https://www.smogon.com/dex/rs/pokemon/wartortle/
[Overview]
In a Spikes-filled metagame like NU, Rapid Spin is a highly coveted move that can help win stall wars and get teammates onto the field scot-free. And in a tier like NU where the distribution of Rapid Spin is extremely low, Wartortle stands out as being the second best user after Hitmonchan. Access to Foresight further increases its niche, as Wartortle is the only Pokemon in NU that can guarantee at least one successful spin attempt, assuming the opponent does not have two Ghost-types. Wartortle's low offensive presence and subpar bulk means it's setup bait for many dangerous threats, but on teams that require Spikes off the field, such as Shedinja teams, Wartortle may be just the turtle for the job.
[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Surf
move 3: Toxic / Yawn
move 4: Foresight / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Torrent
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
- Rapid Spin is the reason you're even using Wartortle, otherwise you should be using Wailord or Dewgong
- Surf gives Wartortle some offensive presence and can hit decently hard when in Torrent range, also deals significant damage to Sableye and Haunter
- Toxic is Wartortle's main method of spreading damage
- Yawn can be used to rack up your own Spikes damage by causing switches and can dissuade Glalie and Cacturne from switching into it
- Foresight is Wartortle's major niche, allowing it to guarantee a spin to get Shedinja on the field safely and can lead to a win in a stall war
- Protect an alternative if you're confident in your ability to use Rapid Spin without Foresight, stalls for Leftovers recovery and Toxic damage
[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]
- EV spread makes the most of Wartortle's typing and allows it to check Rock- and Ground-types for the team
- Specially defensive spread doable to have the best chance possible of spinning against Haunter, but it still has a good chance to 2HKO with Thunderbolt even at max/max SpD
- Seismic Toss an option over Surf to spread consistent damage, although Wartortle isn't really that weak so its Surf does decent damage overall
- Ice Beam another option to beat back Roselia and other Grass-types from switching in freely
- Haze can prevent Wartortle from being setup bait but is hard to fit on the set
- Wartortle works best on either heavy stall teams where its subpar bulk can be made up for by its teammates, or on teams that absolutely require Spikes off the field like Shedinja or SubReversal teams
- Pairs extremely well with Flareon to cover each other's weaknesses and Flareon can keep Wartortle healthy with Wish
- Also pairs well with Roselia to help win the Spikes war with the opponent
- Overall, needs to fit on a team that wouldn't be better filled by Hitmonchan
[Other Options]
- Focus Punch
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind
- Counter, Mirror Coat
[Checks and Counters]
- Roselia, Cacturne
- Haunter can check it and block a Rapid Spin, but is 2HKOed by Surf
- Bulky Water-types
- Sunny Day Bellossom, Tangela
- Calm Mind Chimecho
- Plusle, Pikachu
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