LC Dwebble

[OVERVIEW]

Dwebble can set entry hazards very well and is a decent Shell Smash user. Weak Armor allows Dwebble to move before any opposing Pokemon after taking a physical hit, making it possible to set up an extra layer of hazards or remove a foe's item while still posing a threat due to its high Speed. Dwebble's other ability in Sturdy is incredibly good along with Berry Juice, and it allows Dwebble to be useful in every game. This combination also allows Dwebble to set up Shell Smash more consistently. While Dwebble faces competition from Pokemon like Shellder as a Shell Smash user and Ferroseed and Onix as a general utility Pokemon and Stealth Rock setter, Dwebble is able to find a niche through its unique coverage, ability to lay multiple hazards, and combination of Sturdy, Shell Smash, and Berry Juice. Dwebble does have some faults, though: it is fairly bad against Pokemon like Onix and Mienfoo, which can outspeed it and shut it down with Taunt, and it does very poorly against most other hazard setters and removers, like Onix and Staryu. Dwebble does not function very well as a check to Flying-types because it does not resist their STAB moves, making it function much less effectively than Pokemon like Onix, which is both a hazard setter and a good Flying-type check. In addition, Dwebble does not have a good defensive typing, as it is weak to Stealth Rock. Dwebble also struggles against and typically loses to Fighting-types, which is bad because they are very common. Finally, Dwebble is weak to the priority move Aqua Jet from Pokemon like Tirtouga and Corphish.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Setter
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 156 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spe

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

Stealth Rock helps wear down opposing Pokemon over time. Spikes provides additional damage each time a grounded foe switches in, inflicting fairly large amounts of damage when multiple layers are up. Rock Blast allows Dwebble to knock out Pokemon like Abra and Surskit even if they are holding a Focus Sash. It also lets Dwebble hit opposing Weak Armor Pokemon like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Knock Off broadens Dwebble's utility by allowing it to remove useful items like Berry Juice and Eviolite from foes like Tirtouga, Ferroseed, Timburr, and opposing Dwebble. Earthquake provides a coverage move to hit Steel-types like Pawniard super effectively, which otherwise wall Dwebble and can hit it super effectively in return.

Set Details
========

Weak Armor doubles Dwebble's Speed after it takes a physical attack, which makes it possible for Dwebble to set up more entry hazards. 236 EVs in Speed with a Jolly nature let Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon with 15 Speed, like Magnemite and Bunnelby. This also lets Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon in the tier, including Choice Scarf Users, after one Weak Armor boost. 76 EVs are placed in Defense to give Dwebble better bulk against for priority attacks like Mach Punch and Sucker Punch. For Weak Armor sets, these EVs also give Dwebble an extra point of Defense due to its item, Eviolite. The Eviolite itself gives Dwebble enough bulk to take hits like a Rock Slide from Drilbur and nearly always an Iron Head From Pawniard. The remaining EVs are put in Attack to help Dwebble hit as hard as possible. Only add the 36 extra HP EVs when not using SturdyJuice, as Dwebble will otherwise not be restored to full HP when Berry Juice activates. The combination of Sturdy and Berry Juice lets Dwebble take three hits in most cases. With 21 HP total, Dwebble will always be back at full health after Berry Juice activates. Eviolite should only be used with Weak Armor, and Berry Juice should only be used with Sturdy. Dwebble can run an alternate EV spread with 156 Special Defense EVs instead of Attack EVs to avoid being KOed by Staryu's Scald and Surskit's Hydro Pump most of the time.

Usage Tips
========

Dwebble is great when used as a lead to set entry hazards and remove the opposing lead's item. Be wary, however, of leading with Dwebble against an Onix, as Onix can use Taunt on Dwebble and proceed to KO it easily with Rock Blast. Dwebble can also function as a check to Flying-types due to either SturdyJuice or its raw Eviolite-boosted physical bulk and its ability to hit them super effectively with Rock Blast. It will, however, take a lot of damage from them, so be careful about relying solely on Dwebble to check them. Use Knock Off on predicted switch-ins like Timburr and Mienfoo to remove their Eviolites. If Dwebble is the SturdyJuice variant, it can sponge at minimum one hit from sweepers that have already set up—assuming there are no hazards on your side of the field—and potentially KO them with Rock Blast or Earthquake. Should it be unable to KO them, Dwebble can make it easier for other teammates to KO them by removing its item with Knock Off, lessening its bulk or recovery. This does not apply to Shellder, which can get around Sturdy. Dwebble can also switch in a couple times due to its recovery from Berry Juice and set up one layer of hazards each time if you wish—this does, however, make it unlikely that Dwebble will be able to set up multiple layers of hazards, since your opponent will easily be able to switch in a check or counter and KO Dwebble. Try not to switch in Dwebble on Fighting-types, as they can all reliably beat it one-on-one. You can, however, switch in Weak Armor variants to be able to reliably set up Stealth Rock. SturdyJuice Dwebble can switch into Stealth Rock when at a bit over half of its health to activate Berry Juice and heal back to full HP; try to take advantage of this to increase Dwebble's utility over the course of the battle.

Team Options
========
Spinblockers like Pumpkaboo-XL and Frillish are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can prevent its entry hazards from being removed. Similarly, Pawniard is a good teammate, as it deters opposing Pokemon from using Defog due to its ability Defiant. Dwebble prefers to keep Sturdy intact and does not like losing 25% of its HP from Stealth Rock every time it switches in, so Pokemon with access to Rapid Spin or Defog like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are great teammates for Dwebble. Spinners can remove hazards that would negatively affect Dwebble without removing the hazards that Dwebble sets, so they tend to be better teammates than Defoggers. Dwebble appreciates Pokemon that cover its weakness to Water-types, like Chinchou and Croagunk, and to Steel-types, like Ponyta or Mienfoo. Pokemon that force a lot of switches like Rufflet and Timburr will be able to make use of the chip damage that Dwebble's hazards provide. Finally, Dwebble's hazard setting ability helps wear down the opposing team over time, something that late-game cleaners like Abra, Carvanha, and Zigzagoon greatly appreciate.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Substitute / Knock Off / Aerial Ace
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 236 Spe

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

Shell Smash boosts Dwebble's offensive stats and gives it an opportunity to sweep or put a large dent into the opposing team. Rock Blast can break Focus Sashes and knock out opposing Pokemon like Abra and Surskit. It can also hit some Weak Armor users like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Earthquake hits Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types like Pawniard, Onix, Alolan Grimer, and Mareanie. Substitute lets Dwebble block status moves, makes prediction easier, and plays mind games with opposing Pokemon that have Sucker Punch. It also makes it easier for Dwebble to activate Berry Juice. Knock Off lets Dwebble remove the item of a check or counter that switches in to soften it up for other teammates. Aerial Ace lets Dwebble hit Fighting- and Grass-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, Croagunk, Foongus, and Snivy super effectively. The move does have low Base Power, however, and will rarely hit Pokemon that are not weak to it very hard. Dwebble can also use X-Scissor as a STAB move that hits Grass-Types super effectively, but it hits very few other foes and Dwebble's other moves like Earthquake and Knock Off typically provide more power, coverage, or utility.

Set Details
========

This set invests enough EVs in Speed to outspeed all Choice Scarf users below 20 Speed after a Shell Smash. An Adamant nature along with maximal Attack EVs allows Dwebble to hit as hard as possible. There are no EVs invested in HP so that Berry Juice will restore Dwebble to full HP, making it possible for it to effectively utilize Sturdy. The combination of Berry Juice and Sturdy lets Dwebble take a strong hit and heal back up to full health, which makes it very easy for it to use Shell Smash safely. Dwebble can also use Groundium Z or Flyinium Z to break through bulkier Pokemon without the need of any Knock Off support, but doing so leaves Dwebble more vulnerable to priority after it sets up than using Berry Juice does.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dwebble as a sweeper or as a way to weaken the opponent's team at the start of the game. It is better used as a late-game sweeper, as Pokemon like Timburr can beat it easily should it attempt to set up at the start of the game. Dwebble can also attempt to weaken its own checks in the early-game with Knock Off before trying to sweep later in the game, but it should be wary of breaking Sturdy if hazards are up. Make sure to weaken bulkier Pokemon like Timburr and Foongus before sweeping with Dwebble—even with Aerial Ace, Dwebble can only do around 66% to these threats. Also make sure to remove or weaken defensively strong Ground-types like Mudbray and Hippopotas before trying to sweep with Dwebble, as both can tank hits and respond with super effective Rock-type moves; Hippopotas can even phaze Dwebble. Bulky Pokemon in general should be weakened before you try to sweep with Dwebble—Spritzee barely takes 50% from Dwebble's Earthquake at +2, and bulky Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke can take a hit and return fire with a super effective Water-type move. Do your best to make sure that there are no entry hazards on the field before sending Dwebble in, as it really does not like having Sturdy broken. With the ability to set up Shell Smash at low risk, Dwebble can make holes in the opponent's team or sweep it rather easily. Finally, with the SturdyJuice combination, Dwebble can itself be a check to non-Shellder setup sweepers after they have already set up.

Team Options
========

Pokemon with hazard removal like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can keep it at full health and keep Sturdy intact by preventing any residual damage. Dwebble also synergizes with other sweepers that will be able to take advantage of the opponent's weakened team after Dwebble sets up, nets some KOs, and weakens opposing Pokemon. A couple examples of this are other Shell Smash users like Omanyte and Tirtouga along with Pokemon like Scraggy. Dwebble struggles against bulkier Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr, so Pokemon that hit these very hard like Abra and Doduo are good teammates as well. Unless it uses Aerial Ace, Dwebble has a hard time dealing with Fighting-types, so Pokemon that wall them like Snubbull and Spritzee are good additions to Dwebble's team. Dwebble also struggles against bulkier Water-type Pokemon; Pokemon like Foongus and Ferroseed can alleviate this weakness. Bulkier Ground-types like Hippopotas and Mudbray can prevent Dwebble from performing to the best of its ability, so Pokemon that can check these like Staryu and Snivy are good choices to put on your team. Dwebble also benefits a lot from Knock Off support; this means that Pokemon like Mienfoo and Pawniard are fine additions to the team to help Dwebble break through bulkier threats. Dwebble also appreciates the support of entry hazard setters like Onix and Ferroseed, as the hazards these Pokemon provide help wear down the opposing team, making it easier for Dwebble to sweep. Be wary of revealing that other Pokemon on your team have hazards, however, as this can tip off to your opponent that you are using Shell Smash Dwebble.

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

Dwebble can use Poison Jab, but it provides very little utility aside from functioning as a coverage move for Fairy-and Grass-types. Rock Slide can be used for more reliable damage, but it is typically weaker than Rock Blast and leaves Dwebble unable to OHKO Pokemon holding a Focus Sash or using Sturdy. Stone Edge is an option if Dwebble wants to hit foes for greater damage, but it's typically not a good idea to use this for the same reasons you wouldn't use Rock Slide along with the greater miss chance. Finally, Dwebble has the option of running Counter to hit physical attackers like Mienfoo and Timburr very hard. Dwebble's other moves, however, are much better than Counter, and the move is hard to fit onto a Dwebble set.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Taunt Users**: Fast Pokemon with Taunt like Mienfoo and Onix can prevent Dwebble from setting entry hazards or setting up Shell Smash and KO it with STAB moves. Onix can also KO Dwebble very easily with Rock Blast.

**Status**: Dwebble does not like being inflicted with any status, as a loss of Speed or Attack greatly hinders its abilities. The chip damage caused by burn and poison will also break Dwebble's Sturdy. Pokemon that can inflict status upon Dwebble include Pumpkaboo, Foongus, and Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke, which can burn Dwebble with Scald.

**Cottonee**: Be wary of Cottonee, which can use Encore to lock Dwebble into moves like Stealth Rock and Shell Smash. This can greatly decrease Dwebble's utility and often makes it waste its time on the field.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Timburr and Mienfoo resist most of Dwebble's moves except for Aerial Ace and can easily KO Dwebble with a STAB move after removing its item with Knock Off.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types resist Dwebble's main STAB attack, Rock Blast. More specifically, Mudbray almost completely walls Dwebble, and Life Orb Mold Breaker Drilbur can KO Dwebble through Sturdy.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed and Pawniard can mostly wall Dwebble and hit it with super effective STAB attacks to KO it. Pawniard, however, needs to be wary of Earthquake.

**Bulky Water-types**: Staryu can take a hit from Dwebble and spin away the hazards it lays, and physically defensive Slowpoke takes very little damage from Dwebble, even when hit with Knock Off.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr can almost always take a hit from a +2 Dwebble and heavily damage Dwebble with moves like Giga Drain and Drain Punch. Foongus can also put Dwebble to sleep with Spore, and Timburr can remove Dwebble's item with Knock Off, making it much more difficult for it to set up.
 
Last edited:
Not QC but in the Shell Smash set you should remove the mention of Mareanie in the pokemon it struggles against as Dwebble can OHKO it with EQ at +2 and instead add more relevant Pokemon like Mienfoo and Timber that it struggles to break through.
 

churine

lunatic+
is a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
i guess i can do one of these amchecks, you arent obliged to add anything unless it's stamped

Overview
go mention shell smash!
mention that it faces competition in both of its roles, like shellder & tirtouga as a smasher & ferroseed & onix as hazard setter
i'd also elaborate more on all these points, they're cute but kinda barren

Hazards set
say that rock blast benefits from lc damage rolls
mention for sturdyjuice sets that dwebble hits 21hp allow dwebble to be at full hp no matter what after berry juice
i'd put emphasis on stacking hazards in usage tips, since that is the main goal of this set
in team options, id put the spinblockers point first, since those are dwebble's most valued teammates, and mention pumpkaboo there too

Shell Smash set
it should say "shell smash boosts its offensive stats" since it doesnt actually boost defenses and more importantly should focus on the offensive stats
once again, mention lc rolls with rock blast since even the 3 hits deal more damage than stone edge
i'd put emphasis on fighting-types for aerial ace here, since its dwebbles best way to hit them
i dont think using dwebble as an early game wallbreaker is how you should use it, its so easy to switch in something like timburr to counter it. dwebble should be used only as a late-game sweeper when its checks and counters are gone.
remove the part about "at any point in the game" in the second point, its a late-game sweeper
mention that there should be no entry hazards on the field as dwebble doesnt like sturdy broken
you kinda mention this in team options, since you say "mons to get past bulky mons" but i'd put more emphasis on that ability, like saying that they're wallbreakers to get past bulky mons
in team options, give examples of fighting checks since dwebble really struggles with those if it doesnt carry aerial ace, like flying types

Checks & Counters
put emphasis on onix because it can literally ohko dwebble with rock blast, as it breaks sturdy and exploits weak armor
add cottonee, since it can encore dwebble into shell smash or stealth rock, i guess rename fast taunters to something like "status moves"
and if we rename fast taunters to status moves, we could also mention pumpkaboo since it uses will o wisp to cripple dwebble

cool analysis
 

Hilomilo

High-low My-low
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I was going to go ahead and tell you to implement Elec.'s AM check, but you beat me to it. Nice work Elec!

Overview
* Please modify your lines so that they're more serious, this should be written as if it's almost already a complete analysis, so while your lines are cute, they need to be serious.
* Why can Dwebble set up Shell Smash rather consistently? Explain.
* Elaborate as to why Dwebble faces competition from the Pokemon you say it faces competition from.
* When you say that it's Taunt bait, give relevant examples of Pokemon that outspeed Dwebble and hit it with Taunt.
* You need to say something here about Dwebble's poor defensive typing, since it's weak to a lot of common types and Stealth Rock, which can compromise its utility at times.
* Also say that it's weak to one of the most common priority attacks in the tier in Aqua Jet, and give relevant examples of Pokemon that use the move.

SET: ENTRY HAZARD SETTER
Set
Looks good

Moves
* Gastly doesn't commonly hold a Focus Sash, so use Surskit as an example instead. Also say that Rock Blast allows Dwebble to hit Weak Armor Pokemon like Vullaby and opposing Dwebble for heavy damage.
* I don't really like the way you've worded your Knock Off section. How does it allow Dwebble to be a utility Pokemon when it already is using two entry hazards? Reword the line in saying something like 'Knock Off broadens Dwebble's utility in allowing it to remove Eviolites from foes reliant on them, such as *give examples*.'
* No need for parentheses on the Earthquake line, just add that in with the sentence. Same goes for Rock Blast.

Set Details
* Don't say +Speed nature, say Jolly.
* Ice Shard isn't a particularly common priority attack, change it to Sucker Punch.
* Give examples of attacks you say Dwebble can more easily tank with an Eviolite.
* Your Weak Armor line needs to be more specific. 'Get more fast' doesn't sound very good, so instead say that it lets Dwebble boost its Speed by a lot upon taking physical attacks.
* Again, no need for parentheses in your Sturdy sentence. Find a way to just fit it into the sentence.

Usage Tips
* You should say something about Dwebble needing to be wary of leading against Onix, since Onix can easily exploit it with Rock Blast.
* Why exactly can Dwebble be used as a check to Flying-types? And what ability should it be running if it wishes to check Flying-types? Elaborate.
* Say something about using Knock Off on predicted switches to cripple typical switch-ins, like bulky Foo and Timburr.
* You also need to touch a bit on refraining from being switched into Fighting-types, as all relevant fighters reliably beat Dwebble in one on one situations.

Team Options
* Separate your first line into two different lines, one for spinblockers and one for Defiant. Information is easier to organize for write-up in doing this, and more examples can be given as well.
* Replace Bunn*elby and Rufflet with more relevant examples of late-game cleaners (Rufflet usually functions as a wallbreaker with scarf anyway). You can use Shellder, Carvanha, and Zigzagoon as examples instead.
* 'Pokemon that cover Dwebble's weaknesses to Water- and Steel-types like Chinchou and Mienfoo are also good teammates' - separate this into two lines, one for Water-type checks, another for Steel-type checks.
* Mention that Rapid Spin users like *insert relevant examples here* can remove Stealth Rock for Dwebble while not removing its own hazards, which allows it to switch in and check various threats reliably after setting entry hazards.

SET: SHELL SMASH
Set
name: Shell Smash Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Knock Off / Aerial Ace
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 236 Spe

Talked this over with various QC members, general consensus is that Knock Off is much more valuable of a move than Aerial Ace, especially considering that Dwebble usually likes Fighting-types removed before trying to sweep anyway.

Moves
* Almost all of your lines need more substance, especially considering that this is a fairly important analysis. Starting with your Rock Blast line, you need to give examples of Pokemon that commonly hold Focus Sash that are hit, examples of Weak Armor Pokemon hit hard by the move, and say that it's just a fairly powerful STAB attack in general.
* Give examples of Steel- and Rock-type Pokemon hit hard by Earthquake. Also say that it hits defensive Poison-types like Alolan Grimer and Mareanie really hard after a boost.
* Switch the order of Aerial Ace and Knock Off lines.
* In your Aerial Ace line, give examples of Fighting- and Grass-types, and also say that it should be noted that the move's low base power keeps it from hitting anything else too hard.
* Mention X-Scissor here. Say that it's good for hitting Grass-types hard and is a useful secondary STAB attack in general, but isn't preferred over the coverage and utility of either Earthquake or Knock Off.

Set Details

* 'outspeeds all scarfers in the tier (and speed ties with uncommon 20 speed scarfers like Diglett and Elekid)' - Dwebble doesn't outspeed all scarfers in the tier if Diglett and Elekid use Choice Scarves, so just say that it outspeeds every Choice Scarf user below 20 Speed when unboosted.

Usage Tips
* Mention that bulky Fighting-types need to be removed or weakened before Dwebble attempts sweeping, as it otherwise struggles to break past them even with Aerial Ace. Give examples!
* You should also mention that bulky Pokemon like Spritzee, Foongus, and particularly bulky Water-types should be weakened so that they don't tank a hit and revenge kill Dwebble.
* Bulky Ground-types should also be removed due to their ability to tank a hit and either KO or phaze Dwebble. Say this and give relevant examples.

Team Options
* 'Dwebble struggles against bulkier pokemon like Foongus and Timburr, so pokemon that hit those very hard like Abra are good teammates as well.' - this is good, but you need to give more than just one example, so say Doduo alongside Abra.
* Mention bulky Water-type checks, say what they can do for Dwebble, give examples.
* Do the same thing with bulky Ground-type checks.

Other Options
* Remove X-Scissor from this section since I'm having you mention it in moves for Shell Smash.
* Add Stone Edge here and say that it can more consistently do good damage to foes, but isn't preferred for reasons similar to Rock Slide.
* Add Substitute to the top of this section and say that it's a good option for creating setup opportunities with Shell Smash, but ultimately comes at the cost of Knock Off or Aerial Ace.

Checks and Counters
* Replace Chinchou and Mareanie with Slowpoke and Staryu, as both the former two take super effective damage from Earthquake.
* Remove parentheses in your Fighting-type section, they don't look good on analyses.
* In your Steel-type section, remove '(Pawniard can wall Dwebble only if it is not carrying EQ)' and just say 'Pawniard must be wary of Earthquake, however.' at the end of the section. (flows better this way, parentheses don't look good on analyses)
* Just say Cottonee instead of Encore users, no other relevant Pokemon uses Encore anyway.

This is a lot, so do your best to make sure all of it is implemented and give yourself 1/3 afterward.
 
been extremely busy but I finally implemented the last bit that I hadn't done yet! up later than I should be, but regardless ready for QC check #2!

edit: if there are smaller changes you want me to implement before doing a full qc check, pm me on here/discord and ill implement those asap!
 
Last edited:

Nineage

Pugnacious.
is a Programmeris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Honestly its quite difficult to give this an accurate qc check until you beef up your lines (which Hilomilo told you to do more than a month ago). I know it doesnt need to be fully written out at this stage, but there's so little in your bullet points that its hard to tell whether you are giving an accurate picture of what the mon does. Please beef this up somewhat and I will be willing to check this over.
 

Corporal Levi

ninjadog of the decade
is a Community Contributoris a Top Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnus
Overview:
"Finally, Dwebble is weak to one of the most common priority attacks in LC, Aqua Jet, which is carried by Pokemon like Tirtouga and Corphish."
This is no longer true, as both Tirtouga and Corphish are fairly uncommon.


Entry Hazard Setter -
Unslash Earthquake but keep it as a moves mention. Knock Off seems more useful in general for crippling Fighting-types in particular.

Set Details:
Talk about the purpose of the Defense EVs before you talk about the Attack EVs since the Attack EVs aren't actually maxed out.
Emphasize that Eviolite should be used with Weak Armor only and Berry Juice should be used with Sturdy.

Usage Tips:
  • It can also be used as a check to flying types due to SturdyJuice and its ability to hit them super-effectively with Rock Blast.
Eviolite Dwebble can check birds as well due to its raw physical bulk.
  • If Dwebble is the sturdy variant, it can sponge at minimum one hit from opposing sweepers that are already set up (assuming no hazards on field) and possibly KO them
Mention that SturdyJuice Dwebble cannot be used to check Shellder.
  • Try not to switch in Dwebble on fighting-types, as they can all reliably beat Dwebble one-on-one.
I wouldn't say this, sometimes switching in on a physical attack on a Fighting-type is Dwebble's chance to get Stealth Rock up.
Mention that SturdyJuice Dwebble can sometimes switch in on Stealth Rock when at just over half health to activate Berry Juice and thus Sturdy.

Team Options:
For the hazard removal support point, mention that Dwebble has a whole dislikes losing a quarter of its health to Stealth Rock.


Shell Smash -
Remove Substitute from Other Options, slash it as the first move in the fourth slot, and describe it in the moves section accordingly. It's really useful to block status, ease, prediction, dodge Sucker Punch, and activate Berry Juice. Knock Off doesn't help Dwebble play towards its own sweep much outside of Slowpoke/Pumpkaboo and Aerial Ace is extremely weak.

Set Details:
Mention Groundium Z and Flyinium Z as potential items to break through some bulkier Pokemon without needing Knock Off support, but that it makes Dwebble more vulnerable to priority after setting up.

Usage Tips:
Mention that Dwebble can attempt to weaken its own checks early game with Knock Off before sweeping late game, though it should be wary of breaking Sturdy if hazards are up.


Team Options:
Mention that external Knock Off support from the likes of Pawniard or Mienfoo can help Dwebble break through bulkier threats.
Mention that revealing another Pokemon to carry hazards early on may tip off the opponent to Shell Smash Dwebble.

Other Options:
Rock Slide and Rock Blast have the same accuracy.

Checks and Counters:
Mention bulky water-types - Staryu can spin away Dwebble's hazards and physically defensive Slowpoke takes pitiful damage from even Knock off.

2/3 nice work
 

Xayah

San Bwanna
is a Community Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
When implementing this, please also try to fix up the grammar a bit. There are a lot of missed capitalizations and weird wording that is easily fixed, so please.

[OVERVIEW]
  • Mention that Dwebble loses to Fighters, which is really bad with how common they are in LC
  • Mention that Dwebble is not a very good bird check due its lack of resistance, so it taking up the 'hazard setting WA rock type' slot on a team will leave that team struggling against birds, emphasising the competition it faces from Onix even more.
[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Setter
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spe
  • Free stat point yay! Mention not investing in HP if running SturdyJuice in order to get back to full health from 1 HP (in Set Details)
Set Details
========
  • Mention the extra HP point here, and mention not using it if SturdyJuice
Usage Tips
========
  • Mention that Dwebble will take a LOT of damage from Flying-types despite beating them one-on-one, so it shouldn't be relied on completely
  • Clarify what Dwebble can do after taking a hit from a set-up sweeper (kill it with Rock Blast, remove item)
  • Dwebble can also switch in a couple times due to its recovery from Berry Juice and set up hazards each time if you wish to do so - this does, however, make it unlikely that Dwebble will be able to set up multiple layers of hazards. So can it come in multiple times to set hazards or not?
Team Options
========
  • Mention Pump-XL over Gastly as a spinblocker, it's way more reliable
  • Mention wallbreakers that can force a lot of switches, like Timburr or Rufflet

Set: Shell Smash

Set Details
========
  • Mention that you don't invest in HP despite it being possible to get an extra point in order to have BJ heal you back to full from Sturdy.
Checks and Counters
===================
  • Add Grounds; Mudbray is quite possibly Dwebble's hardest stop and Life Orb Drilbur can KO Dwebble through Sturdy
Sorry for the wait man, QC 3/3
 
idk whether the holdup is because no GP members have time or because there are too many errors to correct (Xayah's check may be making me excessively worry lol) but if you feel that this needs more work, please message me on discord (rssp1 #2554) with suggestions on general things I should do to improve the grammar/syntax of the analysis. Thanks!
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Dwebble has continued continues to fill the same roles it did in the ORAS metagame; it can set entry hazards very well and is a decent Shell Smash user. The buff to Weak Armor allows Dwebble to move more quickly than any opponent opposing Pokemon after taking a physical hit, making it possible to set up an extra layer of hazards or remove an opponent's a foe's item while still posing a threat due to its fast high Speed. The combination of Dwebble's ability (RC) Sturdy (RC) along with the item Berry Juice is still incredibly good along with Berry Juice, and it allows Dwebble to be useful in every game. This combination also allows Dwebble to set up Shell Smash more consistently. While Dwebble faces competition from Pokemon like Shellder as a Shell Smash user and Ferroseed and Onix as general utility Pokemon and Stealth Rock setter, Dwebble is able to find a niche through its unique coverage, ability to lay multiple hazards, and combination of Sturdy, Shell Smash, and Berry Juice. Dwebble does have some faults, though: it is fairly bad if outsped and taunted by against Pokemon like Onix and Mienfoo, which can outspeed it and shut it down with Taunt, and it does very poorly against most other hazard setters and removers, like Onix and Staryu. Dwebble does not function very well as a check to Flying-types because it does not resist Flying-type their STAB moves, making it function much less effectively than Pokemon like Onix, which is both a hazard setter and a good Flying-type check. In addition, Dwebble does not have a good defensive typing, as it is weak to Stealth Rock and will take 1/4 damage whenever it switches in while Stealth Rock is on the field. Dwebble also struggles against and typically loses to the Fighting-types of LC, which is bad since because they are very commong common. Finally, Dwebble is weak to priority Aqua Jet (RC) which has priority and is carried by from Pokemon like Tirtouga and Corphish.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Setter
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP(space)/ 156 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spe

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

Stealth Rock damages all opponents foes when they switch in and also helps wear down the opposing team's Pokemon over time. Spikes provides additional damage each time a grounded opponent foe switches in, (comma) inflicting fairly large amounts of damage when multiple layers are up, opposing Pokemon will take fairly large amounts of damage upon every switch-in. Rock Blast is a STAB move that allows Dwebble to knock out Pokemon like Abra and Surskit even if they are holding a Focus Sash. It also lets Dwebble hit opposing Weak Armor Pokemon like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Knock Off broadens Dwebble's utility by allowing it to remove useful items like Berry Juice and Eviolite from foes that greatly prefer to keep their items (implied) like Tirtouga, Ferroseed, Timburr, and opposing Dwebble. Dwebble carries Earthquake as provides a coverage move to hit Steel-types like Pawniard super effectively, as they which otherwise wall Dwebble and can hit it super effectively in return.

Set Details
========

Dwebble's ability (RC) Weak Armor (RC) lets it double its Speed after taking a physical attack, which makes it possible for Dwebble to set up more entry hazards. Dwebble has 236 EVs invested in Speed as well as with a Jolly nature so that it can let Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon with 15 Speed, like Magnemite and Bunnelby. This also lets Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon in the tier (even if they are holding a Choice Scarf) after one Weak Armor boost. 76 EVs are placed in Defense to give Dwebble better bulk against physical priority attacks like Mach Punch and Sucker Punch. For Weak Armor sets, these EVs also give Dwebble an extra point of Defense due to its item, Eviolite. The Eviolite itself gives Dwebble enough bulk to take hits like a Rock Slide from Drilbur and an Iron Head From Pawniard (15/16 of nearly all the time). After Speed and Defense, maximal The remaining EVs are put in Attack to help Dwebble hit as hard as possible. Only add the 36 extra HP EVs when not using SturdyJuice, as otherwise Dwebble will not be restored to full HP when Berry Juice activates. The combination of Sturdy and Berry Juice lets Dwebble take three hits in most cases: 1 to take Dwebble down to 1 HP due to sturdy, where berry juice will restore Dwebble to full health, a second to take Dwebble down to 1 HP again, and a third to KO Dwebble. With 21 HP total, Dwebble will always be back at full health after Berry Juice activates. Eviolite should only be used with Weak Armor, and Berry Juice should only be used with Sturdy. Dwebble can also run an alternate EV spread with 156 SpD Special Defense EVs instead of Attack EVs to avoid being KOed by Staryu's Scald and Surskit's Hydro Pump (15/16 most of the time).

Usage Tips
========

Dwebble is great when used as a lead to set entry hazards and remove the opposing lead's item. Be wary, however, of leading with Dwebble against an Onix, as Onix can Taunt Dwebble and proceed to KO it easily with Rock Blast. Dwebble can also function as a check to Flying-types due to either its SturdyJuice combination or its raw Eviolite-boosted physical bulk while it holds an Eviolite and its ability to hit them super effectively (RH) with Rock Blast. It will, however, take a lot of damage from Flying-types despite beating them one-on-one, so be careful about relying solely on Dwebble completely to check them. Use Knock Off on predicted switchins switch-ins like Timburr and Mienfoo to remove their Eviolites and lessen their overall bulk. If Dwebble is the SturdyJuice variant, it can sponge at minimum one hit from sweepers that have already set up—assuming there are no hazards on your side of the field—and potentially KO them with Rock Blast or Earthquake. Should it be unable to KO them, Dwebble can make it easier for other teammates to KO the sweeper by using removing its item with Knock Off to remove the sweeper's item, lessening its bulk or recovery. This does not apply to Shellder, however, as it uses multi-hit moves and which can thus break Sturdy. Dwebble can also switch in a couple times due to its recovery from Berry Juice and set up one layer of hazards each time if you wish to do so—this does, however, make it unlikely that Dwebble will be able to set up multiple layers of hazards, (AC) since your opponent will easily be able to switch in a check or counter and KO Dwebble. Try not to switch in Dwebble on Fighting-types, as they can all reliably beat Dwebble it one-on-one. You can, however, switch in Weak Armor variants to be able to reliably set up Stealth Rock. While at a bit over half health, SturdyJuice Dwebble can switch in while into Stealth Rock is up on your side of the field when at a bit over half health to activate Berry Juice and heal back to full HP; try to take advantage of this to increase Dwebble's utility over the course of the battle.

Team Options
========
Spinblockers like Pumpkaboo-XL and Frillish are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can prevent the its entry hazards that it sets from being removed. Similarly, Pawniard is a good teammate, (AC) as it deters opposing Pokemon from using Defog due to its ability (RC) Defiant. Dwebble prefers to keep Sturdy intact and does not like losing 25% of its HP from Stealth Rock every time it switches in, so Pokemon with access to Rapid Spin or Defog like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are great teammates for Dwebble. Rapid Spinners can remove hazards that would negative affect Dwebble while simultaneously not removing the hazards that Dwebble sets, so they tend to be better teammates than Defoggers. Dwebble appreciates Pokemon that cover its weakness to Water-types and Steel-types, like Chinchou or Croagunk and Ponyta or Mienfoo, respectively. Pokemon that force a lot of switches like Rufflet and Timburr will be able to make use of the chip damage that Dwebble's hazards provide, so they are good teammates. Finally, Dwebble's hazard setting ability helps wear down the opposing team over time, something which that lategame late-game cleaners like Abra, Carvahna, Carvanha, and Zigzagoon greatly appreciate.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Substitute / Knock Off / Aerial Ace
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 236 Spe

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

Shell Smash boosts Dwebble's offensive stats and gives it an opportunity to sweep or put a large dent into the opposing team. Rock Blast is a STAB move that can break Focus Sashes and knock out opposing Pokemon like Abra and Surskit. It can also hit some Weak Armor Pokemon like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Earthquake is a coverage move that hits Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types like Pawniard, Onix, Alolan Grimer, and Mareanie. Substitute lets Dwebble block status moves, makes prediction easier, and plays mindgames mind games with opposing Pokemon that have Sucker Punch. It also makes it easier for Dwebble to activate Berry Juice. Knock Off lets Dwebble remove the item of a check or counter that switches in to either soften it up for other teammates or to make it easier to knock out. (for itself?) Aerial Ace lets you hit Fighting- and Grass-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, Croagunk, Foongus, and Snivy super effectively. (RH) The move does have a low Base Power, however, and will rarely hit those Pokemon that are not weak to it very hard. Dwebble can also use X-Scissor as a STAB move that hits Grass-Type super effectively, (RH) but it hits very few things foes otherwise, (AC) and Dwebble's other moves like Earthquake and Knock Off typically provide more power, coverage, or utility.

Set Details
========

This set invests enough EVs in Speed so that Dwebble can to outspeed all Choice Scarf users below 20 Speed after a Shell Smash. Dwebble is equipped with An Adamant nature along with maximal Attack EVs so that it can allows Dwebble to hit as hard as possible. There are no EVs invested in HP so that Berry Juice will restore Dwebble to full HP, making it possible for it to effectively utilize its ability, Sturdy. The combination of Berry Juice and Sturdy lets Dwebble take a strong hit and heal back up to full health, which makes it very easy for it to use Shell Smash safely. Dwebble can also use Groundium Z or Flynium Flyinium Z to break through bulkier Pokemon without the need of any Knock Off support, but doing so leaves Dwebble prone vulnerable to priority after it sets up when compared to using Berry Juice.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dwebble as a sweeper or as a way to weaken the opponent's team at the start of the game. It is better used as a lategame late-game sweeper, as Pokemon like Timburr can beat Dwebble easily should it attempt to set up at the start of the game. Dwebble can also attempt to weaken its own checks in the earlygame early-game with Knock Off before trying to sweep later in the game, but it should be wary of breaking Sturdy if hazards are up. Make sure to weaken bulkier Pokemon like Timburr and Foongus before sweeping with Dwebble—even with Aerial Ace, Dwebble can only do around 66% to these threats. Also make sure to remove or weaken defensively strong Ground-types like Mudbray and Hippopotas before trying to sweep with Dwebble, as both can tank hits and respond with super effective (RH) moves; (coverage moves? prob needs specifying because I'd logically expect STAB moves here but ofc Dwebble isn't weak to those) Hippopotas can even Whirlwind phaze Dwebble away. Bulky Pokemon as a whole in general should be weakened before you try to sweep with Dwebble—Spritzee barely takes 50% from Dwebble's Earthquake at +2, and bulky Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke can take a hit and return fire with a super effective (RH) Water-type move. Do your best to make sure that there are no entry hazards on the field before sending Dwebble in, as it really does not like having Sturdy broken. With the ability to set up Shell Smash at low risk, Dwebble can make holes in the opponent's team or sweep it rather easily, assuming there are no hazards on your side of the field. (repeated) Finally, with the SturdyJuice combination, Dwebble can itself be a check to stop non-Shellder setup sweepers after they have already set up.

Team Options
========

Pokemon with hazard removal like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can keep it at full health and keep Sturdy intact by preventing any residual damage; this will keep Sturdy intact, which is very important. Dwebble also synergizes with other sweepers that will be able to take advantage of the opponent's weakened team after Dwebble Shell Smashes sets up, nets some KOes KOs, and weakens opposing Pokemon. A couple examples of this are other Shell Smashers like Omanyte and Tirtouga, along with Pokemon like Scraggy. Dwebble struggles against bulkier Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr, so Pokemon that hit these very hard like Abra and Doduo are good teammates as well. Unless it uses Aerial Ace, Dwebble has a hard time dealing with Fighting-types, so Pokemon that wall them like Snubbull and Spritzee are good additions to Dwebble's team. Dwebble also struggles against bulkier Water-type Pokemon; Pokemon like Foongus and Ferroseed can alleviate this weakness. Bulkier Ground-types like Hippopotas and Mudbray can prevent Dwebble from performing to the best of its' its ability, so Pokemon that can check these like Staryu and Snivy are good choices to put on your team. Dwebble is also helped a lot if its team has also benefits a lot from Knock Off support; this means that Pokemon which carry Knock Off like Mienfoo and Pawniard are fine additions to the team to help Dwebble break through bulkier threats. Dwebble also appreciates the support of entry hazard laying Pokemon setters like Onix and Ferroseed, as the hazards these Pokemon provide help wear down the opposing team, making it easier for Dwebble to sweep. Be wary of revealing that other Pokemon on your team have hazards, however, as this can tip off your opponent that you are using Shell Smash Dwebble.

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

Dwebble can use Poison Jab, but it provides very little utility aside from functioning as a coverage move for Fairy-and Grass-types. Rock Slide can be used on Dwebble for more reliable damage, but it is typically weaker than Rock Blast and using Rock Slide means that leaves Dwebble will be unable to OHKO Pokemon holding a Focus Sash or Pokemon at full health with Sturdy. Stone Edge is an option if Dwebble wants to hit things foes for greater damage, but it's typically not a good idea to use this for the same reasons you wouldn't use Rock Slide, along with the greater miss chance. Finally, Dwebble has the option of running Counter to hit physical attackers like Mienfoo and Timburr very hard. Dwebble's other moves, however, are much better than Counter, (AC) and the move is hard to fit onto a Dwebble set.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Taunt Users**: Fast Pokemon with Taunt like Mienfoo and Onix can prevent Dwebble from setting entry hazards or setting up Shell Smash and then KO it with STAB moves. Onix can also KO Dwebble very easily with Rock Blast.

**Status**: Dwebble does not like having being inflicted with any status, as a loss of Speed or Attack greatly hinders dwebble's ability its abilities. The chip damage provided by burn and poison will also break Dwebble's Sturdy. Pokemon that can inflict status upon Dwebble include Pumpkaboo, Foongus, and Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke, which can burn Dwebble with Scald.

**Cottonee**: Be wary of Cottonee, which can Encore Dwebble into moves like Stealth Rock or and Shell Smash. This can greatly decrease Dwebble's utility and often make it waste its' its time on the field.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types (AH) like Timburr and Mienfoo resist most of Dwebble's moves sans except Aerial Ace and can easily knock off Dwebble's item and then KO it Dwebble with a STAB moveafter removing its item with Knock Off.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types resist Dwebble's main STAB attack, Rock Blast. More specifically, Mudbray almost completely walls Dwebble, and Life Orb Drilbur can KO Dwebble through Sturdy.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types (AH) like Ferroseed and Pawniard can mostly wall Dwebble and hit it with super effective (AH) STAB attacks to KO it. Pawniard, however, needs to be wary of Earthquake.

**Bulky Water-types**: Staryu can take a hit from Dwebble and spin away the hazards it lays, and physically defensive Slowpoke takes very little damage from Dwebble, even when hit with Knock Off.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr can almost always take a hit from a +2 Dwebble and heavily damage Dwebble a lot with moves like Giga Drain and Drain punch. Foongus can also put Dwebble to sleep with Spore, and Timburr can Knock off remove Dwebble's item with Knock Off, making it much more difficult for it to set up.
 
Last edited:

GP 2/2
remove add

[OVERVIEW]
Dwebble continues to fill the same roles it did in the ORAS metagame; it can set entry hazards very well and is a decent Shell Smash user. Weak Armor allows Dwebble to move more quickly than before any opposing Pokemon after taking a physical hit, making it possible to set up an extra layer of hazards or remove a foe's item while still posing a threat due to its high Speed. Dwebble's other ability in Sturdy is incredibly good along with Berry Juice, and it allows Dwebble to be useful in every game. This combination also allows Dwebble to set up Shell Smash more consistently. While Dwebble faces competition from Pokemon like Shellder as a Shell Smash user and Ferroseed and Onix as a general utility Pokemon and Stealth Rock setter, Dwebble is able to find a niche through its unique coverage, ability to lay multiple hazards, and combination of Sturdy, Shell Smash, and Berry Juice. Dwebble does have some faults, though: it is fairly bad against Pokemon like Onix and Mienfoo, which can outspeed it and shut it down with Taunt, and it does very poorly against most other hazard setters and removers, like Onix and Staryu. Dwebble does not function very well as a check to Flying-types because it does not resist their STAB moves, making it function much less effectively than Pokemon like Onix, which is both a hazard setter and a good Flying-type check. In addition, Dwebble does not have a good defensive typing, as it is weak to Stealth Rock. Dwebble also struggles against and typically loses to the Fighting-types of LC, which is bad because they are very common. Finally, Dwebble is weak to the priority move Aqua Jet from Pokemon like Tirtouga and Corphish.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Setter
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Knock Off
item: Eviolite / Berry Juice
ability: Weak Armor / Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 36 HP/ 156 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spe

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

Stealth Rock damages all foes when they switch in and also helps wear down the opposing team's Pokemon over time. Spikes provides additional damage each time a grounded foe switches in, inflicting fairly large amounts of damage when multiple layers are up. Rock Blast allows Dwebble to knock out Pokemon like Abra and Surskit even if they are holding a Focus Sash. It also lets Dwebble hit opposing Weak Armor Pokemon like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Knock Off broadens Dwebble's utility by allowing it to remove useful items like Berry Juice and Eviolite from foes like Tirtouga, Ferroseed, Timburr, and opposing Dwebble. Earthquake provides a coverage move to hit Steel-types like Pawniard super effectively, which otherwise wall Dwebble and can hit it super effectively in return.

Set Details
========

Dwebble's ability Weak Armor lets it double its Speed after taking doubles Dwebble's Speed after it takes a physical attack, which makes it possible for Dwebble to set up more entry hazards. 236 EVs in Speed with a Jolly nature let Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon with 15 Speed, like Magnemite and Bunnelby. This also lets Dwebble outspeed all Pokemon in the tier, (comma) including Choice Scarf users, (even if they are holding a Choice Scarf) after one Weak Armor boost. 76 EVs are placed in Defense to give Dwebble better bulk against for physical priority attacks like Mach Punch and Sucker Punch. For Weak Armor sets, these EVs also give Dwebble an extra point of Defense due to its item, Eviolite. The Eviolite itself gives Dwebble enough bulk to take hits like a Rock Slide from Drilbur and nearly always an Iron Head From Pawniard (nearly all the time). The remaining EVs are put in Attack to help Dwebble hit as hard as possible. Only add the 36 extra HP EVs when not using SturdyJuice, as otherwise Dwebble will otherwise not be restored to full HP when Berry Juice activates. The combination of Sturdy and Berry Juice lets Dwebble take three hits in most cases. With 21 HP total, Dwebble will always be back at full health after Berry Juice activates. Eviolite should only be used with Weak Armor, and Berry Juice should only be used with Sturdy. Dwebble can also run an alternate EV spread with 156 Special Defense EVs instead of Attack EVs to avoid being KOed by Staryu's Scald and Surskit's Hydro Pump (most of the time).

Usage Tips
========

Dwebble is great when used as a lead to set entry hazards and remove the opposing lead's item. Be wary, however, of leading with Dwebble against an Onix, as Onix can use Taunt on Dwebble and proceed to KO it easily with Rock Blast. Dwebble can also function as a check to Flying-types due to either SturdyJuice or its raw Eviolite-boosted physical bulk and its ability to hit them super effectively with Rock Blast. It will, however, take a lot of damage from Flying-types despite beating them one-on-one them, so be careful about relying solely on Dwebble completely to check them. Use Knock Off on predicted switch-ins like Timburr and Mienfoo to remove their Eviolites. If Dwebble is the SturdyJuice variant, it can sponge at minimum one hit from sweepers that have already set up—assuming there are no hazards on your side of the field—and potentially KO them with Rock Blast or Earthquake. Should it be unable to KO them, Dwebble can make it easier for other teammates to KO the sweeper them by removing its item with Knock Off, lessening its bulk or recovery. This does not apply to Shellder, which can break get around Sturdy. Dwebble can also switch in a couple times due to its recovery from Berry Juice and set up one layer of hazards each time if you wish to do so—this does, however, make it unlikely that Dwebble will be able to set up multiple layers of hazards, since your opponent will easily be able to switch in a check or counter and KO Dwebble. Try not to switch in Dwebble on Fighting-types, as they can all reliably beat it one-on-one. You can, however, switch in Weak Armor variants to be able to reliably set up Stealth Rock. SturdyJuice Dwebble can switch into Stealth Rock when at a bit over half of its health to activate Berry Juice and heal back to full HP; try to take advantage of this to increase Dwebble's utility over the course of the battle.

Team Options
========
Spinblockers like Pumpkaboo-XL and Frillish are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can prevent its entry hazards from being removed. Similarly, Pawniard is a good teammate, as it deters opposing Pokemon from using Defog due to its ability Defiant. Dwebble prefers to keep Sturdy intact and does not like losing 25% of its HP from Stealth Rock every time it switches in, so Pokemon with access to Rapid Spin or Defog like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are great teammates for Dwebble. Spinners can remove hazards that would negatively affect Dwebble while simultaneously not without removing the hazards that Dwebble sets, so they tend to be better teammates than Defoggers. Dwebble appreciates Pokemon that cover its weakness to Water-types, (comma) like Chinchou and Croagunk, and to Steel-types, like Chinchou or Croagunk and Ponyta or Mienfoo, respectively Ponyta and Mienfoo. Pokemon that force a lot of switches like Rufflet and Timburr will be able to make use of the chip damage that Dwebble's hazards provide. Finally, Dwebble's hazard setting ability helps wear down the opposing team over time, something that late-game cleaners like Abra, Carvanha, and Zigzagoon greatly appreciate.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Substitute / Knock Off / Aerial Ace
item: Berry Juice
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 Atk / 236 Spe

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

Shell Smash boosts Dwebble's offensive stats and gives it an opportunity to sweep or put a large dent into the opposing team. Rock Blast can break Focus Sashes and knock out opposing Pokemon like Abra and Surskit. It can also hit some Weak Armor Pokemon users like Vullaby and other Dwebble very hard. Earthquake hits Steel-, Rock-, and Poison-types like Pawniard, Onix, Alolan Grimer, and Mareanie. Substitute lets Dwebble block status moves, makes prediction easier, and plays mind games with opposing Pokemon that have Sucker Punch. It also makes it easier for Dwebble to activate Berry Juice. Knock Off lets Dwebble remove the item of a check or counter that switches in to soften it up for other teammates. Aerial Ace lets you Dwebble hit Fighting- and Grass-types like Mienfoo, Timburr, Croagunk, Foongus, and Snivy super effectively. The move does have a low Base Power, however, and will rarely hit Pokemon that are not weak to it very hard. Dwebble can also use X-Scissor as a STAB move that hits Grass-Type Grass-types super effectively, but it hits very few other foes otherwise and Dwebble's other moves like Earthquake and Knock Off typically provide more power, coverage, or utility.

Set Details
========

This set invests enough EVs in Speed to outspeed all Choice Scarf users below 20 Speed after a Shell Smash. An Adamant nature along with maximal Attack EVs allows Dwebble to hit as hard as possible. There are no EVs invested in HP so that Berry Juice will restore Dwebble to full HP, making it possible for it to effectively utilize Sturdy. The combination of Berry Juice and Sturdy lets Dwebble take a strong hit and heal back up to full health, which makes it very easy for it to use Shell Smash safely. Dwebble can also use Groundium Z or Flyinium Z to break through bulkier Pokemon without the need of any Knock Off support, but doing so leaves Dwebble more vulnerable to priority after it sets up when compared to than using Berry Juice does.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dwebble as a sweeper or as a way to weaken the opponent's team at the start of the game. It is better used as a late-game sweeper, as Pokemon like Timburr can beat Dwebble it easily should it attempt to set up at the start of the game. Dwebble can also attempt to weaken its own checks in the early-game with Knock Off before trying to sweep later in the game, but it should be wary of breaking Sturdy if hazards are up. Make sure to weaken bulkier Pokemon like Timburr and Foongus before sweeping with Dwebble—even with Aerial Ace, Dwebble can only do around 66% to these threats. Also make sure to remove or weaken defensively strong Ground-types like Mudbray and Hippopotas before trying to sweep with Dwebble, as both can tank hits and respond with super effective Rock-type moves; Hippopotas can even phaze Dwebble. Bulky Pokemon in general should be weakened before you try to sweep with Dwebble—Spritzee barely takes 50% from Dwebble's Earthquake at +2, and bulky Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke can take a hit and return fire with a super effective Water-type move. Do your best to make sure that there are no entry hazards on the field before sending Dwebble in, as it really does not like having Sturdy broken. With the ability to set up Shell Smash at low risk, Dwebble can make holes in the opponent's team or sweep it rather easily. Finally, with the SturdyJuice combination, Dwebble can itself be a check to stop non-Shellder setup sweepers after they have already set up.

Team Options
========

Pokemon with hazard removal like Staryu, Drilbur, and Vullaby are good teammates for Dwebble, as they can keep it at full health and keep Sturdy intact by preventing any residual damage. Dwebble also synergizes with other sweepers that will be able to take advantage of the opponent's weakened team after Dwebble sets up, nets some KOs, (comma) and weakens opposing Pokemon. A couple examples of this are other Shell Smashers users like Omanyte and Tirtouga, (comma) along with Pokemon like Scraggy. Dwebble struggles against bulkier Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr, so Pokemon that hit these very hard like Abra and Doduo are good teammates as well. Unless it uses Aerial Ace, Dwebble has a hard time dealing with Fighting-types, so Pokemon that wall them like Snubbull and Spritzee are good additions to Dwebble's team. Dwebble also struggles against bulkier Water-type Pokemon; Pokemon like Foongus and Ferroseed can alleviate this weakness. Bulkier Ground-types like Hippopotas and Mudbray can prevent Dwebble from performing to the best of its ability, so Pokemon that can check these like Staryu and Snivy are good choices to put on your team. Dwebble also benefits a lot from Knock Off support; this means that Pokemon like Mienfoo and Pawniard are fine additions to the team to help Dwebble break through bulkier threats. Dwebble also appreciates the support of entry hazard setters like Onix and Ferroseed, as the hazards these Pokemon provide help wear down the opposing team, making it easier for Dwebble to sweep. Be wary of revealing that other Pokemon on your team have hazards, however, as this can tip off to your opponent that you are using Shell Smash Dwebble.

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

Dwebble can use Poison Jab, but it provides very little utility aside from functioning as a coverage move for Fairy-and Grass-types. Rock Slide can be used on Dwebble for more reliable damage, but it is typically weaker than Rock Blast and leaves Dwebble unable to OHKO Pokemon holding a Focus Sash or Pokemon with using Sturdy. Stone Edge is an option if Dwebble wants to hit foes for greater damage, but it's typically not a good idea to use this for the same reasons you wouldn't use Rock Slide, (comma) along with the greater miss chance. Finally, Dwebble has the option of running Counter to hit physical attackers like Mienfoo and Timburr very hard. Dwebble's other moves, however, are much better than Counter, and the move is hard to fit onto a Dwebble set.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Taunt Users**: Fast Pokemon with Taunt like Mienfoo and Onix can prevent Dwebble from setting entry hazards or setting up Shell Smash and KO it with STAB moves. Onix can also KO Dwebble very easily with Rock Blast.

**Status**: Dwebble does not like being inflicted with any status, as a loss of Speed or Attack greatly hinders its abilities. The chip damage provided caused by burn and poison will also break Dwebble's Sturdy. Pokemon that can inflict status upon Dwebble include Pumpkaboo, Foongus, and Water-types like Staryu and Slowpoke, which can burn Dwebble with Scald.

**Cottonee**: Be wary of Cottonee, which can use Encore to lock Dwebble into moves like Stealth Rock and Shell Smash. This can greatly decrease Dwebble's utility and often makes it waste its time on the field.

**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Timburr and Mienfoo resist most of Dwebble's moves except for Aerial Ace and can easily KO Dwebble with a STAB move after removing its item with Knock Off.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types resist Dwebble's main STAB attack, Rock Blast. More specifically, Mudbray almost completely walls Dwebble, and Life Orb Mold Breaker Drilbur can KO Dwebble through Sturdy.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferroseed and Pawniard can mostly wall Dwebble and hit it with super effective STAB attacks to KO it. Pawniard, however, needs to be wary of Earthquake.

**Bulky Water-types**: Staryu can take a hit from Dwebble and spin away the hazards it lays, and physically defensive Slowpoke takes very little damage from Dwebble, even when hit with Knock Off.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Foongus and Timburr can almost always take a hit from a +2 Dwebble and heavily damage Dwebble with moves like Giga Drain and Drain Punch. Foongus can also put Dwebble to sleep with Spore, and Timburr can remove Dwebble's item with Knock Off, making it much more difficult for it to set up.
 
Last edited:
I should stop doing the thingy where I like a post before the whole comment is written, it makes me keep forgetting about the post being done.
Implemented & ready for upload, OP!
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top