PU Carbink

TJ

Banned deucer.
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[OVERVIEW]

Carbink is one of the best Trick Room setters in the tier thanks to its access to Sturdy, which give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully. It is also one of PU's premier special walls thanks to its amazing defensive typing and stats, which allow it to check threatening offensive Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, Oricorio-G, and Pyroar. Furthermore, these traits almost guarantee that Carbink will set up Stealth Rock in a match. On the downside, Carbink's abysmal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users like Weezing. Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat, along with its weakness to common attacking types like Water, Ground, and Grass means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which both 2HKO Carbink with ease, and while Steel-type coverage moves may not be as common, Steel-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Aggron can easily exploit Carbink's 4x weakness. Unfortunately, Carbink faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Carracosta, which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools. Despite these weaknesses, Carbink still holds a niche as one of the best Trick Room setters, and its ability to switch into Drampa is unrivaled.

[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

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

Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to move before faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Primeape. Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Wishiwashi to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rock also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sash from Pokemon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams, since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them dealing with a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy. Explosion allows Carbink to prevent Defog and Rapid Spin while giving teammates the opportunity to come in safely afterward. Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss and Taunt, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job, as well as entry hazards such as Toxic Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment with a Relaxed nature allows Carbink to be as bulky as possible. Minimal Speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opposing Pokemon under Trick Room and set up Stealth Rock. Sturdy alongside Mental Herb makes it almost impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room and helps setting up both Stealth Rock and Trick Room effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trick Room teams. Since the opponent will usually lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth Rock. Carbink should then use Explosion to preserve Trick Room turns and get a teammate like Marowak in for free. However, if you play against a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, Carbink should set up Trick Room and hard switch so it doesn't waste a turn of Trick Room. Carbink should also use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards like Regirock's Stealth Rock and status moves that would prevent Carbink from setting up Trick Room or Stealth Rock successfully like Weezing's Taunt.

Team Options
========

Carbink works great on Trick Room teams, as it can almost always set up Trick Room; thus, slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak, Wishiwashi, and Guts Ursaring are ideal because they can wallbreak comfortably without being outsped by faster Pokemon such as Primeape and Jynx. Since Carbink ends up being sacrificed after using Explosion, other Trick Room setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharna, and Audino are appreciated so you can get up Trick Room again later on in the match. While not mandatory, fast cleaners such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Primeape are recommended for when Trick Room has expired because they have better chances to clean late-game once the aforementioned wallbreakers have removed their checks. Strong priority users like Kecleon that can overcome the archetype's low Speed stat during times Trick Room is no longer active are great for Trick Room teams, too.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast / Stone Edge
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rest / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Stealth Rock wears down opposing Pokemon with residual damage and deactivates Focus Sash and Sturdy. STAB Moonblast allows Carbink to deal super effective damage to Drampa. Moonblast also ensures that Carbink isn't Taunt bait or setup fodder for Sableye. Toxic allows Carbink to cripple switch-ins such as Lanturn, Lurantis, and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Alternatively, Stone Edge is Carbink's strongest Rock-type move and hits Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, and Ice-types harder than Moonblast. For example, it 2HKOes the Fire-types that Carbink beats like Magmortar and Pyroar without any Attack investment. Furthermore, Stone Edge prevents Oricorio-G from setting up on Carbink with Substitute and Calm Mind and breaks Jynx's Substitute reliably, which Moonblast is unable to do. Rest is Carbink's only recovery option and allows Carbink to reliably check foes such as Drampa throughout the match. Protect can be used over Rest for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, scouting against Choice-locked Pokemon, and reducing the damage of incoming Z-Moves. Additionally, using Protect in tandem with Toxic enables Carbink to stall out its foes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm or Sassy nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Drampa. A Sassy nature should be used with Stone Edge to maximize its damage in order to secure the 2HKO on Pyroar. Leftovers maximizes longevity by granting Carbink passive recovery. Sturdy ensures that Carbink will almost always get up Stealth Rock. Alternatively, Clear Body can be used over Sturdy in order to avoid Special Defense drops from moves like Drampa's Focus Blast that would enable Drampa to 2HKO Carbink. However, Sturdy finds more utility across other matchups.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink should set up Stealth Rock and blanket check powerful special attackers throughout the match, using Toxic against setup sweepers in order to cut their sweep short. If Stealth Rock has already been set, Carbink can use the switches it forces by virtue of its typing and defenses to whittle down its foes with Toxic or its STAB moves. Carbink should mostly be used to counter special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but Carbink can also check physical attackers such as Kangaskhan and Zangoose because of its high Defense and resistances. Carbink should be wary of Taunt users, as it's slow, and Taunt prevents it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock. Lastly, when Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa and Magmortar. Carbink should use Protect to scout Choice-locked Pokemon like Primeape and wear down checks in tandem with Toxic.

Team Options
========

Carbink almost exclusively fits on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers; thus, pairing Carbink with bulky Pokemon such as Bronzor, Sableye, Weezing, and Tangela is ideal, as they all appreciate a bulky special wall that can check Drampa. Additionally, clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell. Carbink is susceptible to entry hazards, so Defoggers like Skuntank and Altaria are recommended. Skuntank, in particular, is great at absorbing Toxic Spikes, which can be a hinderance for stall teams. Lastly, Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Gastrodon make for good teammates because Carbink has no way to threaten them other than with Toxic.

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

A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but it's outclassed by Regirock. A physically defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbink needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats, and this set is setup fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta. Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge on its specially defensive set for its accuracy and extra PP, which can come into play against Substitute users like Articuno. Z-Psych Up can be used to heal Carbink to 100% HP as well as potentially copy stat boosts, and unlike Rest, it does not amplify how passive Carbink is by forcing it to sleep or its teammates to provide cleric support. However, Rest is still a better option given it alleviates harmful status afflictions, like Toxic, that prevent Carbink from checking what it needs to. Sleep Talk can be used together with Rest and Carbink's STAB moves on teams that are using a different Pokemon to set Stealth Rock.

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

**Taunt and Encore**: If Carbink's specially defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Weezing and Skuntank. Carbink also has to be wary of Encore users such as Liepard and Volbeat that will lock it into Stealth Rock or Toxic.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake or set up Stealth Rock, though Toxic can pressure them.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, and Ferroseed can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves; Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Iron Head and Heavy Slam. Ferroseed counters Carbink's specially defensive set and sets up entry hazards freely.

**Water-types**: Gastrodon and Lanturn take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon can wear Carbink down with Scald, although it must be wary of switching into Toxic, and Lanturn is even more terrifying for Carbink because it can wear Carbink down with Scald and use Heal Bell to get rid of a potential Toxic.
 
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Why run Sassy over Calm? Calm lowers your atk stat which isn't used. There is no Trick Room on it to benefit from using a speed lowering nature.
 

MZ

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[OVERVIEW]

  • Carbink's typing and huge defensive stats carves it a small niche in the PU metagame, allowing it to check scary wallbreakers such as Drampa, Magmortar and Zangoose. Likewise, Sturdy paired with Carbinks's large Defense stats almost guarantees Stealth Rock will be set up.
  • However, Carbink's dismal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users such as Qwilfish and Weezing on its Special Defensive set.
  • Carbink has a bad matchup against opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Aggron and Golem due to its weaknesses to Steel-, Ground and overall mediocrity
  • Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which can 2HKO Carbink with ease.
  • In addition, its inability to deal any damage outside of Moonblast makes it extremely passive and setup fodder for Pokemon such as Haunter and Oricorio-G.
  • Carbink also faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Reirock and Golem which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools.
  • Finally, Carbink is a solid contender as a Trick Room setter thanks to its access to Sturdy. Solid bulk and a Rock / Fairy typing granting it six resistances give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully, making it a reliable Trickroom user.
I get that u tacked on trick room after, but it should actually be integrated into the overview rather than being slapped on the end. other than that this is good, just a little too negative imo. You can at least try to accentuate how it's nigh mandatory on TR because of how good a setter it is and a really great or at least very solid stall pick thanks to the particular super threatening mons it all but shuts down

also trick room should still be set #1 here above spdef

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm
evs: EVs: huh 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock can wear down opposing Pokemon by getting residual damage against them as they switch in, as well as break Focus Sashes and Sturdy.
  • Moonblast gains a STAB boost and allows Carbink to deal supereffective damage to Drampa.
  • Toxic lets Carbink cripple switch-ins, such as Lanturn, Lurantis and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it.
  • Rest is Carbink's only recovery option, and it also serves to cure troublesome status such as burn poison.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Specs Pyroar and Drampa.
  • Leftovers gives Carbink passive recovery, which increases its longevity.
  • Sturdy allows Carbink to almost always get up Stealth Rocks
Usage Tips
========
  • Setting up Stealth Rock is Carbink's main priority, but it can still attack a foe if it has the opportunity.
  • Alternatively, it can opt to go for Toxic or Moonblast against a setup sweeper or when you predict a threatening or bulky Pokemon to switch in. this kinda takes the punch out of the above point, i get what u mean but if ur gonna say this then "main priority" might not be the best phrase
  • Carbink should mostly be used to check special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but it can also check physical attackers such as Kangashkan and Zangoose because of its high Defense. and resistances
  • Be wary of Taunt users, as Carbink is slow, and Taunt can prevent it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock.
  • When Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa.
Team Options
========
  • Carbink fits well almost exclusively is the phrase I'd use here on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers.
  • Clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell.
  • Since Carbink wants to avoid any unnecessary damage from entry hazards, entry hazard removers like Skuntank is beneficial since it also absorbs Toxic Spikes.
  • Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Lurantis and Gastrodon make good teammates because Carbink has no way to threathen them other than with Toxic.
[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to outspeed faster Pokémon such as Archeops, Floatzel and Primeape.
  • Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Marowak to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rocks also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sashes from Pokémon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them on a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy.
  • Explosion allows Carbink to block Defog and Rapid Spin, and the abillity to give its teammates an opportunity to come in safely afterwards.
  • Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job. Magic Coat also bounces back entry hazards which benefits Trick Room teams since they cant afford to fit another slot.
Set Details
========
  • Sturdy alongside a Mental Herb makes it impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room.
  • Minimal speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opponent under Trick Room and set up Stealth Rocks.
  • Maximum HP and Defense investment with a relaxed nature allows Carbink to live a super effective move followed by a priority such as Waterfall+Aqua Jet from Life Orb Floatzel. i mean LO physical float is just a really irrelevant mon, idt u need to get too specific with max def on a carbink anyway
Usage Tips
========
  • Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trickroom teams, which means it is best to bring Carbink into play first.
  • Since the opponent will usually always lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth Rocks.
  • Carbink should then use Explosion after setting up both Stealth Rocks and Trick Room to preserve Trick Room's turn and to get a Trick Room abuser like Marowak in for free.
  • However, if Carbink faces a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, it should set up Trick Room and then hard switch out so it doesnt waste a turn of Trick Room.
  • Additionally, Carbink should use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards from Pokemon such as Regirock and Weezing so they cant use you as entry hazard setup fodder while you setup your Trick Room.
  • In some matchups, it may be smart to preserve Trick Room if you have a safe switch-in into a Pokemon, rather than just sacking Carbink off.
Team Options
========
  • Slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak and Wishiwashi appericate the Trick Room support Carbink provides, which allows the former to wallbreak without being outsped by faster Pokémon such as Primeape.
  • Since Carbink ends up being sacrified after using Explosion, Trick Room teams needs other Trick Room setters. Offensive and Defensive setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharn and Audino suffice.
  • Trick Room teams appreciate having a fast cleaner such as Choice Scarf Primeape or Floatzel because It allows the team to have offensive pressure when Trick Room isn't up. The latter can also clean late-game game easier after the aforementioned wallbreakers have weakened the opposing team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but its :blobglare: super vulnerable to Taunt and is outclassed by Regirock.
  • A Physical defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. Without a Special defensive spread Carbink isnt worth running because it fails to check stuff like Drampa.
  • A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbinks needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats and this set is set-up fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta.
  • Carbink can run Stone Edge on the Special Defensive set since it allows Carbink to beat Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Articuno, and Assault Vest Magmortar However Carbink often doesn't have the room for it.
ig u can mention running rock blast on spdef for bopping sensu and a couple other things

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

**Taunt**: If Carbink's Special Defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Qwilfish, Weezing, and Skuntank.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink, and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake, set up Stealth Rocks, or OHKO it with Earthquake, though Toxic can pressure them.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, and Silvally-Steel can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves; Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Ironhead and Heavy Slam; Silvally-Steel easily comes in on a Moonblast and can get rid of Carbink's Stealth Rocks with Defog.

**Water-types**: Gastrodon, Lanturn and Qwilfish, take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon can switch in freely and wear Carbink down with Scald or Toxic; Qwilfish and Lanturn are even more terrifying for Carbink. Qwilfish can setup entry hazards freely because its immune to Toxic and resists Moonblast, while Lanturn can wear Carbik down with Scald and use Healbell to get rid of a potential Toxic.

**Setup sweepers**: Carbink can struggle against setup sweepers such as Lilligant, Jynx, and Oricorio-G, and can be used as setup fodder. Liligant can use Sleep Powder and setup freely with Quiver Dance; Jynx can use Lovely Kiss and setup with Nasty Plot; and Oricorio-G can avoid a Toxic with Substitute and setup with Calm Mind, though it has a harder time at breaking Carbink compared to the former.

**Prankster**: why dont u call this encore instead of prankster, it's not like prankster makes encore that much worse when magic coat still beats it out. in fact, why isnt there just 1 section for taunt and encore since they both mess with carbink the same way? A lot of analyses fold those into one section, and that would seem pretty easy here. Carbink have to be careful for not being Encored into Trick Room or Stealth Rock by Prankster's Encore of Liepard or Volbeat. It also as to be careful to Prankster's Taunt which prevents it from setting both Trick Room and Stealth Rock.
qcstamp.gif
1/3
 

yogi

I did not succumb...
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[OVERVIEW]

  • Carbink's typing and huge defensive stats carves it a small niche in the PU metagame, allowing it to check scary wallbreakers such as Drampa, Magmortar and Zangoose. Likewise, Sturdy paired with Carbinks's large Defense stats almost guarantees Stealth Rock will be set up. (say defensive stats so it doesn't look like you're singling out just defence) (swap this with the point below as trick room is your first set)
  • Carbink fills the role of one of the best Trick Room setters in the tier, thanks to its access to Sturdy, good bulk, and unique Rock / Fairy typing, granting it six resistances, which give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully, making it a reliable Trickroom user. (its typing and resistances don't let it set because it can always fall back on sturdy no matter what, with basically nothing being able to stop it setting)
  • However, Carbink's dismal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users such as Qwilfish and Weezing on its Special Defensive set. (this doesn't affect the trick room set, so mention that it only actually bothers the defensive set)
  • Carbink has a bad matchup against opposing Stealth Rock setters such as Aggron and Golem due to its weaknesses to Steel-, Ground and overall mediocrity (i'd probs rephrase this)
  • Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which can 2HKO Carbink with ease. (to be honest it actually takes a giga drain fairly well, the specially defensive set that is, but yeah I get the overall point)
  • In addition, its inability to deal any damage outside of Moonblast makes it extremely passive and setup fodder for Pokemon such as Haunter and Oricorio-G.
  • Carbink also faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Reirock and Golem which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools. (you already mention golem so you could probably mention something like carracosta or even mesprit here)

[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to outspeed faster Pokémon such as Archeops, Floatzel and Primeape. (mention that this should be your primary concern)
  • Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Marowak to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rocks also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sashes from Pokémon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them on a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy. (I do find it funny how you mention sturdy and stuff but then mention marowak, which has a move that breaks sturdy lol)
  • Explosion allows Carbink to block Defog and Rapid Spin, and the abillity to give its teammates an opportunity to come in safely afterwards.
  • Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job. Magic Coat also bounces back entry hazards which benefits Trick Room teams since they cant afford to fit another slot. (especially toxic spikes! most trick room teams cannot afford to have something that absorbs them or they risk losing offensive momentum)
Set Details
========
  • Sturdy alongside a Mental Herb makes it impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room. (say almost impossible, technically it can be stopped but it's very, very unlikely)
  • Minimal speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opponent under Trick Room and set up Stealth Rocks. (or explode to prevent the opponent hazard setting)
  • Maximum HP and Defense investment with a relaxed nature allows Carbink to be as bulky as possible.
Usage Tips
========
  • Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trick Room teams, which means it is best to bring Carbink into play first. (just say lead with carbink for the last bit)
  • Since the opponent will usually lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth Rocks. (almost always. if it has the chance to set up stealth rock first instead of burning an extra turn of trick room then that is advisable)
  • Carbink should then use Explosion after setting up both Stealth Rocks and Trick Room to preserve Trick Room's turn and to get a Trick Room abuser like Marowak in for free. (to also prevent defog or spin like you mentioned earlier too)
  • However, if Carbink faces a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, it should set up Trick Room and then hard switch out so it doesnt waste a turn of Trick Room.
  • Additionally, Carbink should use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards from Pokemon such as Regirock and Weezing so they cant use you as entry hazard setup fodder while you setup your Trick Room. (bounces weezing's taunt too, along with taunt from Qwilfish)
  • In some matchups, it may be smart to preserve Trick Room if you have a safe switch-in into a Pokemon, rather than just sacking Carbink off. (this is super, super rare, as all of your pokemon are offensively based or other trick room setters which drain momentum)
Team Options
========
  • Slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak and Wishiwashi appericate the Trick Room support Carbink provides, which allows the former to wallbreak without being outsped by faster Pokémon such as Primeape.
  • Since Carbink ends up being sacrified after using Explosion, Trick Room teams needs other Trick Room setters. Offensive and Defensive setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharn and Audino suffice.
  • Trick Room teams appreciate having a fast cleaner such as Choice Scarf Primeape or Floatzel because It allows the team to have offensive pressure when Trick Room isn't up. The latter can also clean late-game game easier after the aforementioned wallbreakers have weakened the opposing team. (fine)
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock can wear down opposing Pokemon by getting residual damage against them as they switch in, as well as break Focus Sashes and Sturdy.
  • Moonblast gains a STAB boost and allows Carbink to deal supereffective damage to Drampa. (stops it being taunt bait too)
  • Toxic lets Carbink cripple switch-ins, such as Lanturn, Lurantis and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it.
  • Rest is Carbink's only recovery option, and it also serves to cure troublesome status such as burn poison. (and to help it check foes like drampa and such throughout the match)
Set Details
========
  • Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Specs Pyroar and Drampa.
  • Leftovers gives Carbink passive recovery, which increases its longevity.
  • Sturdy allows Carbink to almost always get up Stealth Rocks (well, this is a weird one because this point makes it sound like it doesn't want to stay on the field. yet it does want to stay on the field, because it isn't the trick room set. i'd rephrase it)
Usage Tips
========
  • Setting up Stealth Rock is Carbink's main priority, but it can still attack a foe if it has the opportunity (not true, its priority is to both set stealth rock but also to function as a specially defensive wall for bulkier teams, especially for stall)
  • Alternatively, it can opt to go for Toxic or Moonblast against a setup sweeper or when you predict a threatening or bulky Pokemon to switch in after Setting up Stealth Rocks. (examples)
  • Carbink should mostly be used to check special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but it can also check physical attackers such as Kangashkan and Zangoose because of its high physical Defense and resistances. (it basically counters all three of the mentioned specially attackers)
  • Be wary of Taunt users, as Carbink is slow, and Taunt can prevent it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock.
  • When Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa.
Team Options
========
  • Carbink almost exclusively fits on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers.
  • Clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell. (basically stops it being setup bait for pokemon like oricorio-g and such, or other sweepers)
  • Since Carbink wants to avoid any unnecessary damage from entry hazards, entry hazard removers like Skuntank is beneficial since it also absorbs Toxic Spikes.
  • Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Lurantis and Gastrodon make good teammates because Carbink has no way to threathen them other than with Toxic. (split it up because lurantis isn't really a steel-type check)
you don't really mention many stall pokemon here? more balance-oriented ones

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but its super vulnerable to Taunt and is outclassed by Regirock.
  • A Physical defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. Without a Special defensive spread Carbink isnt worth running because it fails to check stuff like Drampa.
  • A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbinks needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats and this set is set-up fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta.
  • Carbink can run Stone Edge or Rock Blast on the Special Defensive set since it allows Carbink to beat Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Articuno, and Assault Vest Magmortar However Carbink often doesn't have the room for it. (watch your grammar here)
Checks and Counters
===================

**Taunt and Encore**: If Carbink's Special Defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Qwilfish, Weezing, and Skuntank. Carbink has to be wary of Encore users such as Liepard and Volbeat that will lock it into Trick Room or Stealth Rocks, thus wasting its Trick Room turns.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink, and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake, set up Stealth Rocks, or OHKO it with Earthquake (you mention earthquake twice?), though Toxic can pressure them.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, and Silvally-Steel can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves. Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Iron Head and Heavy Slam, while Silvally-Steel easily comes in on a Moonblast and can get rid of Carbink's hazards with Defog. (switch this with ground-types)

**Water-types**: Gastrodon, Lanturn, and Qwilfish take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon can switch in freely and wear Carbink down with Scald or Toxic; Qwilfish and Lanturn are even more terrifying for Carbink. Qwilfish can setup entry hazards freely because its immune to Toxic and resists Moonblast, while Lanturn can wear Carbik down with Scald and use Heal Bell to get rid of a potential Toxic.

**Setup sweepers**: Carbink can struggle against setup sweepers such as Lilligant, Jynx, and Oricorio-G, and can be used as setup fodder. Lilligant can use Sleep Powder and setup freely with Quiver Dance, Jynx can use Lovely Kiss and setup with Nasty Plot, and Oricorio-G can avoid a Toxic with Substitute and setup with Calm Mind; though it has a harder time at breaking Carbink compared to the former.
Good work. QC 2/3.
CY2jDxS.gif
 

2xTheTap

YuGiOh main
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

Carbink fills the role of one of the best Trick Room setters in the tier, thanks to its access to Sturdy, which give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully. Carbink is also one of PU's premier special walls, thanks to its amazing defensive typing and stats, which allow it to check scary wallbreakers offensive Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Zangoose Oricorio-G, and Pyroar. Furthermore, given Carbink's access to Sturdy coupled with large defensive stats almost guarantees Stealth Rock will be set up in a match. On the downside, Carbink's dismal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users such as Qwilfish and Weezing, on the Special Defensive set. In addition, Carbink's inability to deal any damage outside of Moonblast makes it extremely passive and setup fodder for Pokemon such as Haunter and Oricorio-G. Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat, along with its weakness to common attacking types like Water, Ground, and Grass means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which both 2HKO Carbink with ease. And while Steel-type coverage moves may not be as common, Steel-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Silvally-Steel can easily exploit Carbink's x4 weakness to them. Unfortunately, Carbink faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Carracosta, which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools. Despite these weaknesses, Carbink still holds a niche as one of the best Trick Room setters and its ability to check switch into Drampa, one of the best wallbreakers in the tier, is unrivaled.

Mention Oricorio-G and Pyroar as offensive Pokemon that it stops when you talk about Drampa, Magmortar, and Zangoose. Zangoose also beats Carbink if it is using SD or Z-Belly Drum, so I would use Oricorio-G and Pyroar as examples of what it beats while removing Zangoose from this list.

Also, this sentence is strictly inaccurate: "In addition, Carbink's inability to deal any damage outside of Moonblast makes it extremely passive and setup fodder for Pokemon such as Haunter and Oricorio-G." Carbink's specially defensive set is easily able to stop Oricorio-G via its physical Rock-type STAB moves. Power Gem stops breaking Oricorio-G's Substitutes reliably at +2, so you basically use Stone Edge as last slot. Rock Slide is also possible, but Stone Edge also does a minimum of 50% to Assault Vest 64 HP Magmortar, even with a Calm nature over Sassy.

[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

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

Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to outspeed faster Pokémon such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Primeape. 'Allows slower Pokemon to move first,' is a better way to describe Trick Room's effects than using the word "outspeed" Stealth Rock is a staple move on any competitive team, which is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Marowak to break through the opposing team, while potentially deactivating both Sturdy and Focus Sashes. this phrasing here sounds like my description of SR in my Regirock analysis? use your earlier description imo Explosion allows Carbink to block Defog and Rapid Spin while giving teammates the opportunity to come in safely afterward. Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss and Taunt, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job, as well as entry hazards such as Toxic Spikes.

I liked your earlier description of Stealth Rock better: "Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Marowak (Wishiwashi) to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rock also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sashes from Pokémon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them on a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy."
^Wishiwashi is also a better example than Marowak given it doesn't need Sturdy broken due to how Bonemerang works


Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment with a Relaxed nature allows Carbink to be as bulky as possible. Minimal Speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opponent under Trick Room and set up Stealth Rocks. Sturdy alongside a Mental Herb makes it almost impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room.
Talk more about the specific effects of Mental Herb, basically that it stops Encore and Taunt and is conducive to setting up both Stealth Rock and Trick Room effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trick Room teams, meaning its best to lead with it. (redundant) Since the opponent will usually lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth Rocks. Carbink should then use Explosion to preserve Trick Room turns and to get a teammate like Marowak in for free. However, if you play against a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, Carbink should set up Trick Room and hard switch, so it doesn't waste a turn of Trick Room. Carbink should also use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards and status moves that would prevent Carbink from setting up Trick Room or Stealth Rock successfully, like Regirock's Stealth Rock or Weezing's Taunt, respectively. from Pokemon such as Regirock and Weezing so they cant use Carbink as entry hazard setup fodder with Taunt, while you setup your Trick Room.

Team Options
========

Carbink works great on Trick Room teams, as it can almost always setup Trick Room, thus slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak, and Wishiwashi are ideal because they can wallbreak comfotorably (spelling) without being outsped by faster Pokémon such as Primeape or Jynx. Since Carbink ends up being sacrificed after using Explosion, other Trick Room setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharna (spelling), and Audino are appreciated so you can get up Trick Room later on in the match. While not mandatory, fast cleaners such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Primeape are recommended for when Trick Room has expired because they have better chances to clean late-game once the aforementioned wallbreakers have removed their checks.

Talking about this more in depth would be helpful to the reader; Trick Room setters with access to Memento, Explosion, Healing Wish all work as setters, so Mesprit is another possible option. There are other abusers that should be mentioned, Guts Ursaring for example. Strong priority users like Kecleon that can overcome the archetype's low Speed stat during times Trick Room is no longer active are great for TR teams, too.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Toxic / Stone Edge
move 4: Rest / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD



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

Stealth Rock wears down opposing Pokemon with residual damage and deactivates Focus Sashes and Sturdy. Moonblast gains a STAB boost that allows Carbink to deal supereffective damage to Drampa. Moonblast also ensures that Carbink isn't Taunt bait or setup fodder for Sabelye Sableye (spelling). Toxic allows Carbink to cripple switch-ins, such as Lanturn, Lurantis and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Rest is Carbink's only recovery option, which allows Carbink to reliably check foes such as Drampa throughout the match.

Add these descriptions for Stone Edge and Protect:

"Stone Edge is Carbink's strongest Rock-type move and it hits Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, and Ice-types harder than Moonblast. For example, it 2HKOes the Fire-types that Carbink is used to beat like Magmortar and Pyroar without any investment in Attack. Futhermore, Stone prevents Oricorio-G from setting up on Carbink with Substitute and Calm Mind, and breaks Jynx's Substitute reliably, which Moonblast is unable to do."

"Protect can be used over Rest for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, scouting against Choice-locked Pokemon, and reducing the damage of incoming Z-moves. Additionally, Carbink is able to use Protect in tandem with Toxic to stall out its foes."

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm or Sassy nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Specs Magmortar and Drampa. A Sassy nature should be used with Stone Edge, so as to maximize its damage in order to secure the 2HKO on Pyroar. Leftovers maximizes longevity by granting Carbink passive recovery. Sturdy ensures that Carbink will almost always get up Stealth Rocks. Alternatively, Clear Body can be used over Sturdy in order to avoid drops in Special Defense from moves like Drampa's Focus Blast that would enable Drampa to 2HKO Carbink. However, Sturdy finds more utility across other match-ups.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink should Sset up Stealth Rocks and blanket check stall teams throughout the match ??? (Carbink doesn't really blanket check stall teams, it blanket checks powerful special attackers). Carbink should use Toxic or Moonblast against setup sweepers or if you predict a threatening or bulky Pokemon to switch in after Setting up Stealth Rocks such as Carracosta. (Change this to: "Carbink should use Toxic against setup sweepers in order to cut their sweep short." Then, add this sentence, "If Stealth Rock has already been set, Carbink can then use the switches it forces by virtue of its typing and defenses to whittle down its foes with Toxic or its STAB moves.") Carbink should mostly be used to counter special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but Carbink can also check physical attackers such as Kangashkan and Zangoose because of its high physical Defense and resistances. Carbink should be wary of Taunt users, as it's slow, and Taunt prevents it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock. Lastly, when Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa and Magmortar.

Add Protect usage tips

Team Options
========
Carbink almost exclusively fits on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers, thus paring Carbink with bulky Pokemon such as Bronzor (Sableye), Weezing, and Tangela is ideal, as they all appercate appreciate a bulky special wall that can check Drampa. (I would rather see Sableye than Bronzor in team options, or talk about both if you want. It's something that is taken advantage of by most of the things Carbink is used to check). Additionally, clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell. Carbink is susceptible to entry hazards, so Defoggers like Skuntank and Altaria are recommended. Skuntank, in particular, is great at absorbing Toxic Spikes, which can be a hinderance for Stall teams. Lastly, Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Gastrodon make for good teammates because Carbink has no way to threaten them other than with Toxic.

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

A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but its super vulnerable to Taunt (is it really vulnerable to Taunt with Magic Coat? Just say that it is outclassed by Regirock) and outclassed by Regirock. A Physical defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbinks needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats and this set is set-up fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta. While unorthodox, Carbink can run Stone Edge or Rock Blast on the Special Defensive set since it allows Carbink to beat Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Articuno, and Assault Vest Magmortar. Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge on its specially defensive set for its accuracy and extra PP, which can come into play against Substitute users like Articuno.

Z-Psych Up can be used to heal Carbink to 100% HP, as well as potentially copy stat boosts. And unlike Rest, it does not amplify how passive it is by forcing it to sleep for two turns or for its teammates to provide Carbink with cleric support. However, Rest is still a better option given it alleviates harmful status afflictions, like Toxic, that prevent Carbink from checking what it needs to.

Sleep Talk can be used together with Rest and its dual STAB moves on teams that are using a different Pokemon than Carbink to lay Stealth Rock.

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

**Taunt and Encore**: If Carbink's Special Defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Qwilfish, Weezing, and Skuntank. Carbink has to be wary of Encore users such as Liepard and Volbeat that will lock it into Trick Room or Stealth Rock or Toxics, thus wasting its Trick Room turns. Encore is more a problem for specially defensive sets, not the Trick Room set that uses Mental Herb AND Magic Coat to avoid these moves.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink, and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake, or set up Stealth Rocks, though Toxic can pressure them. Alolan Dugtrio checks Carbink and OHKOes it with Iron Head, while resisting its STAB moves and carrying an immunity to Toxic.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, and Silvally-Steel can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves; Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Iron Head and Heavy Slam; while Silvally-Steel easily comes in on a Moonblast and can get rid of Carbink's hazards with Defog.

**Water-types**: Gastrodon, Lanturn and Qwilfish, take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon can switch in freely and can wear Carbink down with Scald or Toxic, although it must be wary of switching into Toxic; Qwilfish and Lanturn are even more terrifying for Carbink. Qwilfish can setup entry hazards freely because it's immune to Toxic and resists Moonblast, while Lanturn can wear Carbink (spelling) down with Scald and use Heal Bell to get rid of a potential Toxic.

**Setup sweepers**: Carbink can struggle against setup sweepers such as Lilligant, Jynx, and Oricorio-G, and can be used as setup fodder. This isn't true for the latter two, use other setup sweepers for the other two examples. Lilligant can use Sleep Powder and setup freely with Quiver Dance; Jynx can use Lovely Kiss and setup with Nasty Plot; and Oricorio-G can avoid a Toxic with Substitute and setup with Calm Mind, though it has a harder time at breaking Carbink compared to the former.
3/3 if you implement the above, TJ
 
Last edited:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Please remove any mention of qwilfish.
rwby said to remove Silvally-Steel mentions as well

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Carbink fills the role of is one of the best Trick Room setters in the tier,(RC) thanks to its access to Sturdy, which give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully. Carbink is also one of PU's premier special walls,(RC) thanks to its amazing defensive typing and stats, which allow it to check scary threatening offensive Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, Oricorio-G, and Pyroar. Furthermore, given Carbink's access to Sturdy coupled with large Defensive stats these traits almost guarantees Stealth Rock guarantee that Carbink will be set up Stealth Rock in a match. On the downside, Carbink's dismal abysmal ("dismal" means "depressing/dreary')Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users such as Qwilfish and Weezing,(RC) on the Special Defensive set. Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat,(RC) along with its weakness to common attacking types like Water, Ground, and Grass means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which both 2HKO Carbink with ease, and while Steel-type coverage moves may not be as common, Steel-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Silvally-Steel can easily exploit Carbink's x4 4x weakness to them. Unfortunately, Carbink faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Carracosta,(AC) which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools. Despite these weaknesses, Carbink still holds a niche as one of the best Trick Room setters,(AC) and its ability to switch into Drampa, one of the best wallbreakers in the tier, is unrivaled.

[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

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

Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to move before faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Primeape. Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Wishiwashi to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rock also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sashes Sash from Pokemon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams,(AC) since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them on dealing with a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy. Explosion allows Carbink to block prevent Defog and Rapid Spin while giving teammates the opportunity to come in safely afterward. Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss and Taunt, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job, as well as entry hazards such as Toxic Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment with a Relaxed nature allows Carbink to be as bulky as possible. Minimal Speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opponent under Trick Room and set up Stealth RocksRock. Sturdy alongside a Mental Herb makes it almost impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room because Mental Herb prevents Encore and Taunt and is conducive to setting up both Stealth Rock and Trick Room effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trick Room teams. Since the opponent will usually lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth RocksRock. Carbink should then use Explosion to preserve Trick Room turns and to get a teammate like Marowak in for free. However, if you play against a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, Carbink should set up Trick Room and hard switch,(RC) so it doesn't waste a turn of Trick Room. Carbink should also use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards and status moves that would prevent Carbink from setting up Trick Room or Stealth Rock successfully, like Regirock's Stealth Rock or and Weezing's Taunt, respectively.

Team Options
========

Carbink works great on Trick Room teams, as it can almost always setup Trick Room, thus slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak, Wishiwashi, and Guts Ursaring are ideal because they can wallbreak comfortably without being outsped by faster Pokemon such as Primeape or and Jynx. Since Carbink ends up being sacrificed after using Explosion, other Trick Room setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharna, and Audino are appreciated so you can get up Trick Room later on in the match. While not mandatory, fast cleaners such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Primeape are recommended for when Trick Room has expired because they have better chances to clean late-game once the aforementioned wallbreakers have removed their checks. Strong priority users like Kecleon that can overcome the archetype's low Speed stat during times Trick Room is no longer active are great for Trick Room teams, too.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast / Stone Edge
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rest / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Stealth Rock wears down opposing Pokemon with residual damage and deactivates Focus Sashes Sash and Sturdy. STAB Moonblast gains a STAB boost that allows Carbink to deal super effective damage to Drampa. Moonblast also ensures that Carbink isn't Taunt bait or setup fodder for Sableye. Toxic allows Carbink to cripple switch-ins,(RC) such as Lanturn, Lurantis,(AC) and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Stone Edge is Carbink's strongest Rock-type move and it hits Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, and Ice-types harder than Moonblast. For example, it 2HKOes the Fire-types that Carbink is used to beat beats like Magmortar and Pyroar without any Attack investment in Attack. FuthermoreFurthermore, Stone Edge prevents Oricorio-G from setting up on Carbink with Substitute and Calm Mind,(RC) and breaks Jynx's Substitute reliably, which Moonblast is unable to do. Rest is Carbink's only recovery option,(RC) which and allows Carbink to reliably check foes such as Drampa throughout the match. Protect can be used over Rest for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, scouting against Choice-locked Pokemon, and reducing the damage of incoming Z-Moves. Additionally, Carbink is able to use Protect in tandem with Toxic to stall out its foes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm or Sassy nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Drampa. A Sassy nature should be used with Stone Edge,(RC) so as to maximize its damage in order to secure the 2HKO on Pyroar. Leftovers maximizes longevity by granting Carbink passive recovery. Sturdy ensures that Carbink will almost always get up Stealth RocksRock. Alternatively, Clear Body can be used over Sturdy in order to avoid drops in Special Defense drops from moves like Drampa's Focus Blast that would enable Drampa to 2HKO Carbink. However, Sturdy finds more utility across other match-(RH)ups.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink should set up Stealth Rocks Rock and blanket check powerful special attackers throughout the match. Carbink should use Toxic against setup sweepers in order to cut their sweep short. If Stealth Rock has already been set, Carbink can use the switches it forces by virtue of its typing and defenses to whittle down its foes with Toxic or its STAB moves. Carbink should mostly be used to counter special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but Carbink can also check physical attackers such as Kangashkan and Zangoose because of its high physical Defense and resistances. Carbink should be wary of Taunt users, as its it's slow, and Taunt prevents it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock. Lastly, when Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa and Magmortar. Carbink should use Protect to scout Choice-locked Pokemon like Primeape and wear down checks in tandem with Toxic.

Team Options
========

Carbink almost exclusively fits on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers, thus paring Carbink with bulky Pokemon such as Bronzor, Sableye, Weezing, and Tangela is ideal, as they all appreciate a bulky special wall that can check Drampa. Additionally, clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell. Carbink is susceptible to entry hazards, so Defoggers like Skuntank and Altaria are recommended. Skuntank, in particular, is great at absorbing Toxic Spikes, which can be a hinderance for stall teams. Lastly, Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Gastrodon make for good teammates because Carbink has no way to threaten them other than with Toxic.

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

A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but its it's outclassed by Regirock. A Physical physically defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbinks Carbink needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats and this set is set-up setup fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta. Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge on its specially defensive set for its accuracy and extra PP, which can come into play against Substitute users like Articuno. Z-Psych Up can be used to heal Carbink to 100% HP, as well as potentially copy stat boosts.(period),(AC) and unlike Rest, it does not amplify how passive it Carbink is by forcing it to sleep for two turns or for its teammates to provide Carbink with cleric support. However, Rest is still a better option given it alleviates harmful status afflictions, like Toxic, that prevent Carbink from checking what it needs to. Sleep Talk can be used together with Rest and its dual STAB moves on teams that are using a different Pokemon to set Stealth Rock.

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

**Taunt and Encore**: If Carbink's Special specially defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Qwilfish, Weezing, and Skuntank. Carbink also has to be wary of Encore users such as Liepard and Volbeat that will lock it into Stealth Rocks Rock or Toxic.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink,(RC) and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake,(RC) or set up Stealth Rocks Rock (dude it's "Stealth Rock"), though Toxic can pressure them. Alolan Dugtrio checks Carbink and (it's in checks and counters already so this isn't really necessary) OHKOes it Carbink with Iron Head, while resisting resists its STAB moves,(AC) and carrying an immunity is immune to Toxic.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, Silvally-Steel, and Ferroseed can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves; Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Iron Head and Heavy Slam;(SC),(AC) while Silvally-Steel easily comes in on a Moonblast and can get rid of Carbink's entry hazards with Defog. Ferroseed counters Carbink's specially defensive set and sets up entry hazards freely.

**Water-types**: Gastrodon,(RC) and Lanturn and Qwilfish,(RC) take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon wears Carbink down with Scald, although it must be wary of switching into Toxic,(AC);(SC) Qwilfishand Lanturn are is even more terrifying for Carbink.(period) Qwilfish can setup entry hazards freely because its immune to Toxic and resists Moonblast, while Lanturn because it can wear Carbik Carbink down with Scald and use Heal Bell to get rid of a potential Toxic.
GP 1/2
 

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]

Carbink is one of the best Trick Room setters in the tier thanks to its access to Sturdy, which give it great odds at setting Trick Room successfully. Carbink It is also one of PU's premier special walls thanks to its amazing defensive typing and stats, which allow it to check threatening offensive Pokemon such as Drampa, Magmortar, Oricorio-G, and Pyroar. Furthermore, these traits almost guarantee that Carbink will set up Stealth Rock in a match. On the downside, Carbink's abysmal Speed leaves it as an open target for Taunt users like Weezing. Despite Carbink's amazing defenses, its low HP stat, along with its weakness to common attacking types like Water, Ground, and Grass means that it struggles to take hits from powerful attackers such as Kingler and Alolan Exeggutor, which both 2HKO Carbink with ease, and while Steel-type coverage moves may not be as common, Steel-types like Alolan Dugtrio and Aggron can easily exploit Carbink's 4x weakness. Unfortunately, Carbink faces competition from other bulky Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Carracosta, which have a combination of better offensive presence, better stats, and better support movepools. Despite these weaknesses, Carbink still holds a niche as one of the best Trick Room setters, and its ability to switch into Drampa, one of the best wallbreakers in the tier, is unrivaled.

[SET]
name: Trick Room Lead
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Mental Herb
ability: Sturdy
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

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

Trick Room allows slower teammates such as Crabominable to move before faster Pokémon Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Primeape. Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates such as Wishiwashi to break through the opposing team. Stealth Rock also breaks potential Sturdy and Focus Sash from Pokemon such as Golem and Leavanny, which greatly helps Trick Room teams, since they rely on limited turns and cannot afford to waste them dealing with a Pokemon with Focus Sash or Sturdy. Explosion allows Carbink to prevent Defog and Rapid Spin while giving teammates the opportunity to come in safely afterward. Magic Coat bounces back certain non-damaging moves such as Lovely Kiss and Taunt, which would otherwise prevent Carbink from fulfilling its job, as well as entry hazards such as Toxic Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment with a Relaxed nature allows Carbink to be as bulky as possible. Minimal Speed investment allows Carbink to move before the opponent opposing Pokemon under Trick Room and set up Stealth Rock. Sturdy alongside Mental Herb makes it almost impossible for a foe to stop Carbink from setting up Trick Room because Mental Herb prevents Encore and Taunt and is conducive to helps setting up both Stealth Rock and Trick Room effectively.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink functions best as a suicide lead on Trick Room teams. Since the opponent will usually lead with a check to Carbink, it should always set up Trick Room before using Stealth Rock. Carbink should then use Explosion to preserve Trick Room turns and get a teammate like Marowak in for free. However, if you play against a Pokemon with access to Encore such as Liepard, Carbink should set up Trick Room and hard switch so it doesn't waste a turn of Trick Room. Carbink should also use Magic Coat to reflect incoming entry hazards like Regirock's Stealth Rock and status moves that would prevent Carbink from setting up Trick Room or Stealth Rock successfully (RC) like Regirock's Stealth Rock and Weezing's Taunt, respectively.

Team Options
========

Carbink works great on Trick Room teams, as it can almost always setup set up Trick Room; (SC) thus, (AC) slow wallbreakers such as Crabominable, Marowak, Wishiwashi, and Guts Ursaring are ideal because they can wallbreak comfortably without being outsped by faster Pokémon Pokemon such as Primeape and Jynx. Since Carbink ends up being sacrificed after using Explosion, other Trick Room setters such as Alolan Exeggutor, Beheeyem, Musharna, and Audino are appreciated so you can get up Trick Room again later on in the match. While not mandatory, fast cleaners such as Floatzel and Choice Scarf Primeape are recommended for when Trick Room has expired because they have better chances to clean late-game once the aforementioned wallbreakers have removed their checks. Strong priority users like Kecleon that can overcome the archetype's low Speed stat during times Trick Room is no longer active are great for Trick Room teams, too.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Moonblast / Stone Edge
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Rest / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Calm / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Stealth Rock wears down opposing Pokemon with residual damage and deactivates Focus Sash and Sturdy. STAB Moonblast allows Carbink to deal super effective damage to Drampa. Moonblast also ensures that Carbink isn't Taunt bait or setup fodder for Sableye. Toxic allows Carbink to cripple switch-ins such as Lanturn, Lurantis, and the plethora of offensive Pokemon that can take advantage of it. Alternatively, Stone Edge is Carbink's strongest Rock-type move and hits Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, and Ice-types harder than Moonblast. For example, it 2HKOes the Fire-types that Carbink beats like Magmortar and Pyroar without any Attack investment. Furthermore, Stone Edge prevents Oricorio-G from setting up on Carbink with Substitute and Calm Mind and breaks Jynx's Substitute reliably, which Moonblast is unable to do. Rest is Carbink's only recovery option and allows Carbink to reliably check foes such as Drampa throughout the match. Protect can be used over Rest for an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, scouting against Choice-locked Pokemon, and reducing the damage of incoming Z-Moves. Additionally, Carbink is able to use using Protect in tandem with Toxic enables Carbink to stall out its foes.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm or Sassy nature ensures that Carbink can take on special wallbreakers such as Magmortar and Drampa. A Sassy nature should be used with Stone Edge to maximize its damage in order to secure the 2HKO on Pyroar. Leftovers maximizes longevity by granting Carbink passive recovery. Sturdy ensures that Carbink will almost always get up Stealth Rock. Alternatively, Clear Body can be used over Sturdy in order to avoid Special Defense drops from moves like Drampa's Focus Blast that would enable Drampa to 2HKO Carbink. However, Sturdy finds more utility across other matchups.

Usage Tips
========

Carbink should set up Stealth Rock and blanket check powerful special attackers throughout the match, (comma) Carbink should use using Toxic against setup sweepers in order to cut their sweep short. If Stealth Rock has already been set, Carbink can use the switches it forces by virtue of its typing and defenses to whittle down its foes with Toxic or its STAB moves. Carbink should mostly be used to counter special attackers such as Drampa, Magmortar, and Mesprit, but Carbink can also check physical attackers such as Kangashkan Kangaskhan and Zangoose because of it's its high Defense and resistances. Carbink should be wary of Taunt users, as its it's slow, and Taunt prevents it from using Toxic and Stealth Rock. Lastly, when Carbink is low on health make sure to use Rest so it can consistently check special attackers like Drampa and Magmortar. Carbink should use Protect to scout Choice-locked Pokemon like Primeape and wear down checks in tandem with Toxic.

Team Options
========

Carbink almost exclusively fits on stall teams due to its ability to check many of the tier's prominent special wallbreakers; (SC) thus, (AC) paring pairing Carbink with bulky Pokemon such as Bronzor, Sableye, Weezing, and Tangela is ideal, as they all appreciate a bulky special wall that can check Drampa. Additionally, clerics such as Audino and Lanturn can help remove any status conditions such as sleep on Carbink with Heal Bell. Carbink is susceptible to entry hazards, so Defoggers like Skuntank and Altaria are recommended. Skuntank, in particular, is great at absorbing Toxic Spikes, which can be a hinderance for stall teams. Lastly, Ground- and Steel-type checks such as Gastrodon make for good teammates because Carbink has no way to threaten them other than with Toxic.

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

A weather lead set sounds appealing because Carbink has access to Sturdy, but it's outclassed by Regirock. A physically defensive set can be used too, but there is really no reason to ever use that over Regirock. A Calm Mind RestTalk set can be run on Carbink; however, Carbink needs several boosts to become threatening due to its mediocre offensive stats, (AC) and this set is setup fodder for threatening sweepers such as Liligant and Carracosta. Rock Slide can be used over Stone Edge on its specially defensive set for its accuracy and extra PP, which can come into play against Substitute users like Articuno. Z-Psych Up can be used to heal Carbink to 100% HP (RC) as well as potentially copy stat boosts, and unlike Rest, it does not amplify how passive Carbink is by forcing it to sleep or its teammates to provide cleric support. However, Rest is still a better option given it alleviates harmful status afflictions, like Toxic, that prevent Carbink from checking what it needs to. Sleep Talk can be used together with Rest and its Carbink's STAB moves on teams that are using a different Pokemon to set Stealth Rock.

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

**Taunt and Encore**: If Carbink's specially defensive set is hit by Taunt, it will be unable to do much, and the foe can subsequently use it as setup bait. Some common Taunt users include Weezing and Skuntank. Carbink also has to be wary of Encore users such as Liepard and Volbeat that will lock it into Stealth Rock or Toxic.

**Ground-types**: Golurk and Golem can switch in relatively freely against Carbink and either force it out with the threat of Earthquake or set up Stealth Rock, though Toxic can pressure them.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Togedemaru, Aggron, and Ferroseed can all come in on a predicted Moonblast and threaten Carbink with their respective STAB moves; Togedemaru and Aggron OHKO Carbink with Iron Head and Heavy Slam. Ferroseed counters Carbink's specially defensive set and sets up entry hazards freely.

**Water-types**: Gastrodon and Lanturn take hardly any damage from Moonblast. Gastrodon can wear Carbink down with Scald, although it must be wary of switching into Toxic, and Lanturn is even more terrifying for Carbink because it can wear Carbink down with Scald and use Heal Bell to get rid of a potential Toxic.
 
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