TTK
Webtoon Character
up -tondas
[OVERVIEW]
Qwilfish is one of the PU tier's top Spikes and Toxic Spikes setters thanks to its good physical bulk, solid defensive typing, and access to Intimidate, which lets it handle a good number of the tier's physical attackers such as Gurdurr and Skuntank. These qualities separate it from its main competition in Froslass, which is unable to handle the aforementioned Pokemon's Dark attacks and unable to remove Toxic Spikes. With a multitude of support moves to choose from, like Taunt, Thunder Wave, and Destiny Bond, Qwilfish is able to add a great amount of utility to teams and succeeds at performing different functions apart from setting entry hazards. Swords Dance also enables Qwilfish to function as a fast rain sweeper alongside its near unresisted STAB combination and ability to remove Toxic Spikes. However, Qwilfish lacks recovery, which means it's susceptible to getting chipped throughout the course of a game from hazards and continually switching into the Pokemon it needs to check like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Qwilfish also has a really poor Special Defense stat and is at the mercy of special attackers like Alolan Raichu and Drampa, which easily force it out. In addition, Qwilfish's passiveness means these special attackers have an even easier time threatening it, since it cannot do anything in return to force them out. Furthermore, outside of rain, Qwilfish struggles to break through bulkier walls such as Gurdurr and relies on Explosion in order to threaten these Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Scald / Waterfall
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Destiny Bond / Thunder Wave
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald has the potential to burn opposing Pokemon, greatly crippling physical attackers such as Aggron and Primeape and preventing Dodrio from using Qwilfish as setup fodder. Waterfall is an alternative over Scald, having higher damage output and a flinch chance. Waterfall also lets Qwilfish hit Pokemon like Aurorus and Lycanroc for much more damage than Scald. Taunt is essential on Qwilfish to shut down slower Pokemon like Regirock, Quagsire, and Gurdurr, preventing them from setting up entry hazards, recovering, and setting up. Taunt also stops slower hazard removers like Skuntank and Articuno to keep Qwilfish's hazards on the field. Destiny Bond can be run over Toxic Spikes to take down slower Pokemon that are able to take Qwilfish out, such as Drampa and Mudsdale. Thunder Wave is also another option that allows Qwilfish to cripple faster Pokemon such as Primeape and Silvally formes, giving opportunities to slower teammates.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Timid or Jolly nature allows Qwilfish to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank and in general gives it a faster Taunt and Destiny Bond. Timid is preferred if running Scald, and Jolly is superior if running Waterfall. Intimidate in conjunction with maximum HP investment gives Qwilfish better opportunities to set up entry hazards and allows it to take on physical attackers like Hitmonchan and Scyther. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers that utilize contact moves such as Hitmonchan and racks up damage against U-turn and Knock Off users like Scyther and Gurdurr. Alternatively, Black Sludge provides Qwilfish with the recovery it otherwise lacks and lets it better handle the chip damage it accumulates over the game.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish can come in on more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Gurdurr, prevent them from setting up with Taunt, and set up Spikes when a switch is expected. It is ideal to do this early-game to immediately apply pressure with entry hazards. Taunt can also be used against slower hazard removers like Lurantis and Skuntank to stop them from removing hazards. Aside from setting up Spikes, Qwilfish is able to spread status with Thunder Wave to punish its switch-ins like Primeape, Jellicent, and Cryogonal. Once Qwilfish has fulfilled it role of setting hazards, Destiny Bond should be used against slower foes that are able to KO it like Choice Specs Aurorus and Victreebel, eliminating a wallbreaker from your opponent's side. Qwilfish should rely on teammates that have good matchups against the aforementioned Pokemon. If Qwilfish has been weakened enough, it is recommended just to bring in it and set up Spikes, as any defensive utility is gone once its health has been depleted. Destiny Bond can also be used at this point.
Team Options
========
Spinblockers are essential to have with Qwilfish, as they prevent its Spikes and Toxic Spikes from being removed. Golurk is notable for also doubling as an entry hazard setter. Other common spinblockers are Jellicent, Silvally-Ghost, and Oricorio-G, and all of them are able to reliably deal with Primeape, which Qwilfish cannot handle well. Oricorio-G and Choice Specs Jellicent also benefit from the entry hazards Qwilfish provides, and Jellicent can take advantage of Qwilfish's status by utilizing Hex. Primeape also works well with Qwilfish, deterring the use of Defog due to its ability Defiant and benefiting from the damage that Spikes provide. It also appreciates Qwilfish being able to handle Gurdurr, and Qwilfish appreciates Primeape handling Cryogonal and Aurorus. Kangaskhan and Omastar are examples of wallbreakers and sweepers that appreciate Qwilfish's Spikes. In return, Qwilfish handles the Fighting-type Pokemon that bother them like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Specially bulky Pokemon like Hitmonchan handle special attackers like Aurorus and Eelektross. Hitmonchan also possesses hazard removal in Rapid Spin, making sure that the hazards Qwilfish has set up do not disappear and increasing Qwilfish's longevity by preventing additional damage. Eelektross is also a nice partner for Qwilfish, handling fast Electric- and Psychic-type Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx. It can also pivot back out to Qwilfish if they switch out, and Qwilfish can continue to apply pressure by setting up hazards.
[SET]
name: Rain Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Liquidation
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Explosion
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall and Liquidation are Qwilfish's options for rain-boosted STAB moves; the former is preferred for its 30% chance to cause a flinch to the opposing Pokemon, but the latter is also an option for increased damage and a potential Defense drop. Poison Jab hits Pokemon that resist Water such as Tangela, Drampa and Lanturn for more damage. Explosion is Qwilfish's strongest move and can instantly break through any Pokemon that are not in range of its STAB attacks like Gastrodon. Explosion also offers momentum and allows one of Qwilfish's teammates to come in.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is preferred over Jolly to maximize Qwilfish's wallbreaking power, especially when rain is active. Life Orb offers a consistent boost in damage but gives Qwilfish recoil damage after every attack. Waterium Z gives Qwilfish a one-time nuke, easily chunking opposing Pokemon under rain, especially at +2 Attack, without the recoil Life Orb possesses.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish should be brought in ideally when rain is active on the field, as Swift Swim allows it to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon in the tier and rain boosts its damage output. While Qwilfish to able to switch into weaker attacks like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr's Drain Punch, its poor bulk limits opportunities to switch in against other Pokemon. Swords Dance should only be used against more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Audino, which cannot damage Qwilfish reliably, or against threats Qwilfish forces out, such as Golurk. Explosion should only be used to knock out specific threats like Quagsire or generate momentum by bringing in another teammate like Ludicolo. Using this move at the right time is a necessity, as Qwilfish is sacrificed. Qwilfish's status as one of the fastest Swift Swim Pokemon in the tier benefits rain teams, and bringing it in to revenge kill Choice Scarf users like Manectric and Scyther, which are able to outspeed partners like Ludicolo, helps out the team.
Team Options
========
Rain setters such as Volbeat and Liepard are required in order for this set to function properly. Liepard and Volbeat also offer U-turn support, and both have access to Prankster, which ensures rain can be safely set up. Other rain sweepers like Kabutops, Ludicolo, and Omastar work well with Qwilfish, since it is able to break opposing Pokemon to give them a better time cleaning as well. The latter two break through physical walls like Gurdurr, which Qwilfish has trouble dealing with, and Qwilfish handles Poliwrath and Tangela for Kabutops, which easily wall it. Pokemon that also deal with Choice Scarf Aurorus and Abomasnow are ideal, since they stop rain with their hail and outspeed Qwilfish. Choice Scarf Primeape is a good example, being able to threaten the two of them with Close Combat. In addition, Alolan Sandslash uses the hail Aurorus and Abomasnow sets up against them and checks them with Iron Head. Assault Vest Crabominable is also notable for its ability to threaten them with super effective STAB Fighting attacks and appreciates rain weakening Fire-type attacks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison Jab is an option in the fourth slot of the utility set, giving Qwilfish an option to hit Water-resistant Pokemon better, such as Lanturn, as well as Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy and Clefairy. Poison Jab pressures the former to not use Defog. However, it is more beneficial for Qwilfish to run one of its utility moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond for crippling other foes. Running Protect on the utility set enables Qwilfish to scout against Choice Scarf Primeape, which can activate its ability Defiant against Qwilfish and potentially do a lot of damage. Pain Split gives utility Qwilfish a more reliable recovery over Black Sludge, especially if you have opted for Rocky Helmet, but Qwilfish's other utility moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond tend to be more useful in games and are very good at crippling certain threats. Maximum Defense investment instead of Speed on the utility set makes Qwilfish bulkier to better take on threats like Stoutland; however, Qwilfish loses out on speed, which is quite important in order to use Taunt on certain Pokemon, and is left more vulnerable to Pokemon like Aurorus.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Special Attackers**: Special attackers such as Jynx, Alolan Raichu, and Oricorio-E easily threaten out Qwilfish with their strong attacks due to Qwilfish's low Special Defense stat and can use Qwilfish as setup fodder.
**Taunt Users**: Faster Taunt users like Froslass and Alolan Persian prevent Qwilfish from setting up entry hazards and stop Qwilfish from utilizing its status moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond. Froslass is able to set up its own Spikes, and Alolan Persian can pivot into something that checks Qwilfish.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Hazard removers like Silvally-Fairy and Rotom-F shut down Qwilfish's attempts to set up Spikes or Toxic Spikes. Both possess Thunderbolt to check Qwilfish, but Silvally-Fairy has to be careful about Poison Jab.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Rain sweeper Qwilfish struggles to break through bulkier Pokemon like Quagsire and Gastrodon, which take Qwilfish's attacks quite well. Nevertheless, Explosion can catch these Pokemon off guard and deal a good amount of damage.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Toy Time King, 307004]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [tondas, 442732], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
[OVERVIEW]
Qwilfish is one of the PU tier's top Spikes and Toxic Spikes setters thanks to its good physical bulk, solid defensive typing, and access to Intimidate, which lets it handle a good number of the tier's physical attackers such as Gurdurr and Skuntank. These qualities separate it from its main competition in Froslass, which is unable to handle the aforementioned Pokemon's Dark attacks and unable to remove Toxic Spikes. With a multitude of support moves to choose from, like Taunt, Thunder Wave, and Destiny Bond, Qwilfish is able to add a great amount of utility to teams and succeeds at performing different functions apart from setting entry hazards. Swords Dance also enables Qwilfish to function as a fast rain sweeper alongside its near unresisted STAB combination and ability to remove Toxic Spikes. However, Qwilfish lacks recovery, which means it's susceptible to getting chipped throughout the course of a game from hazards and continually switching into the Pokemon it needs to check like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Qwilfish also has a really poor Special Defense stat and is at the mercy of special attackers like Alolan Raichu and Drampa, which easily force it out. In addition, Qwilfish's passiveness means these special attackers have an even easier time threatening it, since it cannot do anything in return to force them out. Furthermore, outside of rain, Qwilfish struggles to break through bulkier walls such as Gurdurr and relies on Explosion in order to threaten these Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Scald / Waterfall
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Destiny Bond / Thunder Wave
item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge
ability: Intimidate
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald has the potential to burn opposing Pokemon, greatly crippling physical attackers such as Aggron and Primeape and preventing Dodrio from using Qwilfish as setup fodder. Waterfall is an alternative over Scald, having higher damage output and a flinch chance. Waterfall also lets Qwilfish hit Pokemon like Aurorus and Lycanroc for much more damage than Scald. Taunt is essential on Qwilfish to shut down slower Pokemon like Regirock, Quagsire, and Gurdurr, preventing them from setting up entry hazards, recovering, and setting up. Taunt also stops slower hazard removers like Skuntank and Articuno to keep Qwilfish's hazards on the field. Destiny Bond can be run over Toxic Spikes to take down slower Pokemon that are able to take Qwilfish out, such as Drampa and Mudsdale. Thunder Wave is also another option that allows Qwilfish to cripple faster Pokemon such as Primeape and Silvally formes, giving opportunities to slower teammates.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Timid or Jolly nature allows Qwilfish to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan and Skuntank and in general gives it a faster Taunt and Destiny Bond. Timid is preferred if running Scald, and Jolly is superior if running Waterfall. Intimidate in conjunction with maximum HP investment gives Qwilfish better opportunities to set up entry hazards and allows it to take on physical attackers like Hitmonchan and Scyther. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers that utilize contact moves such as Hitmonchan and racks up damage against U-turn and Knock Off users like Scyther and Gurdurr. Alternatively, Black Sludge provides Qwilfish with the recovery it otherwise lacks and lets it better handle the chip damage it accumulates over the game.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish can come in on more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Gurdurr, prevent them from setting up with Taunt, and set up Spikes when a switch is expected. It is ideal to do this early-game to immediately apply pressure with entry hazards. Taunt can also be used against slower hazard removers like Lurantis and Skuntank to stop them from removing hazards. Aside from setting up Spikes, Qwilfish is able to spread status with Thunder Wave to punish its switch-ins like Primeape, Jellicent, and Cryogonal. Once Qwilfish has fulfilled it role of setting hazards, Destiny Bond should be used against slower foes that are able to KO it like Choice Specs Aurorus and Victreebel, eliminating a wallbreaker from your opponent's side. Qwilfish should rely on teammates that have good matchups against the aforementioned Pokemon. If Qwilfish has been weakened enough, it is recommended just to bring in it and set up Spikes, as any defensive utility is gone once its health has been depleted. Destiny Bond can also be used at this point.
Team Options
========
Spinblockers are essential to have with Qwilfish, as they prevent its Spikes and Toxic Spikes from being removed. Golurk is notable for also doubling as an entry hazard setter. Other common spinblockers are Jellicent, Silvally-Ghost, and Oricorio-G, and all of them are able to reliably deal with Primeape, which Qwilfish cannot handle well. Oricorio-G and Choice Specs Jellicent also benefit from the entry hazards Qwilfish provides, and Jellicent can take advantage of Qwilfish's status by utilizing Hex. Primeape also works well with Qwilfish, deterring the use of Defog due to its ability Defiant and benefiting from the damage that Spikes provide. It also appreciates Qwilfish being able to handle Gurdurr, and Qwilfish appreciates Primeape handling Cryogonal and Aurorus. Kangaskhan and Omastar are examples of wallbreakers and sweepers that appreciate Qwilfish's Spikes. In return, Qwilfish handles the Fighting-type Pokemon that bother them like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr. Specially bulky Pokemon like Hitmonchan handle special attackers like Aurorus and Eelektross. Hitmonchan also possesses hazard removal in Rapid Spin, making sure that the hazards Qwilfish has set up do not disappear and increasing Qwilfish's longevity by preventing additional damage. Eelektross is also a nice partner for Qwilfish, handling fast Electric- and Psychic-type Pokemon like Alolan Raichu and Z-Lovely Kiss Jynx. It can also pivot back out to Qwilfish if they switch out, and Qwilfish can continue to apply pressure by setting up hazards.
[SET]
name: Rain Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Liquidation
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Explosion
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall and Liquidation are Qwilfish's options for rain-boosted STAB moves; the former is preferred for its 30% chance to cause a flinch to the opposing Pokemon, but the latter is also an option for increased damage and a potential Defense drop. Poison Jab hits Pokemon that resist Water such as Tangela, Drampa and Lanturn for more damage. Explosion is Qwilfish's strongest move and can instantly break through any Pokemon that are not in range of its STAB attacks like Gastrodon. Explosion also offers momentum and allows one of Qwilfish's teammates to come in.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature is preferred over Jolly to maximize Qwilfish's wallbreaking power, especially when rain is active. Life Orb offers a consistent boost in damage but gives Qwilfish recoil damage after every attack. Waterium Z gives Qwilfish a one-time nuke, easily chunking opposing Pokemon under rain, especially at +2 Attack, without the recoil Life Orb possesses.
Usage Tips
========
Qwilfish should be brought in ideally when rain is active on the field, as Swift Swim allows it to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon in the tier and rain boosts its damage output. While Qwilfish to able to switch into weaker attacks like Hitmonchan and Gurdurr's Drain Punch, its poor bulk limits opportunities to switch in against other Pokemon. Swords Dance should only be used against more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Audino, which cannot damage Qwilfish reliably, or against threats Qwilfish forces out, such as Golurk. Explosion should only be used to knock out specific threats like Quagsire or generate momentum by bringing in another teammate like Ludicolo. Using this move at the right time is a necessity, as Qwilfish is sacrificed. Qwilfish's status as one of the fastest Swift Swim Pokemon in the tier benefits rain teams, and bringing it in to revenge kill Choice Scarf users like Manectric and Scyther, which are able to outspeed partners like Ludicolo, helps out the team.
Team Options
========
Rain setters such as Volbeat and Liepard are required in order for this set to function properly. Liepard and Volbeat also offer U-turn support, and both have access to Prankster, which ensures rain can be safely set up. Other rain sweepers like Kabutops, Ludicolo, and Omastar work well with Qwilfish, since it is able to break opposing Pokemon to give them a better time cleaning as well. The latter two break through physical walls like Gurdurr, which Qwilfish has trouble dealing with, and Qwilfish handles Poliwrath and Tangela for Kabutops, which easily wall it. Pokemon that also deal with Choice Scarf Aurorus and Abomasnow are ideal, since they stop rain with their hail and outspeed Qwilfish. Choice Scarf Primeape is a good example, being able to threaten the two of them with Close Combat. In addition, Alolan Sandslash uses the hail Aurorus and Abomasnow sets up against them and checks them with Iron Head. Assault Vest Crabominable is also notable for its ability to threaten them with super effective STAB Fighting attacks and appreciates rain weakening Fire-type attacks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison Jab is an option in the fourth slot of the utility set, giving Qwilfish an option to hit Water-resistant Pokemon better, such as Lanturn, as well as Fairy-types like Silvally-Fairy and Clefairy. Poison Jab pressures the former to not use Defog. However, it is more beneficial for Qwilfish to run one of its utility moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond for crippling other foes. Running Protect on the utility set enables Qwilfish to scout against Choice Scarf Primeape, which can activate its ability Defiant against Qwilfish and potentially do a lot of damage. Pain Split gives utility Qwilfish a more reliable recovery over Black Sludge, especially if you have opted for Rocky Helmet, but Qwilfish's other utility moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond tend to be more useful in games and are very good at crippling certain threats. Maximum Defense investment instead of Speed on the utility set makes Qwilfish bulkier to better take on threats like Stoutland; however, Qwilfish loses out on speed, which is quite important in order to use Taunt on certain Pokemon, and is left more vulnerable to Pokemon like Aurorus.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Special Attackers**: Special attackers such as Jynx, Alolan Raichu, and Oricorio-E easily threaten out Qwilfish with their strong attacks due to Qwilfish's low Special Defense stat and can use Qwilfish as setup fodder.
**Taunt Users**: Faster Taunt users like Froslass and Alolan Persian prevent Qwilfish from setting up entry hazards and stop Qwilfish from utilizing its status moves like Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond. Froslass is able to set up its own Spikes, and Alolan Persian can pivot into something that checks Qwilfish.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Hazard removers like Silvally-Fairy and Rotom-F shut down Qwilfish's attempts to set up Spikes or Toxic Spikes. Both possess Thunderbolt to check Qwilfish, but Silvally-Fairy has to be careful about Poison Jab.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Rain sweeper Qwilfish struggles to break through bulkier Pokemon like Quagsire and Gastrodon, which take Qwilfish's attacks quite well. Nevertheless, Explosion can catch these Pokemon off guard and deal a good amount of damage.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Toy Time King, 307004]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [tondas, 442732], [Megazard, 202117]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Fireflame479, 231476], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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