Relicanth (NU Revamp) [GP 2/2]

Oglemi

Borf
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http://www.smogon.com/rs/pokemon/relicanth

[Overview]

Say hello to the overall best Rock-type in NU. Relicanth has a lot of things going for it: it has the highest physical bulk in the tier (beating out even Shuckle), it's decently strong, it has great abilities, and its secondary Water typing is decently useful despite it adding weaknesses to Grass and Electric. Thanks to these factors, Relicanth can take on an offensive or defensive role for your team, making it easy to fit on teams looking for a good Normal and Flying check. However, its really common weaknesses, particularly its weakness to Fighting, are awful, and while it's a physically defensive behemoth, its Special Defense is pretty lacking. That said, you really can't go wrong with including Relicanth on your team; just keep an eye out for errant Grass-type attacks.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake / Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This is the pinnacle of physical defense in NU. Not even Choice Band Kingler's Hidden Power Ground can 2HKO this set, and Hitmonchan only does 70% at most with its Choice Band-boosted Sky Uppercut. While it would be great if Relicanth could avoid a 2HKO from powerful STAB Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, literally every other physical attack barely even fazes this fish, giving your team a super solid backbone to rely on and pivot around. Rock + Ground is great attacking coverage and lets Relicanth fend off a huge portion of the Pokemon it'll be switching into, and having two attacking options means Relicanth is less of a liability while it's sleeping via Rest. That said, Toxic allows Relicanth to effectively wear down common defensive Pokemon like Sableye, and ultimately win stall wars via RestTalk, making it an option over the added coverage that Earthquake provides. Speaking of RestTalk, the combination allows Relicanth to absorb status for the remainder of its team, which is a somewhat rare commodity in NU, and greatly increases its own longevity throughout the match.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

Maximum HP and Defense investment is recommended to make Relicanth as physically bulky as possible; however, the EV spread is flexible depending on what you need Relicanth to do for your team. 84 Speed EVs can be run to allow Relicanth to outspeed uninvested Chimecho, but beware that Chimecho typically runs enough Speed to outrun Dewgong, so this may ultimately be a fruitless effort. 108 Attack EVs can be run to always OHKO standard Charmeleon with Rock Slide, although this is the only significant KO picked up by running any Attack less than maximum; otherwise, you're better off just using a more offensively oriented set. Swift Swim should be the ability because there aren't any recoil moves on this set, and the possibility to countersweep rain sweepers should always be kept open.

Body Slam can be run on this set over Toxic or Earthquake to spread around paralysis. Yawn is another option in this moveslot to force the opponent to switch more often and accumulate Spikes damage or to just put the opposing Pokemon to sleep if it stays in, which can be game-changing. While unorthodox and typically not recommended, Calm Mind and Surf can be run on this set to turn Relicanth into an extremely bulky tank that's nearly impenetrable on both defenses. However, Surf is super weak until it's boosted to about +4, and Relicanth will rarely find the time to boost that high, since most special attackers will still blow through it with Grass- or Electric-type moves even if it's boosted. Psych Up can also be run on this set to protect Relicanth from setup sweepers like Calm Mind Chimecho and Swords Dance Kingler, although it will be a dead moveslot in most games.

Defensive Relicanth fits best on teams that have glaring weaknesses to the Normal- and Flying-types found in the tier, particularly those that have Bellossom, Hitmonchan, and Venomoth all on the same team. Pairing Relicanth with a specially defensive bulwark like Kecleon can create a nigh-impregnable defensive core, and filling the defensive gap between the two against strong Fighting- and Ground-types with something like Chimecho, Pelipper, or Tangela can be a good idea.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Relicanth is far and away the bulkiest Choice Band user in the tier and has really good coverage, making it a decent choice for offensive teams looking for a defensive backbone that don't want to lose offensive momentum. Not having STAB on Earthquake is really awful and is a major perk Graveler has over this Relicanth set, as well as access to Explosion, but Relicanth's higher Speed, overall better bulk, and recoil-free Double-Edge make it a better tank. The last slot on this set is largely filler, with Hidden Power Ghost being Relicanth's best attack for Haunter and Chimecho, and Hidden Power Bug getting a marginally better hit on Tangela and Bellossom than Relicanth's other moves.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

84 Speed EVs let Relicanth outpace minimum Speed Chimecho, which very few of the other Choice Band users in the tier can spare the bulk or Attack to do. Like with any of Relicanth's sets, you can put a lot of different things in the last slot, as you'll rarely, if ever, use it. Sleep Talk is a cool option, and although Relicanth is rarely going to be absorbing Sleep Powder due to the main users being Grass-types, it does do a decent job at absorbing Yawn from the likes of Chimecho and Swalot. Leftovers can be used on this set over Choice Band, but Relicanth wants the power and can usually afford to miss the recovery. If going with Leftovers, Protect makes a phenomenal move to use in the last slot to increase Relicanth's longevity and ease prediction.

Relicanth is an exceptionally good check to the Normal- and Flying-types in the tier, making frail attackers that usually have problems with them, such as Flareon and Hitmonchan, good teammates. While Relicanth can switch into Fire-type attacks very easily, it is extremely susceptible to the Grass-type attacks they're normally paired with. Grass- and Bug-types make good teammates, as they can switch into the Grass-type attacks Relicanth fears, and they can switch into Fire-type attacks should it be needed, particularly random Hidden Power Fires from the likes of Venomoth and Chimecho. Relicanth has a hard time with Plusle and other special attackers, making Lickitung, Kecleon, and specially defensive Flareon good teammates as well.

[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Surf / Hydro Pump
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 152 SpA / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set functions as a decent late-game cleaner that separates itself from the pack by being extremely naturally bulky. With the moves chosen, Relicanth has fantastic neutral coverage, further improving its niche over other similar late-game cleaners like Sunny Day sweepers and Salac Berry sweepers like Kingler. The idea with this set is simple: get it in late-game on a Flying-type that Relicanth takes little damage from like Pidgeot, set up Rain Dance, and proceed to clean up the remnants of your opponent's team with the appropriate move. QuakeSlide offers the best possible neutral coverage for Relicanth in two moves. Surf and Hydro Pump are the best choices for the last slot due to the boost they receive from the rain and STAB, even though they use Relicanth's lower Special Attack.

[ADDITIONAL SET COMMENTS]

There's a lot you can do with the EV spread, but the listed one is recommended and does several things. 52 Speed EVs let Relicanth outspeed minimum Speed Whiscash outside of rain and base Speed 95s and below in rain. 152 Special Attack EVs are enough to OHKO maximum HP Sudowoodo in the rain with Surf after Spikes damage. A bit more Speed can be run to outpace Raticate in the rain, but it's largely unneeded, since Raticate can't do a whole lot to Relicanth (though it may be worth it if you're scared of Reversal sets). Less Special Attack can be run if using Hydro Pump to put those EVs in HP to increase bulk. Surf and the Special Attack EVs can be dropped for something like Double-Edge, Hidden Power Bug, or Substitute. If doing this, move the Special Attack EVs to HP to increase overall bulk, as Relicanth does not need the extra Speed.

This set makes a good one-two punch sweeping partner with Huntail, as Huntail can blast open holes in the opponent's defense for Relicanth to come in later to finish the job. Huntail also hits specially and Relicanth physically, making the duo hard to wall. Plusle and Pikachu are also really good offensive teammates, as they can set up Rain Dance and take advantage of the rain with an accurate Thunder, and Pikachu also receives a boosted Surf to play around with.

This Relicanth has a really tough time with Grass-types, particularly defensive Tangela and Bellossom, making Flying-types like Murkrow and Fire-types like specially attacking Flareon good teammates. Specially defensive teammates in general are good to have to absorb the Water-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks aimed Relicanth, making Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates. Relicanth can only KO Hitmonchan if it's been severely weakened, and Relicanth's lower bulk also means that it's more susceptible to Mach Punch than usual, meaning Swalot and Chimecho are good teammates too.

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

Relicanth's movepool is surprisingly large for a fish Pokemon, but the most effective sets have been listed above. Of the sets not listed, a Substitute + 3 attacks set is probably the most effective, with Rock Slide, Earthquake, and Double-Edge having sufficient coverage and Rock Head preventing recoil giving Relicanth a nice niche over similar users of the set like Pidgeot. A status platform set focusing on the various status moves Relicanth has like Toxic, Body Slam, and Yawn can be a fun gimmick to disrupt the opponent's team with, but going that route sacrifices Relicanth's overall effectiveness and longevity. Relicanth's immense physical bulk means a Swagger + Psych Up set is possible, although Relicanth is a bit too specially frail to really make use of it, as Relicanth's main revenge killers hit it specially, meaning it won't be able to risk staying in to get the Psych Up boost.

Hidden Power Flying wasn't specifically mentioned before, but it gives Relicanth a move for both Grass-types and Hitmonchan in one moveslot. Relicanth is probably the best user of Rock Tomb in the tier and it gets STAB on the move, although Rock Slide's extra power is usually going to be more appreciated. Hydro Pump can make a decent last move to give Relicanth the jump on Mawile and Metang among other physically bulky Pokemon, but the needed Special Attack EVs to make it worth it are too costly in the long run. Finally, Blizzard is Relicanth's best option for Tangela and will completely throttle it, but its accuracy and the fact that defensive Tangela isn't super common mean it'll be a dead moveslot way more often than not.

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

Defensive Grass-types are the absolute best answers to any Relicanth set, with Tangela and Bellossom only really fearing Toxic and easily OHKOing back with their STAB moves. Roselia is even immune to Toxic, but it takes quite a bit more from Rock Slide. Hitmonchan resists Rock Slide and will leave a large dent in Relicanth with Sky Uppercut. If Relicanth lacks Toxic, it becomes huge setup bait for Bulk Up Hitmonchan. Plusle and Haunter have a hard time switching in but will easily 2HKO Relicanth with Thunderbolt. Mawile's Intimidate, immunity to Toxic, and Rock resistance make it a great switch-in as well, although it'll still take a decent amount from Earthquake; however, against Earthquake-less sets Mawile will easily get up a Substitute and start boosting with Swords Dance.

In general, Hidden Power Grass destroys Relicanth, and a lot of Pokemon can easily find the room to stick it on their sets with the sole intention of nailing Relicanth with it. Murkrow in particular is notorious for having this option waiting in the wings, but many other Pokemon can find the room for it too, including Chimecho, Golbat, Lickitung, and Water-types like Wailord and Dewgong.
 
Last edited:

Disaster Area

formerly Piexplode
I think 252 HP / 176 Def / 84 Spe Impish is a decent spread on the physically defensive set. CB Flareon HP Ground fails to 2HKO after a layer of spikes, whilst it outspeeds uninvested base 65 and below (see Roselia, Flareon, etc.)
 

Oglemi

Borf
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I can't see a situation in which the extra Speed would really help though on the defensive set. Outrunning min Speed Chime is kinda cool I guess, but I mean had I been running that spread today I could have lost Relicanth to BUVigo. http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen3oubeta-37968

+1 Vigoroth Earthquake vs. Relicanth: 164-194 (40.5 - 48%) -- 41% chance to 2HKO after 2 layers of Spikes and Leftovers recovery
+1 Vigoroth Earthquake vs. Relicanth: 156-184 (38.6 - 45.5%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO after 2 layers of Spikes and Leftovers recovery

I realize I had another turn of Leftovers recovery in that match, but had I not that would have been bad news for muh fish.

I'm sure the situations that something like this would occur are small, but I'm too lazy to do a bunch of calcs like with Leftovers Chan and stuff, but I think you get my point. Relicanth is the physically bulkiest mon in the tier, no reason to not go full bulk unless you absolutely think you gotta outrun Chime (and really most times Chime is going to be running a little speed to prevent something like this from happening, but more commonly trying to outrun Dewgong).

But ya it's worth a mention in AC overall.
 

Disaster Area

formerly Piexplode
Note that it's a viable lead; Choice Band Relicanth Rock Slide vs. Glalie: 423-498 (140.5 - 165.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO, Glalie Explosion vs. Relicanth: 117-138 (29.1 - 34.4%) -- 4.5% chance to 3HKO, Glalie Earthquake vs. Relicanth: 96-114 (23.9 - 28.4%) -- 96.9% chance to 4HKO.
 

Lumari

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add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[Overview]

Say hello to the best overall Rock-type in NU. Relicanth has a lot of things going for it: it's extremely physically bulky (in fact, it's the most physically defensive Pokemon in the tier, beating out even Shuckle), it's decently strong, it has great abilities, and its secondary Water sub-typing (or remove hyphen) is decently useful despite the extra weaknesses to Grass and Electric. Thanks to these factors, Relicanth can take on an offensive or defensive role for your team, making it easy to fit on teams looking for a good Normal and Flying resist counter (or check / switch-in / Pokemon that resists / whatever). However, its really common weaknesses, particularly its weakness to Fighting, royally suck, are awful, (or some other wording that does not include suck) and while it's a physically defensive behemoth, its special defense Special Defense is pretty lacking. That said, you really can't go wrong with including Relicanth on your team; (SC) just keep an eye out for errant Grass-type attacks.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake / Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This is the pinnacle of physical defense in NU. Not even Choice Band Kingler's Hidden Power Ground can 2HKO this set, and Hitmonchan only does 70% max with its Choice Band-boosted Sky Uppercut. While it would be great if Relicanth could avoid the 2HKO from powerful STAB Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, literally every other physical attack barely even fazes this fish, giving your team a super solid backbone to rely on and pivot around. Rock + Ground is great attacking coverage and lets Relicanth fend off a huge portion of the Pokemon it'll be switching into, and having two attacking options means Relicanth is less of a liability while it's sleeping via Rest. That said, Toxic allows Relicanth to effectively wear down common defensive Pokemon over time, such as Sableye, and ultimately win the stall war via RestTalk, making it an option over the added coverage that Earthquake provides. Speaking of RestTalk, the combination allows Relicanth to absorb status for the remainder of its team (a somewhat rare commodity in NU) and greatly increases its own longevity throughout the match.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Max HP and Defense investment is recommended to make Relicanth as physically bulky as possible; however, the EV spread is flexible depending on what you need Relicanth to do for your team. 84 Speed EVs can be run to allow Relicanth to outspeed min Speed Chimecho, although beware that Chimecho typically runs enough Speed to outrun Dewgong, so this may ultimately be a fruitless effort. 108 Attack EVs can be run to always OHKO standard Charmeleon with Rock Slide, although this is the only significant KO picked up by running any Attack less than max; (SC) otherwise, (AC) you're better off just using a more offensively oriented (RH) set. Swift Swim should be the ability because there aren't any recoil moves being used on this set, and the possibility to countersweep should always be kept open.

Body Slam can be run on this set to spread around paralysis and can be used over Toxic or Earthquake. Yawn is another option in this slot to force the opponent to switch more often and accumulate Spikes damage (RC) or just straight up put the opponent opposing Pokemon to sleep if they stay it stays in, (AC) which can be gamebreaking. While unorthodox and typically not recommended, Calm Mind and Surf can be run on this set to turn Relicanth into an extremely bulky tank that's nearly impenetrable on both defenses. However, Surf is super weak until it's boosted to about +4, and Relicanth will rarely find the time to boost that high, (AC) since most special attackers will still blow through it with Grass- or Electric-type moves even if it's boosted. Psych Up can also be run on this set to protect itself Relicanth from setup sweepers like Calm Mind Chimecho and Swords Dance Kingler, although it will usually just be a dead moveslot most games.

Defensive Relicanth fits best on teams that have gaping weaknesses to the Normal- and Flying-types found in the tier, particularly those that have Bellossom, Hitmonchan, and Venomoth all on the same team. Pairing Relicanth with a specially defensive bulwark like Kecleon can create a nigh-impregnable defensive core, and filling the defensive gap between the two against strong Fighting- and Ground-types with something like Chimecho, Pelipper, or Tangela can be a good idea.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Relicanth is far and away the bulkiest Choice Band user in the tier (RC) and has really good coverage in its moves, making it a decent choice for offensive teams looking for a defensive backbone that don't want to lose offensive momentum. Not having STAB on Earthquake is really sucks awful and is a major perk Graveler has over Relicanth with this set, as well as access to Explosion, but Relicanth's higher Speed, overall better bulk, and recoil-free Double-Edge make it a better tank. The last slot on this set is largely filler, with Hidden Power Ghost being Relicanth's best hit on Haunter and Chimecho, and Hidden Power Bug getting a nominally better hit on Tangela and Bellossom than Relicanth's other moves.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

84 Speed EVs let Relicanth outpace minimum Speed Chimecho, which very few of the other Choice Band users in the tier can spare the bulk or Attack to do. Like with any of Relicanth's sets, you can put a lot of different things in the last slot, (AC) as you'll rarely if ever use it. Sleep Talk is a cool option, and although Relicanth is rarely going to be absorbing Sleep Powders with the main users being Grass-types, it does do a decent job at absorbing Yawn from the likes of Chimecho and Swalot. Leftovers can be used on this set over Choice Band, but Relicanth wants the power and can usually afford to miss the recovery. If going with Leftovers, Protect makes a phenomenal move to use in the last slot to increase Relicanth's longevity and ease prediction.

Relicanth is an exceptionally good counter and check to the Normal- and Flying-types in the tier, making frail attackers that usually have problems with them, such as Flareon and Hitmonchan, good teammates. While Relicanth can switch into Fire-type attacks very easily, it is extremely susceptible to the Grass-type attacks they're normally paired with. Still, Grass- and Bug-types make good teammates, (AC) as they can switch into the Grass-type attacks Relicanth fears, and it can switch into Fire-type attacks should it be needed, particularly random Hidden Power Fires from the likes of Venomoth and Chimecho. Relicanth has a hard time with Plusle and other special attackers, making Lickitung, Kecleon, and specially defensive Flareon good teammates as well.

[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Surf / Hydro Pump
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 152 SpA / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set functions as a decent late-game cleaner that separates itself from the pack by being extremely naturally bulky. With the moves chosen, Relicanth has fantastic neutral coverage, further increasing its niche over other similar late-game cleaners like Sunny Day sweepers and Salac Berry sweepers like Kingler. The idea with this set is simple: get in late-game on a Flying-type like Pidgeot that Relicanth takes little damage from, set up Rain Dance, and proceed to clean up the remnants of your opponent's team with the appropriate move. QuakeSlide offers the best possible neutral coverage for Relicanth in two moves. Surf or and Hydro Pump are the best choices for the last slot due to the boost they receive from the rain and STAB, even though they use Relicanth's lower Special Attack.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There's a lot you can do with the EV spread, but the listed one is recommended and does several things. 52 Speed EVs outspeeds let Relicanth outspeed minimum Speed Whiscash outside of rain (RC) and outspeeds base 95s and below in rain. 152 Special Attack EVs are enough to OHKO 252 HP Sudowoodo in the rain with Surf after a layer of Spikes. A bit more Speed can be run to outpace Raticate in the rain, but it's largely unneeded, (AC) since Raticate can't do a whole lot to Relicanth (though it may be worth it if you're scared of Reversal sets). Less Special Attack can be run if using Hydro Pump and putting those EVs in HP to increase bulk. Surf and the Special Attack EVs can be dropped for something like Double-Edge, Hidden Power Bug, or Substitute. If doing this, move the Special Attack EVs to HP to increase overall bulk, (AC) as Relicanth does not need the extra Speed.

This set makes an exceptionally good one-two punch sweeping partner with Huntail, as Huntail can blast open holes in the opponent's defense and Relicanth can come in later to finish the job. Huntail also hits the opponent specially and Relicanth physically, making the duo hard to wall. Plusle and Pikachu are also really good offensive teammates, (AC) as they can set up Rain Dance and take advantage of the rain with an accurate Thunder, (AC) and Pikachu also then receives a boosted Surf to play around with.

Relicanth as has a really tough time with Grass-types with this set, particularly defensive Tangela and Bellossom, making Flying-types like Murkrow good teammates, as well as Fire-types like specially attacking Flareon. Specially defensive teammates in general are good to have to absorb the Water-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks aimed Relicanth, making Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates. Relicanth can only KO Hitmonchan if it's been extremely weakened, (AC) and Relicanth's lower bulk also means that it's more susceptible to Mach Punch than usual, meaning Swalot or Chimecho are good teammates too.

[Other Options]

Relicanth's movepool is surprisingly large for a fish Pokemon, but the most effective sets have been listed above. Of the sets not listed, a Substitute + 3 Attacks set is probably the most effective, with Rock Slide, Earthquake, and Double-Edge having sufficient coverage in the tier and Rock Head preventing to prevent recoil gives giving Relicanth a huge niche over similar users of the set like Pidgeot. A status platform set focusing on the various status moves Relicanth has like Toxic, Body Slam, and Yawn can be a fun gimmick to play around with and disrupt the opponent's team, but it going that route sacrifices Relicanth's overall effectiveness and longevity to go that route. Relicanth's immense physical bulk means a Swagger + Psych Up set is possible, although Relicanth is a bit too weak specially defensively to really make use of it, (AC) as the main revenge killers to Relicanth hit it specially, (AC) meaning it won't be able to risk it and stay in to get the Psych Up boost.

Hidden Power Flying wasn't specially mentioned before, (AC) but it gives Relicanth a move for both Grass-types and Hitmonchan in one moveslot which can be useful. Relicanth is probably the best user of Rock Tomb in the tier and it gets STAB on the move, although most of the time Rock Slide's extra power is going to be more appreciated. Hydro Pump can make a decent last slot move to give Relicanth the jump on Mawile and Metang, among other physically bulky Pokemon, but the needed Special Attack EVs to make it worth it are too costly in the long run. Finally, Blizzard is Relicanth's best option for Tangela and will completely throttle it, but the accuracy and the fact Tangela isn't super common means mean it'll be a dead moveslot way more often than not.

[Checks and Counters]

Defensive Grass-types are the absolute best answers to any Relicanth set, with Tangela and Bellossom only really fearing Toxic and easily OHKOing back with their STAB moves. Roselia is even immune to Toxic, (AC) but it takes quite a bit more from Rock Slide. Hitmonchan resists Rock Slide and will leave a large dent in Relicanth with Sky Uppercut. If Relicanth lacks Toxic, (AC) it becomes huge set up setup bait for Bulk Up Hitmonchan. Plusle and Haunter have a hard time switching in but will easily 2HKO Relicanth with Thunderbolt. Mawile's Intimidate, immunity to Toxic, and Rock resistance makes make it a great switch-in (AH) as well, although it'll still take a decent amount from Earthquake; however, against Earthquake-less sets Mawile will easily get up a Substitute and start boosting with Swords Dance.

In general, Hidden Power Grass destroys Relicanth, and a lot of Pokemon can easily find the room to stick it on their sets with the sole intention of nailing Relicanth with it. Murkrow in particular is notorious for having this option waiting in the wings, but many other Pokemon can find the room for it, including Chimecho, Golbat, Lickitung, and Water-types like Wailord.
 

GP 2/2
remove add comments

[Overview]

Say hello to the best overall Rock-type in NU. Relicanth has a lot of things going for it: it's extremely physically bulky it has the highest physical bulk in the tier (in fact, it's the most physically defensive Pokemon in the tier, beating out even Shuckle), it's decently strong, it has great abilities, and its secondary Water typing is decently useful despite the extra it adding weaknesses to Grass and Electric. Thanks to these factors, Relicanth can take on an offensive or defensive role for your team, making it easy to fit on teams looking for a good Normal and Flying check. However, its really common weaknesses, particularly its weakness to Fighting, are awful, and while it's a physically defensive behemoth, its Special Defense is pretty lacking. That said, you really can't go wrong with including Relicanth on your team; just keep an eye out for errant Grass-type attacks.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake / Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This is the pinnacle of physical defense in NU. Not even Choice Band Kingler's Hidden Power Ground can 2HKO this set, and Hitmonchan only does 70% max at most with its Choice Band-boosted Sky Uppercut. While it would be great if Relicanth could avoid the a 2HKO from powerful STAB Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, literally every other physical attack barely even fazes this fish, giving your team a super solid backbone to rely on and pivot around. Rock + Ground is great attacking coverage and lets Relicanth fend off a huge portion of the Pokemon it'll be switching into, and having two attacking options means Relicanth is less of a liability while it's sleeping via Rest. That said, Toxic allows Relicanth to effectively wear down common defensive Pokemon like Sableye over time, such as Sableye, and ultimately win the stall wars via RestTalk, making it an option over the added coverage that Earthquake provides. Speaking of RestTalk, the combination allows Relicanth to absorb status for the remainder of its team, (comma) which is a somewhat rare commodity in NU, (a somewhat rare commodity in NU) and greatly increases its own longevity throughout the match.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

Maximum HP and Defense investment is recommended to make Relicanth as physically bulky as possible; however, the EV spread is flexible depending on what you need Relicanth to do for your team. 84 Speed EVs can be run to allow Relicanth to outspeed min Speed uninvested Chimecho, although but beware that Chimecho typically runs enough Speed to outrun Dewgong, so this may ultimately be a fruitless effort. 108 Attack EVs can be run to always OHKO standard Charmeleon with Rock Slide, although this is the only significant KO picked up by running any Attack less than maximum; otherwise, you're better off just using a more offensively oriented set. Swift Swim should be the ability because there aren't any recoil moves on this set, and the possibility to countersweep in rain should always be kept open.

Body Slam can be run on this set over Toxic or Earthquake to spread around paralysis and can be used over Toxic or Earthquake. Yawn is another option in this moveslot to force the opponent to switch more often and accumulate Spikes damage or to just straight up put the opposing Pokemon to sleep if it stays in, which can be gamebreaking game-changing. While unorthodox and typically not recommended, Calm Mind and Surf can be run on this set to turn Relicanth into an extremely bulky tank that's nearly impenetrable on both defenses. However, Surf is super weak until it's boosted to about +4, and Relicanth will rarely find the time to boost that high, since most special attackers will still blow through it with Grass- or Electric-type moves even if it's boosted. Psych Up can also be run on this set to protect Relicanth from setup sweepers like Calm Mind Chimecho and Swords Dance Kingler, although it will usually just be a dead moveslot in most games.

Defensive Relicanth fits best on teams that have gaping glaring weaknesses to the Normal- and Flying-types found in the tier, particularly those that have Bellossom, Hitmonchan, and Venomoth all on the same team. Pairing Relicanth with a specially defensive bulwark like Kecleon can create a nigh-impregnable defensive core, and filling the defensive gap between the two against strong Fighting- and Ground-types with something like Chimecho, Pelipper, or Tangela can be a good idea.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Hidden Power Ghost / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Relicanth is far and away the bulkiest Choice Band user in the tier and has really good coverage in its moves, making it a decent choice for offensive teams looking for a defensive backbone that don't want to lose offensive momentum. Not having STAB on Earthquake is really awful and is a major perk Graveler has over this Relicanth with this set, as well as access to Explosion, but Relicanth's higher Speed, overall better bulk, and recoil-free Double-Edge make it a better tank. The last slot on this set is largely filler, with Hidden Power Ghost being Relicanth's best hit on attack for Haunter and Chimecho, and Hidden Power Bug getting a nominally marginally better hit on Tangela and Bellossom than Relicanth's other moves.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

84 Speed EVs let Relicanth outpace minimum Speed Chimecho, which very few of the other Choice Band users in the tier can spare the bulk or Attack to do. Like with any of Relicanth's sets, you can put a lot of different things in the last slot, as you'll rarely if ever use it. Sleep Talk is a cool option, and although Relicanth is rarely going to be absorbing Sleep Powders with due to the main users being Grass-types, it does do a decent job at absorbing Yawn from the likes of Chimecho and Swalot. Leftovers can be used on this set over Choice Band, but Relicanth wants the power and can usually afford to miss the recovery. If going with Leftovers, Protect makes a phenomenal move to use in the last slot to increase Relicanth's longevity and ease prediction.

Relicanth is an exceptionally good counter and check if not counter to the Normal- and Flying-types in the tier, making frail attackers that usually have problems with them, such as Flareon and Hitmonchan, good teammates. While Relicanth can switch into Fire-type attacks very easily, it is extremely susceptible to the Grass-type attacks they're normally paired with. Still, Grass- and Bug-types make good teammates, as they can switch into the Grass-type attacks Relicanth fears, and it they can switch into Fire-type attacks should it be needed, particularly random Hidden Power Fires from the likes of Venomoth and Chimecho. Relicanth has a hard time with Plusle and other special attackers, making Lickitung, Kecleon, and specially defensive Flareon good teammates as well.

[SET]
name: Swift Swim Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Surf / Hydro Pump
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 48 HP / 252 Atk / 152 SpA / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

This set functions as a decent late-game cleaner that separates itself from the pack by being extremely naturally bulky. With the moves chosen, Relicanth has fantastic neutral coverage, further increasing improving its niche over other similar late-game cleaners like Sunny Day sweepers and Salac Berry sweepers like Kingler. The idea with this set is simple: get it in late-game on a Flying-type like Pidgeot that Relicanth takes little damage from like Pidgeot, set up Rain Dance, and proceed to clean up the remnants of your opponent's team with the appropriate move. QuakeSlide Earthquake + Rock Slide offers the best possible neutral coverage for Relicanth in two moves. Surf and Hydro Pump are the best choices for the last slot due to the boost they receive from the rain and STAB, even though they use Relicanth's lower Special Attack.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

There's a lot you can do with the EV spread, but the listed one is recommended and does several things. 52 Speed EVs let Relicanth outspeed minimum Speed Whiscash outside of rain and base 95s and below everything with base 95 Speed or lower in rain. 152 Special Attack EVs are enough to OHKO 252 maximum HP Sudowoodo in the rain with Surf after a layer of Spikes damage. A bit more Speed can be run to outpace Raticate in the rain, but it's largely unneeded, since Raticate can't do a whole lot to Relicanth (though it may be worth it if you're scared of Reversal sets). Less Special Attack can be run if using Hydro Pump and putting to put those EVs in HP to increase bulk. Surf and the Special Attack EVs can be dropped for something like Double-Edge, Hidden Power Bug, or Substitute. If doing this, move the Special Attack EVs to HP to increase overall bulk, as Relicanth does not need the extra Speed.

This set makes an exceptionally good one-two punch sweeping partner with Huntail, as Huntail can blast open holes in the opponent's defense and for Relicanth can to come in later to finish the job. Huntail also hits the opponent specially and Relicanth physically, making the duo hard to wall. Plusle and Pikachu are also really good offensive teammates, as they can set up Rain Dance and take advantage of the rain with an accurate Thunder, and Pikachu also receives a boosted Surf to play around with.

This Relicanth has a really tough time with Grass-types with this set, particularly defensive Tangela and Bellossom, making Flying-types like Murkrow good teammates, as well as and Fire-types like specially attacking Flareon good teammates. Specially defensive teammates in general are good to have to absorb the Water-, Electric-, and Grass-type attacks aimed Relicanth, making Kecleon and Lickitung good teammates. Relicanth can only KO Hitmonchan if it's been extremely weakened, and Relicanth's its lower bulk also means that it's more susceptible to Mach Punch than usual, meaning Swalot or and Chimecho are good teammates too.

[Other Options]

Relicanth's movepool is surprisingly large for a fish Pokemon, but the most effective sets have been listed above. Of the sets not listed, a Substitute + 3 attacks set is probably the most effective, with Rock Slide, Earthquake, and Double-Edge having sufficient coverage in the tier and Rock Head to prevent preventing recoil giving Relicanth a huge niche over similar users of the set like Pidgeot. A status platform set focusing on the various status moves Relicanth has like Toxic, Body Slam, and Yawn can be a fun gimmick to play around with and disrupt the opponent's team with, but going that route sacrifices Relicanth's overall effectiveness and longevity. Relicanth's immense physical bulk means a Swagger + Psych Up set is possible, although Relicanth is a bit too weak specially defensively frail to really make use of it, as the Relicanth's main revenge killers to Relicanth hit it specially, meaning it won't be able to risk it and stay staying in to get the Psych Up boost.

Hidden Power Flying wasn't specially mentioned before, but it gives Relicanth a move for both Grass-types and Hitmonchan in one moveslot. Relicanth is probably the best user of Rock Tomb in the tier and it gets STAB on the move, although most of the time Rock Slide's extra power is usually going to be more appreciated. Hydro Pump can make a decent last slot move to give Relicanth the jump on Mawile and Metang, (comma) among other physically bulky Pokemon, but the needed Special Attack EVs to make it worth it are too costly in the long run. Finally, Blizzard is Relicanth's best option for Tangela and will completely throttle it, but the its accuracy and the fact that Tangela isn't super common mean it'll be a dead moveslot way more often than not.

[Checks and Counters]

Defensive Grass-types are the absolute best answers to any Relicanth set, with Tangela and Bellossom only really fearing Toxic and easily OHKOing back with their STAB moves. Roselia is even immune to Toxic, but it takes quite a bit more from Rock Slide. Hitmonchan resists Rock Slide and will leave a large dent in Relicanth with Sky Uppercut. If Relicanth lacks Toxic, it becomes huge setup bait for Bulk Up Hitmonchan. Plusle and Haunter have a hard time switching in but will easily 2HKO Relicanth with Thunderbolt. Mawile's Intimidate, immunity to Toxic, and Rock resistance make it a great switch-in as well, although it'll still take a decent amount from Earthquake; however, against Earthquake-less sets that lack Earthquake, Mawile will easily get up a Substitute and start boosting with Swords Dance.

In general, Hidden Power Grass destroys Relicanth, and a lot of Pokemon can easily find the room to stick it on their sets with the sole intention of nailing Relicanth with it. Murkrow in particular is notorious for having this option waiting in the wings, but many other Pokemon can find the room for it too, including Chimecho, Golbat, Lickitung, and Water-types like Wailord.
 
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