[1v1] Crustle

Charizard is in GP, so here comes Crustle.
QC [3/3] GP [0/1]

Overview

Crustle's excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker, while a great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, Earthquake and Counter. A decent Rock / Bug typing allows it to take on common metagame pick such as Mega Charizard Y and Porygon Z, and solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably. However, its mediocre speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting, and a weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out. It also has very few options for sets, which makes it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 Base Power; Continental Crush is used to deal heavy damage to most of the metagame; since Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move it can be immediately followed by another attack. Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame. Earthquake rounds out Crustle's EdgeQuake coverage and hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna. Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack sturdy themselves, while Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitute, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably but leaves Crustle walled by Ground-type Pokemon such as Garchomp.

Set Details

112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados. 112 Spe Evs ensure that Crustle outspeed Max Speed Deoxys-D after a Shell Smash. The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant Nature to maximize Crustle's Damage output. Sturdy allows Crustle to live a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker. Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush.

Usage Tips

Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Deoxys-D or Meloetta or those that Crustle cannot OHKO. If your opponent is or may be faster than +2 Crustle, however, attack instead of using Shell Smash; use Continental Crush instead of Rock Wrecker for the greater damage and lack of recharge turn in case they survive the attack. If you are fighting a Mimikyu or a substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise and deal damage at once. Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live an attack such as Garchomp.

Team Options

Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Magearna and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that from taking advantage of Crustle. Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Keldeo are handy to take out those for Crustle, while Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle. Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that. Grass- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, Kartana, and Aegislash appreciate Crustle checking Fire-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Victini, while in exchange they take on the Ground-type Pokemon Crustle struggles with.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush. An alternative spread with 192 Attack, 164 Speed, X-Scissor and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but is far more specific. Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash.

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either, so any wall that runs that can handle Crustle easily.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon resist Bug- and Rock-type attacks, leaving Crustle with only the weak Earthquake as an option. Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna and Heatran can also bypass that with an Air Baloon, allowing them to even more fully wall crustle.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.
 
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Charizard is in GP, so here comes Crustle.
QC [0/3]

Overview

* Excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker.
* Great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, and Counter.
* Decent typing allows it to take on common metagame pick such as Mega Charizard X and Porygon Z.
* Solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably.
* Mediocre speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting
* Weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out.
* Few options leave it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

* Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 BP
* Continental Crush is used to overpower most answers; since Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move it can be immediately followed by another attack.
* Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame.
* Earthquake hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna
* Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack sturdy themselves.
* Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitute, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably or fish for critical hits.

Set Details

* 112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados.
* 112 Spe Evs ensure that Crustle outspeed Max Speed Meloetta after a Shell Smash
* The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant Nature to maximize Crustle's Damage output.
* Sturdy allows Crustle to live a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker
* Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush

Usage Tips

* Versus most Pokemon, click Continental Crush first turn to knock them out.
* If you are fighting a Mimikyu or a substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise and deal damage at once.
* Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live an attack such as Garchomp or Jirachi.
* Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Choice Band Dragonite or Meloetta.
* Use Continental Crush -> Rock Wrecker instead of the reverse to avoid the recharge turn.

Team Options

* Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Air Baloon Magearna and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that from taking advantage of Crustle.
* Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Donphan are handy to take out those for Crustle.
* Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle.
* Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


* X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush.
* An alternative spread with 192 Attack, 164 Speed, X-Scissor and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but is otherwise far inferior to the above set.
* Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Steel-types such as Aegislash and Magearna are particularly annoying, as Crustle cannot even use its strongest attacks. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.
Crustle is ready for QC
 

DEG

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is a Community Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Charizard is in GP, so here comes Crustle.
QC [0/3]

Overview

* Excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker.
* Great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, and Counter.
* Decent typing allows it to take on common metagame pick such as Mega Charizard X and Porygon Z.
* Solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably.
* Mediocre speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting
* Weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out.
* Few options leave it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

* Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 BP
* Continental Crush is used to overpower most answers; since Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move it can be immediately followed by another attack.
* Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame.
* Earthquake hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna
* Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack sturdy themselves.
* Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitute, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably or fish for critical hits.

Set Details

* 112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados.
* 112 Spe Evs ensure that Crustle outspeed Max Speed Meloetta after a Shell Smash
* The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant Nature to maximize Crustle's Damage output.
* Sturdy allows Crustle to live a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker
* Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush

Usage Tips

* Versus most Pokemon, click Continental Crush first turn to knock them out.
* If you are fighting a Mimikyu or a substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise and deal damage at once.
* Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live an attack such as Garchomp or Jirachi.
* Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Choice Band Dragonite or Meloetta.
* Use Continental Crush -> Rock Wrecker instead of the reverse to avoid the recharge turn.

Team Options

* Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Air Baloon Magearna and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that from taking advantage of Crustle.
* Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Donphan are handy to take out those for Crustle.
* Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle.
* Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


* X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush.
* An alternative spread with 192 Attack, 164 Speed, X-Scissor and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but is otherwise far inferior to the above set.
* Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Steel-types such as Aegislash and Magearna are particularly annoying, as Crustle cannot even use its strongest attacks. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.
Overview
-Looks great mention Earthquake on notable moves it gets.

Set Comments

Moves
-I wouldn't say "KO Most" of the metagame I'd just say deal massive damage to most of the metagame and fishes for great OHKO against most things that don't resist it.
-If you use Rock Blast instead of Counter you're left being walled against all Ground-type Pokemon like Donphan and Garchomp

Set Details
-Looks good.

Usage Tips
-No, if you're not sure you're going to OHKO click Shell Smash before Continental Crush cause they may outspeed you and 2HKO first turn then finish off second turn.

Team Options
-Mention Pokemon that likes having Crustle by their side like Steel-, and Grass-type Pokemon such as Kartana as it takes down Fire-type Pokemon.

Other Options
-Looks good.

Checks and Counters
-Also looks great.


Great Job! QC 1/3
 

lost heros

Meme Master
Charizard is in GP, so here comes Crustle.
QC [1/3]

Overview

* Excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker.
* Great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, Earthquake and Counter.
* Decent typing allows it to take on common metagame pick such as Mega Charizard X and Porygon Z. Mention Mega Charizard Y as the Mega Charizard X mathcup isn't perfect.
* Solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably.
* Mediocre speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting
* Weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out.
* Few options leave it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

* Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 BP
* Continental Crush is used to deal heavy damage to most of the metagame; since Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move it can be immediately followed by another attack.
* Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame.
* Earthquake hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna
* Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack sturdy themselves.
* Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitute, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably or fish for critical hits but leaves Crustle walled by Ground-type Pokemon such as Garchomp.

Set Details

* 112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados.
* 112 Spe Evs ensure that Crustle outspeed Max Speed Meloetta after a Shell Smash
* The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant Nature to maximize Crustle's Damage output.
* Sturdy allows Crustle to live a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker
* Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush
It may just be me, but I almost always aim to outspeed base 100s, especially after set up. So I might put 156 Spe and 200 Atk. This makes the match-up more reliable against ZardX

Usage Tips


* Versus most Pokemon, click Continental Crush first turn to knock them out.
* If you are fighting a Mimikyu or a substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise and deal damage at once.
* Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live an attack such as Garchomp or Jirachi.
* Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Choice Band Dragonite or Meloetta or those that Crustle cannot OHKO.
* Use Continental Crush instead of Rock Wrecker for the greater damage and lack of recharge turn in case they survive the attack.
Here's how I understand SS vs CC, you should always want to hit SS first. But if you don't outspeed you risk your luck and try for the KO with Continental Crush. This distinction is how you beat ZardX. With 156 speed investment, Shell Smashing turn one ensures the victory. If they sub, turn 1 you go for rock blast turn 2. If they WoW turn one you go for Continental Crush. The only "50/50" is if they DDance, because you can Shell Smash again on a predicted attack or Continental Crush on a predicted DDance. If you're slower than Charizard X after a Shell Smash, that means they can fuck you up with not Mega Evolving Sub/Wisp Shenanigans, which has happened.
Other than that this all pretty good.

Team Options


* Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Air Baloon Magearna and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that from taking advantage of Crustle.
* Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Donphan are handy to take out those for Crustle. Donphan and Crustle are very similar Pokemon. I doubt anyone would pair them together.
* Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle.
* Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that.
* Grass- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, Kartana, and Aegislash appreciate Crustle checking Fire-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Victini.


Strategy Comments

Other Options


* X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush.
* An alternative spread with 192 Attack, 164 Speed, X-Scissor and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but is otherwise far inferior to the above set. Idk if you want to just write it off as inferior. Rather I'd say it's a very specific lure set.
* Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Steel-types such as Aegislash and Magearna are particularly annoying, as Crustle cannot even use its strongest attacks. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.

I would definitely mention Substitute being an issue for any Crustle that don't carry rock blast. You might also want to put in a section dedicated to Steel-types because Magearna doesn't really qualify as a "Bulky Physical Wall". Celesteela, Mega Metagross, and Aegislash also all counter Crustle
Notes for QC: Talked with deg about the first UT line, and would like some feedback on Shell Smashing first vs Continental Crushing first.
Implement the comments in bold and you're good to go QC 2/3
 
Charizard is in GP, so here comes Crustle.
QC [2/3]

Overview

Crustle's excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker, while a great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, Earthquake and Counter. A decent Rock / Bug typing allows it to take on common metagame pick such as Mega Charizard Y and Porygon Z, and solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably. However, its mediocre speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting, and a weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out. It also has very few options for sets, which makes it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 Base Power; Continental Crush is used to deal heavy damage to most of the metagame; since Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move it can be immediately followed by another attack. Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame. Earthquake rounds out Crustle's EdgeQuake coverage and hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna. Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack sturdy themselves, while Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitute, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably or fish for critical hits I don't know if fishing for Rock Blast crits is a thing. but leaves Crustle walled by Ground-type Pokemon such as Garchomp.

Set Details

112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados. 112 Spe Evs ensure that Crustle outspeed Max Speed Meloetta after a Shell Smash. I don't think this is relevant. Max Speed Meloetta isn't that good. The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant Nature to maximize Crustle's Damage output. Sturdy allows Crustle to live a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker. Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush.

Usage Tips

Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Choice Band Dragonite or Meloetta or those that Crustle cannot OHKO If you don't know it's Choice Band Dragonite it's a 50/50 between Shell Smash and Counter. If your opponent is or may be faster than +2 Crustle, however, attack instead of using Shell Smash; use Continental Crush instead of Rock Wrecker for the greater damage and lack of recharge turn in case they survive the attack. If you are fighting a Mimikyu or a substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise and deal damage at once. Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live an attack such as Garchomp or Mega Metagross If the Metagross is smart they shouldn't lose Its coverage moves don't do enough damage to lose to Counter, while Meteor Mash can OHKO.

Team Options

Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Air Baloon Balloon Magearna You could perhaps just say Magearna as Choice Specs is good vs Gyara too and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that from taking advantage of Crustle. Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Keldeo are handy to take out those for Crustle, while Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle. Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that. Grass- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, Kartana, and Aegislash appreciate Crustle checking Fire-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Victini, while in exchange they take on the Ground-type Pokemon Crustle struggles with.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush. An alternative spread with 192 Attack, 164 Speed, X-Scissor and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but is far more specific. Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash.

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either, so any wall that runs that can handle Crustle easily.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon resist Bug- and Rock-type attacks, leaving Crustle with only the weak Earthquake as an option. Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna and Heatran can also bypass that with an Air Baloon, allowing them to even more fully wall crustle.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.
After this you're good from me.
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
add remove (comments)

GP 1/1
Overview

Crustle's excellent ability in Sturdy allows it to live survive an attack from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker, while and a great movepool gives it access to moves such as Shell Smash, Rock Wrecker, Earthquake, (comma) and Counter. A decent Rock / Bug typing allows it to take on common metagame pick picks such as Mega Charizard Y and Porygon Z, and solid stats allow it to both take and deal damage reliably. However, its mediocre Speed stat leaves it vulnerable to fast attackers, even after boosting, and a weakness to Water- and Steel-type attacks lets Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Metagross take it out. It also has very few options for sets, which makes it very predictable and limits its ability to bypass answers. (period)

Shell Smash Attacker
Crustle @ Rockium Z
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 112 HP / 40 Def / 244 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Wrecker
- Shell Smash
- Earthquake
- Counter / Rock Blast

Set Comments

Moves

Rock Wrecker is a powerful STAB attack, hitting extremely hard even without boosts and boosting Continental Crush to an incredible 200 Base Power; Continental Crush is used to deal heavy damage to most of the metagame, (comma) since, (comma) as Z-moves lack the downsides of the base move, (comma) it can be immediately followed by another attack. Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed, allowing it to outpace and KO most of the metagame. Earthquake rounds out Crustle's EdgeQuake coverage and hits Steel-type Pokemon that resist Rock-type attacks such as Aegislash and Magearna. Counter allows Crustle to take on most physical attackers that lack Sturdy themselves, while Rock Blast is another option to bypass opposing Substitutes, Mimikyu, and Crustle more reliably but leaves Crustle walled by Ground-type Pokemon such as Garchomp.

Set Details

112 HP EVs in combination with 40 Defense EVs allow Crustle to always live survive a Waterfall from Mega Gyarados. 112 Spe EVs ensure that Crustle outspeeds Max maximum Speed Deoxys-D after a Shell Smash. The remaining EVs are put into Attack alongside an Adamant nature to maximize Crustle's damage output. Sturdy allows Crustle to live survive a single hit from any Pokemon that lacks Mold Breaker. Rockium Z is chosen to turn Rock Wrecker into a powerful Continental Crush.

Usage Tips

Click Shell Smash versus Pokemon that are less than twice as fast as Crustle such as Deoxys-D or and Meloetta or those that Crustle cannot OHKO. If your the opponent foe is or may be faster than +2 Crustle, however, attack instead of using Shell Smash; use Continental Crush instead of Rock Wrecker for the greater damage and lack of recharge turn in case they the foe survives the attack. If you are Crustle is fighting a Mimikyu or a Substitute user, use Rock Blast to break Disguise (or the Substitute) and deal damage at once. Use Counter to take out physical attackers that resist Rock-type attacks or can live survive an attack such as Garchomp.

Team Options

Checks to Mega Gyarados, such as Magearna and Tapu Koko, are required to prevent that it from taking advantage of Crustle. Steel-type answers such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Keldeo are handy to take out those for Crustle, while Pokemon that can take on Kyurem-B, such as Mega Charizard X, Magearna, and Mega Slowbro, are useful to handle that for Crustle. Crustle's only decent damage output gives it difficulty breaking walls, so answers such as Taunt Tapu Lele and Mega Charizard Y are useful to handle that. Grass- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, Kartana, and Aegislash appreciate Crustle checking Fire-type Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Victini, while in exchange they take on the Ground-type Pokemon Crustle struggles with.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


X-Scissor may be used as a straight substitution over Counter, but it has few targets and is weaker than even resisted Continental Crush. An alternative spread with 192 Attack EVs, 164 Speed EVs, X-Scissor, (AC) and Buginium Z can be used to take on Mega Gyarados, Garchomp, and Mega Slowbro, but this is far more specific. Choice Band can be used for more power on coverage moves such as Earthquake and a slightly more powerful Rock-type STAB move, (RC) but is overall worse and prevents the use of Shell Smash.

Checks and Counters

Mold Breaker: Crustle relies on Sturdy to allow it to survive attacks due to its low Speed, so Pokemon that can bypass it via Mold Breaker can take it out. Mega Gyarados and Subzero Slammer Kyurem-B in particular are annoying, as they have the power to KO it in a single hit without specific sets.

Sturdy: Due to Crustle's low Speed and lack of priority, opposing Sturdy Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, and Sawk can take it on reliably. The only Sturdy Pokemon Crustle can reliably handle are Bastiodon and slow Magnezone.

Bulky Physical Walls: Pokemon that can take Crustle's attacks, such as Mega Slowbro, Blissey, and Umbreon, are very annoying for Crustle to face. Since Shell Smash has very low PP, Crustle cannot stall out Charm either, so any wall that runs that can handle Crustle easily.

Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon resist Bug- and Rock-type attacks, leaving Crustle with only the weak Earthquake as an option. Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna and Heatran can also bypass that with an Air Balloon, allowing them to even more fully wall Crustle.

Flinches: Flinches deal damage and break Crustle's Sturdy, allowing Pokemon such as Hitmonlee to bypass its best line of defense without giving it a chance to react. Jirachi in particular is annoying, as Iron Head put the game entirely in the hands of RNG.
 

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