Shuckle [QC 1/3]

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[OVERVIEW]

  • Shuckle has access to support moves such as Sticky Web and Encore that common threats such as Mega Lucario and Primal Groudon can easily take advantage of.
  • Unlike the alternate Sticky Web setter Smeargle, Shuckle does not have to hold a Focus Sash thanks to its ability Sturdy to take any single hit and easily setup Sticky Webs. This allows it to hold other items such as Mental Herb to avoid getting shut down by Taunt.
  • Shuckle is also very one-dimensional due to no option for reliable recovery, horrible offensive stats, and terrible Speed.
  • Must compete with Smeargle as a Sticky Web setter which is more versatile and can carry utility moves such as Rapid Spin, Magic Coat, Spore, and Taunt, giving it a good lead matchup against most leads.
  • However, Shuckle does have a few things going for it. While Shuckle's base HP stat may be low, its sky-high defenses allows it to usually take more than 2 hits unlike its rival Smeargle. Smeargle usually has he fair of getting flinched turn 1 by Yveltal's Dark Pulse but Shuckle doesn't have to worry, as it can take more hits, giving it more opportunities to set up Sticky Web.
  • Completely shut down by Magic Bounce and Magic Coat users such as Mega Sableye, Mega Diancie, Smeargle, and Deoxys-S.
  • Troubled by Flying-types and levitating Pokemon that are unaffected by Sticky Web, affecting the viability of Shuckle's and Sticky Web teams in general.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sticky Web
move 2: Encore
move 3: Rock Tomb
move 4: Toxic
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Sticky Web is Shuckle's niche in the tier and it decreases the Speed of any non levitating Pokemon from the opponent's side of the field by 1 stage.
  • Encore locks opposing Pokemon into one move which can be advantageous in setting up Sticky Webs, especially against Defog users such as support Arceus formes and Giratina-O.
  • Rock Tomb decreases the Speed of the opposing threat by 1 stage allowing the next Pokemon that is getting sent out after Shuckle is KOed to have a massive advantage. It also allows Shuckle to break Focus Sash or Sturdy of lead Pokemon such as Deoxys-S, Shuckle, Excadrill, and Rayquaza.
  • Toxic allows Shuckle to cripple Defog users like Giratina-O and support Arceus formes and set them on a timer.

Set Details
========
  • Mental Herb is required to prevent Shuckle from getting Taunt by threats such as Yveltal, Mega Gyarados, Tapu Lele, and Mega Mewtwo X / Y.
  • 252 HP and 252 SpD EVs with a Calm nature maximizes Shuckle's general bulk and allows it to take a 2 strong neutral special hits like Moonblast before dying.
  • Sturdy ensures that Shuckle is able to take one hit at the least and set up Sticky Webs.

Usage Tips
========
  • Shuckle is a dedicated lead and should almost always be sent out first so that it can set up Sticky Web.
  • However, Shuckle can lose a few lead matchups such as Excadrill, Smeargle, Magic Coat users, and Magic Bounce users like Mega Diancie and Mega Sableye. Use the help of teammates to remove these threats before attempting to set up Sticky Web.
  • Once Sticky Web has been set, it is crucial in most matches to pressure entry hazard removers as much as possible in order to keep Sticky Web up. Defog users can be shut down by Taunt while Rapid Spinners like Excadrill, Smeargle, and Tentacruel can be blocked by switching to a Ghost-type.
  • Depending on the threat on the field, Shuckle could use Rock Tomb to drop the opposing threat's Speed by one stage before dying inorder to give the next Pokemon that is sent out a massive advantage. Encore can be used to lock the foe into a move that a teammate can take advantage upon.

Team Options
========
  • Mega Lucario is able to perform outstandingly when Sticky Web is up as it allows it to outspeed support Arceus formes which are usually the check to Mega Lucario. At +2 Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO pretty much every bulky threat in the tier apart from Zygarde.
  • Xerneas pairs well in any offensive team and appreciates Encore support from Shuckle that allows it to setup Geomancy easily. Xerneas can often act as a late-game cleaner once abusers of Sticky Web have weakened its checks. It also checks Yveltal which can be a nuisance to Sticky Web teams, since it is immune to Sticky Web and Choice Scarf variants can outspeed most offensive threats.
  • Eruption + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon or Swords Dance over Eruption is a great abuser of Sticky Webs as well. It can also beat Magic Bounce users which lets it set up Stealth Rock.
  • Psychium Z Lunala or Ghostium Z Lunala can act as a Rapid Spin blocker as well as a great wallbreaker which can pair up with Xerneas to break the bulkier teams.
  • Flynium Z Landorus-T can act as the Stealth Rock user for the team. The Speed drop allows it to outspeed and OHKO Defog setters such as Defog Arceus formes and Giratina-O with +2 Supersonic Skystrike.
  • Yveltal can carry Taunt to shut down Defog setters and check support Arceus formes as well as Giratina-O and Marshadow.
  • Mega Gyarados can be great offensive teammate as it can prove the team's matchup against stall teams while Taunt lets it stop support Arceus formes from going for Defog.
  • Swords Dance Rayquaza can destroy bulkier teams with the help of Sticky Web which allows it to run Swords Dance over Dragon Dance, letting it have more power.
  • Mega Gengar can trap and KO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairly as well as improving the team matchup of Sticky Web teams against stall. Taunt allows it to prevent Defog while its Ghost typing prevents Rapid Spin. Finally, Destiny Bond could initiate clever trades when properly.
  • Marshadow works great as a partner as well thanks to its Ghost typing which prevents Rapid Spin users from removing Sticky Webs. It's unresisted combination of STAB is very useful in any offensive team.
  • Calm Mind or physical Primal Kyogre sets are made very effective thanks to Sticky Web support as Origin Pulse becomes a nuke after one or two Calm Mind boosts. Choice Specs Kyogre is also a fun set to use in Sticky Web teams, as it can easily 2HKO Ferrothorn with Water Spout while Ice Beam can do a respectable amount to Primal Groudon.
  • Many offensive threats are sometimes considered not much viable due to the lack of Speed and as a result, they are outsped by common bulkier threats like support Arceus formes. With the help of Sticky Web support from Shuckle, threats like Kyruem-W, Zekrom, Z Heal Block Palkia, Lunala, Z-Splash Solgaleo, and Bloom Doom Reshiram are able to perform and compete with top tier threats and heavily appreciates the ability to outspeed some of the opposing threats.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Defense investment can allow Shuckle to take more hits from Primal Groudon and other physical threats.
  • Final Gambit could be run which allows Shuckle to trade itself after setting up Sticky Web and keep the momentum on your side stopping the foe from switching into a Defog user for freely.
  • Stealth Rock over Rock Tomb on the main set allows Shuckle to set up two entry hazards in succession but makes it extremely hard to keep them on the field against bulkier teams, since they almost always run a Defog user.
  • Lum Berry lets it beat Spore Smeargle.
  • Infestation can allow it to trap leads. The combination of Rock Tomb + Infestation can be very effective as it allows the next Pokemon that is switched in to potentially setup.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Magic Bounce**: Thanks to Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie is able to prevent Shuckle from setting up Sticky Web, ultimately stopping it completely.

**Defog Mega Salamence** While other Defoggers in the tier are either affected by Sticky Web, Mega Salamence is immune to Sticky Webs and can be very annoying versus Sticky Web teams.

**Rapid Spin**: Excadrill and Cloyster may set up Stealth Rock and Spikes respectively then proceed to spin away Sticky Web set up by Shuckle. However, Encore shenanigans can cause some mind games as there are usually two scenarios if Shuckle switches to a Ghost-type right after setting up Sticky Webs.

**Mega Gengar**: Leading Gengar versus Sticky Web teams is fairly common as this allows it to mega evolve early and aquire its ability. Mega Gengar can Taunt Shuckle twice, cripple with Will-O-Wisp then wait for the right turn to swtich to a Defog-user and remove Sticky Web from the field.

**Magic Coat Users**: Magic Coat users function similarly to Magic Bounce users like Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie in a way that they able to shut down Shuckle. Common users of Magic Coat are usually dedicated leads like Deoxys-S and Smeargle which do not appreciate getting their Focus Sash broken by Rock Tomb.

**Toxic**: Toxic in conjunction with weak attacks is usually what bulkier teams use to take down Shuckle, since its bulky enough to take multiple neutral hits.

**Sleep**: Sleep-inducing move users like Lunala can stop Shuckle from getting up entry hazards completely if they get the right number of sleep turns.
 
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  • Toxic allows Shuckle to cripple threats and set them on a timer before getting KOed.
I'm obviously not qc but I can't help but think that some examples would be useful here because this is overly vague. Defog Arceus formes and Giratina-O come to mind as good Toxic targets; these Pokemon could otherwise switch in on Shuckle for free and remove its Sticky Web, so Toxic gives it a solid punish option against these Pokemon.
 
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ckw

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I'm obviously not qc but I can't help but think that some examples would be useful here because this is overly vague. Defog Arceus formes and Giratina-O come to mind as good Toxic targets; these Pokemon could otherwise switch in on Shuckle for free and remove its Sticky Web, so Toxic gives it a solid punish option against these Pokemon.
Ops, added this. Thanks!
 
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I actually run a different Shuckle, it's gimmicky but hey, it's so fun to use and I love it!

Shuckle @Leftovers/@Chesto Berry
Trait: Contrary
EVs: 252HP / 252Def / 6SDef
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd) OR Bold Nature (-Atk, +Def)
0 IVs in Spd
  • Shell Smash
  • Toxic
  • Rest
  • Infestation
Ahh, how much I love this thing. Just set up, stall for days and you're not entirely prone to poison and steel types, something people mention an awful lot with shuckle. Infestation works well with the Shell Smash too, Trapping in opponents so you can set up at ease. Unfortunately, this set does get destroyed by taunt, but not entirely. Infestation provides Shuckle with some offensive capabilities so unless they can hit hard and get passed that Shell Smash, it's all over. Also, Toxic + Infestation can build up over time to cause some serious damage, and if you're on low HP, don't worry about it. If you get that rest off, the opponent is gonna be in a world of pain. The Nature and 0 IVs in speed provide it great in trick room too, so you can get that extra turn of dealing damage. Really trollish, and fun to use. Don't fuckle with shuckle.
 
While Study is noted, its 230 defenses are not, which are pretty important. If it was as frail as Smeargle it would never see use - Sturdy isn't a big enough positive for it, so the bulk is also a large factor. It's more likely to set webs again if it is removed compared to a Smeargle that probably has a broken sash. Yveltal flinching Smeargle is a real problem, Shuckle can take 2 Dark Pulses.

Don't note Xurkitree as a sleep user - Darkrai and Lunala are pretty much the only ones and Darkrai is pretty much dead. Ghostium vs Psychium Lunala is a close call in usage, so its not even guaranteed there.

QC 1/3
 
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ckw

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While Study is noted, its 230 defenses are not, which are pretty important. If it was as frail as Smeargle it would never see use - Sturdy isn't a big enough positive for it, so the bulk is also a large factor. It's more likely to set webs again if it is removed compared to a Smeargle that probably has a broken sash. Yveltal flinching Smeargle is a real problem, Shuckle can take 2 Dark Pulses.

Don't note Xurkitree as a sleep user - Darkrai and Lunala are pretty much the only ones and Darkrai is pretty much dead. Ghostium vs Psychium Lunala is a close call in usage, so its not even guaranteed there.

QC 1/3
Implemented, ready for 2nd check.
 

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Why is there no mention of Stealth Rock for Shuckle in the Moves section at least in the bottom bullet point or as Other Options? You trade off the utility of Rock Tomb (I would actually put Toxic over Rock Tomb in moves personally if we're talking importance) to free up the SR slot for something else like PDon or Arceus. The matchup against Smeargle, Magic Coat Deo, and Magic Bouncers is already shaky as is, people who use Shuckle Webs know this already and Rock Tomb sounds a lot better on paper than what it does in practice anyways. Final Gambit to but that's sort of niche and obviously a choice for Other Options as well. If its mentioned you should probably explain why it's important to have the standard moves in comparison to using Final Gambit.

Marshadow should be included in Team Options, as a Ghost for Spinblocking (highly overrated concept btw but we still use it soooo) and because its able to threaten out lead Mega Gengar and Gothitelle. This matchup can happen a lot where M-Gengar just leads against a Shuckle and the Webs user is now put in a really bad spot from the get go. The added benefit if and when this matchup occurs is if you're using Pursuit Marsh you can potentially remove Gengar out of the equation if they fear the Shadow Sneak and try to switch.

I would just include Specs Ogre in the Kyogre mention on team options and mentions of Water Spout P-Ogre to. The effectiveness of P-ogre is slowed down a bit if a Ferro or SpDef PDon is in play, where you need to predict the Pdon switch with Physical Ogre to nail the Earthquake. Specs has the luxury of either spamming Water Spout or Ice Beam, rendering something like a Ferro pivoting useless, same if P-Ogre has Water Spout and the opps first reaction is Ferro over Pdon as the switch in.

Include Xurkitree for Team Options if we're gonna just throw in Solgaleo and Reshiram in there who fall under the "Trash but Works on Webs" club. Tbolt, Grass Knot, Dazzling Gleam, TG is what I normally use here on Webs and the majority of Defoggers aren't able to Defog on it effectively after a Tail Glow because you get situations like this after they switch out or let Xurkitree set up for free and it kills something off afterwards. These are basic examples obviously.

+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Giratina-Origin: 538-634 (121.9 - 143.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Ground: 692-816 (155.8 - 183.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Fairy: 390-459 (87.8 - 103.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock


For the Xerneas mention emphasize it being able to threaten / check Yveltal. Web teams a lot of times have really bad matchups against Yveltal especially Scarf variants due to Webs immunity. I would include M-Gyara in team options as well since it appreciates Webs support (especially against an opposing offense / psyspam squad) and gives your Webs team a better matchup against Stall.

For Checks and Counters Toxic should get its own mention. This is one of the easiest ways bulkier teams take care of Shuckle to me to remove Sturdy and put it on a timer without resorting to using Taunt, Magic Coat, the usual. It would be better to put the Mega Gengar point simply as "Trappers" and include Gothitelle. Once Goth gets in thats a dead Shuckle. Wobb can get a small point to for creating set up opportunities for other Sweepers.
 
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Why is there no mention of Stealth Rock for Shuckle in the Moves section at least in the bottom bullet point or as Other Options? You trade off the utility of Rock Tomb (I would actually put Toxic over Rock Tomb in moves personally if we're talking importance) to free up the SR slot for something else like PDon or Arceus. The matchup against Smeargle, Magic Coat Deo, and Magic Bouncers is already shaky as is, people who use Shuckle Webs know this already and Rock Tomb sounds a lot better on paper than what it does in practice anyways. Final Gambit to but that's sort of niche and obviously a choice for Other Options as well. If its mentioned you should probably explain why it's important to have the standard moves in comparison to using Final Gambit.
Shuckle has a problem setting Sticky Web as it is already. Burdening it with another type of entry hazard makes it harder to do either job properly since you will have to give up Toxic or Rock Tomb for it. Sticky Web is the only thing going for Shuckle, add SR to the bunch and you will just end up with a team that can't break past stall. Giving SR to either Primal Groudon or a support Arceus forme is more worthwhile imo. Toxic + Encore lets Shuckle deal with Defog Arceus formes which is actually one of the few upsides it has over Smeargle which is why I don't think slashing Toxic with Rock Tomb sounds viable to me. I will add SR in OO though, but I doubt the final analysis would have it.

Marshadow should be included in Team Options, as a Ghost for Spinblocking (highly overrated concept btw but we still use it soooo) and because its able to threaten out lead Mega Gengar and Gothitelle. This matchup can happen a lot where M-Gengar just leads against a Shuckle and the Webs user is now put in a really bad spot from the get go. The added benefit if and when this matchup occurs is if you're using Pursuit Marsh you can potentially remove Gengar out of the equation if they fear the Shadow Sneak and try to switch.
I would just include Specs Ogre in the Kyogre mention on team options and mentions of Water Spout P-Ogre to. The effectiveness of P-ogre is slowed down a bit if a Ferro or SpDef PDon is in play, where you need to predict the Pdon switch with Physical Ogre to nail the Earthquake. Specs has the luxury of either spamming Water Spout or Ice Beam, rendering something like a Ferro pivoting useless, same if P-Ogre has Water Spout and the opps first reaction is Ferro over Pdon as the switch in.
For the Xerneas mention emphasize it being able to threaten / check Yveltal. Web teams a lot of times have really bad matchups against Yveltal especially Scarf variants due to Webs immunity. I would include M-Gyara in team options as well since it appreciates Webs support (especially against an opposing offense / psyspam squad) and gives your Webs team a better matchup against Stall.

For Checks and Counters Toxic should get its own mention. This is one of the easiest ways bulkier teams take care of Shuckle to me to remove Sturdy and put it on a timer without resorting to using Taunt, Magic Coat, the usual. It would be better to put the Mega Gengar point simply as "Trappers" and include Gothitelle. Once Goth gets in thats a dead Shuckle. Wobb can get a small point to for creating set up opportunities for other Sweepers.
I'll add these (Kinda forgot about Marsh, thanks for reminding!)

Include Xurkitree for Team Options if we're gonna just throw in Solgaleo and Reshiram in there who fall under the "Trash but Works on Webs" club. Tbolt, Grass Knot, Dazzling Gleam, TG is what I normally use here on Webs and the majority of Defoggers aren't able to Defog on it effectively after a Tail Glow because you get situations like this after they switch out or let Xurkitree set up for free and it kills something off afterwards. These are basic examples obviously.
Xurk won't be getting an update on its analysis so I can't really add this as a partner :[
 
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