[OVERVIEW]
Omastar is a threatening setup sweeper thanks to its access to one of the most potent boosting moves in the metagame, Shell Smash. After a boost, the pool of Pokemon that can take a hit from Omastar becomes very small; only bulky Water-types like Poliwrath can hope to take it on reliably. However, even after a boost, Omastar is unfortunately quite slow, so many of the fastest Pokemon in the metagame like Aerodactyl, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Beedrill are capable of outspeeding and revenge killing it. As well as that, its mediocre typing and only decent bulk can make it hard to find setup opportunities in the first place, as many common Pokemon that it would try to use as setup fodder like Rhydon, Sandslash, and Dragonite are all capable of hitting it very hard.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Rock Slide / Stealth Rock
item: No Item
nature: Rash
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Information
========
Shell Smash boosts Omastar's Speed and Special Attack to terrifying levels, allowing it to run through a majority of the metagame after a boost. Surf is Omastar's most reliable STAB attack, allowing it to knock out Pokemon like Rhydon and Golem without a boost and reliably take out Nidoqueen and Gengar with one. Hydro Pump can be used instead; after a boost, it is capable of OHKOing Melmetal after Stealth Rock damage, but its accuracy can make it unreliable. Ice Beam allows Omastar to hit many Pokemon that can tank a Surf, like Zapdos, Mega Venusaur, and Exeggutor, for massive damage. Rock Slide gives Omastar a way to reliably deal with Chansey, which would otherwise wall it entirely. Alternatively, Stealth Rock allows Omastar to act as a suicide lead, capable of setting the entry hazard while applying lots of offensive pressure. It's generally outclassed by other setters like Rhydon and Nidoqueen, though, thanks to their superior utility options and ability to deal with Chansey. A Rash nature is chosen because the extra Speed given by a boosting nature is not necessary for Omastar, and it much prefers the power boost to guarantee OHKOs on foes like Melmetal with Hydro Pump.
Usage Tips
========
Omastar is fairly straightforward to use, but it can be difficult to find setup opportunities. Use Pokemon that can't OHKO Omastar like Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Alolan Sandslash as setup fodder. Alternatively, Omastar can attempt to set up on forced switches against the likes of Rhydon and Alolan Exeggutor; this is very risky, though, as they can easily OHKO Omastar with their STAB moves. Omastar can be used early-game to wallbreak for teammates like Dragonite and Mew, paving the way for them to sweep late-game, but it can also sweep on its own if the opposing team has been sufficiently weakened.
Team Options
========
Omastar fits best on dual screens offense; as a result, Electrode is an excellent partner, giving Omastar a much easier time finding opportunities to use Shell Smash. It can also bring Omastar in safely with Explosion. Reflect Zapdos is another good option for a teammate that can also help Omastar in pressuring Poliwrath. It can bring Omastar in safely via U-turn, too. Dragonite can easily sweep teams late-game with an Agility boost after Omastar has wreaked havoc on their bulkiest members like Rhydon and Melmetal for it. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Aerodactyl and Alolan Dugtrio can be useful in helping Omastar to achieve some KOs it would otherwise miss out on, such as the guaranteed OHKO on Calm Zapdos.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Omastar doesn't have much else going for it. It can use both Surf and Hydro Pump on the same set, which only sacrifices coverage for Chansey and offers a choice between consistent or higher damage, but it's generally unnecessary and makes it impossible for Omastar to break through Chansey. Waterfall can be used instead of Rock Slide in order to avoid Rock Slide's chance to miss when hitting Chansey, but it is less useful otherwise due to its lower chance to flinch and break through healthy checks.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-types**: Poliwrath is Omastar's best counter and can easily stomach any of Omastar's hits, boosted or not. It can then retaliate with Superpower, OHKOing Omastar after a Defense drop. Mega Gyarados and Vaporeon can also take boosted hits from Omastar and retaliate with their STAB attacks.
**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Exeggutor, Alolan Exeggutor, and Victreebel are all terrifying for Omastar, as their STAB moves easily OHKO it. However, they must all be wary of a boosted Ice Beam, or an unboosted one in Alolan Exeggutor's case.
**Faster Pokemon**: Even after a boost, the fastest Pokemon in the metagame like Mega Alakazam and Mega Aerodactyl are capable of outspeeding and KOing Omastar. They can't switch into it, though, as they will take a lot of damage from any of its attacks.
**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk's good special bulk allows it to survive a Hydro Pump after Stealth Rock damage most of the time, letting it check Omastar as long as it's healthy. It can OHKO Omastar with Mega Drain after Omastar uses Shell Smash, too.
**Pikachu-S**: While niche, Pikachu-S is capable of revenge killing a weakened Omastar with Zippy Zap. It also outspeeds Omastar if Omastar is not using a Naive nature, allowing it to OHKO with Thunderbolt.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Lilburr, 481709]]
- Quality checked by: [[McCoolDude, 469684], [Eve, 375272], [Vengeance417, 198446]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]
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