that Toxapex is not OHKOed by Xerneas's Geomancy-boosted Thunder, allowing Toxapex to use Haze and remove Xerneas's boosts.

Usage Tips
========

* Toxapex can be comfortably brought in on Pokemon that it walls, such as Xerneas, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Ice. Toxapex will never be OHKOed by any move commonly seen on a boosted Geomancy Xerneas if it is still holding its Wacan Berry, so it is extremely easy to bring Toxapex in on it.
* Use Haze liberally against Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus formes that have attempted to set up.
* Set up Toxic Spikes or use Toxic on forced switches. However, if the opponent is carrying a grounded Poison-type, such as Mega Gengar or their own Toxapex, it's often best for Toxapex to simply pivot out into a teammate that can deal with the predicted switch-in.
* Toxapex's awful offensive stats mean that Scald does pitiful damage even against Pokemon weak to it, so use it sparingly. Only use it to try and to burn physical attackers, such as Arceus-Ground, on the switch in. Bear in mind that Toxapex becomes extremely vulnerable to most physical attackers should Scald fail to burn, so simply switching it out on the predicted switch-in may be the best option in some scenarios.
* If Mega Gengar carrying Taunt is present on the opposing team, Toxapex must be played extremely cautiously, as Taunt Mega Gengar is one of its hardest checks. Toxapex's access to Regenerator means that switching out only assists it, so predicting well and double switching to teammates that can deal with Mega Gengar is vital.

Team Options
========

* Toxapex requires a teammate that is immune to Ground-type moves. Skarmory checks Arceus, Arceus-Ground, and Primal Groudon that lack a Fire-type move. It can also form a hazard-stacking core with Toxapex thanks to its access to Spikes. Giratina-O also offers an immunity to Ground-type moves and appreciates Toxapex's Toxic Spikes, as the poison they cause boosts the power of its Hex.
* Zygarde-C walls most physical attackers and Ho-Oh, while Toxapex can deal with Fairy-types in return.
* Primal Groudon forms a strong anti-Xerneas (?) backbone alongside Toxapex, can deal with Primal Kyogre that carry Thunder, and can set up Stealth Rock to further wear down switch-ins in conjunction with Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon can also deal with Electric-types for Toxapex. However, Primal Groudon shares a Ground-type weakness with Toxapex, which can be somewhat unsavory.
* Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can trap and remove Psychic-types and Mega Gengar with Pursuit for Toxapex. If the extra Ground-type weakness is unsavory, defensive Yveltal and Arceus-Dark can also deal with these Pokemon.
* Mega Sableye blocks attempts to remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin, deals with physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp and Foul Play, and can bounce back entry hazards from Pokemon attempting to take advantage of Toxapex's passivity. In exchange, Toxapex covers Fairy-types.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Shed Shell can be used to escape from Mega Gengar. However, running Shed Shell deprives Toxapex of the ability to check Geomancy Xerneas that carry Thunder, which is one of the reasons to use Toxapex in the first place.
* Ice Beam can be used over Scald to chip Mega Salamence and Rayquaza. Unfortunately, Toxapex becomes even more vulnerable to physical attackers than it already is if it forgoes Scald and its chance to burn.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is incredibly threatening to Toxapex. Taunt variants almost completely shut down Toxapex, depriving it of Recover and forcing Toxapex to use Scald; Mega Gengar can then easily remove Toxapex with Shadow Ball. Burn inflicted by Hex Mega Gengar in combination with a boosted Hex will outdo Recover's ability to heal back damage. Mega Gengar with Substitute and three attacks fares the worst against Toxapex, but it can still PP stall Toxapex attempting to spam Recover with Shadow Ball. Mega Gengar can further annoy Toxapex and its team by removing Toxic Spikes, rendering Toxapex's attempts to set them up meaningless.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon will always OHKO Toxapex with Precipice Blades, regardless of what set it is running, and is immune to Scald. Other Ground-types are similarly threatening. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground and Dugtrio OHKO Toxapex with Tectonic Rage, while Landorus-T and offensive Excadrill can achieve the same feat with Earthquake. Defensive Arceus-Ground deals more damage to Toxapex with Judgment than it can heal with Recover. Zygarde-C can Rest off poison inflicted by Toxic Spikes or Toxic and burn inflicted by Scald. Thousand Arrows deals good damage to Toxapex, which is problematic if Toxapex has already expended some of Recover's PP. It should be noted that only defensive Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C can fearlessly switch into Scald, however.

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh takes infinitesimal damage from Scald and 2HKOes with either Earthquake or Brave Bird. It does not appreciate being hit by Toxic, however.

**Psychic-types**: Powerful Psychic-types can easily break through Toxapex. Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Tapu Lele all outspeed and either heavily damage or outright OHKO Toxapex with their super effective STAB moves.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can switch into Toxic Spikes and deflect reflect them with Magic Bounce. However, Toxapex and Mega Sableye cannot touch each other.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Toxapex's mediocre HP and lack of investment in Defense leave it easily beaten by strong physical attackers. Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Mega Mewtwo X, Arceus, and offensive Solgaleo can all overwhelm Toxapex. Scald burns can render these Pokemon useless, however. Facade Mega Salamence is an exception, as a status-boosted Facade cleaves through Toxapex.

**Taunt Users**: Pokemon that carry Taunt, such as Yveltal, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo, totally shut down Toxapex, depriving it of the ability to use Recover. Yveltal can then proceed to remove Toxapex with Dark Pulse, while Tapu Lele and Mewtwo have access to super effective STAB attacks that simply blow Toxapex apart.

**Electric-types**: While Toxapex almost always holds Wacan Berry, which lets it survive almost any Electric-type attack, Electric-types plow through Toxapex once it has consumed its item. Zekrom and Tapu Koko OHKO Toxapex with Bolt Strike and Gigavolt Havoc, respectively. Arceus-Electric deals more damage with STAB Judgment than Toxapex can heal back with Recover. Xurkitree can overwhelm Toxapex with Thunderbolt.
 
Last edited:
after being very confused for a while, it turns out you were missing a set comments tag in the skeleton throwing up errors on the dex. shoutouts to tdp for helping me notice - this is now uploaded
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top