I'm the 4th person, and last person to attempt this analysis...and I WILL get it done.
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/heracross
[Overview]
<p>Heracross is one of the best physical sweepers in the UU tier, and for good reason. It has a massive Attack stat, combined with two 120 Base Power STAB moves, Close Comat and Megahorn, as well as Guts, which raises its Attack should it get statused. Defensively, Heracross has a few nice resistances to Ground-, Rock-, Bug-, and Fighting-type moves which give it plenty of opportunities to switch in and threaten the opponent. It should be noted, however, that Heracross has a 4x weakness to Flying-type moves, and should avoid them at all costs. Unfortunately, Heracross's Speed is lacking, though it can be patched up by utilizing a Choice Scarf. Predict carefully, support it correctly, and Heracross will be an excellent addition to your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to patch up Heracross's average Speed with a Choice Scarf, and allows it to outrun every unboosted Pokemon in the UU tier. If Heracross is lucky enough to switch into a status move, such as Toxic or Will-O-Wisp, Heracross will receive an Attack boost and become incredibly powerful. Close Combat and Megahorn do immense amounts of damage thanks to STAB and Heracross's base 125 Attack stat, and have excellent type coverage between the two. Stone Edge hits Flying-types, such as Zapdos, who resist both Megahorn and Close Combat, and it provides great neutral coverage on most Pokemon in the tier. Pursuit can OHKO fleeing Mismagius, while Knock Off cripples Eviolite users such as Gligar and Dusclops.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Night Slash is another option to deal more damage to Ghost-types, such as Mismagius, and it has a higher critical hit rate to boot. Earthquake is enables Heracross to take out Nidoqueen and Nidoking, its usual counters, while Toxic can cripple bulky Water-types, such as Suicune. Sleep Talk turns Heracross into a sleep absorber, and also gives it a Guts boost in the process. A Jolly nature is recommended as there are a number of Choice Scarf users in this Speed range, though an Adamant nature can OHKO Victini after Stealth Rock damage.</p>
<p>This set has trouble breaking through Gligar and Dusclops, even after their Eviolite have been removed. Most special attackers can take them out easily, good examples include Alakazam, Suicune, and Chandelure. This set also has difficulty with Nidoqueen, Weezing, and Nidoking, so a Psychic-type, such as Cresselia or Alakazam should be considered. Hitmontop, Rotom, Suicune, Milotic, and Donphan, will all slow Heracross down, but can't do much to it because Guts discourages status</p>
<p>As a Choice Scarf user, Heracross will be switching more than usual, making Rapid Spin support an excellent choice. Claydol is a good teammate as it is only hit neutrally by Fire- and Flying-type moves, and it resists Psychic-type moves. It also has access to Stealth Rock, which helps weaken bulky Pokemon, such as Zapdos. Donphan, too, can provide both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin support.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn
move 4: Facade / Night Slash
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>After a single Swords Dance boost, and Guts activated, Heracross reaches a ridiculously high 1047 Attack, which is enough to OHKO almost everything in the tier. This set doesn't have the Speed provided by Choice Scarf, though the insane power boost more than makes up for it. Close Combat is Heracross' main STAB, and coming off 1047 Attack, will hurt anything that isn't a Ghost-type. Megahorn is on the same boat; it deals huge damage to anything that isn't a defensive behemoth, and it provides great coverage when alongside Close Combat. In the last slot, Facade provides better neutral coverage, and it allows Heracross to OHKO Zapdos, Nidoqueen, and Crobat, while Night Slash deals more damage to Ghost-types such as Dusclops. Toxic Orb is the item of choice as it poisons Heracross, which activates Guts; Toxic Orb is preferred to Flame Orb as Heracross loses less health over a shorter space of time.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set is almost impossible to switch into, but due to the loss of Speed, Heracross is much easier to revenge kill. A bulky Water-type, such as Suicine, can switch into most attacks aimed at Heracross, and it can threaten the likes of Moltres and Gligar with its STAB Surf. Snorlax is another good choice as it can switch into Psychic-, Flying-, and Fire-type moves aimed at Heracross and set up with Curse. In return, Heracross can switch into Fighting-type moves aimed at Snorlax.</p>
<p>Stealth Rock support is helpful as it helps wear down Flying-types, such as Zapdos and Xatu, and also allows Heracross to 2HKO Dusclops with Night Slash. Donphan is an excellent choice as it can also provide Rapid Spin support, and can switch into most physical-based attacks aimed at Heracross. Aerodactyl can also set up Stealth Rock, and thanks to its massive Speed stat and access to Taunt, it makes for a reliable lead. Paralysis support is helpful, as it helps cover for the loss of Speed. Cresselia and Porygon2 are ideal teammates for this role thanks to their good defensive stats and access to reliable recovery moves.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive RestTalk
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Life Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set utilizes Rest and Sleep Talk to abuse Guts. In conjunction with base 125 Attack, and a Life Orb, Guts gives Heracross immense power, and also grants it the ability to switch into status moves such as Sleep Powder and Spore without dire consequences. RestTalk Heracross is used to punch massive holes in the opponent's team, and makes for an easier sweep later on in the match. Demonstrating this set's power, when asleep, Heracross can deal approximately 50% damage to physically defensive Zapdos with a resisted move. Rest and Sleep Talk also turn Heracross into a pseuso-status absorber for your team, and should it get inflicted with a damaging status, such as poison or burn, it can simply Rest off the damage and fire off boosted attacks. The only downside of this set is Sleep Talk's unpredictability; which move Sleep Talk selects could prove game changing.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Unfortunately, this set has poorer type coverage and is stopped cold by Dusclops, Cofagrigus, Gligar, and Crobat. Froslass is a good teammate as it can smack Gligar and Crobat with Ice Beam, while Dusclops and Cofagrigus will be dealt with by a super effective Shadow Ball. Krookodile is another partner to consider as it can hit Dusclops and Cofagrigus with Crunch, while Stone Edge will deal a number on Crobat. Apart from the aforementioned Pokemon, nothing else likes to switch into RestTalk Heracross, as they take immense damage from its attacks, even resisted ones.</p>
<p>Flying-types are a problem for Heracross, so it's advisable that you reserve a spot for a Rock- or Steel-type on your team. Empoleon and Rhyperior are both ideal for this role. Both resist Flying-type moves, and they have access to moves such as Ice Beam and Stone Edge, respectively. If you're using this set, be careful of Taunt users, as once Heracross is asleep, it becomes helpless and gives the opponent time to set up.</p>
<p>Without a Choice Scarf equipped, Heracross isn't fast enough to outpace some of the speedier threats in the tier, making paralysis support ideal. Slowbro can switch into Fire- and Psychic-type attacks aimed at Heracross, has access to Slack Off, and acts as an excellent physical wall. Registeel can switch into Psychic- and Flying-type attacks with its excellent defenses, and it has access to both Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock to aid Heracross in its sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Pursuit / Facade / Substitute
item: Choice Band / Toxic Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is probably Heracross's most threatening set. With an Adamant nature and the given EVs, Heracross can switch in easily, severely damage a wall, and switch out. Close Combat and Megahorn both provide excellent power and coverage, while Stone Edge provides excellent neutral coverage alongside the two, and also takes care of Flying-types. Pursuit catches fleeing Pokemon off guard, and it has enough power to OHKO most Ghost-types in the tier, most notably unboosted Mismagius as it switches out. Facade works well with a Toxic Orb and Guts, and it hits Weezing and Nidoqueen neutrally. Substitute helps ease prediction and provides safety from status moves. In addition, if the opponent switches, Heracross gets a free Substitute and a chance to weaken a Pokemon that counters it, such as Gligar.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>If you use Substitute in the last slot, you should shift 16 EVs into HP to give 305 HP, which allows Heracross to use Substitute five times in a row. An Adamant nature can be used if you require more power, but it significantly lowers Heracross's Speed, making it far easier for an opponent to revenge kill Heracross. Night Slash can be used in the last slot to hit Ghost-types as they switch in.</p>
<p>This set needs entry hazards to function to its full potential. With a single layer of Spikes, Heracross can 2HKO Nidoqueen, Suicune, Hitmontop, and Donphan instead of 3HKOing them, and with Stealth Rock on the field, Heracross is guaranteed to OHKO Arcanine and Zapdos 100% of the time. Froslass can set up Spikes with its blistering Speed and immunity to Fighting-type moves, while Donphan can set up Stealth Rock, utilize Rapid Spin, and destroy Fire-types who attempt to KO Heracross. On the subject of Rapid Spin, Hitmontop is another great choice to consider. However, it shares a Flying- and Psychic-type weakness with Heracross.</p>
<p>Paralysis support is helpful as it helps Heracross overcome its average Speed stat. Chansey can abuse Thunder Wave and Wish to support its teammates, and it can switch into most specially-based Psychic-, Fire-, and Flying-type attacks. Slowbro is another option as it possesses a high Defense stat, can switch into Fire- and Psychic-type moves with ease, and has access to Slack Off, and Regenerator, and Thunder Wave.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Low Kick / Rest
move 4: Stone Edge / Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes longer to set up than Swords Dance, though it increases Heracross's survivability and makes it hard to KO with physical attacks after a boost or two. Megahorn the preferred STAB move, and it becomes incredibly powerful after a Bulk Up. Low Kick is preferred over Close Combat as it doesn't lower Heracross's stats, but Close Combat is an option on a more offensive set. Stone Edge provides excellent neutral coverage, though its 80% accuracy may let you down at times. Rest and Sleep Talk may be used in the last slots to survive longer; such a mono-attacking set will tear apart stall teams that rely on status moves to wear Heracross down.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Night Slash can be used in the last slot to deal more damage to Ghost-types. Brick Break can be used over Low Kick for consistent power, and it always 2HKOes Chansey after a single Bulk Up. A Life Orb or Toxic Orb may be used for more power, but it's outclassed by the other sets. The EVs give Heracross a Speed stat of 286, enough to outrun Jolly Mamoswine, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP and Attack to increase Heracross's bulk and power.</p>
<p>The mono-attacking strategy is completely walled by Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types. Luckily, all of these types share a common weakness to Stealth Rock. Donphan is an excellent teammate, as it can set up Stealth Rock, remove hazards with Rapid Spin, and leave serious dents in the opponent's team with its STAB Earthquake. Be careful that the opponent isn't running any phazers, because this will ruin Heracross's strategy.</p>
<p>Weezing and Nidoqueen give this set a tough time as they resist Megahorn and Low Kick, and take little damage from Stone Edge. Slowbro can take on both threats with its STAB moves, and can abuse Thunder Wave to patch up Heracross's average Speed. Froslass can Taunt Weezing, hit Nidoqueen with STAB Ice-type moves, set up Spikes, and cripple the opponent's team with Thunder Wave.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Aerial Ace can hit opposing Heracross super effectively, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. Shadow Claw provides the same type coverage as Night Slash, but Night Slash has an increased critical hit rate, making it the preferred option. Endure and Reversal or Flail is rather gimmicky, though it can catch an unprepared opponent off guard. Feint can break through Pokemon that use Protect, but it isn't very useful. Finally, Heracross can use Counter to hit physical attackers, though Heracross is better off smashing things than taking hits.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Nidoking and Nidoqueen make decent counters as they sport resistances to Rock-, Bug-, and Fighting-type moves. Both Pokemon must watch out for Earthquake, however. Gligar can overcome most sets, thanks to its bulk, immunity to Earthquake and resistances to Bug- and Fighting-type moves. Gligar also has access to Roost and Aerial Ace to restore its health and KO Heracross. Cofagrigus is a great counter as it has an immunity to Fighting-type attacks, and it turns Heracross' Guts into Mummy, which means it can burn Heracross with Will-O-Wisp without boosting Heracross's Attack. Zapdos can switch into everything bar Rock-type moves, and can eliminate Heracross with a super effective Heat Wave. Thanks to its typing and decent defenses, Golurk can switch into any of Heracross's attacks bar night Slash, and proceed to set up a Substitute and fire off Focus Punches. Rotom-H can switch into Bug-type attacks and hit Heracross with STAB Overheat, while Rotom can switch into its Fighting-type moves and smack Heracross with STAB Thunderbolt. Weezing is probably Heracross's biggest counter thanks to its massive Defense, good typing, and access to Flamethrower. Finally, Heracross cannot survive any Flying-type attack, so moves such as Air Slash, Aerial Ace, and Hidden Power Flying will spell doom for it.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Heracross receives Moxie as its Dream World ability. Moxie is an amazing ability thanks to Heracross's immense power, but without Guts, Heracross becomes more vulnerable to status moves.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/heracross
[Overview]
<p>Heracross is one of the best physical sweepers in the UU tier, and for good reason. It has a massive Attack stat, combined with two 120 Base Power STAB moves, Close Comat and Megahorn, as well as Guts, which raises its Attack should it get statused. Defensively, Heracross has a few nice resistances to Ground-, Rock-, Bug-, and Fighting-type moves which give it plenty of opportunities to switch in and threaten the opponent. It should be noted, however, that Heracross has a 4x weakness to Flying-type moves, and should avoid them at all costs. Unfortunately, Heracross's Speed is lacking, though it can be patched up by utilizing a Choice Scarf. Predict carefully, support it correctly, and Heracross will be an excellent addition to your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to patch up Heracross's average Speed with a Choice Scarf, and allows it to outrun every unboosted Pokemon in the UU tier. If Heracross is lucky enough to switch into a status move, such as Toxic or Will-O-Wisp, Heracross will receive an Attack boost and become incredibly powerful. Close Combat and Megahorn do immense amounts of damage thanks to STAB and Heracross's base 125 Attack stat, and have excellent type coverage between the two. Stone Edge hits Flying-types, such as Zapdos, who resist both Megahorn and Close Combat, and it provides great neutral coverage on most Pokemon in the tier. Pursuit can OHKO fleeing Mismagius, while Knock Off cripples Eviolite users such as Gligar and Dusclops.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Night Slash is another option to deal more damage to Ghost-types, such as Mismagius, and it has a higher critical hit rate to boot. Earthquake is enables Heracross to take out Nidoqueen and Nidoking, its usual counters, while Toxic can cripple bulky Water-types, such as Suicune. Sleep Talk turns Heracross into a sleep absorber, and also gives it a Guts boost in the process. A Jolly nature is recommended as there are a number of Choice Scarf users in this Speed range, though an Adamant nature can OHKO Victini after Stealth Rock damage.</p>
<p>This set has trouble breaking through Gligar and Dusclops, even after their Eviolite have been removed. Most special attackers can take them out easily, good examples include Alakazam, Suicune, and Chandelure. This set also has difficulty with Nidoqueen, Weezing, and Nidoking, so a Psychic-type, such as Cresselia or Alakazam should be considered. Hitmontop, Rotom, Suicune, Milotic, and Donphan, will all slow Heracross down, but can't do much to it because Guts discourages status</p>
<p>As a Choice Scarf user, Heracross will be switching more than usual, making Rapid Spin support an excellent choice. Claydol is a good teammate as it is only hit neutrally by Fire- and Flying-type moves, and it resists Psychic-type moves. It also has access to Stealth Rock, which helps weaken bulky Pokemon, such as Zapdos. Donphan, too, can provide both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin support.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Megahorn
move 4: Facade / Night Slash
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>After a single Swords Dance boost, and Guts activated, Heracross reaches a ridiculously high 1047 Attack, which is enough to OHKO almost everything in the tier. This set doesn't have the Speed provided by Choice Scarf, though the insane power boost more than makes up for it. Close Combat is Heracross' main STAB, and coming off 1047 Attack, will hurt anything that isn't a Ghost-type. Megahorn is on the same boat; it deals huge damage to anything that isn't a defensive behemoth, and it provides great coverage when alongside Close Combat. In the last slot, Facade provides better neutral coverage, and it allows Heracross to OHKO Zapdos, Nidoqueen, and Crobat, while Night Slash deals more damage to Ghost-types such as Dusclops. Toxic Orb is the item of choice as it poisons Heracross, which activates Guts; Toxic Orb is preferred to Flame Orb as Heracross loses less health over a shorter space of time.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set is almost impossible to switch into, but due to the loss of Speed, Heracross is much easier to revenge kill. A bulky Water-type, such as Suicine, can switch into most attacks aimed at Heracross, and it can threaten the likes of Moltres and Gligar with its STAB Surf. Snorlax is another good choice as it can switch into Psychic-, Flying-, and Fire-type moves aimed at Heracross and set up with Curse. In return, Heracross can switch into Fighting-type moves aimed at Snorlax.</p>
<p>Stealth Rock support is helpful as it helps wear down Flying-types, such as Zapdos and Xatu, and also allows Heracross to 2HKO Dusclops with Night Slash. Donphan is an excellent choice as it can also provide Rapid Spin support, and can switch into most physical-based attacks aimed at Heracross. Aerodactyl can also set up Stealth Rock, and thanks to its massive Speed stat and access to Taunt, it makes for a reliable lead. Paralysis support is helpful, as it helps cover for the loss of Speed. Cresselia and Porygon2 are ideal teammates for this role thanks to their good defensive stats and access to reliable recovery moves.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive RestTalk
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Life Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set utilizes Rest and Sleep Talk to abuse Guts. In conjunction with base 125 Attack, and a Life Orb, Guts gives Heracross immense power, and also grants it the ability to switch into status moves such as Sleep Powder and Spore without dire consequences. RestTalk Heracross is used to punch massive holes in the opponent's team, and makes for an easier sweep later on in the match. Demonstrating this set's power, when asleep, Heracross can deal approximately 50% damage to physically defensive Zapdos with a resisted move. Rest and Sleep Talk also turn Heracross into a pseuso-status absorber for your team, and should it get inflicted with a damaging status, such as poison or burn, it can simply Rest off the damage and fire off boosted attacks. The only downside of this set is Sleep Talk's unpredictability; which move Sleep Talk selects could prove game changing.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Unfortunately, this set has poorer type coverage and is stopped cold by Dusclops, Cofagrigus, Gligar, and Crobat. Froslass is a good teammate as it can smack Gligar and Crobat with Ice Beam, while Dusclops and Cofagrigus will be dealt with by a super effective Shadow Ball. Krookodile is another partner to consider as it can hit Dusclops and Cofagrigus with Crunch, while Stone Edge will deal a number on Crobat. Apart from the aforementioned Pokemon, nothing else likes to switch into RestTalk Heracross, as they take immense damage from its attacks, even resisted ones.</p>
<p>Flying-types are a problem for Heracross, so it's advisable that you reserve a spot for a Rock- or Steel-type on your team. Empoleon and Rhyperior are both ideal for this role. Both resist Flying-type moves, and they have access to moves such as Ice Beam and Stone Edge, respectively. If you're using this set, be careful of Taunt users, as once Heracross is asleep, it becomes helpless and gives the opponent time to set up.</p>
<p>Without a Choice Scarf equipped, Heracross isn't fast enough to outpace some of the speedier threats in the tier, making paralysis support ideal. Slowbro can switch into Fire- and Psychic-type attacks aimed at Heracross, has access to Slack Off, and acts as an excellent physical wall. Registeel can switch into Psychic- and Flying-type attacks with its excellent defenses, and it has access to both Thunder Wave and Stealth Rock to aid Heracross in its sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Pursuit / Facade / Substitute
item: Choice Band / Toxic Orb
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is probably Heracross's most threatening set. With an Adamant nature and the given EVs, Heracross can switch in easily, severely damage a wall, and switch out. Close Combat and Megahorn both provide excellent power and coverage, while Stone Edge provides excellent neutral coverage alongside the two, and also takes care of Flying-types. Pursuit catches fleeing Pokemon off guard, and it has enough power to OHKO most Ghost-types in the tier, most notably unboosted Mismagius as it switches out. Facade works well with a Toxic Orb and Guts, and it hits Weezing and Nidoqueen neutrally. Substitute helps ease prediction and provides safety from status moves. In addition, if the opponent switches, Heracross gets a free Substitute and a chance to weaken a Pokemon that counters it, such as Gligar.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>If you use Substitute in the last slot, you should shift 16 EVs into HP to give 305 HP, which allows Heracross to use Substitute five times in a row. An Adamant nature can be used if you require more power, but it significantly lowers Heracross's Speed, making it far easier for an opponent to revenge kill Heracross. Night Slash can be used in the last slot to hit Ghost-types as they switch in.</p>
<p>This set needs entry hazards to function to its full potential. With a single layer of Spikes, Heracross can 2HKO Nidoqueen, Suicune, Hitmontop, and Donphan instead of 3HKOing them, and with Stealth Rock on the field, Heracross is guaranteed to OHKO Arcanine and Zapdos 100% of the time. Froslass can set up Spikes with its blistering Speed and immunity to Fighting-type moves, while Donphan can set up Stealth Rock, utilize Rapid Spin, and destroy Fire-types who attempt to KO Heracross. On the subject of Rapid Spin, Hitmontop is another great choice to consider. However, it shares a Flying- and Psychic-type weakness with Heracross.</p>
<p>Paralysis support is helpful as it helps Heracross overcome its average Speed stat. Chansey can abuse Thunder Wave and Wish to support its teammates, and it can switch into most specially-based Psychic-, Fire-, and Flying-type attacks. Slowbro is another option as it possesses a high Defense stat, can switch into Fire- and Psychic-type moves with ease, and has access to Slack Off, and Regenerator, and Thunder Wave.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Low Kick / Rest
move 4: Stone Edge / Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Guts
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes longer to set up than Swords Dance, though it increases Heracross's survivability and makes it hard to KO with physical attacks after a boost or two. Megahorn the preferred STAB move, and it becomes incredibly powerful after a Bulk Up. Low Kick is preferred over Close Combat as it doesn't lower Heracross's stats, but Close Combat is an option on a more offensive set. Stone Edge provides excellent neutral coverage, though its 80% accuracy may let you down at times. Rest and Sleep Talk may be used in the last slots to survive longer; such a mono-attacking set will tear apart stall teams that rely on status moves to wear Heracross down.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Night Slash can be used in the last slot to deal more damage to Ghost-types. Brick Break can be used over Low Kick for consistent power, and it always 2HKOes Chansey after a single Bulk Up. A Life Orb or Toxic Orb may be used for more power, but it's outclassed by the other sets. The EVs give Heracross a Speed stat of 286, enough to outrun Jolly Mamoswine, while the remaining EVs are placed into HP and Attack to increase Heracross's bulk and power.</p>
<p>The mono-attacking strategy is completely walled by Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types. Luckily, all of these types share a common weakness to Stealth Rock. Donphan is an excellent teammate, as it can set up Stealth Rock, remove hazards with Rapid Spin, and leave serious dents in the opponent's team with its STAB Earthquake. Be careful that the opponent isn't running any phazers, because this will ruin Heracross's strategy.</p>
<p>Weezing and Nidoqueen give this set a tough time as they resist Megahorn and Low Kick, and take little damage from Stone Edge. Slowbro can take on both threats with its STAB moves, and can abuse Thunder Wave to patch up Heracross's average Speed. Froslass can Taunt Weezing, hit Nidoqueen with STAB Ice-type moves, set up Spikes, and cripple the opponent's team with Thunder Wave.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Aerial Ace can hit opposing Heracross super effectively, but it doesn't have much use outside of that. Shadow Claw provides the same type coverage as Night Slash, but Night Slash has an increased critical hit rate, making it the preferred option. Endure and Reversal or Flail is rather gimmicky, though it can catch an unprepared opponent off guard. Feint can break through Pokemon that use Protect, but it isn't very useful. Finally, Heracross can use Counter to hit physical attackers, though Heracross is better off smashing things than taking hits.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Nidoking and Nidoqueen make decent counters as they sport resistances to Rock-, Bug-, and Fighting-type moves. Both Pokemon must watch out for Earthquake, however. Gligar can overcome most sets, thanks to its bulk, immunity to Earthquake and resistances to Bug- and Fighting-type moves. Gligar also has access to Roost and Aerial Ace to restore its health and KO Heracross. Cofagrigus is a great counter as it has an immunity to Fighting-type attacks, and it turns Heracross' Guts into Mummy, which means it can burn Heracross with Will-O-Wisp without boosting Heracross's Attack. Zapdos can switch into everything bar Rock-type moves, and can eliminate Heracross with a super effective Heat Wave. Thanks to its typing and decent defenses, Golurk can switch into any of Heracross's attacks bar night Slash, and proceed to set up a Substitute and fire off Focus Punches. Rotom-H can switch into Bug-type attacks and hit Heracross with STAB Overheat, while Rotom can switch into its Fighting-type moves and smack Heracross with STAB Thunderbolt. Weezing is probably Heracross's biggest counter thanks to its massive Defense, good typing, and access to Flamethrower. Finally, Heracross cannot survive any Flying-type attack, so moves such as Air Slash, Aerial Ace, and Hidden Power Flying will spell doom for it.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Heracross receives Moxie as its Dream World ability. Moxie is an amazing ability thanks to Heracross's immense power, but without Guts, Heracross becomes more vulnerable to status moves.</p>
