[OVERVIEW]
**Bug**:
As one of the few Pokemon with access to Sticky Web, Galvantula establishes its position on Bug-type teams in the Monotype metagame. It has great Speed to help it set up Sticky Web, as well as a great ability in Compound Eyes to boost Thunder's accuracy, which makes it somewhat of an offensive threat as well. Galvantula can also threaten Ground-type Pokemon, such as Hippowdon and Gastrodon, and Water-type Pokemon, such as Swampert and Lanturn, with Energy Ball and Giga Drain. Although it can pivot with Volt Switch, its high Speed doesn't help bring its teammates in safely, and it doesn't force switches either to create momentum. Galvantula also has terrible defensive stats, meaning it does not like staying in against offensive Pokemon. In spite of its decent coverage moves, Galvantula's poor Special Attack means none of them are actually going to do much damage. Lastly, Galvantula faces competition from Shuckle as a Sticky Web setter, which has further access to Stealth Rock and is able to set up entry hazards multiple times in a battle because it's far more defensive. However, Galvantula is the superior offensive option, although since its only niche is being a Sticky Web user, it is very predictable.
[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Bug Buzz
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball
item: Focus Sash
ability: Compound Eyes
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Sticky Web reduces the Speed of grounded foes. Thunder is Galvantula's main STAB move and strongest attack, as its accuracy is boosted by Compound Eyes, and it has a good chance to paralyze the foe. It is also the only way it's really going to deal any meaningful damage. Bug Buzz is used to beat Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, and Mew. It is also Galvantula's most reliable move, as it has perfect accuracy. Hidden Power Ice is used to hit Dragon-type Pokemon such as Garchomp and Dragonite and Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus and Gliscor super effectively. Energy Ball lets Galvantula hit Ground-type Pokemon like Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon, which are immune to Thunder and take little to no damage from Hidden Power Ice. Volt Switch can be used to pivot and gain momentum, although its damage is awful and Galvantula is generally just a bad Volt Switch user due to its high Speed.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature with maximum Speed EVs is used to make Galvantula as fast as it can possibly be and Speed tie with other base 108 Speed Pokemon such as Keldeo, Infernape, and Cobalion. Maximum Special Attack investment boosts its average Special Attack as much as possible without a boosting nature. Compound Eyes is used to increase Thunder's accuracy. Focus Sash allows Galvantula to always get up Sticky Web, if used as a lead.
Usage Tips
========
Galvantula should be sent out as soon as possible to set up Sticky Web to reduce the Speed of opposing foes, although it needs to be careful of Fake Out anti-leads, such as Mega Lopunny, and Taunt users, such as Infernape. Galvantula is especially good against Water-type teams, as most Water-types struggle to check the offensive threats on Bug-type teams, such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Heracross, with their Speed reduced. Galvantula can also dent Water-type teams with Thunder and Energy Ball, if it is running it. Its coverage options should generally only be used on weakened foes, as Galvantula lacks the power to actually take most of them out. Galvantula can often fish for paralysis with Thunder, as it has a good chance of paralyzing the foe. As it is running a Focus Sash, it should not be sent out with entry hazards on the field. Galvantula can revenge kill somewhat decently thanks to its powerful Thunder and its good Speed. Due to it having below average defensive stats, most of the time, Galvantula will not be able to take more than one non-super effective hit, so it is better to switch out against faster offensive foes.
Team Options
========
Most Bug-type Pokemon appreciate Galvantula's ability to set up Sticky Web. Forretress and Galvantula work great together as an entry hazard-stacking duo. Forretress can set up Stealth Rock and Spikes while being able to Rapid Spin away opposing entry hazards for Galvantula. Armaldo can also Rapid Spin and set up its own Stealth Rock, and it can beat Pokemon like Zapdos on Flying-type teams thanks to its Rock-type STAB. Mega Heracross greatly appreciates Galvantula's Sticky Web, as it has below-average Speed. Sticky Web lets Mega Heracross outspeed most grounded foes and KO them with its moves. Galvantula and Mega Heracross work greatly together to beat Water-type teams if they are running Thunder and Bullet Seed, respectively. Mega Pinsir is another Mega Evolution that appreciates Galvantula's Sticky Web. With this, Mega Pinsir can outspeed Choice Scarf base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Victini, which is problematic for Bug-type teams. Volcarona also likes having Sticky Web support from Galvantula. After a Sticky Web, Volcarona outspeeds most grounded Pokemon and can run a more bulky EV spread. Mega Scizor and Galvantula can be used together as a VoltTurn core if Galvantula is running Volt Switch. Scizor can also find good opportunities to bring in Galvantula safely. It is able to take advantage of Sticky Web to sweep teams. It's also a counter to Mega Diancie, which can be difficult for Galvantula to play around due to its Magic Bounce.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Bug**:
Life Orb can be used over Focus Sash to increase Galvantula's Special Attack, but Galvantula might not get up Sticky Web against faster Pokemon if used. Giga Drain is an alternative to Energy Ball as a Grass-type coverage move, but it is weaker and Galvantula is unlikely to actually be able to use the paltry healing with its awful defenses. Thunder Wave can be used as a guaranteed paralysis over Thunder.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bug**:
**Zapdos**: Zapdos can easily tank all of Galvantula's attacks and even Defog away its Sticky Web. Zapdos can then use Heat Wave to KO it or Toxic to wear it down.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Excadrill, Hippowdon, and Swampert are great checks to Galvantula that lack Energy Ball, as Bug Buzz does very little and Hidden Power Ice generally does even less.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey, Mega Venusaur, Lanturn, and Clefable can all take any of Galvantula's attacks and KO it afterwards with their respective moves.
**Revenge Killers**: If Galvantula's Focus Sash is broken at any point, a fast revenge killer such as Choice Scarf Terrakion, Tornadus-T, or Weavile can KO it. Mega Lopunny in particular can stop Galvantula in its tracks even with a Focus Sash with Fake Out + Return.
**Residual Damage**: Any form of entry hazards breaks Galvantula's Focus Sash and makes it vulnerable to faster Pokemon and priority moves. Sand Stream from Tyranitar and Hippowdon can nullify its Focus Sash, and they can both KO after with their respective STAB moves.
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