RU Abomasnow

cyanize

Mantra Good I Casted So Many Spells U Idiot
is a Community Contributor
[OVERVIEW]

Abomasnow is quite the threat to be reckoned with in RU, as its potent STAB moves and solid coverage make it very difficult to switch into. Its solid bulk and key resistances to Water and Ground allow it multiple chances to fire off attacks or set up Swords Dance. Access to the coveted STAB Ice Shard allows Abomasnow to revenge a whole host of offensive threats, such as Zygarde-10%, Flygon, Roserade, and Decidueye. Despite this, numerous common weaknesses mean Abomasnow can be offensively pressured easily. Also, Abomasnow is excruciatingly slow, so it needs considerable Speed investment to outpace most defensive Pokemon and is incapable of outspeeding the majority of offensive Pokemon; even with maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is unable to outspeed Pokemon such as Umbreon and Porygon2 unless it uses a Speed-boosting nature. Abomasnow is also susceptible to all entry hazards and weak to Stealth Rock, which, alongside a recoil-causing STAB move in Wood Hammer, can lead to it being worn down quickly.


[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Focus Blast / Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Rash
evs: 92 Atk / 252 SpA / 164 Spe

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

Blizzard is a powerful STAB move with no drawbacks under hail and few reliable switch-ins. Wood Hammer is another strong STAB move that nails Water-types that resist Blizzard. Giga Drain is less powerful, but it has the boon of giving Abomasnow more longevity, allowing it to come onto the field more often. Ice Shard somewhat mitigates Abomasnow's crippling Speed, and it is especially valuable in picking off threats such as Swellow, Roserade, Zygarde-10%, and Flygon. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Registeel and Bronzong and is Abomasnow's strongest tool versus Porygon2, Snorlax, and Umbreon, which otherwise wall it. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types with more reliable accuracy, with the cost of being weaker versus all relevant Steel-types and missing out on Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Snorlax.

Set Details
========

164 Speed EVs allow Abomasnow to outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon, most notably Registeel. Maximum Special Attack gives Abomasnow's primary STAB move, Blizzard, the most power, with a Rash nature being used so that the power of Ice Shard and Earthquake is not compromised. The rest of the EVs go into Attack, guaranteeing that Registeel is 3HKOed by Earthquake and that Flygon is KOed by the combination of Ice Shard and hail damage. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof is used as the ability, as it can potentially give Abomasnow free switches into attacks such as Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Bring Abomasnow into weaker attacks, especially those it resists, such as Gligar's Earthquake and Milotic's Scald, and use its powerful STAB moves to break down teams. However, be wary of Scald burns if using Wood Hammer. Note that only Registeel, Escavalier, Torkoal, and Salazzle take more damage from Earthquake than from one of Abomasnow's other moves, so it is only necessary to use it when one of these Pokemon is around. Ice Shard is a fantastic tool that allows Abomasnow to threaten a lot of Pokemon that would otherwise be unafraid of it, especially faster Ice-weak Pokemon such as Roserade, Nidoqueen, and Flygon. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic component, such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or remaining in base forme to hit Milotic with a Grass-type move before it is able to attack. Note that outspeeding minimum Speed Milotic with non-Mega Abomasnow requires 172 Speed EVs. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast are some examples.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Snorlax, Diancie, and Dragalge are able to switch into the greatest threats to Abomasnow. Checks to Fighting-types such as Gligar, Golbat, and Moltres are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum make good teammates to take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can switch in to well. U-turn or Volt Switch users like Rotom-H, Gligar, and Flygon are useful to give Abomasnow more opportunities to get on the field.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Abomasnow's Attack to incredible levels, making it extremely difficult to come into safely. Wood Hammer is an immensely powerful STAB move with few reliable switch-ins. Ice Shard slightly patches up Abomasnow's poor Speed and gives it some sort of defense versus faster threats, and it also gives it a way to clean weakened teams. Earthquake hits Steel- and Fire-types for more damage than anything else that Abomasnow has to offer.

Set Details
========

Investing 172 EVs into Speed lets Abomasnow outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Registeel and other threats such as Doublade. The investment also allows base Abomasnow to outspeed uninvested Milotic so that it OHKOes Milotic with Wood Hammer before it can potentially be burned by Scald. Maximum Attack and an Adamant nature make Abomasnow's moves do the most damage possible. The remaining EVs are invested into HP to give Abomasnow more bulk to pivot into weaker attacks. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof gives Abomasnow the abillity to pivot into attacks like Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Swords Dance on Pokemon threatened by Abomasnow's STAB moves, such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Chesnaught. Abomasnow can also use its decent resistances and solid bulk to set up on a few offensive Pokemon, such as Zygarde-10% and Shaymin. After setting up, Abomasnow is devastatingly strong; use its immense power to blow huge holes in the opposition. Swords Dance Abomasnow can punish teams that rely on Registeel to check Abomasnow, as it is not a reliable answer to this set. Abomasnow can also function as a late-game cleaner with Swords Dance-boosted Ice Shard, so preserving it to do so is not a bad idea. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic component, such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or holding off on doing so to hit Milotic with Wood Hammer before it is able to attack. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—some examples are Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks, such as Milotic, Flygon, Tyrantrum, and Rhyperior, are essential to cover Abomasnow's crippling Fire weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Checks to Fighting-types such as Golbat, Gligar, and Xatu are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Teammates that share mutual checks like Doublade and Registeel with Abomasnow, including Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Goodra, appreciate Abomasnow's ability to heavily dent their mutual checks. Choice Scarf Tyrantrum is an especially notable partner, as it easily checks one of the biggest Fire-type threats in Salazzle and is extremely potent after opposing bulky Steel-types are weakened or removed by Abomasnow. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Gardevoir take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can set up on well.


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

Seed Bomb is an option on the Swords Dance set for a physical Grass-type STAB move that doesn't have recoil, but the drop in power is very noticeable. A set with Substitute and Leech Seed is possible, as it allows Abomasnow to whittle down its checks with residual damage—however, Abomasnow's most common checks are already exceedingly easy to wear down, especially thanks to hail damage, and this set requires it give up valuable coverage and priority. A Jolly nature with maximum Speed is an option on the Swords Dance set, which allows Abomasnow to outspeed uninvested Umbreon and Porygon2 and allows it to hit them with a Wood Hammer before they can retaliate. However, the drop in power is very noticeable.


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

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon, such as Salazzle and Rotom-H, resist both of Abomasnow's STAB types and threaten to outspeed and OHKO it. Do note that they often do not appreciate coming into Blizzard or Earthquake.

**Steel-types**: Bulky Steel-types such as Escavalier, Bronzong, and Registeel resist both of Abomasnow's STAB moves and take little from its coverage and thus stop Abomasnow in its tracks. Durant and Doublade can pressure Swords Dance sets well and come in on Wood Hammer from the mixed set, but both greatly dislike taking Blizzard.

**Fighting-types**: Bewear, Machamp, Toxicroak, and Pangoro all outspeed Abomasnow and threaten to OHKO it with their STAB moves. However, they are generally unable to switch in to Abomasnow's STAB moves, with Bewear only coming in on Wood Hammer and Toxicroak into Grass-type STAB moves reliably.

**Bulky Neutral Pokemon**: Despite Abomasnow's expansive coverage, there are still some defensive Pokemon that can switch into it effectively, such as Cresselia, Snorlax, and Porygon2, thanks to them taking neutral damage from Abomasnow's STAB moves and not enough from coverage. Umbreon and Porygon2 in particular are the most reliable stops to both Abomasnow sets, as they outspeed even maximum Speed neutral natured Abomasnow, avoid being 2HKOed by mixed Abomasnow's strongest option against them in Focus Blast, and do huge damage in return with Foul Play, especially if Abomasnow has boosted with Swords Dance. It is worth noting, however, that some such checks, such as Cresselia, have their recovery diminished by hail.

**Offensive Pressure**: Thanks to Abomasnow's myriad weaknesses and abysmal Speed, many of the offensive Pokemon in the tier, such as Meloetta, Hoopa, and Zoroark, can threaten an OHKO with coverage such as Focus Blast, or Flamethrower and Low Kick in Zoroark's case. However, it is worth noting that most such Pokemon are unable to reliably switch in to Abomasnow, and many Pokemon, such as Roserade, Kommo-o, and Nidoqueen, that can threaten Abomasnow this way are weak to Ice Shard.

**Residual Damage**: Susceptibility to all hazards, a weakness to Stealth Rock, and a primary STAB move that causes recoil all cause Abomasnow to be worn down rather quickly.
 
Last edited:

aVocado

@ Everstone
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make steel types its own category in c&c, escav regi zong and kinda doublade tho it takes like 1 million from blizzard

note somewhere umbreon deals 3 millions with foul play and abomasnow should be extra careful (mixed is 2hko'd and sd is ohkod at +2)

maybe put a note somewhere about keeping abomasnow in base form to make use of the extra speed to outspeed something like milotic or whatever. do note though that you need 8 more EVs (so 172) to outspeed 0 EVs milotic as base abomasnow, maybe worth a mention

good job otherwise

QC approved 1/3
 
Last edited:

cyanize

Mantra Good I Casted So Many Spells U Idiot
is a Community Contributor
slurmz gave me a check in discord, will implement that and count it as 2/3
 

cyanize

Mantra Good I Casted So Many Spells U Idiot
is a Community Contributor
implemented


edit: wrote up, ready for 3rd check
 
Last edited:

teachable

Banned deucer.
hey

[OVERVIEW]
  • I think Flygon deserves a mention w/ Zygarde-10%, as those two are basically the mons most threatened by Ice Shard.
  • I'd mention Wood Hammer, its strongest (physical) Grass STAB, giving recoil damage when you're mentioning it getting worn down quickly.
[Mixed Attacker]
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Good work.
Set Details
========
  • ^^
Usage Tips
========
  • Mention what type of Pokemon are threatened by Ice Shard (faster Ice weak Pokemon).
  • Is there supposed to be a long dash here or is this the correct format (at the end)?

Team Options
========
  • Seems fine.
[Swords Dance]
[SET COMMENTS]
  • Since you can OHKO Milotic pre-mega, it's probably worth investing enough to outspeed it in base form (since its only 8 more Speed EVs), just to avoid giving it (more) chances to burn. Unless the HP avoids some OHKOs or something, in which case its current spot just in Usage Tips is fine.
Moves
========
  • Pre straight forward moves so good.
Set Details
========
  • If you make the change in Set Comments, add a mention to that here.

Usage Tips
========
  • Good, but same question as above.

Team Options
========
  • I'd mention Tyrantrum again in (I know it gets a special mention later) Fire-type checks, as Salazzle is probably the scariest Fire-type for you to be in front of.
  • You can mention Xatu again in Fighting-type checks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Checks and Counters
===================
  • Wording on "Bulky Neutral Pokemon" seems awkward but I don't have a better suggestion lol. Otherwise good.


Tag me when you implement this and I'll give it another quick read over for a stamp; overall pretty good.
 

teachable

Banned deucer.
[OVERVIEW]
[Mixed Attacker]
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Set Details
========
  • Make sure the Speed EVs here match the set's EVs, I'm not sure which one it is supposed to be.
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
[Swords Dance]
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
========
  • The current wording is a bit redundant w/ the Milotic Speed EVs; specifically mention its to avoid risking a Scald burn.
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Checks and Counters
===================
  • On second thought, I'm not too sure on Umbreon getting its own section (especially considering Porygon2 w/ Foul Play basically does the same thing but is in the above section). I'd merge Umbreon into the Bulky Neutral Pokemon (which uh, I think should have a better name but I'm still drawing a blank so its fine) and mention it + Porygon2 blasting it with Foul Play.


3/3
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
good writing thanks

GP 1/2


[OVERVIEW]

Abomasnow is quite the threat to be reckoned with in RU, as its potent STAB moves and solid coverage make it very difficult to switch in to. Its solid bulk and key resistances to Water and Ground allow it multiple chances to fire off attacks or set up Swords Dance. Access to the coveted STAB Ice Shard allows Abomasnow to revenge a whole host of offensive threats, such as Zygarde-10%, Flygon, Roserade, and Decidueye. Despite this, numerous common weaknesses mean Abomasnow can be offensively pressured easily. Also, Abomasnow is excruciatingly slow, so it needs considerable Speed investment to outpace most defensive Pokemon, (remove comma) and is incapable of outspeeding the majority of offensive Pokemon; even with maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is unable to outspeed Pokemon such as Umbreon and Porygon2 unless it uses a Speed-boosting nature. Abomasnow is also susceptible to all entry hazards and weak to Stealth Rock, which, alongside a recoil-causing STAB move in Wood Hammer, can lead to it being worn down quickly.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Focus Blast / Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Rash
evs: 92 Atk / 252 SpA / 164 Spe

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

Blizzard is a powerful STAB move with no drawbacks under hail and few reliable switch-ins. Wood Hammer is another strong STAB move that nails Water-types that resist Blizzard. Giga Drain is less powerful, but it has the boon of giving Abomasnow more longevity, allowing it to come onto the field more often. Ice Shard somewhat mitigates Abomasnow's crippling Speed, and it is especially valuable in picking off threats such as Swellow, Roserade, Zygarde-10%, and Flygon. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Registeel and Bronzong, (remove comma) and is Abomasnow's strongest tool versus Porygon2, Snorlax, and Umbreon, which otherwise wall it. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types with more reliable accuracy, with the cost of being weaker versus all relevant Steel-types and missing out on Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Snorlax.

Set Details
========

164 Speed EVs allow Abomasnow to outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon, most notably Registeel. Maximum Special Attack gives Abomasnow's primary STAB move, Blizzard, the most power, with a Rash nature being used so that the power of Ice Shard and Earthquake is not compromised. The rest of the EVs go into Attack, guaranteeing that Registeel is 3HKOed by Earthquake, (RC) and that Flygon is KOed by the combination of Ice Shard and hail damage. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof is used as the ability, as it can potentially give Abomasnow free switch-ins switches into attacks such as Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Bring Abomasnow into weaker attacks, especially those it resists, such as Gligar's Earthquake and Milotic's Scald, and use its powerful STAB moves to break down teams. However, be wary of Scald burns if using Wood Hammer. Note that only Registeel, Escavalier, Torkoal, and Salazzle take more damage from Earthquake than from one of Abomasnow's other moves, so it is only necessary to use it when one of these Pokemon is around. Ice Shard is a fantastic tool that allows Abomasnow to threaten a lot of Pokemon that would otherwise be unafraid of it, especially faster Ice-weak Pokemon such as Roserade, Nidoqueen, and Flygon. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic quality, such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or remaining in base forme to hit Milotic with a Grass-type move before it is able to attack. Note that outspeeding minimum Speed Milotic with base forme Abomasnow requires 172 Speed EVs. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast are some examples.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Snorlax, Diancie, and Dragalge are able to switch into the greatest threat to Abomasnow. Checks to Fighting-types such as Gligar, Golbat, and Moltres are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum make good teammates to take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can switch in to well. U-turn or Volt Switch users like Rotom-H, Gligar, and Flygon are useful to give Abomasnow more opportunities to get on the field.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Abomasnow's Attack to incredible levels, making it extremely difficult to come into safely. Wood Hammer is an immensely powerful STAB move with few reliable switch-ins. Ice Shard slightly patches up Abomasnow's poor Speed and gives it some sort of defense versus faster threats, and it also gives it a way to clean weakened teams. Earthquake hits Steel- and Fire-types for more damage than anything else that Abomasnow has to offer.

Set Details
========

Investing 252 EVs into Speed lets Abomasnow outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Registeel and other threats such as Doublade. The investment also allows base Abomasnow to outspeed uninvested Milotic, which lets so that it OHKOes Milotic with Wood Hammer before it can potentially be burned by Scald. Maximum Attack and an Adamant nature make Abomasnow's moves do the most damage possible. The remaining EVs are invested into HP to give Abomasnow more bulk to pivot into weaker attacks. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof is chosen as the ability, as it can gives Abomasnow the abillity to pivot into attacks like Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Swords Dance on Pokemon threatened by Abomasnow's STAB moves, such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Chesnaught. Abomasnow can also use its decent resistances and solid bulk to set up on a few offensive Pokemon, such as Zygarde-10% and Shaymin. After setting up, Abomasnow is devastatingly strong; use its immense power to blow huge holes in the opposition. Swords Dance Abomasnow can punish teams that rely on Registeel to check Abomasnow, as it is not a reliable answer to this set. Abomasnow can also function as a late-game cleaner with Swords Dance-boosted Ice Shard, so preserving it to do so is not a bad idea. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic quality, such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or remaining in base forme to hit Milotic with Wood Hammer before it is able to attack. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—some examples are Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks, such as Milotic, Flygon, Tyrantrum, and Rhyperior, are essential to support Abomasnow's crippling Fire weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Checks to Fighting-types such as Golbat, Gligar, and Xatu are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Teammates that share mutual checks like Doublade and Registeel with Abomasnow, including Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Goodra, appreciate Abomasnow's ability to heavily dent their mutual checks. Choice Scarf Tyrantrum is an especially notable partner, as it easily checks one of the biggest Fire-type threats in Salazzle and is extremely potent after opposing bulky Steel-types are weakened or removed by Abomasnow. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Gardevoir take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can set up on well.

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

Seed Bomb is an option on the Swords Dance for a physical Grass-type STAB move that doesn't have recoil, but the drop in power is very noticeable. A set with Substitute and Leech Seed is possible, as it allows Abomasnow to whittle down its checks with residual damage—however, Abomasnow's most common checks are already exceedingly easy to wear down, especially thanks to hail damage, and this set requires it give up valuable coverage and priority.

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

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon, such as Salazzle and Rotom-H, resist both of Abomasnow's STAB types and threaten to outspeed and OHKO it. Do note that they often do not appreciate coming into Blizzard or Earthquake.

**Steel-types**: Bulky Steel-types such as Escavalier, Bronzong, and Registeel resist both of Abomasnow's STAB moves and take little from its coverage and thus stop Abomasnow in its tracks. Durant and Doublade can pressure Swords Dance sets well and come in on Wood Hammer from the mixed set, but both greatly dislike taking Blizzard.

**Fighting-types**: Bewear, Machamp, Toxicroak, and Pangoro all threaten to outspeed and OHKO Abomasnow with their STAB moves. However, they are generally unable to switch in to Abomasnow's STAB moves, with Bewear only coming in to Wood Hammer and Toxicroak into Grass-type STAB moves reliably.

**Bulky Neutral Pokemon**: Despite Abomasnow's expansive coverage, there are still some defensive Pokemon that can switch into it effectively, such as Cresselia, Snorlax, (add comma) and Porygon2, thanks to them taking neutral damage from Abomasnow's STAB moves and not enough from coverage. Umbreon and Porygon2 in particular are the most reliable stops to both Abomasnow sets, as they outspeed even maximum Speed neutral-natured Abomasnow, avoid being 2HKOed by mixed Abomasnow's strongest option against them it in Focus Blast, and do huge damage in return with Foul Play, especially if Abomasnow has boosted with Swords Dance. It is worth noting, however, that some such checks, such as Cresselia, have their recovery diminished by hail.

**Offensive Pressure**: Thanks to Abomasnow's myriad weaknesses and abysmal Speed, many of the offensive Pokemon in the tier, such as Meloetta, Hoopa, and Zoroark, can threaten an OHKO with coverage such as Focus Blast, or Flamethrower and Low Kick in Zoroark's case. However, it is worth noting that most such Pokemon are unable to reliably switch in to Abomasnow, and many Pokemon, such as Roserade, Kommo-o, and Nidoqueen, that can threaten Abomasnow this way are weak to Ice Shard.

**Residual Damage**: Susceptibility to all hazards, a weakness to Stealth Rock, and a primary STAB move that causes recoil all cause Abomasnow to be worn down rather quickly.
 
Last edited:

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


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

Abomasnow is quite the threat to be reckoned with in RU, as its potent STAB moves and solid coverage make it very difficult to switch in to into. Its solid bulk and key resistances to Water and Ground allow it multiple chances to fire off attacks or set up Swords Dance. Access to the coveted STAB Ice Shard allows Abomasnow to revenge a whole host of offensive threats, such as Zygarde-10%, Flygon, Roserade, and Decidueye. Despite this, numerous common weaknesses mean Abomasnow can be offensively pressured easily. Also, Abomasnow is excruciatingly slow, so it needs considerable Speed investment to outpace most defensive Pokemon and is incapable of outspeeding the majority of offensive Pokemon; even with maximum Speed investment, Abomasnow is unable to outspeed Pokemon such as Umbreon and Porygon2 unless it uses a Speed-boosting nature. Abomasnow is also susceptible to all entry hazards and weak to Stealth Rock, which, alongside a recoil-causing STAB move in Wood Hammer, can lead to it being worn down quickly.


[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Wood Hammer / Giga Drain
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Focus Blast / Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Rash
evs: 92 Atk / 252 SpA / 164 Spe

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

Blizzard is a powerful STAB move with no drawbacks under hail and few reliable switch-ins. Wood Hammer is another strong STAB move that nails Water-types that resist Blizzard. Giga Drain is less powerful, but it has the boon of giving Abomasnow more longevity, allowing it to come onto the field more often. Ice Shard somewhat mitigates Abomasnow's crippling Speed, and it is especially valuable in picking off threats such as Swellow, Roserade, Zygarde-10%, and Flygon. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Registeel and Bronzong and is Abomasnow's strongest tool versus Porygon2, Snorlax, and Umbreon, which otherwise wall it. Earthquake is an option to hit Steel- and Fire-types with more reliable accuracy, with the cost of being weaker versus all relevant Steel-types and missing out on Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Snorlax.

Set Details
========

164 Speed EVs allow Abomasnow to outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon, most notably Registeel. Maximum Special Attack gives Abomasnow's primary STAB move, Blizzard, the most power, with a Rash nature being used so that the power of Ice Shard and Earthquake is not compromised. The rest of the EVs go into Attack, guaranteeing that Registeel is 3HKOed by Earthquakea Earthquake and that Flygon is KOed by the combination of Ice Shard and hail damage. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof is used as the ability, as it can potentially give Abomasnow free switches into attacks such as Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Bring Abomasnow into weaker attacks, especially those it resists, such as Gligar's Earthquake and Milotic's Scald, and use its powerful STAB moves to break down teams. However, be wary of Scald burns if using Wood Hammer. Note that only Registeel, Escavalier, Torkoal, and Salazzle take more damage from Earthquake than from one of Abomasnow's other moves, so it is only necessary to use it when one of these Pokemon is around. Ice Shard is a fantastic tool that allows Abomasnow to threaten a lot of Pokemon that would otherwise be unafraid of it, especially faster Ice-weak Pokemon such as Roserade, Nidoqueen, and Flygon. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic quality component, (fits better) such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or remaining in base forme to hit Milotic with a Grass-type move before it is able to attack. Note that outspeeding minimum Speed Milotic with base forme non-Mega Abomasnow requires 172 Speed EVs. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast are some examples.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks such as Snorlax, Diancie, and Dragalge are able to switch into the greatest threat threats to Abomasnow. Checks to Fighting-types such as Gligar, Golbat, and Moltres are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum make good teammates to take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can switch in to well. U-turn or Volt Switch users like Rotom-H, Gligar, and Flygon are useful to give Abomasnow more opportunities to get on the field.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Adamant
evs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Abomasnow's Attack to incredible levels, making it extremely difficult to come into safely. Wood Hammer is an immensely powerful STAB move with few reliable switch-ins. Ice Shard slightly patches up Abomasnow's poor Speed and gives it some sort of defense versus faster threats, and it also gives it a way to clean weakened teams. Earthquake hits Steel- and Fire-types for more damage than anything else that Abomasnow has to offer.

Set Details
========

Investing 172 EVs into Speed lets Abomasnow outpace uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon such as Registeel and other threats such as Doublade. The investment also allows base Abomasnow to outspeed uninvested Milotic so that it OHKOes Milotic with Wood Hammer before it can potentially be burned by Scald. Maximum Attack and an Adamant nature make Abomasnow's moves do the most damage possible. The remaining EVs are invested into HP to give Abomasnow more bulk to pivot into weaker attacks. Abomasite Mega Evolves Abomasnow. Soundproof gives Abomasnow the abillity to pivot into attacks like Swellow's Boomburst and Kommo-o's Clanging Scales.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Swords Dance on Pokemon threatened by Abomasnow's STAB moves, such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Chesnaught. Abomasnow can also use its decent resistances and solid bulk to set up on a few offensive Pokemon, such as Zygarde-10% and Shaymin. After setting up, Abomasnow is devastatingly strong; use its immense power to blow huge holes in the opposition. Swords Dance Abomasnow can punish teams that rely on Registeel to check Abomasnow, as it is not a reliable answer to this set. Abomasnow can also function as a late-game cleaner with Swords Dance-boosted Ice Shard, so preserving it to do so is not a bad idea. Abomasnow has a few qualities that give choosing when to Mega Evolve a strategic quality component, such as choosing to Mega Evolve after an opposing weather setter has hit the field to disrupt the opposing team, or remaining in base form holding off on doing so to hit Milotic with Wood Hammer before it is able to attack. Be wary when switching Abomasnow into Pokemon that use sound moves, as they are all capable of OHKOing Abomasnow—some examples are Swellow with Heat Wave, Kommo-o with Fighting-type STAB moves, and Heliolisk with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Fire-type checks, such as Milotic, Flygon, Tyrantrum, and Rhyperior, are essential to support cover Abomasnow's crippling fire Fire weakness. Partners with hazard control such as Gligar and Xatu help to mitigate Abomasnow's weakness to entry hazards. Checks to Fighting-types such as Golbat, Gligar, and Xatu are recommended to cover Abomasnow's other major weakness. Teammates that share mutual checks like Doublade and Registeel with Abomasnow, including Gardevoir, Shaymin, and Goodra, appreciate Abomasnow's ability to heavily dent their mutual checks. Choice Scarf Tyrantrum is an especially notable partner, as it easily checks one of the biggest Fire-type threats in Salazzle and is extremely potent after opposing bulky Steel-types are weakened or removed by Abomasnow. Cleaners such as Zygarde-10%, Swellow, and Choice Scarf Gardevoir take advantage of the holes Abomasnow leaves in the opposition. Pokemon to draw in bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Feraligatr and Flygon, bring in the type of Pokemon that Abomasnow can set up on well.


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

Seed Bomb is an option on the Swords Dance set for a physical Grass-type STAB move that doesn't have recoil, but the drop in power is very noticeable. A set with Substitute and Leech Seed is possible, as it allows Abomasnow to whittle down its checks with residual damage—however, Abomasnow's most common checks are already exceedingly easy to wear down, especially thanks to hail damage, and this set requires it give up valuable coverage and priority. A Jolly nature with maximum Speed is an option on the Swords Dance set, which allows Abomasnow to outspeed uninvested Umbreon and Porygon2 and allows it to hit them with a Wood Hammer before they can retaliate. However, the drop in power is very noticeable.


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

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon, such as Salazzle and Rotom-H, resist both of Abomasnow's STAB types and threaten to outspeed and OHKO it. Do note that they often do not appreciate coming into Blizzard or Earthquake.

**Steel-types**: Bulky Steel-types such as Escavalier, Bronzong, and Registeel resist both of Abomasnow's STAB moves and take little from its coverage and thus stop Abomasnow in its tracks. Durant and Doublade can pressure Swords Dance sets well and come in on Wood Hammer from the mixed set, but both greatly dislike taking Blizzard.

**Fighting-types**: Bewear, Machamp, Toxicroak, and Pangoro all threaten to outspeed Abomasnow and OHKO Abomasnow it with their STAB moves. However, they are generally unable to switch in to Abomasnow's STAB moves, with Bewear only coming in to on Wood Hammer and Toxicroak into Grass-type STAB moves reliably.

**Bulky Neutral Pokemon**: Despite Abomasnow's expansive coverage, there are still some defensive Pokemon that can switch into it effectively, such as Cresselia, Snorlax, and Porygon2, thanks to them taking neutral damage from Abomasnow's STAB moves and not enough from coverage. Umbreon and Porygon2 in particular are the most reliable stops to both Abomasnow sets, as they outspeed even maximum Speed neutral natured Abomasnow, avoid being 2HKOed by mixed Abomasnow's strongest option against them in Focus Blast, and do huge damage in return with Foul Play, especially if Abomasnow has boosted with Swords Dance. It is worth noting, however, that some such checks, such as Cresselia, have their recovery diminished by hail.

**Offensive Pressure**: Thanks to Abomasnow's myriad weaknesses and abysmal Speed, many of the offensive Pokemon in the tier, such as Meloetta, Hoopa, and Zoroark, can threaten an OHKO with coverage such as Focus Blast, or Flamethrower and Low Kick in Zoroark's case. However, it is worth noting that most such Pokemon are unable to reliably switch in to Abomasnow, and many Pokemon, such as Roserade, Kommo-o, and Nidoqueen, that can threaten Abomasnow this way are weak to Ice Shard.

**Residual Damage**: Susceptibility to all hazards, a weakness to Stealth Rock, and a primary STAB move that causes recoil all cause Abomasnow to be worn down rather quickly.
 
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