lmitchell0012
Wi-Fi Blacklisted
In 4th generation OU, toxic spikes was quite popular, but as more and more threats are introduced in this new metagame, some might question the viability of this move. In addition to this, toxic may seem like a superior option, as it is able to hit many foes that toxic spikes cannot (such as levitaters and flying types). I'm creating this thread to discuss the pros and cons of using toxic spikes, and to determine whether toxic spikes or just toxic is more effective in the new metagame.
Who gets it:
By level up
-Beedrill
-Nidoqueen (as nidorina)
-Nidoking (as nidorino)
-Tentacruel
-Cloyster
-Foretress
-Qwilfish
-Roserade (as roselia)
-Drapion
-Dasutodasu
By breeding
-Venomoth
-Omastar
-Ariados
-Foretress
-Pendoraa
Now, the obvious advantage of using toxic spikes over toxic is that instead of having to cast it multiple times, you only need to place it once. However, one layer of toxic spikes only has the effect of regular poison, and does not worsen over time like toxic. For that effect, you need two layers of toxic spikes (I believe). Another thing to note about toxic spikes, as stated earlier, is that flying types and levitators are immune to it.
Having said all of this, let's compare the two moves.
Toxic Spikes
Advantages
-Only need to use it once
-Two layers will mimic the effect of toxic
Disadvantages
-Steel types are immune
-Flying types are immune
-Poison types are immune
-Levitators are immune
-Pokemon with guts get a free boost
-Natural Cure
-Rapid spin
-Poison heal
-Special attackers don't really care about being poisoned
Toxic
Advantages
-Unlike toxic spikes, you can hit levitators and flying types
-Rapid spin won't work, as it isn't an entry hazard
Disadvantages
-Same as for toxic spikes, except that levitators and flying types are not immune to it.
Well, those are my thought on this move. Please feel free to add your thoughts about this.
Who gets it:
By level up
-Beedrill
-Nidoqueen (as nidorina)
-Nidoking (as nidorino)
-Tentacruel
-Cloyster
-Foretress
-Qwilfish
-Roserade (as roselia)
-Drapion
-Dasutodasu
By breeding
-Venomoth
-Omastar
-Ariados
-Foretress
-Pendoraa
Now, the obvious advantage of using toxic spikes over toxic is that instead of having to cast it multiple times, you only need to place it once. However, one layer of toxic spikes only has the effect of regular poison, and does not worsen over time like toxic. For that effect, you need two layers of toxic spikes (I believe). Another thing to note about toxic spikes, as stated earlier, is that flying types and levitators are immune to it.
Having said all of this, let's compare the two moves.
Toxic Spikes
Advantages
-Only need to use it once
-Two layers will mimic the effect of toxic
Disadvantages
-Steel types are immune
-Flying types are immune
-Poison types are immune
-Levitators are immune
-Pokemon with guts get a free boost
-Natural Cure
-Rapid spin
-Poison heal
-Special attackers don't really care about being poisoned
Toxic
Advantages
-Unlike toxic spikes, you can hit levitators and flying types
-Rapid spin won't work, as it isn't an entry hazard
Disadvantages
-Same as for toxic spikes, except that levitators and flying types are not immune to it.
Well, those are my thought on this move. Please feel free to add your thoughts about this.