[OVERVIEW]
Trapping and revenge killing are the names of the game for Dugtrio. Arena Trap, high base Speed, STAB Earthquake, and decent Attack allow Dugtrio to trap a majority of grounded Pokemon such as Heatran, Toxapex, and Tyranitar without many issues. Its support movepool containing Screech, Memento, Pursuit, and Sucker Punch also allows it to overcome some obstacles, such as its lack of power to effectively KO something that is trapped, the loss of momentum that it brings, its inability to trap Ghost-type and levitating Pokemon, and its inability to bypass faster threats. Its abysmal durability is a constant problem that makes it prone to being taken out by priority moves and attacks from Pokemon it can't KO first.
[SET]
name: Focus Sash
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Reversal
move 3: Screech
move 4: Pursuit / Memento / Sucker Punch
item: Focus Sash
ability: Arena Trap
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
ivs: 21 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake provides Dugtrio with a consistent STAB attack that secures KOs against Heatran and weakened Magearna. Reversal works in tandem with Focus Sash and 21 HP IVs to pulverize Chansey, Kartana, and Ferrothorn after Dugtrio's health is greatly reduced. Screech is preferred to make trapping Chansey and Ferrothorn easier. The fourth move should be based on what the team fears the most. Pursuit traps Alolan Marowak, Gengar, and Shed Shell Tapu Lele, which otherwise can escape freely. Memento is a great move to cover for Dugtrio's tendency to lose momentum, helping against offensive Pokemon that may take advantage of Dugtrio such as Swords Dance Landorus-T. Sucker Punch is an option that bypasses faster Pokemon such as Protean Greninja, opposing Dugtrio, and severely weakened Mega Mawile. Toxic is an excellent option to cripple Tangrowth and Landorus-T before fainting. Stone Edge is an option for more offensive teams to use against Volcarona if Focus Sash remains intact. Stealth Rock can be used if Dugtrio must compress roles. Bear in mind that Stealth Rock should only be used as a last resort, as many other Pokemon can perform the role of a setter much better and Dugtrio prefers having any other move as an option.
Set Details
========
This set mandates the usage of Focus Sash, as it makes up for Dugtrio's lack of bulk and fear of being outsped by dangerous threats such as +1 Mega Charizard X while maximizing the Base Power of Reversal. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is recommended to outspeed the majority of non-Choice Scarf threats such as Heatran and Garchomp. Maximum Attack is necessary for having as much damage behind Dugtrio's attacks as possible without sacrificing Speed. 21 HP IVs allow Dugtrio to take two Seismic Tosses from Chansey to help maximize the Base Power of Reversal. You can also minimize Defense and Special Defense IVs to have an easier time landing Dugtrio inFocus Sash range; however, the added durability from IVs can be beneficial if activating Focus Sash is impossible. Hasty is an option over Jolly to maximize power against Ditto transformed into Dugtrio.
Usage Tips
========
Dugtrio should be utilized as a trapper that's only brought in as a revenge killer. Under very rare circumstances, Dugtrio can be brought in on a double switch or a predicted Electric-type attack, though this should be done as a last resort or if the loss of Dugtrio will not gravely affect Dugtrio's team. Due to Dugtrio's poor durability, (comma) it is best to keep Dugtrio from switching in as much as possible. Screech should be used to punish bulkier Pokemon unless they're like Toxapex, which poses a significant threat to Dugtrio. Preventing entry hazards from entering the field is a must for this set to work at maximum efficiency. Focus Sash is necessary for scenarios where Dugtrio needs to safely 2HKO threats such as Choice Specs Hoopa-U or eliminate faster threats such as +1 Mega Charizard X.
Team Options
========
Mega Sableye prevents the majority of Pokemon from safely setting up entry hazards with Magic Bounce. Dugtrio disposes of some problematic Pokemon such as Heatran and Tapu Lele in return. In the event that hazards get on the field, Defog users such as Skarmory, Zapdos, and Mega Scizor can pick up the slack. Skarmory and Zapdos fit best on most defensive teams thanks to their superior typing, great bulk, and ability to cover holes that such teams can have. Skarmory provides Spikes support, while Zapdos eliminates the majority of levitating Pokemon such as Celesteela and Gyarados. Mega Scizor is used more on bulky offense and balance teams, and it provides Dugtrio with U-turn support and helps against threats such as Tapu Bulu. Chansey is great for soaking up the majority of special attacks aimed at Dugtrio while walling some of the best offensive Pokemon in the tier such as Greninja and Volcarona. Toxapex handles Tangrowth effectively while supporting Dugtrio's team by using and absorbing Toxic Spikes, and Haze lets it keep offensive threats such as Mega Charizard X from stampeding the team in the event that Focus Sash cannot be activated on Dugtrio. Finally, Clefable can provide support by halting many setup sweepers such as Thundurus with Unaware while Dugtrio keeps pesky Poison-types at bay.
[SET]
name: Groundium Z Trapper
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Screech
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Toxic / Reversal
item: Groundium Z
ability: Arena Trap
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is Dugtrio's most reliable STAB option to use. Tectonic Rage can overwhelm defensive threats such as Chansey, Clefable, and Toxapex while also breaking through offensive threats such as Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile. Screech helps Dugtrio effectively rip through Chansey. Substitute can protect Dugtrio from Sucker Punch users such as Mega Mawile and Bisharp while also helping get Dugtrio into Reversal's peak damage range. Toxic prevents Dugtrio from being dead weight against Landorus-T and Tangrowth. Pokemon that often switch in after Dugtrio has KOed one of their teammates. Reversal is used to give Dugtrio a more powerful move against Ferrothorn and is the best move outside of Tectonic Rage against Chansey. Memento is also a viable option strictly for momentum purposes if Dugtrio is no longer needed after trapping and KOing its intended target. Sucker Punch is a viable option against Mega Alakazam and can work okay against Choice Scarf Latios if Dugtrio is behind a Substitute.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed with a Jolly nature is recommended to maximize Dugtrio's trapping capabilities against various threats. Groundium Z is the item of choice to let Dugtrio use Tectonic Rage and secure KOs more effectively against all kinds of threats. 21 HP IVs give Dugtrio 201 HP to reach Reversal's maximum Base Power after two Seismic Tosses from Chansey. Arena Trap is used to prevent most grounded foes from switching out against Dugtrio.
Usage Tips
========
Dugtrio can trap plenty of problematic offensive and defensive Pokemon thanks to Tectonic Rage's high Base Power. Though this set does work well on offensive teams, it is also great on defensive teams that need Tectonic Rage to prevent dangerous threats from steamrolling them. Substitute can be used both for protection against Sucker Punch and for maximizing Reversal's Base Power. It is best for Dugtrio to come in after another Pokemon has been KOed or off a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. Though Dugtrio can come in through a double switch, this has a high risk due to Dugtrio's poor durability.
Team Options
========
Defensive teams want to prevent entry hazards if possible to maximize Dugtrio's trapping capabilities. Mega Sableye, Skarmory, and Zapdos are great methods of preventing entry hazards on defensive teams. Offensively inclined teams can look to Mega Scizor, Mew, and Tapu Fini for keeping hazards off Dugtrio's side of the field. U-turn and Volt Switch support can help Dugtrio switch in safely. Mega Scizor, Rotom-W, Tornadus-T, and Tapu Koko are great partners for this. Mega Scizor has the bonus of drawing in Toxapex and Heatran very often, making Dugtrio's job of trapping much easier. Offensive Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Ash-Greninja benefit greatly from Dugtrio. Pokemon that can respond to any of Celesteela, Tangrowth, and Landorus-T are highly recommended to pair with Dugtrio, as they are often the first Pokemon switched in against Dugtrio once it has effectively KOed its intended target. Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Toxapex are decent options.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Memento
move 4: Pursuit / Toxic
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Arena Trap
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake breaks through Heatran, Choice Scarf Terrakion, Tyranitar, and weakened Toxapex while being Dugtrio's best STAB attack to use. Stone Edge revenge kills Mega Charizard Y and +1 Volcarona. Memento allows Dugtrio to sacrifice itself to provide momentum and stat drops for offensive Pokemon to take advantage of. Pursuit is useful to trap Gengar and Alolan Marowak more effectively. Toxic is also a viable option to cripple Tangrowth and Landorus-T, though this move will likely be used the least. Rock Slide is a viable alternative to Stone Edge if accuracy is a major concern.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature, maximum Speed EVs, and Choice Scarf allow Dugtrio to outspeed various threats such as Tapu Koko, +1 Volcarona, and +1 Mega Charizard X. Maximum Attack is highly recommended for Dugtrio to maximize its power. Arena Trap is used to prevent grounded Pokemon from switching out of Dugtrio.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Dugtrio is used to compress the roles of a revenge killer and trapper. Being Choice-locked into Earthquake drains a lot of momentum after Dugtrio has KOed the opposing Pokemon by leaving it vulnerable to various foes such as Tangrowth, Landorus-T, and Gyarados. Memento is useful when Dugtrio is no longer needed to trap anything. It's also a great tool to help Dugtrio's offensive teammates set up more easily on weakened Pokemon.
Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch support are great methods to bring Dugtrio in easily. Mega Scizor, Rotom-W, Tapu Koko, and Tornadus-T are great Pokemon for this. Tangrowth and defensive Landorus-T are great partners that can help Dugtrio avoid exploitation by certain Pokemon such as Landorus-T. Since Chansey is difficult for Dugtrio to revenge kill, effective lures such as Life Orb Tornadus-T and Psyshock Tapu Lele can help Dugtrio out while it traps some of the more problematic threats to them such as Magnezone, Heatran, and Tyranitar. As a bonus, Psychic Terrain from Tapu Lele can protect Dugtrio against Water Shuriken from Ash-Greninja and Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aerial Ace 2HKOes Mega Heracross and is Dugtrio's best attack against Tapu Bulu and Serperior. Combined with Flyinium Z, it guarantees the OHKO on Mega Heracross. Choice Band can be used to give Earthquake more consistent power. It reliably 2HKOes Toxapex even if Dugtrio is burned after the first Earthquake. Endure guarantees Reversal's Base Power is maximized without the assistance of Focus Sash. Sludge Wave is an option to revenge kill offensive Tapu Bulu if they've been weakened a bit.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types and Levitate Users**: Non-grounded Pokemon are immune to Arena Trap and often fear nothing from Dugtrio while being able to set up unless Dugtrio uses Memento. Landorus-T, Skarmory, and Celesteela are the safest switch-ins, since they can immediately threaten Dugtrio out while surviving a full-power Reversal. Zapdos and Gyarados don't enjoy Stone Edge or Memento, but they can otherwise switch in after Dugtrio has KOed a Pokemon and immediately scare it out most of the time. Tornadus-T gets an honorable mention as it is faster than non-Choice Scarf Dugtrio and can easily OHKO. Charizard can remain immune to Earthquake and safely set up Dragon Dance or immediately Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y and roast Dugtrio. It needs to beware of Stone Edge, however.
**Bulky Grass-types**: Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu resist Earthquake and take negligible damage from everything else Dugtrio has offensively. Tapu Bulu is even better than Tangrowth, as it halves Earthquake's Base Power with Grassy Terrain and resists Reversal. Tangrowth can immediately threaten Dugtrio out with STAB Giga Drain. Serperior can use Leech Seed on Dugtrio and use it as bait for +2 Special Attack thanks to Contrary Leaf Storm.
**Priority Users**: Ash-Greninja, Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, Mega Scizor, and Zygarde are common Pokemon that often run priority attacks that can revenge kill Dugtrio. Ash-Greninja gets an honorable mention, as Water Shuriken bypasses Focus Sash.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Garchomp, Zygarde, Hippowdon, Alomomola, and Slowbro can easily absorb an Earthquake and KO Dugtrio with any STAB move of their choosing. Scald from Slowbro and Alomomola can even bypass Focus Sash by burning.
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