Ubers Tentacruel

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[OVERVIEW]

Tentacruel's Toxic immunity and great special bulk allow it to act as pivot against threats like Primal Kyogre and Xerneas while also walling Lugia and Arceus-Water. It also has access to support moves such as Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Rapid Spin. Thanks to the latter, Tentacruel sets itself apart from its competition, Toxapex, with its niche of being the only viable defensive spinner in the Ubers metagame, thus securing it a spot in a few stall teams. Also, while both Tentacruel and Toxapex are checked by Ferrothorn, Tentacruel's Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn if it ever goes for Leech Seed. However, entry hazard removal through Rapid Spin is the only practical advantage Tentacruel has over Toxapex, since the latter has access to reliable recovery in Recover as well as a better defensive ability in Regenerator. Tentacruel's pitiful defensive bulk forces it to switch out of most physical threats, even the ones that it has a type advantage against. In a metagame full of such physical threats, Tentacruel requires support from bulkier Pokemon to function properly. Finally, Marshadow poses a threat to many stall teams, which cripples Tentacruel's viability because Toxapex is able to better check it thanks to its great overall bulk and ability to run Haze more viably.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes is highly appreciated by stall because it is able to easily weaken offensive teams, which often lack a reliable hazard remover. Scald stops Pokemon like Mega Gengar from switching in freely to block a Rapid Spin, and the decent chance to burn can deny switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Giratina Leftovers recovery, making them easier to deal with. Tentacruel is the only viable defensive Rapid Spin user in the tier, which is very useful, as it relieves pressure off of the team's Defog user. Tentacruel's lack of reliable recovery makes Protect a highly recommended move. It can be used to heal more from Leftovers, scout out sets, and soften the impact from Z-Moves.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs alongside a Calm nature maximize Tentacruel's special bulk and lets it switch into Arceus-Water, Xerneas, and Lugia as well as pivot around Primal Kyogre. Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed users such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn by preventing them from healing.

Usage Tips
========

Tentacruel's main purpose on a stall team is to provide entry hazard support in the form of Toxic Spikes and a form of entry hazard removal via Rapid Spin. It should be switched into Pokemon that it checks like Arceus-Water and Lugia but can also act as a pivot against Primal Kyogre; this lets Tentacruel gain health from Leftovers and set up Toxic Spikes. When facing teams with Mega Gengar, it is often best to trade Tentacruel by allowing it to be trapped, since it doesn't play that big of a role versus these teams and cannot completely check certain threats. Additionally, Mega Gengar is a massive threat to stall teams, so this is a highly favorable trade. Once Tentacruel has set Toxic Spikes, use phazers like Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory to slowly weaken the opposing team. Protect should be used to receive extra passive recovery from Leftovers. It also lets Tentacruel scout out sets while racking up damage on poisoned threats.

Team Options
========

Tentacruel is unreliable as the sole form of entry hazard removal on a team, making Defog users like Giratina, Arceus-Dark, and Arceus-Ground great teammates. Giratina is a particularly great teammate, as it is able to use Defog on Primal Groudon, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ground, and physical attackers that Tentacruel struggles to go for Rapid Spin against. Giratina can also phaze threats with Dragon Tail to force them to be poisoned by Toxic Spikes. Mega Sableye is a great teammate because it is able to check all Psychic-types apart from Tapu Lele and prevent Ferrothorn from setting up entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Lugia can check common physical threats such as Dual Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh. Having access to Whirlwind makes it even better as a partner, as it's able to phaze threats, causing them to be poisoned when Toxic Spikes is up, while it can go for Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh. Giratina-O makes a decent partner, as it is able to act as a Ground-immune Pokemon and appreciates Toxic Spikes support from Tentacruel, which increases the power of Hex. Cleric support from the likes of Clefable, Blissey, and Chansey is always appreciated in stall teams, which Tentacruel fits best in. Clefable by itself is a great partner, as it can provide Wish support and check threats to most stall teams such as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Refresh Arceus formes. Entry hazard setters like Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are great partners for Tentacruel, as they can form an entry hazard stacking core that is more effective thanks to Tentacruel's Rapid Spin reducing the necessity of Defog. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk are appreciated, as they are able to trap Ghost-types that attempt to spinblock Tentacruel. Ho-Oh is able to switch into Ferrothorn, other Steel-types, and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, making it a great partner. It can cripple support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark as they go for Defog to remove Toxic Spikes, and it can also use Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Yveltal, Giratina-O, and Lugia.

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

Haze can be run over Protect to prevent threats to stall such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Dark from setting up. Acid Spray is an option that can let Tentacruel deal with Mega Sableye, making Toxic Spikes easier to set up. Tentacruel can catch threats like Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza off guard with Ice Beam.

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

**Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers like Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Extreme Killer Arceus, Ho-Oh, and other Swords Dance Arceus formes are able to deal massive damage to if not OHKO Tentacruel due to its lack of physical bulk.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are able to KO or seriously hurt Tentacruel. Primal Groudon can use Tentacruel as setup fodder and Zygarde can recover from Toxic Spikes damage and cure itself of poison by going for Rest. Many threats in Ubers carry Earthquake as their Ground-type coverage, so they can also deal with Tentacruel easily.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye is able to bounce back Toxic Spikes and spinblocks Tentacruel. It can go for Will-O-Wisp to cripple Tentacruel and proceed to KO it with Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn is able to switch into Tentacruel and set up entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock on it. Tentacruel struggles to remove them due to Iron Barbs slowly depleting its health and causing Ferrothorn to win the matchup.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X are able to OHKO Tentacruel with their respective Psychic-type STAB moves.

**Taunt Users**: Taunt is able to shut down Tentacruel, as it becomes unable to set up Toxic Spikes or go for Protect to scout the foe's set, thus making Taunt users like Yveltal and Mega Gyarados nuisances.
 
Last edited:
Team Options:
Pursuit trappers can help with potential spinblockers.

A potential balance/bulky offense build with something like Giratina-O to abuse Toxic Spikes seems possible. Giratina appreciates Toxic Spikes support for either dtail phasing or hex spam. Tenta also appreciates its ability to handle ground types.

Looks good otherwise. QC 1/3
 
Mega Salamence as a partner? hell no (its noted in the first point)

fix up the spacing in the formatting across the analysis, it makes it look more empty than it is

QC 2/3
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Team Options:
Pursuit trappers can help with potential spinblockers.

A potential balance/bulky offense build with something like Giratina-O to abuse Toxic Spikes seems possible. Giratina appreciates Toxic Spikes support for either dtail phasing or hex spam. Tenta also appreciates its ability to handle ground types.

Looks good otherwise. QC 1/3
Mega Salamence as a partner? hell no (its noted in the first point)

fix up the spacing in the formatting across the analysis, it makes it look more empty than it is

QC 2/3
I've implemented both and wrote this up as well. Ready for final qc check!
 
Tentacruel's Water / Poison typing grants immunity to Toxic as well as being able to absorb Toxic
you're just saying the same thing twice here

which combined with its great special bulk allow Tentacruel to check threat's like Primal Kyogre
tentacruel doesn't check kyogre, it can pivot into kyogre but will lose 1v1. you mention tentacruel as a kyogre check in usage tips as well so fix both

Tentacruel is required to be paired with defensive threats such as Lugia and Giratina to take physical hits that it struggles a lot against.
this should be in team options

focus sash magic coat tentacruel? that defeats tentacruel's niche in the tier, remove it

move physical attackers and ground-types above sableye and ferrothorn in c&c, neither appreciate a burn and won't be doing much back anyway. add gengar since it absorbs tspikes and potentially perish traps tentacruel

QC 3/3
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
you're just saying the same thing twice here


tentacruel doesn't check kyogre, it can pivot into kyogre but will lose 1v1. you mention tentacruel as a kyogre check in usage tips as well so fix both


this should be in team options

focus sash magic coat tentacruel? that defeats tentacruel's niche in the tier, remove it

move physical attackers and ground-types above sableye and ferrothorn in c&c, neither appreciate a burn and won't be doing much back anyway. add gengar since it absorbs tspikes and potentially perish traps tentacruel

QC 3/3
Implemented, this is ready for GP!
 
add remove comments
Tentacruel's Water / Poison typing grants it an immunity to Toxic, (AC) which combined with its great special bulk allow allows Tentacruel to act as pivot against threat's threats like Primal Kyogre and Xerneas while also walling Lugia and Arceus-Water. It also has access to support moves such as Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Rapid Spin. Thanks to the latter, Tentacruel sets itself apart from its competition, Toxapex, with its niche of being the only defensively viable viable defensive Pokemon in the Ubers metagame that has access to Rapid Spin, thus securing a spot in a few stall teams. While both of these Pokemon are checked by Ferrothorn, Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn if it ever goes for Leech Seed. However, entry hazard removal support through Rapid Spin is the only advantage it has over Toxapex, since the latter has access to reliable recovery in Recover, as well as the a better defensive ability in Regenerator. Unfortunately, Tentacruel has pitiful defensive bulk and that forces it to switch out from of most physical threats, even the ones that it resists has a type advantage against (you cant "resist" a Pokemon, this what you meant?). In a metagame full of physical threats, Tentacruel requires support from bulkier Pokemon to function properly in a team. Finally, (optional, just ties things up a bit better) Marshadow poses as a threat to many stall teams, (AC) which cripples Tentacruel's viability, (AC) since Toxapex is able to check it thanks to its great overall bulk and being able ability to run Haze viably (if tenta cant run haze viably, why is it in other options?).

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes are is highly appreciated by stall, as it is able to easily weaken offensive teams, (AC) which often lack a reliable hazard remover. Scald on Tentacruel (self-explanatory) stops Pokemon like Mega Gengar from switching in freely to block a Rapid Spin and the decent chance to burn can deny switch-ins like Ferrothorn Leftovers recovery, making it them (this is plural because you're referring to "switch-ins" here, not Ferrothorn specifically) easier to deal with. Tentacruel is the only viable defensive Rapid Spin user in the tier, (AC) which comes in is very useful, as it relieves pressure off of the team's Defog user. The Tentacruel's lack of reliable recovery makes Protect a highly recommended move. It can also be used to scout out sets and soften the impact from Z-Moves.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 SpD Special Defense EVs alonside alongside a Calm nature, (RC) maximize maximizes Tentacruel's special bulk and lets it switch into Arceus-Water, Xerneas, and Lugia, as well as pivot around Primal Kyogre. Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed users such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn by preventing them from healing.

Usage Tips
========

Tentacruel's main purpose on a stall team is to provide entry hazard support in the form of Toxic Spikes and a form of entry hazard removal via Rapid Spin. It should be switched into Pokemon that it checks like Arceus-Water and Lugia but can also act as a pivot against Primal Kyogre; this lets Tentacruel gain health from Leftovers and allows it to set up Toxic Spikes. When facing teams with Mega Gengar, it is often best to trade Tentacruel by allowing it to trap be trapped, since it doesn't play that big of a role versus these teams and cannot completely check certain threats. On the otherhand, Additionally, (on the other hand is usually used to contrast between a positive and negative, which isnt the case here really) Mega Gengar is a massive threat to stall teams, (AC) so this is a highly favorable trade. Phaze the opposing threat with Once Tentacruel has set Toxic Spikes, use (optional-ish, atm this seems really out of place and doesnt link back to usage of tentacruel very well. feel free to ignore this if ive misinterpreted it though) phazers like Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory to slowly weaken the opposing team. Protect should be used to receive extra passive recovery from Leftovers. It also lets Tentacruel scout out sets while also racking up damage on the opposing threat once Toxic Spikes have been set.

Team Options
========

Tentacruel is unreliable as the sole form of entry hazard removal on a team, making Defog users like Giratina, Arceus-Dark, and Arceus-Ground great teammates. Giratina, in particular, is a great teammate, (AC) as it is able to Defog on Primal Groudon, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ground, and physical attackers in general that Tentacruel struggles to go for Rapid Spin against. Giratina can also phaze threats by with Dragon Tail and force them to land of Toxic Spikes that be poisoned by Toxic Spikes, which can slowly reduce their health. Mega Sableye is a great teammate as well, (AC) since it is able to check all Psychic-types apart from Tapu Lele and prevent Ferrothorn from setting up entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Lugia can check common physical threats such as Dual Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh. Having access to Whirlwind makes it even great better as a partner, as it's as its is able to phaze threats, causing them to be inflicted by status when Toxic Spikes is up, while it can go for Toxic on levitating threats Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh. Giratina-O makes a decent partner, (AC) as it is able to act as a Ground immune Ground-immune Pokemon while also appreciating Toxic Spikes support from Tentacruel, (AC) which increases the base power Base Power of Hex. Cleric support from like the likes of Clefable, Blissey, and Chansey is always appreciated in stall teams, which where Tentacruel fits best in. Clefable by itself is a great partner, (AC) as it can not only provide Wish support, but it can also check threats such as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Refresh Arceus formes, (AC) which are threats to most stall teams. Entry hazard setters like Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are great partners to for Tentacruel, (AC) as they can form an entry hazard stacking core that is more effective thanks to Rapid Spin support from Tentacruel. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk are appreciated, (AC) as they are able to trap Ghost-types that attempt to block Rapid Spin from Tentacruel. Ho-Oh is able to switch into Ferrothorn, other Steel-types, and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, making it a great partner. It can cripple support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark as they go for Defog to attempt to remove Toxic Spikes, while it can also use Toxic threats levitating threats on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Yveltal, Giratina-O, and Lugia.

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

Haze can be run over Protect to prevent threats to stall such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Dark from setting up. Acid Spray is an option on Tentacruel that can let it Tentacruel deal with Mega Sableye and make Toxic Spikes easier to set up. Tentacruel can catch threats like Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza off guard with Ice Beam.

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

**Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers like Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Extreme Killer Arceus, Ho-Oh, and other Swords Dance Arceus formes are able to deal massive damage if not OHKO Tentacruel due to its lack of physical bulk.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde Zygarde-C (this what you mean?) are able to deal massive damage if no not KO Tentacruel. Primal Groudon can use Tentacruel as setup fodder and Zygarde can recover from Toxic Spikes damage and cure itself from poison by going for Rest. Many threats in Ubers carry Earthquake as their Ground-type coverage and can also deal with Tentacruel easily.

**Mega Sableye**: Due to Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye is able to bounce back Toxic Spikes while its Ghost typing prevents Tentacruel from removing entry hazards via Rapid Spin. Mega Sableye can go for Will-O-Wisp to cripple Tentacruel and then proceed to KO it with Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn is able to switch into Tentacruel and set up entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock on it. Tentacruel struggles to remove them due to Iron Barbs slowly depleting its health and causing Ferrothorn to win the matchup.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X are able to OHKO Tentacruel with their respective Psychic-type STAB moves.

**Taunt-users**: Taunt is able to shut down Tentacruel, (AC) as it becomes unable to set up Toxic Spikes or go for Protect to scout the foe's sets, thus making Taunt users like Yveltal and Mega Gyarados a nuisance for Tentacruel.

GP 1/2
 
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Tentacruel's Water / Poison typing grants it an immunity to Toxic, (AC) which combined with its great special bulk allow allows Tentacruel to act as pivot against threat's threats like Primal Kyogre and Xerneas while also walling Lugia and Arceus-Water. It also has access to support moves such as Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Rapid Spin. Thanks to the latter, Tentacruel sets itself apart from its competition, Toxapex, with its niche of being the only defensively viable viable defensive Pokemon in the Ubers metagame that has access to Rapid Spin, thus securing a spot in a few stall teams. While both of these Pokemon are checked by Ferrothorn, Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn if it ever goes for Leech Seed. However, entry hazard removal support through Rapid Spin is the only advantage it has over Toxapex, since the latter has access to reliable recovery in Recover, as well as the a better defensive ability in Regenerator. Unfortunately, Tentacruel has pitiful defensive bulk and that forces it to switch out from of most physical threats, even the ones that it resists has a type advantage against (you cant "resist" a Pokemon, this what you meant?). In a metagame full of physical threats, Tentacruel requires support from bulkier Pokemon to function properly in a team. Finally, (optional, just ties things up a bit better) Marshadow poses as a threat to many stall teams, (AC) which cripples Tentacruel's viability, (AC) since Toxapex is able to check it thanks to its great overall bulk and being able ability to run Haze viably (if tenta cant run haze viably, why is it in other options?).

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes are is highly appreciated by stall, as it is able to easily weaken offensive teams, (AC) which often lack a reliable hazard remover. Scald on Tentacruel (self-explanatory) stops Pokemon like Mega Gengar from switching in freely to block a Rapid Spin and the decent chance to burn can deny switch-ins like Ferrothorn Leftovers recovery, making it them (this is plural because you're referring to "switch-ins" here, not Ferrothorn specifically) easier to deal with. Tentacruel is the only viable defensive Rapid Spin user in the tier, (AC) which comes in is very useful, as it relieves pressure off of the team's Defog user. The Tentacruel's lack of reliable recovery makes Protect a highly recommended move. It can also be used to scout out sets and soften the impact from Z-Moves.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 SpD Special Defense EVs alonside alongside a Calm nature, (RC) maximize maximizes Tentacruel's special bulk and lets it switch into Arceus-Water, Xerneas, and Lugia, as well as pivot around Primal Kyogre. Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed users such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn by preventing them from healing.

Usage Tips
========

Tentacruel's main purpose on a stall team is to provide entry hazard support in the form of Toxic Spikes and a form of entry hazard removal via Rapid Spin. It should be switched into Pokemon that it checks like Arceus-Water and Lugia but can also act as a pivot against Primal Kyogre; this lets Tentacruel gain health from Leftovers and allows it to set up Toxic Spikes. When facing teams with Mega Gengar, it is often best to trade Tentacruel by allowing it to trap be trapped, since it doesn't play that big of a role versus these teams and cannot completely check certain threats. On the otherhand, Additionally, (on the other hand is usually used to contrast between a positive and negative, which isnt the case here really) Mega Gengar is a massive threat to stall teams, (AC) so this is a highly favorable trade. Phaze the opposing threat with Once Tentacruel has set Toxic Spikes, use (optional-ish, atm this seems really out of place and doesnt link back to usage of tentacruel very well. feel free to ignore this if ive misinterpreted it though) phazers like Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory to slowly weaken the opposing team. Protect should be used to receive extra passive recovery from Leftovers. It also lets Tentacruel scout out sets while also racking up damage on the opposing threat once Toxic Spikes have been set.

Team Options
========

Tentacruel is unreliable as the sole form of entry hazard removal on a team, making Defog users like Giratina, Arceus-Dark, and Arceus-Ground great teammates. Giratina, in particular, is a great teammate, (AC) as it is able to Defog on Primal Groudon, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ground, and physical attackers in general that Tentacruel struggles to go for Rapid Spin against. Giratina can also phaze threats by with Dragon Tail and force them to land of Toxic Spikes that be poisoned by Toxic Spikes, which can slowly reduce their health. Mega Sableye is a great teammate as well, (AC) since it is able to check all Psychic-types apart from Tapu Lele and prevent Ferrothorn from setting up entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Lugia can check common physical threats such as Dual Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh. Having access to Whirlwind makes it even great better as a partner, as it's as its is able to phaze threats, causing them to be inflicted by status when Toxic Spikes is up, while it can go for Toxic on levitating threats Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh. Giratina-O makes a decent partner, (AC) as it is able to act as a Ground immune Ground-immune Pokemon while also appreciating Toxic Spikes support from Tentacruel, (AC) which increases the base power Base Power of Hex. Cleric support from like the likes of Clefable, Blissey, and Chansey is always appreciated in stall teams, which where Tentacruel fits best in. Clefable by itself is a great partner, (AC) as it can not only provide Wish support, but it can also check threats such as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Refresh Arceus formes, (AC) which are threats to most stall teams. Entry hazard setters like Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are great partners to for Tentacruel, (AC) as they can form an entry hazard stacking core that is more effective thanks to Rapid Spin support from Tentacruel. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk are appreciated, (AC) as they are able to trap Ghost-types that attempt to block Rapid Spin from Tentacruel. Ho-Oh is able to switch into Ferrothorn, other Steel-types, and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, making it a great partner. It can cripple support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark as they go for Defog to attempt to remove Toxic Spikes, while it can also use Toxic threats levitating threats on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Yveltal, Giratina-O, and Lugia.

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

Haze can be run over Protect to prevent threats to stall such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Dark from setting up. Acid Spray is an option on Tentacruel that can let it Tentacruel deal with Mega Sableye and make Toxic Spikes easier to set up. Tentacruel can catch threats like Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza off guard with Ice Beam.

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

**Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers like Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Extreme Killer Arceus, Ho-Oh, and other Swords Dance Arceus formes are able to deal massive damage if not OHKO Tentacruel due to its lack of physical bulk.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde Zygarde-C (this what you mean?) are able to deal massive damage if no not KO Tentacruel. Primal Groudon can use Tentacruel as setup fodder and Zygarde can recover from Toxic Spikes damage and cure itself from poison by going for Rest. Many threats in Ubers carry Earthquake as their Ground-type coverage and can also deal with Tentacruel easily.

**Mega Sableye**: Due to Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye is able to bounce back Toxic Spikes while its Ghost typing prevents Tentacruel from removing entry hazards via Rapid Spin. Mega Sableye can go for Will-O-Wisp to cripple Tentacruel and then proceed to KO it with Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn is able to switch into Tentacruel and set up entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock on it. Tentacruel struggles to remove them due to Iron Barbs slowly depleting its health and causing Ferrothorn to win the matchup.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X are able to OHKO Tentacruel with their respective Psychic-type STAB moves.

**Taunt-users**: Taunt is able to shut down Tentacruel, (AC) as it becomes unable to set up Toxic Spikes or go for Protect to scout the foe's sets, thus making Taunt users like Yveltal and Mega Gyarados a nuisance for Tentacruel.

GP 1/2
Thanks, implemented and ready for 2nd check.
 

GP 2/2
remove add comments

[OVERVIEW]
Tentacruel's Water / Poison typing grants it an immunity to Toxic, which combined with its Toxic immunity and great special bulk allows Tentacruel it to act as pivot against threats like Primal Kyogre and Xerneas while also walling Lugia and Arceus-Water. It also has access to support moves such as Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Rapid Spin. Thanks to the latter, Tentacruel sets itself apart from its competition, Toxapex, with its niche of being the only viable defensive Pokemon spinner in the Ubers metagame that has access to Rapid Spin, thus securing it a spot in a few stall teams. Also, while both of these Pokemon Tentacruel and Toxapex are checked by Ferrothorn, Tentacruel's Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn if it ever goes for Leech Seed. However, entry hazard removal through Rapid Spin is the only practical advantage it Tentacruel has over Toxapex, since the latter has access to reliable recovery in Recover, (comma) as well as a better defensive ability in Regenerator. Unfortunately, Tentacruel's has pitiful defensive bulk that forces it to switch out of most physical threats, even the ones that it has a type advantage against. In a metagame full of such physical threats, Tentacruel requires support from bulkier Pokemon to function properly in a team. Finally, Marshadow poses as a threat to many stall teams, which cripples Tentacruel's viability, (comma) since because Toxapex is able to better check it thanks to its great overall bulk and ability to run Haze more viably.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers (why not Black Sludge?)
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes is highly appreciated by stall, (comma) as because it is able to easily weaken offensive teams, which often lack a reliable hazard remover. Scald stops Pokemon like Mega Gengar from switching in freely to block a Rapid Spin, (comma) and the decent chance to burn can deny switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Giratina Leftovers recovery, making them easier to deal with. Tentacruel is the only viable defensive Rapid Spin user in the tier, which is very useful, as it relieves pressure off of the team's Defog user. Tentacruel's lack of reliable recovery makes Protect a highly recommended move. It can also be used to heal more from Leftovers, scout out sets, (comma) and soften the impact from Z-Moves.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs alongside a Calm nature maximizes Tentacruel's special bulk and lets it switch into Arceus-Water, Xerneas, and Lugia, (comma) as well as pivot around Primal Kyogre. Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed users such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn by preventing them from healing.

Usage Tips
========

Tentacruel's main purpose on a stall team is to provide entry hazard support in the form of Toxic Spikes and a form of entry hazard removal via Rapid Spin. It should be switched into Pokemon that it checks like Arceus-Water and Lugia but can also act as a pivot against Primal Kyogre; this lets Tentacruel gain health from Leftovers and allows it to set up Toxic Spikes. When facing teams with Mega Gengar, it is often best to trade Tentacruel by allowing it to be trapped, since it doesn't play that big of a role versus these teams and cannot completely check certain threats. Additionally, Mega Gengar is a massive threat to stall teams, so this is a highly favorable trade. Once Tentacruel has set Toxic Spikes, use phazers like Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory to slowly weaken the opposing team. Protect should be used to receive extra passive recovery from Leftovers. It also lets Tentacruel scout out sets while racking up damage on the opposing poisoned threats once Toxic Spikes have been set.

Team Options
========

Tentacruel is unreliable as the sole form of entry hazard removal on a team, making Defog users like Giratina, Arceus-Dark, and Arceus-Ground great teammates. Giratina, (comma) in particular, is a particularly great teammate, as it is able to use Defog on Primal Groudon, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ground, and physical attackers in general that Tentacruel struggles to go for Rapid Spin against. Giratina can also phaze threats with Dragon Tail and to force them to be poisoned by Toxic Spikes, which can slowly reduce their health. Mega Sableye is a great teammate as well, since because it is able to check all Psychic-types apart from Tapu Lele and prevent Ferrothorn from setting up entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Lugia can check common physical threats such as Dual Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh. Having access to Whirlwind makes it even better as a partner, as it's able to phaze threats, causing them to be inflicted by status poisoned when Toxic Spikes is up, while it can go for Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh. Giratina-O makes a decent partner, as it is able to act as a Ground-immune Pokemon while also appreciating and appreciates Toxic Spikes support from Tentacruel, which increases the Base Power power of Hex. Cleric support from the likes of Clefable, Blissey, and Chansey is always appreciated in stall teams, which Tentacruel fits best in. Clefable by itself is a great partner, as it can not only provide Wish support, but it can also provide Wish support and check threats to most stall teams such as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Refresh Arceus formes, which are threats to most stall teams. Entry hazard setters like Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are great partners for Tentacruel, as they can form an entry hazard stacking core that is more effective thanks to Tentacruel's Rapid Spin support from Tentacruel reducing the necessity of Defog. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk are appreciated, as they are able to trap Ghost-types that attempt to spinblock Rapid Spin from Tentacruel. Ho-Oh is able to switch into Ferrothorn, other Steel-types, and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, making it a great partner. It can cripple support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark as they go for Defog to attempt to remove Toxic Spikes, while and it can also use Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Yveltal, Giratina-O, and Lugia.

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

Haze can be run over Protect to prevent threats to stall such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Dark from setting up. Acid Spray is an option that can let Tentacruel deal with Mega Sableye, (comma) making and make Toxic Spikes easier to set up. Tentacruel can catch threats like Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza off guard with Ice Beam.

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

**Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers like Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Extreme Killer Arceus, Ho-Oh, and other Swords Dance Arceus formes are able to deal massive damage to if not OHKO Tentacruel due to its lack of physical bulk.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are able to deal massive damage if not KO or seriously hurt Tentacruel. Primal Groudon can use Tentacruel as setup fodder and Zygarde can recover from Toxic Spikes damage and cure itself from of poison by going for Rest. Many threats in Ubers carry Earthquake as their Ground-type coverage, (comma) so they and can also deal with Tentacruel easily.

**Mega Sableye**: Due to Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye is able to bounce back Toxic Spikes while its Ghost typing prevents Tentacruel from removing entry hazards via Rapid Spin and spinblocks Tentacruel. Mega Sableye It can go for Will-O-Wisp to cripple Tentacruel and then proceed to KO it with Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn is able to switch into Tentacruel and set up entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock on it. Tentacruel struggles to remove them due to Iron Barbs slowly depleting its health and causing Ferrothorn to win the matchup.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X are able to OHKO Tentacruel with their respective Psychic-type STAB moves.

**Taunt-users Users**: Taunt is able to shut down Tentacruel, as it becomes unable to set up Toxic Spikes or go for Protect to scout the foe's sets, thus making Taunt users like Yveltal and Mega Gyarados a nuisances for Tentacruel.
 
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[OVERVIEW]
Tentacruel's Water / Poison typing grants it an immunity to Toxic, which combined with its Toxic immunity and great special bulk allows Tentacruel it to act as pivot against threats like Primal Kyogre and Xerneas while also walling Lugia and Arceus-Water. It also has access to support moves such as Toxic Spikes, Haze, and Rapid Spin. Thanks to the latter, Tentacruel sets itself apart from its competition, Toxapex, with its niche of being the only viable defensive Pokemon spinner in the Ubers metagame that has access to Rapid Spin, thus securing it a spot in a few stall teams. Also, while both of these Pokemon Tentacruel and Toxapex are checked by Ferrothorn, Tentacruel's Liquid Ooze punishes Ferrothorn if it ever goes for Leech Seed. However, entry hazard removal through Rapid Spin is the only practical advantage it Tentacruel has over Toxapex, since the latter has access to reliable recovery in Recover, (comma) as well as a better defensive ability in Regenerator. Unfortunately, Tentacruel's has pitiful defensive bulk that forces it to switch out of most physical threats, even the ones that it has a type advantage against. In a metagame full of such physical threats, Tentacruel requires support from bulkier Pokemon to function properly in a team. Finally, Marshadow poses as a threat to many stall teams, which cripples Tentacruel's viability, (comma) since because Toxapex is able to better check it thanks to its great overall bulk and ability to run Haze more viably.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers (why not Black Sludge?)
ability: Liquid Ooze
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes is highly appreciated by stall, (comma) as because it is able to easily weaken offensive teams, which often lack a reliable hazard remover. Scald stops Pokemon like Mega Gengar from switching in freely to block a Rapid Spin, (comma) and the decent chance to burn can deny switch-ins like Ferrothorn and Giratina Leftovers recovery, making them easier to deal with. Tentacruel is the only viable defensive Rapid Spin user in the tier, which is very useful, as it relieves pressure off of the team's Defog user. Tentacruel's lack of reliable recovery makes Protect a highly recommended move. It can also be used to heal more from Leftovers, scout out sets, (comma) and soften the impact from Z-Moves.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs alongside a Calm nature maximizes Tentacruel's special bulk and lets it switch into Arceus-Water, Xerneas, and Lugia, (comma) as well as pivot around Primal Kyogre. Liquid Ooze punishes Leech Seed users such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn by preventing them from healing.

Usage Tips
========

Tentacruel's main purpose on a stall team is to provide entry hazard support in the form of Toxic Spikes and a form of entry hazard removal via Rapid Spin. It should be switched into Pokemon that it checks like Arceus-Water and Lugia but can also act as a pivot against Primal Kyogre; this lets Tentacruel gain health from Leftovers and allows it to set up Toxic Spikes. When facing teams with Mega Gengar, it is often best to trade Tentacruel by allowing it to be trapped, since it doesn't play that big of a role versus these teams and cannot completely check certain threats. Additionally, Mega Gengar is a massive threat to stall teams, so this is a highly favorable trade. Once Tentacruel has set Toxic Spikes, use phazers like Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory to slowly weaken the opposing team. Protect should be used to receive extra passive recovery from Leftovers. It also lets Tentacruel scout out sets while racking up damage on the opposing poisoned threats once Toxic Spikes have been set.

Team Options
========

Tentacruel is unreliable as the sole form of entry hazard removal on a team, making Defog users like Giratina, Arceus-Dark, and Arceus-Ground great teammates. Giratina, (comma) in particular, is a particularly great teammate, as it is able to use Defog on Primal Groudon, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ground, and physical attackers in general that Tentacruel struggles to go for Rapid Spin against. Giratina can also phaze threats with Dragon Tail and to force them to be poisoned by Toxic Spikes, which can slowly reduce their health. Mega Sableye is a great teammate as well, since because it is able to check all Psychic-types apart from Tapu Lele and prevent Ferrothorn from setting up entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Lugia can check common physical threats such as Dual Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, and Ho-Oh. Having access to Whirlwind makes it even better as a partner, as it's able to phaze threats, causing them to be inflicted by status poisoned when Toxic Spikes is up, while it can go for Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh. Giratina-O makes a decent partner, as it is able to act as a Ground-immune Pokemon while also appreciating and appreciates Toxic Spikes support from Tentacruel, which increases the Base Power power of Hex. Cleric support from the likes of Clefable, Blissey, and Chansey is always appreciated in stall teams, which Tentacruel fits best in. Clefable by itself is a great partner, as it can not only provide Wish support, but it can also provide Wish support and check threats to most stall teams such as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Refresh Arceus formes, which are threats to most stall teams. Entry hazard setters like Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are great partners for Tentacruel, as they can form an entry hazard stacking core that is more effective thanks to Tentacruel's Rapid Spin support from Tentacruel reducing the necessity of Defog. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk are appreciated, as they are able to trap Ghost-types that attempt to spinblock Rapid Spin from Tentacruel. Ho-Oh is able to switch into Ferrothorn, other Steel-types, and Z-Geomancy Xerneas, making it a great partner. It can cripple support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Water, and Arceus-Dark as they go for Defog to attempt to remove Toxic Spikes, while and it can also use Toxic on Pokemon immune to Toxic Spikes such as Yveltal, Giratina-O, and Lugia.

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

Haze can be run over Protect to prevent threats to stall such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Dark from setting up. Acid Spray is an option that can let Tentacruel deal with Mega Sableye, (comma) making and make Toxic Spikes easier to set up. Tentacruel can catch threats like Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza off guard with Ice Beam.

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

**Physical Attackers**: Physical attackers like Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Extreme Killer Arceus, Ho-Oh, and other Swords Dance Arceus formes are able to deal massive damage to if not OHKO Tentacruel due to its lack of physical bulk.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are able to deal massive damage if not KO or seriously hurt Tentacruel. Primal Groudon can use Tentacruel as setup fodder and Zygarde can recover from Toxic Spikes damage and cure itself from of poison by going for Rest. Many threats in Ubers carry Earthquake as their Ground-type coverage, (comma) so they and can also deal with Tentacruel easily.

**Mega Sableye**: Due to Magic Bounce, Mega Sableye is able to bounce back Toxic Spikes while its Ghost typing prevents Tentacruel from removing entry hazards via Rapid Spin and spinblocks Tentacruel. Mega Sableye It can go for Will-O-Wisp to cripple Tentacruel and then proceed to KO it with Foul Play or Knock Off.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn is able to switch into Tentacruel and set up entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock on it. Tentacruel struggles to remove them due to Iron Barbs slowly depleting its health and causing Ferrothorn to win the matchup.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Deoxys-A, Lunala, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X are able to OHKO Tentacruel with their respective Psychic-type STAB moves.

**Taunt-users Users**: Taunt is able to shut down Tentacruel, as it becomes unable to set up Toxic Spikes or go for Protect to scout the foe's sets, thus making Taunt users like Yveltal and Mega Gyarados a nuisances for Tentacruel.
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