NU Toxicroak QC (3/3) GP (2/2)

[poh]

[OVERVIEW]

Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Passimian and Medicham through its defensive utility, access to boosting moves, and ability to run both physical and special sets. Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores and makes it unpredictable. It has just enough Speed to outpace key threats such as Medicham, Vanilluxe, and Klinklang. Its good offensive typing and useful ability let it counter Water-types like Vaporeon and Swords Dance Samurott, aiding its setup opportunities, and its resistance to common offensive types like Dark, Fighting, and Grass enables it to check Pokemon like Scrafty, Malamar, and Sceptile, but its big weakness to Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Slowbro is a major problem. Also, Toxicroak's Speed leaves it slower than prominent threats like Sneasel, Whimsicott, and Heliolisk. However, Toxicroak can still deal with faster threats with either Sucker Punch or Bullet Punch.

[SET]

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on Pokemon it walls or threatens out. Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. Its 30% poison chance can be very useful for wearing Toxicroak's checks down. Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch also provides a sort of recovery, giving Toxicroak more longevity and helping it deal with Life Orb recoil. Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph. Bullet Punch can be used as priority instead of Sucker Punch, hitting faster threats such as Sneasel and Whimsicott for super effective damage and working more reliably.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature lets Toxicroak outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe. Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost, and its recoil damage can be mitigated with Drain Punch. Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into a 190-Base Power Acid Downpour, which helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. +2 Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. Acid Downpour can also be used when you don't want to risk missing Gunk Shot. Dry Skin is Toxicroak's preferred ability because it gives an immunity to Water-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Look for Pokemon Toxicroak can set up on from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding those setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at wallbreaking. For example, Toxicroak can set up on a Passimian if it's Choice-locked into Close Combat or a Whimsicott that's Choice-locked into Energy Ball. Water-types like Vaporeon, Blastoise, and Samurott are good setup targets as well due to Toxicroak's Dry Skin. Toxicroak also scares out Dark-types like Scrafty and Malamar and Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Comfey. Take these opportunities to set up Swords Dance or weaken a check with Toxicroak's STAB moves. Toxicroak can be used mid-game to wear down checks and late-game as a sweeper. Common checks like Slowbro and Golbat need to be heavily weakened for Toxicroak to sweep, however.

Team Options
========

Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with Ghost- and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple some of Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire- and Flying-type attacks directed at Toxicroak, supports Toxicroak with Stealth Rock, and benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk force out common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon with either their STAB moves or a Grass-type coverage move. Vanilluxe appreciates Toxicroak's ability to remove checks to Ice-types like Hariyama and Cryogonal; in return, Vanilluxe deals with common Toxicroak checks like Slowbro and Golbat. Bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Vaporeon can deal with opposing Ground-types, enhancing Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities later in the game. Setup sweepers like Klinklang appreciate Toxicroak's ability to deal with bulky Water-types, clearing Klinklang's path to sweep.

[SET]

name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Vacuum Wave / Focus Blast
move 4: Shadow Ball / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack, and with its good special coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage. Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and most spammable attack. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro. Vacuum Wave provides Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster foes like Sneasel and Heliolisk, while Focus Blast hits very hard after a boost. Shadow Ball hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Palossand, Mismagius, and Jellicent, avoiding a possible Colbur Berry, for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed. A Timid nature allows Toxicroak to outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe, while a Modest nature maximizes Toxicroak's power, enabling it to OHKO specially defensive Diancie with All-Out Pummeling at +2. Life Orb helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon. Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke that helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type: Null. All-Out Pummeling can also be used as a safe option when you don't want to worry about missing Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, and physical walls in general. Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to Dry Skin. Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on their switch. Use Pokemon like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel as setup bait. Unlike the Swords Dance set, this set doesn't have a way to recover. Life Orb makes this issue worse, so don't let Toxicroak take unnecessary hits.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can lure in Vaporeon like Steelix and Gigalith are excellent partners for Toxicroak. Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with Ghost -and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple some of Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire- and Flying-type attacks directed at Toxicroak, supports Toxicroak with Stealth Rock, and benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk force out common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon with either their STAB moves or a Grass-type coverage move.

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

+2 Life Orb Stone Edge can OHKO less physically bulky Golbat variants. Earthquake can be used to get past Poison-types like Garbodor and Toxicroak, but it isn't worth giving up priority. Choice Scarf Toxicroak can be used as a revenge killer, but Choice Scarf Passimian performs that role better. Low Kick is an option that allows boosted Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon. However, Low Kick is less consistent than Drain Punch due to its power being reliant on the opposing Pokemon's weight and it not giving Toxicroak a way of recovering HP.

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak, although they need to be careful of Shadow Ball, and OHKO Toxicroak back due to its major Psychic weakness. Other Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Delphox can revenge kill Toxicroak, while Assault Vest Slowking can take hits from the special set. The former two need to be wary of Sucker Punch, though.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be wary of Sucker Punch and Shadow Ball.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Choice Scarf Houndoom, Choice Scarf Passimian, Sandslash, and Stoutland under sand outspeed and threaten to OHKO Toxicroak. Whimsicott must be wary of Bullet Punch, though.

 

[Shadestep]

The overview really needs some expansion. It's very vague and doesn't really cover everything. Mention what it has over other fighting-types in the tier, what set specifically is better at wallbreaking and which one is better at sweeping, etc. Overall, it really needs to be stretched out a bit more. Mention its great speed tier and name some examples.

you definitely need to mention Jolly on the first set. It helps vs a lot of stuff that creeps around the 280 speed benchmark, such as Klinklang, Braviary, Mesprit, Passimian, etc.
Mention Cross Chop in moves as it picks up many KOs at +2 that Drain Punch does not net, for example Rhydon and some Seismitoad spreads.
Usage Tips needs to be expanded a lot more. For the entire analysis, keep in mind what people you're writing this for and what people will likely read this.

Overall, I think the quality is good for now but you need to add more. No unnecessary fluff, but actual useful tips and/or options that can help newer player understand how to use the Mon more. It is a tricky pokemon to use after all.

tag me when you're done with this and i'll give it a final check PursuitOfHappiny

 

[poh]

Shadestep

 

[Shadestep]

[OVERVIEW]

• Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Virizion and Medicham by being a versatile, customisable and effective wallbreaker.
• Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores which makes it unpredictable.
• It has just the right speed tier to outspeed key threats such as Venusaur, Vanilluxe and Klinklang.
• Unique typing and useful ability aiding its setup opportunities.
• Toxicroak can function as a powerful wallbreaker and late-game cleaner once set up.
• Resists common offensive types like Dark, Fighting and Grass but has a big weakness to Psychic. Quite vague, please add some concrete examples.
• Even with a favorable defensive typing, Toxicroak lacks the bulk to take strong hits. Add some examples like Specs Venusaur's Leaf Storm.

[SET]

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on the Pokemon it walls and/or threatens out. Name some examples.
• Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. The 30% poison chance can be very useful to wear down Toxicroaks checks.
• Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch provides some sort of recovery not only giving Toxicroak more longevity but also helps Toxicroak deal with Life Orb recoil.
• Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph.
• Knock off can be used to cripple common switch-ins like Golbat and Garbodor. Write down the downsides of using Knock Off.
• Cross Chop is an option that allows Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon after a Swords Dance boost.

Set Details
========

• Maximum investment in Attack and Speed combined with an Adamant nature lets Toxicroak hit as hard as possible.
• Jolly Toxicroak outspeeds the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Venusaur and is coupled with a Life Orb. Put this line above the Adamant one, otherwise you give people the impression Adamant is better.
• Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost and can heal off the recoil damage with Drain Punch. I understand what you mean here but the sentence isn't correct. Just nitpicking.
• Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into Acid Downpour, a powerful nuke and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Swords Dance, Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. The Z-move can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Gunk Shot.
• Dry Skin Toxicroak's preferred ability and gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks. Add examples.

Usage Tips
========

• Try to look on which Pokemon you can set up from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding out setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at breaking. This is very vague and unclear. Try to only give concrete examples in all analyses.
• Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott are good set-up baits due to Toxicroak's ability Dry Skin.
• Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Mega Audino, Virizion, and Scrafty and set up on the switch. remove Virizion
• Add more lines here. Toxicroak isn't the easiest Pokémon to use.

Team Options
========

• Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers.
• Rhydon resists Fire and Flying type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks.
• Add more examples here. 2 lines is definitely too little.

[SET]

name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave / Sludge Bomb
move 3: Focus Blast / Vacuum Wave
move 4: Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack and with its good coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage.
• Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and is Toxicroak's most spammable move. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro.
• Sludge Bomb finish this sentence.
• Vacuum Wave provides special Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster enemies, whileFocus Blast hits very hard after a boost.
• Dark Pulse hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Jellicent for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

• The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed.
• A Modest nature is necessary to maximize Toxicroak's power since it has an average Special Attack stat.
• Life Orb's boost helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon.
• Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type Null. Using the Z-move also can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

• Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, or physical walls in general.
• Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to its ability Dry Skin.
• Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Vileplume, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on the switch.
• Elaborate more. When can you afford to set up? Is it worth setting up if the opponent has a full-health Delphox left on their team?

Team Options
========

• Stealth Rock support. This is way too little. Please elaborate a lot.
• Dark-types like Sneasel and Houndoom can take care of Ghost- and Psychic-types Toxicroak can't get past.
• Add more lines. Toxicroak needs a lot of support and it certainly isn't a Pokemon that functions well without team support. You can add a line about bulky Water-type abusers (Heliolisk), Pokemon that can outpace a lot of the scarfers that deal with Toxicroak (Houndoom for example), etc.

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

• A defensive set with an EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def /, an Impish nature, and Black Sludge can be used as a bulky wincon but also a sturdy Fighting-type check.
• Stone Edge hits Golbat.
• Substitute + Focus Punch
• Earthquake hits Poison-types.
• Bullet Punch can be used to revengekill Whimsicott.
• Choice Scarf.
• Low Kick hits Pokemon like Guzzlord and Steelix extremely hard.

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak's moves while OHKOing Toxicroak in the process due to its major Psychic weakness. Neither of them switch in very well or outspeed it though. I'd name other examples, like Sigilyph.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be weary of Sucker Punch / Dark Pulse. Add Palossand and Jellicent.

my main tip for you is to try to put yourself in the mind of a new player that does not know how to use this Pokemon well. These are the people that will most likely read this analysis. You obviously know how to use Toxicroak properly, but try to make new people understand as well.

 

[etern]

[OVERVIEW]

• Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Passimian and Medicham by being a versatile, customisable and effective wallbreaker. (Croak distinguishes itself through it's defensive utility, access to boosting moves, and ability to run both physical and special sets.)
• Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores which makes it unpredictable.
• It has just the right speed tier to outspeed key threats such as Medicham, Vanilluxe and Klinklang.
• Good offensive typing and useful ability let it counter Water-types like Vaporeon and Swords Dance Samurott, aiding its setup opportunities.
• Toxicroak can function as a powerful wallbreaker and late-game cleaner once set up. (Vague, doesn't really tell us anything, delete)
• Resists common offensive types like Dark, Fighting and Grass but has a big weakness to Psychic. (Give examples of what Pokemon this lets it check, dont regurgitate dex info)
• Even with a favorable defensive typing, Toxicroak lacks the bulk to take strong hits.
• (This isn't bad, but you should focus more on selling why Toxicroak is worth using, what it specifically does, rather than telling us information that can be seen on the dex. Try and synthesise it a bit to get rid of the sweeping statements.)

[SET]

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly / Adamant (Remove Adamant)
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on the Pokemon it walls and/or threatens out.
• Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. The 30% poison chance can be very useful to wear down Toxicroaks checks.
• Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch provides some sort of recovery not only giving Toxicroak more longevity but also helps Toxicroak deal with Life Orb recoil.
• Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph.
• Knock off can be used to cripple common switch-ins like Golbat and Garbodor. (Remove)
• Low Kick is an option that allows Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon after a boost. (Remove)
• Bullet Punch can be used as priority instead of Sucker Punch, hitting faster threats such as Sneasel and Whimsicott for supereffective damage.

Set Details
========

• Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Toxicroak outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb.
• Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost and can heal off the recoil damage with Drain Punch.
• Maximum investment in Attack and Speed combined with an Adamant nature lets Toxicroak hit as hard as possible and is coupled with Poisonium Z. (Remove mentions of Adamant)
• Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into a 190-Base Power Acid Downpour and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Swords Dance, Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. The Z-move can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Gunk Shot.
• Dry Skin is Toxicroak's preferred ability and gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

• Try to look on which Pokemon you can set up from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding out setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at breaking. (Talk about being able to use certain Pokemon like Choice-Locked Passimian, etc as setup bait)
• Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott are good set-up baits due to Toxicroak's ability Dry Skin. (More examples, stuff like Blastoise etc)
• Toxicroak also scares out Dark-types like Scrafty and Malamar and Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Comfey. Take these opportunities to set up a Swords Dance or weaken a check with Toxicroak's STAB moves.
• Toxicroak can be used mid-game to wear down checks and can be used as a lategame sweeper. (What does it need to wait for to sweep, mention needing things like Golbat and Slowbro weakened)

Team Options
========

• Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers.
• Rhydon resists Fire and Flying type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks.
• Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon.
• Vanilluxe appreciates Toxicroak's ability to remove Ice checks like Hariyama and Assault Vest Incineroar, in return Vanilluxe deals with common Toxicroak checks like Slowbro and Garbodor. (Remove AV Incineroar mentions,)

[SET]

name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave / Sludge Bomb (Remove Sludge Bomb)
move 3: Focus Blast / Vacuum Wave (Slash Vacuum Wave first)
move 4: Shadow Ball / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z (Slash Poison Z instead of Fight Z)
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack and with its good coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage.
• Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and is Toxicroak's most spammable move. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro.
• Sludge Bomb is a good alternative for Sludge Wave, trading a bit of power for a chance of poisoning the foe. (Remove)
• Vacuum Wave provides special Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster enemies like Sneasel and Heliolisk, while Focus Blast hits very hard after a boost.
• Shadow Ball hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Jellicent, avoiding a possible Colbur Berry, for super effective damage. (Palossand is a key target here)

Set Details
========

• The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed.
• A Modest nature maximizes Toxicroak's power since it has an average Special Attack stat.
• Timid Toxicroak outspeeds the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb.
• Life Orb's boost helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon.
• Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type Null. Using the Z-move also can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Focus Blast. (Make edits to reflect set changes)

Usage Tips
========

• Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, or physical walls in general.
• Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to its ability Dry Skin.
• Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on the switch. (Flesh this section out more)

Team Options
========

• Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers.
• Rhydon resists Fire and Flying type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks.
• Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon.

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

• Stone Edge hits Golbat. (Specify Life Orb on this set)
• Subtoxic + Focus Punch to lure pokemon like Jellicent. (Remove)
• Earthquake hits Poison-types.
• Choice Scarf.

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak's moves while OHKOing Toxicroak in the process due to its major Psychic weakness. (Mention that Xatu cannot switch into Gunk Shot or Shadow Ball, give more mentions of Psychic-types, like Sigilyph which can revenge and AV Slowking which can check Special.)

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be weary of Sucker Punch / Shadow Ball. (Palossand? Jellicent? Give more examples, what do they do to croak?)

(Add a section for Revenge Killers, you can mention Whimsicott, Sceptile, Scarf Houndoom, Scarf Passimian, Sandslash and Stoutland under Sand)

Implement all these changes and write it up, 2/3.

 

[asa]

[OVERVIEW]

Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Passimian and Medicham through it's defensive utility, access to boosting moves, and ability to run both physical and special sets. Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores which makes it unpredictable. It has just the right speed tier to outspeed key threats such as Medicham, Vanilluxe and Klinklang. Its good offensive typing and useful ability let it counter Water-types like Vaporeon and Swords Dance Samurott, aiding its setup opportunities. Toxicroak resists common offensive types like Dark, Fighting and Grass which lets it check Pokemon like Scrafty and Malamar while checking Sceptile offensively, but has a big weakness to Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Slowbro. (mention that its speed leaves it outpaced by common offensive pokemon like whimsicott, sneasel, and heliolisk, though also mention that its access to multiple forms of priority can mitigate this.)

[SET]

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on the Pokemon it walls and/or threatens out. Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. The 30% poison chance can be very useful to wear down Toxicroak's checks. Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch provides some sort of recovery not only giving Toxicroak more longevity but also helps Toxicroak deal with Life Orb recoil. Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph. Bullet Punch can be used as priority instead of Sucker Punch, hitting faster threats such as Sneasel and Whimsicott for super effective damage. (mention that bullet punch isn't reliant on the opponent attacking, which means that it can be more reliable in certain instances.)

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Toxicroak outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb. Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost and can heal off the recoil damage with Drain Punch. Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into a 190-Base Power Acid Downpour and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Swords Dance, Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. The Z-move can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Gunk Shot. Dry Skin is Toxicroak's preferred ability and gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Try to look on which Pokemon you can set up from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding out setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at breaking. For example, Toxicroak can set up on Passimian if it's choice-locked into Close Combat or Whimsicott choice-locked into Energy Ball. Water-types like Vaporeon, Blastoise and Samurott are good set-up baits due to Toxicroak's ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak also scares out Dark-types like Scrafty and Malamar and Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Comfey. Take these opportunities to set up a Swords Dance or weaken a check with Toxicroak's STAB moves. Toxicroak can be used mid-game to wear down checks and can be used as a lategame sweeper. Common checks like Slowbro and Golbat need to be heavily weakened for Toxicroak to sweep.

Team Options
========

Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire and Flying type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon. Vanilluxe appreciates Toxicroak's ability to remove Ice checks like Hariyama and Cryogonal, in return Vanilluxe deals with common Toxicroak checks like Slowbro and Golbat. (also mention bulky water-types, since they can reliably switch into ground-type attacks from pokemon like steelix, as well as sweepers and cleaners like klinklang that can take advantage of toxicroak heavily pressuring defensive cores, especially opposing bulky water-types.)

[SET]

name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Vacuum Wave / Focus Blast
move 4: Shadow Ball / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack and with its good coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage. Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and is Toxicroak's most spammable move. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro. Vacuum Wave provides special Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster enemies like Sneasel and Heliolisk, while Focus Blast hits very hard after a boost. Shadow Ball hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Palossand, Mismagius and Jellicent, avoiding a possible Colbur Berry, for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed. A Modest nature maximizes Toxicroak's power since it has an average Special Attack stat. Timid Toxicroak outspeeds the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb. (move the bit about timid toxicroak first, since it's slashed first.) Life Orb's boost helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon. Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type Null. Using the Z-move also can also be used as a safe option as you don't need to worry about missing Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, or physical walls in general. Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to its ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on the switch. (try to expand this a bit more by covering things like other pokemon toxicroak can switch into and mentioning that it doesn't have the bulk to take repeated hits, with life orb variants especially desping this.)

Team Options
========

Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire and Flying type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon. (differentiate this section from the team options for the physical set. mention things like entry hazards, voltturn users, and pokemon that can lure in bulky water-types for toxicroak to capitalize on.)

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

Stone Edge hits Golbat for super effective damage. After a boost and coupled with Life Orb, Toxicroak can OHKO less physically bulky Golbat variants. Toxicroak can use Earthquake to get past Poison-types like Garbodor and Toxicroak but it isn't worth giving up priority. Choice Scarf Toxicroak can be used as a revenge killer but Choice Scarf Passimian performs that role better. Low Kick is an option that allows Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon after a boost. (mention that low kick is less consistent than drain punch due to its power being reliant on the opposing pokemon's weight + it not providing recovery.)

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak's moves although they need to be careful of Shadow Ball while OHKOing Toxicroak in the process due to its major Psychic weakness. Other Psychic-types like Sigilyph can revenge kill Toxicroak while Assault Vest Slowking can take hits from the special set. (mention that toxicroak can potentially deal with sigilyph courtesy of sucker punch.)

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be wary of Sucker Punch / Shadow Ball.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Scarf Houndoom, Scarf Passimian, Sandslash and Stoutland under Sand can all outspeed and threaten to OHKO Toxicroak. (some of these are vulnerable to some of toxicroak's priority moves, so mention that.)

qc 3/ban sand

 

[Fireflame]

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Passimian and Medicham through it's its defensive utility, access to boosting moves, and ability to run both physical and special sets. Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores,(AC) which makes it unpredictable. It has just the right Speed tier to outspeed key threats such as Medicham, Vanilluxe,(AC) (Smogon uses the Oxford comma) and Klinklang. Its good offensive typing and useful ability let it counter Water-types like Vaporeon and Swords Dance Samurott, aiding its setup opportunities. Toxicroak resists common offensive types like Dark, Fighting,(AC) and Grass,(AC) which lets it check Pokemon like Scrafty and Malamar while checking Sceptile offensively, but has a big weakness to Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Slowbro. Despite its multiple positives, Toxicroak's Speed leaves it outsped by prominent threats like Sneasel, Whimsicott,(AC) and Heliolisk. However, Toxicroak can still deal with faster threats with either Sucker Punch or Bullet Punch.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on the Pokemon it walls and/or and threatens out. Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. The 30% poison chance can be very useful to wear down Toxicroak's checks. Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch also provides some sort of recovery,(AC) not only giving Toxicroak more longevity but also helps Toxicroak and helping it deal with Life Orb recoil. Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph. Bullet Punch can be used as priority instead of Sucker Punch, hitting faster threats such as Sneasel and Whimsicott for super effective damage,(AC) and isn't reliant on the opponent foe attacking, which means that it can be more reliable in certain instances.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Toxicroak outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb. Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost,(AC) and it can heal off the recoil damage with Drain Punch. Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into a 190-Base Power Acid Downpour and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Swords Dance, Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. The Z-Move can also be used as a safe option,(AC) as you don't need to worry about missing Gunk Shot. Dry Skin is Toxicroak's preferred ability and gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Try to look on at which Pokemon you Toxicroak can set up on from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding out setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at wallbreaking. For example, Toxicroak can set up on Passimian if it's choice-locked Choice locked into Close Combat or Whimsicott choice-locked Choice locked into Energy Ball. Water-types like Vaporeon, Blastoise,(AC) and Samurott are good set-up baits setup targets due to Toxicroak's ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak also scares out Dark-types like Scrafty and Malamar and Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Comfey. Take these opportunities to set up a Swords Dance or weaken a check with Toxicroak's STAB moves. Toxicroak can be used mid-game to wear down checks and can be used as a late-(AH)game as a sweeper. Common checks like Slowbro and Golbat need to be heavily weakened for Toxicroak to sweep.

Team Options
========

Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost-(AH) and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire-(AH) and Flying-(AH)type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon. Vanilluxe appreciates Toxicroak's ability to remove Ice checks like Hariyama and Cryogonal,(RC);(SC) in return,(AC) Vanilluxe deals with common Toxicroak checks like Slowbro and Golbat. Bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Vaporeon can deal with opposing Ground-types,(AC) enhancing Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities later in the game. Set up Setup sweepers like Klinklang appreciate Toxicroak's ability to deal with bulky Water-types, clearing Klinklangs Klinklang's path to sweep.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Vacuum Wave / Focus Blast
move 4: Shadow Ball / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack,(AC) and with its good coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage. Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and is Toxicroak's most spammable move. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro. Vacuum Wave provides special Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster enemies like Sneasel and Heliolisk, while Focus Blast hits very hard after a boost. Shadow Ball hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Palossand, Mismagius,(AC) and Jellicent, avoiding a possible Colbur Berry, for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed. A Timid nature allows Toxicroak outspeeds to outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe and is coupled with a Life Orb.(period),(AC) while a Modest nature maximizes Toxicroak's power since it has an average Special Attack stat. (I think this creates much better flow) Life Orb's boost Life Orb helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon. Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke and that helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type Null Type: Null. Using The Z-Move also can also be used as a safe option,(AC) as you don't need to worry about missing Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, or and physical walls in general. Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to its ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on their switch. Use Pokemon like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel as set up setup bait. Unlike the Swords Dance set, this set doesn't have a way to get recovery. Life Orb makes this issue worse,(AC) so don't let Toxicroak take unnecessary repeated hits.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can lure in Vaporeon like Steelix and Gigalith are excellent partners for Toxicroak. Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost-(AH) and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire-(AH) and Flying-(AH)type attacks directed at Toxicroak while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock. Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon.

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

Stone Edge hits Golbat for super effective damage. After a boost and coupled with Life Orb, Toxicroak can OHKO less physically bulky Golbat variants. Toxicroak can use Earthquake to get past Poison-types like Garbodor and Toxicroak,(AC) but it isn't worth giving up priority. Choice Scarf Toxicroak can be used as a revenge killer,(AC) but Choice Scarf Passimian performs that role better. Low Kick is an option that allows Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon after a boost. However, Low Kick is less consistent than Drain Punch due to its power being reliant on the opposing Pokemon's weight and doesn't give it not giving Toxicroak a way of recovery recovering HP.

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak's moves,(AC) although they need to be careful of Shadow Ball,(AC) while OHKOing Toxicroak in the process due to its major Psychic weakness. Other Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Delphox can revenge kill Toxicroak,(AC) while Assault Vest Slowking can take hits from the special set. The former two need to be wary of Sucker Punch,(AC) though.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be wary of Sucker Punch / Shadow Ball Sucker Punch and Shadow Ball.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Choice Scarf Houndoom, Choice Scarf Passimian, Sandslash,(AC) and Stoutland under sand can all outspeed and threaten to OHKO Toxicroak. Whimsicott must be wary of Bullet Punch,(AC) though.

GP 1/2

 

[poh]

done

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 2/2
remove add comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Toxicroak distinguishes itself from other Fighting-types like Passimian and Medicham through its defensive utility, access to boosting moves, and ability to run both physical and special sets. Toxicroak's access to Swords Dance and Nasty Plot allows it to break through many defensive cores, (comma) which and makes it unpredictable. It has just the right Speed tier to outspeed enough Speed to outpace key threats such as Medicham, Vanilluxe, and Klinklang. Its good offensive typing and useful ability let it counter Water-types like Vaporeon and Swords Dance Samurott, aiding its setup opportunities., (comma) and its resistance to Toxicroak resists common offensive types like Dark, Fighting, and Grass, (comma) which lets it enables it to check Pokemon like Scrafty, (comma) Malamar, and Sceptile, and Malamar while checking Sceptile offensively, but has a its big weakness to Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Slowbro is a major problem. Despite its multiple positives Also, Toxicroak's Speed leaves it outsped by slower than prominent threats like Sneasel, Whimsicott, and Heliolisk. However, Toxicroak can still deal with faster threats with either Sucker Punch or Bullet Punch.

[SET]

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Gunk Shot
move 3: Drain Punch
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb / Poisonium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance allows Toxicroak to set up on Pokemon it walls and or threatens out. Gunk Shot is Toxicroak's most powerful STAB move and can hit very hard after a boost. The Its 30% poison chance can be very useful to wear down for wearing Toxicroak's checks down. Drain Punch hits Steel-types and provides good coverage with Gunk Shot. Drain Punch also provides some a sort of recovery, giving Toxicroak more longevity and helping it deal with Life Orb recoil. Sucker Punch gives Toxicroak priority and Dark-type coverage to hit fast Psychic-types such as Delphox and Sigilyph. Bullet Punch can be used as priority instead of Sucker Punch, hitting faster threats such as Sneasel and Whimsicott for super effective damage, (comma) and working more reliably and isn't reliant on the foe attacking, which means that it can be more reliable in certain instances.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature lets Toxicroak outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe. Life Orb gives Toxicroak a significant power boost, and it can heal off the recoil damage its recoil damage can be mitigated with Drain Punch. Poisonium Z turns Gunk Shot into a 190-Base Power Acid Downpour, (comma) which and helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Swords Dance, +2 Acid Downpour OHKOes Slowbro. The Z-Move can also be used as a safe option, as you don't need to worry about Acid Downpour can also be used when you don't want to risk missing Gunk Shot. Dry Skin is Toxicroak's preferred ability and because it gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks.

Usage Tips
========

Try to look at which Look for Pokemon Toxicroak can set up on from the moment you see your opponent's team. Finding out those setup opportunities is crucial for Toxicroak's success at wallbreaking. For example, Toxicroak can set up on a Passimian if it's Choice-(hyph)locked into Close Combat or a Whimsicott that's Choice-(hyph)locked into Energy Ball. Water-types like Vaporeon, Blastoise, and Samurott are good setup targets as well due to Toxicroak's ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak also scares out Dark-types like Scrafty and Malamar and Fairy-types such as Aromatisse and Comfey. Take these opportunities to set up a Swords Dance or weaken a check with Toxicroak's STAB moves. Toxicroak can be used mid-game to wear down checks and late-game as a sweeper. Common checks like Slowbro and Golbat need to be heavily weakened for Toxicroak to sweep, (comma) however.

Team Options
========

Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple some of Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire- and Flying-type attacks directed at Toxicroak, (comma) supports while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock., (comma) and Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, (those two get forced out if anything, not worn down, right?) and Rhydon. Vanilluxe appreciates Toxicroak's ability to remove Ice checks to Ice-types like Hariyama and Cryogonal; in return, Vanilluxe deals with common Toxicroak checks like Slowbro and Golbat. Bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Vaporeon can deal with opposing Ground-types, enhancing Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities later in the game. Setup sweepers like Klinklang appreciate Toxicroak's ability to deal with bulky Water-types, clearing Klinklang's path to sweep.

[SET]

name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Sludge Wave
move 3: Vacuum Wave / Focus Blast
move 4: Shadow Ball / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb / Fightinium Z
ability: Dry Skin
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Toxicroak's Special Attack, and with its good special coverage, Toxicroak can hit the majority of the metagame for good damage. Sludge Wave is Toxicroak's strongest Poison-type STAB move and most spammable move attack. At +2, Sludge Wave OHKOes Slowbro. Vacuum Wave provides special Fighting-type coverage that also allows Toxicroak to get the jump on faster enemies foes like Sneasel and Heliolisk, while Focus Blast hits very hard after a boost. Shadow Ball hits Poison-types such as Golbat and Garbodor for neutral damage and Ghost-types such as Palossand, Mismagius, and Jellicent, avoiding a possible Colbur Berry, for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

The EVs maximize Toxicroak's Special Attack and Speed. A Timid nature allows Toxicroak to outspeed the likes of Medicham, Vivillon, and Vanilluxe, while a Modest nature maximizes Toxicroak's power. (any important KOs that only Modest can do?) Life Orb helps Toxicroak break through defensive Pokemon such as Slowbro and Druddigon. Fightinium Z turns Focus Blast into a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, a powerful nuke that helps Toxicroak's sweeping capabilities. After a Nasty Plot, All-Out Pummeling OHKOes Type: Null. The Z-Move also All-Out Pummeling can also be used as a safe option, (comma) as when you don't need want to worry about missing Focus Blast.

Usage Tips
========

Since Swords Dance sets are more common, this Toxicroak set can be used as a lure for Slowbro, Garbodor, and physical walls in general. Toxicroak is able to set up on Water-types like Vaporeon and Samurott due to its ability Dry Skin. Toxicroak can scare out Pokemon like Passimian, Rhydon, and Piloswine and set up on their switch. Use Pokemon like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel as setup bait. Unlike the Swords Dance set, this set doesn't have a way to get recovery recover. Life Orb makes this issue worse, so don't let Toxicroak take unnecessary repeated hits.

Team Options
========

Pokemon that can lure in Vaporeon like Steelix and Gigalith are excellent partners for Toxicroak. Sneasel is a very good partner for Toxicroak, dealing with opposing Ghost -and Psychic-types while also being able to cripple some of Toxicroak's checks by removing Golbat's Eviolite and Steelix's Leftovers. Rhydon resists Fire- and Flying-type attacks directed at Toxicroak, (comma) supports while also supporting Toxicroak with Stealth Rock., (comma) and Rhydon benefits from Toxicroak's ability to switch into Water-type attacks. Electric-type Pokemon like Vikavolt and Heliolisk wear down common Toxicroak checks like Golbat, Jellicent, and Rhydon.

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

Stone Edge hits Golbat for super effective damage. After a boost and coupled with Life Orb, Toxicroak +2 Life Orb Stone Edge can OHKO less physically bulky Golbat variants. Toxicroak can use Earthquake can be used to get past Poison-types like Garbodor and Toxicroak, but it isn't worth giving up priority. Choice Scarf Toxicroak can be used as a revenge killer, but Choice Scarf Passimian performs that role better. Low Kick is an option that allows boosted Toxicroak to OHKO Steelix and Rhydon after a boost. However, Low Kick is less consistent than Drain Punch due to its power being reliant on the opposing Pokemon's weight and it not giving Toxicroak a way of recovering HP.

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

**Golbat**: Golbat resists both of Toxicroak's STAB moves and OHKOes back with Brave Bird.

**Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types like Slowbro and Xatu can take a hit from Toxicroak's moves, although they need to be careful of Shadow Ball, while OHKOing and OHKO Toxicroak in the process back due to its major Psychic weakness. Other Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Delphox can revenge kill Toxicroak, while Assault Vest Slowking can take hits from the special set. The former two need to be wary of Sucker Punch, though.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Mismagius and Rotom resist both of Toxicroak's STAB moves. However, they need to be wary of Sucker Punch and Shadow Ball.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Whimsicott, Sceptile, Choice Scarf Houndoom, Choice Scarf Passimian, Sandslash, and Stoutland under sand can all outspeed and threaten to OHKO Toxicroak. Whimsicott must be wary of Bullet Punch, though.