ZU [ADV] Agility Ariados [GP 0/1]

[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Flying / Substitute / Psychic
item: Leftovers / Liechi Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ariados’s access to Agility, a high Attack stat, and Swarm makes it a scary sweeper in the mid-late-game. Ariados functions similarly to Beedrill, another Agility sweeper, but it offers better bulk, greater initial power Signal Beam, and access to alternative Hidden Power options besides Hidden Power Bug. Agility allows Ariados to beat would-be faster foes like Abra, Anorith, Ponyta, and Quilava. Sludge Bomb is Ariados’s strongest STAB move threatening Fire-types, Tropius, and Noctowl. Signal Beam hits like a truck when Swarm is active, when it can 2HKO defensive options like Rhyhorn, Delcatty, and Porygon and OHKO threats like Anorith and Mightyena. Hidden Power Flying hits other Bug- and Grass-types such as opposing Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Volbeat for big damage. Substitute is vital if opting for Liechi Berry, as it enables Ariados to reliably activate its Liechi Berry, and it additionally blocks status and Intimidate, and protect it from priority attackers. Psychic is another strong alternative to consider as it allows Ariados to threaten Koffing. Leftovers is preferred for the recovery it provides and for allowing Ariados to set up Substitute multiple times. Liechi Berry can be an excellent tool for more offensive teams thanks to it's sweeping potential by enabling it to 2HKO common resists like Corsola, and Rhyhorn with Signal Beam, and it has great synergy with Swarm and Substitute. The EV spread allows for Ariados to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after using Agility. The rest of Ariados's EVs are funneled into its bulk, with the HP to let it activate its Liechi Berry at 25% health.

Ariados fits well on balance and offensive teams that could use a hard-hitting bulky attacker that defensively answers Gloom and Tropius. With a Liechi Berry, Ariados can even function as a win-condition on offense and hyper offense. Ariados appreciates special attackers like Abra, Clamperl, Flaaffy, and Quilava that can deal with its checks, such as Koffing, Corsola, and defensive Ariados. When not behind a Substitute, Ariados is defenseless in the face of Fire-types like Ponyta and Quilava, which makes bulky Water-types like Seaking and Wartortle very valuable allies. While Doduo can't switch in safely against Ariados due to its fragility and tendency to wear itself down with recoil damage, having a switch-in to it is a great option to preserve Ariados’s HP when it's not Agility-boosted or behind Substitute. For this reason, physically bulky Rock-types like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn can make for great partners for Ariados. Ariados's Rock weakness demands strong defensive checks to Rock-types, which gives the aforementioned physically defensive Pokemon great defensive value when paired with Ariados. Similarly, Mightyena can serve to soften the blows from physical attackers with Intimidate, and it can also combat Abra and other Psychic-types. Ariados's ability to break down special walls opens the door to many strong special attackers like Abra and Quilava that get stopped in their tracks by Delcatty, Drowzee, and Noctowl. In that same vein, Ariados is strong against Mightyena, which can open the door to physical and mixed attackers like Aipom and Ponyta that prefer not being nerfed by Intimidate.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

If coverage is not an issue for Agility Ariados, it can run both Agility and Substitute when guaranteeing Liechi Berry isn’t needed, or in place of Agility when the additional speed isn’t needed. Hidden Power Ground is an option that can go in place of Hidden Power Flying in order to hit Rock-types like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn as well as Magnemite for super effective damage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Psychic-types**: While Abra is OHKOed by Signal Beam, without being Agility boosted, Ariados is a sitting duck in front of Abra. Other Psychic-types, such as Drowzee and Smoochum, can give Ariados trouble as well.

**Rock-types**: Anorith, Corsola, and Rhyhorn threaten an OHKO even behind a Substitute if any are running Rock Blast. Nosepass, and Onix impede Ariados's progress thanks to their bulk as well. Unless Liechi Berry has activated and Ariados is in Swarm range, Signal Beam will be very unthreatening.

**Fire-types**: Ponyta, and Quilava both threaten to OHKO Ariados and have access to Quick Attack to pick off weakened Ariados.

**Flying-types**: Delibird, Doduo, and Tropius threaten Ariados with STAB Flying-type attacks.

**Poison-types**:Without Psychic, Poison-types like Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Koffing are massive thorns in Ariados’s side. Signal Beam and Sludge Bomb are not very effective against Koffing making an Ariados end-game sweep unlikely.

[CREDITS]
Written By:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/joaf.345087/

Quality Checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sleid.601970/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/

Grammar Checked by:
 
Last edited:
Made some changes I felt were warranted to allow Substitute and Liechi to work. Also felt Psychic should be listed on moves rather than just OO. EVs altered to allow Sub to go to 25% rather than 1%. And remaining is DEF invested to avoid any change in Quick Attack ranges.
 
good work, tag me before i send you onto QC 2 for a quick look over what you fix
[SET]
name: Agility Ariados
move 1: Agility
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Flying / Substitute / Psychic
item: Leftovers / Liechi Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 ATK Atk / 8 DEF Def / 172 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ariados’ access to Agility, a high Attack stat, and Swarm makes it a scary sweeper in the mid to late game. Ariados functions similarly to Beedrill but it offers slightly better bulk, a higher base attack stat and access to Signal Beam rather than Hidden Power Bug. Agility is the bread and butter to this set that allow Ariados to beat would-be checks like Abra and Anorith, Ponyta and Quilava. Sludge Bomb is a powerful STAB option that can hit many switch-ins hard especially those that resist Bug-type moves like Ponyta, Quilava, and Noctowl. Signal Beam hits like a truck when Swarm is active, and even more so in combination with Liechi Berry, since it can 2HKO defensive options like Rhyhorn, Delcatty, Porygon and OHKO threats like Anorith, Mightyena, and Abra (ohkoing abra can't be that impressive since it probably does before these boosts. i would find another mon to use or just use the first 2). Hidden Power Flying can hit other Bug, Poison, and Grass-Types such as opposing Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Volbeat for big damage. Substitute is vital if opting for Lieche Berry, as it enables Ariados to activate its Liechi Berry as well as blocking Status and Intimidate. Psychic is another strong alternative to consider as it allows Ariados to threaten Defensive Koffing. If not running Liechi Berry, Leftovers is preferred for the longevity it provides (this makes it seem like leftovers is the secondary item when it's listed as the preferred item above? make this sentence seem like leftovers is the main options to keep ariados healthy longer, while leichi might work better on more offensive teams to break down checks). The EV spread allows for Ariados to Substitute to 25% rather than 1%, as well as outspeed even maximum speed Elekid and more notably, Abra and Ponyta after using Agility.

first mention the style of teams ariados works best on. Ariados appreciates Special Attackers that can deal with its checks like Koffing, Corsola and opposing Ariados. Abra, Clamperl, Flaaffy, and Quilava are Special Attacking options that pair nicely with Ariados. When not behind a Substitute, Ariados is defenseless in the face of Fire-Types; Ponyta, and Quilava which makes Bulky Waters like Seaking, and Wartortle both very valuable allies to pivot to. While Dodou is not always a threat due to its fragility, having a switch in is a great option (such as?) to preserve Ariados’ HP when not Agility boosted or behind a Substitute. Similarly, Anorith demands strong Defensive Checks to be slotted next to Ariados. This makes Rock Resists such as Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn an excellent pairing alongside Ariados. Similarly, Mightyena can serve to soften the blows from Physical Attackers and also combat Abra thanks to its Psychic-Immunity. mention other physical teammates that benefit from ariados breaking down walls or vice versa


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
While team building can allow for Ariados to get away with running STAB only, some additional coverage can be use in place of Substitute when guaranteeing Liechi Berry isn’t needed, or in place of Agility when the additional speed isn’t needed. Hidden Power Rock is an option that can go in place of Hidden Power Flying in order to hit Noctowl for super-effective damage. Hidden Power Ground is another option that can hit Corsola, Onix, Rhyhorn as well as Ponyta, Quilava and Magnemite for additional damage. Psychic can be nice to better deal with Physically Defensive Koffing too (isn't this in the move set already? if you are meaning to specify in place of Agility then make it clear).

Checks and Counters
===================
*Abra*: While OHKO’d by Signal Beam, without being Agility boosted, Ariados is a sitting duck in front of Abra.

*Rock Types*: Anorith, Corsola, Nosepass, Onix, and Rhyhorn threaten an OHKO even behind a Substitute if any are running Rock Blast. Unless Liechi Berry has activated and Ariados is in Swarm range, Signal Beam will be very unthreatening.

*Fire Types*: Ponyta, and Quilava both threaten to OHKO Ariados with STAB Fire-Moves as well as their access to Quick Attack versus a very weakened Ariados.

*Flying Types*: Dodou and to a lesser extent Noctowl threaten Ariados with STAB Flying attacks. Even Normal Moves can put a dent in Ariados, making Rock/Flying/Normal resists a much loved ally in any team featuring Ariados (you dont need to mention allies here, that's what paragraph 2 is for. i wouldnt even mention noctowl since it doesnt run flying moves. maybe like a tropius or delibird is better to add).

mention koffing here and maybe other poisons like physical ariados, beedrill, etc since they can be a pain without psychic

[Credits]
Written By:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/joaf.345087/

Quality Checked by:

Grammar Checked by:
 
just one last thing and it's ready to go!
[SET]
name: Agility Ariados
move 1: Agility
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Flying / Substitute / Psychic
item: Leftovers / Liechi Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Def / 172 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ariados’ access to Agility, a high Attack stat, and Swarm makes it a scary sweeper in the mid to late game. Ariados functions similarly to Beedrill but it offers slightly better bulk, a higher base attack stat and access to Signal Beam rather than Hidden Power Bug. Agility is the bread and butter to this set that allow Ariados to beat would-be checks like Abra and Anorith, Ponyta and Quilava. Sludge Bomb is a powerful STAB option that can hit many switch-ins hard especially those that resist Bug-type moves like Ponyta, Quilava, and Noctowl. Signal Beam hits like a truck when Swarm is active, and even more so in combination with Liechi Berry, since it can 2HKO defensive options like Rhyhorn, Delcatty, Porygon and OHKO threats like Anorith, and Mightyena. Hidden Power Flying can hit other Bug, Poison, and Grass-Types such as opposing Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Volbeat for big damage. Substitute is vital if opting for Lieche Berry, as it enables Ariados to activate its Liechi Berry as well as blocking Status and Intimidate. Psychic is another strong alternative to consider as it allows Ariados to threaten Defensive Koffing. Leftovers is preferred for the longevity it providesIf, but Liechi Berry can be an excellent tool for more offensive teams. The EV spread allows for Ariados to Substitute to 25% rather than 1%, as well as outspeed even maximum speed Elekid and more notably, Abra and Ponyta after using Agility.

Ariados fits well on balance anf offensive teams that could use a reliable defensive typing in Bug, and Poison as well as a hard hitting bulky attacker. With Liechi, Ariados can even function as a win-condition on offense and hyper offense. Ariados appreciates Special Attackers that can deal with its checks like Koffing, Corsola and opposing Ariados. Abra, Clamperl, Flaaffy, and Quilava are Special Attacking options that pair nicely with Ariados. When not behind a Substitute, Ariados is defenseless in the face of Fire-Types; Ponyta, and Quilava which makes Bulky Waters like Seaking, and Wartortle both very valuable allies to pivot to. While Dodou is not always a threat due to its fragility, having a switch in is a great option to preserve Ariados’ HP when not Agility boosted or behind a Substitute. For this reason, Normal-resists like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn can make for great partners. Ariados' weakness to Anorith demands strong Defensive Checks gives the afformentioned Pokemon another important role when paired with Ariados. Similarly, Mightyena can serve to soften the blows from Physical Attackers and also combat Abra thanks to its Psychic-Immunity. Ariados' ability to break down opposing special walls opens the door to many strong special attackers like Abra, and Quilava that get stopped in their tracks by Delcatty, Drowzee, and Noctowl. In that same vein, Ariados is strong against Mightyena which can open the door to mixed attackers like Gloom, and Ponyta that need all of the damage output they can get.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
While team building can allow for Ariados to get away with running STAB only, some additional coverage can be use in place of Substitute when guaranteeing Liechi Berry isn’t needed, or in place of Agility when the additional speed isn’t needed. Hidden Power Rock is an option that can go in place of Hidden Power Flying in order to hit Noctowl for super-effective damage. Hidden Power Ground is another option that can hit Corsola, Onix, Rhyhorn as well as Ponyta, Quilava and Magnemite for additional damage. Psychic can be nice to better deal with Physically Defensive Koffing too in place of Agility, if the extra speed is not essential.

Checks and Counters
===================
*Abra*: While OHKO’d by Signal Beam, without being Agility boosted, Ariados is a sitting duck in front of Abra.

*Rock-types*: Anorith, Corsola, Nosepass, Onix, and Rhyhorn threaten an OHKO even behind a Substitute if any are running Rock Blast. Unless Liechi Berry has activated and Ariados is in Swarm range, Signal Beam will be very unthreatening.

*Fire-types*: Ponyta, and Quilava both threaten to OHKO Ariados with STAB Fire-Moves as well as their access to Quick Attack versus a very weakened Ariados.

*Flying-types*: Dodou and to a lesser extent Noctowl threaten Ariados with STAB Flying attacks. (like i said before, noctowl doesnt run hp fly so maybe mention another flyer or something that runs flying coverage instead or just keep doduo)

*Poison-types*: Without Psychic, Poison-types like opposing Ariados, as well as Dustox, Gloom, and Koffing are massive thorns in Ariados side. Signal Beam and Sludge Bomb are both walled by Koffing making an Ariados endgame sweep impossible.

[Credits]
Written By:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/joaf.345087/

Quality Checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sleid.601970/

Grammar Checked by:
 
Nice work on this so far. Please ping me once this is implemented so I can check it again and give you an official check.
add remove comment

(There were a lot of small spelling, grammar, and formatting errors here, so I recommend doing some self-GP on the analyses after you've written them to decrease how much work it needs at each stage from QC, GP, and you. This
link goes to the spelling and grammar standards. You don't (and shouldn't!) have to catch everything, but reading your analysis over to proofread it is a big help all-around. If you have any questions or would like some extra resources, feel free to PM me)

[SET]
name: Agility Ariados
move 1: Agility
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Flying / Substitute / Psychic
item: Leftovers / Liechi Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 56 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 172 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ariados’s access to Agility, a high Attack stat, and Swarm makes it a scary sweeper in the mid- to late game late-game. Ariados functions similarly to Beedrill, (AC) but it offers slightly better bulk, a higher base attack stat and access to greater initial power, (AC) Signal Beam, (AC) and extra coverage rather than Hidden Power Bug. Agility is the bread and butter to this set that allow allows Ariados to beat would-be checks faster foes like Abra and Anorith, Ponyta, (AC) and Quilava. Sludge Bomb is a powerful Ariados's strongest STAB option that can hit many switch-ins hard especially those that resist Bug-type moves like Ponyta move before Swarm is activated, pressuring Fire-types, Quilava Tropius, and Noctowl. Signal Beam hits like a truck when Swarm is active, and even more so in combination with Liechi Berry, since when it can 2HKO defensive options like Rhyhorn, Delcatty, and Porygon and OHKO threats like Anorith, (RC) and Mightyena. Hidden Power Flying can hit other hits Bug, (RC)- Poison, (RC) and Grass-types such as opposing Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Volbeat for big damage. Substitute is vital if opting for Lieche Liechi Berry, as it enables Ariados to activate its Liechi Berry, (AC) and it additionally blocks as well as blocking status (mention some users that would try to status Ariados) and Mightyena's Intimidate. Psychic is another strong alternative to consider, (AC) as it allows Ariados to threaten Defensive Koffing. Leftovers is preferred for the longevity it providesIf provides (against what?) and letting Ariados set up Substitute multiple times, but Liechi Berry can be an excellent tool for more offensive teams. The EV spread Speed investment allows for Ariados to Substitute to 25% rather than 1%, as well as outspeed even maximum speed Elekid and more notably, Abra outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after using Agility. The rest of Ariados's EVs are funneled into its bulk and Ponyta after using Agility let it activate its Liechi Berry at 25% health.

Ariados fits well on balance anf and offensive teams that could use a reliable defensive typing in Bug, and Poison as well as hard-hitting bulky attacker that defensively answers Gloom and Tropius. With a hard hitting bulky attacker. With Liechi Liechi Berry, Ariados can even function as a win-condition on offense and hyper offense. Ariados appreciates special attackers that can deal with its checks like Koffing, Corsola and opposing Ariados. (RP) Abra, Clamperl, Flaaffy, and Quilava are Special Attacking options that pair nicely with that can deal with its checks, such as Koffing, Corsola, and opposing Ariados. When not behind a Substitute, Ariados is defenseless in the face of Fire-types; (RSC) like Ponyta, (RC) and Quilava, (AC) which makes bulky Waters Water-types like Seaking, (RC) and Wartortle both very valuable allies to pivot to. While Dodou is not always a threat Doduo can't switch in safely due to its fragility and tendency to wear itself down with recoil damage, having a switch in switch-in to it is a great option to preserve Ariados’s HP when not Agility boosted Agility-boosted or behind a Substitute. For this reason, Normal-resists physically bulky Pokemon like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn can make for great partners. Ariados' Ariados's Rock weakness to Anorith demands strong defensive checks to Rock-types gives the afformentioned aforementioned physically defensive Pokemon another important role great defensive value when paired with Ariados. Similarly, Mightyena can serve to soften the blows from physical attackers and also combat Abra and other Psychic-types thanks to its Psychic-Immunity Psychic immunity. Ariados' Ariados's ability to break down opposing special walls opens the door to many strong special attackers like Abra, (RC) and Quilava that get stopped in their tracks by Delcatty, Drowzee, and Noctowl. In that same vein, Ariados is strong against Mightyena, (AC) which can open the door to physical and mixed attackers like Gloom, (RC) (mention some physical attackers) and Ponyta that need all of the damage output they can get prefer not being nerfed by Intimidate.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options (When you write the Other Options section, you're covering every OO for every set, so be sure to mention OO for the pivot and AoA sets too)
=============
While team building can allow If coverage isn't an issue for Ariados to get away with running STAB only, some additional coverage , (AC) itcan be use in place of run both Agility and Substitute when guaranteeing Liechi Berry isn’t needed, or in place of Agility when the additional speed isn’t needed. (Neutral STAB Sludge Bomb is 5 Base Power off from super effective HP so specify KO thresholds it reaches or don't include it) Hidden Power Rock is an option that Ground can go in place of Hidden Power Flying in order to hit Noctowl for super-effective damage. Hidden Power Ground is another option that can hit Rock-types like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn as well as Ponyta, Quilava and Magnemite for additional super effective damage. Psychic can be nice to better deal with Physically Defensive Koffing too in place of Agility, if the extra speed is not essential. (RP) (This overlaps with the AoA set so I wouldn't include it here.)

Checks and Counters (Like with Other Options, when you're writing checks and counters for a Pokemon, you're writing them for all sets. Therefore, consider mentioning Pokemon that can check particular sets)
=================== (Additionally, be sure to follow set formatting with the double asterisks in C&C so that your analysis can be uploaded without breaking)
*Abra*Psychic-types**: While OHKO’d Abra is OHKOed by Signal Beam, without being Agility boosted, Ariados is a sitting duck in front of Abra. (Mention Drowzee and Smoochum and which sets they can pressure)

**Rock-types**: Anorith, Corsola, Nosepass, Onix, and Rhyhorn threaten an OHKO even behind a Substitute if any are running Rock Blast. Unless Liechi Berry has activated and Ariados is in Swarm range, Signal Beam will be very unthreatening.

**Fire-types**: Ponyta, (RC) and Quilava both threaten to OHKO Ariados with STAB Fire-Moves as well as their and have access to Quick Attack versus a very to pick off weakened Ariados.

**Flying-types**: Delibird Doduo, Dodou Delibird, and Tropius threaten Ariados with STAB Flying Flying-type attacks.

**Poison-types**: Without Psychic, Poison-types like opposing Ariados, as well as Dustox, Gloom, and Koffing are massive thorns in Ariados Ariados's side. Signal Beam and Sludge Bomb are both walled by not very effective against Koffing, (AC) making an Ariados endgame end-game sweep potentially impossible.
 
Hi, great work! Please check out this video to see the best and most accurate way to implement QC and GP checks, as I noticed there were some corrections that were not implemented.

Start by clicking the copyedit button on the QC/GP member's post to quote their entire formatted check. Remove the deletions, address and delete the comments, and de-format the additions. Last, copy and paste the entire post back into your OP.

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[SET]
name: Agility Ariados
move 1: Agility
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Signal Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Flying / Substitute / Psychic
item: Leftovers / Liechi Berry
ability: Swarm
nature: Adamant
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Ariados’s access to Agility, a high Attack stat, and Swarm makes it a scary sweeper in the mid-late-game mid- to late-game. Ariados functions similarly to Beedrill, another Agility sweeper, (AC) but it offers better bulk, (AC) and greater initial power, (AC) and access to Signal Beam, (AC) and access to alternative Hidden Power options besides Hidden Power Bug. Agility allows Ariados to beat would-be faster foes like Abra, Anorith, Ponyta, and Quilava. Sludge Bomb is Ariados’s strongest STAB move threatening Fire-types, Tropius, and Noctowl. Signal Beam hits like a truck when Swarm is active, when it can 2HKO defensive options like Rhyhorn, Delcatty, and Porygon and OHKO threats like Anorith and Mightyena. Hidden Power Flying hits other Bug-types Bug- and Grass-types such as opposing Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Volbeat for big damage. Substitute is vital if opting for Lieche Liechi Berry, as it enables Ariados to reliably activate its Liechi Berry, and it additionally blocks status (consider mentioning that Sub can let Ariados use defensive Gloom as setup fodder) and Intimidate. (Add a mention here that Substitute can protect Ariados from Quick Attack users like Pony + Doduo) Psychic is another strong alternative to consider, (AC) as it allows Ariados to threaten Koffing. Leftovers is preferred for the recovery it provides (RC) but and for allowing Ariados to set up Substitute multiple times. (AP) Liechi Berry can be an excellent tool for more offensive teams (mention a foe or two that Ariados can more reliably KO thanks to Liechi), (AC) and it has great synergy with Swarm and Substitute. The EV spread allows for Ariados to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame after using Agility. The rest of Ariados's EVs are funneled into it's its bulk, with the HP to let it activate its Liechi Beryy Berry at 25% health.

Ariados fits well on balance and offensive teams that could use a hard-hitting bulky attacker that defensively answers Gloom and Tropius. With a Liechi Berry, Ariados can even function as a win-condition on offense and hyper offense. Ariados appreciates special attackers like Abra, Clamperl, Flaaffy, and Quilava that can deal with its checks, such as Koffing, Corsola, and opposing defensive Ariados. When not behind a Substitute, Ariados is defenseless in the face of Fire-types like Ponyta and Quilava, which makes bulky Water-types like Seaking and Wartortle very valuable allies. While Dodou Doduo can't switch in safely against Ariados due to its fragility and tendency to wear itself down with recoil damage, having a switch-in to it is a great option to preserve Ariados’s HP when it's not Agility-boosted or behind Substitute. For this reason, physically bulky Pokemon Rock-types like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn can make for great partners for Ariados. Ariados's Rock weakness demands strong defensive checks to Rock-types, (AC) which gives the aforementioned physically defensive Pokemon great defensive value when paired with Ariados. Similarly, Mightyena can serve to soften the blows from physical attackers with Intimidate, (AC) and it can also combat Abra and other Psychic-types thanks to its Psychic immunity. Ariados's ability to break down special walls opens the door to many strong special attackers like Abra and Quilava that get stopped in their tracks by Delcatty, Drowzee, and Noctowl. In that same vein, Ariados is strong against Mightyena, which can open the door to physical and mixed attackers like Aipom (RC) and Ponyta that prefer not being nerfed by Intimidate.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(For formatting, a space goes beneath this bar and the one for C&C)
If coverage is not an issue for Agility Ariados, it can run both Agility and Substitute when guaranteeing Liechi Berry isn’t needed, or in place of Agility when the additional speed isn’t needed. Hidden Power Ground is an option that can go in place of Hidden Power Flying in order to hit Rock-types like Corsola, Onix, and Rhyhorn as well as Magnemite for super effective damage.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Psychic-types**: While Abra is OHKOed by Signal Beam, without being Agility boosted, Ariados is a sitting duck in front of Abra. Other Psychic-types, (AC) such as Drowzee or and Smoochum, can give Ariados trouble as well.

**Rock-types**: Anorith, Corsola, Nosepass, Onix (RC) and Rhyhorn (Onix and Nosepass can't learn Rock Blast, but you can still mention them if you want) threaten an OHKO even behind a Substitute if any are running Rock Blast. Unless Liechi Berry has activated and Ariados is in Swarm range, Signal Beam will be very unthreatening.

**Fire-types**: Ponyta, and Quilava both threaten to OHKO Ariados and have access to Quick Attack to pick off weakened Ariados.

**Flying-types**: Delibird Doduo, Doduo Delibird, and Tropius threaten Ariados with STAB Flying-type attacks.

**Poison-types**: Without Psychic, Poison-types like Ariados, Dustox, Gloom, and Koffing are massive thorns in Ariados’s side. Signal Beam and Sludge Bomb are not very effective against Koffing making an Ariados end-game sweep unlikely.

[CREDITS]
Written By:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/joaf.345087/
Quality Checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sleid.601970/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/missangelic.452572/
Grammar Checked by:

QC 2/2 when implemented
 
All set! missangelic Only thing I didn't change was the order of Delibird/Doduo. Not sure why you are suggesting this change, I thought these needed to be alphabetized? But uhh just let me know if that fix should be implemented and I'll get that up.

Otherwise, all set for GP Team
 
All set! missangelic Only thing I didn't change was the order of Delibird/Doduo. Not sure why you are suggesting this change, I thought these needed to be alphabetized? But uhh just let me know if that fix should be implemented and I'll get that up.

Otherwise, all set for GP Team
They don’t need to be alphabetized, they’re in order of relevance. Please make sure to implement this and ping next time you have a question :heart:
 
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