QC: Megazard / Tone114 / -Grim
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / frenzyplant
[OVERVIEW]
Relicanth is a multifaceted Pokemon in the PU metagame that is able to use its immense physical bulk and useful resistances to Flying-, Normal-, and Fire-type moves from Pokemon such as Dodrio and Rapidash to set up Stealth Rock reliably on both defensive and offensive sets. With access to Rock Polish and a respectable Attack stat, Relicanth can threaten the opposition very easily with dual STAB coverage in Head Smash and Waterfall. Additionally, given its access to both Rain Dance and Stealth Rock and a beneficial ability in Sturdy that allows it to use these two moves reliably, Relicanth has carved out a niche for itself in PU as a dedicated lead on rain-based teams. On the downside, however, Relicanth's overall effectiveness is sometimes limited by its low Special Defense and Speed, as well as its weaknesses to other common attacking types such as Electric, Ground, Fighting, and especially Grass. Despite these flaws, Relicanth is still overall an advantageous choice for defensive and offensive teams alike, given its ability as a Stealth Rock user to pressure PU's most reliable options for hazard removal.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Head Smash / Rock Slide
move 3: Toxic / Yawn
move 4: Protect / Waterfall / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Rock Head / Sturdy
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock provides support for Relicanth's teammates by damaging switch-ins and possibly deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes. Head Smash can be used in tandem with Rock Head; however, if Sturdy is run for a better chance to set up Stealth Rock, Rock Slide should be Relicanth's STAB attack of choice. Toxic is used to cripple bulky switch-ins when your opponent is under the assumption that Relicanth is running an offensive set. Yawn is also an option over Toxic to force switches and provide Relicanth with more opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as well as the means to avoid being set up on by Pokemon such as Duosion. Protect is very helpful for restoring HP via Leftovers and possibly stalling with Toxic. Protect can even be used in combination with Yawn to keep Relicanth safe as it waits for its foe to fall asleep. Waterfall is a secondary option that helps hit Pokemon that resist Head Smash harder, such as Golem. Scald can be used on defensive sets for the 30% chance to cripple physical attackers via a burn.
Set Details
========
Sturdy prevents Relicanth from being OHKOed and lets it lay Stealth Rock more reliably. If Head Smash is used, Rock Head should be Relicanth's ability of choice to avoid recoil damage. This set is meant to be used as a wall; therefore, Relicanth should fully invest its EVs in HP and Defense and use an Impish nature to maximize its physical bulk. When running Scald, a Relaxed nature should be used. Investing up to 48 EVs in Speed is a secondary option and allows Relicanth to outspeed Vullaby, Tangela, and Volbeat. Doing so can be advantageous, given that STAB Head Smash OHKOes Volbeat and 2HKOes Vullaby even without any Attack investment. Outspeeding Tangela also has the added benefit of laying Stealth Rock or crippling it with Toxic before being taken down. Leftovers is normally Relicanth's only form of recovery and can be used in combination with Protect to give it some extra longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth can use its Rock typing and superior physical bulk to continuously switch in on threats whose moves it resists in order to set up Stealth Rock and weaken the opponent's team via its STAB attacks or Toxic. Relicanth is meant to be used as a physical wall with this set and therefore can come in at any point in a match in order to check or counter threatening physical attackers, although it is ideal to set up Stealth Rock early- or mid-game so that it can do as much damage as possible. On the turn Relicanth forces physical attackers out, such as Purugly, Dodrio, or Stoutland locked into Frustration, it can use Stealth Rock and switch out afterward. If Stealth Rock is already up on the opponent's side of the field, Relicanth should use this opportunity to hit something with Head Smash or Toxic. Protect is especially helpful for restoring HP via Leftovers and can be used every other turn if Relicanth is staying in against a threat that has already been hit by Toxic. It also has the added bonus of easing prediction and protecting Relicanth from super effective attacks. However, spamming Protect can be dangerous because such a play soon becomes obvious to the opponent.
Team Options
========
Any Pokemon possessing either a 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks or the ability Sap Sipper, such as Sawsbuck, Bouffalant, Gogoat, Zebstrika, Jumpluff, or Roselia, can make for a great partner, given that Relicanth will be consistently drawing in your foes' Grass-type attacks. Specially defensive Roselia forms a very strong defensive backbone with physically defensive Relicanth that is only beaten by a few choice Pokemon with strong offensive coverage, such as Simisear, Ninetales, and Rock Polish Regice. Rapidash is therefore another strong choice for a teammate because it forces both Simisear and Ninetales out with its superior Speed and Drill Run, and beats Regice with its STAB Flare Blitz while resisting Regice's Ice Beam. Like Roselia, Pokemon with high Special Defense in general can help account for Relicanth's lower Special Defense stat and synergize well as a result. Given that Roselia and Relicanth will be stacking entry hazards together, Pokemon that can protect these entry hazards or deter the use of Defog are exceptionally useful partners. For example, Misdreavus can block Rapid Spin and Taunt slower Defoggers such as Pelipper and Vibrava, whereas Pawniard and Purugly can come in on a predicted Defog, boost to +2 Attack via Defiant, and proceed to threaten the opponent's team. Pokemon with an immunity to Electric-type attacks, including Lightningrod users such as Zebstrika and Raichu as well as Ground-types such as Stunfisk, are useful for preserving Relicanth.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Stealth Rock / Earthquake / Rest
item: Leftovers / Stone Plate / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 148 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish doubles Relicanth's Speed, allowing it to outspeed many offensive threats and KO them with a STAB Head Smash. Head Smash hits exceptionally hard and has the potential to sweep unprepared teams after a Rock Polish boost. Head Smash and Waterfall have excellent coverage together, but Earthquake can be used along Head Smash and Waterfall to hit Pokemon that take paltry damage from Waterfall harder, like Klang and Metang. Earthquake also ensures that Relicanth KOes naturally faster targets that are weak to Ground-type attacks, such as Zebstrika. Relicanth's last slot can be used for Stealth Rock, which provides support for its teammates by damaging switch-ins and possibly deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes. Rest is a final option that, when used in combination with a Lum Berry, gives Relicanth a second chance to set up and sweep.
Set Details
========
Rock Head should be Relicanth's ability of choice, as it lets it use Head Smash without incurring any recoil damage. Stone Plate is a viable option as an item, as the damage boost lets Relicanth OHKO standard Roselia with Head Smash. Using a Lum Berry in conjunction with Rest capitalizes on Relicanth's physical bulk and has the potential to cure any status ailment that would otherwise prevent Relicanth from sweeping after it has set up with Rock Polish. Lum Berry should be used with Rest, while Leftovers or Stone Plate should be used with either Earthquake or Stealth Rock. The given EV spread and an Adamant nature maximize Relicanth's offensive capabilities. A minimum of 148 EVs in Speed should be used to let Relicanth outspeed neutral-natured base 70s and everything slower before using Rock Polish, which includes relevant targets such as Solrock, Vibrava, Pelipper, and Roselia. These Speed EVs also allow Relicanth to outspeed Zebstrika and other fast yet frail offensive threats after a Rock Polish boost. An alternative spread with maximum Speed investment and an Adamant nature can be used to let Relicanth outspeed additional threats before it boosts, such as Armaldo and Regice.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth's primary function is as a bulky setup sweeper and cleaner, and it should use its Rock typing and superior physical bulk in order to switch in on physically based threats whose attacks it resists, such as Dodrio and Purugly. Relicanth can also force out more defensively oriented Pokemon that are weak to Head Smash, such as Armaldo and specially defensive Pelipper. Once it has forced out a Pokemon that it counters, Relicanth should use this turn to set up either Rock Polish or Stealth Rock. Relicanth is best used mid- or late-game, once offensive threats faster than 366 Speed that can revenge kill it after a Rock Polish boost, such as Choice Scarf Rotom-F and Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, have been disabled or outright removed by Relicanth's teammates. Similarly, defensive answers to Relicanth such as Stunfisk and Tangela need to be weakened significantly before Relicanth can sweep through the opponent's team successfully.
Team Options
========
Given Relicanth's weaknesses to Electric-, Ground-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks, Grass-types like Roselia, Exeggutor, and Gourgeist make for ideal partners. For example, Exeggutor resists all of Relicanth's weaknesses, barring Freeze-Dry, and can break down defensive threats to Relicanth such as Stunfisk with its powerful STAB attacks. Roselia can also switch into Stunfisk, whittle down Relicanth's counters with entry hazards, and create setup opportunities for Relicanth via Sleep Powder or Stun Spore. Simisage is a great offensive partner to Relicanth, given its ability to break down defensive Grass-types and Ground-types with a combination of Knock Off and Gunk Shot or a powerful STAB Life Orb-boosted Leaf Storm, respectively. Conversely, Relicanth appreciates powerful teammates that can take down bulky Grass-types, such as Regice, Articuno, Dodrio, Rapidash, Ninetales, Simisear, and Monferno. Fire-types are especially useful in this case, as they are immune to or can even take advantage of burns aimed at Relicanth. Pokemon that do not mind being burned by Will-O-Wisp due to their access to Guts, STAB Facade, or Flash Fire are ideal partners. Guts Machoke and Scrappy Stoutland with Choice Band and Facade can use burns aimed at Relicanth as an opportunity to force out and pressure defensive answers to Relicanth such as Misdreavus. Additionally, Machoke can use its combination of Knock Off and Ice Punch to punish Eviolite-reliant Grass-types, such as Tangela, Quilladin, and Roselia, which lets Relicanth sweep more easily. Relicanth enjoys having teammates that can break down the other team via entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, so that once it sets up a Rock Polish, it is able to clean more effectively. Stunfisk and Camerupt are notable Stealth Rock users that also provide Relicanth with dedicated switch-ins to fast Electric-types like Raichu and Zebstrika that give it trouble, even despite sharing some weaknesses with Relicanth. Surrounding Relicanth with checks to Fighting-types, such as Exeggutor, Grumpig, Duosion, Mr. Mime, and Jumpluff, is a great way to remove any stops to Head Smash.
[SET]
name: Rain Lead
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn / Waterfall
item: Damp Rock
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Lead Relicanth's primary purpose is to set Rain Dance, which boosts the power of Water-type attacks and activates Swift Swim for its teammates. The addition of Stealth Rock allows teammates such as Golduck and Beartic the chance to sweep opposing teams without being stopped early by Pokemon that use Focus Sash or Sturdy. Similarly, the chip damage from Stealth Rock helps Pokemon that are benefited by rain make the most of Rain Dance by scoring the maximum number of KOs within the limited number of turns that Rain Dance provides. Head Smash is Relicanth's primary source of damage, and the recoil Head Smash causes can allow Relicanth to KO itself, which allows you to bring in a teammate for free that can take advantage of the effects of rain and helps preserve Stealth Rock by evading Rapid Spin and Defog. Yawn is used to create free turns to set up Stealth Rock or Rain Dance, while Waterfall is also an effective option to hit opposing Rock-types such as Probopass and Golem super effectively.
Set Details
========
Relicanth's ability Sturdy in combination with maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature guarantees that it can set up either Stealth Rock or Rain Dance against the most targets, unless it is Taunted by a faster Pokemon. Its Attack stat should also be maximized so that its Head Smash can hit as hard as possible. Using Damp Rock increases the number of turns that Rain Dance will be in effect by three, which significantly bolsters the rate of success for rain-based teams.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth should be used early-game before your opponent has set up any entry hazards so that its Sturdy remains intact for when it needs to set up either Stealth Rock or Rain Dance. After Relicanth has successfully set up, it can be sacrificed so that a Pokemon that can take advantage of the effects of Rain Dance can come in for free. In most cases, Relicanth will be used as a lead; however, it should not stay in against faster Taunt users such as Misdreavus. While it is often advantageous to sacrifice Relicanth after it has set up Rain Dance and Stealth Rock, it can be preserved to stop physically based threats such as Dodrio and Rapidash mid- or late-game, or in case the opposing team has a method of removing Relicanth's Stealth Rock.
Team Options
========
Lead Relicanth is built to support rain-based teams, so Pokemon that can take full advantage of the effects of Rain Dance are ideal. Pokemon such as Gorebyss, Armaldo, Beartic, Golduck, Swanna, Huntail, and Floatzel are all excellent options, thanks to Water-type attacks receiving a boost, Swift Swim being activated, and Hurricane becoming perfectly accurate in Swanna's case. Swanna's ability to remove the Grass-types that would otherwise wall or prevent Relicanth from setting up via its perfectly accurate STAB Hurricane makes it a great partner. Relicanth especially appreciates Volbeat as a teammate, which is able to consistently set up Rain Dance via Prankster and can also paralyze the opposition and therefore create opportunities for Relicanth to either attack with Head Smash or set up Stealth Rock. Volbeat also resists Fighting-, Grass-, and Ground-type attacks for Relicanth, while in return, Relicanth can tank any Fire- or Flying-type attacks aimed at Volbeat. Pokemon that provide Relicanth with resistances or immunities to its weaknesses also deserve special mentions. For example, Zebstrika and Raichu can be used for their access to Sap Sipper and Lightningrod, respectively, and they also benefit from Rain Dance by receiving an accuracy boost to Thunder. Finally, Grass-types synergize well with Relicanth because they are able to take on the Electric-types that would run through rain-based teams otherwise. Similarly, these Electric-types are not stopped by Volbeat's Thunder Wave, so Grass-types such as Roselia prevent them from beating rain teams when Rain Dance is no longer in effect. However, if Roselia is being used, it should avoid using Synthesis in favor of Rest with Natural Cure, as Synthesis recovers less HP when Rain Dance is in effect.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Choice Band set with Head Smash, Double-Edge, Zen Headbutt, and Waterfall is a usable option to turn Relicanth into a slow wallbreaker. However, its overall dysfunction in PU stems from the fact that it is too slow and therefore easily revenge killed by a plethora of faster threats with super effective coverage moves that can either outright KO it or force it out and consequently gain momentum. An offensive set that takes advantage of the effects of Rain Dance via Swift Swim can be attractive, given that Rain Dance also boosts the power of Relicanth's Waterfall. However, such a set is not recommended because this role as a physically offensive rain sweeper is performed better by other options, like Beartic and Armaldo. Moreover, using Swift Swim on Relicanth means that it will be using a much weaker Rock-type STAB move in Stone Edge because Head Smash without Rock Head results in Relicanth taking too much recoil damage. The only time using Head Smash without Rock Head is advisable is when Relicanth is being sacrificed in order to bring in a rain sweeper for free. While a Custap Berry can be used over Damp Rock on the lead set in order to set either Rain Dance or Stealth Rock with priority, the loss of Damp Rock shortens the duration of Rain Dance. Life Orb is an option on offensive sets using a Jolly nature and allows Relicanth to 2HKO Stunfisk and Probopass with Waterfall, but it is not recommended in all cases, as it detracts too much from the bulk Relicanth needs in order to reliably set up Rock Polish. While it is often better to maximize Relicanth's physical bulk on its Rock Polish set by aiming to beat Zebstrika and then reallocating the remainder of its EVs toward HP in order to allow it to set up Rock Polish more reliably, Relicanth can still run enough Speed to outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-F at +2. However, doing so means Relicanth will need to use a Jolly nature, which detracts greatly from its ability to sweep with Head Smash. Aqua Tail can be used over Waterfall on Relicanth's offensive sets for a slight boost in power, but the drop in accuracy and the loss of the flinch chance are undesirable, especially given that Relicanth is already relying on an inaccurate move in Head Smash to deal the bulk of its damage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types such as defensive Tangela, Quilladin, Gogoat, and Gourgeist-XL can tank any hit outside of a Choice Band-boosted Head Smash and retaliate with a STAB attack. Furthermore, faster Grass-types such as Sawsbuck, Leafeon, Simisage, and Jumpluff are easily able to revenge kill Relicanth, unless it has used Rock Polish.
**Electric-types**: Pokemon such as Zebstrika and Raichu can outspeed and OHKO Relicanth, especially if Sturdy has already been deactivated via prior damage. Additionally, Electric-type Choice Scarf users such as Rotom-F can outspeed Relicanth after a Rock Polish boost and OHKO it with Thunderbolt.
**Status**: If Relicanth is not using a Lum Berry, status effects can hamper offensive Relicanth's ability to function. For example, Pokemon with access to Will-O-Wisp such as Solrock and Misdreavus are able to halve Relicanth's damage output and consequently prevent it from sweeping. The damage over time from burn can also put Relicanth in range of being KOed by threats that appreciate Relicanth's Sturdy being broken or its longevity being limited.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon that can hit Relicanth on its weaker Special Defense stat pressure it offensively and often disallow the usage of Rock Polish. For example, Choice Scarf Mr. Mime and Choice Scarf Rotom-F both outspeed Relicanth even after a Rock Polish and can OHKO it via Focus Blast and Thunderbolt, respectively.
**Faster Users of Taunt**: With access to Taunt, Misdreavus, Grumpig, and Vigoroth can stop Relicanth from setting up Stealth Rock or Rain Dance for its teammates, using a status move, or boosting its Speed via Rock Polish. Furthermore, Misdreavus has enough physical bulk to survive a Head Smash from offensive variants and burn Relicanth on the following turn with Will-O-Wisp.
**Pokemon that Resist Head Smash**: Thanks to their resistance to Head Smash via advantageous typing and naturally high bulk, Pokemon such as Machoke and physically defensive Stunfisk prevent Relicanth from spamming its main STAB move and can OHKO it after Stealth Rock damage in return. Klang and Metang also resist Head Smash and take little damage from Relicanth's attacks unless it is using Earthquake.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / frenzyplant
[OVERVIEW]
Relicanth is a multifaceted Pokemon in the PU metagame that is able to use its immense physical bulk and useful resistances to Flying-, Normal-, and Fire-type moves from Pokemon such as Dodrio and Rapidash to set up Stealth Rock reliably on both defensive and offensive sets. With access to Rock Polish and a respectable Attack stat, Relicanth can threaten the opposition very easily with dual STAB coverage in Head Smash and Waterfall. Additionally, given its access to both Rain Dance and Stealth Rock and a beneficial ability in Sturdy that allows it to use these two moves reliably, Relicanth has carved out a niche for itself in PU as a dedicated lead on rain-based teams. On the downside, however, Relicanth's overall effectiveness is sometimes limited by its low Special Defense and Speed, as well as its weaknesses to other common attacking types such as Electric, Ground, Fighting, and especially Grass. Despite these flaws, Relicanth is still overall an advantageous choice for defensive and offensive teams alike, given its ability as a Stealth Rock user to pressure PU's most reliable options for hazard removal.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Head Smash / Rock Slide
move 3: Toxic / Yawn
move 4: Protect / Waterfall / Scald
item: Leftovers
ability: Rock Head / Sturdy
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock provides support for Relicanth's teammates by damaging switch-ins and possibly deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes. Head Smash can be used in tandem with Rock Head; however, if Sturdy is run for a better chance to set up Stealth Rock, Rock Slide should be Relicanth's STAB attack of choice. Toxic is used to cripple bulky switch-ins when your opponent is under the assumption that Relicanth is running an offensive set. Yawn is also an option over Toxic to force switches and provide Relicanth with more opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as well as the means to avoid being set up on by Pokemon such as Duosion. Protect is very helpful for restoring HP via Leftovers and possibly stalling with Toxic. Protect can even be used in combination with Yawn to keep Relicanth safe as it waits for its foe to fall asleep. Waterfall is a secondary option that helps hit Pokemon that resist Head Smash harder, such as Golem. Scald can be used on defensive sets for the 30% chance to cripple physical attackers via a burn.
Set Details
========
Sturdy prevents Relicanth from being OHKOed and lets it lay Stealth Rock more reliably. If Head Smash is used, Rock Head should be Relicanth's ability of choice to avoid recoil damage. This set is meant to be used as a wall; therefore, Relicanth should fully invest its EVs in HP and Defense and use an Impish nature to maximize its physical bulk. When running Scald, a Relaxed nature should be used. Investing up to 48 EVs in Speed is a secondary option and allows Relicanth to outspeed Vullaby, Tangela, and Volbeat. Doing so can be advantageous, given that STAB Head Smash OHKOes Volbeat and 2HKOes Vullaby even without any Attack investment. Outspeeding Tangela also has the added benefit of laying Stealth Rock or crippling it with Toxic before being taken down. Leftovers is normally Relicanth's only form of recovery and can be used in combination with Protect to give it some extra longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth can use its Rock typing and superior physical bulk to continuously switch in on threats whose moves it resists in order to set up Stealth Rock and weaken the opponent's team via its STAB attacks or Toxic. Relicanth is meant to be used as a physical wall with this set and therefore can come in at any point in a match in order to check or counter threatening physical attackers, although it is ideal to set up Stealth Rock early- or mid-game so that it can do as much damage as possible. On the turn Relicanth forces physical attackers out, such as Purugly, Dodrio, or Stoutland locked into Frustration, it can use Stealth Rock and switch out afterward. If Stealth Rock is already up on the opponent's side of the field, Relicanth should use this opportunity to hit something with Head Smash or Toxic. Protect is especially helpful for restoring HP via Leftovers and can be used every other turn if Relicanth is staying in against a threat that has already been hit by Toxic. It also has the added bonus of easing prediction and protecting Relicanth from super effective attacks. However, spamming Protect can be dangerous because such a play soon becomes obvious to the opponent.
Team Options
========
Any Pokemon possessing either a 4x resistance to Grass-type attacks or the ability Sap Sipper, such as Sawsbuck, Bouffalant, Gogoat, Zebstrika, Jumpluff, or Roselia, can make for a great partner, given that Relicanth will be consistently drawing in your foes' Grass-type attacks. Specially defensive Roselia forms a very strong defensive backbone with physically defensive Relicanth that is only beaten by a few choice Pokemon with strong offensive coverage, such as Simisear, Ninetales, and Rock Polish Regice. Rapidash is therefore another strong choice for a teammate because it forces both Simisear and Ninetales out with its superior Speed and Drill Run, and beats Regice with its STAB Flare Blitz while resisting Regice's Ice Beam. Like Roselia, Pokemon with high Special Defense in general can help account for Relicanth's lower Special Defense stat and synergize well as a result. Given that Roselia and Relicanth will be stacking entry hazards together, Pokemon that can protect these entry hazards or deter the use of Defog are exceptionally useful partners. For example, Misdreavus can block Rapid Spin and Taunt slower Defoggers such as Pelipper and Vibrava, whereas Pawniard and Purugly can come in on a predicted Defog, boost to +2 Attack via Defiant, and proceed to threaten the opponent's team. Pokemon with an immunity to Electric-type attacks, including Lightningrod users such as Zebstrika and Raichu as well as Ground-types such as Stunfisk, are useful for preserving Relicanth.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Stealth Rock / Earthquake / Rest
item: Leftovers / Stone Plate / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 148 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish doubles Relicanth's Speed, allowing it to outspeed many offensive threats and KO them with a STAB Head Smash. Head Smash hits exceptionally hard and has the potential to sweep unprepared teams after a Rock Polish boost. Head Smash and Waterfall have excellent coverage together, but Earthquake can be used along Head Smash and Waterfall to hit Pokemon that take paltry damage from Waterfall harder, like Klang and Metang. Earthquake also ensures that Relicanth KOes naturally faster targets that are weak to Ground-type attacks, such as Zebstrika. Relicanth's last slot can be used for Stealth Rock, which provides support for its teammates by damaging switch-ins and possibly deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes. Rest is a final option that, when used in combination with a Lum Berry, gives Relicanth a second chance to set up and sweep.
Set Details
========
Rock Head should be Relicanth's ability of choice, as it lets it use Head Smash without incurring any recoil damage. Stone Plate is a viable option as an item, as the damage boost lets Relicanth OHKO standard Roselia with Head Smash. Using a Lum Berry in conjunction with Rest capitalizes on Relicanth's physical bulk and has the potential to cure any status ailment that would otherwise prevent Relicanth from sweeping after it has set up with Rock Polish. Lum Berry should be used with Rest, while Leftovers or Stone Plate should be used with either Earthquake or Stealth Rock. The given EV spread and an Adamant nature maximize Relicanth's offensive capabilities. A minimum of 148 EVs in Speed should be used to let Relicanth outspeed neutral-natured base 70s and everything slower before using Rock Polish, which includes relevant targets such as Solrock, Vibrava, Pelipper, and Roselia. These Speed EVs also allow Relicanth to outspeed Zebstrika and other fast yet frail offensive threats after a Rock Polish boost. An alternative spread with maximum Speed investment and an Adamant nature can be used to let Relicanth outspeed additional threats before it boosts, such as Armaldo and Regice.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth's primary function is as a bulky setup sweeper and cleaner, and it should use its Rock typing and superior physical bulk in order to switch in on physically based threats whose attacks it resists, such as Dodrio and Purugly. Relicanth can also force out more defensively oriented Pokemon that are weak to Head Smash, such as Armaldo and specially defensive Pelipper. Once it has forced out a Pokemon that it counters, Relicanth should use this turn to set up either Rock Polish or Stealth Rock. Relicanth is best used mid- or late-game, once offensive threats faster than 366 Speed that can revenge kill it after a Rock Polish boost, such as Choice Scarf Rotom-F and Choice Scarf Sawsbuck, have been disabled or outright removed by Relicanth's teammates. Similarly, defensive answers to Relicanth such as Stunfisk and Tangela need to be weakened significantly before Relicanth can sweep through the opponent's team successfully.
Team Options
========
Given Relicanth's weaknesses to Electric-, Ground-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks, Grass-types like Roselia, Exeggutor, and Gourgeist make for ideal partners. For example, Exeggutor resists all of Relicanth's weaknesses, barring Freeze-Dry, and can break down defensive threats to Relicanth such as Stunfisk with its powerful STAB attacks. Roselia can also switch into Stunfisk, whittle down Relicanth's counters with entry hazards, and create setup opportunities for Relicanth via Sleep Powder or Stun Spore. Simisage is a great offensive partner to Relicanth, given its ability to break down defensive Grass-types and Ground-types with a combination of Knock Off and Gunk Shot or a powerful STAB Life Orb-boosted Leaf Storm, respectively. Conversely, Relicanth appreciates powerful teammates that can take down bulky Grass-types, such as Regice, Articuno, Dodrio, Rapidash, Ninetales, Simisear, and Monferno. Fire-types are especially useful in this case, as they are immune to or can even take advantage of burns aimed at Relicanth. Pokemon that do not mind being burned by Will-O-Wisp due to their access to Guts, STAB Facade, or Flash Fire are ideal partners. Guts Machoke and Scrappy Stoutland with Choice Band and Facade can use burns aimed at Relicanth as an opportunity to force out and pressure defensive answers to Relicanth such as Misdreavus. Additionally, Machoke can use its combination of Knock Off and Ice Punch to punish Eviolite-reliant Grass-types, such as Tangela, Quilladin, and Roselia, which lets Relicanth sweep more easily. Relicanth enjoys having teammates that can break down the other team via entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, so that once it sets up a Rock Polish, it is able to clean more effectively. Stunfisk and Camerupt are notable Stealth Rock users that also provide Relicanth with dedicated switch-ins to fast Electric-types like Raichu and Zebstrika that give it trouble, even despite sharing some weaknesses with Relicanth. Surrounding Relicanth with checks to Fighting-types, such as Exeggutor, Grumpig, Duosion, Mr. Mime, and Jumpluff, is a great way to remove any stops to Head Smash.
[SET]
name: Rain Lead
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Yawn / Waterfall
item: Damp Rock
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Lead Relicanth's primary purpose is to set Rain Dance, which boosts the power of Water-type attacks and activates Swift Swim for its teammates. The addition of Stealth Rock allows teammates such as Golduck and Beartic the chance to sweep opposing teams without being stopped early by Pokemon that use Focus Sash or Sturdy. Similarly, the chip damage from Stealth Rock helps Pokemon that are benefited by rain make the most of Rain Dance by scoring the maximum number of KOs within the limited number of turns that Rain Dance provides. Head Smash is Relicanth's primary source of damage, and the recoil Head Smash causes can allow Relicanth to KO itself, which allows you to bring in a teammate for free that can take advantage of the effects of rain and helps preserve Stealth Rock by evading Rapid Spin and Defog. Yawn is used to create free turns to set up Stealth Rock or Rain Dance, while Waterfall is also an effective option to hit opposing Rock-types such as Probopass and Golem super effectively.
Set Details
========
Relicanth's ability Sturdy in combination with maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature guarantees that it can set up either Stealth Rock or Rain Dance against the most targets, unless it is Taunted by a faster Pokemon. Its Attack stat should also be maximized so that its Head Smash can hit as hard as possible. Using Damp Rock increases the number of turns that Rain Dance will be in effect by three, which significantly bolsters the rate of success for rain-based teams.
Usage Tips
========
Relicanth should be used early-game before your opponent has set up any entry hazards so that its Sturdy remains intact for when it needs to set up either Stealth Rock or Rain Dance. After Relicanth has successfully set up, it can be sacrificed so that a Pokemon that can take advantage of the effects of Rain Dance can come in for free. In most cases, Relicanth will be used as a lead; however, it should not stay in against faster Taunt users such as Misdreavus. While it is often advantageous to sacrifice Relicanth after it has set up Rain Dance and Stealth Rock, it can be preserved to stop physically based threats such as Dodrio and Rapidash mid- or late-game, or in case the opposing team has a method of removing Relicanth's Stealth Rock.
Team Options
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Lead Relicanth is built to support rain-based teams, so Pokemon that can take full advantage of the effects of Rain Dance are ideal. Pokemon such as Gorebyss, Armaldo, Beartic, Golduck, Swanna, Huntail, and Floatzel are all excellent options, thanks to Water-type attacks receiving a boost, Swift Swim being activated, and Hurricane becoming perfectly accurate in Swanna's case. Swanna's ability to remove the Grass-types that would otherwise wall or prevent Relicanth from setting up via its perfectly accurate STAB Hurricane makes it a great partner. Relicanth especially appreciates Volbeat as a teammate, which is able to consistently set up Rain Dance via Prankster and can also paralyze the opposition and therefore create opportunities for Relicanth to either attack with Head Smash or set up Stealth Rock. Volbeat also resists Fighting-, Grass-, and Ground-type attacks for Relicanth, while in return, Relicanth can tank any Fire- or Flying-type attacks aimed at Volbeat. Pokemon that provide Relicanth with resistances or immunities to its weaknesses also deserve special mentions. For example, Zebstrika and Raichu can be used for their access to Sap Sipper and Lightningrod, respectively, and they also benefit from Rain Dance by receiving an accuracy boost to Thunder. Finally, Grass-types synergize well with Relicanth because they are able to take on the Electric-types that would run through rain-based teams otherwise. Similarly, these Electric-types are not stopped by Volbeat's Thunder Wave, so Grass-types such as Roselia prevent them from beating rain teams when Rain Dance is no longer in effect. However, if Roselia is being used, it should avoid using Synthesis in favor of Rest with Natural Cure, as Synthesis recovers less HP when Rain Dance is in effect.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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A Choice Band set with Head Smash, Double-Edge, Zen Headbutt, and Waterfall is a usable option to turn Relicanth into a slow wallbreaker. However, its overall dysfunction in PU stems from the fact that it is too slow and therefore easily revenge killed by a plethora of faster threats with super effective coverage moves that can either outright KO it or force it out and consequently gain momentum. An offensive set that takes advantage of the effects of Rain Dance via Swift Swim can be attractive, given that Rain Dance also boosts the power of Relicanth's Waterfall. However, such a set is not recommended because this role as a physically offensive rain sweeper is performed better by other options, like Beartic and Armaldo. Moreover, using Swift Swim on Relicanth means that it will be using a much weaker Rock-type STAB move in Stone Edge because Head Smash without Rock Head results in Relicanth taking too much recoil damage. The only time using Head Smash without Rock Head is advisable is when Relicanth is being sacrificed in order to bring in a rain sweeper for free. While a Custap Berry can be used over Damp Rock on the lead set in order to set either Rain Dance or Stealth Rock with priority, the loss of Damp Rock shortens the duration of Rain Dance. Life Orb is an option on offensive sets using a Jolly nature and allows Relicanth to 2HKO Stunfisk and Probopass with Waterfall, but it is not recommended in all cases, as it detracts too much from the bulk Relicanth needs in order to reliably set up Rock Polish. While it is often better to maximize Relicanth's physical bulk on its Rock Polish set by aiming to beat Zebstrika and then reallocating the remainder of its EVs toward HP in order to allow it to set up Rock Polish more reliably, Relicanth can still run enough Speed to outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-F at +2. However, doing so means Relicanth will need to use a Jolly nature, which detracts greatly from its ability to sweep with Head Smash. Aqua Tail can be used over Waterfall on Relicanth's offensive sets for a slight boost in power, but the drop in accuracy and the loss of the flinch chance are undesirable, especially given that Relicanth is already relying on an inaccurate move in Head Smash to deal the bulk of its damage.
Checks and Counters
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**Grass-types**: Defensive Grass-types such as defensive Tangela, Quilladin, Gogoat, and Gourgeist-XL can tank any hit outside of a Choice Band-boosted Head Smash and retaliate with a STAB attack. Furthermore, faster Grass-types such as Sawsbuck, Leafeon, Simisage, and Jumpluff are easily able to revenge kill Relicanth, unless it has used Rock Polish.
**Electric-types**: Pokemon such as Zebstrika and Raichu can outspeed and OHKO Relicanth, especially if Sturdy has already been deactivated via prior damage. Additionally, Electric-type Choice Scarf users such as Rotom-F can outspeed Relicanth after a Rock Polish boost and OHKO it with Thunderbolt.
**Status**: If Relicanth is not using a Lum Berry, status effects can hamper offensive Relicanth's ability to function. For example, Pokemon with access to Will-O-Wisp such as Solrock and Misdreavus are able to halve Relicanth's damage output and consequently prevent it from sweeping. The damage over time from burn can also put Relicanth in range of being KOed by threats that appreciate Relicanth's Sturdy being broken or its longevity being limited.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon that can hit Relicanth on its weaker Special Defense stat pressure it offensively and often disallow the usage of Rock Polish. For example, Choice Scarf Mr. Mime and Choice Scarf Rotom-F both outspeed Relicanth even after a Rock Polish and can OHKO it via Focus Blast and Thunderbolt, respectively.
**Faster Users of Taunt**: With access to Taunt, Misdreavus, Grumpig, and Vigoroth can stop Relicanth from setting up Stealth Rock or Rain Dance for its teammates, using a status move, or boosting its Speed via Rock Polish. Furthermore, Misdreavus has enough physical bulk to survive a Head Smash from offensive variants and burn Relicanth on the following turn with Will-O-Wisp.
**Pokemon that Resist Head Smash**: Thanks to their resistance to Head Smash via advantageous typing and naturally high bulk, Pokemon such as Machoke and physically defensive Stunfisk prevent Relicanth from spamming its main STAB move and can OHKO it after Stealth Rock damage in return. Klang and Metang also resist Head Smash and take little damage from Relicanth's attacks unless it is using Earthquake.
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