Ubers Cloyster

[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster's niche resides in its ability to be an excellent entry hazard setter on offensive teams, with access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes as well as one of the few viable Rapid Spin users in Ubers. Cloyster also has access to a solid Ice-type STAB attack in Icicle Spear and a great setup move in Shell Smash, allowing it to pressure common leads and Defog users such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Giratina-O. Cloyster works well as an anti-lead against Pokemon such as Excadrill, Scolipede, Deoxys-A, Arceus-Ground, and non-dual screens Deoxys-S, but it struggles against Smeargle and Mega Sableye, as it's not strong or fast enough to break them. Additionally, Cloyster's lackluster Special Defense stat coupled with a poor HP stat leaves it vulnerable to special attackers and means that it won't last long throughout the battle.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Shell Smash
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Spikes is the best option as an entry hazard for Cloyster, as it wears down grounded Pokemon and weakens defensive Pokemon. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as Mega Gengar is very present on offensive and balanced teams, and Alolan Muk and Steel-types are used on bulkier teams, but it has decent utility against offensive teams that run Mega Lucario or Mega Salamence instead of Gengar. Rapid Spin prevents opposing Pokemon from stacking entry hazards and grants Cloyster good hazard control, which lets teammates switch in safely. Icicle Spear is a very strong STAB attack that can break Focus Sashes and weaken opposing leads such as Excadrill, Deoxys-A, and Primal Groudon. Shell Smash boosts Cloyster's Attack and Speed stats, letting it outspeed the whole unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and 2HKO most of the common threats with Icicle Spear.

Set Details
========

252 EVs in Attack and Speed maximize Cloyster's damage output and offensive presence. Focus Sash ensures Cloyster survives at least one attack. Skill Link guarantees Cloyster five hits with Icicle Spear. A Jolly nature allows Cloyster to outspeed +2 Geomancy Xerneas, Deoxys-S, and Choice Scarf Yveltal after a Shell Smash; however, an Adamant nature can be used to maximize damage output, allowing Cloyster to OHKO Mega Gengar after Spikes damage, OHKO Ho-Oh at +2, and OHKO Swords Dance Arceus, Ferrothorn, and Geomancy Xerneas with a layer of Spikes at +2 most of the time.

Usage Tips
========

Cloyster should be used to stack entry hazards, so use it as a lead depending on the matchup. Use Icicle Spear to beat leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A. Always try to preserve the Focus Sash, as Cloyster won't last long without it. Also, try to remove hazards from your side of the field with Rapid Spin. Set up one layer of Toxic Spikes against offensive teams, as one layer wears down offensive Pokemon faster, but try to set up two layers against balanced teams, since bad poison threatens more defensive Pokemon. Send Cloyster in against leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A, as it can easily beat them. Use Shell Smash as soon as you can or click Icicle Spear on a predicted Taunt, but don't forget to prioritize setting up hazards over dealing damage. Avoid leading with Cloyster against Smeargle, Mega Sableye, and Taunt users such as Deoxys-S and send in your check for them instead; also avoid leading with Cloyster against Arceus-Water.

Team Options
========

Fast Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Yveltal, Tapu Koko, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mewtwo can prevent support Arceus variants from removing entry hazards with Defog. Toxic Primal Groudon can also cripple support Arceus variants, wear them down, and set up Stealth Rock, whereas Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon and offensive Stealth Rock Primal Groudon can also pressure all the support Arceus variants other than Arceus-Ground. Dialga also works as a Stealth Rock user and check to support Arceus formes. Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza profit from Cloyster's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin as well as threaten Giratina-O and common Stealth Rock setters. In general, wallbreakers such as Mega Salamence, Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Life Orb Yveltal, and Rayquaza appreciate hazard stacking, as it weakens their common checks and allows them to perform decently. Lunala can back Cloyster up as a spinblocker and appreciates Cloyster's ability to remove hazards. Mega Gengar is also a good spinblocker, and its Hex set appreciates Toxic Spikes on the opponent's side. Arceus-Ghost is also a decent teammate, as it can prevent Rapid Spin and set up on support Arceus variants as well as threaten many balanced and offensive teams. Giratina-O is a good teammate that can block opposing Rapid Spin and take advantage of Toxic Spikes with Hex. Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can easily deal with Mega Sableye, which can anti-lead Cloyster. Tapu Koko in particular can stop Smeargle and Arceus-Water. Other Taunt users can handle Smeargle even if Nuzzle's paralysis can be annoying.

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

Cloyster can only viably be a hazard lead, so it doesn't have many other options. Explosion allows Cloyster to deal heavy damage to bulky Water-types and prevent Defog from support Arceus after a Shell Smash, but it is not recommended, as Cloyster needs to drop either Rapid Spin or Icicle Spear. Cloyster can run Mental Herb instead of Focus Sash to not fall down against Taunt users, or Lum Berry to beat Mega Sableye and Smeargle.

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

**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water can tank a +2 Icicle Spear without any problem, cripple Cloyster with Toxic, and use Defog to remove entry hazards.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle outspeeds Cloyster and can put it to sleep and set up its hazards while relying on a Ghost-type to spinblock Cloyster. Mega Sableye can reflect hazards thanks to Magic Bounce, burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, and beat Cloyster easily with Foul Play if Cloyster tries to set up on it. Deoxys-S can be annoying if it packs both Taunt and dual screens, as it can set up screens without being afraid of Icicle Spear. Shuckle can cripple Cloyster with Toxic, is enough bulky to tank two Icicle Spears from unboosted Cloyster, and can use Encore to lock Cloyster into a move to set up its hazards more easily.

**Defog Users**: Defog users other than Giratina-O and Arceus-Ground, which are threatened a lot by Cloyster, can remove hazards with Defog, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, and OHKO Cloyster with Judgment.

**Strong Priority Users**: Bulky Swords Dance Arceus-Normal can set up on Cloyster, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, and KO Cloyster with Extreme Speed. Arceus-Ghost can spinblock Cloyster, set up on it easily, and threaten Cloyster with its STAB move and Extreme Speed.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its low Special Defense stat, Cloyster is 2HKOed by any neutral special attack. Fast special attackers such as Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Lunala have an easy time beating Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Lucario, Magearna, and Solgaleo resist Cloyster's Icicle Spear and can beat it with their STAB attacks or set up on it.
 
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Minority

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* Cloyster's niche resides in its ability to be an excellent hazard setter in Offensive teams, as it has access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, while being one of the only viable Rapid Spin users in Ubers.
Minor nitpick, but this language may lead to misinterpretation. I'd change "one of the only viable..." to something like "one of the few viable..." since the first somewhat implies that it is the only one.

This isn't a very deep mon, but the overview needs expanding. Specifically, discuss lead matchup pros and cons (what this mons leads well against and what it doesn't).

* Shell Smash boosts Closyter's Attack and Speed stat, letting it outspeed the whole metagame with a Jolly nature
Only true for the unboosted metagame.

Perform some one vs. all calcs to see what concrete advantage an Adamant nature has, and cite against which targets it makes a difference in set details. The usage tips is pretty bare, and doesn't really hit at the heart of the most important things, which is playing the lead matchup. Team options are also kind of weak, please examine good Cloyster builds and explain why it has the teammates it has.

Explosion is probs OO worthy. #1 counters should be the things that anti-lead Cloyster, followed by revenging methods or hazard removal methods that Cloyster struggles to stop.


Make these changes and I will stamp later.
 
Minor nitpick, but this language may lead to misinterpretation. I'd change "one of the only viable..." to something like "one of the few viable..." since the first somewhat implies that it is the only one.

This isn't a very deep mon, but the overview needs expanding. Specifically, discuss lead matchup pros and cons (what this mons leads well against and what it doesn't).

Only true for the unboosted metagame.

Perform some one vs. all calcs to see what concrete advantage an Adamant nature has, and cite against which targets it makes a difference in set details. The usage tips is pretty bare, and doesn't really hit at the heart of the most important things, which is playing the lead matchup. Team options are also kind of weak, please examine good Cloyster builds and explain why it has the teammates it has.

Explosion is probs OO worthy. #1 counters should be the things that anti-lead Cloyster, followed by revenging methods or hazard removal methods that Cloyster struggles to stop.


Make these changes and I will stamp later.
done
 
Perhaps mention Giratina-O as a partner; it can spinblock and actually has the bulk and typing to switch into Excadrill. Hex sets are also able to abuse the poison from Toxic Spikes.

Ice Shard should go into OO imo. Cloyster struggles to find a slot for it, but the ability to more reliably revenge mence and ray gives it a small niche I feel.
 
Perhaps mention Giratina-O as a partner; it can spinblock and actually has the bulk and typing to switch into Excadrill. Hex sets are also able to abuse the poison from Toxic Spikes.

Ice Shard should go into OO imo. Cloyster struggles to find a slot for it, but the ability to more reliably revenge mence and ray gives it a small niche I feel.
I'll add ice shard depending on if next qc'er agrees. giratina o is added, thanks
 
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I'd unslash tspikes

cloyster doesn't struggle against shuckle so remove that.

might as well mention gar as teammate, it is a taunter and arguably the best one at that.

That cloyster actually threatens arc ground is a newfound niche.

in cc its #1 counter should be arc water.

qc 2/3
 
list common taunt users in usage tips. the section is a bit disorganized, make sure you note when setting hazards should be prioritized over getting damage and vice versa. another mon cloyster shouldn't be leading against is waterceus, unless it's carrying explosion.

team options should specifically mention mons that deal with sableye/smeargle/waterceus. lum berry/mental herb can go in oo.

3/3
 

lotiasite

undedgy
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hi, amcheck, implement what you like
add remove comments
AC = add comma RC = remove comma RH = remove hyphen

[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster's niche resides in its ability to be an excellent entry hazard setter in Offensive on offensive teams, as it has access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, (RC) while being one of the few viable Rapid Spin users in Ubers. (remove line break) Cloyster also has access to a solid Ice-type STAB attack in Icicle Spear and Shell Smash, allowing it to pressure opposing dedicated leads as well as pressuring and common Lead and (maybe just "common leads and Defog users"?) Defog users such as Primal Groudon (RH), Arceus-Ground, (AC) and Giratina-O. Cloyster works well as an anti-lead against Pokemon such as Excadrill, Scolipede, Deoxys-A, Arceus-Ground, and non-dual screens Deoxys-S, but it struggles against Smeargle and Mega Sableye (RH), as it's not strong or fast enough to break them (i think this is what you mean; unless you meant "not strong enough to break them or cannot do so fast enough") or not enough fast. Unfortunately, Cloyster has a lackluster Special Defense stat coupled to with a poor HP base stat, due to that, it's which leaves it vulnerable to special attackers and means that it won't last long throughout the battle.

[SET]
name: Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Shell Smash
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Spikes is the best option as hazards an entry hazard for Cloyster, as it wears down grounded Pokemon as well as and weakens weakening defensive Pokemon ("defensive walls" is redundant imo) walls well. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as Mega Gengar is very present in on offensive and balanced teams, while and Muk-Alola Alolan Muk and Steel-types are used in more on bulkier (redundancy with "more bulkier") teams, but it has a decent utility against offensive teams that run Mega Lucario or Mega Salamence instead of Gengar. Rapid Spin prevents opposing Pokemon from stacking entry hazards and grants Cloyster a good hazard control, which lets teammates switch in (RH) safely. Icicle Spear is a very strong STAB attacks that can break Focus Sashes and weaken opposing leads such as Excadrill, Deoxys-A, (AC) and Primal Groudon (RH). Shell Smash boosts Closyter's Cloyster's Attack and Speed stats, letting it outspeed the whole unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and 2HKO most of the common threats with Icicle Spear.

Set Details
========

252 EVs in Attack and Speed stats maximize Cloyster's Speed and Attack stats, as it doesn't need HP investement (idk if this is really relevant). Focus Sash ensures Cloyster lives survives at least one attack. Skill Link is its best ability, which garantee 5 guarantees Cloyster five hits with Icicle Spear. A Jolly nature allows Cloyster to outspeed +2 Geomancy Xerneas, Deoxys-Speed, (AC) and Choice Scarf Yveltal after a Shell Smash,;(comma->semicolon) however, (AC) an Adamant nature can be used to maximize damage output, as it allows Cloyster to OHKO Ho-Oh from full HP at +2 (calced this; approx 95% chance to ohko, so i think it's this? if not you can change it), and Swords Dance Arceus, Ferrothorn, and Geomancy Xerneas with a layer of Spikes at +2 most of the time, and OKHO Mega-Gengar Mega Gengar at +0 after Spikes damage. (this sentence was really awkward; i fixed it as best i could)

Usage Tips
========

Cloyster should be used to stack entry hazards, so use it as a lead depending on the matchup. Use Icicle Spear to beat leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, (AC) and Deoxys-A. Always try to preserves the Focus Sash, as Cloyster won't last long without it,.(comma->period) Also, try to remove hazards from your side of the field with Rapid Spin. Set up one layer of Toxic Spikes against offensive teams, as it one layer wears down its Pokemon faster, but try to set up two layers against balanced teams, since bad poison threatens more defensive pokemons Pokemon. Send Cloyster in against leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A, as it easly can easily beat them,.(comma->period) Use Shell Smash as soon as you can, (RC) or click Icicle Spear on a predicted Taunt, but don't forget to prioritize setting up hazards over dealing damage. Avoid leading with Cloyster against Smeargle, Mega Sableye, and Taunt users such as Deoxys-S and send in your check for them instead,;(comma->semicolon) also avoid leading with Cloyster against Arceus-Water if Cloyster doesn't pack Explosion.

Team Options
========

Fast Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Yveltal, Tapu Koko, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mewtwo can prevent Arceus support varients support Arceus variants from removing entry hazards with Defog. Toxic Primal Groudon can also cripple Arceus support varients support Arceus variants, wear them down, and set up Stealth Rock, whereas Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon (RH) and offensive Stealth Rock Primal Groudon (RH) can also pressure all the Arceus support varients support Arceus variants other than Arceus-Ground. Dialga also works as a Stealth Rock user and check to support Arceus formes. Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza profits from Cloyster's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin as well as threatening Giratina-O and common Stealth Rock setters. In general, wallbreakers such as Mega Salamence, Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Life Orb Yveltal, (AC) and Rayquaza appreciates hazard stacking, as it weakens their common checks and allows them to perform decently. Lunala can backup Cloyster up as a Rapid Spin blocker, (RC) and appreciates its Cloyster's ability to remove hazards. Mega Gengar is also a good Rapid Spin blocker, and its Hex set appreciates Toxic Spikes on the opponent's side. Arceus-Ghost is also a decent teammate, as it can prevent Rapid Spin and set(add space)up on Arceus support varients support Arceus variants, as well as threatening many balanced and offensive teams with hazard stack support. Giratina-O is a good teammate that can block opposing Rapid Spin and abuse from take advantage of Toxic Spikes with Hex if Toxic Spikes is used. Fairy-types (examples?) can easily deal with Mega Sableye, which anti-leads against Cloyster,.(comma->period) Tapu Koko in particular can aswell stop Smeargle and Arceus-Water. Other Taunt users can handle Smeargle even if Nuzzle's paralysis can be annoying at some point.

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

Hazard Lead is Cloyster's only viable set Cloyster can only viably be a hazard lead (awkwardly worded), so it doesn't have much many other options. Explosion is the only option, as it (not the only other option when you mention mental herb and lum) allows Cloyster to deal heavy damages to the bulky Water-types, (RC) and prevent Defog from support Arceus after a Shell Smash, but it is not recommand recommended, as you Cloyster needs to drop either Rapid Spin or Icicle Spear. Cloyster can run Mental Herb instead of Focus Sash to not fall down against Taunt users (RH), or Lum Berry to beat Mega Sableye (RH) and Smeargle.

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

**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water can tank a +2 Icicle Spear without any problem, cripple Cloyster with Toxic, (AC) and use Defog to remove hazards.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle outspeeds and can put Cloyster asleep to sleep, (RC) and set(add space)up its hazards and rely on a Ghost-type to spinblock Cloyster. Mega Sableye can bounce back reflect ("bounce back thanks to magic bounce" is repetitive imo) hazards thanks to Magic Bounce, (AC) and burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, and can beat it Cloyster easily with Foul Play if it Cloyster tries (ambiguity with "it") try to set(add space)up on it. Deoxys-Speed can be annoying if it packs both Taunt and dual screens, as it can set them up screens without being afraid of Icicle Spear. Shuckle can cripple Cloyster with Toxic, (AC) and is enough bulky to tank two Icicle Spears from unboosted Cloyster, (AC) and can use Encore to lock Cloyster on into a move to set up its hazards more easily.

**Defog Users and Strong Priority Users**: (consider separating these, they're pretty different) Defog users other than Giratina-O and Arceus-Ground, which are threatened a lot by Cloyster, can remove hazards with Defog, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, (AC) and OKHO OHKO Cloyster with Judgment. Bulky Swords Dance Arceus can set(add space)up on Cloyster, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, (AC) and kill KO it Cloyster with its priority STAB move (might be better to just say Extreme Speed here). Arceus-Ghost can spinblock Cloyster, set(add space)up on it easily, (AC) and threaten it Cloyster with its STAB move and Extreme Speed.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its low Special Defense stat, (AC) Cloyster is 2HKO'd 2HKOed by any neutral special attack. Fast special attackers such as Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Lunala have a easy time to beating Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Lucario, Magearna, and Solgaleo can't remove hazards (not sure how this is that relevant), but they resist Cloyster's Icicle Spear and can beat it with their STAB attacks or set(add space)up on it.
 
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DeathByWobbuffet: add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster's niche resides in its ability to be an excellent entry hazard setter in Offensive on offensive teams, as it has access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, (RC) while being one of the few viable Rapid Spin users in Ubers. (remove line break) Cloyster also has access to a solid Ice-type STAB attack in Icicle Spear and Shell Smash, allowing it to pressure opposing dedicated leads as well as pressuring and common Lead and (maybe just "common leads and Defog users"?) Defog users such as Primal Groudon (RH), Arceus-Ground, (AC) and Giratina-O. Cloyster works well as an anti-lead against Pokemon such as Excadrill, Scolipede, Deoxys-A, Arceus-Ground, and non-dual screens Deoxys-S, but it struggles against Smeargle and Mega Sableye (RH), as it's not strong or fast enough to break them (i think this is what you mean; unless you meant "not strong enough to break them or cannot do so fast enough") or not enough fast. Unfortunately, Cloyster has a lackluster Special Defense stat coupled to with a poor HP base stat, due to that, it's which leaves it vulnerable to special attackers and means that it won't last long throughout the battle.

[SET]
name: Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Shell Smash
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Spikes is the best option as hazards an entry hazard for Cloyster, as it wears down grounded Pokemon as well as and weakens weakening defensive Pokemon ("defensive walls" is redundant imo) walls well. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as Mega Gengar is very present in on offensive and balanced teams, while and Muk-Alola Alolan Muk and Steel-types are used in more on bulkier (redundancy with "more bulkier") teams, but it has a decent utility against offensive teams that run Mega Lucario or Mega Salamence instead of Gengar. Rapid Spin prevents opposing Pokemon from stacking entry hazards and grants Cloyster a good hazard control, which lets teammates switch in (RH) safely. Icicle Spear is a very strong STAB attacks that can break Focus Sashes and weaken opposing leads such as Excadrill, Deoxys-A, (AC) and Primal Groudon (RH). Shell Smash boosts Closyter's Cloyster's Attack and Speed stats, letting it outspeed the whole unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and 2HKO most of the common threats with Icicle Spear.

Set Details
========

252 EVs in Attack and Speed stats maximize Cloyster's Speed and Attack stats (the reader should already know that 252 EVs will max out stats, you should either remove this or highlight on what the investment does), as it doesn't need HP investement (idk if this is really relevant). Focus Sash ensures Cloyster lives survives at least one attack. Skill Link is its best ability, which garantee 5 guarantees Cloyster five hits with Icicle Spear. A Jolly nature allows Cloyster to outspeed +2 Geomancy Xerneas, Deoxys-Speed, (AC) and Choice Scarf Yveltal after a Shell Smash,;(comma->semicolon) however, (AC) an Adamant nature can be used to maximize damage output, as it allows Cloyster to OHKO Mega Gengar after Spikes damage, (this way you dont have to say +0 which sounds otherwise super awkward and I think it's clearer in general) Cloyster to OHKO Ho-Oh from full HP at +2 (calced this; approx 95% chance to ohko, so i think it's this? if not you can change it), and Swords Dance Arceus, Ferrothorn, and Geomancy Xerneas with a layer of Spikes at +2 most of the time, and OKHO Mega-Gengar Mega Gengar at +0 after Spikes damage. (this sentence was really awkward; i fixed it as best i could)

Usage Tips
========

Cloyster should be used to stack entry hazards, so use it as a lead depending on the matchup. Use Icicle Spear to beat leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, (AC) and Deoxys-A. Always try to preserves the Focus Sash, as Cloyster won't last long without it,.(comma->period) Also, try to remove hazards from your side of the field with Rapid Spin. Set up one layer of Toxic Spikes against offensive teams, as it one layer wears down its offensive Pokemon faster, but try to set up two layers against balanced teams, since bad poison threatens more defensive pokemons Pokemon. Send Cloyster in against leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A, as it easly can easily beat them,.(comma->period) Use Shell Smash as soon as you can, (RC) or click Icicle Spear on a predicted Taunt, but don't forget to prioritize setting up hazards over dealing damage. Avoid leading with Cloyster against Smeargle, Mega Sableye, and Taunt users such as Deoxys-S and send in your check for them instead,;(comma->semicolon) also avoid leading with Cloyster against Arceus-Water if Cloyster doesn't pack Explosion.

Team Options
========

Fast Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Yveltal, Tapu Koko, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mewtwo can prevent Arceus support varients support Arceus variants from removing entry hazards with Defog. Toxic Primal Groudon can also cripple Arceus support varients support Arceus variants, wear them down, and set up Stealth Rock, whereas Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon (RH) and offensive Stealth Rock Primal Groudon (RH) can also pressure all the Arceus support varients support Arceus variants other than Arceus-Ground. Dialga also works as a Stealth Rock user and check to support Arceus formes. Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza profits from Cloyster's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin as well as threatening Giratina-O and common Stealth Rock setters. In general, wallbreakers such as Mega Salamence, Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Life Orb Yveltal, (AC) and Rayquaza appreciates hazard stacking, as it weakens their common checks and allows them to perform decently. Lunala can backup Cloyster up as a Rapid Spin blocker spinblocker, (RC) and appreciates its Cloyster's ability to remove hazards. Mega Gengar is also a good Rapid Spin blocker spinblocker, and its Hex set appreciates Toxic Spikes on the opponent's side. Arceus-Ghost is also a decent teammate, as it can prevent Rapid Spin and set(add space)up on Arceus support varients support Arceus variants, as well as threatening many balanced and offensive teams with hazard stack support. Giratina-O is a good teammate that can block opposing Rapid Spin and abuse from take advantage of Toxic Spikes with Hex if Toxic Spikes is used. Fairy-types (examples?) can easily deal with Mega Sableye, which anti-leads against can anti-lead Cloyster,.(comma->period) Tapu Koko in particular can aswell stop Smeargle and Arceus-Water. Other Taunt users can handle Smeargle even if Nuzzle's paralysis can be annoying at some point.

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

Hazard Lead is Cloyster's only viable set Cloyster can only viably be a hazard lead (awkwardly worded), so it doesn't have much many other options. Explosion is the only option, as it (not the only other option when you mention mental herb and lum) allows Cloyster to deal heavy damages to the bulky Water-types, (RC) and prevent Defog from support Arceus after a Shell Smash, but it is not recommand recommended, as you Cloyster needs to drop either Rapid Spin or Icicle Spear. Cloyster can run Mental Herb instead of Focus Sash to not fall down against Taunt users (RH), or Lum Berry to beat Mega Sableye (RH) and Smeargle.

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

**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water can tank a +2 Icicle Spear without any problem, cripple Cloyster with Toxic, (AC) and use Defog to remove hazards.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle outspeeds Cloyster and can put Cloyster asleep it to sleep, (RC) and set(add space)up its hazards and rely on a Ghost-type to spinblock Cloyster. Mega Sableye can bounce back reflect ("bounce back thanks to magic bounce" is repetitive imo) hazards thanks to Magic Bounce, (AC) and burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, and can beat it Cloyster (no need to change the "it" here) easily with Foul Play if it Cloyster tries (ambiguity with "it") try to set(add space)up on it. Deoxys-Speed can be annoying if it packs both Taunt and dual screens, as it can set them up screens without being afraid of Icicle Spear. Shuckle can cripple Cloyster with Toxic, (AC) and is enough bulky to tank two Icicle Spears from unboosted Cloyster, (AC) and can use Encore to lock Cloyster on into a move to set up its hazards more easily.

**Defog Users and Strong Priority Users**: (consider separating these, they're pretty different) Defog users other than Giratina-O and Arceus-Ground, which are threatened a lot by Cloyster, can remove hazards with Defog, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, (AC) and OKHO OHKO Cloyster with Judgment. Bulky Swords Dance Arceus can set(add space)up on Cloyster, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, (AC) and kill KO it Cloyster with its priority STAB move (might be better to just say Extreme Speed here). Arceus-Ghost can spinblock Cloyster, set(add space)up on it easily, (AC) and threaten it Cloyster with its STAB move and Extreme Speed.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its low Special Defense stat, (AC) Cloyster is 2HKO'd 2HKOed by any neutral special attack. Fast special attackers such as Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Lunala have a an easy time to beating Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Lucario, Magearna, and Solgaleo can't remove hazards (not sure how this is that relevant), but they resist Cloyster's Icicle Spear and can beat it with their STAB attacks or set(add space)up on it.

GP 1/2

 

Lumari

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GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Cloyster's niche resides in its ability to be an excellent entry hazard setter on offensive teams, as it has with access to both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, (AC) while being as well as one of the few viable Rapid Spin users in Ubers. Cloyster also has access to a solid Ice-type STAB attack in Icicle Spear and a great setup move in Shell Smash, allowing it to pressure common leads and Defog users such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Giratina-O. Cloyster works well as an anti-lead against Pokemon such as Excadrill, Scolipede, Deoxys-A, Arceus-Ground, and non-dual screens Deoxys-S, but it struggles against Smeargle and Mega Sableye, as it's not strong or fast enough to break them. Unfortunately, Additionally, Cloyster's has a lackluster Special Defense stat coupled with a poor HP stat, which leaves it vulnerable to special attackers and means that it won't last long throughout the battle.

[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Icicle Spear
move 4: Shell Smash
item: Focus Sash
ability: Skill Link
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Spikes is the best option as an entry hazard for Cloyster, as it wears down grounded Pokemon and weakens defensive Pokemon. Toxic Spikes is less consistent, as Mega Gengar is very present on offensive and balanced teams, and Alolan Muk and Steel-types are used on bulkier teams, but it has decent utility against offensive teams that run Mega Lucario or Mega Salamence instead of Gengar. Rapid Spin prevents opposing Pokemon from stacking entry hazards and grants Cloyster good hazard control, which lets teammates switch in safely. Icicle Spear is a very strong STAB attack that can break Focus Sashes and weaken opposing leads such as Excadrill, Deoxys-A, and Primal Groudon. Shell Smash boosts Cloyster's Attack and Speed stats, letting it outspeed the whole unboosted metagame with a Jolly nature and 2HKO most of the common threats with Icicle Spear.

Set Details
========

252 EVs in Attack and Speed maximize Cloyster's damage output and offensive presence. Focus Sash ensures Cloyster survives at least one attack. Skill Link guarantees Cloyster five hits with Icicle Spear. A Jolly nature allows Cloyster to outspeed +2 Geomancy Xerneas, Deoxys-S, and Choice Scarf Yveltal after a Shell Smash; however, an Adamant nature can be used to maximize damage output, as it allows allowing Cloyster to OHKO Mega Gengar after Spikes damage, OHKO Ho-Oh at +2, and OHKO (?) Swords Dance Arceus, Ferrothorn, and Geomancy Xerneas with a layer of Spikes at +2 most of the time.

Usage Tips
========

Cloyster should be used to stack entry hazards, so use it as a lead depending on the matchup. Use Icicle Spear to beat leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A. Always try to preserve the Focus Sash, as Cloyster won't last long without it. Also, try to remove hazards from your side of the field with Rapid Spin. Set up one layer of Toxic Spikes against offensive teams, as one layer wears down offensive Pokemon faster, but try to set up two layers against balanced teams, since bad poison threatens more defensive Pokemon. Send Cloyster in against leads such as Excadrill, Scolipede, and Deoxys-A, as it can easily beat them. Use Shell Smash as soon as you can or click Icicle Spear on a predicted Taunt, but don't forget to prioritize setting up hazards over dealing damage. Avoid leading with Cloyster against Smeargle, Mega Sableye, and Taunt users such as Deoxys-S and send in your check for them instead; also avoid leading with Cloyster against Arceus-Water if Cloyster doesn't pack Explosion. (this isn't mentioned anywhere on this set, so probably either add a mention of Explosion in Moves or cut this entirely)

Team Options
========

Fast Taunt users such as Mega Gengar, Yveltal, Tapu Koko, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mewtwo can prevent support Arceus variants from removing entry hazards with Defog. Toxic Primal Groudon can also cripple support Arceus variants, wear them down, and set up Stealth Rock, whereas Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon and offensive Stealth Rock Primal Groudon can also pressure all the support Arceus variants other than Arceus-Ground. Dialga also works as a Stealth Rock user and check to support Arceus formes. Flying-types such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza profit from Cloyster's ability to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin as well as threaten Giratina-O and common Stealth Rock setters. In general, wallbreakers such as Mega Salamence, Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Life Orb Yveltal, and Rayquaza appreciate hazard stacking, as it weakens their common checks and allows them to perform decently. Lunala can back Cloyster up as a spinblocker and appreciates Cloyster's ability to remove hazards. Mega Gengar is also a good spinblocker, and its Hex set appreciates Toxic Spikes on the opponent's side. Arceus-Ghost is also a decent teammate, as it can prevent Rapid Spin and set up on support Arceus variants (RC) as well as threaten many balanced and offensive teams with hazard. (not sure what you're trying to say here) Giratina-O is a good teammate that can block opposing Rapid Spin and take advantage of Toxic Spikes with Hex. Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can easily deal with Mega Sableye, which can anti-lead Cloyster. Tapu Koko in particular can (also? if it can't beat Sableye then remove "in particular") stop Smeargle and Arceus-Water. Other Taunt users can handle Smeargle even if Nuzzle's paralysis can be annoying.

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

Cloyster can only viably be a hazard lead, so it doesn't have many other options. Explosion allows Cloyster to deal heavy damage to bulky Water-types and prevent Defog from support Arceus after a Shell Smash, but it is not recommended, as Cloyster needs to drop either Rapid Spin or Icicle Spear. Cloyster can run Mental Herb instead of Focus Sash to not fall down against Taunt users, or Lum Berry to beat Mega Sableye and Smeargle.

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

**Arceus-Water**: Arceus-Water can tank a +2 Icicle Spear without any problem, cripple Cloyster with Toxic, and use Defog to remove entry hazards.

**Anti-Leads**: Smeargle outspeeds Cloyster and can put it to sleep and set up its hazards and rely while relying on a Ghost-type to spinblock Cloyster. Mega Sableye can reflect hazards thanks to Magic Bounce, burn Cloyster with Will-O-Wisp, and can beat Cloyster easily with Foul Play if Cloyster tries to set up on it. Deoxys-S can be annoying if it packs both Taunt and dual screens, as it can set up screens without being afraid of Icicle Spear. Shuckle can cripple Cloyster with Toxic, is enough bulky to tank two Icicle Spears from unboosted Cloyster, and can use Encore to lock Cloyster into a move to set up its hazards more easily.

**Defog Users**: Defog users other than Giratina-O and Arceus-Ground, which are threatened a lot by Cloyster, can remove hazards with Defog, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, and OHKO Cloyster with Judgment.

**Strong Priority Users**: Bulky Swords Dance Arceus-Normal can set up on Cloyster, tank a +2 Icicle Spear, and KO Cloyster with Extreme Speed. Arceus-Ghost can spinblock Cloyster, set up on it easily, and threaten Cloyster with its STAB move and Extreme Speed.

**Special Attackers**: Due to its low Special Defense stat, Cloyster is 2HKOed by any neutral special attack. Fast special attackers such as Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Lunala have an easy time beating Cloyster.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Lucario, Magearna, and Solgaleo resist Cloyster's Icicle Spear and can beat it with their STAB attacks or set up on it.
 
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