[OVERVIEW]
Shuckle is an interesting pokémon in the ADV NU metagame as its Defense stats allow it to check nearly every non-water pokémon. This makes Shuckle a decent pick on bulkier, stall-like teams, and Shuckle does particularly well on spike-stacking teams, being able to switch in and Toxic, Wrap, or simply Rest stall almost everything. Shuckle can also be seen occasionally on offense teams as it can double as a defensive core and initiator, allowing teammates such as Diglett or Pikachu to switch in and/or set up safely with Wrap and Encore. However, aside from its Defense stats, Shuckle has next-to nothing. A lacking 20 HP stat and completely irrelevant Attack stats render Shuckle completely useless outside of being a stally initiator. Because of these factors, Shuckle is by no means meta-defining. Shuckle is a niche pick, but it can preform quite well with the right assistance.
[SET]
name: Mixed Defense Wall
move 1: Toxic / Rollout
move 2: Wrap / Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Encore
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Here for distinction:
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
Impish Nature
evs: 252 HP / 120 Atk / 72 Def / 64 SpD
Careful Nature
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 72 Def / 148 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rollout
- Wrap / Toxic
- Rest
- Encore
[SET COMMENTS]
=========
Rest provides Shuckle with a semi-reliable recovery option that helps it stave off common offensive threats such as Murkrow and Bellossom as well as defensive threats trying to wear Shuckle down with chip and Toxic. Rest also allows Shuckle to PP stall certain matchups as the move grants Shuckle two turns of immobility. Toxic is preferred because it allows Shuckle to deal damage despite its minimal attack stat, and the move gives Shuckle the opportunity to shut down common set-up sweepers like Chimecho, Bellossom, Vigoroth, and Sableye—in some cases, Shuckle, unable to tank multiple hits, can use Toxic before switching out to wear down massive threats like Wailord. Wrap, while applying passive chip damage, allows Shuckle to enable teammates by trapping opposing pokémon. Encore works in tandem, shutting down set-up and Substitute users by forcing predictable and pre-decided moves, which is especially helpful for creating switch-in opportunities. Frail, powerful pokémon who struggle to find safe switch-ins, such as Diglett, benefit the most from Shuckle’s ability to wield the Wrap-Encore combo.
Team Options
========
Include potential teammates for the Pokemon, as well as descriptions and details as to why.
Wail Counterplay:
Solid Wailord counter-play is a necessary addition to any Shuckle team. Some common pokémon to fill this role are Roselia, Kecleon, Bulky Bellossom, Dewgong or your own Wailord, and/or Wish Lickitung; certain fringe, direct counters may be looked into on Bulkier Offense teams, namely Chinchou on Bulky Rain Offense and Drowzee on Bulky Paralysis Offense—although, most teams stick with Roselia, Wailord, or Kecleon.
Roselia:
Shuckle also enjoys cleric support, such as Leech Seed or status removal, from teammates. Because of this, Roselia, who has largely fallen out of the meta-game recently due to poorly matching-up into popular offensive teams and it’s minimal access to longevity—only running Synthesis and Giga Drain—when paired with Shuckle opts into a more consistent Leech Seed-Protect set. Still, the “standard” Roselia set: Synthesis, Aromatherapy, Spikes, and Giga Drain/Hidden Power Grass, also synergies with Shuckle, being able to check Wailord with access to Aromatherapy as well, which can cure Shuckle of status without forcing the use of Rest as well as a Shuckle’s Rest induced sleep status itself.
Leech Seed:
Besides Roselia, other similar Leech Seed users are worth mentioning. Specifically,
Wish:
Wish users as well
Spikes:
The most standard and easily built Shuckle team is a simple Spikes Stall. These teams essentially require Roselia as a spike setter, as it is the most defensively viable option; however, there are other options in Glalie, as a lead or mid-game Spike setter; Cacturne, as a less bulky, more offensive focused Spike setter; and Pineco, as a consistent Spike setter and hazard removal lead. Omanyte, a niche spike setter option, is less frequently paired with Shuckle due to their similar defensive roles as normal resists. Pineco also has other synergies with common traits of Shuckle teams, specifically its use of Protect, which pairs well with the Leech Seed recovery often seen on Shuckle teams. Other common, but not as necessary, roles on Spikes Shuckle teams include a Rapid Spin user, a Rapid Spin blocker, a phazer, Wish/Leech Seed support, Aromatherapy/Heal Bell support, a bulky Water type, a Ground-immune, and a Yawn user/general status spreader. —
Offense:
Offense teams—Bulky Offense and Hyper Offense—can also be great fits for Shuckle. Hyper Offense teams commonly employ frail Substitute breakers, such as Raticate, Meditite, and Haunter, in order to constantly pressure teams with sweeps. Also, other sweepers, like Bellossom, Tangela, or Huntail, are often fit onto these teams for their ability to, under weather or another condition, easily break through most teams. In some cases, however, these teams’ frail makeup leaves them vulnerable to powerful, bulky pokémon like Torkoal, Chimecho, Metang, and Wailord. Against these pokémon, conditional sweepers often fail to safely switch-in, or at least, they fail to consistently break these pokemon without free turns—either from the safety of a Substitute or otherwise inhibited opponent; usually, sleep and paralysis statuses are used to immobilize these powerful, bulky pokémon. Thus, Shuckle’s role on these teams is to utilize its Wrap-Encore combo and initiate free switches for its teammates. In most cases, these teams drop Toxic in favor of Rollout on Shuckle as well, since they do not fear being incapable of breaking enemy defensive cores. For this Shuckle team archetype, Poliwhirl also requires special mention. With its access to Belly Drum, it’s acceptable Attack stat, and its high 306 Speed stat, if given the opportunity to set up, Poliwhirl has the ability to instantly end games. Shuckle can enhance this ability with Encore, forcing Water types, who want to kill Shuckle with Surf or Hydro Pump, to continuously use water moves—to which Poliwhirl is immune, with its access to the Water Absorb ability. As such, this enables Poliwhirl to switch in and use Belly Drum for an instant, massive increase in its Attack stat. When paired with Shuckle, Poliwhirl sets sometimes opt into a Substitute set paired with a Salac Berry. This makes Poliwhirl’s late game sweeping potential much more consistent, reducing its offensive power at consequence, as Substitute limits the set to 2 attacking moves. Bulky Offense teams implement strategies and teammates also seen on Stall teams with Shuckle in order to create a reliable defensive core with the limited free teamslots of offensive archetypes. Pokemon such as are frequently seen with Shuckle. Outside of their defensive core, Bulky Offense teams . These teams often more effectively pressure opponents into favorable —
Similar Pokémon:
Low HP stat and high Defense stat pokémon, like Shuckle, especially benefit from the HP-based recovery of Wish and Leech Seed—due to the juxtaposition of their low HP stat and their absurdly high Defense stats—and as such, they are often found on teams with Shuckle.
Status Removal:
As previously mentioned, Heal Bell and Aromatherapy support
Diglett:
Encore:
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to either being not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.
Shuckle can drop Special Defense EVs and put them into Attack while running Rollout. This EV spread still secures Bellossom and Chimecho (at +1 Special Attack)—only giving Chimecho a .1% chance to 4hko.
Checks and Counters
===================
Shuckle is such an offbeat pokémon in the meta game that most teams will not care to specifically account for it. Then again, very common pokémon force Shuckle to switch out either by threatening a KO, by limiting Shuckle’s move options, or by being impervious to Toxic and the occasional Rollout.
**Wailord**: Wailord is a troublesome pokémon for Shuckle. Its powerful, super-effective, water-type stab
**Poison Types**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Pupitar**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Steel Types**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Taunt, Encore, or Trick**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[, ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Shuckle is an interesting pokémon in the ADV NU metagame as its Defense stats allow it to check nearly every non-water pokémon. This makes Shuckle a decent pick on bulkier, stall-like teams, and Shuckle does particularly well on spike-stacking teams, being able to switch in and Toxic, Wrap, or simply Rest stall almost everything. Shuckle can also be seen occasionally on offense teams as it can double as a defensive core and initiator, allowing teammates such as Diglett or Pikachu to switch in and/or set up safely with Wrap and Encore. However, aside from its Defense stats, Shuckle has next-to nothing. A lacking 20 HP stat and completely irrelevant Attack stats render Shuckle completely useless outside of being a stally initiator. Because of these factors, Shuckle is by no means meta-defining. Shuckle is a niche pick, but it can preform quite well with the right assistance.
[SET]
name: Mixed Defense Wall
move 1: Toxic / Rollout
move 2: Wrap / Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Encore
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Here for distinction:
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
Impish Nature
evs: 252 HP / 120 Atk / 72 Def / 64 SpD
Careful Nature
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 72 Def / 148 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rollout
- Wrap / Toxic
- Rest
- Encore
[SET COMMENTS]
=========
Rest provides Shuckle with a semi-reliable recovery option that helps it stave off common offensive threats such as Murkrow and Bellossom as well as defensive threats trying to wear Shuckle down with chip and Toxic. Rest also allows Shuckle to PP stall certain matchups as the move grants Shuckle two turns of immobility. Toxic is preferred because it allows Shuckle to deal damage despite its minimal attack stat, and the move gives Shuckle the opportunity to shut down common set-up sweepers like Chimecho, Bellossom, Vigoroth, and Sableye—in some cases, Shuckle, unable to tank multiple hits, can use Toxic before switching out to wear down massive threats like Wailord. Wrap, while applying passive chip damage, allows Shuckle to enable teammates by trapping opposing pokémon. Encore works in tandem, shutting down set-up and Substitute users by forcing predictable and pre-decided moves, which is especially helpful for creating switch-in opportunities. Frail, powerful pokémon who struggle to find safe switch-ins, such as Diglett, benefit the most from Shuckle’s ability to wield the Wrap-Encore combo.
Team Options
========
Include potential teammates for the Pokemon, as well as descriptions and details as to why.
Wail Counterplay:
Solid Wailord counter-play is a necessary addition to any Shuckle team. Some common pokémon to fill this role are Roselia, Kecleon, Bulky Bellossom, Dewgong or your own Wailord, and/or Wish Lickitung; certain fringe, direct counters may be looked into on Bulkier Offense teams, namely Chinchou on Bulky Rain Offense and Drowzee on Bulky Paralysis Offense—although, most teams stick with Roselia, Wailord, or Kecleon.
Roselia:
Shuckle also enjoys cleric support, such as Leech Seed or status removal, from teammates. Because of this, Roselia, who has largely fallen out of the meta-game recently due to poorly matching-up into popular offensive teams and it’s minimal access to longevity—only running Synthesis and Giga Drain—when paired with Shuckle opts into a more consistent Leech Seed-Protect set. Still, the “standard” Roselia set: Synthesis, Aromatherapy, Spikes, and Giga Drain/Hidden Power Grass, also synergies with Shuckle, being able to check Wailord with access to Aromatherapy as well, which can cure Shuckle of status without forcing the use of Rest as well as a Shuckle’s Rest induced sleep status itself.
Leech Seed:
Besides Roselia, other similar Leech Seed users are worth mentioning. Specifically,
Wish:
Wish users as well
Spikes:
The most standard and easily built Shuckle team is a simple Spikes Stall. These teams essentially require Roselia as a spike setter, as it is the most defensively viable option; however, there are other options in Glalie, as a lead or mid-game Spike setter; Cacturne, as a less bulky, more offensive focused Spike setter; and Pineco, as a consistent Spike setter and hazard removal lead. Omanyte, a niche spike setter option, is less frequently paired with Shuckle due to their similar defensive roles as normal resists. Pineco also has other synergies with common traits of Shuckle teams, specifically its use of Protect, which pairs well with the Leech Seed recovery often seen on Shuckle teams. Other common, but not as necessary, roles on Spikes Shuckle teams include a Rapid Spin user, a Rapid Spin blocker, a phazer, Wish/Leech Seed support, Aromatherapy/Heal Bell support, a bulky Water type, a Ground-immune, and a Yawn user/general status spreader. —
Offense:
Offense teams—Bulky Offense and Hyper Offense—can also be great fits for Shuckle. Hyper Offense teams commonly employ frail Substitute breakers, such as Raticate, Meditite, and Haunter, in order to constantly pressure teams with sweeps. Also, other sweepers, like Bellossom, Tangela, or Huntail, are often fit onto these teams for their ability to, under weather or another condition, easily break through most teams. In some cases, however, these teams’ frail makeup leaves them vulnerable to powerful, bulky pokémon like Torkoal, Chimecho, Metang, and Wailord. Against these pokémon, conditional sweepers often fail to safely switch-in, or at least, they fail to consistently break these pokemon without free turns—either from the safety of a Substitute or otherwise inhibited opponent; usually, sleep and paralysis statuses are used to immobilize these powerful, bulky pokémon. Thus, Shuckle’s role on these teams is to utilize its Wrap-Encore combo and initiate free switches for its teammates. In most cases, these teams drop Toxic in favor of Rollout on Shuckle as well, since they do not fear being incapable of breaking enemy defensive cores. For this Shuckle team archetype, Poliwhirl also requires special mention. With its access to Belly Drum, it’s acceptable Attack stat, and its high 306 Speed stat, if given the opportunity to set up, Poliwhirl has the ability to instantly end games. Shuckle can enhance this ability with Encore, forcing Water types, who want to kill Shuckle with Surf or Hydro Pump, to continuously use water moves—to which Poliwhirl is immune, with its access to the Water Absorb ability. As such, this enables Poliwhirl to switch in and use Belly Drum for an instant, massive increase in its Attack stat. When paired with Shuckle, Poliwhirl sets sometimes opt into a Substitute set paired with a Salac Berry. This makes Poliwhirl’s late game sweeping potential much more consistent, reducing its offensive power at consequence, as Substitute limits the set to 2 attacking moves. Bulky Offense teams implement strategies and teammates also seen on Stall teams with Shuckle in order to create a reliable defensive core with the limited free teamslots of offensive archetypes. Pokemon such as are frequently seen with Shuckle. Outside of their defensive core, Bulky Offense teams . These teams often more effectively pressure opponents into favorable —
Similar Pokémon:
Low HP stat and high Defense stat pokémon, like Shuckle, especially benefit from the HP-based recovery of Wish and Leech Seed—due to the juxtaposition of their low HP stat and their absurdly high Defense stats—and as such, they are often found on teams with Shuckle.
Status Removal:
As previously mentioned, Heal Bell and Aromatherapy support
Diglett:
Encore:
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to either being not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.
Shuckle can drop Special Defense EVs and put them into Attack while running Rollout. This EV spread still secures Bellossom and Chimecho (at +1 Special Attack)—only giving Chimecho a .1% chance to 4hko.
Checks and Counters
===================
Shuckle is such an offbeat pokémon in the meta game that most teams will not care to specifically account for it. Then again, very common pokémon force Shuckle to switch out either by threatening a KO, by limiting Shuckle’s move options, or by being impervious to Toxic and the occasional Rollout.
**Wailord**: Wailord is a troublesome pokémon for Shuckle. Its powerful, super-effective, water-type stab
**Poison Types**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Pupitar**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Steel Types**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
**Taunt, Encore, or Trick**: Describe the counterplay / check / counter.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[, ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
Last edited:
