Fun fact: Brazilian carnival led to both this Pokemon and Super Mario Bros 2 USA!
[SET]
name: Bulky
move 1: Aqua Step
move 2: Roost
move 3: Bulk Up / Substitute
move 4: Taunt / Encore / Substitute
item: Rocky Helmet / Covert Cloak
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 156 SpD / 100 Spe
tera type: Flying / Grass
[SET COMMENTS]
* While Quaquaval's bulk is only serviceable, having both Roost and a great support movepool makes it a reasonable defensive option.
* Taunt pairs particularly well with Bulk Up, letting it set up on surprising foes such as Corviknight.
* Substitute lets Quaquaval stall out OHKO moves from the likes of Dondozo, and it protects it from Garganacl's Salt Cure.
* Encore not only gives Quaquaval new chances to set up, but also punishes passive play from Unaware walls such as Skeledirge.
Tera Types
========
* **Flying**: While it has very little defensive synergy with Quaquaval's previous typing, Tera Flying lets Quaquaval effectively stall out Dondozo if using Taunt, or Substitute and Encore together.
* **Grass**: Tera Grass makes Quaquaval's match-up against Rotom-W much smoother.
* **Fairy**: With a Fairy Tera type, Quaquaval can set up against most defensive Garchomp thanks to the Dragon Tail immunity.
Items
========
* **Rocky Helmet**: Rocky Helmet pairs well with Taunt and Tera Flying, letting Quaquaval easily play around Dondozo and Corviknight while setting up Bulk Up.
* **Covert Cloak**: If running Substitute isn't possible, Covert Cloak is Quaquaval's best shot at defeating Garganacl.
EV Spreads
========
* **252 HP / 156 SpD / 100 Spe with Jolly**: This EV spread allows Quaquaval to outspeed Meowscarada while raising its special bulk. If not using Bulk Up, running Defense EVs is also viable instead.
* **244 HP / 4 Atk / 76 Def / 116 SpD / 68 Spe with Careful**: The Special Defense investment and Careful nature let Quaquaval survive Choice Specs Hydreigon's Draco Meteor at full health, and the Speed lets it outspeed Garchomp after Aqua Step. The Defense investment lets Quaquaval avoid a 2HKO from Tera Dark Black Glasses Kingambit with one Supreme Overlord boost.
* **252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe with Jolly**: Maximizing Speed ensures that Quaquaval outspeeds Choice Scarf Gholdengo and Dragapult after using Aqua Step.
[SET]
name: Moxie Sweeper
move 1: Aqua Step
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Ice Spinner / Encore
move 4: Swords Dance / Tera Blast / Encore / Roost
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
tera type: Water / Grass / Electric
[SET COMMENTS]
* Aqua Step and Moxie give Quaquaval a niche as a late-game sweeper that doesn't always need a turn of setup.
* Ice Spinner is Quaquaval's best way of dealing big damage to Dragonite and Salamence.
* Encore lets Quaquaval punish slower foes such as Corviknight by getting an easy setup opportunity.
* Roost might seem odd on such an offensive Pokemon, but it helps Quaquaval avoid getting worn down against bulkier teams.
* Alternatively, Aqua Jet's ability to pick off weakened threats pairs very well with Moxie, giving it new potential win conditions.
Tera Types
========
* **Water**: Boosting Aqua Step's power opens up new sweeping chances late-game.
* **Grass**: Tera Grass lets Quaquaval potentially set up against would-be checks such as Rotom-W.
* **Electric**: Tera Electric lets Quaquaval deal massive damage to Azumarill and wear down Dondozo switch-ins with Tera Blast.
* **Fire**: With Tera Fire, Quaquaval can get around Will-O-Wisp.
Items
========
* **Life Orb**: The power increase makes sweeping with Aqua Step easier, especially against bulkier foes.
* **Focus Sash**: With Focus Sash, Quaquaval trades potential wallbreaking for getting surprise sweeps against more offensive teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Aqua Step
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Ice Spinner
move 4: Aqua Jet / U-turn
item: Choice Band
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
tera type: Water
[SET COMMENTS]
* With Choice Band, Quaquaval goes all-in on attempting to sweep with Aqua Step.
* Aqua Jet is an alternative way to sweep late-game.
Tera Types
========
* **Water**: Since this set is so focused on Aqua Step, Tera Water is a must-have.
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