But the true power of Storm Drain lies within its defensive merits (although I must admit those numbers do look impressive). Unfortunately like you mentioned, base 39 speed really holds it back from abusing its offensive capabilities.Storm Drain is such a great ability, why would you ever want to let that go :o
With Rain support, SpecsGastrodon can even 2HKO Blissey (48-57%) and a chance to 2HKO Chansey (40-48%) with +1 Surf after Rocks! Gastrodon is slow as a slug it's representing, so it would cost significant Spe EVs to outrun Chansey for possibly sealing that 2HKO (92 Spe EVs); probably not worth it for 1 wall.
The beauty of Storm Drain - it not only boosts the power of Water-type moves, but it raises Gastrodon's SpA stat. This allows SpecsGastrodon to inflict major damage to Ferrothorn with Earth Power (although Rain-boosted +1 Surf also 2HKOs with Rocks!) or NP Celebi / Latias with +1 Specs Ice Beam, both an OHKO (after Rocks with Latias).
I hope we can appreciate the power of Storm Drain ;d
there are a lot better options like Slowking or Jellicent who can set-up TR on their own.Trick Room Specs Gastrodon anyone?0
It's one thing for a trick room abuser to have the misfortune of being faster than ferrothorn. It's another thing when the trick room abuser is four times weak to ferrothorn's stab as well.Trick Room Specs Gastrodon anyone?0
Yea, after all those turns you take to set up the chance to be crit is not as low as people like to think.stockpile gastrodon is just begging to get crit especially on the rest turns if your using rest over recover.
from the times I've used it.
Crit really doesnt matter too much with its nice bulk. You'll jist need to rest a turn earlier. if it happens during rest turns, hope you wake up early or just be facing an opponent that doesnt ko anywaystockpile gastrodon is just begging to get crit especially on the rest turns if your using rest over recover.
from the times I've used it.
You cant wake up early on rest, rest is 2 turns of sleepCrit really doesnt matter too much with its nice bulk. You'll jist need to rest a turn earlier. if it happens during rest turns, hope you wake up early or just be facing an opponent that doesnt ko anyway
Trick Room Reuniclus + Gastrodon is nice because if they find a way to kill off Reuniclus early, then Gastrodon has a shot at sweeping their team. LOVE using this guy after a Scizor U-Turned or something.Trick Room Specs Gastrodon anyone?0
Rest runs for two turns every time.Crit really doesnt matter too much with its nice bulk. You'll jist need to rest a turn earlier. if it happens during rest turns, hope you wake up early or just be facing an opponent that doesnt ko anyway
On the special set, I think Earthquake>Earth Power and a Sassy Nature instead of Calm. This helps Gastro hit Chansey harder.
Actually, Spdef hippowdon is the best CMrachi check, period. Yes, it does take damage from water pulse, but even at plus one it's a fourth of its health, so it can only really be beaten by a lot of hax. Also, its much higher attack allows it to do more with earthquake, and you can roar it away if it subs, then CMS. But gastrodon is probably the second best, especially if it lacks psyshock.I still find the specially Gastrodon set to be of good use. It still does a number to rain teams, and is the best Subcm Rachi check if it lacks Psyshock. Yawn Gastrodon seems interesting, causing switch ins to reconsider their plan of attack, and what to do. It seems like a good annoyance which I will test. And spec Gastrodon looks quite strong, so I need to test that as well.
I think that if it's a more offensive Gastrodon, you should have Surf instead of Scald. (or Hydro Pump if you like taking risks). Scald is better for more defensive Gastrodons.So guys, I've been testing a Rain Dance Gastro. So, I'd liek to see what you guys think.
Heres the set:
Gastrodon @ Damp Rock Lv. 100 -- Storm Drain
Nature: Quiet - EVs: 148 HP / 52 Def / 252 SAtk / 56 SDef
-Toxic
-Rain Dance
-Earth Power
-Scald