Gen 2 GSC NU Graveler [QC 2/2] [GP 1/2]

[gabraltar]

[OVERVIEW]

Graveler is a staple on balance and defensive teams, thanks to its access to the rare Rapid Spin. Spinning away Spikes makes threats such as Xatu and Dugtrio much easier to handle for the defensive teams Graveler fits on. Graveler's ability to scare away the tier's Spiker, Pineco, and the tier's only spinblocker, Gastly, means that it generally doesn't find it difficult to pull off Rapid Spin. Graveler supplements its spinning ability with terrific defensive and offensive utility: on the defensive side, it checks the likes of Fearow and Weezing while absorbing dangerous Normal-type attacks, including Explosion and Self-Destruct. On the offensive side, it has a powerful Earthquake, a very good complementary STAB type in Rock, and the tier's most powerful Explosion. Its Explosion is especially deadly due to how Graveler threatens every Normal-resistant Pokemon, such as Sudowoodo and Magnemite, with its Earthquake. Graveler can use Explosion on common switch-ins such as Octillery, opening a path for teammates such as Xatu and Ninetales.

However, Graveler is crippled by a 4x weakness to Water, and thus needs to run away from Octillery and Dewgong, at least one of which is found on almost every serious NU team. This weakness also means that it can be lured in by Pokemon it's supposed to check, as Weezing can use Hidden Power Water and Pineco can use any of Giga Drain, Toxic, and Hidden Power Water, which can prevent Graveler from safely using Rapid Spin. Graveler also has a severe vulnerability to status, namely Toxic, due to not using Rest. Pokemon that it otherwise checks well such as Ninetales and Persian can cripple it with Toxic and Hypnosis, respectively. Graveler's poor special bulk means it struggles to take hits from Xatu and makes it far less reliable at checking Fire-types. Lastly, Graveler faces competition from other Rock-types; Sudowoodo is much bulkier and lacks 4x weaknesses, while Pupitar is faster than Octillery and uses Screech to answer Curse Normal-types such as Wigglytuff far better than Graveler can.

[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Earthquake is Graveler's main STAB move, able to at minimum 3HKO every neutral target other than Dewgong and 2HKO frailer Pokemon such as Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Rock is Graveler's secondary STAB move, 2HKOing the likes of Xatu and Pineco and threatening a 3HKO on Dewgong. It has excellent synergy with Earthquake, since it hits every single Ground-resistant and -immune Pokemon for super effective damage, outside of the rare Grass-types. Rapid Spin is Graveler's main niche in the tier and makes it easier for its team to take attacks. Explosion lets Graveler trade itself for an almost guaranteed KO and gives it opportunities to open a path for its teammates if it explodes on the correct target.

Team Options
====

Pokemon that give Pineco opportunities to set up Spikes, such as Gloom, Porygon, Stantler, Primeape, and non Double-Edge Wigglytuff, synergize well with Graveler. In return, Gloom can keep Hidden Power Electric Octillery and Dugtrio in check, while Porygon and Wigglytuff can switch into Dewgong. Gloom is an especially great partner, as it can paralyze Xatu, making it even more scared of switching into Graveler, while checking other major threats to it such as Primeape. Graveler also takes on non-Hidden Power Water Weezing and Fearow for Gloom. Octillery and especially Dewgong love Graveler's ability to keep Spikes off the field, while both can switch into Xatu and Ice Beam Octillery for it. Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Kingler all threaten Octillery and Dewgong, and appreciate Rapid Spin support. Houndour Pursuit traps Xatu, which makes it easier for Graveler to spam Earthquake. Houndour also pairs well with other Pokemon that appreciate Graveler, like Gloom and Hitmonlee. Ninetales loves Graveler's ability to lure in and use Explosion on Octillery, and can ease pressure off it to check Weezing. Weezing works well with Graveler, as its Explosion in combination with Graveler's Explosion is an amazing form of offense, and Weezing loves not having to deal with Spikes due to not using recovery. Pineco can work well with Graveler, but the two are hard to fit together, as the offensive teams Pineco fits on usually prefer Dugtrio or Pupitar as their Ground-type, while the balance teams Graveler fits on struggle to fit Pineco over a more individually useful Pokemon. However, having Spikes on the opposing side of the field while not having them on your own side can be a massive, sometimes game-winning advantage, making it well worth the teambuilding struggles.

Other Options
====

Rest keeps Graveler safe from Toxic, but it leaves it unable to spin away Spikes for two turns and forces it to let in key threats. Curse can let Graveler beat Curse + RestTalk Normal-types, such as Wigglytuff. However, it will sorely miss Explosion, and Sudowoodo is often better at using Curse.

Checks and Counters
====

**Water-types**: Pokemon like Octillery and Dewgong can immediately threaten out Graveler with their STAB moves. However, both take heavy damage from Graveler's STAB moves and are usually defensive pillars of their team, making it risky to lose them to Explosion.

**Status**: Graveler doesn't use RestTalk, making it vulnerable to status conditions. Pineco can lure it in and cripple it with Toxic, and it can struggle in other otherwise good matchups like Persian, Ninetales, and Weezing due to their ability to poison it, or in Persian's case, shut it down with Hypnosis.

**Grass-types**: Although rare, pure Grass-types like Exeggcute and Bayleef resist Earthquake, can take Hidden Power Rock, and scare Graveler away with their STAB moves. Gloom doesn't resist Earthquake but can still threaten a swift OHKO with a Grass-type move or cripple it with Stun Spore or poison from Sludge Bomb.

**Xatu**: Although 2HKOed by Hidden Power Rock, Xatu can switch into Earthquake and threaten huge damage due to Graveler's poor Special Defense. Xatu's presence alone makes Graveler hesitant to spam Earthquake at times.

**Porygon**: Porygon can outspeed Graveler, is only 3HKOed by Earthquake, and can threaten a cold 2HKO with Ice Beam, set up Curse on it, or Recover stall its Earthquakes. However, Graveler can pressure Porygon to repeatedly use Recover, giving easier switch opportunities to its teammates, while also having the option to trade itself with Explosion. Graveler can also crit right through a Curse-boosted Porygon with its ample opportunities to use Earthquake.

**Super Effective Coverage**: Graveler's 4x weaknesses to Water and Grass mean that certain Pokemon such as Weezing, Pineco, and Magmar can lure it in and blow it away with Hidden Power Water or Grass.

**Dugtrio**: Although it gets 2HKOed by Earthquake, Dugtrio can easily switch into Hidden Power Rock or Rapid Spin and 2HKO Graveler with Earthquake.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gabraltar.573149/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/juoean.486979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/

 

[BeeOrSomething]

View attachment 527488
[OVERVIEW]

Graveler is a staple on balance and defensive teams thanks to its access to the rare Rapid Spin. Spinning away spikes makes threats such as Xatu and Dugtrio much easier to handle for the defensive teams Graveler fits on. Graveler's ability to scare away the tier's spiker, Pineco, and the tier's only spinblocker, Gastly, means that it generally doesn't find it difficult to pull off Rapid Spin. Gravelers supplements its spinning ability with terrific defensive and offensive utility: on the defensive side, it checks the likes of Fearow and Weezing, while absorbing dangerous normal type attacks, including Explosion and Self-Destruct. On the offensive side, it has a powerful Earthquake, a very good complementary STAB in Rock, and the tiers most powerful Explosion. Its Explosion is especially deadly due to the tiers low amount of normal resists and how it threatens every one of them Normal resist - mention Sudowoodo and Magnemite with its super effective Earthquake. Graveler can explode on common switch ins such as Octillery, opening a path for teammates such as Xatu or Ninetales.

However, Graveler is crippled with a 4x weakness to Water and thus, needs to run away from Octillery and Dewgong, both of which are found on almost every serious NU team. This weakness also means that it can be lured in by pokemon its supposed to check, as Weezing and even Pineco can run Hidden Power Water. Graveler also has a severe vulnerability to status, namely Toxic, due to not using Rest. Pokemon that it otherwise checks well such as Ninetales and Persian can cripple it with Toxic and Hypnosis respectively. Even Pineco often uses Toxic, making it more difficult for Graveler to keep spikes off the field over the course of a game. Pineco luring Graveler with Toxic or Hidden Power should be emphasized more Graveler's poor special bulk means it struggles to take hits from Xatu. Graveler's low special defense also means that it struggles to take on fire types long-term which it should be able to with its resistance Lastly, Graveler faces competition from other rock types in the tier: Sudowoodo is much bulkier and lacks 4x weaknesses, while Pupitar is faster than Octillery while using Screech to completely counter Curse Normal types such as Wigglytuff.

[SET]
name: Spinner Rapid Spin
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Earthquake is Graveler's main STAB, doing solid damage to those that don't resist it. Hidden Power Rock is Graveler's secondary STAB, scaring the likes of Xatu, and more importantly, Pineco. Emphasize that STAB Rock compliments STAB Ground very well It is used over Rock Slide as Rock Slide is incompatible with Rapid Spin. Unnecessary Rapid Spin is Graveler's main niche in the tier and makes it easier for its team to take attacks. Explosion lets it trade itself for an almost guaranteed KO and gives it opportunities to open a path for its teammates, if it explodes on the correct target.

Team Options
====

Pokemon that give Pineco opportunities to set up spikes are the main teammates that synergize well with Graveler. Grass types like Gloom and Bayleef and others such as Porygon and non-Double-Edge Wigglytuff appreciate Graveler for that reason. Compress these two sentences to emphasize the point and to remove fluff In return, the likes of Gloom and Bayleef can keep in check Hidden Power Electric Octillery and Dugtrio, while Porygon and Wigglytuff switch into Dewgong. Bayleef is not very common and is probably not worthy of a mention. Gloom is especially a great partner, as it can spread paralysis on Xatu, making it even more scared of switching into Graveler, while checking other major threats to it such as Primeape. In return, Graveler takes on non Hidden Power Water Weezing and especially Fearow. Octillery and especially Dewgong, love Graveler's ability to keep spikes off the field while both switching into Xatu and Ice Beam Octillery for it. Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Kingler all threaten the waters, Octillery and Dewgong especially Dewgong, and appreciate spin support. Houndour pursuit traps Xatu which makes it easier for Graveler to spam Earthquake. Houndour also pairs well with the common Gloom partner Ninetales loves Graveler's ability to lure in and explode on Octillery, and can ease pressure off it to check Weezing. Pineco, although somewhat hard to fit alongside Graveler, can work well with it. Graveler + Pineco defensive teams are hard to make because having those two and Gloom is constricting, and offensive Graveler + Pineco teams usually prefer Dugtrio. Having spikes on the opposing side of the field while not having spikes on your own side can be a massive, often game-winning advantage, making it well worth the teambuilding struggles.

Other Options
====

Rest keeps Graveler safe from Toxic but it leaves it unable to spin away spikes for 2 turns and forces it to let in key threats. Curse can let Graveler beat Curse RestTalk Normals, such as Wigglytuff. However, it will sorely miss Explosion and Sudowoodo is often better at using Curse.

Checks and Counters
====

**Water types**: Pokemon like Octillery and Dewgong can immediately threaten out Graveler with their STABs. However, neither, especially Dewgong, like switching into it and are usually defensive pillars of their team, making it risky to lose them to Explosion. They don't necessarily stray away from switching into Graveler, they just take a lot of damage - Octillery is likely to be 3HKOed by Earthquake, while Dewgong is 3HKOed by HP Rock - however, both Octillery and Dewgong are faster and run RestTalk commonly, further compounded by often using Surf and Ice Beam.

**Status**: Graveler doesn't use Rest Talk, making it vulnerable to status conditions. Pineco can lure it in and cripple it with Toxic, while it struggles with otherwise good matchups like Persian, Ninetales, and Weezing, due to them being able to poison it, or in Persian's case, shut it down with Hypnosis.

**Grass types**: Although rare, pure Grass types like Exeggcute and Bayleef resist Earthquake, can take Hidden Power Rock, and can scare it away with their STABs. Gloom doesn't resist Earthquake but can still threaten a swift OHKO with a grass move. Gloom without a grass move can still threaten to poison or paralyze Graveler.

**Xatu**: Although scared of Hidden Power Rock, Xatu can switch into Earthquake and threaten huge damage due to Graveler's poor special defense. Xatu's prominence alone makes it hesitant to spam Earthquake at times.

**Suprise Coverage Moves**: Super Effective Coverage Graveler's 4x Water weakness means that certain pokemon such as Weezing, Pineco, and Magmar can lure it in and blow it away with Hidden Power Water or Grass.

Mention Dugtrio. Switches into Hidden Power Rock or Rapid Spin and threatens an easy 2HKO with Earthquake.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gabraltar.573149/]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

good stuff, qc 1/2 after implementing.

 

[gabraltar]

good stuff, qc 1/2 after implementing.

implemented changes

 

[juoean]

comments optional unless otherwise specified

View attachment 527488
[OVERVIEW]

Graveler is a staple on balance and defensive teams thanks to its access to the rare Rapid Spin. Spinning away spikes makes threats such as Xatu and Dugtrio much easier to handle for the defensive teams Graveler fits on. Graveler's ability to scare away the tier's spiker, Pineco, and the tier's only spinblocker, Gastly, means that it generally doesn't find it difficult to pull off Rapid Spin. Gravelers supplements its spinning ability with terrific defensive and offensive utility: on the defensive side, it checks the likes of Fearow and Weezing, while absorbing dangerous normal type attacks, including Explosion and Self-Destruct. On the offensive side, it has a powerful Earthquake, a very good complementary STAB in Rock, and the tiers most powerful Explosion. Its Explosion is especially deadly due how it threatens every normal resist, such as Sudowoodo and Magnemite, with its Earthquake. Graveler can explode on common switch ins such as Octillery, opening a path for teammates such as Xatu or Ninetales.

However, Graveler is crippled with a 4x weakness to Water and thus, needs to run away from Octillery and Dewgong, both of which are at least one of which is found on almost every serious NU team. This weakness also means that it can be lured in by pokemon its supposed to check, as Weezing and even Pineco can run Hidden Power Water. Graveler also has a severe vulnerability to status, namely Toxic, due to not using Rest. Pokemon that it otherwise checks well such as Ninetales and Persian can cripple it with Toxic and Hypnosis respectively. Pineco can take advantage of these weaknesses by luring it in and hitting it with Toxic or Hidden Power Water, limiting Graveler's ability to spin its spikes away. Graveler's poor special bulk means it struggles to take hits from Xatu and also makes it far less reliable at checking fire types. Lastly, Graveler faces competition from other rock types in the tier: Sudowoodo is much bulkier and lacks 4x weaknesses, while Pupitar is faster than Octillery while using Screech to completely counter Curse Normal types such as Wigglytuff.

[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Earthquake is Graveler's main STAB, doing solid damage to those that don't resist it u might want to be more specific eg, able to at minimum 3HKO every neutral target other than Dewgong, and 2HKOing frailer Pokemon such as Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Rock is Graveler's secondary STAB, scaring 2HKOing the likes of Xatu, and more importantly, Pineco while also dealing upwards of 45% to Dewgong (or something like this, like it doesnt necessarily have to be xHKOs or whatever but i think more specificity would be good rather than "solid damage" which ppl could interpret in lots of different ways. idk). It has excellent synergy with Earthquake, as the two moves combined are unresisted by the entire tier (a neutral hp rock isnt worth much but more importantly, hp rock hits every eq resist or immune super effectively except for some very niche grass types, so u might want to reword this as well). Rapid Spin is Graveler's main niche in the tier and makes it easier for its team to take attacks. Explosion lets it trade itself for an almost guaranteed KO and gives it opportunities to open a path for its teammates, if it explodes on the correct target.

Team Options
====

Pokemon that give Pineco opportunities to set up spikes, such as Gloom, Porygon, and non Double-Edge Wigglytuff, are the main teammates that synergize well with Graveler. In return, Gloom can keep in check Hidden Power Electric Octillery and Dugtrio, while Porygon and Wigglytuff switch into Dewgong. Gloom is especially a great partner, as it can spread paralysis on Xatu, making it even more scared of switching into Graveler, while checking other major threats to it such as Primeape. team options is extremely subjective but maybe mention weezing here too since its the #1 mon in the tier and has great grav synergy. In return, Graveler takes on non Hidden Power Water Weezing and especially Fearow. Octillery and especially Dewgong, love Graveler's ability to keep spikes off the field while both switching into Xatu and Ice Beam Octillery for it. Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Kingler all threaten Octillery and Dewgong, and appreciate spin support. Houndour pursuit traps Xatu which makes it easier for Graveler to spam Earthquake. Houndour also pairs well with Gloom, a common partner of Graveler. Ninetales loves Graveler's ability to lure in and explode on Octillery, and can ease pressure off it to check Weezing. Pineco, although hard to fit alongside Graveler, can work well with it. It is difficult to fit Graveler alongside Pineco as the offensive teams Pineco fits on usually prefer Dugtrio as their ground type, while the balance teams Graveler fits on struggle to fit Pineco due to its lack of defensive utility. However, having spikes on the opposing side of the field while not having spikes on your own side can be a massive, often game-winning advantage, making it well worth the teambuilding struggles.

Other Options
====

Rest keeps Graveler safe from Toxic but it leaves it unable to spin away spikes for 2 turns and forces it to let in key threats. Curse can let Graveler beat Curse RestTalk Normals, such as Wigglytuff. However, it will sorely miss Explosion and Sudowoodo is often better at using Curse.

Checks and Counters
====

**Water types**: Pokemon like Octillery and Dewgong can immediately threaten out Graveler with their STABs. However, both take heavy damage from its STABs and are usually defensive pillars of their team, making it risky to lose them to Explosion.

**Porygon**: Porygon outspeeds Graveler, avoids a 2HKO from Earthquake and prevents Graveler from making progress with its 32 PP Recover. Bolt Beam Porygon can 2HKO Graveler with Ice Beam, whereas Curse Porygon can start setting up if Graveler ever leaves it at high health by clicking a move other than Earthquake, . However, the pressure on Porygon to repeatedly recover can provide safer entry points for Graveler's teammates; Porygon also cannot prevent Graveler from trading with it with Explosion. obv feel free to rewrite this however you would like to but pory def needs to be somewhere in c&c

**Status**: Graveler doesn't use Rest Talk, making it vulnerable to status conditions. Pineco can lure it in and cripple it with Toxic, while it struggles with otherwise good matchups like Persian, Ninetales, and Weezing, due to them being able to poison it, or in Persian's case, shut it down with Hypnosis.

**Grass types**: Although rare, pure Grass types like Exeggcute and Bayleef resist Earthquake, can take Hidden Power Rock, and can scare it away with their STABs. Gloom doesn't resist Earthquake but can still threaten a swift OHKO with a grass move, or cripple it with Stun Spore or Sludge Bomb poisons.

**Xatu**: Although scared of Hidden Power Rock, Xatu can switch into Earthquake and threaten huge damage due to Graveler's poor special defense. Xatu's prominence presence alone makes it hesitant to spam Earthquake at times.

**Super Effective Coverage**: Graveler's 4x Water weakness means that certain pokemon such as Weezing, Pineco, and Magmar can lure it in and blow it away with Hidden Power Water or Grass.

**Dugtrio**: Although it gets 2HKOed by Earthquake, Dugtrio can easily switch into Hidden Power Rock or Rapid Spin and 2HKO it with Earthquake

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gabraltar.573149/]]
- Quality checked by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728/], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]

qc 2/2 as long as porygon is added to c&c somewhere.

 

[juoean]

oh realized in the first sentence of set details i left out dugtrio as a frail mon 2hkod by grav eq if u want to add that. (optional, up to you)

qc 2/2 so this is gp ready

 

[juoean]

GP Team

 

[SolarBeam]

1/2

i subscribe to the 'machamp and golem are meant to swap traits when evolving' theory

blue = add
red = remove
(orange) = comment

[OVERVIEW]

Graveler is a staple on balance and defensive teams, (AC) thanks to its access to the rare Rapid Spin. Spinning away spikes Spikes makes threats such as Xatu and Dugtrio much easier to handle for the defensive teams Graveler fits on. Graveler's ability to scare away the tier's spiker Spiker, Pineco, and the tier's only spinblocker, Gastly, means that it generally doesn't find it difficult to pull off Rapid Spin. Gravelers Graveler supplements its spinning ability with terrific defensive and offensive utility: on the defensive side, it checks the likes of Fearow and Weezing (RC) while absorbing dangerous normal type Normal-type attacks, including Explosion and Self-Destruct. On the offensive side, it has a powerful Earthquake, a very good complementary STAB type in Rock, and the tier's (AA) most powerful Explosion. Its Explosion is especially deadly due how it Graveler threatens every normal resist Normal-resistant Pokemon, such as Sudowoodo and Magnemite, with its Earthquake. Graveler can explode use Explosion on common switch-ins (AH) such as Octillery, opening a path for teammates such as Xatu or and Ninetales.

However, Graveler is crippled with by a 4x weakness to Water, (AC) and thus (RC) needs to run away from Octillery and Dewgong, at least one of which are is found on almost every serious NU team. This weakness also means that it can be lured in by pokemon Pokemon it's (AA) supposed to check, as Weezing and even Pineco can run Hidden Power Water. Graveler also has a severe vulnerability to status, namely Toxic, due to not using Rest. Pokemon that it otherwise checks well such as Ninetales and Persian can cripple it with Toxic and Hypnosis, (AC) respectively. Pineco can take advantage of these weaknesses by luring it in and hitting it with Toxic, Giga Drain, (AC) or Hidden Power Water, limiting Graveler's ability to spin its spikes Spikes away. Graveler's poor special bulk means it struggles to take hits from Xatu and also makes it far less reliable at checking fire types Fire-types. Lastly, Graveler faces competition from other rock types in the tier Rock-types: Sudowoodo is much bulkier and lacks 4x weaknesses, while Pupitar is faster than Octillery while using and uses Screech to answer Curse Normal-types (AH) such as Wigglytuff far better than Graveler can.

[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Earthquake is Graveler's main STAB move, able to at minimum 3HKO every neutral target other than Dewgong (RC) and 2HKOing 2HKO frailer Pokemon such as Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Rock is Graveler's secondary STAB move, 2HKOing the likes of Xatu and Pineco and (RC) threatening a 3HKO on Dewgong, and 2HKOing Pineco. It has excellent synergy with Earthquake, since it hits every single Earthquake resist or immunity Ground-resistant and -immune Pokemon for super effective damage, outside of the rare Grass-types (RH). Rapid Spin is Graveler's main niche in the tier and makes it easier for its team to take attacks. Explosion lets it Graveler trade itself for an almost guaranteed KO and gives it opportunities to open a path for its teammates (RC) if it explodes on the correct target.

Team Options
====

Pokemon that give Pineco opportunities to set up spikes Spikes, such as Gloom, Porygon, and non Double-Edge Wigglytuff, are the main teammates that synergize well with Graveler. In return, Gloom can keep in check Hidden Power Electric Octillery and Dugtrio in check, while Porygon and Wigglytuff can switch into Dewgong. Gloom is especially a an especially great partner, as it can spread paralysis on paralyze Xatu, making it even more scared of switching into Graveler, while checking other major threats to it such as Primeape. In return, Graveler takes on non-Hidden (AH) Power Water Weezing and especially Fearow. Octillery and especially Dewgong (RC) love Graveler's ability to keep spikes Spikes off the field, (AC) while both switching can switch into Xatu and Ice Beam Octillery for it. Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Kingler all threaten Octillery and Dewgong, and appreciate spin Rapid Spin support. Houndour pursuit Pursuit traps Xatu, (AC) which makes it easier for Graveler to spam Earthquake. Houndour also pairs well with Gloom, a common partner of Graveler. Ninetales loves Graveler's ability to lure in and explode use Explosion on Octillery (RC) and can ease pressure off it to check Weezing. Weezing works well with Graveler, as its Explosion in combination with Graveler's Explosion is an amazing form of offense, (AC) in the tier and Weezing loves not having to deal with Spikes (RC) due to not using recovery. Pineco, although hard to fit alongside Graveler, can work well with it. It is difficult to fit Graveler alongside Pineco Pineco can work well with Graveler, but the two are hard to fit together, (merging due to redundancy) as the offensive teams Pineco fits on usually prefer Dugtrio as their ground type Ground-type, while the balance teams Graveler fits on struggle to fit Pineco due to its lack of defensive utility. However, having spikes Spikes on the opposing side of the field while not having spikes them on your own side can be a massive, often game-winning advantage, making it well worth the teambuilding struggles.

Other Options
====

Rest keeps Graveler safe from Toxic, (AC) but it leaves it unable to spin away spikes Spikes for 2 two turns and forces it to let in key threats. Curse can let Graveler beat Curse + RestTalk Normals Normal-types, such as Wigglytuff. However, it will sorely miss Explosion, (AC) and Sudowoodo is often better at using Curse.

Checks and Counters
====

**Water-types (AH)**: Pokemon like Octillery and Dewgong can immediately threaten out Graveler with their STABs STAB moves. However, both take heavy damage from its STABs Graveler's STAB moves and are usually defensive pillars of their team, making it risky to lose them to Explosion.

**Status**: Graveler doesn't use Rest Talk RestTalk, making it vulnerable to status conditions. Pineco can lure it in and cripple it with Toxic, while it struggles with otherwise good matchups like Persian, Ninetales, and Weezing (RC) due to them being able their ability to poison it, or in Persian's case, shut it down with Hypnosis.

**Grass-types (AH)**: Although rare, pure Grass-types (AH) like Exeggcute and Bayleef resist Earthquake, can take Hidden Power Rock, and can scare it Graveler away with their STABs STAB moves. Gloom doesn't resist Earthquake but can still threaten a swift OHKO with a grass Grass-type move (RC) or cripple it with Stun Spore or poison from Sludge Bomb poisons.

**Xatu**: Although scared of Hidden Power Rock, Xatu can switch into Earthquake and threaten huge damage due to Graveler's poor special defense Special Defense. Xatu's presence alone makes it Graveler hesitant to spam Earthquake at times.

**Porygon**: Porygon can outspeed Graveler, is only 3HKOed by Earthquake, and can threaten a cold 2HKO with Ice Beam, set up Curse on it, (AC) or Recover stall its Earthquakes. However, Graveler can pressure it Porygon to recover use Recover, giving easier switch in opportunities to its teammates, while also having the option to trade itself with Explosion.

**Super Effective Coverage**: Graveler's 4x Water weakness means weaknesses to Water and Grass mean that certain pokemon Pokemon such as Weezing, Pineco, and Magmar can lure it in and blow it away with Hidden Power Water or Grass.

**Dugtrio**: Although it gets 2HKOed by Earthquake, Dugtrio can easily switch into Hidden Power Rock or Rapid Spin and 2HKO it Graveler with Earthquake. (AP)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gabraltar.573149/]]
- Quality checked by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728/], [https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/juoean.486979/]
- Grammar checked by: [[https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/], [username2, userid2]]

 

[gabraltar]

done

 

[SolarBeam]

I didn't know until recently that I could stamp 2/2 if necessary. Willing to do so as long as you finish implementing my original check- there was some stuff that was incorrectly or not fully implemented. If you're not already familiar, there's an easy method for implementation found here that lets you do so quickly and without having to rely on eyeballing.

 

[BeeOrSomething]

SolarBeam I edited the remaining changes over and fixed up/added small bits of information, you said you wanted to check it over again before stamping

 

[SolarBeam]

2/2, GP Team done. Just hitting a couple things I initially missed, same colors

part 2

[OVERVIEW]

Graveler is a staple on balance and defensive teams, thanks to its access to the rare Rapid Spin. Spinning away Spikes makes threats such as Xatu and Dugtrio much easier to handle for the defensive teams Graveler fits on. Graveler's ability to scare away the tier's Spiker, Pineco, and the tier's only spinblocker, Gastly, means that it generally doesn't find it difficult to pull off Rapid Spin. Graveler supplements its spinning ability with terrific defensive and offensive utility. (colon > period) on On the defensive side, it checks the likes of Fearow and Weezing while absorbing dangerous Normal-type attacks, including Explosion and Self-Destruct. On the offensive side, it has a powerful Earthquake, a very good complementary STAB type in Rock, and the tier's most powerful Explosion. Its Explosion is especially deadly due to how Graveler threatens every Normal-resistant Pokemon, such as Sudowoodo and Magnemite, with its Earthquake. Graveler can use Explosion on common switch-ins such as Octillery, opening a path for teammates such as Xatu and Ninetales.

However, Graveler is crippled by a 4x weakness to Water, and thus it needs to run away from Octillery and Dewgong, at least one of which is found on almost every serious NU team. This weakness also means that it can be lured in by Pokemon it's supposed to check, as Weezing can use Hidden Power Water and Pineco can use any of Giga Drain, Toxic, and Hidden Power Water, which can prevent Graveler from safely using Rapid Spin. Graveler also has a severe vulnerability to status, namely Toxic, due to not using Rest. Pokemon that it otherwise checks well such as Ninetales and Persian can cripple it with Toxic and Hypnosis, respectively. Graveler's poor special bulk means it struggles to take hits from Xatu and makes it far less reliable at checking Fire-types. Lastly, Graveler faces competition from other Rock-types; Sudowoodo is much bulkier and lacks 4x weaknesses, while Pupitar is faster than Octillery and uses Screech to answer Curse Normal-types such as Wigglytuff far better than Graveler can.

[SET]
name: Rapid Spin
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Hidden Power Rock
move 3: Rapid Spin
move 4: Explosion

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Earthquake is Graveler's main STAB move, able to at minimum 3HKO every neutral target other than Dewgong and 2HKO frailer Pokemon such as Hitmonlee. Hidden Power Rock is Graveler's secondary STAB move, 2HKOing the likes of Xatu and Pineco and threatening a 3HKO on Dewgong. It has excellent synergy with Earthquake, since it hits every single Ground-resistant and -immune Pokemon for super effective damage, outside of the rare Grass-types. Rapid Spin is Graveler's main niche in the tier and makes it easier for its team to take attacks. Explosion lets Graveler trade itself for an almost guaranteed KO and gives it opportunities to open a path for its teammates if it explodes uses Explosion on the correct target.

Team Options
====

Pokemon that give Pineco opportunities to set up Spikes, such as Gloom, Porygon, Stantler, Primeape, and non Double-Edge Wigglytuff, synergize well with Graveler. In return, Gloom can keep Hidden Power Electric Octillery and Dugtrio in check, while Porygon and Wigglytuff can switch into Dewgong. Gloom is an especially great partner, as it can paralyze Xatu, making it even more scared of switching into Graveler, while checking other major threats to it such as Primeape. Graveler also takes on non-Hidden Power Water Weezing and Fearow for Gloom. Octillery and especially Dewgong love Graveler's ability to keep Spikes off the field, while both can switch into Xatu and Ice Beam Octillery for it. Hitmonlee, Primeape, and Kingler all threaten Octillery and Dewgong (RC) and appreciate Rapid Spin support. Houndour Pursuit traps Xatu, which makes it easier for Graveler to spam Earthquake. Houndour also pairs well with other Pokemon that appreciate Graveler, like Gloom and Hitmonlee. Ninetales loves Graveler's ability to lure in and use Explosion on Octillery (RC) and can ease pressure off it to check Weezing. Weezing works well with Graveler, as its Explosion in combination with Graveler's Explosion is an amazing form of offense, and Weezing loves not having to deal with Spikes due to not using recovery. Pineco can work well with Graveler, but the two are hard to fit together, as the offensive teams Pineco fits on usually prefer Dugtrio or Pupitar as their Ground-type, while the balance teams Graveler fits on struggle to fit Pineco over a more individually useful Pokemon. However, having Spikes on the opposing side of the field while not having them on your own side can be a massive, sometimes game-winning advantage, making it well worth the teambuilding struggles.

Other Options
====

Rest keeps Graveler safe from Toxic, but it leaves it unable to spin away Spikes for two turns and forces it to let in key threats. Curse can let Graveler beat Curse + RestTalk Normal-types, such as Wigglytuff. However, it Graveler will sorely miss Explosion, and Sudowoodo is often better at using Curse.

Checks and Counters
====

**Water-types**: Pokemon like Octillery and Dewgong can immediately threaten out Graveler with their STAB moves. However, both take heavy damage from Graveler's STAB moves and are usually defensive pillars of their team, making it risky to lose them to Explosion.

**Status**: Graveler doesn't use RestTalk, making it vulnerable to status conditions. Pineco can lure it in and cripple it with Toxic, and it can struggle in other otherwise good matchups like Persian, Ninetales, and Weezing due to their ability to poison it (RC) or, (AC) in Persian's case, shut it down with Hypnosis.

**Grass-types**: Although rare, pure Grass-types like Exeggcute and Bayleef resist Earthquake, can take Hidden Power Rock, and scare Graveler away with their STAB moves. Gloom doesn't resist Earthquake but can still threaten a swift OHKO with a Grass-type move or cripple it with Stun Spore or poison from Sludge Bomb.

**Xatu**: Although 2HKOed by Hidden Power Rock, Xatu can switch into Earthquake and threaten huge damage due to Graveler's poor Special Defense. Xatu's presence alone makes Graveler hesitant to spam Earthquake at times.

**Porygon**: Porygon can outspeed Graveler, is only 3HKOed by Earthquake, and can threaten a cold 2HKO with Ice Beam, set up Curse on it, or Recover stall its Earthquakes. However, Graveler can pressure Porygon to repeatedly use Recover, giving easier switch opportunities to its teammates, while also having the option to trade itself with Explosion. Graveler can also crit get a critical hit to break right through a Curse-boosted Porygon with its ample opportunities to use Earthquake.

**Super Effective Coverage**: Graveler's 4x weaknesses to Water and Grass mean that certain Pokemon such as Weezing, Pineco, and Magmar can lure it in and blow it away with Hidden Power Water or Grass.

**Dugtrio**: Although it gets 2HKOed by Earthquake, Dugtrio can easily switch into Hidden Power Rock or Rapid Spin and 2HKO Graveler with Earthquake.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/gabraltar.573149/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/beeorsomething.583728
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/juoean.486979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/