Necturna [QC: 0/3]

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snake

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feelin naughty tonight ;)

[OVERVIEW]

- Necturna has access to the best surprise move in the game: Sketch. Though Necturna can only use Sketch once, it can utilize many moves, including Sticky Web, Shift Gear, a variety of strong coverage moves, Geomancy, Belly Drum, and Spore.
- The best "sketch move" that Necturna can choose, however, is Shell Smash, as it gives Necturna a huge boost to Attack and Speed, allowing it to sweep the almost the entire metagame.
- With a decent Speed stat of 81, Necturna outspeeds most bulky Pokemon and notably outspeeds Magearna if Adamant and Landorus-T if Jolly. While its bulk is only above average, it possesses a pretty hefty Attack stat, which gives it strong offensive presence.
- Necturna's "natural movepool," the moves that Necturna has access to without using Sketch, has some pretty notable moves in it: Stone Edge for an excellent coverage move, Shadow Sneak for priority, and Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

- However, while Forewarn isn't completely useless, it's far from a great ability.
- Additionally, Necturna is very reliant on its Z-move to get rid of Steel-types, which can crippled or stall out Necturna's Shell Smash set.
- With Horn Leech as Necturna's most reliable recovery, Necturna has to rack up a lot of Attack boosts to gain much HP back. It's also hard to give up the power behind Power Whip.
- Necturna receives a lot of competition from other Grass-types in the metagame, most notably Kartana, which is natural faster, has better coverage, and Beast Boost; Jumbao, which is bulkier, has reliable recovery, and STAB Moonblast; and Tapu Bulu, which boasts Grassy Surge, meaning Necturna must capitalize on its Sketch move to set itself apart.
- While its Speed tier is excellent, Jolly Necturna falls just short of outspeeding neutral Base 95 Speed Pokemon like Volkraken and Zygarde.
- Finally, Tomohawk, arguably the best Pokemon in the metagame, can spin away Sticky Web while threatening Necturna out with Air Slash, Haze away its Shell Smash or Geomancy boosts, and tank most any hit that Necturna can throw at it.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Phantom Force
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Substitute / Stone Edge
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Forewarn
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Shell Smash gives Necturna a +2 boost to Attack and Speed at the cost of lowered defenses, allowing it to start a sweep.
- Phantom Force acts as a main STAB move for this set, as it hits fairly hard after a Shell Smash boost and can be converted into a devastating 175 BP Never-Ending Nightmare, which OHKOes Pyroak, defensive Zapdos, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame. Phantom Force even breaks through Protect and works well with Toxic Spikes team support, as it can stall for toxic damage before attacking.
- Power Whip acts as a more powerful secondary STAB move, which 2HKOes defensive variants of Landorus-T and OHKOes offensive Landorus-T. It also OHKOes Toxapex and Arghonaut, which can stop the set with Haze and Unaware, respectively. Power Whip doesn't quite OHKO Chansey, but alongside Substitute, Chansey can't do much back.
- Horn Leech can be used over Power Whip for recovery and more liberal use of Substitute, but Toxapex can more easily haze away Necturna's boosts, and Necturna becomes even more reliant on its Z-move.
- Substitute might seem odd alongside Shell Smash, but it can block Landorus-T's Intimidate, avoid Colossoil's Sucker Punch, and shield Necturna from status moves like Chansey's Toxic.
- Stone Edge is an alternative so that Zapdos and Pyroak can be OHKOed without using up Never-Ending Nightmare.

Set Details
========

- 252 Attack EVs allows Necturna to hit as hard as possible after a Shell Smash boost. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO the defensive Pokemon listed above with Never-Ending Nightmare.
- 252 Speed EVs allows Necturna to outspeed Shift Gear Magearna and speed tie with Choice Scarf Kartana after a Shell Smash boost.
- Forewarn alerts what set Landorus-T, Tomohawk, Magearna, or Greninja are running, but not that useful outside of that.
- Ghostium Z allows Necturna to use Never-Ending Nightmare with Phantom Force so that Necturna can power through the bulkiest walls in the metagame.

Usage Tips
========

- Swap in and set up against Pokemon that cannot do much back, like defensive Landorus-T, Substitute Zygarde, or Ferrothorn.
- Prankster Haze Tomohawk is a guaranteed stop to a boosted Necturna and absolutely must be removed before initiating a sweep. Provided that Necturna doesn't take hazard damage, it can be used to lure Tomohawk and switch into a counter.
- Never-Ending Nightmare should be played carefully. Weaken the opponents team appropriately so that Necturna needs Never-Ending Nightmare for only one opposing Pokemon. Remember that Power Whip can be used for Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- If Necturna is forcing a switch or against a slower status user, Substitute should be used to make the set-up turn safer.

Team Options
========

- Tapu Lele can place massive pressure on Haze Tomohawk, and its Psychic Terrain can prevent opposing priority users from shutting down Necturna's sweep.
- Teammates that can set Toxic Spikes like Toxapex or Pajantom can help wear down bulky Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth, and Phantom Force stalls out an extra turn of poison damage.
- Stealth Rock setters like Tomohawk, Ferrothorn, Mega Tyranitar, and Landorus-T and Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Greninja are immensely helpful for chipping down opponents as well.
- Dedicated Tomohawk lures like Pajantom, Toxic Colossoil, and Toxic Landorus-T can remove or cripple Tomohawk from play, allowing Necturna a much easier time in setting up.

[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Stone Edge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Forewarn
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters.
- Power Whip is Necturna's most powerful move, nailing Arghonaut, Gastrodon, and Toxapex.
- Shadow Sneak is a great priority move that allows Necturna to pick off weakened threats mid- or late game. It has a good chance to OHKO Blacephalon and 2HKOes Pajantom.
- Stone Edge prevents Zapdos from using Defog without taking massive damage and prevents Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pinsir, who ignore Sticky Web, from coming in for free and either KOing Necturna or forcing a switch-in from taking damage. Additionally, Stone Edge will OHKO Volkraken after Stealth Rock damage and has a high chance to OHKO Volcarona.
- Will-O-Wisp cripples Landorus-T, Zygarde, Hawlucha, and other physical attackers hoping to take advantage of Necturna.
- Toxic, however, targets bulky Pokemon like Tomohawk and Pyroak, who would otherwise wall Necturna, and wears them down so that Necturna's teammates aren't pressured by them as much.
- Toxic Spikes can also be run to target the bulkier teams that do not care about Sticky Web, but the move is hard to fit on the set, and, unlike Toxic, Toxic Spikes does not affect Tomohawk.
- Super Fang can shave off 50% of the opposing Pokemon's health, which can be useful against Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Magearna.

Set Details
========

- 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature let Necturna outspeed Adamant Landorus-T and Gyarados, which is necessary to hit them with Will-O-Wisp before they hit Necturna.
- 252 Attack EVs let Necturna hit as hard as it can with Power Whip.
- A Focus Sash lets Necturna get Sticky Web up almost guaranteed if it is used as a lead.
- However, Colbur Berry can dodge full damage from Sucker Punch from Colossoil, and Mega Mawile, as well as Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.

Usage Tips
========

- Necturna should usually be used as a lead.
- However, try not to put it in situations where it has to choose between Sticky Web and another move. For example, if Necturna leads against a Mega Charizard Y, it has to choose between setting up Sticky Web or taking it out with Stone Edge, and it will lose its Focus Sash.
- Preserve Necturna's Focus Sash for as long as possible. Try not to switch it into a stray U-turn or Volt Switch or into a field with hazards.
- Sometimes the best play is not to use Sticky Web on the first turn. For example, if the opponent has a Charizard and is likely to switch out, use Stone Edge, and then set up Sticky Web the next turn.
- If the opponent has no hazard removers left, spreading status allows Necturna to support its team, as it can reduce incoming damage with burn or wear down bulky walls with Toxic.
- Necturna can be sacked against Tomohawk and Colossoil, which prevents them from using Rapid Spin for that turn and keeps Sticky Web up.

Team Options
========

- Necturna works very well as a lead on Sticky Web hyper offensive teams.
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Mega Crucibelle, and Kyurem-B.
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removers well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.
- Necturna appreciates Healing Wish support from Jumbao or Tomohawk in case it needs to set up Sticky Web again.

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

- A Choice Band set is viable, sketching a powerful move like V-Create, Dragon Ascent, Bolt Strike, Precipice Blade, or Photon Geyser, which can lure in specific checks and remove them from play. Power Whip and Shadow Sneak are good STAB moves for power and priority, and then the last moveslot goes to Stone Edge or Shadow Claw, depending on the Sketch move; usually Shadow Claw is used if the sketch move doesn't maintain neutral coverage against Steel-types. However, the set suffers from low speed and heavy competition from Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Jumbao, which are easier to fit on teams and offer more speed or bulk.
- Necturna can run a specially oriented set with Psychium Z, full Special Attack EV investment, and a Modest nature in order to OHKO defensive Tomohawk. Psychic is a more reliable move, but Future Sight has a stronger Shattered Psyche. Necturna can run Giga Drain and Shadow Ball as reliable special STAB moves, but Leaf Storm is an option for more power. Necturna will still have access to its Sketch move; typically Sticky Web is a good option for this, as Tomohawk normally forces Necturna out and removes Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
- Substitute + Leech Seed can be used to whittle down Necturna's checks while keeping itself healthy. Sacred Fire is an especially potent Sketch move to run with this set, as it can roast Grass-types like Ferrothorn and burn potential physically attacking checks. For the last slot, Necturna can run Power Whip for a strong STAB attack or Stone Edge to prevent faster Fire-type checks from harassing it as much.
- Sketching Belly Drum allows Necturna to boost its Attack to an absurd level, and alongside 3 of Shadow Sneak, Horn Leech, Shadow Claw, and Power Whip, Necturna hits very hard and can recover the lost HP with Horn Leech. However, Necturna generally finds it difficult to set up, and other priority users can play around it very easily.
- Necturna can Geomancy and use Z-Geomancy along a Fairium Z with Giga Drain and Shadow Ball. Pain Split and Substitute can help ease set up, and Psychic improves the match up against Toxapex, which can Haze away its boosts. However, it's hard to set up with a two-turn move, and it requires a Z-Crystal.
- Spore can be used as Necturna's Sketch move to cripple a switch-in, but with Electric Terrain being very common, Spore is a hard move to use. Necturna's other Sketch moves are just better in comparison.

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

**Tomohawk**: Tomohawk has many ways to circumvent Necturna's common sets. To begin with, as the most reliable spinner in the metagame, it can remove Necturna's Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes without any consequence. While Necturna spinblocks, being forced out by Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB means it is not reliable. Taunt Tomohawk can prevent either Sticky Web or Toxic, and Haze Tomohawk can prevent Necturna from sweeping with Shell Smash, Belly Drum, or Z-Geomancy. Defensive Tomohawk can also tank most of Necturna's Choice Band-boosted moves as well. However, Tomohawk isn't a complete stop: Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent and Bolt Strike will deal massive damage to Tomohawk. A Psychium Z lure will also likely remove Tomohawk, and if an extremely weakened Tomohawk tries to use Haze against a boosted Necturna, it can be taken out with a Shadow Sneak.

**Priority**: Necturna is weak to Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Mega Mawile; though Colossoil has to watch out for Power Whip, and Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp. Mega Pinsir can't safely switch into Will-O-Wisp or Stone Edge, but Aerilate Quick Attack annoys Shell Smash variants of Necturna.

**Fire-types**: Mega Charizard ignores Sticky Web, isn't affecting Will-O-Wisp, and takes very little damage from Mega Charizard Y, but it has to be careful of Stone Edge on the switch-in. Pyroak can deal with an unboosted Stone Edge and KO or burn with Lava Plume, but it can't tank too many. Volcarona and Volkraken outspeeds unboosted variants of Necturna and threatens it out with a Fire Blast. Mollux and Heatran can be outsped, but Necturna's best counterplay is Stone Edge.

**Flying-types**: Hawlucha hard checks Necturna, as it can outspeed the boosted Shell Smash variants with Unburden. However, it has to avoid using High Jump Kick against Necturna as it switches in, as well as Will-O-Wisp. Tornadus-T can Hurricane away Necturna, but it must watch out for Stone Edge and Shell Smash. Zapdos's best option is Heat Wave, but it can reliably stall out Stone Edge with Pressure and Roost.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Skarmory resist most of the moves in Necturna's natural movepool, but they have trouble against Never-Ending Nightmare or appropriate Choice Band-boosted moves.

**Faster Attackers**: Naturally fast Pokemon like Syclant, Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Mega Crucibelle, Kitsunoh, and Stratagem and Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele, Volkraken, and Jumbao can force out Necturna with their respective super effective or powerful moves, but cannot reliably switch in, and most cannot outspeed a +2 Necturna. However, Choice Scarf Greninja and Syclant can outspeed +2 Adamant Necturna, OHKOing with Ice Beam.
 
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Deck Knight

Blast Off At The Speed Of Light! That's Right!
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Sorry for not posting a reply to this sooner, but it feels like there should be a bulky set. I've have fairly good success with a Bulky Web Setter:

[SET]
name: Bulky Web Setter
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Protect
move 3: Leech Seed
move 4: Night Shade
item: Leftovers
ability: Forewarn
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 44 Def / 176 SpD / 36 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters.
- Protect allows Necturna to scout opposing moves and to gain additional health from Leech Seed and Leftovers. Once Landorus-T has exhausted its Z-Move it can wall and force it out by Protecting whenever Landorus-T would come down from Fly.
- Leech Seed provides additional recovery and slowly whittles down opponents
- Night Shade's consistent damage allows it to run a negative attack nature, minimizing the damage from Foul Play and making Necturna a decent Burn absorber.

Set Details
========

- 252 HP and split defenses allow Necturna to use its decent 64 / 100 / 120 bulk to maximum effect. This Necturna can block Rapid Spin and set Webs multiple times in a match because of this bulk.
- 36 Spe EVs to outrun Defensive Tomohawk and avoid Air Slash flinch.
- Leftovers provide crucial sustain.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.
-Avoid Toxic like the plague, as it drastically affects the sustainability of the set.

Usage Tips
========

- The bulk and sustainability of this set are its key features over other sets.
- Grass / Ghost is either extremely effective at walling opponents or extremely poor.
- Necturna's Ghost typing blocks Rapid Spin from removing its own Sticky Webs or Leech Seed, making it an excellent pivot into the move.
- The set has little offensive pressure on its own, however it can tank even super-effective hits from defensive CAP threats like Tomohawk and Cyclohm, which cannot 2HKO it with Air Slash or Fire Blast respectively to set up Webs. It can wall Defensive Defog/Heat Wave Zapdos and keep Webs up. Pokemon that rely on Hidden Power for type coverage cannot significantly damage Necturna.

Team Options
========
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Pinsir, Latios, Keldeo, Tapu Lele, Zapdos, and Landorus-T.
- This particular set has enough bulk and sustainability to use its Ground, Water, Fighting, and Electric resistances to great effect.
- Pokemon with Heal Bell to support Necturna if it gets hit by Toxic are ideal. Cyclohm can take Fire and Flying attacks aimed at Necturna, while Necturna is an effective partner for Chansey by switching into Fighting-type attacks aimed at it.
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removes well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.
 
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Great analysis snake, as always.

Shadow Claw could be slashed with Stone Edge and/or the statues on the first set as it prevents Mew, Latias-Mega, Latios and possibly Kitsunoh from removing Sticky Web while the only risk for them is being statued.

I was wondering if Thousand Arrows isn't a best choice than Precipice Blades on the third set, although you might not have a guaranteed chance to 2HKO Cyclohm, add the Stealth Rock and you will get this and you won't be walled by Celesteela and Skarmory anymore.

In OO, you could add Subzero Slammer (with Freeze Shock), the Ice coverage is really helpful and you can get rid of Tomohawk (of course, be careful to not waste it on a Roost turn), Cyclohm, Lando-T, Tangrowth, Zapdos and Altaria-Mega with some prior damage for most of them. King's Shield, Spiky Shield and Baneful Banker can be mentionned too in OO, as they can be effective with Leech Seed and change match ups against most physical threats.

Among the Checks and counters, you can add a "Dark Types" section which would include Sableye-Mega, who might be the biggest pain for the Sticky Web Set, Colossoil, Bisharp and Weavile, who can all Revenge kill the Shell Smash Set due to their respective priorities and resistance to Shadow Snek; the former can switch on statues from Necturna, the second one takes his dual STAB, the last one doesn't face a 50 / 50 against the Shell Smash as he uses Ice Shard instead of Sucker Punch, and all of them can Pursuit trap the poor Necturna.

Another section could be "Grass type" with Tangrowth, Venusaur-Mega and even Malaconda and another one could be "Dragon Type" with Cyclohm, Altaria-Mega and Hydreigon. You can alkso put them together.

One more time, good job.
 

Drapionswing

Eating it up, YUMMY!
is a CAP Contributor Alumnus
I'm just wondering if CB Necturna should still be on the analysis, I'm considering this because I think the set is rather outclassed by Bulu in most aspects? Just a thought though.
 
I think CB Necturna absolutely deserves a set and is in my opinion a much better CBer than Bulu. The only advantages Bulu has over Necturna in my opinion is a better defensive presence and a more powerful STAB, but the coverage move chosen by Sketch, the priority in Shadow Sneak and the secondary STAB make Necturna a much more threatening Pokemon offensively as it can basically lure in anything with it's Sketch move.

However, the success of this Necturna's variant depends heavily on her Sketch move, since she might not accomplish much if she packs V-Create when the opponzent has a standard Tomohawk, for instance. She NEEDS the right coverage move. Nonetheless, whereas Bulu befenits from more raw power, it will always have trouble against the likes of Cyclohm, Skarmory, Celesteela, Scizor-M... and is a 4MSS (you probably want all of Wood Hammer, Horn Leech, Superpower, Zen Headbutt and Stone Edge in the same set). Overall, I think the biggest's competitor for CB Necturna would be CB Kartana instead, but Necturna still keeps the same advantages she has over Bulu. Hence I think having CB listed as a set is more than deserved. In my opinion, giving a slash to Psychium-Z in the first set and the Subseeder its own set isthe real question.
 
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Necturna isn't as bulky as Tapu Bulu and really doesn't hit as hard, sure it has coverage but Tapu Bulu usually does more most of the time. Necturna also is quite slow, being choice locked I feel hurts it a lot, while it does give out a nice amount of damages I really don't think this set is worth running over Shell Smash in any occasion. I feel this set seems more niche if anything and would better fit in the OO section.
 

cbrevan

spin, spin, spin
is a CAP Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Got another one for ya snake.
[OVERVIEW]

- Necturna has access to the best surprise move in the game: Sketch. Though Necturna can only use Sketch once, it can utilize many moves, including Sticky Web, Shell Smash, a variety of strong coverage moves, Geomancy, Belly Drum, and Spore.
- With a decent Speed stat of 81, Necturna outspeeds most bulky Pokemon and notably outspeeds Magearna if Adamant and Landorus-T if Jolly. While its bulk is above average, it possesses a pretty hefty Attack stat, which gives it strong offensive presence.
- Necturna's "natural movepool," the moves that Necturna has access to without using Sketch, has some pretty notable moves in it: Stone Edge for an excellent coverage move, Shadow Sneak for priority, and Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

- However, Necturna's offensive typing is less than ideal, as Grass + Ghost is quite vulnerable to Steel-types. +2 252+ Atk Necturna Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 336-396 (100.9 - 118.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO Might want to rethink this point.
- Additionally, while Forewarn isn't completely useless, it's far from a great ability.
- With Pain Split as Necturna's most reliable recovery, Necturna finds itself without any sort of reliable healing. Probably want to fit Horn Leech into this somewhere since it can heal Necturna up a ton with some attack boosts behind it.
- Tapu Bulu boasts a bigger coverage movepool alongside a boosting move, a useful ability in Grassy Terrain to let it hit harder and sustain itself, and a higher attack stat at only the cost of a little bit of Speed, meaning it gives Necturna's wallbreaking sets serious competition. is this accurate in the current meta?
- While its Speed tier is excellent, Jolly Necturna falls just short of outspeeding neutral Base 95 Speed Pokemon like Volkraken and Zygarde.
- Finally, Tomohawk, arguably the best Pokemon in the metagame, can spin away its Sticky Web, Haze away its Shell Smash or Geomancy boosts, and tank most any hit that Necturna can throw at it.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Phantom Force
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Substitute / Stone Edge
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Forewarn
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Shell Smash gives Necturna a +2 boost to Attack and Speed at the cost of lowered defenses, allowing it to start a sweep.
- Phantom Force acts as a main STAB move for this set, as it hits fairly hard after a Shell Smash boost and can be converted into a devastating 175 BP Never-Ending Nightmare, which OHKOes Pyroak, defensive Zapdos, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame. Phantom Force even breaks through Protect and works well with Toxic Spikes team support, as it can stall for turns before attacking.
- Power Whip acts as a more powerful secondary STAB move, which 2HKOes defensive variants of Landorus-T and OHKOes offensive Landorus-T. It also OHKOes Toxapex and Arghonaut, which can stop the set with Haze and Unaware, respectively. Power Whip doesn't quite OHKO Chansey, but alongside Substitute, Chansey can't do much back. I think Horn Leech can be either slashed or mentioned alongside Power Whip- it does around 60 to pex at +2 and still beats Argho if a sub was set up. In turn it allows Necturna to be a lot more liberal with Substitute because it can heal off sub damage after a smash.
- Substitute might seem odd alongside Shell Smash, but it can block Landorus-T's Intimidate, negate Colossoil's Sucker Punch, and provide a defense against status moves like Chansey's Toxic.
- Stone Edge is an alternative so that Zapdos and Pyroak can be OHKOed without using up Never-Ending Nightmare.

Set Details
========

- 252 Attack EVs allows Necturna to hit as hard as possible after a Shell Smash boost. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO the defensive Pokemon listed above with Never-Ending Nightmare.
- 252 Speed EVs allows Necturna to outspeed Shift Gear Magearna and speed tie with Choice Scarf Kartana after a Shell Smash boost.
- Forewarn alerts what set Landorus-T, Tomohawk, Magearna, or Greninja are running, but not that useful outside of that.
- Ghostium Z allows Necturna to use Never-Ending Nightmare with Phantom Force so that Necturna can power through the bulkiest walls in the metagame.

Usage Tips
========

- Swap in and set up against Pokemon that cannot do much back, like defensive Landorus-T, Substitute Zygarde, or Ferrothorn.
- Prankster Haze Tomohawk is a guaranteed stop to a boosted Necturna and absolutely must be removed before initiating a sweep. Provided that Necturna doesn't take hazard damage, it can be used to lure Tomohawk and switch into a counter.
- Never-Ending Nightmare should be played carefully. Weaken the opponents team appropriately so that Necturna needs Never-Ending Nightmare for only one opposing Pokemon. Remember that Power Whip can be used for Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- If Necturna is forcing a switch or against a slower status user, Substitute should be used to make the set-up turn safer.

Team Options
========

- Tapu Lele can place massive pressure on Haze Tomohawk, and its Psychic Terrain can prevent opposing priority users from shutting down Necturna's sweep.
- Teammates that can set Toxic Spikes like Toxapex or Pajantom can help wear down bulky Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth, and Phantom Force stalls out an extra turn of poison damage.
- Stealth Rock setters like Tomohawk, Ferrothorn, Mega Tyranitar, and Landorus-T and Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Greninja are immensely helpful for chipping down opponents as well.
- Dedicated Tomohawk lures like Pajantom, Toxic Colossoil, and Toxic Landorus-T can remove or cripple Tomohawk from play, allowing Necturna a much easier time in setting up.

[SET]
name: Sticky Web Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Stone Edge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Forewarn
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters.
- Power Whip nails Tapu Fini hoping to Taunt or Defog to prevent Sticky Web from being placed, as well as being Necturna's most powerful move.
- Shadow Sneak is a great priority move that allows Necturna to pick off weakened threats mid- or late game. It has a good chance to OHKO Blacephalon and 2HKOes Pajantom.
- Stone Edge prevents Zapdos from using Defog without taking massive damage and prevents Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pinsir, who ignore Sticky Web, from coming in for free and either KOing Necturna or forcing a switch-in from taking damage. Additionally, Stone Edge will OHKO Volkraken after Stealth Rock damage and has a high chance to OHKO Volcarona.
- Will-O-Wisp cripples Landorus-T, Zygarde, and other physical attackers hoping to take advantage of Necturna. Hawlucha
- Toxic, however, targets bulky Pokemon like Tomohawk and Pyroak, who would otherwise wall Necturna, and wears them down so that Necturna's teammates aren't pressured by them as much.
- Toxic Spikes can also be run to target the bulkier teams that do not care about Sticky Web, but the move is hard to fit on the set, and, unlike Toxic, Toxic Spikes does not affect Tomohawk.

Set Details
========

- 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature let Necturna outspeed Adamant Landorus-T and Gyarados, which is necessary to hit them with Will-O-Wisp before they hit Necturna.
- 252 Attack EVs let Necturna hit as hard as it can with Power Whip.
- A Focus Sash lets Necturna get Sticky Web up almost guaranteed if it is used as a lead.
- However, Colbur Berry can dodge full damage from Sucker Punch from Colossoil, and Mega Mawile, as well as Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.

Usage Tips
========

- Necturna should usually be used as a lead.
- However, try not to put it in situations where it has to choose between Sticky Web and another move. For example, if Necturna leads against a Mega Charizard Y, it has to choose between setting up Sticky Web or taking it out with Stone Edge, and it will lose its Focus Sash.
- Preserve Necturna's Focus Sash for as long as possible. Try not to switch it into a stray U-turn or Volt Switch or into a field with hazards.
- Sometimes the best play is not to use Sticky Web on the first turn. For example, if the opponent has a Charizard and is likely to switch out, use Stone Edge, and then set up Sticky Web the next turn.
- If the opponent has no hazard removers left, spreading status allows Necturna to support its team, as it can reduce incoming damage with burn or wear down bulky walls with Toxic.
Sometimes the correct play is to sack the necturna against a tomohawk/colossoil in order to deny rapid spin and preserve the web. this usually is true when necturna took damage when it first setup and would have difficulty doing so again.

Team Options
========

- Necturna works very well as a lead on Sticky Web hyper offensive teams.
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Choice Specs Blacephalon, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Pinsir, Keldeo, Tapu Lele, Zapdos, and Landorus-T.
- Necturna appreciates Healing Wish support from Latias or Tomohawk in case it needs to set up Sticky Web again.
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removes well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.

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


- A Choice Band set is possible, sketching a powerful move like V-Create, Dragon Ascent, Bolt Strike, Precipice Blade, or Photon Geyser, which can lure in specific checks and remove them from play. Power Whip and Shadow Sneak are good STAB moves for power and priority, and then the last moveslot goes to Stone Edge or Shadow Claw, depending on the Sketch move; usually Shadow Claw is used if the sketch move doesn't maintain neutral coverage against Steel-types. However, the set suffers from low speed and heavy competition from Tapu Bulu and Jumbao, which are easier to fit on teams.
- Necturna can run a specially oriented set with Psychium Z, full Special Attack EV investment, and a Modest nature in order to OHKO defensive Tomohawk. Psychic is a more reliable move, but Future Sight has a stronger Shattered Psyche. Necturna can run Giga Drain and Shadow Ball as reliable special STAB moves, but Leaf Storm is an option for more power. Necturna will still have access to its Sketch move; typically Sticky Web is a good option for this, as Tomohawk normally forces Necturna out and removes Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
- Substitute + Leech Seed can be used to whittle down Necturna's checks while keeping itself healthy. Sacred Fire is an especially potent Sketch move to run with this set, as it can roast Grass-types like Ferrothorn and burn potential physically attacking checks. For the last slot, Necturna can run Power Whip for a strong STAB attack or Stone Edge to prevent faster Fire-type checks from harassing it as much.
- Sketching Belly Drum allows Necturna to boost its Attack to an absurd level, and alongside 3 of Shadow Sneak, Horn Leech, Shadow Claw, and Power Whip, Necturna hits very hard and can recover the lost HP with Horn Leech. However, Necturna generally finds it difficult to set up, and other priority users can play around it very easily.
- Necturna can Geomancy and use Z-Geomancy along a Fairium Z with Giga Drain and Shadow Ball. Pain Split and Substitute can help ease set up, and Psychic improves the match up against Toxapex, which can Haze away its boosts. However, it's hard to set up with a two-turn move, and it requires a Z-Crystal.
- Spore can be used as Necturna's Sketch move to cripple a switch-in, but with Electric Terrain being very common, Spore is a hard move to use. Necturna's other Sketch moves are just better in comparison.

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

**Tomohawk**: Tomohawk has many ways to circumvent Necturna's common sets. To begin with, as the most reliable spinner in the metagame, it can remove Necturna's Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes with being affected by either. While Necturna spinblocks, being forced out by Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB means it is not reliable. Taunt Tomohawk can prevent either Sticky Web or Toxic, and Haze Tomohawk can prevent Necturna from sweeping with Shell Smash, Belly Drum, or Z-Geomancy. Defensive Tomohawk can also tank most of Necturna's Choice Band-boosted moves as well. However, Tomohawk isn't a complete stop: Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent and Bolt Strike will deal massive damage to Tomohawk. A Psychium Z lure will also likely remove Tomohawk, and if an extremely weakened Tomohawk tries to use Haze against a boosted Necturna, it can be taken out with a Shadow Sneak.

**Priority**: Necturna is weak to Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Mega Mawile; though Colossoil has to watch out for Power Whip, and Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp. Mega Pinsir can't safely switch into Will-O-Wisp or Stone Edge, but Aerilate Quick Attack annoys Shell Smash variants of Necturna.

**Fire-types**: Mega Charizard ignores Sticky Web, isn't affecting Will-O-Wisp, and takes very little damage from Mega Charizard Y, but it has to be careful of Stone Edge on the switch-in. Pyroak can deal with an unboosted Stone Edge and KO or burn with Lava Plume, but it can't tank too many. Volcarona and Volkraken outspeeds unboosted variants of Necturna and threatens it out with a Fire Blast. Mollux and Heatran can be outsped, but Necturna's best counterplay is Stone Edge.

**Flying-types**: Mega Pidgeot and Tornadus-T threaten Pidgeot with Hurricane but Stone Edge can hit them hard on the switch-in. Zapdos's best option is Heat Wave, but it can reliably stall out Stone Edge. mega pidgoet isn't relevant rn. hawlucha is a better mention as it can sub and setup on web sets or revenge kill ss sets

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Skarmory resist most of the moves in Necturna's natural movepool, but they have trouble against Never-Ending Nightmare or appropriate Choice Band-boosted moves.

**Faster Attackers**: Naturally fast Pokemon like Syclant, Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Mega Crucibelle, Kitsunoh, and Stratagem and Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele, Volkraken, Crucibelle, and Garchomp can force out Necturna with their respective super effective or powerful moves, but cannot reliably switch in, and most cannot outspeed a +2 Necturna. However, Choice Scarf Greninja and Syclant can outspeed +2 Adamant Necturna.
 

LucarioOfLegends

Master Procraster
is a CAP Contributor
Thought I'd do a QC amcheck real quick

[OVERVIEW]

- Necturna has access to the best surprise move in the game: Sketch. Though Necturna can only use Sketch once, it can utilize many moves, including Sticky Web, Shift Gear, a variety of strong coverage moves, Geomancy, Belly Drum, and Spore.
- The best of the bunch, however, is Shell Smash, as it gives Necturna a huge boost to Attack and Speed, allowing it to sweep the almost the entire metagame.
- With a decent Speed stat of 81, Necturna outspeeds most bulky Pokemon and notably outspeeds Magearna if Adamant and Landorus-T if Jolly. While its bulk is only above average, it possesses a pretty hefty Attack stat, which gives it strong offensive presence.
- Necturna's "natural movepool," the moves that Necturna has access to without using Sketch, has some pretty notable moves in it: Stone Edge for an excellent coverage move, Shadow Sneak for priority, and Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

- However, while Forewarn isn't completely useless, it's far from a great ability.
- Additionally, Necturna is very reliant on its Z-move to get rid of Steel-types, which can crippled or stall out Necturna's Shell Smash set.
- With Horn Leech as Necturna's most reliable recovery, Necturna has to rack up a lot of Attack boosts to gain much HP back. It's also hard to give up the power behind Power Whip. While I agree with cbrevan's point about Attack boosts for the SS set, this still doesn't fix the problem with the bulkier sets like Sticky Web. I think it needs to be worded a little bit better to make it clear that Necturna can still be worn down on bulkier sets.
- Necturna receives a lot of competition from other Grass-types in the metagame, most notably Kartana, which is natural faster, has better coverage, and Beast Boost; Jumbao, which is bulkier, has reliable recovery, and STAB Moonblast; and Tapu Bulu, which boasts Grassy Surge, meaning Necturna must capitalize on its Sketch move to set itself apart. This is one hell of a compound sentence, which can make it really hard to keep track of. I know I'm not GP or anything, but this is a little bit of a mess.
- While its Speed tier is excellent, Jolly Necturna falls just short of outspeeding neutral Base 95 Speed Pokemon like Volkraken and Zygarde.
- Finally, Tomohawk, arguably the best Pokemon in the metagame, can spin away Sticky Web while threatening Necturna out with Air Slash, Haze away its Shell Smash or Geomancy boosts, and tank most any hit that Necturna can throw at it. The second half of the setence I think is not neccesary, as a lot of the stuff covered here is also covered in a lot better detail. I'd simplify it to "Tomohawk, arguably the best Pokemon in the meta, stops most sets cold and can consistently force it out."

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Phantom Force
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Substitute / Stone Edge
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Forewarn
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Shell Smash gives Necturna a +2 boost to Attack and Speed at the cost of lowered defenses, allowing it to start a sweep.
- Phantom Force acts as a main STAB move for this set, as it hits fairly hard after a Shell Smash boost and can be converted into a devastating 175 BP Never-Ending Nightmare, which OHKOes Pyroak, defensive Zapdos, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame. Phantom Force even breaks through Protect and works well with Toxic Spikes team support, as it can stall for toxic damage before attacking. Clarify it OHKOs given defensive mons when boosted; can't OKHO otherwise. Also, the Toxic Spikes teammate part seems way more fitted for a Team Options point, which is already there. Either shorten it to "..and can stall out Toxic damage" or axe it altogether.
- Power Whip acts as a more powerful secondary STAB move, which 2HKOes defensive variants of Landorus-T and OHKOes offensive Landorus-T. It also OHKOes Toxapex and Arghonaut, which can stop the set with Haze and Unaware, respectively. Power Whip doesn't quite OHKO Chansey, but alongside Substitute, Chansey can't do much back. Clarify when boosted.
- Horn Leech can be used over Power Whip for recovery and more liberal use of Substitute, but Toxapex can more easily haze away Necturna's boosts, and Necturna becomes even more reliant on its Z-move.
- Substitute might seem odd alongside Shell Smash, but it can block Landorus-T's Intimidate, avoid Colossoil's Sucker Punch, and shield Necturna from status moves like Chansey's Toxic. Bolded seems like fluff, axe it.
- Stone Edge is an alternative so that Zapdos and Pyroak can be OHKOed without using up Never-Ending Nightmare.

Set Details
========

- 252 Attack EVs allows Necturna to hit as hard as possible after a Shell Smash boost. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO the defensive Pokemon listed above with Never-Ending Nightmare.
- 252 Speed EVs allows Necturna to outspeed Shift Gear Magearna and speed tie with Choice Scarf Kartana after a Shell Smash boost.
- Forewarn alerts what set Landorus-T, Tomohawk, Magearna, or Greninja are running, but not that useful outside of that.
- Ghostium Z allows Necturna to use Never-Ending Nightmare with Phantom Force so that Necturna can power through the bulkiest walls in the metagame.

Usage Tips
========

- Swap in and set up against Pokemon that cannot do much back, like defensive Landorus-T, Substitute Zygarde, or Ferrothorn. I'd add Gastrodon to this list. Only thing it can do is Toxic, which doesn't even matter if Nect has Substitute. Doesn't want to stay in on Nect anyways.
- Prankster Haze Tomohawk is a guaranteed stop to a boosted Necturna and absolutely must be removed before initiating a sweep. Provided that Necturna doesn't take hazard damage, it can be used to lure Tomohawk and switch into a counter.
- Never-Ending Nightmare should be played carefully. Weaken the opponents team appropriately so that Necturna needs Never-Ending Nightmare for only one opposing Pokemon. Remember that Power Whip can be used for Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- If Necturna is forcing a switch or against a slower status user, Substitute should be used to make the set-up turn safer.

Team Options
========

- Tapu Lele can place massive pressure on Haze Tomohawk, and its Psychic Terrain can prevent opposing priority users from shutting down Necturna's sweep.
- Teammates that can set Toxic Spikes like Toxapex or Pajantom can help wear down bulky Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth, and Phantom Force stalls out an extra turn of poison damage.
- Stealth Rock setters like Tomohawk, Ferrothorn, Mega Tyranitar, and Landorus-T and Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Greninja are immensely helpful for chipping down opponents as well.
- Dedicated Tomohawk lures like Pajantom, Toxic Colossoil, and Toxic Landorus-T can remove or cripple Tomohawk from play, allowing Necturna a much easier time in setting up.

[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Stone Edge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Forewarn
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters. ...What does it do? You say its super good yet you say almost nothing about the hazard itself.
- Power Whip is Necturna's most powerful move, nailing Arghonaut, Gastrodon, and Toxapex. I feel like you could probably also add Horn Leech as a point too, although it could be disputed whether to actually slash it. Horn Leech's main draw is that it can keep Nect healthy through the match as well as consistent accuracy, which lets it set Sticky Web and spread status much more reliably, with the main downside being the massive drop in power and much worse matchup against Toxapex and inability to OHKO Arghonaut.
- Shadow Sneak is a great priority move that allows Necturna to pick off weakened threats mid- or late game. It has a good chance to OHKO Blacephalon and 2HKOes Pajantom.
- Stone Edge prevents Zapdos from using Defog without taking massive damage and prevents Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pinsir, who ignore Sticky Web, from coming in for free and either KOing Necturna or forcing a switch-in from taking damage. Additionally, Stone Edge will OHKO Volkraken after Stealth Rock damage and has a high chance to OHKO Volcarona. What applies to Zard Y and Mega Pinsir also applies to Tornadus-T, even if it can Regenerator out of there.
- Will-O-Wisp cripples Landorus-T, Zygarde, Hawlucha, and other physical attackers hoping to take advantage of Necturna.
- Toxic, however, targets bulky Pokemon like Tomohawk and Pyroak, who would otherwise wall Necturna, and wears them down so that Necturna's teammates aren't pressured by them as much.
- Toxic Spikes can also be run to target the bulkier teams that do not care about Sticky Web, but the move is hard to fit on the set, and, unlike Toxic, Toxic Spikes does not affect Tomohawk.
- Super Fang can shave off 50% of the opposing Pokemon's health, which can be useful against Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Magearna.

Set Details
========

- 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature let Necturna outspeed Adamant Landorus-T and Gyarados, which is necessary to hit them with Will-O-Wisp before they hit Necturna.
- 252 Attack EVs let Necturna hit as hard as it can with Power Whip.
- A Focus Sash lets Necturna get Sticky Web up almost guaranteed if it is used as a lead.
- However, Colbur Berry can dodge full damage from Sucker Punch from Colossoil, and Mega Mawile, as well as Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.

Usage Tips
========

- Necturna should usually be used as a lead.
- However, try not to put it in situations where it has to choose between Sticky Web and another move. For example, if Necturna leads against a Mega Charizard Y, it has to choose between setting up Sticky Web or taking it out with Stone Edge, and it will lose its Focus Sash.
- Preserve Necturna's Focus Sash for as long as possible. Try not to switch it into a stray U-turn or Volt Switch or into a field with hazards.
- Sometimes the best play is not to use Sticky Web on the first turn. For example, if the opponent has a Charizard and is likely to switch out, use Stone Edge, and then set up Sticky Web the next turn.
- If the opponent has no hazard removers left, spreading status allows Necturna to support its team, as it can reduce incoming damage with burn or wear down bulky walls with Toxic. Do all this after setting Sticky Web. If its not up and the hazard removers are dead, prioritize getting those Webs up.
- Necturna can be sacked against Tomohawk and Colossoil, which prevents them from using Rapid Spin for that turn and keeps Sticky Web up.

Team Options
========

- Necturna works very well as a lead on Sticky Web hyper offensive teams.
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Mega Crucibelle, and Kyurem-B. Add Hoopa-U
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removers well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.
- Necturna appreciates Healing Wish support from Jumbao or Tomohawk in case it needs to set up Sticky Web again.

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

- A Choice Band set is viable, sketching a powerful move like V-Create, Dragon Ascent, Bolt Strike, Precipice Blade, or Photon Geyser, which can lure in specific checks and remove them from play. Power Whip and Shadow Sneak are good STAB moves for power and priority, and then the last moveslot goes to Stone Edge or Shadow Claw, depending on the Sketch move; usually Shadow Claw is used if the sketch move doesn't maintain neutral coverage against Steel-types. However, the set suffers from low speed and heavy competition from Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Jumbao, which are easier to fit on teams and offer more speed or bulk.
- Necturna can run a specially oriented set with Psychium Z, full Special Attack EV investment, and a Modest nature in order to OHKO defensive Tomohawk. Psychic is a more reliable move, but Future Sight has a stronger Shattered Psyche. Necturna can run Giga Drain and Shadow Ball as reliable special STAB moves, but Leaf Storm is an option for more power. Necturna will still have access to its Sketch move; typically Sticky Web is a good option for this, as Tomohawk normally forces Necturna out and removes Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
- Substitute + Leech Seed can be used to whittle down Necturna's checks while keeping itself healthy. Sacred Fire is an especially potent Sketch move to run with this set, as it can roast Grass-types like Ferrothorn and burn potential physically attacking checks. For the last slot, Necturna can run Power Whip for a strong STAB attack or Stone Edge to prevent faster Fire-type checks from harassing it as much.
- Sketching Belly Drum allows Necturna to boost its Attack to an absurd level, and alongside 3 of Shadow Sneak, Horn Leech, Shadow Claw, and Power Whip, Necturna hits very hard and can recover the lost HP with Horn Leech. However, Necturna generally finds it difficult to set up, and other priority users can play around it very easily.
- Necturna can Geomancy and use Z-Geomancy along a Fairium Z with Giga Drain and Shadow Ball. Pain Split and Substitute can help ease set up, and Psychic improves the match up against Toxapex, which can Haze away its boosts. However, it's hard to set up with a two-turn move, and it requires a Z-Crystal.
- Spore can be used as Necturna's Sketch move to cripple a switch-in, but with Electric Terrain being very common, Spore is a hard move to use. Necturna's other Sketch moves are just better in comparison.

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

**Tomohawk**: Tomohawk has many ways to circumvent Necturna's common sets. To begin with, as the most reliable spinner in the metagame, it can remove Necturna's Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes without any consequence. While Necturna spinblocks, being forced out by Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB means it is not reliable. Taunt Tomohawk can prevent either Sticky Web or Toxic, and Haze Tomohawk can prevent Necturna from sweeping with Shell Smash, Belly Drum, or Z-Geomancy. Defensive Tomohawk can also tank most of Necturna's Choice Band-boosted moves as well. However, Tomohawk isn't a complete stop: Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent and Bolt Strike will deal massive damage to Tomohawk. A Psychium Z lure will also likely remove Tomohawk, and if an extremely weakened Tomohawk tries to use Haze against a boosted Necturna, it can be taken out with a Shadow Sneak.

**Priority**: Necturna is weak to Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Mega Mawile; though Colossoil has to watch out for Power Whip, and Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp. Mega Pinsir can't safely switch into Will-O-Wisp or Stone Edge, but Aerilate Quick Attack annoys Shell Smash variants of Necturna.

**Fire-types**: Mega Charizard ignores Sticky Web, isn't affecting Will-O-Wisp, and takes very little damage from Mega Charizard Y, but it has to be careful of Stone Edge on the switch-in. Pyroak can deal with an unboosted Stone Edge and KO or burn with Lava Plume, but it can't tank too many. Volcarona and Volkraken outspeeds unboosted variants of Necturna and threatens it out with a Fire Blast. Mollux and Heatran can be outsped, but Necturna's best counterplay is Stone Edge. You mention nothing about how Mollux and Heatran check Nect, just how they are bad at it.

**Flying-types**: Hawlucha hard checks Necturna, as it can outspeed the boosted Shell Smash variants with Unburden. However, it has to avoid using High Jump Kick against Necturna as it switches in, as well as Will-O-Wisp. Tornadus-T can Hurricane away Necturna, but it must watch out for Stone Edge and Shell Smash. Zapdos's best option is Heat Wave, but it can reliably stall out Stone Edge with Pressure and Roost.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Skarmory resist most of the moves in Necturna's natural movepool, but they have trouble against Never-Ending Nightmare or appropriate Choice Band-boosted moves.

**Faster Attackers**: Naturally fast Pokemon like Syclant, Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Mega Crucibelle, Kitsunoh, and Stratagem and Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele, Volkraken, and Jumbao can force out Necturna with their respective super effective or powerful moves, but cannot reliably switch in, and most cannot outspeed a +2 Necturna. However, Choice Scarf Greninja and Syclant can outspeed +2 Adamant Necturna, OHKOing with Ice Beam.[/QUOTE]
 

LucarioOfLegends

Master Procraster
is a CAP Contributor
Please implement my above amcheck, I still stand by those notes.

Necturna has access to the best surprise move in the game: Sketch. Though Necturna can only use Sketch once, it can utilize many moves, including Sticky Web, Shift Gear, a variety of strong coverage moves, Geomancy, Belly Drum, and Spore. You mention Shift Gear exactly this one time in your analysis and nowhere else. If its an option that it can use add it to OO, otherwise axe.
- The best "sketch move" that Necturna can choose, however, is Shell Smash, as it gives Necturna a huge boost to Attack and Speed, allowing it to sweep the almost the entire metagame.
- With a decent Speed stat of 81, Necturna outspeeds most bulky Pokemon and notably outspeeds Magearna if Adamant and Landorus-T if Jolly. While its bulk is only above average, it possesses a pretty hefty Attack stat, which gives it strong offensive presence.
- Necturna's "natural movepool," the moves that Necturna has access to without using Sketch, has some pretty notable moves in it: Stone Edge for an excellent coverage move, Shadow Sneak for priority, and Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

- However, while Forewarn isn't completely useless, it's far from a great ability. I don't think this should be listed at the top of the cons. Forewarn does kind of not do much, but its not directly hurting it like a Slow Start or Truant and it still has its uses. Down the list there are some much more major drawbacks to using Necturna.
- Additionally, Necturna is very reliant on its Z-move to get rid of Steel-types, which can crippled or stall out Necturna's Shell Smash set.
- With Horn Leech as Necturna's most reliable recovery without Sketch, Necturna has to rack up a lot of Attack boosts to gain much HP back. It's also hard to give up the power behind Power Whip.
- Necturna receives a lot of competition from other Grass-types in the metagame, most notably Kartana, which is natural faster, has better coverage, and Beast Boost; Jumbao, which is bulkier, has reliable recovery, and STAB Moonblast; and Tapu Bulu, which boasts Grassy Surge, meaning Necturna must capitalize on its Sketch move to set itself apart.
- While its Speed tier is excellent, Jolly Necturna falls just short of outspeeding neutral Base 95 Speed Pokemon like Volkraken and Zygarde.
- Finally, Tomohawk, arguably the best Pokemon in the metagame, can spin away Sticky Web while threatening Necturna out with Air Slash, Haze away its Shell Smash or Geomancy boosts, and tank most any hit that Necturna can throw at it.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Phantom Force
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Substitute / Stone Edge
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Forewarn
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Shell Smash gives Necturna a +2 boost to Attack and Speed at the cost of lowered defenses, allowing it to start a sweep.
- Phantom Force acts as a main STAB move for this set, as it hits fairly hard after a Shell Smash boost and can be converted into a devastating 175 BP Never-Ending Nightmare, which OHKOes Pyroak, defensive Zapdos, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame. Phantom Force even breaks through Protect and works well with Toxic Spikes team support, as it can stall for toxic damage before attacking.
- Power Whip acts as a more powerful secondary STAB move, which 2HKOes defensive variants of Landorus-T and OHKOes offensive Landorus-T. It also OHKOes Toxapex and Arghonaut, which can stop the set with Haze and Unaware, respectively. Power Whip doesn't quite OHKO Chansey, but alongside Substitute, Chansey can't do much back.
- Horn Leech can be used over Power Whip for recovery and more liberal use of Substitute, but Toxapex can more easily haze away Necturna's boosts, and Necturna becomes even more reliant on its Z-move.
- Substitute might seem odd alongside Shell Smash, but it can block Landorus-T's Intimidate, avoid Colossoil's Sucker Punch, and shield Necturna from status moves like Chansey's Toxic.
- Stone Edge is an alternative so that Zapdos and Pyroak can be OHKOed without using up Never-Ending Nightmare.

Set Details
========

- 252 Attack EVs allows Necturna to hit as hard as possible after a Shell Smash boost. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO the defensive Pokemon listed above with Never-Ending Nightmare.
- 252 Speed EVs allows Necturna to outspeed Shift Gear Magearna and speed tie with Choice Scarf Kartana after a Shell Smash boost.
- Forewarn alerts what set Landorus-T, Tomohawk, Magearna, or Greninja are running, but not that useful outside of that.
- Ghostium Z allows Necturna to use Never-Ending Nightmare with Phantom Force so that Necturna can power through the bulkiest walls in the metagame. I'd like an example of at least two of the bulkiest walls.

Usage Tips
========

- Swap in and set up against Pokemon that cannot do much back, like defensive Landorus-T, Substitute Zygarde, or Ferrothorn.
- Prankster Haze Tomohawk is a guaranteed stop to a boosted Necturna and absolutely must be removed before initiating a sweep. Provided that Necturna doesn't take hazard damage, it can be used to lure Tomohawk and switch into a counter.
- Never-Ending Nightmare should be played carefully. Weaken the opponents team appropriately so that Necturna needs Never-Ending Nightmare for only one opposing Pokemon. Remember that Power Whip can be used for Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- If Necturna is forcing a switch or against a slower status user, Substitute should be used to make the set-up turn safer.

Team Options
========

- Tapu Lele can place massive pressure on Haze Tomohawk, and its Psychic Terrain can prevent opposing priority users from shutting down Necturna's sweep.
- Teammates that can set Toxic Spikes like Toxapex or Pajantom can help wear down bulky Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Tangrowth, and Phantom Force stalls out an extra turn of poison damage. Tangrowth isn't nearly as relevant these days, replace with something else.
- Stealth Rock setters like Tomohawk, Ferrothorn, Mega Tyranitar, and Landorus-T and Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Greninja are immensely helpful for chipping down opponents as well.
- Dedicated Tomohawk lures like Pajantom, Toxic Colossoil, and Toxic Landorus-T can remove or cripple Tomohawk from play, allowing Necturna a much easier time in setting up.

[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Shadow Sneak / Stone Edge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Forewarn
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters.
- Power Whip is Necturna's most powerful move, nailing Arghonaut, Gastrodon, and Toxapex.
- Shadow Sneak is a great priority move that allows Necturna to pick off weakened threats mid- or late game. It has a good chance to OHKO Blacephalon and 2HKOes Pajantom. Blacephalon is currently unranked and even if it were I don't think it would be good enough to deserve a mention.
- Stone Edge prevents Zapdos from using Defog without taking massive damage and prevents Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pinsir, who ignore Sticky Web, from coming in for free and either KOing Necturna or forcing a switch-in from taking damage. Additionally, Stone Edge will OHKO Volkraken after Stealth Rock damage and has a high chance to OHKO Volcarona.
- Will-O-Wisp cripples Landorus-T, Zygarde, Hawlucha, and other physical attackers hoping to take advantage of Necturna.
- Toxic, however, targets bulky Pokemon like Tomohawk and Pyroak, who would otherwise wall Necturna, and wears them down so that Necturna's teammates aren't pressured by them as much.
- Toxic Spikes can also be run to target the bulkier teams that do not care about Sticky Web, but the move is hard to fit on the set, and, unlike Toxic, Toxic Spikes does not affect Tomohawk.
- Super Fang can shave off 50% of the opposing Pokemon's health, which can be useful against Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Magearna.

Set Details
========

- 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature let Necturna outspeed Adamant Landorus-T and Gyarados, which is necessary to hit them with Will-O-Wisp before they hit Necturna.
- 252 Attack EVs let Necturna hit as hard as it can with Power Whip.
- A Focus Sash lets Necturna get Sticky Web up almost guaranteed if it is used as a lead.
- However, Colbur Berry can dodge full damage from Sucker Punch from Colossoil, and Mega Mawile, as well as Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.

Usage Tips
========

- Necturna should usually be used as a lead.
- However, try not to put it in situations where it has to choose between Sticky Web and another move. For example, if Necturna leads against a Mega Charizard Y, it has to choose between setting up Sticky Web or taking it out with Stone Edge, and it will lose its Focus Sash.
- Preserve Necturna's Focus Sash for as long as possible. Try not to switch it into a stray U-turn or Volt Switch or into a field with hazards.
- Sometimes the best play is not to use Sticky Web on the first turn. For example, if the opponent has a Charizard and is likely to switch out, use Stone Edge, and then set up Sticky Web the next turn.
- If the opponent has no hazard removers left, spreading status allows Necturna to support its team, as it can reduce incoming damage with burn or wear down bulky walls with Toxic.
- Necturna can be sacked against Tomohawk and Colossoil, which prevents them from using Rapid Spin for that turn and keeps Sticky Web up.

Team Options
========

- Necturna works very well as a lead on Sticky Web hyper offensive teams.
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Mega Crucibelle, and Kyurem-B.
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removers well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.
- Necturna appreciates Healing Wish support from Jumbao or Tomohawk in case it needs to set up Sticky Web again.

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

- A Choice Band set is viable, sketching a powerful move like V-Create, Dragon Ascent, Bolt Strike, Precipice Blade, or Photon Geyser, which can lure in specific checks and remove them from play. Power Whip and Shadow Sneak are good STAB moves for power and priority, and then the last moveslot goes to Stone Edge or Shadow Claw, depending on the Sketch move; usually Shadow Claw is used if the sketch move doesn't maintain neutral coverage against Steel-types. However, the set suffers from low speed and heavy competition from Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Jumbao, which are easier to fit on teams and offer more speed or bulk.
- Necturna can run a specially oriented set with Psychium Z, full Special Attack EV investment, and a Modest nature in order to OHKO defensive Tomohawk. Psychic is a more reliable move, but Future Sight has a stronger Shattered Psyche. Necturna can run Giga Drain and Shadow Ball as reliable special STAB moves, but Leaf Storm is an option for more power. Necturna will still have access to its Sketch move; typically Sticky Web is a good option for this, as Tomohawk normally forces Necturna out and removes Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
- Substitute + Leech Seed can be used to whittle down Necturna's checks while keeping itself healthy. Sacred Fire is an especially potent Sketch move to run with this set, as it can roast Grass-types like Ferrothorn and burn potential physically attacking checks. For the last slot, Necturna can run Power Whip for a strong STAB attack or Stone Edge to prevent faster Fire-type checks from harassing it as much.
- Sketching Belly Drum allows Necturna to boost its Attack to an absurd level, and alongside 3 of Shadow Sneak, Horn Leech, Shadow Claw, and Power Whip, Necturna hits very hard and can recover the lost HP with Horn Leech. However, Necturna generally finds it difficult to set up, and other priority users can play around it very easily.
- Necturna can Geomancy and use Z-Geomancy along a Fairium Z with Giga Drain and Shadow Ball. Pain Split and Substitute can help ease set up, and Psychic improves the match up against Toxapex, which can Haze away its boosts. However, it's hard to set up with a two-turn move, and it requires a Z-Crystal.
- Spore can be used as Necturna's Sketch move to cripple a switch-in, but with Electric Terrain being very common, Spore is a hard move to use. Necturna's other Sketch moves are just better in comparison.

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

**Tomohawk**: Tomohawk has many ways to circumvent Necturna's common sets. To begin with, as the most reliable spinner in the metagame, it can remove Necturna's Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes without any consequence. While Necturna spinblocks, being forced out by Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB means it is not reliable. Taunt Tomohawk can prevent either Sticky Web or Toxic, and Haze Tomohawk can prevent Necturna from sweeping with Shell Smash, Belly Drum, or Z-Geomancy. Defensive Tomohawk can also tank most of Necturna's Choice Band-boosted moves as well. However, Tomohawk isn't a complete stop: Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent and Bolt Strike will deal massive damage to Tomohawk. A Psychium Z lure will also likely remove Tomohawk, and if an extremely weakened Tomohawk tries to use Haze against a boosted Necturna, it can be taken out with a Shadow Sneak.

**Priority**: Necturna is weak to Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Mega Mawile; though Colossoil has to watch out for Power Whip, and Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp. Mega Pinsir can't safely switch into Will-O-Wisp or Stone Edge, but Aerilate Quick Attack annoys Shell Smash variants of Necturna.

**Fire-types**: Mega Charizard Y ignores Sticky Web, isn't affecting Will-O-Wisp, and takes very little damage from Mega Charizard Y Necturna, but it has to be careful of Stone Edge on the switch-in. Pyroak can deal with an unboosted Stone Edge and KO or burn with Lava Plume, but it can't tank too many. Volcarona and Volkraken outspeeds unboosted variants of Necturna and threatens it out with a Fire Blast. Mollux and Heatran can be outsped, but Necturna's best counterplay is Stone Edge.

**Flying-types**: Hawlucha hard checks Necturna, as it can outspeed the boosted Shell Smash variants with Unburden. However, it has to avoid using High Jump Kick against Necturna as it switches in, as well as Will-O-Wisp. Tornadus-T can Hurricane away Necturna, but it must watch out for Stone Edge and Shell Smash. Zapdos's best option is Heat Wave, but it can reliably stall out Stone Edge with Pressure and Roost. Not from a boosted Shell Smash Nect it can't.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Skarmory resist most of the moves in Necturna's natural movepool, but they have trouble against Never-Ending Nightmare or appropriate Choice Band-boosted moves.

**Faster Attackers**: Naturally fast Pokemon like Syclant, Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Mega Crucibelle, Kitsunoh, and Stratagem and Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele, Volkraken, and Jumbao can force out Necturna with their respective super effective or powerful moves, but cannot reliably switch in, and most cannot outspeed a +2 Necturna. However, Choice Scarf Greninja and Syclant can outspeed +2 Adamant Necturna, OHKOing with Ice Beam.


Looking good. QC 1/3
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
feelin naughty tonight ;)

[OVERVIEW]

- Necturna has access to the best surprise move in the game: Sketch. Though Necturna can only use Sketch once, it can utilize many moves, including Sticky Web, Shift Gear, a variety of strong coverage moves, Geomancy, Belly Drum, and Spore.
- The best "sketch move" that Necturna can choose, however, is Shell Smash, as it gives Necturna a huge boost to Attack and Speed, allowing it to sweep almost the entire metagame.
- With a decent Speed stat of 81, Necturna outspeeds most bulky Pokemon and notably outspeeds Magearna if Adamant and Landorus-T if Jolly. While its bulk is only above average, it possesses a pretty hefty Attack stat, which gives it strong offensive presence.
- Necturna's "natural movepool," the moves that Necturna has access to without using Sketch, has some pretty notable moves in it: Stone Edge for an excellent coverage move, Shadow Sneak for priority, and Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

- However, Necturna is very reliant on its Z-move to get rid of Steel-types, which can crippled or stall out Necturna's Shell Smash set.
- With Horn Leech as Necturna's most reliable recovery outside of its sketch moves, Necturna has to rack up a lot of Attack boosts to gain much HP back. It's also hard to give up the power behind Power Whip.
- Necturna receives a lot of competition from other Grass-types in the metagame, most notably Kartana, which is natural faster, has better coverage, and Beast Boost; Jumbao, which is bulkier, has reliable recovery, and STAB Moonblast; and Tapu Bulu, which boasts Grassy Surge, meaning Necturna must capitalize on its Sketch move to set itself apart.
- While its Speed tier is excellent, Jolly Necturna falls just short of outspeeding neutral Base 95 Speed Pokemon like Volkraken and Zygarde.
- Additionally, while Forewarn isn't completely useless, it's far from a useful ability.
- Finally, Tomohawk, arguably one of the best Pokemon in the metagame, can spin away Sticky Web while threatening Necturna out with Air Slash, Haze away its Shell Smash or Geomancy boosts, and tank most any hit that Necturna can throw at it.

[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Phantom Force
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Substitute / Stone Edge
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Forewarn
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Shell Smash gives Necturna a +2 boost to Attack and Speed at the cost of lowered defenses, allowing it to start a sweep.
- Phantom Force acts as a main STAB move for this set, as it hits fairly hard after a Shell Smash boost and can be converted into a devastating 175 BP Never-Ending Nightmare, which OHKOes Pyroak, defensive Zapdos, Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn, some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame. Phantom Force even breaks through Protect and works well with Toxic Spikes team support, as it can stall for toxic damage before attacking.
- Power Whip acts as a more powerful secondary STAB move, which 2HKOes defensive variants of Landorus-T and OHKOes offensive Landorus-T. It also OHKOes Toxapex and Arghonaut, which can stop the set with Haze and Unaware, respectively. Power Whip doesn't quite OHKO Chansey, but alongside Substitute, Chansey can't do much back.
- Horn Leech can be used over Power Whip for recovery and more liberal use of Substitute, but Toxapex can more easily haze away Necturna's boosts, and Necturna becomes even more reliant on its Z-move.
- Substitute might seem odd alongside Shell Smash, but it can block Landorus-T's Intimidate, avoid Colossoil's Sucker Punch, and shield Necturna from status moves like Chansey's Toxic.
- Stone Edge is an alternative so that Zapdos and Pyroak can be OHKOed without using up Never-Ending Nightmare.

Set Details
========

- 252 Attack EVs allows Necturna to hit as hard as possible after a Shell Smash boost. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO the defensive Pokemon listed above with Never-Ending Nightmare.
- 252 Speed EVs allows Necturna to outspeed Shift Gear Magearna and speed tie with Choice Scarf Kartana after a Shell Smash boost.
- Forewarn alerts what set Landorus-T, Tomohawk, Magearna, or Greninja are running, but not that useful outside of that.
- Ghostium Z allows Necturna to use Never-Ending Nightmare with Phantom Force so that Necturna can power through the bulkiest walls in the metagame like Celesteela and Mega Scizor.

Usage Tips
========

- Swap in and set up against Pokemon that cannot do much back, like defensive Landorus-T, Substitute Zygarde, or Ferrothorn.
- Prankster Haze Tomohawk is a guaranteed stop to a boosted Necturna and absolutely must be removed before initiating a sweep. Provided that Necturna doesn't take hazard damage, it can be used to lure Tomohawk and switch into a counter.
- Never-Ending Nightmare should be played carefully. Weaken the opponents team appropriately so that Necturna needs Never-Ending Nightmare for only one opposing Pokemon. Remember that Power Whip can be used for Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Arghonaut.
- If Necturna is forcing a switch or against a slower status user, Substitute should be used to make the set-up turn safer.

Team Options
========

- Tapu Lele can place massive pressure on Haze Tomohawk, and its Psychic Terrain can prevent opposing priority users from shutting down Necturna's sweep.
- Teammates that can set Toxic Spikes like Toxapex or Pajantom can help wear down bulky Pokemon like Tapu Bulu and Jumbao, and Phantom Force stalls out an extra turn of poison damage.
- Stealth Rock setters like Tomohawk, Ferrothorn, Mega Tyranitar, and Landorus-T and Spikes setters like Ferrothorn and Greninja are immensely helpful for chipping down opponents as well.
- Dedicated Tomohawk lures like Pajantom, Toxic Colossoil, and Toxic Landorus-T can remove or cripple Tomohawk from play, allowing Necturna a much easier time in setting up.

[SET]
name: Sticky Web
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Power Whip
move 3: Stone Edge / Shadow Sneak
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
item: Focus Sash
ability: Forewarn
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

- Sticky Web is an extremely powerful entry hazard with limited distribution, and Necturna is one of the best setters.
- Power Whip is Necturna's most powerful move, nailing Arghonaut, Gastrodon, and Toxapex.
- Stone Edge prevents Zapdos and Tornadus-T from using Defog without taking massive damage and prevents Mega Charizard Y or Mega Pinsir, who ignore Sticky Web, from coming in for free and either KOing Necturna or forcing a switch-in from taking damage. Additionally, Stone Edge will OHKO Volkraken after Stealth Rock damage and has a high chance to OHKO Volcarona.
- Shadow Sneak is a great priority move that allows Necturna to pick off weakened threats mid- or late game and notably 2HKOs Pajantom.
- Will-O-Wisp cripples Landorus-T, Zygarde, Hawlucha, and other physical attackers hoping to take advantage of Necturna.
- Toxic, however, targets bulky Pokemon like Tomohawk and Pyroak, who would otherwise wall Necturna, and wears them down so that Necturna's teammates aren't pressured by them as much.
- Toxic Spikes can also be run to target the bulkier teams that do not care about Sticky Web, but the move is hard to fit on the set, and, unlike Toxic, Toxic Spikes does not affect Tomohawk.
- Super Fang can shave off 50% of the opposing Pokemon's health, which can be useful against Steel-types like Ferrothorn or Magearna.

Set Details
========

- 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature let Necturna outspeed Adamant Landorus-T and Gyarados, which is necessary to hit them with Will-O-Wisp before they hit Necturna.
- 252 Attack EVs let Necturna hit as hard as it can with Power Whip.
- A Focus Sash lets Necturna get Sticky Web up almost guaranteed if it is used as a lead.
- However, Colbur Berry can dodge full damage from Sucker Punch from Colossoil, and Mega Mawile, as well as Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse.
- Forewarn can hint at what sets Greninja, Magearna, or Celesteela are running.

Usage Tips
========

- Necturna should usually be used as a lead.
- However, try not to put it in situations where it has to choose between Sticky Web and another move. For example, if Necturna leads against a Mega Charizard Y, it has to choose between setting up Sticky Web or taking it out with Stone Edge, and it will lose its Focus Sash.
- Preserve Necturna's Focus Sash for as long as possible. Try not to switch it into a stray U-turn or Volt Switch or into a field with hazards.
- Sometimes the best play is not to use Sticky Web on the first turn. For example, if the opponent has a Charizard and is likely to switch out, use Stone Edge, and then set up Sticky Web the next turn.
- If the opponent has no hazard removers left, spreading status allows Necturna to support its team, as it can reduce incoming damage with burn or wear down bulky walls with Toxic.
- Necturna can be sacked against Tomohawk and Colossoil, which prevents them from using Rapid Spin for that turn and keeps Sticky Web up.

Team Options
========

- Necturna works very well as a lead on Sticky Web hyper offensive teams.
- Sticky Web abusers work with Necturna very well; examples include Choice Specs Volkraken, Choice Band Kartana, Mega Pinsir, Tapu Lele, Mega Crucibelle, and Kyurem-B.
- Pokemon like Protean Greninja, who pressures most hazard removers well, can discourage the removal of Sticky Web.
- Stealth Rock setters such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Tomohawk can form a hazard stacking core with Necturna, but be careful not to waste too many turns on laying hazards.
- Necturna appreciates Healing Wish support from Jumbao or Tomohawk in case it needs to set up Sticky Web again.

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

- Necturna can run a bulky Shift Gear set with Will-O-Wisp and Horn Leech or Leech Seed and Phantom Force, allowing it to provide team support early-game and sweeping potential late-game.
- A Choice Band set is viable, sketching a powerful move like V-Create, Dragon Ascent, Bolt Strike, Precipice Blade, or Photon Geyser, which can lure in specific checks and remove them from play. Power Whip and Shadow Sneak are good STAB moves for power and priority, and then the last moveslot goes to Stone Edge or Shadow Claw, depending on the Sketch move; usually Shadow Claw is used if the sketch move doesn't maintain neutral coverage against Steel-types. However, the set suffers from low speed and heavy competition from Kartana, Tapu Bulu, and Jumbao, which are easier to fit on teams and offer more speed or bulk.
- Necturna can run a specially oriented set with Psychium Z, full Special Attack EV investment, and a Modest nature in order to OHKO defensive Tomohawk. Psychic is a more reliable move, but Future Sight has a stronger Shattered Psyche. Necturna can run Giga Drain and Shadow Ball as reliable special STAB moves, but Leaf Storm is an option for more power. Necturna will still have access to its Sketch move; typically Sticky Web is a good option for this, as Tomohawk normally forces Necturna out and removes Sticky Web with Rapid Spin.
- Substitute + Leech Seed can be used to whittle down Necturna's checks while keeping itself healthy. Sacred Fire is an especially potent Sketch move to run with this set, as it can roast Grass-types like Ferrothorn and burn potential physically attacking checks. For the last slot, Necturna can run Power Whip for a strong STAB attack or Stone Edge to prevent faster Fire-type checks from harassing it as much.
- Sketching Belly Drum allows Necturna to boost its Attack to an absurd level, and alongside 3 of Shadow Sneak, Horn Leech, Shadow Claw, and Power Whip, Necturna hits very hard and can recover the lost HP with Horn Leech. However, Necturna generally finds it difficult to set up, and other priority users can play around it very easily.
- Necturna can Geomancy and use Z-Geomancy along a Fairium Z with Giga Drain and Shadow Ball. Pain Split and Substitute can help ease set up, and Psychic improves the match up against Toxapex, which can Haze away its boosts. However, it's hard to set up with a two-turn move, and it requires a Z-Crystal.
- Spore can be used as Necturna's Sketch move to cripple a switch-in, but with Electric Terrain being very common, Spore is a hard move to use. Necturna's other Sketch moves are just better in comparison.

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

**Tomohawk**: Tomohawk has many ways to circumvent Necturna's common sets. To begin with, as the most reliable spinner in the metagame, it can remove Necturna's Sticky Web and Toxic Spikes without any consequence. While Necturna spinblocks, being forced out by Tomohawk's Flying-type STAB means it is not reliable. Taunt Tomohawk can prevent either Sticky Web or Toxic, and Haze Tomohawk can prevent Necturna from sweeping with Shell Smash, Belly Drum, or Z-Geomancy. Defensive Tomohawk can also tank most of Necturna's Choice Band-boosted moves as well. However, Tomohawk isn't a complete stop: Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent and Bolt Strike will deal massive damage to Tomohawk. A Psychium Z lure will also likely remove Tomohawk, and if an extremely weakened Tomohawk tries to use Haze against a boosted Necturna, it can be taken out with a Shadow Sneak.

**Careful Use of Defensive Pokemon**: Though Necturna's Shell Smash set can break through many bulky Pokemon, Necturna is unlikely to setup if it does not have a clear shot at sweeping. Therefore, keeping Never-Ending Nightmare targets healthy will likely pressure Necturna into not setting up at all.

**Priority**: Necturna is weak to Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Mega Mawile; though Colossoil has to watch out for Power Whip, and Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp. Mega Pinsir can't safely switch into Will-O-Wisp or Stone Edge, but Aerilate Quick Attack annoys Shell Smash variants of Necturna.

**Fire-types**: Pyroak can tank with an unboosted Stone Edge and KO or burn Necturna with Lava Plume. Volcarona and Volkraken outspeeds unboosted variants of Necturna and threatens it out with a Fire Blast. Mollux and Heatran can be outsped, but Necturna's best counterplay is Stone Edge. Mega Charizard Y ignores Sticky Web, isn't affecting Will-O-Wisp, and takes very little damage from Necturna, but it has to be careful of Stone Edge on the switch-in.

**Flying-types**: Hawlucha hard checks Necturna, as it can outspeed the boosted Shell Smash variants with Unburden. However, it has to avoid using High Jump Kick against Necturna as it switches in, as well as Will-O-Wisp. Tornadus-T can Hurricane away Necturna, but it must watch out for Stone Edge and Shell Smash. Zapdos's best option is Heat Wave, but it can reliably stall out unboosted Stone Edge with Pressure and Roost.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Skarmory resist most of the moves in Necturna's natural movepool, but they have trouble against Never-Ending Nightmare or appropriate Choice Band-boosted moves.

**Faster Attackers**: Naturally fast Pokemon like Syclant, Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Mega Crucibelle, Kitsunoh, and Stratagem and Choice Scarf users like Tapu Lele, Volkraken, and Jumbao can force out Necturna with their respective super effective or powerful moves, but cannot reliably switch in, and most cannot outspeed a +2 Necturna. However, Choice Scarf Greninja, Syclant, and Kitsunoh can outspeed Shell Smash Necturna, OHKOing with Ice Beam or Shadow Strike.
Implemented this check, but this analysis is very centered around Sticky Web and not Shell Smash, so I'm going to make the appropriate fixes before another check.
 
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