Monotype Heracross (Bug) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

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Mihowk

Mihowk

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:sm/heracross:
[OVERVIEW]

Bug
========

Heracross is a nice option for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, average Speed, and Fighting typing, which is mandatory for Bug teams to deal with otherwise troublesome Rock- and Steel-types like Tyranitar and Heatran. Further, Heracross has two incredible abilities in Guts and Moxie. The first turns it into a powerful Flame Orb wallbreaker that freely switches into status moves like Will-O-Wisp from Galarian Corsola, while the latter greatly improves its sweeping potential. Its Speed tier is average, but enough for threats like Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Diggersby and tying with Nidoking. However, Heracross is slower than problematic Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Victini, and Choice Scarf sets are slower than other Choice Scarf users like Latias and Blacephalon. Heracross has to face the competition of Buzzwole, which has better bulk, higher Attack, Beast Boost, and a wider range of coverage options like Ice Punch and Thunder Punch. However, Heracross is faster than Buzzwole and can match Beast Boost with Moxie or use Guts to absorb burns, which cripple Buzzwole.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Facade / Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Guts Heracross is a good mid-game wallbreaker that enables Bug teammates like Scizor to clean late-game. It can also switch into status moves like Will-O-Wisp for teammates like Scizor and Buzzwole. Swords Dance lets Heracross break through staple walls like Toxapex, Skarmory, and Celesteela. Facade takes advantage of Flame Orb to nail some troublesome Fairy- and Poison-types like Hatterene, Amoonguss, and especially Galarian Weezing. Earthquake is an option over Facade to hit Poison-types that resist Close Combat, OHKOing Toxapex after Swords Dance, and Steel-types that are not worried about Close Combat like Aegislash. Knock Off cripples annoying switch-ins like Galarian Corsola and defensive Pokemon that rely solely on Leftovers or Black Sludge for recovery, like defensive Landorus-T, Seismitoad, and Swampert. It can also deal a lot of damage to defensive Pokemon like Slowbro. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to outspeed some key threats like Heatran. An Adamant nature is an alternative to 2HKO Toxapex and Galarian Weezing with Facade after Stealth Rock damage.

Shuckle and Araquanid are great partners for Heracross, as their Sticky Web allows Heracross to outspeed faster threats like Tapu Lele and Victini. Shuckle can also weaken opposing teams with Stealth Rock and Knock Off, while Araquanid can deal with most Fire-types like Volcarona. Scizor and Scolipede are incredible setup sweepers that can handle otherwise problematic Fairy-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Alolan Ninetales. In return, Heracross can absorb burns directed to Scizor and Scolipede. Volcarona can deal with physical walls such as Skarmory and Celesteela. In return, Heracross takes care of specially defensive Pokemon like Heatran and Rock- and Normal-types like Tyranitar and Blissey. While Buzzwole has the same typing as Heracross, it is also a good partner and an incredible Choice Scarf user for Bug teams. Heracross can weaken Pokemon mid-game, while Beast Boost Buzzwole can be a deadly late-game cleaner and take on Flying-types like Mantine and Landorus-T with Thunder Punch or Ice Punch. Furthermore, they can easily overpower their shared checks like Landorus-T. Galvantula helps against Flying- and Water-types like Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex, which are otherwise complicated to face for Bug-type teams. Lastly, Quiver Dance Ribombee can be used to deal with some problematic Dragon-types for Heracross.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Bug)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Heracross is a deadly cleaner for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, usable Speed, and Moxie. Megahorn can be spammed against Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon like Mew, Alakazam, Zarude, and Hydreigon to get some KOs, boosting Heracross's Attack to unstoppable levels. It can also deal a lot of damage against neutral targets like Swampert and Gastrodon. Close Combat is its most consistent STAB attack. Stone Edge is used to nail Flying-types like Moltres and Mantine, which resist both of its STAB moves, and Fire-types such as Cinderace and Volcarona, which otherwise can be very threatening to Bug-type teams. Knock Off cripples item-reliant switch-ins like Galarian Corsola, Landorus-T, and Swampert. It also hits hit Ghost-types like Aegislash and Galarian Corsola. As a fast cleaner, Heracross must be kept from being burned or paralyzed. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to outpace the entire unboosted metagame bar Regieleki.

Shuckle supports Heracross by setting Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf users such as Blacephalon and Weavile. Araquanid is an alternative Sticky Web setter, and it can improve the matchup against Fire teams and switch into Will-O-Wisp users like Galarian Corsola and Mew. Galvantula can help Heracross in the Water and Flying matchups thanks to Thunder and Energy Ball nailing Heracross walls like Toxapex, Skarmory, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon. Scizor and Volcarona are excellent setup sweepers that can weaken the opposition for Heracross to clean or clean up themselves in Heracross's wake. In return, Heracross can revenge kill Fire- and Rock-type threats like unboosted Volcarona and Tyranitar. In addiction, Scizor can deal with threats like Nihilego with its Bullet Punch, while Volcarona can handle physical walls that Heracross struggles against like Corviknight and Amoonguss. Ribombee is another good teammate that's mainly used for the Dragon matchup, being able to weaken most Dragon-type teams after Quiver Dance.

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

Bug
--------
Heracross has no viable other options.

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

Bug
--------
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Tapu Fini resist both of Heracross's STAB moves and Knock Off, and they easily KO it with their STAB moves. However, slower Fairy-types must be careful of Facade, especially after a Swords Dance boost.

**Bulky Poison-types**: Defensive Poison-types like Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Galarian Weezing can easily check Heracross. However, Facade severely dents them and Toxapex fears a 2HKO from Guts Heracross's Earthquake.

**Bulky Flying-types**: Bulky Flying-types like Skarmory and Zapdos can easily switch in into Choice Scarf Heracross's STAB moves, and Skarmory can also threaten it with Brave Bird or use it to set up entry hazards. However, both of them have problems with Guts Heracross, and Zapdos needs to be wary of Stone Edge from Choice Scarf Heracross.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele and Blacephalon can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Heracross. Furthermore, Close Combat's defense drops leave Heracross more susceptible to being revenge killed by priority moves.

**Status**: Burns and paralysis from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and Klefki limit Choice Scarf Heracross's ability to revenge kill and clean.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Bug analysis by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [DugZa, 473171], [Harpp, 320110]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
 
Last edited:
[Overview]
- mention what some of the troubling rock- and steel-type pokemon heracross can handle, maybe 1 for each type
- in the 2nd line i would switch the order of guts and moxie, since guts is used in the first set. also talk about how guts allows it to be a dangerous wallbreaker
- about its speed tier, would give some cool examples of what it can outspeed. gardevoir is also a poor example, just leave it as latias

SD Guts
[Set Comments]
- feel like again you could go into detail of why guts is so good on it, feels very surface levely
- give some examples of what the close combat hits like cradily, ferrothorn, blissey
- you can take out 'when Heracross is crippled by a status the power of this move doubled.' from the guts line, that feels very dex info like. the metagame examples you should keep
- earthquake can hit aegislash as well, also fairy teams rarely opt to run galarian weezing now, while poison teams do run it and use levitate. so eq def threatens them, if you wanna keep that example make that distinction
- galarian corsola is a great example for knock off
- Shuckle*
- araquanid also can take care of fire-types for heracross
- gardevoir is kinda irrelevant
- Volcarona* also you said sd facade can beat amoonguss earlier in the paragraph, use a different example of what volc can beat
- talk about how buzzwole can take on flying-types for heracross with ice and thunder punch
- ribombee can also be used to take on dragon-types for heracross

Choice Scarf
[Set Comments]
- give examples of what choice scarf allows it to beat like maybe spectrier. you can also put this in the last sentence of the paragraph
- give megahorn examples
- with knock off, give examples of the ghost types maybe like aegislash and galarian corsola

[Other Options]
- honestly i don't think its worth it to even have this in oo. just say, Heracross has no viable other options.

[Checks & Counters]
- on fairy-types slower fairys have to watch out for guts boosted facade especially after an sd

Remember since we only require 2 qcs now to write this up. also sorry it took so long to check this!
QC 1/2
dMNgU9v.gif
 
Add Remove Comment
Mihowk said:
:sm/heracross:
[OVERVIEW]

Bug
========

Heracross is a nice option for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, average Speed and its Fighting-typing that is mandatory for Bug teams to deal with otherwise troublesome Rock- and Steel-type like Tyranitar and Heatran. In particular, Heracross has two incredible abilities in Guts and Moxie. The first turns it into a powerful wallbreaker with Flame Orb, boosting its Attack to high levels, like a Choice Band but maintaining the possibility to switch its moves and also allows it to switch into status move like Will-O-Wisp from Galarian Corsola, while the latter allows it to improve its sweeping potential by boosting its Attack every time it gets a KO. Its Speed tier is average but it can outspeed some threats like Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Diggersby and Speed tie with Nidoking. However, Heracross is slower than problematic Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Victini, and also with Choice Scarf it is slower than other Choice Scarf users like Latias and Blacephalon. Lastly, Heracross has to face the competition of Buzzwole, as they have the same typing but the latter has better bulk, higher Attack and Beast Boost [Add that Buzzwole also has a wide range of coverage options as opposed to Heracross.]. However, Heracross can absorb status like burn that can cripple Buzzwole thanks to Guts. [Add that Heracross is also faster than Buzzwole.]

[SET]
name: Setup Sweeper (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Facade / Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Guts Heracross is a good setup sweeper for Bug-type teams during mid-game, as Guts transforms it into a dangerous threat wallbreaker with Flame Orb, boosting its already high Attack and allowing it to severely weaken the opposing team, enabling other teammates like Scizor to clean in late-game. It can also switch into status moves like Will-O-Wisp directed to teammates like Scizor and Buzzwole. Swords Dance boosts Heracross's high Attack, letting it break through most of the walls [Mention some key walls, like Toxapex, Skarmory, and Celesteela and add that these walls otherwise wall Heracross completely.] in the metagame. Close Combat is its strongest Fighting-type STAB and allows it to help the team in tough matchups like Rock, Steel and Normal, hitting Pokemon like Cradily, Ferrothorn, and Blissey with for a super effective damage. Facade is used to take advantage of the combination of Guts + Flame Orb, doubling its power. This allows Heracross to hit some troublesome Fairy- and Poison-types like Hatterene and Amoonguss that resist its STAB move Close Combat. Earthquake is an option over Facade to hit Poison-types that resist its STAB move Close Combat, namely OHKOing Toxapex after a Swords Dance [Add that Facade also allows Heracross to do meaningful damage to Galarian Weezing, which resists/immune to all of the other moves.] , and Steel-types that are not worried about its STAB moves Close Combat like Aegislash. Knock Off is used to remove items from annoying switch-ins like Skarmory and can deal a lot of damage to Ghost-types, especially against Galarian Corsola. [Specifically mention that Knock Off helps remove Eviolite from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and defensive Pokemon that rely solely on Leftovers/Black Sludge for recovery like defensive Lando-T, Seismitoad, Swampert etc.] Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to be optimize its damage output and makes it as fast as possibile [Mention some key threats that its speed tier and max speed EVs help outspeed like Heatran]. An Adamant nature is an alternative to maximize its Attack and allows Heracross to 2HKO Toxapex and Galarian Weezing with Facade, after Stealth Rock damage; however, in this case it would be outpaced by some threats like Heatran.

Shuckle and Araquanid are great partner for Heracross, as they can help it setting Sticky Web, allowing Heracross to outspeed faster threats like Tapu Lele and Victini. Shuckle can also weaken opposing teams by setting Stealth Rock, [Add that Shuckle can also Knock Off items Heavy Duty Boots to take advantage of its hazards.] while Araquanid can deal with most of Fire-types like Volcarona thanks to its typing and its ability Water Bubble for Heracross. Scizor and Scolipede are two incredible setup sweepers that can handle otherwise problematic Fairy-types like Gardevoir, [Gardevoir isn't relevant in the current meta, either drop it replace with something like Clefable.] Tapu Bulu and Alolan Ninetales thanks to their typing Steel and Poison typings, respectively. In return, Heracross can absorb burns directed to at Scizor and Scolipede thanks to Guts. Volcarona is an excellent teammates for Heracross, as it can deal with physical walls such us Skarmory and Celesteela that Heracross struggles against. In return, Heracross takes care of Rock- and Normal-types [Would be specific and mention that it deals with specially defensive walls that Volcarona struggles against.] like Tyranitar, Chansey Blissey, and Heatran Snorlax [Blissey is used over Chansey and Snorlax isn't that relevant]. While Buzzwole has the same typing of Heracross, it is also a good partner and an incredible Choice Scarf user for Bug-teams. Heracross can weaken opposing Pokémon during mid-game while Buzzwole can act as a deadly cleaner in late-game thanks to its ability Beast Boost and can take on Flying-type like Mantine and Landorus-T thanks to Thunder Punch and Ice Punch, respectively. Furthermore, they can easily weaken overpower their shared checks [Mention 1/2 shared checks.] . Galvantula is also a great teammate, mainly used to improve the matchup against Flying- and Water-types like Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex that are otherwise complicated to face for Bug-type teams. Lastly, Ribombee can be used to deal with some problematic Dragon-types for Heracross, as it can take on the majority of this threats after Quiver Dance.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Bug)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Heracross is a fantastic Choice Scarf user for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, above average Speed, and its ability Moxie, that allows it to act as a deadly cleaner during late-game. Megahorn is Heracross most powerful Bug-type STAB move that can be spammed against Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon like Mew, Alakazam, Zarude and Hydreigon to get some KOes, boosting its Attack with Moxie and becoming an unstoppable sweeper. Close Combat is its most consistent STAB attack and allows Heracross to hit Rock, Steel, and Normal-type like Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Blissey for super effective damage. Stone Edge is used to hit hard Flying-types like Togekiss and Mantine for super effective damage, which resist both of its STAB moves, and Fire-types such as Cinderace and Volcarona, that otherwise can be very threatening to Bug-type teams. Knock Off is a utility move used to remove items from Pokemon which can switch in on Heracross like Skarmory and Toxapex, and to hit Ghost-types that resist both of Heracross STAB moves like Aegislash and Galarian Corsola [Again, mention Eviolite specifically and Pokemon like defensive lando-t, swampert etc that rely solely on items for recovery and Heavy Duty Boots from HDB users.]. It is important to try to prevent Heracross from getting inflicted with status, as burn and paralysis cripple Heracross as a late-game cleaner. Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to be as fast as possible to outpace the entire unboosted metagame bar Regieleki without boosts or Choice Scarf, as well as be able to hit as hard as possible, allowing it to revenge kill some faster, weakened threats like Spectrier and Tornadus-T.

Shuckle is the premier entry hazard lead for Bug teams and [It isn't necessarily the 'premier' so would either remove that part completely or reword without that. You can also add the Knock Off mention again here.] supports Heracross by setting Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, allowing it to be faster than opposing Choice Scarf users such as Gardevoir Blacephalon [Gardevoir isn't relevant in the current meta.] and Weavile. Araquanid is an alternative to Shuckle as a Sticky Web setter and it can improve the matchup against Fire teams thanks to its Water typing and its powerful Liquidation boosted by Water Bubble; furthermore, Araquanid can switch in on Will-O-Wisp users like Galarian Corsola and Jellicent Mew to prevent Heracross from getting burned. Galvantula is a great partner, as it can help Heracross in the Water and Flying matchups thanks to Thunder in conjunction with its ability Compound Eyes, greatly threatening everything on both types, especially dealing with defensive threats for Heracross like Toxapex and Skarmory, as well as hitting Seismitoad and Gastrodon with Energy Ball. Scizor and Volcarona are two excellent setup sweepers for Bug-type teams, as they can severely weaken the opposing team during early- or mid-game, allowing Heracross to act as a great late-game sweeper thanks to its ability Moxie or vice versa. In return, Heracross can revenge kill Fire- and Rock-type threats like opposing unboosted Volcarona and Tyranitar for Scizor and Volcarona, respectively. In addiction, Scizor can deal with Fairy-types like Togekiss with its priority move Bullet Punch, while Volcarona can handle physical walls that Heracross struggles against like Corviknight and Amoonguss. Lastly, Ribombee is also a good teammate, mainly used for the Dragon matchup, being able to weaken most of this Dragon-type teams after a single Quiver Dance.

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

Bug
--------
Heracross has no viable Other Options.

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

Bug
--------
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Tapu Fini can easily take one of Heracross moves and OHKO [Removed OH from OHKO because Clefable can't OHKO Heracross from full.] it with their STAB moves. However, slower Fairy-types must be careful of Facade, especially after Swords Dance boost.

**Bulky Poison-types**: Defensive Poison-type like Toxapex, Amoonguss and Galarian Weezing can easily check Heracross. However, Facade severly dents them and Toxapex fears the 2HKO with Guts Heracross's Earthquake if Heracross runs it.

**Bulky Flying-types**: Bulky Flying-types like Skarmory and Zapdos resist both of Heracross STAB moves [Skarmory doesn't resist both STAB moves, Close Combat does neutral damage, reword accordingly.] and can threaten it with Brave Bird and Hurricane [Bulky Zapdos doesn't run Hurricane usually, so reword that accordingly as well.], respectively. Skarmory can also use Heracross to set up entry hazards. [Also add that, these only apply to Scarf Heracross and Guts Heracross can 2HKO all of them. Also mention that Zapdos needs to be wary of Stone Edge from Scarf Heracross.]

**Revenge killers**: Choice Scarf users like Gardevoir Tapu Lele [Gardevoir isn't relevant in the meta atm, also Scarf Heracross outspeeds it anyway.] and Blacephalon can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Heracross due to its average Speed. [Add that Close Combat's defense drops leaves it more susceptible to be revenge killed, even against priority moves,]

[* 'Status' as a category is worth mentioning since all 3 status conditions heavily cripple Scarf Moxie Heracross.]

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Bug analysis by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
Click to expand...
QC 2/3, approved by maroon
 
[Overview]
* Lastly, Heracross has to face the competition of Buzzwole, as they have the same typing but the latter has better bulk, higher Attack, Beast Boost and also a wider range of coverage options. Mention Buzzwole having elemental punches.

[SET]
name: Setup Sweeper (Bug) Wallbreaker
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Facade / Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

* Close Combat is its strongest Fighting-type STAB and allows it to help the team in tough matchups like Rock, Steel and Normal, hitting Pokemon like Cradily, Ferrothorn, and Blissey for super effective damage. Also mention some neutral targets which gets hit hard by Guts boosted Close Combat like Celesteela.
* Knock Off is used to remove items from annoying switch-ins like Eviolite from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and defensive Pokemon that rely solely on Leftovers or Black Sludge for recovery like defensive Landorus-T, Seismitoad and Swampert. It can also deal a lot of damage to Ghost-types, especially against Galarian Corsola. Add slowbro as last example over G corsola.

SET 2:

* Megahorn is Heracross most powerful Bug-type STAB move that can be spammed against Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon like Mew, Alakazam, Zarude and Hydreigon to get some KOes, boosting its Attack with Moxie and becoming an unstoppable sweeper. Add some neutral targets that are hit hard by Megahorn like Swampert, Gastrodon, etc.
* Stone Edge is used to hit Flying-types like Togekiss and Mantine for super effective damage, which resist both of its STAB moves, and Fire-types such as Cinderace and Volcarona, that otherwise can be very threatening to Bug-type teams. Remove mention of Togekiss, add some other relevant example over it. Moltres is one you can add.
* . Knock Off is a utility move used to remove items from Pokemon which can switch in on Heracross like Heavy-Duty Boots from Skarmory, Eviolite from Galarian Corsola and Leftovers from defensive Pokemon like Landorus-T and Swampert that rely solely on that items for recovery, and to hit Ghost-types that resist both of Heracross STAB moves like Aegislash and Galarian Corsola. Skarmory does not really runs HDB, it is Rocky Helmet or leftovers, Its not weak to rocks and is uaffected by other forms of hazards so HDB does not make sense to me.
* Scizor can deal with Fairy-types like Togekiss with its priority move Bullet Punch, while Volcarona can handle physical walls that Heracross struggles against like Corviknight and Amoonguss. Add Nihilego as an example that Scizor beats, remove Togekiss, change sentence accordingly.

Good work
QC 3/3
 
Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC)/(RC): Add/Remove Comma
[OVERVIEW]

Bug
========

Heracross is a nice option for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, average Speed, (AC) and its Fighting-typing that Fighting typing, which is mandatory for Bug teams to deal with otherwise troublesome Rock- and Steel-types like Tyranitar and Heatran. In particular, Further, Heracross has two incredible abilities in Guts and Moxie. The first turns it into a powerful wallbreaker with Flame Orb, boosting its Attack to high levels, like a Choice Band but maintaining the possibility to switch its moves and also allows it to switch similarly to Choice Band but with no move locks and free switches into status moves like Will-O-Wisp from Galarian Corsola, while the latter allows it to improve its sweeping potential by boosting its Attack every time it gets a KO. greatly improves its sweeping potential. Its Speed tier is average, (AC) but it can outspeed some threats like Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Diggersby and Speed tie with Nidoking. However, Heracross is slower than problematic Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Victini, and also with Choice Scarf it is Choice Scarf sets are slower than other Choice Scarf users like Latias and Blacephalon. Lastly, Heracross has to face the competition of Buzzwole, as they have the same typing but the latter has better bulk, higher Attack, Beast Boost, (AC) and also a wider range of coverage options like Ice Punch and Thunder Punch. However, Heracross is faster than Buzzwole and can absorb status like burn that can cripple Buzzwole thanks to Guts. match Beast Boost with Moxie or use Guts to absorb status like burn, which cripples Buzzwole. (I imagine this checks out?)

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Facade / Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Guts Heracross is a good setup sweeper for Bug-type teams during mid-game, as Guts transforms it into a dangerous wallbreaker with Flame Orb, boosting its already high Attack and allowing it to severely weaken the opposing team, mid-game due to its immense power, enabling other teammates like Scizor to clean in late-game. It can also switch into status moves like Will-O-Wisp directed to teammates like Scizor and Buzzwole. Swords Dance boosts Heracross's high Attack, letting it break through most of the walls in the metagame, like Toxapex, Skarmory, and Celesteela, which otherwise can completely stop Heracross from sweeping. shut Heracross down. Close Combat is its strongest Fighting-type STAB move and allows it to help the team helps Bug teams in tough matchups like Rock, Steel, (AC) and Normal, hitting Pokemon like Cradily, Ferrothorn, and Blissey for super effective damage. It can also hit hard neutral targets like Celesteela hard. Facade is used to take advantage of the combination of Guts + Flame Orb, doubling its power. This allows Heracross to hit takes advantage of Flame Orb to nail some troublesome Fairy- and Poison-types like Hatterene and Amoonguss that resist Close Combat; in particularly, Facade allows Heracross to do meaningful damage to Galarian Weezing, which resist to resists all of the other moves. Earthquake is an option over Facade to hit Poison-types that resist Close Combat, namely OHKOing Toxapex after a Swords Dance, and Steel-types that are not worried about Close Combat like Aegislash. Knock Off is used to remove items from annoying switch-ins like Eviolite from Pokemon cripples annoying switch-ins like Galarian Corsola, which relies on Eviolite, and defensive Pokemon that rely solely on Leftovers or Black Sludge for recovery, (AC) like defensive Landorus-T, Seismitoad, (AC) and Swampert. It can also deal a lot of damage to defensive Pokemon like Slowbro. Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to be optimize its damage output and makes it as fast as possibile, in order to outspeed some key threats like Heatran. An Adamant nature is an alternative to maximize its Attack and allows Attack, allowing Heracross to 2HKO Toxapex and Galarian Weezing with Facade (RC) after Stealth Rock damage; however, in this case it would be outpaced by some threats like Heatran.

Shuckle and Araquanid are great partners for Heracross, as they can help it setting Sticky Web, allowing their Sticky Web allows Heracross to outspeed faster threats like Tapu Lele and Victini. Shuckle can also weaken opposing teams by setting Stealth Rock and it can remove items like Heavy-Duty Boots with Knock Off to take advantage of its hazard, with Stealth Rock and Knock Off, which removes foe Heavy-Duty Boots, while Araquanid can deal with most Fire-types like Volcarona for Heracross thanks to its typing and its ability Water Bubble for Heracross. Scizor and Scolipede are two incredible setup sweepers that can handle otherwise problematic Fairy-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, (AC) and Alolan Ninetales thanks to their Steel and Poison typings, respectively. secondary typings. In return, Heracross can absorb burns directed to Scizor and Scolipede thanks to Guts. Volcarona is an excellent teammates for Heracross, as it can deal with physical walls such us as Skarmory and Celesteela that Heracross struggles against. In return, Heracross takes care of Rock- and Normal-types like Tyranitar and Blissey, but also of specially defensive Pokemon like Heatran. While Buzzwole has the same typing of as Heracross, it is also a good partner and an incredible Choice Scarf user for Bug teams. (removed hyphen) Heracross can weaken opposing Pokémon during Pokemon mid-game, (AC) while Buzzwole can act as a deadly cleaner in late-game thanks to its ability be a deadly late-game cleaner Beast Boost and can take on Flying-types like Mantine and Landorus-T thanks to Thunder Punch and Ice Punch, respectively. Furthermore, they can easily overpower their shared checks like Landorus-T. Galvantula is also a great teammate, mainly used to improve the matchups against Flying- and Water-types like Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex that Toxapex, which are otherwise complicated to face for Bug-type teams. Lastly, Ribombee can be used to deal with some problematic Dragon-types for Heracross, as it can take on the majority of this these threats after Quiver Dance.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Bug)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Heracross is a fantastic Choice Scarf user for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, above average usable Speed, and its ability Moxie, that allows it to act as a deadly cleaner during which makes it a deadly cleaner late-game. Megahorn is Heracross most powerful Bug-type STAB move that can be spammed against Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon like Mew, Alakazam, Zarude, (AC) and Hydreigon to get some KOes, boosting its Heracross's Attack with Moxie and becoming making it an unstoppable sweeper. It can also deal a lot of damage against neutral targets like Swampert and Gastrodon. Close Combat is its most consistent STAB attack and allows Heracross to hit Rock, Steel, and Normal-type Rock-, Steel-, and Normal-types like Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Blissey for super effective damage. Stone Edge is used to hit nail Flying-types like Moltres and Mantine for super effective damage, which resist both of its STAB moves, and Fire-types such as Cinderace and Volcarona, that which otherwise can be very threatening to Bug-type teams. Knock Off is a utility move used to remove items from Pokemon which can switch in on Heracross like Eviolite from Galarian Corsola and Leftovers from defensive Pokemon like Landorus-T and Swampert that rely solely on that items for recovery, and to hit cripple Heracross's switch-ins that rely on items, like Galarian Corsola, Landorus-T, and Swampert, the latter two relying solely on their items for recovery. It also hits hit Ghost-types that resist both of Heracross's STAB moves like Aegislash and Galarian Corsola. It is important to try to prevent Heracross from getting inflicted with taking status, as burn and paralysis cripple Heracross as a late-game cleaner. Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to be as fast as possible to outpace the entire unboosted metagame bar Regielek, as well as be able to hit as hard as possible, allowing it to Regieleki, as well as giving it the power to revenge kill faster, weakened threats like Spectrier and Tornadus-T.

Shuckle supports Heracross by setting Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, allowing it to be faster than outspeed opposing Choice Scarf users such as Blacephalon and Weavile. Araquanid is an alternative to Shuckle as a Sticky Web setter, (AC) and it can improve the matchup against Fire teams thanks to its Water typing and its powerful Liquidation boosted by Water Bubble; furthermore, Water Bubble means Araquanid can switch in on Will-O-Wisp users like Galarian Corsola and Mew to prevent Heracross from getting burned. Galvantula is a great partner, as it can help Heracross in the Water and Flying matchups thanks to Thunder in conjunction with its ability Compound Eyes, greatly threatening both types, especially dealing with Thunder, which especially nails defensive threats for Heracross like Toxapex and Skarmory, as well as hitting Seismitoad and Gastrodon with Energy Ball. Scizor and Volcarona are two excellent setup sweepers for Bug-type teams, as they can severely weaken the opposing team during early- or mid-game, allowing Heracross to act as a great late-game sweeper thanks to its ability Moxie sweeper, or vice versa. In return, Heracross can revenge kill Fire- and Rock-type threats like opposing unboosted Volcarona and Tyranitar for Scizor and Volcarona, respectively. In addiction, Scizor can deal with threats like Nihilego with its priority move Bullet Punch, while Volcarona can handle physical walls that Heracross struggles against like Corviknight and Amoonguss. Lastly, Ribombee is also a good teammate, another good teammate that's mainly used for the Dragon matchup, being able to weaken most Dragon-type teams after a single Quiver Dance.

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

Bug
--------
Heracross has no viable other options.

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

Bug
--------
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Tapu Fini can easily take one of Heracross moves and resist both of Heracross's STAB moves and Knock Off, and they easily (mentioning knock off is optional) KO it with their STAB moves. However, slower Fairy-types must be careful of Facade, especially after a Swords Dance boost.

**Bulky Poison-types**: Defensive Poison-types like Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Galarian Weezing can easily check Heracross. However, Facade severly severely dents them and Toxapex fears the 2HKO from Guts Heracross's Earthquake, (AC) if Heracross runs it.

**Bulky Flying-types**: Bulky Flying-types like Skarmory and Zapdos can easily switch in into Choice Scarf (I assume, if they have problems with guts heracross?) Heracross's STAB moves, (AC) and Skarmory can also threaten it with Brave Bird or use Heracross to set up entry hazards. However, both of them have problem to deal problems with Guts Heracross, (AC) and Zapdos, in particularly, Zapdos needs to be wary of Stone Edge from Choice Scarf Heracross.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele and Blacephalon can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Heracross due to its average base Speed. Furthermore, Close Combat's defense drops leaves Heracross more susceptible to being revenge killed, even against by priority moves.

**Status**: Statuses like burn and paralysis from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and Klefki, respectively, can cripple Choice Scarf Heracross and limit its possibility to act as a revenge killer and cleaner. potential to revenge kill or clean.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Bug analysis by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [maple, 473171], [Harpp, 320110]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
 
Last edited:
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Bug
========

Heracross is a nice option for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, average Speed, and Fighting typing, which is mandatory for Bug teams to deal with otherwise troublesome Rock- and Steel-types like Tyranitar and Heatran. Further, Heracross has two incredible abilities in Guts and Moxie. The first turns it into a powerful wallbreaker with Flame Orb, similarly to Choice Band but with no move locks and free switches Flame Orb wallbreaker that freely switches into status moves like Will-O-Wisp from Galarian Corsola, while the latter greatly improves its sweeping potential. Its Speed tier is average, but it can outspeed some enough for threats like Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Diggersby and Speed tie tying with Nidoking. However, Heracross is slower than problematic Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Victini, and Choice Scarf sets are slower than other Choice Scarf users like Latias and Blacephalon. Lastly, Heracross has to face the competition of Buzzwole, as they have the same typing but the latter which has better bulk, higher Attack, Beast Boost, and also a wider range of coverage options like Ice Punch and Thunder Punch. However, Heracross is faster than Buzzwole and can match Beast Boost with Moxie or use Guts to absorb status like burn, which cripples burns, which cripple Buzzwole.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Facade / Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off
item: Flame Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Guts Heracross is a good setup sweeper for Bug-type teams mid-game due to its immense power, enabling other mid-game wallbreaker that enables Bug teammates like Scizor to clean late-game. It can also switch into status moves like Will-O-Wisp directed to for teammates like Scizor and Buzzwole. Swords Dance boosts Heracross's high Attack, letting it break through most of the walls in the metagame, lets Heracross break through staple walls like Toxapex, Skarmory, and Celesteela, which otherwise can completely shut Heracross down. Close Combat is its strongest Fighting-type STAB move and helps Bug teams in tough matchups like Rock, Steel, and Normal, hitting Pokemon like Cradily, Ferrothorn, and Blissey for super effective damage. It can also hit neutral targets like Celesteela hard. Facade takes advantage of Flame Orb to nail some troublesome Fairy- and Poison-types like Hatterene and Amoonguss that resist Close Combat; in particular, Facade allows Heracross to do meaningful damage to Galarian Weezing, which resists all of the other moves. Hatterene, Amoonguss, and especially Galarian Weezing. Earthquake is an option over Facade to hit Poison-types that resist Close Combat, OHKOing Toxapex after a Swords Dance, and Steel-types that are not worried about Close Combat like Aegislash. Knock Off cripples annoying switch-ins like Galarian Corsola, which relies on Eviolite, and defensive Pokemon that rely solely on Leftovers or Black Sludge for recovery, like defensive Landorus-T, Seismitoad, and Swampert. It can also deal a lot of damage to defensive Pokemon like Slowbro. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to outspeed some key threats like Heatran. An Adamant nature is an alternative to maximize its Attack, allowing Heracross to 2HKO Toxapex and Galarian Weezing with Facade after Stealth Rock damage.

Shuckle and Araquanid are great partners for Heracross, as their Sticky Web allows Heracross to outspeed faster threats like Tapu Lele and Victini. Shuckle can also weaken opposing teams with Stealth Rock and Knock Off, which removes foe Heavy-Duty Boots, while Araquanid can deal with most Fire-types like Volcarona for Heracross thanks to its typing and its ability Water Bubble. Scizor and Scolipede are two incredible setup sweepers that can handle otherwise problematic Fairy-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Alolan Ninetales thanks to their secondary typings. In return, Heracross can absorb burns directed to Scizor and Scolipede thanks to Guts. Volcarona is an excellent teammates for Heracross, as it can deal with physical walls such as Skarmory and Celesteela that Heracross struggles against. In return, Heracross takes care of specially defensive Pokemon like Heatran and Rock- and Normal-types like Tyranitar and Blissey, but also specially defensive Pokemon like Heatran. While Buzzwole has the same typing as Heracross, it is also a good partner and an incredible Choice Scarf user for Bug teams. Heracross can weaken opposing Pokemon mid-game, while Beast Boost Buzzwole can be a deadly late-game cleaner Beast Boost and take on Flying-types like Mantine and Landorus-T thanks to Thunder Punch and Ice Punch, respectively with Thunder Punch or Ice Punch. Furthermore, they can easily overpower their shared checks like Landorus-T. Galvantula is also a great teammate, mainly to improve the matchups helps against Flying- and Water-types like Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Toxapex, which are otherwise complicated to face for Bug-type teams. Lastly, Quiver Dance Ribombee can be used to deal with some problematic Dragon-types for Heracross, as it can take on the majority of these threats after Quiver Dance.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Bug)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Choice Scarf Heracross is a fantastic Choice Scarf user deadly cleaner for Bug-type teams thanks to its high Attack, usable Speed, and ability Moxie, which makes it a deadly cleaner late-game. Megahorn can be spammed against Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon like Mew, Alakazam, Zarude, and Hydreigon to get some KOs, boosting Heracross's Attack with Moxie and making it an unstoppable sweeper to unstoppable levels. It can also deal a lot of damage against neutral targets like Swampert and Gastrodon. Close Combat is its most consistent STAB attack and allows Heracross to hit Rock-, Steel-, and Normal-types like Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Blissey for super effective damage. Stone Edge is used to nail Flying-types like Moltres and Mantine, which resist both of its STAB moves, and Fire-types such as Cinderace and Volcarona, which otherwise can be very threatening to Bug-type teams. Knock Off is a utility move used to cripple Heracross's switch-ins that rely on items, cripples item-reliant switch-ins like Galarian Corsola, Landorus-T, and Swampert, the latter two relying solely on their items for recovery. It also hits hit Ghost-types that resist both of Heracross's STAB moves like Aegislash and Galarian Corsola. It is important to try to prevent Heracross from taking status, as burn and paralysis cripple Heracross as a late-game cleaner As a fast cleaner, Heracross must be kept from being burned or paralyzed. Maximum Attack and Speed investment alongside a Jolly nature allows Heracross to outpace the entire unboosted metagame bar Regieleki, as well as giving it the power to revenge kill faster, weakened threats like Spectrier and Tornadus-T.

Shuckle supports Heracross by setting Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf users such as Blacephalon and Weavile. Araquanid is an alternative Sticky Web setter, and it can improve the matchup against Fire teams thanks to its Water typing and its powerful Liquidation boosted by Water Bubble; furthermore, Water Bubble means Araquanid can switch in on and switch into Will-O-Wisp users like Galarian Corsola and Mew to prevent Heracross from getting burned. Galvantula is a great partner, as it can help Heracross in the Water and Flying matchups thanks to Thunder, (comma) which especially nails defensive threats for Heracross like Toxapex and Skarmory, as well as hitting Seismitoad and Gastrodon with Energy Ball and Energy Ball nailing Heracross walls like Toxapex, Skarmory, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon. Scizor and Volcarona are two excellent setup sweepers for Bug-type teams, as they can severely weaken the opposing team early- or mid-game, allowing Heracross to act as a great late-game sweeper, or vice versa that can weaken the opposition for Heracross to clean or clean up themselves in Heracross's wake. In return, Heracross can revenge kill Fire- and Rock-type threats like opposing unboosted Volcarona and Tyranitar for Scizor and Volcarona, respectively. In addiction, Scizor can deal with threats like Nihilego with its priority move Bullet Punch, while Volcarona can handle physical walls that Heracross struggles against like Corviknight and Amoonguss. Lastly, Ribombee is another good teammate that's mainly used for the Dragon matchup, being able to weaken most Dragon-type teams after a single Quiver Dance.

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

Bug
--------
Heracross has no viable other options.

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

Bug
--------
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Tapu Fini resist both of Heracross's STAB moves and Knock Off, and they easily KO it with their STAB moves. However, slower Fairy-types must be careful of Facade, especially after a Swords Dance boost.

**Bulky Poison-types**: Defensive Poison-types like Toxapex, Amoonguss, and Galarian Weezing can easily check Heracross. However, Facade severely dents them and Toxapex fears the a 2HKO from Guts Heracross's Earthquake, if Heracross runs it.

**Bulky Flying-types**: Bulky Flying-types like Skarmory and Zapdos can easily switch in into Choice Scarf Heracross's STAB moves, and Skarmory can also threaten it with Brave Bird or use Heracross it to set up entry hazards. However, both of them have problems with Guts Heracross, and Zapdos needs to be wary of Stone Edge from Choice Scarf Heracross.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele and Blacephalon can easily revenge kill Choice Scarf Heracross due to its average base Speed. Furthermore, Close Combat's defense drops leave Heracross more susceptible to being revenge killed, (comma) even by priority moves.

**Status**: Statuses like burn and paralysis from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and Klefki, respectively, can cripple Choice Scarf Heracross and limit its potential to revenge kill or clean Burns and paralysis from Pokemon like Galarian Corsola and Klefki limit Choice Scarf Heracross's ability to revenge kill and clean.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Bug analysis by: [[Mihowk, 461046]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [DugZa, 473171], [Harpp, 320110]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [<username2>, <userid2>]]
 
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