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Barbaracle

In-battle formes

HP:72
Attack:105
Defense:115
Sp. Atk:54
Sp. Def:86
Speed:68
Min (-ve nature, 0 IVs)126
Default172
Max Neutral235
Max Positive258
Max Neutral (+1)352
Max Positive (+1)387
Max Neutral (+2)470
Max Positive (+2)516
NeverUsed
Shell Smash235
Choice Scarf258

Evolutions

Strategies

  • en
Formats:
Written by Threw and boltsandbombers

Overview

With access to Shell Smash and respectable offensive stats, Barbaracle is a very potent sweeper in NU. This is furthered by Tough Claws, which gives essentially a Life Orb boost to contact moves such as Razor Shell and Cross Chop. In contrast to Carracosta, which shares Barbaracle's typing and role as a Shell Smash sweeper, Barbaracle has a significantly higher base Speed that allows it to outspeed the majority of Choice Scarf users after a boost, while Carracosta has to rely on Aqua Jet to hit them. However, Carracosta's combination of higher Defense and Solid Rock gives it more opportunities to set up, and its access to Aqua Jet gives Carracosta more early- and mid-game presence than Barbaracle. Barbaracle is also severely troubled by the abundance of Grass-types in NU, which put immense amounts of pressure on it.

Shell Smash

Move 1
Move 2
  • Razor Shell
    50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.
    TypeWater
    CategoryPhysical
    Power75 BP
    Accuracy95%
Move 3
  • Return
    Max 102 power at maximum Happiness.
    TypeNormal
    CategoryPhysical
    Accuracy100%
Move 4
  • Earthquake
    Hits adjacent Pokemon. Double damage on Dig.
    TypeGround
    CategoryPhysical
    Power100 BP
    Accuracy100%
  • Substitute
    User takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.
    TypeNormal

Moves

Shell Smash doubles Barbaracle's Attack, Special Attack, and Speed at the cost of lowering its defenses. Razor Shell is boosted by Tough Claws and is Barbaracle's primary STAB attack, hitting neutral and super effective targets for heavy damage. Return has solid neutral coverage overall, hitting most Pokemon that resist Water for decent damage, and it is also boosted by Tough Claws. Earthquake, despite not being boosted by Tough Claws, OHKOes Garbodor after a boost and avoids Rocky Helmet and Aftermath damage as well as hitting Lanturn hard. Substitute is an alternative to dodge status moves from the likes of Weezing, Mesprit, and Xatu at the cost of a coverage move.

Set Details

Maximum Attack and Speed investment is used to hit as hard and as quickly as possible. An Adamant nature is preferred over Jolly, as even with a neutral Speed nature Barbaracle hits 470 Speed after a Shell Smash, outpacing a significant portion of the metagame after a boost. However, a Jolly nature can be used if outspeeding positive-natured base 95 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Haunter and Jynx is important. Shuca Berry significantly weakens damage taken from Ground-type attacks, allowing Barbaracle to set up on Normal- and Flying-types such as Tauros, Kangaskhan, and Archeops, which carry Earthquake for coverage. Lum Berry can be used to avoid status conditions from the likes of Miltank, Weezing, and Misdreavus. Tough Claws significantly boosts the power of all of Barbaracle's contact moves.

Usage Tips

Barbaracle will often only get one opportunity in the match to set up, so make sure that you have either removed or significantly weakened its checks and counters first. With a Shuca Berry, Barbaracle can set up on Pokemon that would otherwise severely damage it with Earthquake, such as Archeops and Tauros. Set up on Choice-locked Pokemon such as Pyroar locked into Fire Blast and Scyther locked into Aerial Ace or against weaker defensive Pokemon such as Audino and Mawile.

Team Options

Wallbreakers such as Primeape, Tauros, and Haunter are good teammates, as they can wear down defensive cores for Barbaracle to sweep late-game. Fire- and Ice-types such as Pyroar, Magmortar, Aurorus, and Jynx act as wallbreakers and also threaten Grass-types, which are problematic for Barbaracle. Bulky Water-types are bothersome for Barbaracle, so Grass-types such as Lilligant, Cacturne, and Vileplume make for good teammates to cover them, and Vileplume also checks Grass-types thanks to its secondary Poison typing. Memento support from Jumpluff and Skuntank give Barbaracle more opportunities to set up. Healing Wish support from Mesprit, Lilligant, and Musharna is helpful to potentially give Barbaracle a second chance at sweeping.

Choice Scarf

Move 1
  • Razor Shell
    50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.
    TypeWater
    CategoryPhysical
    Power75 BP
    Accuracy95%
Move 2
  • Stone Edge
    High critical hit ratio.
    TypeRock
    CategoryPhysical
    Power100 BP
    Accuracy80%
Move 3
  • Superpower
    Lowers the user's Attack and Defense by 1.
    TypeFighting
    CategoryPhysical
    Power120 BP
    Accuracy100%
  • Earthquake
    Hits adjacent Pokemon. Double damage on Dig.
    TypeGround
    CategoryPhysical
    Power100 BP
    Accuracy100%
Move 4
  • Switcheroo
    User switches its held item with the target's.
    TypeDark
    Accuracy100%

Moves

Razor Shell is Barbaracle's strongest Water-type STAB attack thanks to the Tough Claws boost as well as its most reliable attack in general, dealing considerable damage with near-perfect accuracy. Stone Edge is a secondary STAB attack that has near-perfect neutral coverage beside Razor Shell and is useful for hitting Flying-types very hard; however, Return is another option that gets similar coverage and a Tough Claws boost while being much more dependable because of its perfect accuracy at the cost of being less powerful. Superpower is the preferred move in the third slot, as it's capable of OHKOing offensive Normal-types such as Tauros and Kangaskhan as well as hitting Ferroseed, which resists both of Barbaracle's STAB attacks, super effectively; however, Earthquake is another option that hits Garbodor for super effective damage and does not come with the drawback of lowering Barbaracle's stats. Switcheroo allows Barbaracle to switch items with its target, potentially crippling a defensive Pokemon such as Vileplume, Gourgeist, or Gastrodon, which are common switch-ins to the Shell Smash set, by preventing it from recovering or making it setup bait for a teammate.

Set Details

The given EVs maximize Barbaracle's Speed and Attack to make it as effective an attacker as possible. Choice Scarf makes Barbaracle a fearsome revenge killer, combining its impressive power with the ability to outspeed the entire unboosted tier. An Adamant nature can be used to improve Barbaracle's attacking power; however, it will fail to outpace key threats such as Floatzel and Swellow without a Jolly nature. Tough Claws is easily Barbaracle's best ability, as it significantly boosts the power of its contact moves, particularly Razor Shell and Superpower.

Usage Tips

Barbaracle works best as a late-game cleaner due to the high Speed afforded by Choice Scarf, so try to conserve it for late in the game when its checks have been sufficiently weakened. Barbaracle should attempt to bluff a Shell Smash set by coming in and threatening out foes that it can reliably KO and outspeed. Be wary of locking Barbaracle into a move that the opponent can take advantage of, such as Razor Shell when they have a Poliwrath, as it can result in a considerable loss of momentum; this also applies to Superpower, which should only be used against Pokemon that will not be KOed by one of Barbaracle's STAB attacks. Barbaracle should attempt to use Switcheroo against defensively oriented teams, as it can cripple them, gain momentum, and free itself up to threaten the opposing team accordingly. Be wary of using Switcheroo against Pokemon with unfavorable items, such as Weezing's and Vileplume's Black Sludge, as getting inflicted with passive damage throughout the match effectively cripples Barbaracle and cuts into its longevity.

Team Options

Because Barbaracle's combination of high Speed and power will inevitably force almost constant switches, Spikes support is crucial to punish the opponent even if they predict correctly. Pokemon such as Garbodor and Ferroseed provide Spikes while having decent type synergy with Barbaracle. Barbaracle will often be locked into a commonly resisted move such as Stone Edge or Earthquake, forcing it to switch out; therefore, pairing it with bulky Pokemon that can pivot repeatedly into attacks, such as Weezing and bulky Scyther, is ideal. The former can also provide Toxic Spikes to take advantage of the many switches Barbaracle forces, while the latter provides phenomenal synergy and can conserve momentum with its powerful U-turn. Offensive Ghost-types such as Rotom and Mismagius make for great partners, as they resist nearly all of Barbaracle's weaknesses and can break through or cripple the physically defensive Pokemon such as Mega Audino and Ferroseed that give it trouble. Grass-types such as Lilligant and Ludicolo can deal with Gastrodon and Poliwrath, which resist Barbaracle's STAB combination, as well as other bulky Water-types. Cacturne in particular can deal with Gastrodon while also providing Spikes support. Mesprit, Xatu, and other Psychic-types can switch into Fighting-type attacks from the likes of Hitmonchan as well as heavily pressuring Poison-types such as Garbodor, Weezing, and Vileplume, which clears the way for Barbaracle to clean.

Other Options

Grass Knot is an option to hit Gastrodon, which would otherwise wall Barbaracle due to Storm Drain, as well as dealing substantial damage to Carracosta. In addition, Cross Chop is another coverage move that hits Ferroseed, but has very little use outside of that. Barbaracle can utilize a Stealth Rock lead set, as it has access to support moves such as Taunt and Endeavor. Although it is generally outperformed at this role by Archeops, Barbaracle's value as a lead comes from its Water-type STAB moves to target common Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and its neutrality to Water unlike Archeops. Stone Edge hits Grass-types and some Water-types harder than Barbaracle's other main attacks, but it is generally not worth the moveslot, as Return is almost always more reliable thanks to its perfect accuracy and the fact that it is just as strong as a STAB Stone Edge. White Herb can be used to restore Barbarace's defenses after a Shell Smash, which is useful to soften the damage taken from priority attacks.

Checks and Counters

Grass-types: Grass-types such as Tangela, Vileplume, Gourgeist, and Lilligant are major threats to Barbaracle. The first three all sport excellent physical bulk and resist Barbaracle's Water-type attacks and threaten back with a 4x super effective STAB move. Lilligant cannot take boosted attacks, unlike the others, but it acts as more of an offensive check to Barbaracle.

Water-types: Water-types such as Pelipper, Prinplup, and Poliwrath resist Barbaracle's Water-type attacks and can prey off of Barbaracle's subpar Special Defense and also threaten to cripple it with a burn from Scald. Poliwrath also has STAB Vacuum Wave to pick off a weakened Barbaracle. Gastrodon walls all non-Grass Knot variants thanks to Storm Drain and Recover.

Physically Bulky Pokemon: Bulky Pokemon such as Musharna and Weezing can all take a boosted hit from Barbaracle given that they are sufficiently healthy. Musharna can hinder Barabarcle's sweeping capabilities with Thunder Wave and Weezing can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, though Substitute twarts their attempt at crippling Barbaracle.

Credits

Moves

 
Power
60
Accuracy
PP
20
This move does not check accuracy.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
5
10% chance to raise all stats by 1 (not acc/eva).
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
A target of the opposite gender gets infatuated.
 
Power
110
Accuracy
70%
PP
5
10% chance to freeze foe(s). Can't miss in Hail.
 
Power
75
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Destroys screens, unless the target is immune.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Raises the user's Attack and Defense by 1.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
100% chance lower adjacent Pkmn Speed by 1.
 
Power
35
Accuracy
85%
PP
15
Traps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Lowers the target's Sp. Atk by 1.
 
Power
100
Accuracy
80%
PP
5
High critical hit ratio.
 
Power
50
Accuracy
95%
PP
30
No additional effect.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
Digs underground turn 1, strikes turn 2.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
15
Raises the user's evasiveness by 1.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
No additional effect.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
90%
PP
15
Hits 2 times in one turn.
 
Power
90
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.
 
Power
100
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
Hits adjacent Pokemon. Double damage on Dig.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
For 5 turns, the target's item has no effect.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
5
Lowers the target's HP to the user's HP.
 
Power
70
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Power doubles if user is burn/poison/paralyzed.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
100%
PP
40
Always leaves the target with at least 1 HP.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
Flings the user's item at the target. Power varies.
 
Power
120
Accuracy
70%
PP
5
10% chance to lower the target's Sp. Def by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Max 102 power at minimum Happiness.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
95%
PP
20
Power doubles with each hit, up to 160.
 
Power
18
Accuracy
80%
PP
15
Hits 2-5 times in one turn.
 
Power
150
Accuracy
90%
PP
5
User cannot move next turn.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
More power the heavier the target.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
One adjacent ally's move power is 1.5x this turn.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Varies in type based on the user's IVs.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
15
Raises the user's Attack and accuracy by 1.
 
Power
150
Accuracy
90%
PP
5
User cannot move next turn.
 
Power
90
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
10% chance to freeze the target.
 
Power
55
Accuracy
95%
PP
15
100% chance to lower the foe(s) Speed by 1.
 
Power
20
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Traps and damages the target for 4-5 turns.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
15
Raises the user's Defense by 2.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
More power the heavier the target.
 
Power
20
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
100% chance to lower the target's accuracy by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Attack depends on terrain (default Tri Attack).
 
Power
70
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
High critical hit ratio.
 
Power
50
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
Power doubles if the user moves after the target.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
30% chance to poison the target.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
100% chance to raise the user's Attack by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
10
Prevents moves from affecting the user this turn.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
5
For 5 turns, heavy rain powers Water moves.
 
Power
75
Accuracy
95%
PP
10
50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
10
User sleeps 2 turns and restores HP and status.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Max 102 power at maximum Happiness.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Raises the user's Speed by 2.
 
Power
75
Accuracy
90%
PP
10
30% chance to make the foe(s) flinch.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
50% chance to lower the target's Defense by 1.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
95%
PP
15
100% chance to lower the target's Speed by 1.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Power doubles if others used Round this turn.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
25
For 5 turns, protects user's party from status.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Lowers the target's accuracy by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
10
For 5 turns, a sandstorm rages. Rock: 1.5x SpD.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
30% chance to burn the target. Thaws target.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
100%
PP
35
No additional effect.
 
Power
70
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Effect varies with terrain. (30% paralysis chance)
 
Power
70
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
High critical hit ratio.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
15
Lowers Def, SpD by 1; raises Atk, SpA, Spe by 2.
 
Power
130
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
Raises user's Defense by 1 on turn 1. Hits turn 2.
 
Power
70
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
High critical hit ratio.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
10
User must be asleep. Uses another known move.
 
Power
90
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
30% chance to poison the target.
 
Power
95
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
10% chance to poison adjacent Pokemon.
 
Power
50
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Removes the target's Ground immunity.
 
Power
50
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
User must be asleep. 30% chance to flinch target.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Hurts foes on switch-in. Factors Rock weakness.
 
Power
100
Accuracy
80%
PP
5
High critical hit ratio.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
No additional effect.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
10
User takes 1/4 its max HP to put in a substitute.
 
Power
120
Accuracy
100%
PP
5
Lowers the user's Attack and Defense by 1.
 
Power
90
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Hits adjacent Pokemon. Double damage on Dive.
 
Power
Accuracy
90%
PP
15
Raises the target's Attack by 2 and confuses it.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
10
User switches its held item with the target's.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
20
Raises the user's Attack by 2.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Target can't use status moves its next 3 turns.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
25
If the user has no item, it steals the target's.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
Lowers the target's Attack and Defense by 1.
 
Power
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
Target can't select the same move twice in a row.
 
Power
Accuracy
90%
PP
10
Badly poisons the target. Poison types can't miss.
 
Power
40
Accuracy
100%
PP
25
No additional effect.
 
Power
60
Accuracy
100%
PP
20
20% chance to confuse the target.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
15
For 5 turns, Fire-type attacks have 1/3 power.
 
Power
Accuracy
PP
40
Raises the user's Defense by 1.
 
Power
80
Accuracy
100%
PP
15
No additional effect.
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