Monotype Gyarados (Water)

[roman]

qc: torkool / misaka mikoto / kevinelf
gp: lotiasite / talkingtree
​

[OVERVIEW]

Water
========

Gyarados is one of the strongest Pokemon on Water, breaking huge defensive threats such as Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with a boosted Supersonic Skystrike. It has access to two good abilities, Moxie and Intimidate. The former improves Gyarados's sweeping potential after it gets a KO, while the latter allows it to set up more easily on physical attackers. Gyarados's decent bulk in conjunction with Intimidate gives it almost no problem setting up, as it can take most weaker neutral attacks easily. However, Moxie is generally more useful because Gyarados has a much easier time snowballing teams without having to Dragon Dance multiple times to get vital KOes. Gyarados has access to Taunt, which means it can set up on phazers such as Skarmory or walls looking to cripple it with status such as Gastrodon. Gyarados's typing gives it a good number of useful resistances to types such as Fighting and an immunity to Ground-type moves. It notably takes only neutral damage from Grass-type attacks but has a crippling weakness to Electric-type attacks. It is also immune to Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Gyarados can outpace the majority of unboosted Pokemon, notably Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny, at +1. However, Gyarados's Speed stat leaves much to be desired, as before setup it is very susceptible to attacks from faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-B; even at +1, it is still easily revenge killed by faster Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini. Gyarados also has a hard time setting up in certain matchups and gets outright walled by Pokemon such as Rotom-W; other factors, such as its weakness to Stealth Rock, can also make setting up difficult. Bounce takes a turn to charge, which makes it useless against Pokemon such as Baneful Bunker Toxapex and Protect Ferrothorn after Flyinium Z has been used.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance Sweeper
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Bounce
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Taunt / Substitute
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Moxie / Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Gyarados's Attack and Speed; after a single boost, it can outpace metagame threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie. Bounce along with Flyinium Z allows Gyarados to blow past Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur. Bounce is a two-turn attack after Flyinium Z is used, which makes it very susceptible to Protect users that don't care about Waterfall, such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn. However, it has a chance to paralyze foes, which can be helpful in certain situations. Waterfall is Gyarados's most reliable STAB move that hits Pokemon that resist Bounce, such as Skarmory and Tyranitar. It also has 100% accuracy, unlike Bounce, and a chance to flinch. Taunt allows Gyarados to shut down and freely set up against walls such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Hippowdon, and Skarmory. Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid status. Gyarados's teammates can help it set up on weaker physical attackers such as Ferrothorn by burning them with Scald, leaving the foes unable to break Gyarados's Substitute. Gyarados can also use Substitute and Dragon Dance liberally on weaker resisted special attacks from Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Torkoal. Taunt is generally more useful to break through teams; however, Substitute allows Gyarados to set up on weak attacks and be safe from Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini revenge killing it.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment is used to maximize Gyarados's power. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are used so Gyarados can outpace offensive threats such as Breloom and Bisharp before setup. A Jolly nature also lets it outpace other threats such as Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and some Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Bulu at +1. Moxie allows Gyarados to sweep teams much more easily after a KO or two. Intimidate eases Gyarados's setup against physical attackers and allows it to use Taunt more freely against slower physical attackers. Intimidate also forces some physical attackers to switch, giving it a free turn to set up. Flyinium Z gives Gyarados a one-time 160-Base Power Supersonic Skystrike to power through walls and get an easier Moxie boost.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dragon Dance on walls such as Clefable, on resisted attacks from Pokemon such as Scizor, or to capitalize on Choice Scarf users being locked into attacks that Gyarados resists or is immune to such as Fire Blast or Earthquake. Utilize Taunt against Pokemon like Skarmory and Toxapex to prevent them from removing Gyarados's boosts. Similarly, use Taunt against walls that might have Toxic or Thunder Wave, such as Gastrodon and Chansey. You can also lead with Gyarados and use Taunt against slower entry hazard users such as Clefable and Skarmory to prevent hazards being set up. Capitalize on forced switches by setting up Dragon Dance. However, be careful if your opponent switches out to a faster Choice Scarf revenge killer such as Nihilego or Victini that can KO Gyarados before it does any damage. Use Substitute against passive walls to prevent status. This is especially important against weaker Pokemon that carry Scald such as Gastrodon, as the secondary effect of a burn can possibly ruin Gyarados's sweep if a Substitute isn't up. Pokemon such as Torkoal and Swampert can also otherwise put Gyarados to sleep with Yawn, preventing a sweep. Fish for Scald burns with teammates to make setup easier against physical attackers. Preserve Gyarados's health and Flyinium Z in matchups against types such as Grass and Poison, as it is very important to use the Z-Move to KO problematic Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex, and avoid wasting it on a resisted target or one that uses Protect. Eliminate fast revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Victini so Gyarados doesn't have to worry about trying to get multiple Dragon Dance boosts before sweeping. Try to avoid switching into even resisted attacks unless necessary, as chip damage can leave Gyarados too weak to safely set up and sweep. Moreover, remove Stealth Rock before attempting to set up, as it greatly hinders Gyarados's sweeping potential. Keep in mind that Gyarados greatly threatens types such as Bug and Rock, so making double switches into more passive Pokemon that you can set up on can easily tilt the momentum in Gyarados's favor.

Team Options
========

Empoleon provides Defog support to prevent Gyarados from taking unnecessary Stealth Rock damage while setting Stealth Rock itself to wear down the foes for an easier sweep. Empoleon also switches into powerful Rock-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie. Swampert can set Stealth Rock and switch into Electric-type attacks that could potentially KO Gyarados. Swampert can also put a Pokemon to sleep with Yawn, which can be used for free setup bait for Gyarados late-game. Gastrodon provides an Electric-type immunity and thus can switch into attacks from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. Lanturn also switches into Electric-type attacks, has Heal Bell to heal any status Gyarados has been inflicted with, spreads Toxic poison and burns, and can bring Gyarados in safely with a slow Volt Switch. Rotom-W has similar benefits in Volt Switch and its ability to spread status. Toxapex can switch into Rock-type attacks from Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and set up Toxic Spikes freely against walls such as Chansey or weaker attackers to cripple everything for an easier sweep. Azumarill equipped with a Choice Band can power through walls for an easier sweep. In the same way, Mega Sharpedo can assist Gyarados with its Strong Jaw-boosted Crunch to power through the opposition, or Gyarados can do some early-game wallbreaking with Supersonic Skystrike, allowing for Mega Sharpedo to clean late-game. Choice Specs Keldeo can ruin problematic walls such as Porygon2 for Gyarados. Suicune can stall out the opposition's PP and break opposing teams with Calm Mind-boosted Scalds, clearing the way for Gyarados to clean. Choice Scarf Greninja removes huge threats such as Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko with Gunk Shot and outpaces and KOes faster Choice Scarf users that threaten Gyarados such as Victini and Latios. It can also provide Spikes to wear down the opposition.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Water
--------

Earthquake allows Gyarados to hit Pokemon such as Toxapex and Jirachi. Mega Gyarados running Dragon Dance, Crunch, Waterfall, and Earthquake can power through types like Psychic, and Mold Breaker is great for Pokemon such as Rotom-W. However, the lack of Flyinium Z prevents it from checking a huge threat to Water teams in Mega Venusaur.

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

Water
--------

**Electric-types**: Most Electric-types can outspeed Gyarados, and Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu can outpace even a +2 Gyarados and revenge kill it. Bulkier Electric-types such as Rotom-W can switch in on any of Gyarados's attacks and have a good chance to OHKO it with Volt Switch.

**Phazers and Haze Users**: Pokemon like Toxapex and Skarmory eat up Gyarados's attacks and can prevent it from sweeping with Haze or a phazing move such as Whirlwind. Even though Taunt can prevent this, Skarmory's Brave Bird in conjunction with Rocky Helmet chip damage makes it very hard for Gyarados to sweep and Toxapex's Scald can burn Gyarados, neutralizing it.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls, most notably Toxapex, really annoy Gyarados, as Baneful Bunker makes it very hard to sweep. Substitute sets loses to Toxapex because they can't prevent Haze without Taunt and also can't KO it without boosts. On the other hand, if the Taunt variation gets burned by Scald, Gyarados's sweeping potential is very limited. Other walls such as Porygon2 can tank any of Gyarados's attacks and cripple it with Foul Play, Toxic, or Discharge.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Choice Scarf users such as Victini and Terrakion can outpace even a +1 Gyarados and revenge kill it.

**Status**: Toxic poison breaks Gyarados down quickly, while paralysis prevents a sweep. Burns turn Gyarados into a liability, as it becomes free setup bait for the opposition.

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock wears down Gyarados so that it can be revenge killed much more easily. Stealth Rock also makes it much harder for Gyarados to set up, especially when it has to take an attack.

 

[Moosical]

Overview:
* Gyarados is one of the strongest Pokemon on Water, breaking huge defensive threats such as Mega Venusaur, Toxapex, and Ferrothorn with a boosted Supersonic Strike or Waterfall.
- I would remove Toxapex here as you need +2 to have a chance to KO with Super Sonic Skystrike - while taunt does help beat it, this sentence is referring to breaking defensive Pokemon with the zmove alone.
* It has access to two good abilities, Intimidate and Moxie. The former allows it to setup easier on physical attackers while the latter improves Gyarados's sweeping potential as its Attack gets boosted after it gets a KO.
- Rearrange this to be Moxie first, as it's the first slash in moveset.
* Gyarados has access to taunt which means it can setup on phasers or walls looking to cripple it with status.
- Add examples of what it wants to taunt.
* Gyarados's typing gives it a good amount of useful resistances and an immunity to Ground-type moves. It is also immune to Toxic Spikes and Spikes.
- Talk about what resistances are useful for water type, also talk about it taking neutral damage from grass moves as well as its 4x weakness to electric.
* While Gyarados's speed is passable as it can outpace threats such as Tapu Koko at +1 it is still easily revenge KOed by faster Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini.
- I'd separate this into two statements, the first about its speed being able to outpace all unboosted boosted Pokemon including (tapu koko, example), as well as choice scarf Tapu Bulu. The second sentence have it talk about how it's easily revenge killed at +1 by common choice scarf users such as (victini, example).

Moves:
* Bounce along with Flyinium Z allows Gyarados to blow past Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex.
- Remove Toxapex for the same reason as above, add in another example of what it beats
* Taunt allows Gyarados shut down and freely setup against walls such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Hippowdon and Skarmory.
- I would add in how it stops Haze and Phase (whirlwind/roar)
* Earthquake allows Gyarados to hit Pokemon such as Toxapex and Jirachi.
- I'd move this to other options

Set Details:
* Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature are used so Gyarados can outpace offensive threats such as Breloom and Bisharp. A Jolly nature also lets it outpace other threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny at +1.
- Add in scarf Pokemon it outspeeds at +1 such as Scarf Tapu Bulu
* Moxie allows Gyarados to break through teams much easier after a KO or two.
- This is where you should mention its sweeping ability
* Intimidate lets Gyarados setup easier against physical attackers and allows it to click Taunt more freely against slower physical attackers.
- Mention how it can force switches on the physical attackers bc of the attack drop (and letting you set up)

Usage Tips:
* Make sure to capitalize on Scald's secondary burning effect with Gyarados's teammates as burnt physical attackers are free setup. Gyarados can also Taunt much more freely against walls such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn without having to worry about being predicted as their attacks will do very little damage.
- I know what you're trying to say here, but this needs to be reworded, it doesn't make sense on the first read (also remove the part about burned walls). Also put this lower down on the tips list, it shouldn't be the first tip
* Use Dragon Dance on walls or on resisted attacks from Pokemon such as Torkoal, Keldeo, and Scizor.
- Remove Torkoal, you wouldn't risk a burn from lava plume unless you're the sub variant (which isn't the first slash) - plus it could yawn if you didn't taunt/sub; you can add torkoal to the sentence on substiture that talks about gastrodon and scald burns

Team Options:
* Similarly, Tentacruel can also provide Toxic Spikes support and can also remove problematic Stealth Rocks, provide Knock Off utility, and spread Scald burns to soften the opposition.
- Specifically say Rapid Spin
- Add Greninja and Suicune

Other Options:
- Like I said move Earthquake to here
- Talk about mega gyarados (we decided not to give it its own analysis after discussion with the QC team)

Checks/Counters:
**Phasers**
- AFAIK Phasing only refers to whirlwind/roar - make sure you specify in the description for this what Pokemon is doing what.
**Physical Walls**: Physical walls such as Toxapex really annoy Gyarados as Baneful Bunker makes it very hard to sweep. Substitute loses to Toxapex and if the Taunt variation gets burnt by Scald then Gyarados's sweeping potential is very limited. Other walls such as Porygon2 can tank any of Gyarados's attacks and cripple it with Foul Play, Toxic, or Discharge.
- Why does substitute lose to Toxapex? (explain how it can't prevent the Haze and lacks the power to KO it unboosted)

QC 1/3

 

[roman]

ty for the check, implemented

ready for check #2!

 

[Misaka Mikoto]

Alrighty

[OVERVIEW]

Water
========

* Gyarados is one of the strongest Pokemon on Water, breaking huge defensive threats such as Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with a boosted Supersonic Strike or Waterfall.
* Gyarados has decent bulk allowing it to setup on most neutral attacks.
* It has access to two good abilities, Moxie and Intimidate. The former improves Gyarados's sweeping potential as its Attack gets boosted after it gets a KO while the latter allows it to setup easier on physical attackers.
* Gyarados can outpace the majority of unboosted Pokemon, notably Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny at +1.
* Gyarados has access to taunt which means it can setup on phasers such as Skarmory or walls looking to cripple it with status such as Gastrodon.
* Gyarados's typing gives it a good amount of useful resistances to types such as Fighting and an immunity to Ground-type moves. It notably takes neutral damage from Grass-type attacks but has a crippling weakness to Electric-type attacks. It is also immune to Toxic Spikes and Spikes.
* While Gyarados's speed is reasonably good at +1 it is still easily revenge KOed by faster Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini.
* Gyarados has a hard time setting up in certain matchups and gets outright walled by Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash.
* Bounce takes a turn to charge which makes it useless against Pokemon such as Baneful Bunker Toxapex and Protect Ferrothorn after Flyinium Z has been used.

Although a nitpick, the first sentence reads somewhat oddly towards the end. Yes Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn are broken through by a great Z move in Supersonic Strike but Waterfall is weird to me. It just gives the impression that they all die to a boosted Waterfall, which really isn't the case. I would either remove it or add a thing or two as an example that would die from it.
I would definitely try and merge these two lines together. The reason being is Gyarados's decent bulk coupled with Intimidate are two important factors that help it set up Dragon Dance, especially against physical attackers in this case. Most neutral attacks kind of scares me a little because Gyarados would rather want to avoid those so it has enough health to set up Dragon Dance. I'd probably just replace neutral with "weak" attacks.
Pertaining to this line here, there is no mentioning of Stealth Rock. It should be added well, in the flaws section that is. Its Flying typing grants it that weakness to Stealth Rock and its opportunities are limited on switching in. This is one of the things that ruin it's capability of setting up or even sweeping if it can't set up a Dragon Dance or two with Stealth Rock hitting away at its health.
I would discuss about its mildly Speed stat before it sets up Dragon Dance. Gyarados sits at a rather lacking Speed tier, which is still not even good against those that are faster and outright threaten it, which makes it very reliant on setting up Dragon Dance to outspeed.

Moves
Nothing much to discuss here but I would discuss about the drawback of Bounce here too (even if it's mentioned in the overview) and state that it also has a chance to paralyze. Waterfall sentence seems a little vague. Okay it's a reliable STAB move but what does it help against?

Usage Tips
I wouldn't really put Keldeo as part of the list on threats Gyarados can set up Dragon Dance on. The main reason is some variants carry Hidden Power Electric and if Gyarados attempts to stay in and go for a set up, then Keldeo will just likely rid of it and you lose your sweeper. I would try a different example, something easier that Gyarados can set up on. You can merge the line about Gyarados using Taunt on entry hazard setters with the second sentence since it is on same topic. About Flyinium Z, I think it should be in general that Gyarados should preserve Supersonic Strike because your opponent is looking for you to waste the item by switching into the right threat to resist the move or Protect against it, this happens on many occasions.

Team Options
Add | Remove

Team Options
========

* Empoleon provides Defog support to prevent Gyarados from taking unnecessary Stealth Rocks damage while providing Stealth Rocks itself to wear down the opposition for an easier sweep. Empoleon also switches into powerful Rock-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie.
* Swampert also provides Stealth Rocks and can switch-in to Electric-type attacks that KO Gyarados. Swampert can also sleep a Pokemon with Yawn which can be used for free setup for Gyarados later in the game. Roar phazing on setup sweepers / rack up entry hazard damage
* Toxapex can switch-in to Rock-type attacks from Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and setup Toxic Spikes freely against walls such as Chansey or weaker attackers to soften everything for an easier sweep. Haze support. Toxic absorber for non Substitute sets.
* Similarly, Tentacruel can also provide Toxic Spikes support and can also remove problematic Stealth Rocks with rapid spin, provide Knock Off utility, and spread Scald burns to soften the opposition. Is Tentacruel really worth mentioning? It's just so low on the viability rankings that Toxapex outclasses it. The only niche it has are Knock Off and even its Rapid Spin capabilities are outclassed by Defoggers.
* Azumarill equipped with a Choice Band can power through walls for an easier sweep.
* In the same way, Mega Sharpedo can assist Gyarados with its boosted Crunch to power through the opposition or Gyarados can do some early game wallbreaking with Supersonic Strike allowing Mega Sharpedo to clean easier later in the game.
* Gastrodon provides an electric immunity and can switch-in to Electric-type attacks from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. It can also spread burns and toxic poison with Scald and Toxic, respectively.
* Keldeo equipped with a Choice Specs can ruin problematic walls such as Porygon2 for Gyarados.
* Lanturn can switch-in to Electric-type attacks, (Heal Bell) to heal any status Gyarados has been inflicted with, and spread Toxic poison and burns. Volt Switch
* Rotom-W (Volt Switch) both bring it in safely.
* Suicune can stall out the opposition's PP and break opposing teams with Calm Mind boosted Scalds, allowing Gyarados to clean easier.
* Choice Scarf Greninja removes huge threats such as Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko with Gunk Shot as well as outpace and KO Choice Scarf users that threaten Gyarados such as Victini and Latios. It can also provide hazards such as Toxic Spikes and Spikes to wear down the opposition.

C&C
Don't really think Priority should truly be a thing to mention. Gyarados resists the majority anyway. Bisharp isn't "that" common so it's safe to say that you can remove that part.

Onto writing this now!

QC 2/3

 

[roman]

ty for the check, implemented all and changed to paragraph form

should be ready for check 3!

 

[Kev]

Moves:
- The line about Skarmory not being able to Whirlwind is kinda redundant, since it's what would stop Gyarados from setting up freely anyways.

Team Options:
- Rearrange it so that Pokemon who accomplish the same thing follow each other.

Overall seems good, but there are a lot of grammar issues. I'd suggest looking over it and fixing a few things before sending it to GP.

QC 3/3

 

[Misaka Mikoto]

Make sure you change the thread to "Copyediting" as well so that GP knows this is ready

 

[roman]

Make sure you change the thread to "Copyediting" as well so that GP knows this is ready

i know! im fixing some of the wording / grammar so it reads a bit better before submitting for gp n_n

thank you though! :]

 

[autumn]

amcheck, feel free to implement what you agree with, but this is not an official check unless stamped by a GP member.

add remove comments

amcheck

Water
========

Gyarados is one of the strongest Pokemon on Water, breaking huge defensive threats such as Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with a boosted Supersonic Skystrike. It has access to two good abilities, Moxie and Intimidate. The former improves Gyarados's sweeping potential as its Attack gets boosted after it gets a KO, (AC) while the latter allows it to set (space) up easier on physical attackers. Gyarados's decent bulk in conjunction with Intimidate gives it almost no problem setting up, (AC) as it can take most weaker neutral attacks easily. Gyarados has access to Taunt, (AC) which means it can set (space) up on phazers such as Skarmory or walls looking to cripple it with status such as Gastrodon. Gyarados's typing gives it a good amount number of useful resistances to types such as Fighting and an immunity to Ground-type moves. It notably takes neutral damage from Grass-type attacks but has a crippling weakness to Electric-type attacks. It is also immune to Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Gyarados can outpace the majority of unboosted Pokemon, notably Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny, (AC) at +1. While Gyarados is reasonably fast at +1, (AC) it is still easily revenge KOed by faster Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini. Thus, Gyarados's Speed stat before setup leaves much to be desired, (AC) as it is very susceptible to attacks from faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-Black. Gyarados also has a hard time setting up in certain matchups and gets outright walled by Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash, (AC) and other factors such as its weakness to Stealth Rock can make setting up difficult. Bounce takes a turn to charge, (AC) which makes it useless against Pokemon such as Baneful Bunker Toxapex and Protect Ferrothorn after Flyinium Z has been used.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance Sweeper
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Bounce
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Taunt / Substitute
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Moxie / Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Gyarados's Attack and Speed, and which means it can outpace metagame threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie after a single boost. Bounce along with Flyinium Z allows Gyarados to blow past Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur. Bounce also has is a two-turn boost attack after Flyinium Z is used, (AC) which makes it very susceptible to Protect users who that don't care about Waterfall, such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn. However, it has a chance to paralyze foes, (AC) which can be helpful in certain situations. Waterfall is Gyarados's most reliable STAB move that hits Pokemon that resist Bounce, such as Skarmory and Tyranitar. It also has perfect 100% (perfect would be moves that don't check accuracy like thunder in rain) accuracy unlike Bounce and a chance to flinch. Taunt allows Gyarados to shut down and freely set (space) up against walls such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Hippowdon, (AC) and Skarmory. Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid status. Gyarados's teammates can help it set (space) up on weaker physical attackers such as Ferrothorn by scald burning them with Scald so Gyarados's Substitute can't be broken. Gyarados can also use Substitute and Dragon Dance liberally on weaker resisted special attacks from Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Torkoal.


Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment is used to maximize Gyarados's attack power. (attack is already specified) Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are used so Gyarados can outpace offensive threats such as Breloom and Bisharp. A Jolly nature also lets it outpace other threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny at +1. (remove period, AC) It and can also outpace some Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Bulu at +1. Moxie allows Gyarados to sweep teams much easier after a KO or two. Intimidate lets Gyarados set (space) up easier against physical attackers and allows it to click use Taunt more freely against slower physical attackers. Intimidate also forces some physical attackers to switch, (AC) giving it a free turn to set (space) up. Flyinium Z gives Gyarados a one-time 160-Base Power Supersonic Skystrike to power through walls and get Moxie going much easier.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dragon Dance on walls such as Clefable or on resisted attacks from Pokemon such as Scizor. Also, (AC) capitalize on Choice Scarfed users being locked into attacks that Gyarados resists or is immune to or resists such as Earthquake or Fire Blast or Earthquake. (changed to reorder for clarity) Utilize Taunt against opposing phazers such as Skarmory and Toxapex so they don't ruin Gyarados's sweep. Similarly, use Taunt against walls who that might have Toxic or Thunder Wave, such as Gastrodon and Chansey, respectively. You can also lead with Gyarados and use Taunt against slower entry hazard users such as Clefable and Skarmory to prevent entry hazards being set up. Capitalize on forced switches by setting up Dragon Dance on the opposition foe. However, be careful as if your opponent switches out to a faster Choice Scarfed revenge killer such as Nihilego or Victini and that can KO Gyarados before it can do any damage. Use Substitute against passive walls to prevent status. This is especially important against weaker Pokemon such as Gastrodon carrying that carry Scald, (AC) as the secondary effect of a burn can possibly ruin Gyarados's sweep if a Substitute isn't up. Pokemon such as Torkoal and Swampert can also sleep put Gyarados to sleep with Yawn, (AC) preventing a sweep. Fish for Scald burns with teammates so Gyarados can set (space) up easier on physical attackers. Preserve Gyarados's health in matchups against types such as Grass and Poison, (AC) as it is very important to KO problematic Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex. Similarly (not really clear how this is similar) Preserve Flyinium Z, (AC) as the opponent is looking for you to waste the item. (period) by switching They can switch into the right threat to resist the move or Protect against it. Eliminate fast revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Victini so Gyarados doesn't have to worry about trying to get multiple Dragon Dances up before sweeping. Try to avoid switching into even resisted attacks unless necessary, (AC) as chip damage can prevent a sweep. Moreover, remove Stealth Rocks before attempting to set (space) up, (AC) as they it greatly hinders Gyarados's sweeping potential. Keep in mind that Gyarados greatly threatens types such as Bug and Rock, (AC) so making double switches into more passive Pokemon that you can set (space) up on can easily tilt the momentum in your Gyarados's favor.

Team Options
========

Empoleon provides Defog support to prevent Gyarados from taking unnecessary Stealth Rocks damage while providing Stealth Rocks itself to wear down the opposition foes for an easier sweep. Empoleon also switches into powerful Rock-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie. Swampert also provides Stealth Rocks and can switch-(RH) into (remove space) Electric-type attacks that could potentially KO Gyarados. (they didn't actually KO it because Swampert switched in) Swampert can sleep put a Pokemon to sleep with Yawn, (AC) which can be used for free setup bait for Gyarados later in the game late-game. It can also phaze setup sweepers with Roar and rack up free entry hazard damage with Roar as well. Gastrodon provides an Electric-type immunity and can switch-(RH) into (remove space) Electric-type (implied by its immunity) attacks from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. It can also spread burns with Scald and Toxic poison with Scald and Toxic, respectively. Lanturn can also switch-(RH) into (remove space) Electric-type attacks, have Heal Bell to heal any status Gyarados has been inflicted with, spread Toxic poison and burns, and bring Gyarados in safely with a slow Volt Switch. Rotom-Wash can also bring in Gyarados safely with Volt Switch. Rotom-Wash can also bring in Gyarados safely with Volt Switch. Toxapex can switch-(RH) into (remove space) Rock-type attacks from Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and set (space) up Toxic Spikes freely against walls such as Chansey or weaker attackers to soften cripple (soften doesn't really work in this context) everything for an easier sweep. It can also provide Haze support to discourage opposing setup and absorb Toxic poison. Azumarill equipped with a Choice Band can power through walls for an easier sweep. In the same way, Mega Sharpedo can assist Gyarados with its boosted Crunch to power through the opposition, (AC) or Gyarados can do some early-(AH)game wallbreaking with Supersonic Skystrike, (AC) allowing Mega Sharpedo to clean easier later in the game late-game. Keldeo equipped with a Choice Specs can ruin problematic walls such as Porygon2 for Gyarados. Suicune can stall out the opposition's PP and break opposing teams with Calm Mind-(AH)boosted Scalds, allowing Gyarados to clean easier. Choice Scarf Greninja removes huge threats such as Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko with Gunk Shot as well as and outpaces and KOes Choice Scarf users that threaten Gyarados such as Victini and Latios. It can also provide hazards such as Spikes to wear down the opposition.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Water
--------

Earthquake allows Gyarados to hit Pokemon such as Toxapex and Jirachi. Mega Gyarados running Dragon Dance, Crunch, Waterfall, and Earthquake can power through types like Psychic, (AC) and Mold Breaker is great for Pokemon such as Rotom-Wash. (period) However, but lack of Flyinium Z prevents it from checking a huge threat in Mega Venusaur.

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

Water
--------

**Electric-types**: Most Electric-types can outspeed Gyarados, and such as Surge Surfer Alolan Riachu Raichu can outpace even a +2 Gyarados and revenge KO kill it. Bulkier Electric-types such as Rotom-Wash can switch-(RH) in on any of Gyarados's attacks and have a good chance to OHKO it with Volt Switch.

**Phazers**: Phazers such as the aforementioned Toxapex and Skarmory eat up Gyarados's attacks and can prevent it from sweeping with their phazing moves in Haze and Whirlwind, respectively. Even though Taunt does prevent them from phazing it, (AC) Skarmory's Brave Bird in conjunction with Rocky Helmet chip damage makes it very hard to sweep, (AC) and Toxapex's Scald can burn Gyarados, neutralizing it.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls, (AC) most notably Toxapex, (AC) such as Toxapex really annoy Gyarados, (AC) as Baneful Bunker makes it very hard to sweep. Substitute loses to Toxapex because it can't prevent Haze without Taunt and also can't KO without boosts, (AC) and if the Taunt variation gets burned by Scald, (AC) then Gyarados's sweeping potential is very limited. Other walls such as Porygon2 can tank any of Gyarados's attacks and cripple it with Foul Play, Toxic, or Discharge.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarfers users such as Victini and Terrakion can outpace a +1 Gyarados and revenge kill it.

**Status**: Toxic poison breaks Gyarados down quickly, (AC) while paralysis prevents a sweep. Burn turns Gyarados into a liability, (AC) as it is free setup bait for the opposition.

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rocks wears down Gyarados so that it can be revenge KOed killed much easier. They It also makes it much harder for Gyarados to set (space) up, especially when it has to take an attack.

edit: changes made with lotiasite

 

[lotiasite]

stamping marthaa's check for GP 1/2 after pmed changes and stuff. just some things i wanted to point out to the author:

- " Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid status. "
this doesn't tell me much about why i should use it compared to taunt, which sounds better, especially since it can also prevent status.

- Moxie vs Intimidate is also something. There isn't really anything that tells me why I should use one over the other besides the slash order. maybe clarify this

that's all

 

[roman]

implemented gp 1/2, thanks.

ready for gp 2/2

 

[talkingtree]

GP 2/2
add remove (comments) (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; AH=add hyphen; RH=remove hyphen; ASC=add semicolon; RSC=remove semicolon)

check

[OVERVIEW]

Water
========

Gyarados is one of the strongest Pokemon on Water, breaking huge defensive threats such as Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn with a boosted Supersonic Skystrike. It has access to two good abilities, Moxie and Intimidate. The former improves Gyarados's sweeping potential after it gets a KO, while the latter allows it to set up easier more easily on physical attackers. Gyarados's decent bulk in conjunction with Intimidate gives it almost no problem setting up, as it can take most weaker neutral attacks easily. However, Moxie is generally more useful because Gyarados has a much easier time snowballing teams without having to Dragon Dance multiple times to get vital KOes. (This sentence reads more like it belongs in Set Details to me, but check with QC before moving it) Gyarados has access to Taunt, which means it can set up on phazers such as Skarmory or walls looking to cripple it with status such as Gastrodon. Gyarados's typing gives it a good number of useful resistances to types such as Fighting and an immunity to Ground-type moves. It notably takes only neutral damage from Grass-type attacks (without "only", it's a bit unclear as to why that's notable) but has a crippling weakness to Electric-type attacks. It is also immune to Toxic Spikes and Spikes. Gyarados can outpace the majority of unboosted Pokemon, notably Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny, at +1. However, Gyarados's Speed stat leaves much to be desired, as before setup it is very susceptible to attacks from faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-B; While Gyarados is reasonably fast even at +1, it is still easily revenge KOed killed by faster Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini. Thus, Gyarados's Speed stat before setup leaves much to be desired, as it is very susceptible to attacks from faster Pokemon such as Kyurem-B. Gyarados also has a hard time setting up in certain matchups and gets outright walled by Pokemon such as Rotom-W; (comma -> semicolon) and other factors, (AC) such as its weakness to Stealth Rock, (AC) can also make setting up difficult. Bounce takes a turn to charge, which makes it useless against Pokemon such as Baneful Bunker Toxapex and Protect Ferrothorn after Flyinium Z has been used.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance Sweeper
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Bounce
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Taunt / Substitute
item: Flyinium Z
ability: Moxie / Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Dragon Dance boosts Gyarados's Attack and Speed; (comma -> semicolon) after a single boost, which means it can outpace metagame threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie after a single boost. Bounce along with Flyinium Z allows Gyarados to blow past Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur. Bounce is a two-turn attack after Flyinium Z is used, which makes it very susceptible to Protect users that don't care about Waterfall, such as Toxapex and Ferrothorn. However, it has a chance to paralyze foes, which can be helpful in certain situations. Waterfall is Gyarados's most reliable STAB move that hits Pokemon that resist Bounce, such as Skarmory and Tyranitar. It also has 100% accuracy, (AC) unlike Bounce, (AC) and a chance to flinch. Taunt allows Gyarados to shut down and freely set up against walls such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, Hippowdon, and Skarmory. Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid status. Gyarados's teammates can help it set up on weaker physical attackers such as Ferrothorn by burning them with Scald, (AC) leaving the foes unable to break so Gyarados's Substitute can't be broken. Gyarados can also use Substitute and Dragon Dance liberally on weaker resisted special attacks from Pokemon such as Gastrodon and Torkoal. Taunt is generally more useful to break through teams; (ASC) however, (AC) Substitute allows Gyarados to set up on weak attacks and not have to worry about be safe from Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini revenge killing it.


Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment is used to maximize Gyarados's power. Maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature are used so Gyarados can outpace offensive threats such as Breloom and Bisharp before setup. A Jolly nature also lets it outpace other threats such as Tapu Koko, (AC) and Mega Lopunny, (AC) at +1 and can also outpace some Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Bulu at +1. Moxie allows Gyarados to sweep teams much easier more easily after a KO or two. Intimidate lets eases Gyarados's setup (remove space) easier against physical attackers and allows it to use Taunt more freely against slower physical attackers. Intimidate also forces some physical attackers to switch, giving it a free turn to set up. Flyinium Z gives Gyarados a one-time 160-Base Power Supersonic Skystrike to power through walls and get an easier Moxie boost going much easier.

Usage Tips
========

Use Dragon Dance on walls such as Clefable, (AC) or on resisted attacks from Pokemon such as Scizor, (period -> comma) Also, or to capitalize on Choice Scarf users being locked into attacks that Gyarados resists or is immune to such as Fire Blast or Earthquake. Utilize Taunt against opposing phazers such as Pokemon like Skarmory and Toxapex so they don't ruin to prevent them from removing Gyarados's sweep boosts. ("phazers" is used to refer to Pokemon that force their foes to switch, so it doesn't apply to Toxapex using Haze) Similarly, use Taunt against walls that might have Toxic or Thunder Wave, such as Gastrodon and Chansey. You can also lead with Gyarados and use Taunt against slower entry hazard users such as Clefable and Skarmory to prevent hazards being set up. Capitalize on forced switches by setting up Dragon Dance on the foe. However, be careful if your opponent switches out to a faster Choice Scarf revenge killer such as Nihilego or Victini that can KO Gyarados before it can does any damage. Use Substitute against passive walls to prevent status. This is especially important against weaker Pokemon that carry Scald such as Gastrodon that carry Scald, as the secondary effect of a burn can possibly ruin Gyarados's sweep if a Substitute isn't up. Pokemon such as Torkoal and Swampert can also otherwise put Gyarados to sleep with Yawn, preventing a sweep. Fish for Scald burns with teammates so Gyarados can to make setup (remove space) easier on against physical attackers. Preserve Gyarados's health and Flyinium Z in matchups against types such as Grass and Poison, as it is very important to use the Z-Move to KO problematic Pokemon, (AC) such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex, (AC) and avoid wasting it on a resisted target or one that uses Protect. Preserve Flyinium Z, as the opponent is looking for you to waste the item. They can switch into the right threat to resist the move or Protect against it. Eliminate fast revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Victini so Gyarados doesn't have to worry about trying to get multiple Dragon Dances up boosts before sweeping. Try to avoid switching into even resisted attacks unless necessary, as chip damage can prevent a sweep leave Gyarados too weak to safely set up and sweep. Moreover, remove Stealth Rock before attempting to set up, as it greatly hinders Gyarados's sweeping potential. Keep in mind that Gyarados greatly threatens types such as Bug and Rock, so making double switches into more passive Pokemon that you can set up on can easily tilt the momentum in Gyarados's favor.

Team Options
========

Empoleon provides Defog support to prevent Gyarados from taking unnecessary Stealth Rock damage while providing setting Stealth Rocks itself to wear down the foes for an easier sweep. Empoleon also switches into powerful Rock-type attacks from threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie. Swampert also provides can set Stealth Rock and can switch into Electric-type attacks that could potentially KO Gyarados. Swampert can also put a Pokemon to sleep with Yawn, which can be used for free setup bait for Gyarados late-game. It can also phaze setup sweepers and rack up free entry hazard damage with Roar. (I don't see anything about how that helps Gyarados specifically, so it just reads like information that belongs in Swampert's analysis or what to have for some generalized version of any Monotype team. If it's specifically helpful to this set, update the sentence and I'll look it over) Gastrodon provides an Electric-type immunity and thus can switch into attacks from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. It can also spread burns with Scald and Toxic poison. (same as above) Lanturn can also switches into Electric-type attacks, have has Heal Bell to heal any status Gyarados has been inflicted with, spreads Toxic poison and burns, and can bring Gyarados in safely with a slow Volt Switch. Rotom-W can also bring in Gyarados safely with has similar benefits in Volt Switch and its ability to spread status. Toxapex can switch into Rock-type attacks from Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and set up Toxic Spikes freely against walls such as Chansey or weaker attackers to cripple everything for an easier sweep. It can also provide Haze support to discourage opposing setup and absorb Toxic poison. (same as above) Azumarill equipped with a Choice Band can power through walls for an easier sweep. In the same way, Mega Sharpedo can assist Gyarados with its Strong Jaw-boosted Crunch to power through the opposition, or Gyarados can do some early-game wallbreaking with Supersonic Skystrike, allowing for Mega Sharpedo to clean easier late-game. Choice Specs Keldeo equipped with a Choice Specs can ruin problematic walls such as Porygon2 for Gyarados. Suicune can stall out the opposition's PP and break opposing teams with Calm Mind-boosted Scalds, allowing clearing the way for Gyarados to clean easier. Choice Scarf Greninja removes huge threats such as Tapu Bulu and Tapu Koko with Gunk Shot and outpaces and KOes faster Choice Scarf users that threaten Gyarados such as Victini and Latios. It can also provide hazards such as Spikes to wear down the opposition.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Water
--------

Earthquake allows Gyarados to hit Pokemon such as Toxapex and Jirachi. Mega Gyarados running Dragon Dance, Crunch, Waterfall, and Earthquake can power through types like Psychic, and Mold Breaker is great for Pokemon such as Rotom-W. However, the lack of Flyinium Z prevents it from checking a huge threat to Water teams in Mega Venusaur.

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

Water
--------

**Electric-types**: Most Electric-types can outspeed Gyarados, and Surge Surfer Alolan Raichu can outpace even a +2 Gyarados and revenge kill it. Bulkier Electric-types such as Rotom-W can switch in on any of Gyarados's attacks and have a good chance to OHKO it with Volt Switch.

**Phazers and Haze Users**: Phazers such as the aforementioned Pokemon like Toxapex and Skarmory eat up Gyarados's attacks and can prevent it from sweeping with their phazing moves in Haze and or a phazing move such as Whirlwind. Even though Taunt does can prevent them from phazing it this, Skarmory's Brave Bird in conjunction with Rocky Helmet chip damage makes it very hard for Gyarados to sweep, (RC) and Toxapex's Scald can burn Gyarados, neutralizing it.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls, most notably Toxapex, really annoy Gyarados, as Baneful Bunker makes it very hard to sweep. Substitute sets loses to Toxapex because it they can't prevent Haze without Taunt and also can't KO it without boosts. (comma -> period) and On the other hand, if the Taunt variation gets burned by Scald, then Gyarados's sweeping potential is very limited. Other walls such as Porygon2 can tank any of Gyarados's attacks and cripple it with Foul Play, Toxic, or Discharge.

**Revenge Killers**: Fast Choice Scarf users such as Victini and Terrakion can outpace even a +1 Gyarados and revenge kill it.

**Status**: Toxic poison breaks Gyarados down quickly, while paralysis prevents a sweep. Burns turns Gyarados into a liability, as it is becomes free setup bait for the opposition.

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rocks wears down Gyarados so that it can be revenge killed much easier more easily. It Stealth Rock also makes it much harder for Gyarados to set up, especially when it has to take an attack.

 

[roman]

implement gp 2/2, ready for upload

 

[Eien]

Uploaded