Goodra [GP 1/2]

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
[OVERVIEW]

Goodra's fantastic mixed offenses give it the capacity to run both Choice Band and Choice Specs sets, which makes it one of the most offensively versatile Pokemon available in the RU metagame and a fantastic wallbreaker in general. Its pure Dragon typing is also quite useful, as alongside the Sap Sipper ability, it provides Goodra with key resistances to the tier's common Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks and an immunity to Grass-type attacks, which give it plenty of opportunities to switch in and net KOs. Further enhancing its offensive capabilities are a fantastic Special Defense stat and decent HP, which allow Goodra to maintain great bulk for an offensive Pokemon and tank some hits while dishing out damage, notably against the likes of powerful special attackers in Swellow, Zoroark, and even Florges. Goodra can outspeed threats like Honchkrow and non-Choice Scarf Tyrantrum. However, despite its impressive offensive capabilities, Goodra sits at a rather inconvenient Speed tier that, alongside poor physical bulk, leaves it outsped by Pokemon that heavily threaten it in Flygon, Kommo-o, and Mega Glalie. Goodra also relies on either Choice Band or Choice Specs to effectively wallbreak, which means that careful prediction is required when using Goodra so as not to give the opponent free turns by locking it onto an attack resisted by a foe. The prevalence of both Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Diancie and Steel-types like Registeel, Doublade, and Escavalier also troubles Goodra due to these Pokemon's ability to switch into Goodra's Choice-locked STAB attacks with ease. Other Dragon-type wallbreakers like Dragalge, Tyrantrum, and Flygon are also a pain for Goodra, as they give it competition for a teamslot and heavily threaten it when on opposing teams. Lastly, Goodra's lack of recovery, susceptibility to entry hazards, and need to run maximum Speed investment usually keep it from reliably switching into neutral special attacks, which can at times compromise its tanking capabilities.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Tail
move 3: Fire Punch / Earthquake
move 4: Power Whip
item: Choice Band
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

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

Outrage is an extremely powerful STAB attack, capable of hitting anything that doesn't resist it quite hard. Iron Tail is useful coverage for hitting the Fairy-types that otherwise could switch in on Outrage, such as Comfey, Gardevoir, and Diancie, which are all OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, and Florges, which is 2HKOed on the switch. Fire Punch allows Goodra to hit all relevant Steel-types, including Escavalier, Durant, Ferroseed, and Bronzong, for super effective damage. Earthquake can be used over Fire Punch to hit Registeel and Doublade for better damage, but it's worth noting that these are the only Steel-types hit super effectively by the move. Power Whip rounds off Goodra's coverage, giving it a way to OHKO Rhyperior as well as hitting bulky Water-types like Milotic, Slowbro, and Cloyster super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Choice Band together allow Goodra to hit extremely hard and effectively wallbreak. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outpace and break past defensive Pokemon, as well as outspeed Tyrantrum, Honchkrow, the rare Necrozma, and unboosted Cloyster. An Adamant nature is useful for putting as much power behind Goodra's attacks as possible. A Jolly nature can be used, however, to allow Goodra to Speed tie with Gardevoir and Modest Venusaur outside of sun, as well as outpace Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the preferred ability, as it allows Goodra to easily switch into Grass-type attacks from Pokemon like Venusaur, Virizion, and Shaymin and gain a boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

This set's purpose on teams is as a wallbreaker, which means that Goodra excels in supporting teammates looking to sweep late-game by punching holes in the opposing team. Due to Sap Sipper, Goodra should always look to switch in on Grass-type attacks from the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin to gain an Attack boost. From there, it can power through foes even more reliably and further limit its number of switch-ins. Special Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks can also be switched into fairly easily due to Goodra's amazing Special Defense, though it should be wary of switching into Scald from more defensively oriented Water-types due to the risk of being crippled with a burn. Due to the nature of Choice Band, it is important that Goodra predicts correctly when attacking. When you predict a switch into a Fairy-type that would likely switch in on Outrage, it is important to use Iron Tail to hit that Pokemon for either an OHKO or 2HKO on the switch. The same applies for Steel-types like Registeel and Escavalier with Fire Punch.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard support is optimal for this set's success, as Goodra is able to secure KOs on the likes of Torkoal, Comfey, and Slowking with either Spikes or Stealth Rock set up. Roserade, Froslass, and Rhyperior are all capable of supporting Goodra with entry hazards. Water-types like Sharpedo, Bruxish, Cloyster, and Jellicent can lure in Grass- and Electric-types to help Goodra switch in on them and gain Attack boosts via Sap Sipper. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Gligar, Doublade, and Gigalith can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra's poor Defense keeps it from reliably tanking. Pokemon that can cripple physically offensive foes with burns, like Milotic, Froslass, and Sableye, can also take care of Goodra's weakness to physical attackers by burning physically offensive foes and allowing Goodra to stay in on them. Sticky Web or paralysis support from the likes of Galvantula, Shuckle, Porygon2, and Froslass can help Goodra circumvent its poor Speed and more reliably wallbreak. Fast revenge killers like Swellow, Durant, and Zoroark can also take care of Goodra's poor Speed by taking out or weakening fast threats that could otherwise outpace and KO Goodra. Physical late-game cleaners, like Dragon Dance Feraligatr and Sharpedo, appreciate Goodra's ability to weaken physical walls for them to easily sweep. Dragon Dance Flygon in particular can clean up after Goodra's broken through the opposing team, while also sharing and breaking past Goodra's checks. While it isn't mandatory, Goodra enjoys entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Gligar and Dhelmise, due to the fact that it will frequently be switching in and out of play and doesn't appreciate constantly taking chip damage as a result.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sludge Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Draco Meteor hits extremely hard coming off of Goodra's decent Special Attack when boosted by Choice Specs, allowing it to heavily dent anything that doesn't resist the move. Fire Blast offers reliable coverage against Steel-types that might switch in on Draco Meteor, OHKOing the likes of Escavalier and Doublade and 2HKOing Bronzong and Registeel. Thunderbolt is useful for hitting bulky Water-types that can otherwise tank a hit, like Araquanid, Jellicent, and Milotic. Sludge Wave hits Fairy-type Pokemon that are immune to Goodra's STAB attacks, such as Florges, Comfey, and Gardevoir, for super effective damage and is capable of OHKOing the latter two and 2HKOing the first on the switch.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Choice Specs together give Goodra as much power behind its attacks as possible and allow it to function as a threatening special wallbreaker. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outspeed defensive Pokemon as well as the likes of Dragalge, unboosted Cloyster, and Tyrantrum, which all take heavy damage from Draco Meteor. A Modest nature gives Goodra as much power as possible, allowing it to secure the 2HKO on Registeel with Fire Blast, as well as hit specially bulky threats like Gligar and Porygon2 as hard as possible with Draco Meteor. A Jolly nature can be used, however, to Speed tie Gardevoir, as well as outspeed Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the ability of choice, as it allows Goodra to reliably switch in on Grass-type attacks and generate free turns.

Usage Tips
========

If you wish to prevent Goodra from being locked into undesirable attacks, it is important that you consistently predict correctly throughout the match. An example of when prediction is required to effectively wallbreak is when foes resistant or immune to Draco Meteor are still healthy. If Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Comfey are still healthy, it is important to predict their switch in and use Sludge Wave, which OHKOes or 2HKOes all of these Pokemon on the switch and prevents Goodra from giving its opponent's team free turns. When predicting switches into Steel-types like Escavalier or Registeel, it is important to use Fire Blast to hit them hard, as these threats will proceed to set up on Goodra or cripple it if it is locked into a STAB attack or Sludge Wave. Goodra's gigantic Special Defense stat allows it to act as something of a pivot in switching in and out of resisted and even neutral special attacks, which can allow it to generate momentum for its team and easily net a KO or two. Sap Sipper further increases Goodra's switch-in opportunities, and Goodra should thus take advantage of it and switch in on the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin, to absorb their STAB attacks and score a KO. Due to its poor physical bulk, Goodra should refrain from staying in on physical attackers that it can't KO, such as Snorlax and Escavalier, or that outspeed it, such as Flygon and Durant, as even if it isn't outright OHKOed by these threats, it will still take massive damage from their attacks and either lose one-on-one or be weakened into range of a revenge kill.

Team Options
========

Goodra appreciates Water-types as teammates, as they can lure in Grass- and Electric-types for Goodra to switch into and begin wallbreaking. Examples include Sharpedo, Bruxish, and Cloyster, which can all also double as late-game cleaners after Goodra's weakened the opposing team. Steel-types like Durant, Doublade, and Escavalier also make good partners, as they can pressure the Fairy-types that discourage Goodra from using Draco Meteor, and they also pressure this set's most reliable answer in Diancie. Ironically, checks to Steel-types also make decent teammates, as with both Steel- and Fairy-types gone, Goodra can feel free to click Draco Meteor to heavily dent a foe. Bewear, Salazzle, and Toxicroak all excel in reliably checking Steel-types for Goodra. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Diancie, Rhyperior, and Escavalier can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra otherwise hates tanking. Speed control support from the likes of Galvantula, Froslass, and Shuckle can aid Goodra in outpacing more threats and let it forego running a Timid nature. Entry hazard support in the forms of Stealth Rock and Spikes can help to wear down foes for Goodra to more easily break past, which makes the likes of Gigalith, Gligar, and Roserade viable options for teammates. Goodra's plentiful switch-in opportunities makes clerics like Florges and Umbreon decent teammates, since they can pass Wishes to Goodra and allow it to recover its health in the process of tearing holes through teams. Florges can also check Kommo-o, a Pokemon that heavily pressures Goodra, very easily. Flygon can function as a good partner, thanks to its ability to adequately weaken the checks it shares with Goodra and reliably clean up late-game as well. Entry hazard removal is helpful to Goodra for granting it more reliable switch-in opportunities. Cryogonal in particular can grant Goodra easy opportunities to come in thanks to its Fire-type weakness, while the likes of Gligar and Dhelmise can also function as decent options despite sharing an Ice weakness with Goodra.


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

An Assault Vest set can be run to maximize Goodra's specially defensive prowess, but this is at the expense of otherwise invaluable power provided by either Choice Band or Choice Specs. Curse can be used to turn Goodra into a threatening physical sweeper while boosting its Defense, but isn't preferred due to Goodra's struggle to find setup opportunities at times. It also lacks a very reliable physical STAB attack outside of Outrage, which forces it into using the move for two or three turns anyway, making Tyrantrum and Flygon better options for physical boosting Dragon-types. Goodra has access to interesting special coverage options in Muddy Water and Ice Beam, but it usually covers most targets of these moves, mainly Ground- and Grass-types, quite well with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. Superpower is an option for hitting Steel-types on the Choice Band set in addition to nailing Snorlax on the switch, but it is inferior to Fire Punch due to its worse coverage overall.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Although they fear super effective coverage, Fairy-types like Florges, Whimsicott, and Comfey can switch in on Goodra if it's locked into a STAB attack and proceed to wear it down with super effective STAB attacks or set up on it. Diancie in particular can easily check the Choice Specs set, thanks to its neutrality to Sludge Wave.

**Steel-types**: Although they also fear super effective coverage, the likes of Doublade, Registeel, Escavalier, and Bronzong can tank Dragon-type attacks from Goodra and threaten it with either STAB moves or crippling status ailments. Durant in particular can outspeed Goodra and threaten it with powerful Hustle-boosted attacks while also tanking Dragon-type attacks if need be.

**Physical Attackers**: Due to its poor Defense, Goodra is heavily threatened by notably powerful physical attackers, such as Flygon, Mega Glalie, and Bruxish, which can all threaten to KO or severely dent it with their powerful STAB attacks.

**Faster Dragon-types**: Due to Goodra's only decent Speed, faster Dragon-types such as Flygon, Kommo-o, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can heavily threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, though none can reliably switch in.

**Status**: Goodra is vulnerable to all forms of status, which can severely compromise its offensive capabilities. Burn decreases the power of its physical attacks while chipping it down, poison puts it on an undesirable timer, and paralysis halves its Speed and makes it easier to revenge kill.

**Entry Hazards**: Due to its lack of reliable recovery, Goodra doesn't take too kindly to chip damage from entry hazards, which is troublesome given the presence of Stealth Rock and Spikes.
 
Last edited:

phantom

Banned deucer.
deslash dpulse on specs

two dpulses are weaker than two draco

deslash sludge bomb; there's no point in slashing it

qc 1/3
 

EonX

Battle Soul
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Just a few minor things

[Overview]

- The Speed tier isn't all bad. Outspeeding Nidoqueen, non-Scarf Tyrantrum, and Honchkrow is notable
- Note that its lack of reliable recovery, vulnerability to all entry hazards, and a need to often run max Speed means you have to be more careful with switching into special attacks, especially neutral hits

[Choice Band]

- Gigalith is already covered by Iron Tail. I'd just remove it from the Power Whip section and note the 4x super effective hit on Rhyperior (in conjunction with the already mentioned Waters it hits)
- Stress the ability of stuff like Sharpedo and Dragon Dance Feraligatr to run through teams with weakened physical walls
- Dragon Dance Flygon as a way to clean up and double the pressure on Fairies. Classic Double Dragon strategy stuff
- Not mandatory, but entry hazard removal since Goodra will switch a lot naturally and is vulnerable to all entry hazards. Mantine is most notable for its 4x Electric weakness luring in such attacks for Goodra to easily come in on. Gligar can work too, but stacks an Ice weakness.

[Choice Specs]

- Still a Sludge Bomb mention in Usage Tips to clean up
- Specifically note that Sharpedo doubles as a late-game cleaner once Goodra weakens walls (it can surprise KO physical walls for the physical Sharks)
- Also note that Florges is a great check to Kommo-o, a faster Dragon-type that threatens Goodra for obvious reasons
- Dragon Dance Flygon for classic Double Dragon things
- Not mandatory, but entry hazard removal can spare Goodra some HP due to its vulnerability to all hazards and consistent need to switch out. Gligar and Mantine work well. In particular, Mantine's 4x Electric weakness can make for more switch-in chances for Goodra.

[Other Options]

- Mention Curse's other problems; Goodra's lack of access to Dragon Claw. Dragon Tail's low base power means it would need more boosts to become threatening and physical boosting sets are better done by Flygon and Tyrantrum (and probably Kommo-o too) as they need much less time to become threatening

[Checks and Counters]

- Note Diancie's ability to reliably check the Specs set due to its secondary Rock-typing neutralizing Fairy's Poison-type weakness
- Note Durant as a faster Steel-type that doesn't have to tank a second hit to fight back against Goodra. Its poor special bulk backfires vs Specs Goodra though
- I'd like to see status (Toxic especially, but burn for the Band set) and entry hazards mentioned somewhere. Although they don't outright stop Goodra from doing its job (aside from burns on the Band set) they do hinder it a fair amount due to it wanting to play as an offensive tank and its need to switch out a lot due to being a choiced attacker most of the time

It looks like a lot, but most of it is just adding on to what's already there. QC Approved 2/3 provided most / all of this gets implemented during write-up. Good stuff :]
 

eren

je suis d'ailleurs
/me grabs 3 month old popcorn

While it isn't mandatory, Goodra enjoys entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Gligar and Flygon
Flygon isn't hazard removal, go with mantine.

there are several nidoqueen mentions
Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outpace and break past defensive Pokemon, as well as outspeed Tyrantrum, Nidoqueen, Necrozma, Honchkrow, and unboosted Cloyster

Nidoqueen, Froslass, Roserade, and Rhyperior are all capable of supporting Goodra with entry hazards.

as well as the likes of Dragalge, Nidoqueen, unboosted Cloyster, and Tyrantrum, which all take heavy damage from Draco Meteor
and some hera ones
Toxicroak, Salazzle, and Heracross all excel in reliably checking Steel-types for Goodra.

remove these


and remove the pyu mention in specs because it is now unranked

this thing has been on the back burner for three months but upon reading it it still looks good!

E: remove acid armor and gooey from oo -.-
E2: mention how superpower rapes snorlax while hitting registeel, which is specifically the point of running it over eq and fire punch

qc 3/3
 
Last edited:

frenzyplant

Inertia is a property of matter.
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
1/2 :)

add remove (comments)

[OVERVIEW]

Goodra's fantastic mixed offenses give it the capacity to run both Choice Band and Choice Specs sets, which makes it one of the most offensively versatile (versatile offensive?) Pokemon available in the RU metagame and a fantastic wallbreaker in general. Its pure Dragon-typing Dragon typing is also quite useful, as alongside the Sap Sipper ability, it provides Goodra with key resistances to the tier's common Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks and an immunity to Grass-type attacks, which gives give it plenty of opportunities to switch in and net KOs. Further enhancing its offensive capabilities is are a fantastic Special Defense stat and decent HP, which allows allow Goodra to maintain great bulk for an offensive Pokemon and tank some hits while dishing out damage, notably against the likes of powerful special attackers in Swellow, Zoroark, and even Florges. Goodra can outspeed threats like Honchkrow and non-Choice Scarf Tyrantrum. However, despite its impressive offensive capabilities, Goodra sits at a rather inconvenient Speed tier, which that, alongside poor physical bulk, leaves it outsped by Pokemon that heavily threaten it in Flygon, Kommo-O, Kommo-o, and Mega Glalie. It can, however, still outspeed threats like Honchkrow and Non-Choice Scarf Tyrantrum. (seems strange to have one positive sentence in the "negatives" section of the overview) Goodra also relies on either Choice Band or Choice Specs to effectively wallbreak, which means that careful prediction is required when using Goodra so as not to give the opponent free turns by locking it onto an attack resisted by a foe. The prevalence of both Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Diancie, as well as and Steel-types like Registeel, Doublade, and Escavalier also troubles Goodra due to these Pokemon's ability to switch into Goodra's choice Choice-locked STAB attacks with ease. Other Dragon-type wallbreakers like Dragalge, Tyrantrum, and Flygon are also a pain for Goodra, as they give it competition for a teamslot and heavily threaten it when on opposing teams. Lastly, Goodra's lack of recovery, susceptibility to entry hazards, and need to run maximum Speed investment usually keeps keep it from reliably switching into neutral special attacks all too reliably, which can at times compromise its tanking capabilities.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Tail
move 3: Fire Punch / Earthquake
move 4: Power Whip
item: Choice Band
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

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

Outrage is an extremely powerful STAB attack, and is capable of hitting anything that doesn't resist it quite hard. Iron Tail is useful coverage for hitting the Fairy-types that otherwise could switch in on Outrage, such as Comfey, Gardevoir, and Diancie, which are all OHKOed with after Stealth Rock damage, down, (changed wording to make it clearer that you mean "with Stealth Rock" instead of "without Stealth Rock") and Florges, which is 2HKOed on the switch. Fire Punch allows Goodra to hit all relevant Steel-types, such as including Escavalier, Durant, Ferroseed, and Bronzong, (comma) for super effective damage. Earthquake can be used over Fire Punch to hit Registeel and Doublade for better damage, but it's worth noting that these are the only Steel-types hit super effectively by the move. Power Whip rounds off Goodra's coverage, giving it a way to OHKO Rhperior, Rhyperior as well as hitting bulky Water-types like Milotic, Slowbro, and Cloyster super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and a Choice Band together allow Goodra to hit extremely hard and effectively wallbreak. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outpace and break past defensive Pokemon, as well as outspeed Tyrantrum, Honchkrow, the rare Necrozma, and unboosted Cloyster. An Adamant nature is useful for putting as much power behind Goodra's attacks as possible. * (remove asterisk) A Jolly nature can be used, however, to allow Goodra to Speed tie with Gardevoir and Modest Venusaur outside of sun, as well as outpace Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the preferred ability, as it allows Goodra to easily switch into Grass-type attacks from Pokemon like Venusaur, Virizion, and Shaymin and gain a boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

This set's purpose on teams is as a wallbreaker, which means that Goodra excels in supporting teammates looking to sweep late-game by punching holes in the opposing team. Due to Sap Sipper, Goodra should always look to switch in on Grass-type attacks from the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin to gain an Attack boost. From there, it can power through foes even more reliably and further limit its number of switch-ins. Special Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks can also be switched into fairly easily due to Goodra's amazing Special Defense, though it should be wary of switching into Scald from more defensively oriented Water-types due to the risk of being crippled with a burn. Due to the nature of Choice Band, it is important that Goodra predicts correctly when attacking. When predicting the you predict a switch into a Fairy-type that would likely switch in on Outrage, it is important to use Iron Tail to hit them that Pokemon for either an OHKO or 2HKO on the switch. The same applies for Steel-types like Registeel and Escavalier with Fire Punch.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard support is optimal for this set's success, as Goodra is able to secure KOs on the likes of Torkoal, Comfey, and Slowking with either Spikes or Stealth Rock set up. down. Roserade, Froslass, and Rhyperior are all capable of supporting Goodra with entry hazards. Water-types like Sharpedo, Bruxish, Cloyster, and Jellicent can lure in Grass- and Electric-types to help Goodra switch in on them and gain Attack boosts via Sap Sapper. Sipper. (should have been named Sap Sapper tbh) Physically bulky Pokemon such as Gligar, Doublade, and Gigalith can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra's poor Defense keeps it from reliably tanking. Pokemon that can cripple physically offensive foes with burns, like Milotic, Froslass, and Sableye, (comma) can also help Goodra take care of its Goodra's weakness to physical attackers by burning physically offensive foes and allowing Goodra to stay in on them. Sticky Web or paralysis support from the likes of Galvantula, Shuckle, Porygon2, and Froslass can help Goodra circumvent its poor Speed and more reliably wallbreak. Fast revenge killers like Swellow, Durant, and Zoroark can also take care of Goodra's poor Speed by taking out or weakening fast threats that could otherwise outpace and KO Goodra. Physical late-game cleaners, like Dragon Dance Feraligatr and Sharpedo, appreciate Goodra's ability to weaken physical walls for them to easily sweep. Dragon Dance Flygon in particular can clean up after Goodra's broken through the opposing team, while also sharing and breaking past Goodra's checks. While it isn't mandatory, Goodra enjoys entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Gligar and Mantine, due to the fact that it will frequently be switching in and out of play and doesn't appreciate constantly taking chip damage as a result.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sludge Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Draco Meteor hits extremely hard coming off of Goodra's decent Special Attack and when boosted by Choice Specs, allowing it to heavily dent anything that doesn't resist the move. Fire Blast offers reliable coverage against Steel-types that may might switch in on Draco Meteor, OHKOing the likes of Escavalier and Doublade, (remove comma) and 2HKOing Bronzong and Registeel. Thunderbolt is useful for hitting bulky Water-types that can otherwise tank a hit, like Mantine, Slowbro, and Milotic. Sludge Wave hits Fairy-type Pokemon that are immune to Goodra's STAB attacks, such as Florges, Comfey, and Gardevoir, (comma) for super effective damage, (remove comma) and is capable of OHKOing the latter two and 2HKOing the former first on the switch.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Choice Specs together give Goodra as much power behind its attacks as possible, (remove comma) and allow it to function as a threatening special wallbreaker. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outspeed defensive Pokemon, (remove comma) as well as the likes of Dragalge, unboosted Cloyster, and Tyrantrum, which all take heavy damage from Draco Meteor. A Modest nature gives Goodra as much power as possible, allowing it to secure the 2HKO on Registeel with Fire Blast, as well as hit specially bulky threats like Gligar and Porygon2 as hard as possible with Draco Meteor. A Jolly nature can be used, however, to speed Speed tie Gardevoir, as well as outspeed Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the ability of choice, as it allows Goodra to reliably switch in on Grass-type attacks and generate free turns.

Usage Tips
========

If Goodra you wishes to prevent Goodra from being locked onto into undesirable attacks, it is important that it you consistently predicts correctly throughout the match. Examples An example of when prediction is required to effectively wallbreak are is when foes resistant or immune to Draco Meteor are still healthy. If Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Comfey are still healthy, it is important to predict their switch-in switch in and use Sludge Wave, which OHKOes or 2HKOes all of these Pokemon on the switch and prevents Goodra from giving its opponent's team free turns. When predicting switches into Steel-types like Escavalier or Registeel, it is important to use Fire Blast to hit them hard, as these threats will proceed to set up on Goodra or cripple it if it is locked onto into a STAB attack or Sludge Wave. Goodra's gigantic Special Defense stat allows it to act as something of a pivot in switching in and out of resisted and even neutral special attacks, which can allow it to generate momentum for its team and easily net a KO or two. Sap Sipper further increases Goodra's switch-in opportunities, and Goodra should thus be taken take advantage of to it and switch in on the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin, and proceed to absorb their STAB attacks and score a KO. Due to its poor physical bulk, Goodra should refrain from staying in on physical attackers that it can't KO, such as Snorlax and Escavalier, or that outspeed it, such as Flygon and Durant, as even if it isn't outright OHKOed by these threats, it will still take massive damage from their attacks and either lose one on one one-on-one or be weakened into range of a revenge kill.

Team Options
========

Goodra appreciates Water-types as teammates, as they can lure in Grass- and Electric-types for Goodra to switch into and begin wallbreaking. Examples include Sharpedo, Bruxish, and Cloyster, which can all also double as late-game cleaners after Goodra's weakened the opposing team. Steel-types like Durant, Doublade, and Escavalier also make good partners, as they can pressure the Fairy-types that discourage Goodra from using Draco Meteor, and they also pressure this set's most reliable answer in Diancie. Ironically, checks to Steel-types also make decent teammates, as with both Steel- and Fairy-types gone, Goodra can feel free to click Draco Meteor to heavily dent a foe. Bewear, Salazzle, and Toxicroak all excel in reliably checking Steel-types for Goodra. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Diancie, Rhyperior, and Escavalier can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra otherwise hates tanking. Speed control support from the likes of Galvantula, Froslass, and Shuckle can aid Goodra in outpacing more threats and foregoing let it forego running a Timid nature. Entry hazard support in the forms of Stealth Rock or and Spikes can help to wear down foes for Goodra to more easily break past, which makes the likes of Gigalith, Gligar, and Roserade viable options for teammates. Goodra's plentiful number of switch-in opportunities makes clerics like Florges and Umbreon decent teammates, since they can pass wishes Wishes to Goodra and allow it to recover its health in the process of tearing holes through teams. Florges can also check Kommo-O, Kommo-o, a Pokemon that heavily pressures Goodra, very easily. Flygon in particular can function as a good partner, thanks to its ability to adequately weaken the checks it shares with Goodra and reliably clean up late-game as well. Entry hazard removal is helpful to Goodra for granting it more reliable switch-in opportunities. Mantine in particular can grant Goodra easy opportunities to come in thanks to its Electric-type weakness, while the likes of Gligar and Dhelmise can also function as decent options, (remove comma) despite sharing an Ice weakness with Goodra.


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

An Assault Vest set can be run to maximize Goodra's specially defensive prowess, but this is at the expense of otherwise invaluable power provided by either Choice Band or Choice Specs. Curse can be used to turn Goodra into a threatening physical sweeper while boosting its Defense, but isn't preferred due to Goodra's struggle to find setup opportunities at times. It also lacks a very reliable physical STAB attack outside of Outrage, which forces it into using the move for two or three turns anyway, and makes making (the subject here is Goodra) Tyrantrum and Flygon better options for physical boosting Dragon-types. Goodra has access to interesting special coverage options in Muddy Water and Ice Beam, but it usually covers most targets of these moves, mainly Ground- and Grass-types, quite well with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. Superpower is an option for hitting Steel-types on the Choice Band set in addition to nailing Snorlax on the switch, but it is inferior to Fire Punch due to its worse coverage overall.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Although they fear super effective coverage, Fairy-types like Florges, Whimsicott, and Comfey can switch in on Goodra if it's locked onto into a STAB attacks, and proceed to wear it down with super effective STAB attacks or set up on it. Diancie in particular can easily check the Choice Specs set, thanks to its neutrality to Sludge Wave.

**Steel-types**: Although they also fear super effective coverage, the likes of Doublade, Registeel, Escavalier, and Bronzong can tank Dragon-type attacks from Goodra and either threaten it with either STAB moves or crippling status ailments. Durant in particular can outspeed Goodra and threaten it with powerful Hustle-boosted attacks, (remove comma) while also tanking Dragon-type attacks if need be.

**Physical Attackers**: Due to its poor Defense, Goodra is heavily threatened by notably powerful physical attackers, such as Flygon, Mega Glalie, and Bruxish, who which can all threaten to KO or severely dent it with their powerful STAB attacks.

**Faster Dragon-types**: Due to Goodra's only decent Speed, faster Dragon-types such as Flygon, Kommo-O, Kommo-o, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can heavily threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, though none can reliably switch in.

**Status**: Goodra is vulnerable to all forms of status, which can severely compromise its offensive capabilities. Burn decreases the power of its physical attacks while chipping it down, poison puts it on an undesirable timer, and paralysis halves its Speed and makes it easier to revenge kill.

**Entry Hazards**: Due to its lack of reliable recovery, Goodra doesn't take too kindly to being chipped by chip damage from entry hazards, which is troublesome given the presence of Stealth Rock and Spikes.
 

GP 2/2
remove add

[OVERVIEW]

Goodra's fantastic mixed offenses give it the capacity to run both Choice Band and Choice Specs sets, which makes it one of the most offensively versatile Pokemon available in the RU metagame and a fantastic wallbreaker in general. Its pure Dragon typing is also quite useful, as alongside the its Sap Sipper ability, it provides Goodra with key resistances to the tier's common Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks and an immunity to Grass-type attacks, which give it plenty of opportunities to switch in and net KOs. Further enhancing its offensive capabilities are a fantastic Special Defense stat and decent HP, which allow Goodra to maintain great bulk for an offensive Pokemon and the ability to tank some hits while dishing out damage, notably against the likes of powerful special attackers in Swellow, Zoroark, and even Florges. Also, Goodra can outspeed threats like Honchkrow and non-Choice Scarf Tyrantrum. However, despite its impressive offensive capabilities, Goodra sits at a rather inconvenient Speed tier that, alongside poor physical bulk, leaves it outsped by Pokemon that heavily threaten it in Flygon, Kommo-o, and Mega Glalie. Goodra also relies on either Choice Band or Choice Specs to effectively wallbreak, which means that careful prediction is required when using Goodra so as not to give the opponent free turns by locking it onto an attack resisted by a foe. The prevalence of both Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Diancie and Steel-types like Registeel, Doublade, and Escavalier also troubles Goodra due to these Pokemon's ability to switch into Goodra's Choice-locked STAB attacks with ease. Other Dragon-type wallbreakers like Dragalge, Tyrantrum, and Flygon are also a pain for Goodra, as they give it competition for a teamslot and heavily threaten it when on opposing teams. Lastly, Goodra's lack of recovery, susceptibility to entry hazards, and need to run maximum Speed investment usually keep it from reliably switching into neutral special attacks, which can at times compromise its tanking capabilities.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Tail
move 3: Fire Punch / Earthquake
move 4: Power Whip
item: Choice Band
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

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

Outrage is an extremely powerful STAB attack, (comma) that is capable of hitting anything that doesn't resist it quite hard. Iron Tail is useful coverage for hitting the Fairy-types that otherwise could switch in on Outrage, such as Comfey, Gardevoir, and Diancie, which are all OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, and Florges, which is 2HKOed on the switch. Fire Punch allows Goodra to hit all relevant Steel-types, including Escavalier, Durant, Ferroseed, and Bronzong, for super effective damage. Earthquake can be used over Fire Punch to hit Registeel and Doublade for better damage, but it's worth noting that these are the only Steel-types hit super effectively by the move. Power Whip rounds off Goodra's coverage, giving it a way to OHKO Rhyperior as well as hitting bulky Water-types like Milotic, Slowbro, and Cloyster super effectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack and Choice Band together allow Goodra to hit extremely hard and effectively wallbreak. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outpace and break past defensive Pokemon, (comma) as well as outspeed Tyrantrum, Honchkrow, the rare Necrozma, and unboosted Cloyster. An Adamant nature is useful for putting as much power behind Goodra's attacks as possible. A Jolly nature can be used, however, to allow Goodra to Speed tie with Gardevoir and Modest Venusaur outside of sun, (comma) as well as outpace Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the preferred ability, as it allows Goodra to easily switch into Grass-type attacks from Pokemon like Venusaur, Virizion, and Shaymin and gain a boost in Attack.

Usage Tips
========

This set's purpose on teams is as a wallbreaker, which means that Goodra excels in supporting teammates looking to sweep late-game by punching exploiting holes in the opposing team. Due to Sap Sipper, Goodra should always look to switch in on Grass-type attacks from the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin to gain an Attack boost. From there, it can power through foes even more reliably and further limit its number of switch-ins. Special Fire-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks can also be switched into fairly easily due to Goodra's amazing Special Defense, though it should be wary of switching into Scald from more defensively oriented Water-types due to the risk of being crippled with a burn. Due to the nature of Choice Band, it is important that Goodra predicts correctly when attacking. When you predict a switch into a Fairy-type that would likely switch in on Outrage, it is important to use Iron Tail to hit that Pokemon for either an OHKO or 2HKO on the switch. The same applies for using Fire Punch on Steel-types like Registeel and Escavalier with Fire Punch.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard support is optimal for this set's success, as Goodra is able to secure KOs on the likes of Torkoal, Comfey, and Slowking with either Spikes or Stealth Rock set up. Roserade, Froslass, and Rhyperior are all capable of supporting Goodra with entry hazards. Water-types like Sharpedo, Bruxish, Cloyster, and Jellicent can lure in Grass- and Electric-types to help Goodra switch in on them and gain Attack boosts via Sap Sipper. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Gligar, Doublade, and Gigalith can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra's poor Defense keeps it from reliably tanking. Pokemon that can cripple physically offensive foes with burns, like Milotic, Froslass, and Sableye, can also take care of Goodra's weakness to physical attackers by burning physically offensive foes and allowing Goodra to stay in on them. Sticky Web or paralysis support from the likes of Galvantula, Shuckle, Porygon2, and Froslass can help Goodra circumvent its poor Speed and more reliably wallbreak. Fast revenge killers like Swellow, Durant, and Zoroark can also take care of Goodra's poor Speed by taking out or weakening fast threats that could otherwise outpace and KO Goodra. Physical late-game cleaners, like Dragon Dance Feraligatr and Sharpedo, appreciate Goodra's ability to weaken physical walls for them to easily sweep. Dragon Dance Flygon in particular can clean up after Goodra's broken through the opposing team, (comma) while also sharing and breaking past Goodra's checks. While it isn't mandatory, Goodra enjoys entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Gligar and Dhelmise, (comma) due to the fact that because it will frequently be switching in and out of play and doesn't appreciate constantly taking chip damage as a result.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sludge Wave
item: Choice Specs
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Draco Meteor hits extremely hard coming off of Goodra's decent Special Attack when boosted by Choice Specs, allowing it to heavily dent anything that doesn't resist the move it. Fire Blast offers reliable coverage against Steel-types that might switch in on Draco Meteor, OHKOing the likes of Escavalier and Doublade and 2HKOing Bronzong and Registeel. Thunderbolt is useful for hitting bulky Water-types that can otherwise tank a hit, like Araquanid, Jellicent, and Milotic. Sludge Wave hits Fairy-type Pokemon that are immune to Goodra's STAB attacks, such as Florges, Comfey, and Gardevoir, (comma) for super effective damage and is capable of OHKOing the latter two and 2HKOing the first on the switch.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Choice Specs together give Goodra as much power behind its attacks as possible and allow it to function as a threatening special wallbreaker. Maximum investment in Speed allows Goodra to outspeed defensive Pokemon as well as the likes of Dragalge, unboosted Cloyster, and Tyrantrum, which all take heavy damage from Draco Meteor. A Modest nature gives Goodra as much power as possible, allowing it to secure the a 2HKO on Registeel with Fire Blast, (comma) as well as hit specially bulky threats like Gligar and Porygon2 as hard as possible with Draco Meteor. A Jolly nature can be used, however, to Speed tie with Gardevoir, (comma) as well as and outspeed Adamant Toxicroak and Modest Kingdra. Sap Sipper is the ability of choice, as it allows Goodra to reliably switch in on Grass-type attacks and generate free turns.

Usage Tips
========

If you wish to prevent Goodra from being locked into undesirable attacks, it is important that you consistently predict correctly throughout the match. An example of when prediction is required to effectively wallbreak is when foes resistant or immune to Draco Meteor are still healthy. If Fairy-types like Florges, Gardevoir, and Comfey are still healthy, it is important to predict their switch in and use Sludge Wave, which OHKOes or 2HKOes all of these Pokemon on the switch and prevents Goodra from giving its opponent's team free turns. When predicting switches into Steel-types like Escavalier or Registeel, it is important to use Fire Blast to hit them hard, as these threats will proceed to set up on Goodra or cripple it if it is locked into a STAB attack or Sludge Wave. Goodra's gigantic Special Defense stat allows it to act as something of a pivot in by switching in and out of resisted and even neutral special attacks, which can allow it to generate momentum for its team and easily net a KO or two. Sap Sipper further increases Goodra's switch-in opportunities, and Goodra should thus take advantage of it and switch by switching in on the likes of Venusaur, Roserade, and Shaymin, (comma) to absorb their STAB attacks and score a KO. Due to its poor physical bulk, Goodra should refrain from staying in on physical attackers that it can't KO, such as Snorlax and Escavalier, or that outspeed it, such as Flygon and Durant, as even if it isn't outright OHKOed by these threats, it will still take massive damage from their attacks and either lose one-on-one or be weakened into range of a revenge kill.

Team Options
========

Goodra appreciates Water-types as teammates, as they can lure in Grass- and Electric-types for Goodra to switch into and begin wallbreaking. Examples include Sharpedo, Bruxish, and Cloyster, which can all also double as late-game cleaners after Goodra's weakened the opposing team. Steel-types like Durant, Doublade, and Escavalier also make good partners, as they can pressure the Fairy-types that discourage Goodra from using Draco Meteor, and they also pressure including this set's most reliable answer in Diancie. Ironically, Checks to such Steel-types also make decent teammates, as with both Steel- and Fairy-types gone, Goodra can feel free to click use Draco Meteor to heavily dent a foe. Bewear, Salazzle, and Toxicroak all excel in reliably checking Steel-types for Goodra. Physically bulky Pokemon such as Diancie, Rhyperior, and Escavalier can switch into the physical attacks that Goodra otherwise hates tanking. Speed control support from the likes of Galvantula, Froslass, and Shuckle can aid Goodra in outpacing more threats and let it confidently forego running a Timid nature. Entry hazard support in the forms of Stealth Rock and Spikes can help to wear down foes for Goodra to more easily break past, which makes the likes of Gigalith, Gligar, and Roserade viable options for teammates. Goodra's plentiful switch-in opportunities makes clerics like Florges and Umbreon decent teammates, since they can pass Wishes to Goodra and allow it to recover its health in the process of tearing holes through teams. Florges can also check Kommo-o, a Pokemon that heavily pressures Goodra, very easily. Flygon can function as a good partner, (comma) thanks to its ability to adequately weaken the checks it shares with Goodra and reliably clean up late-game as well. Entry hazard removal is helpful to Goodra for granting it Goodra more reliable switch-in opportunities. Cryogonal in particular can grant Goodra easy opportunities to come in thanks to its Fire-type weakness, while but the likes of Gligar and Dhelmise can also function as decent options despite sharing an Ice weakness with Goodra.


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

An Assault Vest set can be run to maximize Goodra's specially defensive prowess, but this is at the expense of otherwise invaluable power provided by either Choice Band or Choice Specs. Curse can be used to turn Goodra into a threatening physical sweeper while boosting its Defense, but isn't preferred due to Goodra's struggle to find setup opportunities at times. It also lacks a very reliable physical STAB attack outside of Outrage, which forces it into using the move for two or three turns anyway, making Tyrantrum and Flygon better options for physically boosting Dragon-types. Goodra has access to interesting special coverage options in Muddy Water and Ice Beam, but it usually covers most targets of these moves, mainly Ground- and Grass-types, quite well with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. Superpower is an option on the Choice Band set for hitting Steel-types on the Choice Band set in addition to nailing Snorlax on the switch, but it is inferior to Fire Punch due to its worse coverage overall.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Although they fear super effective coverage, Fairy-types like Florges, Whimsicott, and Comfey can switch in on Goodra if it's locked into a STAB attack and proceed to wear it down with super effective STAB attacks or set up on it. Diancie in particular can easily check the Choice Specs set, (comma) thanks to its neutrality to Sludge Wave.

**Steel-types**: Although they also fear super effective coverage, the likes of Doublade, Registeel, Escavalier, and Bronzong can tank Dragon-type attacks from Goodra and threaten it with either STAB moves or crippling status ailments. Durant in particular can outspeed Goodra and threaten it with powerful Hustle-boosted attacks while also tanking Dragon-type attacks if need be.

**Physical Attackers**: Due to its poor Defense, Goodra is heavily threatened by notably powerful physical attackers, (comma) such as Flygon, Mega Glalie, and Bruxish, which can all threaten to KO or severely dent it with their powerful STAB attacks.

**Faster Dragon-types**: Due to Goodra's only decent Speed, faster Dragon-types such as Flygon, Kommo-o, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can heavily threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, though none can reliably switch in.

**Status**: Goodra is vulnerable to all forms of status, which can severely compromise its offensive capabilities. Burn decreases the power of its physical attacks while chipping wearing it down, poison puts it on an undesirable timer, and paralysis halves its Speed and makes it easier to revenge kill.

**Entry Hazards**: Due to its lack of reliable recovery, Goodra doesn't take too kindly to chip damage from entry hazards, which is troublesome given the presence prevalence of Stealth Rock and Spikes.
 
Last edited:

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

Top