Ubers Cloyster

So Noisy

sehna padega thoda


[OVERVIEW]

* Cloyster is one of the primary suicide leads in the tier thanks to its access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, making it suitable for certain offensive builds.
* It also has a decent matchup against other dedicated leads such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill due to Skill Link-boosted Icicle Spear being a 125-Base Power move breaking their Focus Sash.
* Cloyster tends to struggle against certain entry hazard control Pokemon such as Arceus-Water, which does not care about its Ice-type STAB Icicle Spear and can proceed to Defog away the hazards, and Mega Sableye, which can bounce back hazards, burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp and block its Rapid Spin. Also, Taunt users such as Mega Gengar and Yveltal prevent Cloyster from getting up hazards, although both of them have to be wary of Icicle Spear.
* Cloyster has low special bulk, making it really weak to special attacks and attackers and thus a one-time use Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes / Toxic Spikes
move 2: Shell Smash
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes help wear down the opponent's team, helping teammates to sweep. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as it does not affect Steel-types such as Magearna, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM. It also gets absorbed by Poison-types such as Mega Gengar and Toxapex but tends to be better against other offensive teams.
* Shell Smash allows Cloyster to not be passive, boosting its Attack and Speed to let it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and do heavy damage to Pokemon that do not resist STAB Icicle Spear.
* STAB Icicle Spear paired with Skill Link always results in five hits, thus breaking Focus Sash and helping to weaken the opponent's team as much as possible.
* Rapid Spin gives entry hazard control to the team, allowing teammates to be brought in safely.

Set Details
========
* Maximum investment in Speed and Attack is used for maximum offensive presence. With a Jolly nature, +2 Cloyster outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and notable Pokemon like +1 Adamant Mega Salamence, Deoxys-S, +2 standard Geomancy Xerneas, Choice Scarf Xerneas, and +2 standard Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* An Adamant nature can also be used, as Cloyster will have a high chance to OHKO standard offensive Ho-Oh and Giratina and a higher damage output against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Even though standard Geomancy Xerneas outspeeds Adamant Cloyster, +2 Icicle Spear OHKOes it after a layer of Spikes. Adamant Cloyster also OHKOes Mega Gengar with an unboosted Icicle Spear after a layer of Spikes.

Usage Tips
========
* Since Cloyster is a dedicated lead, getting up entry hazards should be the main priority.
* Try to preserve Focus Sash, as it can come in clutch later.
* Use Shell Smash and Icicle Spear to pressure opposing hazard setters to prevent them from getting hazards up, to do as much damage as possible before going down, and to punish a predicted use of Defog or switch to a bulkier Pokemon.
* Although weakening the opponent's team is great, spinning away hazards is more important.
* Lead against Pokemon such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill, since Cloyster can beat them with Icicle Spear and spin their hazards away.
* Avoid leading with Cloyster versus bad matchups such as against Mega Sableye, Smeargle, and support Arceus formes, especially Arceus-Water and Arceus-Dark, as some sets use Will-O-Wisp.
* Getting only one layer of Toxic Spikes is more helpful versus offensive teams, since the games are quite fast paced and the constant 12% damage is preferred rather than the increasing damage over time with two layers, but against balance builds, two layers are better, as being badly poisoned is more threatening to defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========
* Cloyster is a dedicated entry hazard lead; hence, it only fits on hyper offensive builds.
* Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Yveltal make excellent teammates for Cloyster, as they prevent the hazards from getting removed. They also help against Smeargle, although they can be crippled by Nuzzle.
* Spinblockers such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Lunala, and Arceus-Ghost make great teammates for a similar reason. Lunala especially appreciates Cloyster's Rapid Spin support because of its Shadow Shield. Mega Gengar appreciates Toxic Spikes, since it can then run Hex more effectively.
* Stealth Rock users such as Arceus-Fairy and Primal Groudon are helpful to Cloyster. Primal Groudon is especially useful, as it can pressure Pokemon Cloyster has trouble with such as support Arceus formes and Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy make decent teammates, as they can anti-lead against Mega Sableye and pressure Defoggers like Mega Salamence and Giratina. Arceus-Fairy is a great partner because it can also get Stealth Rock up. Xerneas appreciates the Spikes support, as it helps wear Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Primal Groudon down.
* Pokemon weak to hazards such as Mega Salamence, Yveltal, and Rayquaza appreciate Cloyster removing hazards for them.
* Since Cloyster is decent at getting hazards up, strong wallbreakers and late-game cleaners such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Double Dance Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Zygarde, Geomancy Xerneas, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Flying are used alongside it, as they all appreciate their checks getting worn down.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
* Explosion can be used over Rapid Spin for maintaining momentum and preventing Defog. It also prevents Cloyster from being setup bait for Necrozma-DM.
* Ice Shard can also be used as an emergency check to Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, but Cloyster does not have a moveslot for it.
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes can be run on the same set by forgoing Rapid Spin, but this is not advised, as Cloyster is usually the only form of hazard control for its team.
* Lum Berry can be used over Focus Sash to help Cloyster deal with Mega Sableye and Smeargle.

Checks and Counters
========
**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water is a hard stop to Cloyster, as it does not mind taking even boosted Icicle Spears, always beats Cloyster with Toxic or the rare Will-O-Wisp, and can use Defog to get rid of Cloyster's entry hazards.

**Support Arceus Formes**: All support Arceus formes except Arceus-Ground act as Cloyster checks. They threaten Cloyster with Judgment and Toxic, can Defog away its hazards, and can take a +2 Icicle Spear if needed. Arceus-Dark can also burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle's higher Speed allows it to use Spore before Cloyster can move and proceed to set up its own hazards. Shuckle's natural bulk means that it can take two Icicle Spears, can Encore Cloyster into a move, and get its own hazards up. Mega Sableye does not care about Cloyster, as it can bounce back the hazards, take a boosted Icicle Spear, and burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp. It can also use Foul Play if Cloyster decides to set up on it. Both Choice Band Tyranitar and Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar can OHKO Cloyster with the combination of Stone Edge and Sand Stream. Even though Mega Kangaskhan is very rare, it deserves a mention, as it can stop Cloyster from doing anything with the combination of Fake Out and Seismic Toss.

**Special Attackers**: Cloyster has terrible special bulk and gets 2HKOed by basically any neutral special move.

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as defensive Primal Kyogre and Toxapex take minimal damage even from a boosted Icicle Spear and can beat Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Steel types such as Necrozma-DM, Mega Lucario, and Magearna resist Icicle Spear and can proceed to set up on Cloyster or beat it.
 
Last edited:
* Cloyster is one of the primary leads in the tier, having access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin making it suitable for certain offensive builds.
add suicide between primary and leads.

* Cloyster has low special bulk making it really weak to special attacks and attackers.
add that it makes it a "one-time use Pokemon"

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1 : Spikes / Toxic Spikes
move 2 : Shell Smash
move 3 : Icicle Spear
move 4 : Rapid Spin
item : Focus Sash
ability : Skill Link
nature : Jolly / Adamant
evs : 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe


this is the right format for the set, c/p this.

* Adamant nature can also be used for a larger chance to OHKO standard offensive Ho-oh and higher damage output against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Celesteela.
OHKO offensive hooh and giratina-a at +2, mention that standard geoxern outspeed adamant but gets OHKO'd after a layer of Spikes at +2, also mention that it OHKOes Mega Gengar unboosted after a Spikes layer.

* Avoid leading with Cloyster versus bad matchups such as Mega Sableye and support Arceus formes especially Arceus-Water.
add there Smeargle and Darkceus, Darkceus can pack WoW, otherwise Cloyster at +2 damages it heavily depending on its spread.
Add a point in usages tips just above this one where you mention leads to lead against.
Add a point where you talk about when to set up with Shell Smash, when you should set hazard and when you should go for Rapid Spin or Icicle Spear.
Add a point about Toxic Spikes, 1 layer against offensive builds, 2 layers against balance builds.

* Fast taunt Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y and notably Tapu Koko since it directly pressures Arceus-Water make excellent teammates for Cloyster as they prevent the hazards from getting removed.
mention Yveltal instead of Tapu Koko, even if most waterceus outspeeds it it still can pressure less common defog users like Giratina-O, mention that they can handle smeargle well.

* Spin Blockers such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Lunala and Necrozma-DW make great teammates for a similar reason. Lunala especially appreciates Cloyster's Rapid Spin support because of its Shadow Shield. Mega Gengar appreciates Toxic Spikes since it can run Hex.
remove Necrozma-DW, mention Arceus-Ghost

* Since Cloyster is decent at getting hazards up strong wallbreakers and late game cleaners such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Mega Lucario, Geomancy Xerneas, Marshadow all appreciate their checks getting worn down.
mention double dance necrozma-DM instead of Mega Lucario, mention Calm Mind Arceus-Flying and Dragon Dance Zygarde.

Add a point for Fairy-types, Xerneas antilead Sableye and likes Spikes since it wears down NecrozmaDM well, Fairyceus antilead Mega Sableye as well and set SR, they pressure defensive mega mence and giratina, which can be an issue too.

**Support Arceus Formes** : All support Arceus formes except Arceus-Ground can threaten Cloyster with Judgement and/or Toxic and can proceed to Defog away its hazards. Although all of them except Arceus-Water have to be wary of a boosted Icicle Spear.
mention that darkceus/waterceus can also burn it with Will-O-Wisp.

**Fast Taunt Users** : Fast Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele stop Cloyster from getting up hazards. They all live one unboosted Icicle Spear and then proceed to go to their Ice resists.
remove.

**Mega Kangaskhan** : Even though Mega Kangaskhan is very rare it deserves a mention as it can stop Cloyster from getting up hazards with the combination of Fake Out and Seismic Toss.
remove.

Edit the sableye point to a point for things that antilead it, and mention how they do it.

QC 1/3 after you implement everything
 
Last edited:

Stoward

Ah, you're finally awake
Not entirely sure if I agree with the removing the Mega Kangaskhan point. It's in the Ubers tier, regardless of how viable it is, it is in the Ubers tier and it can OHKO it with a combination of Fake out + Seismic Toss. While it's important to draw the line somewhere, If a Pokemon is in a tier and can act as a solid check/counter, then I can't see much of a justifiable reason as to why it shouldn't be included in the C&C section. I don't really see how removing that point would decrease the quality of this post.

To be completely honest, I feel like the C&C section should be more extensive. Just like any other dedicated lead, any Pokemon in the tier that prevents Cloyster from effectively getting up or removing hazards should probably be listed as a check. Marshadow for example could potentially be seen as a check since it can force Cloyster down to its sash and easily clean it off - even if for some reason Cloyster chooses to boost in front of Marshadow's Close Combat - with Shadow Sneak, and it also prevents Cloyster from using Rapid Spin. Furthermore Tyranitar can also potentially stop Cloyster from setting/removing hazards, as it can OHKO it with Stone Edge + Sand and is able to freely set up Stealth Rock.

Anyway, just my 2c, take it as you will, good luck with the analysis :)
 
I mean I guess Kanga can be noted in the anti-lead category? Just note that its hella rare as well.

Unsure about adding Marshadow because leading with it means that Cloyster can get up to 75% damage on it with Icicle Spear. This is actually a pretty bad trade because now Marshadow is only getting like 2-3 more attacks off max (assuming LO) AND something gets to come in afterwards with a likely favorable matchup. Considering Cloyster is a lead for offensive teams, Marshadow is better preserved for dealing with the offensive mons, not the suicide lead.

Tyranitar needs to be offensive (CB/Mega DD) to properly anti-lead Cloyster. The support set's Stone Edge (it doesn't even run this) wont KO. Its ok to add offensive Tyranitar to anti-leads though.

Arceus-Water is mentioned twice in C&C (support Arcs/bulky waters). Honestly I'd say just make Arceus-Water its own point at the top of C&C properly detailing it because that matchup is terrible for Cloyster. This means removing Arceus-Water from the 2 categories I mentioned its currently in.

fix for QC 2/3
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
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Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

* Cloyster is one of the primary suicide leads in the tier, having access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin,(AC) making it suitable for certain offensive builds.
* It also has a decent matchup against other dedicated leads such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill due to Skill Link-(AH)boosted Icicle Spear being basically a 125-(AH)Base Power BP move along with breaking their Focus Sash.
* It Cloyster tends to struggle against certain entry hazard control Pokemon such as Arceus-Water,(AC) which does not care about it's its Ice-(AH)type STAB Icicle Spear and proceeds can proceed to Defog away the hazards, and Mega Sableye,(AC) since it can bounce back hazards,(AC) and burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp and also block its Rapid Spin. Also,(AC) Taunt users such as Mega Gengar and Yveltal prevent Cloyster from getting up hazards,(AC) although both of them have to be wary of Icicle Spear.
* Cloyster has low special bulk,(AC) making it really weak to special attacks and attackers making it and thus a one-time use Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes / Toxic Spikes
move 2: Shell Smash
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant

evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes help wear down the opponent's team,(AC) helping teammates to sweep. Toxic Spikes are is (the move is singular) less consistent,(AC) (whenever "as" and "since" are being used to mean because, a comma must precede them) as they do it does not affect Steel-(AH)types such as Magearna, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM. They It also gets absorbed by Poison-(AH)types such as Mega Gengar and Toxapex but tends to be better against other offensive teams.
* Shell Smash allows Cloyster to not be passive,(AC) boosting its Attack and Speed allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and do heavy damage to Pokemon that do not resist its ice STAB Icicle Spear.
* STAB Icicle Spear is there for STAB and paired with Skill Link it always results in 5 five hits,(AC) thus breaking Focus Sashes Sash and helping to weaken the opponent's team as much as possible.
* Rapid Spin gives entry hazard control to the team,(AC) allowing teammates to be brought in safely.

Set Details
========
* Maximum investment in Speed and Attack is used for maximum offensive presence. A +2 Jolly With a Jolly nature,(AC) +2 Cloyster outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and notable Pokemon like +1 Adamant Mega Salamence, Deoxys-S, +2 standard Geomancy Xerneas,(AC) as well as Choice Scarf Xerneas,(AC) and +2 standard Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* An Adamant nature can also be used,(AC) as it has Cloyster will have a high chance to OHKO standard offensive Ho-Oh and Giratina and for a higher damage output against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Even though standard Geomancy Xerneas outspeeds Adamant Cloyster,(AC)+2 Icicle Spear OHKOes it after a layer of Spikes. Adamant Cloyster also OHKOes Mega Gengar with an unboosted Icicle Spear after a layer of Spikes.

Usage Tips
========
* Since it's Cloyster is a dedicated lead,(AC) getting up entry hazards should be the main priority.
* Try to preserve the Focus Sash,(AC) as it can come in clutch later.
* Use Shell Smash and Icicle Spear to pressure opposing hazard setters to prevent them from getting hazards up,(AC) on your side and to do as much damage as possible before going down,(AC) and also on a predicted use of Defog or switch into a bulkier Pokemon.
* Although weakening the opponent's team is great,(AC) spinning away hazards should be given more importance is more important.
* Lead against Pokemon such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill,(AC) since Cloyster can beat them with Icicle Spear and can spin their hazards away.
* Avoid leading with Cloyster versus bad matchups such as against Mega Sableye, Smeargle,(AC) and support Arceus formes,(AC) especially Arceus-Water and also Arceus-Dark,(AC) as some sets use Will-O-Wisp.
* Getting only one layer of Toxic Spikes is more helpful versus offensive teams,(AC) since the games are quite fast paced and the constant as the first turn 12% damage is preferred rather than the increasing damage over time in with two layers,(AC) since the games are quite fast paced but against balance builds,(AC) two layers are better,(AC) as being badly poisoned is more threatening to defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========
* Cloyster is a dedicated entry hazard lead,(AC) hence it only fits on hyper offensive builds.
* Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y,(AC) and Yveltal make excellent teammates for Cloyster,(AC) as they prevent the hazards from getting removed. They also help against Smeargle,(AC) although they can be crippled by Nuzzle.
* Spin Blockers Spinblockers such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Lunala,(AC) and Arceus-Ghost make great teammates for a similar reason. Lunala especially appreciates Cloyster's Rapid Spin support because of its Shadow Shield. Mega Gengar appreciates Toxic Spikes,(AC) since it can then run Hex.
* Stealth Rock users such as Arceus-Fairy and especially Primal Groudon are helpful to Cloyster.(period) Primal Groudon is especially useful,(AC) as it can pressure Pokemon Cloyster has trouble with such as support Arceus formes and Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-(AH)types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy make decent teammates,(AC) as they can anti-lead against Mega Sableye and pressure Defoggers like Mega Salamence and Giratina. Arceus-Fairy is a great partner as because (repetition) it can also get Stealth Rocks Rock up. Xerneas appreciates the Spikes support,(AC) as it helps wear Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Primal Groudon down.
* Pokemon weak to hazards such as Mega Salamence, Yveltal,(AC) and Rayquaza appreciate Cloyster removing hazards for them.
* Since Cloyster is decent at getting hazards up,(AC) strong wallbreakers and late-(AH)game cleaners such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Double Dance Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Zygarde, Geomancy Xerneas, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Flying are used alongside it,(AC) as they all appreciate their checks getting worn down.


Other Options
========
* Explosion can be used over Rapid Spin for maintaining momentum and preventing Defog. It also prevents Cloyster from being setup bait for Necrozma-DM set up bait.
* Ice Shard can also be used as an emergency check to Mega Salamence and Rayquaza,(AC) but Cloyster does not have a moveslot for it.
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes can be run on the same set by forgoing Rapid Spin,(AC) but this is not advised,(AC) as Cloyster is usually the only way form of hazard control for the its team.
* Lum Berry can be used over Focus Sash to help Cloyster deal with Mega Sableye and Smeargle.

Checks and Counters
========
**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water in particular is a hard stop to Cloyster,(AC) as it does not mind taking even boosted Icicle Spears,(AC) and always beats Cloyster with Toxic or the rare Will-O-Wisp,(AC) and Defogs can use Defog to get rid of Cloyster's hazards away.

**Support Arceus Formes**: All support Arceus formes except Arceus-Ground as it itself is threatened by Cloyster act as Cloyster checks. They threaten Cloyster with Judgement and/or Judgment and Toxic,(AC) and can Defog its hazards,(AC) and as they can take a +2 Icicle Spear if needed. Arceus-Dark can also burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp,(AC) rendering it useless.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle being faster than Cloyster Spores it means that Smeargle can use Spore and proceeds proceed to set up its own hazards. Shuckle being naturally bulky means that it can take two Icicle Spears,(AC) and can Encore Cloyster into a move,(AC) and get its own hazards up. Mega Sableye does not care about Cloyster,(AC) as it can bounce back the hazards, takes take a boosted Icicle Spear,(AC) and can burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp. It can also use Foul Play if Cloyster decides to set up on it. Both Choice Band Tyranitar and Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar can OHKO Cloyster with the combination of Stone Edge and Sand Stream. Even though Mega Kangaskhan is very rare,(AC) it deserves a mention,(AC) as it can stop Cloyster from doing anything with the combination of Fake Out and Seismic Toss.

**Special Attackers**: Cloyster has terrible special bulk hence it and gets 2HKOed by basically any neutral special move.

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as defensive Primal Kyogre and Toxapex take minimal damage even from a boosted Icicle Spear and can beat itCloyster.

**Steel-types**: Steel types such as Necrozma-DM, Mega Lucario, and Magearna resist Icicle Spear and can proceed to set up on it Cloyster or beat it.
GP 1/2


Read your analyses a bit more before sending them to GP. A lot of simple mistakes were present here. Types are capitalized and should be written as "Water-type", abilities are also capitalized, and the move is "Will-O-Wisp". More importantly, your sentence structure was poor in many areas, which led to a lot of errors. Proofreading will help a ton in this regard.
 

Lumari

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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]

* Cloyster is one of the primary suicide leads in the tier (RC) having thanks to its access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin, making it suitable for certain offensive builds.
* It also has a decent matchup against other dedicated leads such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill due to Skill Link-boosted Icicle Spear being a 125-Base Power move along with breaking their Focus Sash.
* Cloyster tends to struggle against certain entry hazard control Pokemon such as Arceus-Water, which does not care about its Ice-type STAB Icicle Spear and can proceed to Defog away the hazards, and Mega Sableye, since which it can bounce back hazards, burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp and block its Rapid Spin. Also, Taunt users such as Mega Gengar and Yveltal prevent Cloyster from getting up hazards, although both of them have to be wary of Icicle Spear.
* Cloyster has low special bulk, making it really weak to special attacks and attackers and thus a one-time use Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes / Toxic Spikes
move 2: Shell Smash
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Rapid Spin
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes help wear down the opponent's team, helping teammates to sweep. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as it does not affect Steel-types such as Magearna, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM. It also gets absorbed by Poison-types such as Mega Gengar and Toxapex but tends to be better against other offensive teams.
* Shell Smash allows Cloyster to not be passive, boosting its Attack and Speed allowing it to let it outspeed the entire unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and do heavy damage to Pokemon that do not resist STAB Icicle Spear.
* STAB Icicle Spear paired with Skill Link always results in five hits, thus breaking Focus Sash and helping to weaken the opponent's team as much as possible.
* Rapid Spin gives entry hazard control to the team, allowing teammates to be brought in safely.

Set Details
========
* Maximum investment in Speed and Attack is used for maximum offensive presence. With a Jolly nature, +2 Cloyster outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and notable Pokemon like +1 Adamant Mega Salamence, Deoxys-S, +2 standard Geomancy Xerneas, Choice Scarf Xerneas, and +2 standard Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* An Adamant nature can also be used, as Cloyster will have a high chance to OHKO standard offensive Ho-Oh and Giratina and a higher damage output against Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Even though standard Geomancy Xerneas outspeeds Adamant Cloyster, +2 Icicle Spear OHKOes it after a layer of Spikes. Adamant Cloyster also OHKOes Mega Gengar with an unboosted Icicle Spear after a layer of Spikes.

Usage Tips
========
* Since Cloyster is a dedicated lead, getting up entry hazards should be the main priority.
* Try to preserve Focus Sash, as it can come in clutch later.
* Use Shell Smash and Icicle Spear to pressure opposing hazard setters to prevent them from getting hazards up, to do as much damage as possible before going down, and on to punish (optional, wording consistency) a predicted use of Defog or switch into a bulkier Pokemon.
* Although weakening the opponent's team is great, spinning away hazards is more important.
* Lead against Pokemon such as Deoxys-S and Excadrill, since Cloyster can beat them with Icicle Spear and spin their hazards away.
* Avoid leading with Cloyster versus bad matchups such as against Mega Sableye, Smeargle, and support Arceus formes, especially Arceus-Water and Arceus-Dark, as some sets use Will-O-Wisp.
* Getting only one layer of Toxic Spikes is more helpful versus offensive teams, since the games are quite fast paced and the constant 12% damage is preferred rather than the increasing damage over time with two layers, but against balance builds, two layers are better, as being badly poisoned is more threatening to defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========
* Cloyster is a dedicated entry hazard lead; (SC) hence, (AC) it only fits on hyper offensive builds.
* Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Yveltal make excellent teammates for Cloyster, as they prevent the hazards from getting removed. They also help against Smeargle, although they can be crippled by Nuzzle.
* Spinblockers such as Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Lunala, and Arceus-Ghost make great teammates for a similar reason. Lunala especially appreciates Cloyster's Rapid Spin support because of its Shadow Shield. Mega Gengar appreciates Toxic Spikes, since it can then run Hex more effectively.
* Stealth Rock users such as Arceus-Fairy and Primal Groudon are helpful to Cloyster. Primal Groudon is especially useful, as it can pressure Pokemon Cloyster has trouble with such as support Arceus formes and Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy make decent teammates, as they can anti-lead against Mega Sableye and pressure Defoggers like Mega Salamence and Giratina. Arceus-Fairy is a great partner because it can also get Stealth Rock up. Xerneas appreciates the Spikes support, as it helps wear Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Primal Groudon down.
* Pokemon weak to hazards such as Mega Salamence, Yveltal, and Rayquaza appreciate Cloyster removing hazards for them.
* Since Cloyster is decent at getting hazards up, strong wallbreakers and late-game cleaners such as Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Double Dance Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Zygarde, Geomancy Xerneas, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Flying are used alongside it, as they all appreciate their checks getting worn down.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
* Explosion can be used over Rapid Spin for maintaining momentum and preventing Defog. It also prevents Cloyster from being setup bait for Necrozma-DM.
* Ice Shard can also be used as an emergency check to Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, but Cloyster does not have a moveslot for it.
* Spikes and Toxic Spikes can be run on the same set by forgoing Rapid Spin, but this is not advised, as Cloyster is usually the only form of hazard control for its team.
* Lum Berry can be used over Focus Sash to help Cloyster deal with Mega Sableye and Smeargle.

Checks and Counters
========
**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water is a hard stop to Cloyster, as it does not mind taking even boosted Icicle Spears, always beats Cloyster with Toxic or the rare Will-O-Wisp, and can use Defog to get rid of Cloyster's entry hazards.

**Support Arceus Formes**: All support Arceus formes except Arceus-Ground act as Cloyster checks. They threaten Cloyster with Judgment and Toxic, can Defog away its hazards, and can take a +2 Icicle Spear if needed. Arceus-Dark can also burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, rendering it useless.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle's higher Speed allows it to being faster than Cloyster means that Smeargle can use Spore before Cloyster can move and proceed to set up its own hazards. Shuckle's being naturally bulky means that it can take two Icicle Spears, can Encore Cloyster into a move, and get its own hazards up. Mega Sableye does not care about Cloyster, as it can bounce back the hazards, take a boosted Icicle Spear, and burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp. It can also use Foul Play if Cloyster decides to set up on it. Both Choice Band Tyranitar and Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar can OHKO Cloyster with the combination of Stone Edge and Sand Stream. Even though Mega Kangaskhan is very rare, it deserves a mention, as it can stop Cloyster from doing anything with the combination of Fake Out and Seismic Toss.

**Special Attackers**: Cloyster has terrible special bulk and gets 2HKOed by basically any neutral special move.

**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as defensive Primal Kyogre and Toxapex take minimal damage even from a boosted Icicle Spear and can beat Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Steel types such as Necrozma-DM, Mega Lucario, and Magearna resist Icicle Spear and can proceed to set up on Cloyster or beat it.
 
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