Since Crawdaunt's current analysis is badly outdated, I've decided to do an update. I posted this in the thread for the UU Index/Reservations.
NOTE: TheLegendKiller's DD set doesn't need a GP Check, it was done very recently. He gets credit for the writeup, I just c/p'd it.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/crawdaunt
QC Approved: [2/2] (Bluewind) (uragg)
QC Rejected: [0/2]
GP Checks: [2/2]
(Snorlaxe)
(Zystral)
Updates and Changes Log:
- Removed Swords Dance and Mixed Sets. They're pretty bad, SD takes a crapload of Paralysis support to work and even then, Rhyperior or Drapion could do better. The Mixed set is badly outdated.
- Moved Jolly to the primary slash on the Dragon Dance set.
- Considering creating a new mixed set, but I'd like some opinions first.
- Posted the current Dragon Dance analysis, since it's very recent.
- Switched X-Scissor and Superpower on the current Choice Band set.
- Made Bluewind and Uragg's suggeted edits.
- Posted the full writeup.
- Added Aeron Ee1's changes.
- Added Komodo's changes.
- Added Snorlaxe's GP Check.
- Added Zystral's GP Check.
--------------------
[Overview]
<p>At first glance, Crawdaunt seems to have quite a bit going for it: powerful STAB moves, strong mixed attacking stats, and a movepool with gems such as Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. However, a closer look reveals some equally serious problems. Its defenses are average at best, and its Speed borders on pitiful. However, with proper support, Crawdaunt becomes a threatening force in UU, and should by no means be underestimated.</p>
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: X-Scissor
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With its newly acquired move, Dragon Dance, Crawdaunt gains the ability to raise its above average Attack and meager Speed stats. Water and Dark is a powerful type combination in UU, resisted only by Toxicroak, Cacturne, Shiftry, and Poliwrath. Crawdaunt may seem very easy to revenge kill, but it is very difficult to switch into after a Dragon Dance, as nothing enjoys taking a hit from an Attack stat of 558. Waterfall and Crunch are compulsory for their STAB and great type coverage. X-Scissor helps Crawdaunt dent some of its biggest counters, Tangrowth and Leafeon; additionally, Taunt may be used in the last slot to stop Haze Milotic and Will-O-Wisp Weezing from spoiling Crawdaunt's fun.</p>
<p>The EVs are straightforward: 252 Attack EVs are for maximum damage output, while the Speed EVs allow Adamant Crawdaunt to outspeed everything up to positive base 90s after a Dragon Dance boost. A Jolly nature is also usable to outpace key threats such as Mismagius, Scyther, Leafeon, Arcanine, Jynx, Houndoom, and Drapion. An Adamant nature is almost always the better option though, as it allows Crawdaunt to obtain several key OHKOs and 2HKOs, but Jolly can be used if you worry about foes targeting Crawdaunt's poor Special Defense.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to its ability to switch moves, Dragon Dance Crawdaunt is more difficult to counter than the Choice Band set. However, there are some hard counters one needs to bear in mind when building a team around this Crawdaunt variant. Tangrowth and Leafeon can take Crawdaunt's hits very well with their sturdy Defense; the former can cripple it with Stun Spore, whereas the latter can destroy it with Leaf Blade. Pokemon that utilize Fighting-type priority moves, such as Blaziken, Hitmontop, and Hitmonlee can revenge kill Crawdaunt after it sets up. Milotic can come in, erase Crawdaunt's boosts via Haze, and KO it with Hidden Power Grass. Weezing can switch in on X-Scissor, then burn Crawdaunt with Will-O-Wisp. Registeel can also take a Waterfall at full health, and proceed to smack Crawdaunt with a crippling Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>Pokemon that can take specially based Electric- and Grass-type attacks are effective partners to this set. Such partners include Venusaur, Chansey, and Exeggutor. Blaziken also makes a great teammate, as Crawdaunt weakens the bulky Waters that prevent Blaziken from sweeping. Life Orb Arcanine is another good choice, as it dents Registeel, Leafeon, and Tangrowth with its STAB Fire-type attacks. Claydol can take Electric- and Fighting-type hits for Crawdaunt, and put the hurt on Hitmonlee, Hitmontop, and Blaziken with Psychic. Stealth Rock is a necessity for Crawdaunt, and Spikes may be used to weaken walls such as Registeel, putting them into Waterfall's KO range. Toxic Spikes may also prove useful for their ability to cripple Tangrowth and Leafeon.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Crunch
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Superpower
move 4: X-Scissor / Return / Aerial Ace
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Crawdaunt's high Attack and excellent physical movepool make it a decent Choice Band user that can outspeed and bulldoze many common UU walls. Crunch should be treated as the primary move on this set, as nothing is immune to or 4x resists it, and it has a chance of lowering the opposing Pokemon's Defense. Waterfall is a powerful and reliable secondary STAB move, and it gets excellent neutral coverage with Crunch. The last two moveslots are mostly filler, but they can be useful for certain situations. Superpower smites Registeel, while also OHKOing Chansey or Clefable. X-Scissor is the strongest move Crawdaunt has against Tangrowth and Leafeon (although it will fail to OHKO either); Return has nice neutral coverage and power; and Aerial Ace is worth consideration because it hits Toxicroak, which otherwise has an easy time switching into and setting up on Crawdaunt.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Crawdaunt greatly appreciates entry hazard support, which is best provided by Gligar and Qwilfish due to the great defensive synergy that the pair shares with Crawdaunt. Paralysis support is also greatly appreciated, as it makes Crawdaunt's job much easier. Rotom, Uxie, or Tangrowth make good choices for providing this. Since paralysis support is so useful, Body Slam can be considered, but its low Base Power when compared to Return is a major turn-off.</p>
<p>Because the Choice Band restricts Crawdaunt's freedom to switch moves, it must rely on prediction to get the job done. Bringing Crawdaunt in early in the game is not a good idea, as you will have no idea what Pokemon your opponent plans to counter it with. Save it for mid- to late-game, when you have scouted your opponent's counters and have a good idea of how they'll react to Crawdaunt. The EV spread may seem odd due to Crawdaunt's atrocious Speed, but it’s actually quite necessary; maximum Speed EVs allow Crawdaunt to tie with Exeggutor, while outspeeding minimum Speed Milotic. Most UU walls lurk around that Speed tier, so hitting it is critical.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Crawdaunt is best used in conjunction with entry hazard support. Gligar is perhaps the best choice for a Stealth Rock user, thanks to its typing, which grants it resistances to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks, and an immunity to Electric-type attacks. It also makes a great check to Pokemon such as Toxicroak, Hitmontop, and Hitmonlee; all Pokemon that Crawdaunt has trouble dealing with. Qwilfish is the best choice for abusing Spikes due to its typing, which prevents massive overlap with Crawdaunt like Omastar or Cloyster would. Crawdaunt also greatly appreciates paralysis support, as it makes the job of bulldozing the opponent's team that much easier. Rotom, Uxie, and Tangrowth are all excellent choices for this; Tangrowth can also incapacitate another Pokemon with Sleep Powder, and can sponge Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Crawdaunt. Rotom and Uxie are solid because they lure in Dark- and Ghost-type attacks for Crawdaunt to switch into, while Uxie can also act as a scout with U-turn and has access Stealth Rock.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Swords Dance can be used to an extent, although the amount of support it requires to effectively sweep is extremely prohibitive to its success. While Crawdaunt may have the offensive stats to go mixed, it has neither the Speed nor the bulk to pull off a set successfully. Crawdaunt is decent as a Trick Room sweeper, but it is generally outclassed by the heavier-hitting Rhyperior and Azumarill.</p>
<p>Rock Slide can hit Flying-types hard, especially Altaria. Knock Off and Taunt allow Crawdaunt to support its team, but this role is better left to Drapion. Brick Break is a weaker Fighting-type move that does not lower Crawdaunt's physical stats, but Superpower is generally superior as Crawdaunt is more of a hit-and-run attacker. Night Slash is an option over Crunch if you feel like abusing its high critical hit rate. Crabhammer is a more powerful Water-type attack than Waterfall, but has lower accuracy, making it a less reliable option. Payback can hit hard on the switch, but two Crunches will do more on average than two Paybacks, as the second one will be weaker. Endeavor can weaken the opposing Pokemon as a last resort, but Crawdaunt is too slow for it to be effective.</p>
<p>Crawdaunt's ability is a matter of personal preference. Shell Armor prevents critical hits, allowing Crawdaunt to switch in on moves such as Night Slash and Shadow Claw with near impunity, while Hyper Cutter prevents Intimidate users like Hitmontop and Arcanine from freely switching into Crawdaunt.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Crawdaunt's list of bona-fide counters in UU is actually fairly small. Toxicroak has very little to fear from Crawdaunt, with Aerial Ace being the only move Crawdaunt has capable of landing an OHKO, while Toxicroak can easily outspeed and KO Crawdaunt in return with a super effective STAB attack. Weezing can easily switch into Crawdaunt and threaten it with Will-O-Wisp or Thunderbolt. Tangrowth and Leafeon fear almost nothing from Crawdaunt, and can OHKO with STAB Grass attacks, although both will have to take heavy damage from boosted X-Scissor. Hitmontop can use Mach Punch to smash Crawdaunt, provided it switches in on the right move. Crawdaunt's biggest weakness is its low Speed and poor defenses, making it easy to revenge kill. A faster Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf, or a Pokemon with Fighting-type priority can easily finish off a weakened Crawdaunt.</p>
NOTE: TheLegendKiller's DD set doesn't need a GP Check, it was done very recently. He gets credit for the writeup, I just c/p'd it.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/crawdaunt
QC Approved: [2/2] (Bluewind) (uragg)
QC Rejected: [0/2]
GP Checks: [2/2]
Updates and Changes Log:
- Removed Swords Dance and Mixed Sets. They're pretty bad, SD takes a crapload of Paralysis support to work and even then, Rhyperior or Drapion could do better. The Mixed set is badly outdated.
- Moved Jolly to the primary slash on the Dragon Dance set.
- Considering creating a new mixed set, but I'd like some opinions first.
- Posted the current Dragon Dance analysis, since it's very recent.
- Switched X-Scissor and Superpower on the current Choice Band set.
- Made Bluewind and Uragg's suggeted edits.
- Posted the full writeup.
- Added Aeron Ee1's changes.
- Added Komodo's changes.
- Added Snorlaxe's GP Check.
- Added Zystral's GP Check.
--------------------
[Overview]
<p>At first glance, Crawdaunt seems to have quite a bit going for it: powerful STAB moves, strong mixed attacking stats, and a movepool with gems such as Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. However, a closer look reveals some equally serious problems. Its defenses are average at best, and its Speed borders on pitiful. However, with proper support, Crawdaunt becomes a threatening force in UU, and should by no means be underestimated.</p>
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Crunch
move 4: X-Scissor
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With its newly acquired move, Dragon Dance, Crawdaunt gains the ability to raise its above average Attack and meager Speed stats. Water and Dark is a powerful type combination in UU, resisted only by Toxicroak, Cacturne, Shiftry, and Poliwrath. Crawdaunt may seem very easy to revenge kill, but it is very difficult to switch into after a Dragon Dance, as nothing enjoys taking a hit from an Attack stat of 558. Waterfall and Crunch are compulsory for their STAB and great type coverage. X-Scissor helps Crawdaunt dent some of its biggest counters, Tangrowth and Leafeon; additionally, Taunt may be used in the last slot to stop Haze Milotic and Will-O-Wisp Weezing from spoiling Crawdaunt's fun.</p>
<p>The EVs are straightforward: 252 Attack EVs are for maximum damage output, while the Speed EVs allow Adamant Crawdaunt to outspeed everything up to positive base 90s after a Dragon Dance boost. A Jolly nature is also usable to outpace key threats such as Mismagius, Scyther, Leafeon, Arcanine, Jynx, Houndoom, and Drapion. An Adamant nature is almost always the better option though, as it allows Crawdaunt to obtain several key OHKOs and 2HKOs, but Jolly can be used if you worry about foes targeting Crawdaunt's poor Special Defense.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to its ability to switch moves, Dragon Dance Crawdaunt is more difficult to counter than the Choice Band set. However, there are some hard counters one needs to bear in mind when building a team around this Crawdaunt variant. Tangrowth and Leafeon can take Crawdaunt's hits very well with their sturdy Defense; the former can cripple it with Stun Spore, whereas the latter can destroy it with Leaf Blade. Pokemon that utilize Fighting-type priority moves, such as Blaziken, Hitmontop, and Hitmonlee can revenge kill Crawdaunt after it sets up. Milotic can come in, erase Crawdaunt's boosts via Haze, and KO it with Hidden Power Grass. Weezing can switch in on X-Scissor, then burn Crawdaunt with Will-O-Wisp. Registeel can also take a Waterfall at full health, and proceed to smack Crawdaunt with a crippling Thunder Wave.</p>
<p>Pokemon that can take specially based Electric- and Grass-type attacks are effective partners to this set. Such partners include Venusaur, Chansey, and Exeggutor. Blaziken also makes a great teammate, as Crawdaunt weakens the bulky Waters that prevent Blaziken from sweeping. Life Orb Arcanine is another good choice, as it dents Registeel, Leafeon, and Tangrowth with its STAB Fire-type attacks. Claydol can take Electric- and Fighting-type hits for Crawdaunt, and put the hurt on Hitmonlee, Hitmontop, and Blaziken with Psychic. Stealth Rock is a necessity for Crawdaunt, and Spikes may be used to weaken walls such as Registeel, putting them into Waterfall's KO range. Toxic Spikes may also prove useful for their ability to cripple Tangrowth and Leafeon.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Crunch
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Superpower
move 4: X-Scissor / Return / Aerial Ace
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Crawdaunt's high Attack and excellent physical movepool make it a decent Choice Band user that can outspeed and bulldoze many common UU walls. Crunch should be treated as the primary move on this set, as nothing is immune to or 4x resists it, and it has a chance of lowering the opposing Pokemon's Defense. Waterfall is a powerful and reliable secondary STAB move, and it gets excellent neutral coverage with Crunch. The last two moveslots are mostly filler, but they can be useful for certain situations. Superpower smites Registeel, while also OHKOing Chansey or Clefable. X-Scissor is the strongest move Crawdaunt has against Tangrowth and Leafeon (although it will fail to OHKO either); Return has nice neutral coverage and power; and Aerial Ace is worth consideration because it hits Toxicroak, which otherwise has an easy time switching into and setting up on Crawdaunt.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Crawdaunt greatly appreciates entry hazard support, which is best provided by Gligar and Qwilfish due to the great defensive synergy that the pair shares with Crawdaunt. Paralysis support is also greatly appreciated, as it makes Crawdaunt's job much easier. Rotom, Uxie, or Tangrowth make good choices for providing this. Since paralysis support is so useful, Body Slam can be considered, but its low Base Power when compared to Return is a major turn-off.</p>
<p>Because the Choice Band restricts Crawdaunt's freedom to switch moves, it must rely on prediction to get the job done. Bringing Crawdaunt in early in the game is not a good idea, as you will have no idea what Pokemon your opponent plans to counter it with. Save it for mid- to late-game, when you have scouted your opponent's counters and have a good idea of how they'll react to Crawdaunt. The EV spread may seem odd due to Crawdaunt's atrocious Speed, but it’s actually quite necessary; maximum Speed EVs allow Crawdaunt to tie with Exeggutor, while outspeeding minimum Speed Milotic. Most UU walls lurk around that Speed tier, so hitting it is critical.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Crawdaunt is best used in conjunction with entry hazard support. Gligar is perhaps the best choice for a Stealth Rock user, thanks to its typing, which grants it resistances to Fighting- and Bug-type attacks, and an immunity to Electric-type attacks. It also makes a great check to Pokemon such as Toxicroak, Hitmontop, and Hitmonlee; all Pokemon that Crawdaunt has trouble dealing with. Qwilfish is the best choice for abusing Spikes due to its typing, which prevents massive overlap with Crawdaunt like Omastar or Cloyster would. Crawdaunt also greatly appreciates paralysis support, as it makes the job of bulldozing the opponent's team that much easier. Rotom, Uxie, and Tangrowth are all excellent choices for this; Tangrowth can also incapacitate another Pokemon with Sleep Powder, and can sponge Electric- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Crawdaunt. Rotom and Uxie are solid because they lure in Dark- and Ghost-type attacks for Crawdaunt to switch into, while Uxie can also act as a scout with U-turn and has access Stealth Rock.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Swords Dance can be used to an extent, although the amount of support it requires to effectively sweep is extremely prohibitive to its success. While Crawdaunt may have the offensive stats to go mixed, it has neither the Speed nor the bulk to pull off a set successfully. Crawdaunt is decent as a Trick Room sweeper, but it is generally outclassed by the heavier-hitting Rhyperior and Azumarill.</p>
<p>Rock Slide can hit Flying-types hard, especially Altaria. Knock Off and Taunt allow Crawdaunt to support its team, but this role is better left to Drapion. Brick Break is a weaker Fighting-type move that does not lower Crawdaunt's physical stats, but Superpower is generally superior as Crawdaunt is more of a hit-and-run attacker. Night Slash is an option over Crunch if you feel like abusing its high critical hit rate. Crabhammer is a more powerful Water-type attack than Waterfall, but has lower accuracy, making it a less reliable option. Payback can hit hard on the switch, but two Crunches will do more on average than two Paybacks, as the second one will be weaker. Endeavor can weaken the opposing Pokemon as a last resort, but Crawdaunt is too slow for it to be effective.</p>
<p>Crawdaunt's ability is a matter of personal preference. Shell Armor prevents critical hits, allowing Crawdaunt to switch in on moves such as Night Slash and Shadow Claw with near impunity, while Hyper Cutter prevents Intimidate users like Hitmontop and Arcanine from freely switching into Crawdaunt.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Crawdaunt's list of bona-fide counters in UU is actually fairly small. Toxicroak has very little to fear from Crawdaunt, with Aerial Ace being the only move Crawdaunt has capable of landing an OHKO, while Toxicroak can easily outspeed and KO Crawdaunt in return with a super effective STAB attack. Weezing can easily switch into Crawdaunt and threaten it with Will-O-Wisp or Thunderbolt. Tangrowth and Leafeon fear almost nothing from Crawdaunt, and can OHKO with STAB Grass attacks, although both will have to take heavy damage from boosted X-Scissor. Hitmontop can use Mach Punch to smash Crawdaunt, provided it switches in on the right move. Crawdaunt's biggest weakness is its low Speed and poor defenses, making it easy to revenge kill. A faster Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf, or a Pokemon with Fighting-type priority can easily finish off a weakened Crawdaunt.</p>
