Ditto
/me huggles
PB&J: Pokemon Battles & Jellyfish [A Tentacruel Discussion]
A Basic Look into the Base Stats and Typing
| 80 | 70 | 65 | 80 | 120 | 100 |
| 80 | 70 | 65 | 80 | 120 | 100 |
x0.5:
x1.0:
x2.0:
Tentacruel is gifted with a respectable 80/65/120 Defenses, focused more in the area of Special Defense. Tentacruel also has a great base speed for the Uber tier (100). This gives it the possibility to outrun non-Scarfed Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Ho-Oh, Dialga, and Giratina. It also has the possibility to speed-tie with Mew, Salamence, Jirachi, Palkia, and Manaphy. One of the biggest reasons to use Tentacruel, however, is it's Poison-Type. With this, Tentacruel has the ability to absorb Toxic Spikes that may have been set down as well as be immune to Toxic. Tentacruel also has 4 helpful resistances (Fire, Water, Ice, Fighting), while only having 2 common weaknesses (Electric, Ground).
A Basic Look into the Abilities
Clear Body: This ability blocks any reduction of the Pokémon's stats by the enemy. For instance, Pokémon with Clear Body are immune to Intimidate, but still receive the +2 Attack from Swagger. This does not prevent the Speed drop from Curse, the Attack and Defense drop from Superpower, or any other stat loss caused by the user. It also does not block the effects of Heart Swap, Guard Swap, or Power Swap.
Liquid Ooze: Absorb, Drain Punch, Giga Drain, Leech Life, Mega Drain, and Leech Seed cause the enemy to lose HP equal to the amount it would have gained.
Neither ability has too much use for Tentacruel's main purposes, but they are not without their chances to shine. Clear Body can be helpful against Tickle Wobb, as well as Intimidate for any Physical Sets. Liquid Ooze allows Tentacruel to switch into SubSeed Skymin and not only ruin their setup, but turn their own attack against them.
A Basic Look into the Attacks
Physical Moves
Facade
Payback
Poison Jab
Return
Waterfall
Special Moves
Blizzard
Hydro Pump
Ice Beam
Muddy Water
Sludge Bomb
Surf
Water Pulse
Support Moves
Acupressure
Confuse Ray
Endure
Haze
Icy Wind
Knock Off
Mirror Coat
Protect
Rapid Spin
Rest
Safeguard
Sleep Talk
Substitute
Swagger
Swords Dance
Toxic
Toxic Spikes
As one can see, Tentacruel's main moveslot strength comes from its fair range Support moves. Most of Tentacruel's attacks will fail to put a dent into the Uber tier without some out of boost. For this reason, Tentacruel should focus on its Supporting role. The main advantage of Tentacruel is its possession of both Rapid Spin and Toxic Spikes. Both of these moves are in high demand in the Uber tier and only one other Pokemon has both, Forretress, who everyone is preparing for nowadays.
Possible Sets
Name: Bulky Spin Support
Nature: Calm
Ability: Liquid Ooze
Item: Black Sludge
EVs: 252 HP / 138 Defense / 120 Special Defense
Move 1: Toxic Spikes
Move 2: Rapid Spin
Move 3: Knock Off
Move 4: Icy Wind / Ice Beam
Tentacruel is not able to do that much damage, so this set focuses solely around the Support that Tentacruel can give. Along with being able to absorb Toxic Spikes, Rapin Spin allows Tentacruel to get rid of all other Entry Hazards. Tentacruel can also set down some relatively speedy Toxic Spikes. Knock Off and Icy Wind were chosen in order to cripple the opponent's Pokemon as much as you can if Tentacruel is still alive after setting up Toxic Spikes and Spinning. Black Sludge was chosen over Leftovers in case an opponent tries to use Trick on your Tentacruel and Liquid Ooze was chosen for the occasional SubSeed Skymin. Tentacruel has trouble dealing with extremely heavy Physical hitters, especially those with Earthquake. It also fears Thunder. For these reasons, a Lugia or Groudon with Whirlwind/Roar makes an excellent partner for Tentacruel.
Vs Scarf Palkia:
Taking a Spacial Rend: 34.9% - 41.5% (127 - 151)
Taking a Draco Meteor: 48.9% - 58% (178 - 211)
Taking a Draco Meteor (-2): 24.7% - 29.1% (90 - 106)
Taking a Surf (in Rain): 24.7% - 29.4% (90 - 107)
Taking a Thunder: 56% - 66.5% (204 - 242)
Taking an Outrage: 48.9% - 58% (178 - 211)
Vs Timid Specs Kyogre:
Taking a Water Spout (Full HP in Rain): 59.1% - 69.5% (215 - 253)
Taking a Surf (in Rain): 37.4% - 44.2% (136 - 161)
Taking an Ice Beam: 16.8% - 19.8% (61 - 72)
Taking a Thunder: 84.1% - 99.5% (306 - 362)
Vs NP Darkrai (with LO):
Taking a Dark Pulse: 33.8% - 39.8% (123 - 145)
Taking a Dark Pulse (+2): 67.6% - 79.4% (246 - 289)
Taking a Focus Blast: 16.8% - 19.8% (61 - 72)
Taking a Focus Blast (+2): 33.5% - 39.6% (122 - 144)
Taking a Spacial Rend: 34.9% - 41.5% (127 - 151)
Taking a Draco Meteor: 48.9% - 58% (178 - 211)
Taking a Draco Meteor (-2): 24.7% - 29.1% (90 - 106)
Taking a Surf (in Rain): 24.7% - 29.4% (90 - 107)
Taking a Thunder: 56% - 66.5% (204 - 242)
Taking an Outrage: 48.9% - 58% (178 - 211)
Vs Timid Specs Kyogre:
Taking a Water Spout (Full HP in Rain): 59.1% - 69.5% (215 - 253)
Taking a Surf (in Rain): 37.4% - 44.2% (136 - 161)
Taking an Ice Beam: 16.8% - 19.8% (61 - 72)
Taking a Thunder: 84.1% - 99.5% (306 - 362)
Vs NP Darkrai (with LO):
Taking a Dark Pulse: 33.8% - 39.8% (123 - 145)
Taking a Dark Pulse (+2): 67.6% - 79.4% (246 - 289)
Taking a Focus Blast: 16.8% - 19.8% (61 - 72)
Taking a Focus Blast (+2): 33.5% - 39.6% (122 - 144)
Other Sets to come:
- ResTalk Spiker
- Speedy Spiker (Maybe)
- Swords Dance (Highly Unlikely, but maybe)