[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.
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.
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