Seismitoad [QC 3/3 GP 2/2] (Revamp)

[OVERVIEW]

Thanks to its excellent Water / Ground typing and ability granting it an immunity to Electric- and Water-type moves, Seismitoad is able to function as a reliable Stealth Rock setter, excelling against the likes of non-Toxic Alomomola and opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Rhyperior. With access to Scald and Toxic, it is able to cripple common Defoggers, and its decent bulk allows it to switch into many physical attackers. Its wide coverage options also make offensive sets viable, although it is hindered by its mediocre Special Attack and 4x weakness to Grass. Notably, it struggles against the likes of Venusaur and Virizion, both of which can freely switch in on it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake / Toxic
move 4: Knock Off / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Relaxed / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Seismitoad's ability to reliably get up Stealth Rock makes it essential on this set. Scald is one of the obligatory STAB moves, with an additional 30% chance to burn the foe. Earthquake is the secondary STAB move, hitting Registeel, Jolteon, Drapion, and Jellicent, and is preferred over Earth Power for its ability to OHKO Jolteon and deal more damage to Registeel. Alternatively, Toxic puts defensive walls, such as Alomomola, Slowking, Jellicent, and bulky Grass-types on a timer. Knock Off can cripple bulkier and offensive Pokemon alike by removing their item.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment is used with a Bold nature so that Seismitoad can take on physical attackers effectively by maximizing physical bulk. However, shifting some EVs to Special Defense is an option so Seismitoad can tank hits from Magneton and Diancie better. Water Absorb is used as the ability to deter opposing Pokemon from using Water-type attacks, allowing this set to function excellently against rain teams. Leftovers is used as the item to provide passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Seismitoad into resisted moves or non-Choice Band physical attackers to set up Stealth Rock or spread status. Try to wear down opposing walls with Knock Off and Toxic to pave the way for a teammate to sweep late-game. Keep Seismitoad away from Grass-types, as they can all OHKO it, but if you have a dedicated Grass-resistant Pokemon of your own, your opponent might sometimes go for a different coverage option or double switch their Pokemon. However, high-risk plays such as leaving Seismitoad in should only be made if you would lose too much momentum or have a severe matchup disadvantage otherwise. Seismitoad can also stop VoltTurn cores by absorbing Volt Switch from the likes of Jolteon and Magneton, but be wary of a potential Hidden Power Grass from both. This set especially dislikes status, since it can quickly wear Seismitoad down and turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs, so keep it away from poison and burn.

Team Options
========

Garbodor is an excellent partner for its ability to switch into offensive Fighting- and Grass-types, absorb Toxic Spikes, and form a hazard-stacking core with Seismitoad. Emboar also synergizes well with it, dealing with Grass-types, notably Virizion, while Seismitoad can counter Fletchinder, one of Emboar's biggest checks, and absorb Water-type attacks while wearing down its checks and counters. Additionally, clerics, such as Aromatisse and Diancie, can heal Seismitoad of the status it despises. Pokemon vulnerable to common physical attackers, such as Hoopa, Malamar, and Venusaur, appreciate Seismitoad's ability to take on such attackers. Late-game sweepers and wallbreakers, such as Drapion, Virizion, and Braviary, appreciate the Stealth Rock support Seismitoad provides in wearing down their checks and counters.

[SET]
name: Offensive Substitute
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Toxic / Endeavor
item: Leftovers / Salac Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald is the obligatory STAB move, with a 30% chance to burn the foe, making it Seismitoad's best option for hitting physical attackers. Earth Power is the secondary STAB move, hitting Registeel and Diancie super effectively and Venusaur neutrally. Substitute allows Seismitoad to avoid detrimental status, scout a foe's moveset, and sometimes achieve more than one KO, as it can let Seismitoad easily take Pokemon that would otherwise cripple it, such as Alomomola, on one-on-one. Toxic is the preferred option in the last moveslot, crippling bulky Water- and Grass-types that like to switch in on Seismitoad more reliably than Scald. Finally, Endeavor is an option for Seismitoad to weaken or pick off slower Pokemon while behind its Substitute and can also put faster offensive threats in range of priority.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment allows Seismitoad to deal as much damage as possible, and maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow it to put in a Substitute against most defensive Pokemon and outspeed threats such as Adamant Gallade, Sawk, Adamant Absol, Choice Specs Magneton, Substitute Braviary, and Choice Band Emboar. Leftovers is the preferred item the majority of the time, providing passive recovery, which is essential to maintaining Seismitoad's longevity behind a Substitute. Alternatively, Salac Berry allows it to function as a late-game sweeper once it can no longer put in Substitutes, as it allows it to outspeed Jolteon, Aerodactyl, Sneasel, and Choice Scarf Emboar. Water Absorb is used as the ability to ease switching in on opposing Water-types.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid switching Seismitoad in on potential status-inducing moves, which drastically decrease the effectiveness of this set, rendering Substitute practically useless. As such, bring it in on resisted hits or a predicted utility move, such as Wish or Stealth Rock. Set up Substitute on Pokemon that don't threaten Seismitoad; common examples are bulky Water-types and defensive walls that rely on status, such as Alomomola. A benefit of having maximum Speed investment is that this set can bluff a defensive spread, lure Choice Specs Magneton trying to go for Hidden Power Grass, and eliminate it with Earth Power.

Team Options
========

Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types, such as Alomomola, Flygon, and Diancie, make for good partners, as they appreciate Seismitoad's ability to lure Grass- and Water-types and threaten or eliminate them. Fletchinder especially benefits from this set's ability to weaken its common checks, notably Alomomola and Diancie. Pokemon like Venusaur, Garbodor, and Braviary that take on the Grass-types that force Seismitoad out also synergize well with it. Magneton is able to deal with Pokemon this set struggles to break, such as Golbat and Venusaur. Clerics such as Diancie, Mega Audino, and Aromatisse can heal this set of any status, which is especially detrimental to it. Mega Audino has the added bonus of being able to switch in on Venusaur before it Mega Evolves thanks to Regenerator.

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

Rocky Helmet is an option on the defensive set to punish physical attackers, specifically U-turn pivots, but this is generally inferior to the passive recovery provided by Leftovers. An offensive set with Life Orb and Swift Swim is an option for rain teams, taking advantage of Seismitoad's coverage options. Finally, an offensive Stealth Rock set can be used but largely decreases its ability to get it up reliably due to fewer opportunities to switch in.

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types hit Seismitoad 4x super effectively with their Grass-type STAB moves and thus almost always beat it one-on-one, as it can't do much in return. Furthermore, Pokemon such as Virizion are able to use it as setup fodder. However, Grass-types have to be wary of taking a Toxic on the switch in if not immune or carrying a Lum Berry.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Seismitoad's special bulk is nothing to boast about, so powerful special attackers, such as Delphox, Exploud, Meloetta, and Sigilyph, can all 2HKO or OHKO it. Strong physical attackers such as Choice Band Sawk, Life Orb Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Medicham can also 2HKO it on the switch in.

**RestTalk Tanks**: Sleep Talk users such as Malamar and Spiritomb can easily take hits from Seismitoad and use it as setup fodder.

**Status Users**: Status quickly wears Seismitoad down, lowering the ability of the defensive set to get up Stealth Rock reliably and making Substitute on the offensive set a liability.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

MrAldo

Hey
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Not QC but still

Defensive Set looks pretty well presented, but the other set needs to be removed... AV Seismitoad is certainly not a viable set. Seismitoad is already considerable easier to wear down with AV and this set doesnt accomplish anything other sets wouldnt do better.

Speaking of sets, the second set should be as follows:

Seismitoad @ Leftovers / Salac Berry
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Substitute
- Toxic / Endeavor

This set would accomplish more than trying to "slap" an Assault vest on seismitoad cause all the Pokemon Seismitoad can lure are vulnerable to the combination of sub + toxic or sub + endeavor. The HP is intentionally an odd number cause you want to be at 1% if you are using salac berry and it wont matter if you are using leftovers. Timid max speed if you outspeed most of the unboosted metagame at +1, hitting with endeavor a venusaur, virizion or just stuff like dugtrio and aerodactyl comes in pretty handy.

If there is a secondary set of choice for seismitoad it should be this one. Seismitoad damage output is pretty pathetic without a LO, failing to 3hko slowking after leftovers, doing literally nothing to alomomola and toxic is just far more effective to cover all the options, and this doesnt function like the standard stealth rock set anyways. The team options would basically remain the same if you change the set, the general idea will still be there.

If you need more guidance with this set I will be willing to help.

Some other stuff:

- Offensive SR should be mentioned in OO. Stealth Rock, Scald, Earth Power, Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave with a Life Orb. Preferably sludge bomb cause that 30% chance to poison due to difference instead of the minimal 5 BP difference.
- Should definitely mention EQ as a potential options over Earth Power on moves, since it does considerably more damage to targets like Delphox and Houndoom.
- The use of the word "creep" isnt encouraged. The word outspeed is more suitable for this since you want to make it clear to every potential reader and people that are new to Pokemon wouldnt really get the use of the word creep in here.

I know this is a WIP but the second set really grabbed my attention and I do believe it has no use. Good luck.
 
i've used av a bit and i can usually get 1-2 kills with it per game but maybe that's just coz ladder sucks. i'll implement your suggested set and see how it works. thanks for the input
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
earthquake > ep on the main set and subsequently slash a -spe nature

difference in power vs quite a few targets makes eq a lot better to the point where ep is just flat-out worse:

0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Diancie: 146-174 (48 - 57.2%) -- 34% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Diancie: 92-110 (30.2 - 36.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Registeel: 146-174 (40.1 - 47.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 92-110 (25.2 - 30.2%) -- 35.5% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jolteon: 312-368 (115.1 - 135.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 SpA Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Jolteon: 176-210 (64.9 - 77.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 166-196 (66.1 - 78%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (ko after sr + lo)
0 SpA Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Sneasel: 108-127 (43 - 50.5%) -- 2.3% chance to 2HKO

etc

the few things earth power hits harder don't take scalds very well anyways.

also your checks and counters section isn't formatted properly. it should be like this:

**Grass-types**:
 

MrAldo

Hey
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Looks pretty decent overall

- Definitely second the mention of Earthquake being the main slash, and Relaxed Nature being the main slash in order to maximize Earthquake damage output (Ive been proven wrong about Earth Power, Earthquake is definitely the better option on defensive sets, also having the bonus of hitting delphox and houndoom much harder).

- The sentences "this set has the added bonus of walling blastoise, so try to set up subs on it and start attacking/spreading status" and "set up sub on mons that don't threaten it, such as bulky waters/defensive walls that rely on status, examples include alo and blastoise" are really similar tbh. This can be compressed in a single sentence then you can add the fluff you want on the write-up. "can be used to bluff defensive set and lure specs mag with hp grass" is also phrased in an odd way, "and lures specs Magneton trying to go for an HP Grass" sounds better.

- Also definitely mention Mega Audino as a cleric for the defensive set, much more suitable than Aromatisse thanks to Regenerator and can pivot on Venusaur on its regular form, and appreciate Seismitoad taking care of Magneton.

- Max Speed Seismitoad only reaches 271 so some benchmarks it outspeeds are incorrect. It outspeeds Adamant Sawk, Adamant Gallade, Magneton, Emboar and Adamant Absol. Meloetta and Medicham are incorrect and should be removed. Mentioning it outspeeds Sub Bulk Up Braviary variants is nice. Make sure to mention its +1 benchmarks, like outspeeding Jolteon, Aerodactyl, Sneasel, Virizion, etc.

QC 1/3 Once this is implemented.
 

EonX

Battle Soul
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In the overview, mention key Pokemon it struggles against (Venusaur, Virizion) as well as a couple of key Pokemon it accels against (non-Toxic Alomomola, Rhyperior) Seems good otherwise, so consider this QC Approved 3/3 once the overview is updated a tad with some of the above Pokemon.
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
Hello, amcheck.

Add / Remove / Comments
[OVERVIEW]

Due Thanks (I find "thanks" to have a more positive tone) to its excellent Water / Ground typing and ability, (remove comma) granting it an immunity to Electric- and Water-type moves, Seismitoad is able to function as a reliable Stealth Rock setter, excelling against the likes of non-Toxic Alomomola and opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Rhyperior. With access to Scald and Toxic, it is able to cripple common defoggers Defoggers, and its decent bulk allows it to switch into many physical attackers. Its wide coverage options also make offensive sets viable, although it is hindered by its mediocre Special Attack and 4x weakness to Grass. Notably, (add comma) it struggles against the likes of Venusaur and Virizion, both of which can freely switch in on it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake / Toxic
move 4: Knock Off / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Relaxed / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Stealth Rock is the main point of using this set due to Seismitoad's ability to reliably get them up. Seismitoad can reliably get Stealth Rock up, which wears down grounded foes. (Or something like this. the previous sentence has "main point of using this set" which is the same as "crux of this set" and should be removed. problem is if I just remove that, the sentence would have no substance, so be sure to add something to my addition) Scald is one of the obligatory STABs STAB moves, with an additional 30% chance to burn the foe. Earthquake is the secondary STAB move, hitting Registeel, Jolteon, Drapion, and Jellicent, (remove comma) and is preferred over Earth Power for its ability to OHKO Jolteon and deal more damage to Registeel. Alternatively, Toxic is an option to puts defensive walls, (add comma) such as Alomomola, Slowking, Jellicent, and bulky Grass-types on a timer. Knock Off can also be used to cripple bulkier Pokemon and offensive attackers alike by removing their item.

Set Details
========

Max Maximum HP and Defensive Defense investment is used with a Bold nature to so that Seismitoad can take on physical attackers effectiely effectively by maximizing physical bulk. However, shifting some (any specific amount?) EVs to Special Defense is an option to so Seismitoad can tank hits from Magneton and Diancie better. Water Absorb is used as the ability to deter opposing Pokemon from using Water-type attacks, allowing this set to function excellently against rain teams. Leftovers is used as the item to provide passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Seismitoad into resisted moves or non-banded non-Choice Band physical attackers to set up rocks Stealth Rock or spread status. Try to wear down opposing walls with Knock Off and Toxic to pave the way for a teammate to sweep late-game later in the game. Keep Seismitoad away from Grass-types, as they can all OHKO it, but if you have a dedicated Grass-resistant Pokemon of your own, (add comma) it is sometimes more logical and effective to expect your opponent to your opponent might sometimes go for a different coverage option or double switch their Pokemon. However, high-risk plays such as these leaving Seismitoad in should only be made if you would lose too much momentum otherwise or have a severe matchup disadvantage otherwise. Seismitoad can also stop VoltTurn cores by absorbing Volt Switch from the likes of Jolteon and Magneton, but be wary of a potential Hidden Power Grass from both. This set especially dislikes status, (add comma) since it can quickly wear it Seismitoad down and turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs, so keep it away from poison and burn.
(only one blank line)
Team Options
========

Garbodor is an excellent partner for its ability to switch into offensive Fighting- and Grass-types, absorb Toxic Spikes, and form a hazard-stacking (add hyphen) core with Seismitoad. Emboar also synergizes well with it, dealing with Grass-types, notably Virizion, while Seismitoad can counter Fletchling Fletchinder, one of Emboar's biggest checks, and absorb Water-type attacks while wearing down its checks and counters. Additionally, clerics, such as Aromatisse and Diancie, can heal Seismitoad of the status it despises. Pokemon vulernable vulnerable to common physical attackers, such as Hoopa, Malamar, and Venusaur, appreciate Seismitoad's ability to take on such attackers, and (remove comma) . (add period) Late-game sweepers and wallbreakers, such as Drapion, Virizion, and Braviary, appreciate the Stealth Rock support it provides in wearing down their checks and counters.
(only one blank line)
[SET]
name: Offensive Substitute
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Toxic / Endeavor
item: Leftovers / Salac Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald is the obligatory STAB move, with a 30% chance to burn the foe, making it this set's Seismitoad's best option for hitting physical attackers. Earth Power is the secondary special STAB move, hitting Registeel and Diancie super effectively and Venusuar Venusaur neutrally. Substitute allows it to avoid detrimental status, (add comma) and scout an opponent's a foe's moveset, and may allow it to and sometimes [achieve more than one KO] (Develop this because I don't understand). Toxic is the preferred option in the last moveslot, crippling bulky Water- and Grass-types that like to switch in on it more reliably than Scald. Finally, Endeavor is an option for Seismitoad to weaken or pick off slower Pokemon while behind its Substitute, (remove comma) and can also put faster offensive threats in range of priority.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment allows Seismitoad to deal as much damage as possible, while and maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allows allow it to put in create (I prefer create over put in, up to you) a Substitute on against most defensive Pokemon and outspeed threats such as Adamant Gallade, Sawk, Adamant Absol, Choice Specs Magneton, Substitute Braviary, and Choice Band Emboar. Leftovers is the preferred item a the majority of the time, providing passive recovery, which is essential to maintaining Seismitoad's longevity behind a Substitute. Alternatively, Salac Berry allows it to function as a late-game sweeper once it can no longer put in create Substitutes, as it allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Emboar, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Sneasel (Are jolteon/aerodactyl/sneasel all scarf? if not, put them before choice scarf emboar). Water Absorb is used as the ability to ease switching in on opposing Water-types.
(only one line break)
Usage Tips
========

Avoid switching Seismitoad in on potential status-inducing moves, which drastically decrease the effectiveness of this set, rendering Substitute practically useless. As such, bring it in on resisted hits or a predicted utility move, such as Wish or Stealth Rock. Set up Substitute on Pokemon that don't threaten it Seismitoad , (remove comma) ; (add semicolon) common examples are bulky Water-types or and defensive walls that rely on status, such as Alomomola. A benefit of having maximum Speed investment is that this set can bluff a defensive spread, (add comma) and lure Choice Specs Magneton trying to go for Hidden Power Grass, (add comma) and eliminate it with Earth Power. (Or whatever it does after luring Specs Magneton)

Team Options
========

Pokemon that appreciate Seismitoad's ability to lure Grass- and Water-types, such as Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types, make good partners. Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types, such as <Water-type>, <Ground-type>, and <Rock-type>, make for good partners, as they appreciate Seismitoad's ability to lure Grass- and Water-types and eliminate (<-- or whatever it does after they lure them, replace <x-types> with an example, please) them. Fletchinder especially benefits from this set's ability to weaken its common checks (such as?). Pokemon like Venusaur, Garbodor, and Braviary that take on the Grass-types that force Seismitoad out, such as Venusaur, Garbodor, and Braviary, also synergize well with it. Magneton is able to deal with Pokemon this est set struggles to break, such as Golbat and Venusaur. Clerics such as Diancie, Mega Audino, and Aromatisse can heal it of any status, which is especially detrimental to this set. Mega Audino has the added bonus of being able to switch in on Venusaur before it Mega Evolves thanks to Regenerator.
(only one blank line)
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
(remove blank like)
Other Options
==========

Rocky Helmet is an option on the defensive set to punish physical attackers, specifically U-turn pivots, but is generally inferior to the passive recovery provided by Leftovers. An offensive set with Life Orb and Swift Swim is an option for rain teams, taking advantage of Seismitoad's coverage options. Finally, an offensive Stealth Rock set can be used, (remove comma) but largely decreases its ability to get it up rocks reliably due to fewer switchin opportunities to switch in.
(only one blank line)
Checks and Counters
==========

**Grass-types**: Grass-types hit Seismitoad 4x super effectively with their Grass-type STAB moves and thus almost always beat it 1v1 one-on-one, as it can't do much in return. Furthermore, Pokemon such as Virizion are able to use it as setup fodder. However, Grass-types have to be wary of taking a Toxic on the switchin switch in if not immune or carrying a Lum Berry.
(only one blank line)
**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Seismitoad's special bulk is nothing to boast about, so powerful special attackers, such as Delphox, Exploud, Meloetta, and Sigilyph, can all 2HKO or OHKO it. Strong physical attackers such as Choice Band Sawk, Life Orb Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Medicham can also 2HKO it on the switchin switch in.

**Resttalk RestTalk Tanks**: Sleep Talk users such as Malamar and Spiritomb can easily take hits from Seismitoad and use it as setup fodder.

**Status Users**: Status quickly wears Seismitoad down, lowering the ability of the defensive set to get up Stealth Rock reliably and making Substitute on the offensive set a liability.
Some of your sentences, particularly in Moves, lack examples, so be sure to add them in. Good analysis regardless :)
 
Last edited:

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 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Thanks to its excellent Water / Ground typing and ability granting it an immunity to Electric- and Water-type moves, Seismitoad is able to function as a reliable Stealth Rock setter, excelling against the likes of non-Toxic Alomomola and opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Rhyperior. With access to Scald and Toxic, it is able to cripple common Defoggers, and its decent bulk allows it to switch into many physical attackers. Its wide coverage options also make offensive sets viable, although it is hindered by its mediocre Special Attack and 4x weakness to Grass. Notably, it struggles against the likes of Venusaur and Virizion, both of which can freely switch in on it.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Scald
move 3: Earthquake / Toxic
move 4: Knock Off / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Relaxed / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Seismitoad's ability to reliably get up Stealth Rock makes it essential on this set. Scald is one of the obligatory STAB moves, with an additional 30% chance to burn the foe. Earthquake is the secondary STAB move, hitting Registeel, Jolteon, Drapion, and Jellicent, and is preferred over Earth Power for its ability to OHKO Jolteon and deal more damage to Registeel. Alternatively, Toxic puts defensive walls, such as Alomomola, Slowking, Jellicent, and bulky Grass-types on a timer. Knock Off can cripple bulkier Pokemon and offensive attackers Pokemon alike by removing their item.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment is used with a Bold nature so that Seismitoad can take on physical attackers effectively by maximizing physical bulk. However, shifting some EVs to Special Defense is an option so Seismitoad can tank hits from Magneton and Diancie better. Water Absorb is used as the ability to deter opposing Pokemon from using Water-type attacks, allowing this set to function excellently against rain teams. Leftovers is used as the item to provide passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Seismitoad into resisted moves or non-Choice Band physical attackers to set up Stealth Rock or spread status. Try to wear down opposing walls with Knock Off and Toxic to pave the way for a teammate to sweep late-game. Keep Seismitoad away from Grass-types, as they can all OHKO it, but if you have a dedicated Grass-resistant Pokemon of your own, your opponent might sometimes go for a different coverage option or double switch their Pokemon. However, high-risk plays such as leaving Seismitoad in should only be made if you would lose too much momentum or have a severe matchup disadvantage otherwise. Seismitoad can also stop VoltTurn cores by absorbing Volt Switch from the likes of Jolteon and Magneton, but be wary of a potential Hidden Power Grass from both. This set especially dislikes status, since it can quickly wear Seismitoad down and turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs, so keep it away from poison and burn.


Team Options
========

Garbodor is an excellent partner for its ability to switch into offensive Fighting- and Grass-types, absorb Toxic Spikes, and form a hazard-stacking core with Seismitoad. Emboar also synergizes well with it, dealing with Grass-types, notably Virizion, while Seismitoad can counter Fletchinder, one of Emboar's biggest checks, and absorb Water-type attacks while wearing down its checks and counters. Additionally, clerics, such as Aromatisse and Diancie, can heal Seismitoad of the status it despises. Pokemon vulnerable to common physical attackers, such as Hoopa, Malamar, and Venusaur, appreciate Seismitoad's ability to take on such attackers. Late-game sweepers and wallbreakers, such as Drapion, Virizion, and Braviary, appreciate the Stealth Rock support it Seismitoad provides in wearing down their checks and counters.

[SET]
name: Offensive Substitute
move 1: Scald
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Toxic / Endeavor
item: Leftovers / Salac Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald is the obligatory STAB move, with a 30% chance to burn the foe, making it Seismitoad's best option for hitting physical attackers. Earth Power is the secondary STAB move, hitting Registeel and Diancie super effectively and Venusaur neutrally. Substitute allows it Seismitoad to avoid detrimental status, scout a foe's moveset, and sometimes achieve more than one KO, as it can let Seismitoad easily take Pokemon that would otherwise cripple Seismitoad it, such as Alomomola, are easily 1v1ed by it on one-on-one. Toxic is the preferred option in the last moveslot, crippling bulky Water- and Grass-types that like to switch in on it Seismitoad more reliably than Scald. Finally, Endeavor is an option for Seismitoad to weaken or pick off slower Pokemon while behind its Substitute and can also put faster offensive threats in range of priority.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment allows Seismitoad to deal as much damage as possible, and maximum Speed investment and a Timid nature allow it to put in a Substitute against most defensive Pokemon and outspeed threats such as Adamant Gallade, Sawk, (Adamant Sawk too? Sawk is faster than Gallade so yea, if Jolly Sawk doesn't exist it's fine as is though) Adamant Absol, Choice Specs Magneton, Substitute Braviary, and Choice Band Emboar. Leftovers is the preferred item the majority of the time, providing passive recovery, which is essential to maintaining Seismitoad's longevity behind a Substitute. Alternatively, Salac Berry allows it to function as a late-game sweeper once it can no longer put in Substitutes, as it allows it to outspeed Jolteon, Aerodactyl, Sneasel, and Choice Scarf Emboar. Water Absorb is used as the ability to ease switching in on opposing Water-types.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid switching Seismitoad in on potential status-inducing moves, which drastically decrease the effectiveness of this set, rendering Substitute practically useless. As such, bring it in on resisted hits or a predicted utility move, such as Wish or Stealth Rock. Set up Substitute on Pokemon that don't threaten Seismitoad; common examples are bulky Water-types and defensive walls that rely on status, such as Alomomola. A benefit of having maximum Speed investment is that this set can bluff a defensive spread, lure Choice Specs Magneton trying to go for Hidden Power Grass, and eliminate it with Earth Power.

Team Options
========

Water-, Ground-, and Rock-types, such as Alomomola, Flygon, and Diancie, make for good partners, as they appreciate Seismitoad's ability to lure Grass- and Water-types and threaten or eliminate them. Fletchinder especially benefits from this set's ability to weaken its common checks, notably Alomomola and Diancie. Pokemon like Venusaur, Garbodor, and Braviary that take on the Grass-types that force Seismitoad out also synergize well with it. Magneton is able to deal with Pokemon this set struggles to break, such as Golbat and Venusaur. Clerics such as Diancie, Mega Audino, and Aromatisse can heal it this set of any status, which is especially detrimental to this set it. Mega Audino has the added bonus of being able to switch in on Venusaur before it Mega Evolves thanks to Regenerator.

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

Rocky Helmet is an option on the defensive set to punish physical attackers, specifically U-turn pivots, but this is generally inferior to the passive recovery provided by Leftovers. An offensive set with Life Orb and Swift Swim is an option for rain teams, taking advantage of Seismitoad's coverage options. Finally, an offensive Stealth Rock set can be used but largely decreases its ability to get it up reliably due to fewer opportunities to switch in.

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

**Grass-types**: Grass-types hit Seismitoad 4x super effectively with their Grass-type STAB moves and thus almost always beat it one-on-one, as it can't do much in return. Furthermore, Pokemon such as Virizion are able to use it as setup fodder. However, Grass-types have to be wary of taking a Toxic on the switch in if not immune or carrying a Lum Berry.

**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Seismitoad's special bulk is nothing to boast about, so powerful special attackers, such as Delphox, Exploud, Meloetta, and Sigilyph, can all 2HKO or OHKO it. Strong physical attackers such as Choice Band Sawk, Life Orb Hitmonlee, and Choice Band Medicham can also 2HKO it on the switch in.

**RestTalk Tanks**: Sleep Talk users such as Malamar and Spiritomb can easily take hits from Seismitoad and use it as setup fodder.

**Status Users**: Status quickly wears Seismitoad down, lowering the ability of the defensive set to get up Stealth Rock reliably and making Substitute on the offensive set a liability.
 
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