Moves

Scald hits for ample damage and can cripple physical attackers such as Escavalier with a burn. Ice Beam provides coverage against Grass- and Dragon-types such as Venusaur and Druddigon while also hitting Flying-types such as Togetic; additionally, Virizion can be hit as it switches in. Dark Pulse gets a boost from Mega Launcher and allows Clawitzer to hit Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Meloetta and Jellicent for super effective damage. Aura Sphere also gets a boost from Mega Launcher and 2HKOes Dark-, Ice-, Normal-, and Steel-types such as Scrafty, Eviolite Sneasel, Audino, and Registeel and ensures an OHKO on Mega Glalie after Stealth Rock damage.

Set Details

252 EVs in Special Attack along with a Modest nature maximize Clawitzer's wallbreaking capabilities. 252 EVs in Speed allow Clawitzer to outspeed Pokemon such as uninvested Golbat, uninvested Meloetta, and Adamant maximum Speed Scrafty. While it might seem enticing to use a Timid nature to outspeed the likes of Adamant Emboar and Modest Exploud, it isn't worth the loss of power. Life Orb boosts the power of Clawitzer's attacks at the cost of some health. Mega Launcher is Clawitzer's only ability, providing a boost to all of its pulse moves.

Usage Tips

Clawitzer is a wallbreaker first and foremost, so it should be used early- and mid-game to dent the opponent's team to make it easier for its teammates to come in and clean up. Scald is the primary attack to use to attempt to get a burn and deal out damage, while Ice Beam should be used on a predicted switch to a Pokemon that resists Water such as Virizion or Druddigon, and Dark Pulse is used to nail Jellicent, which is immune to Scald and Aura Sphere and resists Ice Beam. Despite having respectable bulk, Clawitzer should avoid switching in on strong attacks if you plan to use it at a later point. It is best to send Clawitzer in after a teammate has fainted or from a slow Volt Switch or U-turn from Pokemon such as Eelektross.

Team Options

Clawitzer appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Uxie, Druddigon, and Bronzong, as this wears down foes switching in. Examples include being able to guarantee 2HKOs on Golbat and specially defensive Meloetta with Ice Beam and Dark Pulse, respectively, after Stealth Rock damage. Uxie and Druddigon can also provide paralysis support to make up for Clawitzer's low Speed, and Druddigon can switch in on Grass- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Clawitzer. Sticky Web support from either Kricketune or Leavanny also helps in making up for Clawitzer's low Speed. Setup sweepers that appreciate Clawitzer's wallbreaking capabilities, such as Houndoom and Fletchinder, make for good partners. Electric-types such as Jolteon and Rotom-C can switch in on Electric-type attacks aimed at Clawitzer while it handles Ground-types for them. Eelektross also makes for a good partner, providing a slow pivot for Clawitzer and taking Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at it. Though it isn't mandatory, Clawitzer can also function well under Trick Room with support from Pokemon such as Aromatisse and Bronzong. If you plan to use Clawitzer under Trick Room, then use an EV spread of 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD with a Quiet nature and 0 Speed IVs.