Ubers Toxapex

Colonel M

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"Smogon doesn't end by burning itself. It ends with Toxapex." - Fireburn 2017

[OVERVIEW]

Toxapex's unique typing, great defensive stats, and access to utility moves such as Toxic Spikes, Scald, and Haze make it a valuable Pokemon to have on defensive teams. It should be used as a physically defensive pivot to check dangerous threats such as Mega Lucario, defensive Ho-Oh, and Marshadow. Toxapex's access to both Regenerator and Recover makes (access to is singular) it a fairly easy Pokemon to keep healthy while staying in and checking threats or switching out accordingly. However, its nasty Ground-type weakness does leave it vulnerable to Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Arceus Ground, as Toxapex can only indirectly damage them through Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon is even worse for Toxapex, as it completely nullifies Scald. Furthermore, Toxapex's passive nature also gives way to it being a Pokemon that Mega Gengar can switch into and trap. Toxapex must also be very careful against some of the Pokemon it aims to check because they can carry deadly attacks that can overwhelm it such as Marshadow using Bulk Up and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. Toxapex also faces competition from Tentacruel, as Tentacruel has access to Rapid Spin, is faster than other defensive threats, and has better special bulk.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Haze
item: Rocky Helmet / Shed Shell
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes is Toxapex's best method of wearing down many grounded Pokemon that don't use Rest, lack access to moves such as Refresh and Aromatherapy, or do not have a Poison or Steel typing. A single layer of Toxic Spikes is the most sufficient method of beating most offensive archetypes; however, a second layer can also be used against bulkier teams that may attempt to keep their Pokemon in for more than three turns. Toxic Spikes will be mostly effective against Primal Groudon, non-Aromatherapy Xerneas, various support Arceus formes, and Primal Kyogre. Scald is mostly used for its 30% chance to burn foes such as Marshadow and Mega Lucario while also making Toxapex less vulnerable to Taunt. Recover is necessary to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible to continually check defensive Ho-Oh and non-Bulk Up Marshadow. Haze is a great fourth move to eliminate boosts from Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Swords Dance Mega Lucario.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment allows Toxapex to continually check physically offensive threats with maximum potency. Rocky Helmet is the best item for Toxapex due to its rather passive nature and allows it to indirectly damage Mega Lucario, Marshadow, and defensive Ho-Oh when hit by their contact attacks. Shed Shell is a viable option over Rocky Helmet, as Mega Gengar has nothing to fear from Toxapex outside of Scald's burn rate. Shed Shell also allows Toxapex to escape from Dugtrio, which can OHKO Toxapex after some chip damage with STAB Tectonic Rage.

Usage Tips
========

Toxapex should be used as a physically defensive pivot that can switch into dangerous physical attacking threats such as Mega Lucario and non-Bulk Up Marshadow while also being able to absorb Toxic Spikes for its own team. Toxapex can take advantage of some passive Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy thanks to its typing, recovery, and great bulk. Toxic Spikes is rather easy to set up, as both Arceus formes are forced to either use Defog or potentially cripple one of their teammates by switching out. Though Toxapex is fairly bulky, it still can be easily overwhelmed by boosted Z-Moves such as Never-Ending Nightmare from Arceus-Ghost and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike from Marshadow. Toxapex is still limited against stronger threats such as physically offensive Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence, so it should not be used as the end-all physically defensive wall for these particular Pokemon. If possible, try to bait out their moves and switch into Pokemon that can easily survive the attack or potentially sacrifice a teammate when absolutely necessary. Be prepared to make educated double switches when Toxapex's checks and counters such as Primal Groudon arrive, as they are almost impossible for Toxapex to touch.

Team Options
========

Ho-Oh is an excellent teammate to check the majority of Primal Groudon and non-Swords Dance Arceus-Ground sets. Ho-Oh greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to make bypassing both Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon easier. Support Arceus-Ground is also a great middle ground to handle Primal Groudon as well as Zygarde-C, though Arceus-Ground has to be careful of Dragon Dance variants if it is low on health. It can clear Spikes and Stealth Rock on Toxapex's side of the field, while Toxapex can handle some of the Pokemon that may take advantage of or overwhelm Arceus-Ground and clear Toxic Spikes on its side of the field. Unfortunately, Toxapex fully investing in physical bulk leaves it a little more vulnerable to special attacks. Chansey is a reliable partner that appreciates Toxapex checking some of the Fighting-types in the tier and can handle Xerneas and Lunala. Some of the Pokemon that Toxapex can lose to, such as offensive Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, can be easier to check with Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Tyranitar and Primal Groudon. Tyranitar has the perk of being able to have a reliable STAB Rock-type attack as well as STAB Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar lacking Will-O-Wisp. Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela are great partners alongside Toxapex as well. Celesteela tackles non-Gravity Arceus-Ground and checks Excadrill. Ferrothorn has great type synergy with Toxapex and is able to provide Spikes support. Both of these Pokemon appreciate Toxapex being fairly reliable for handling Ho-Oh and most variants of Mega Blaziken without too many issues. Both Giratina formes can be great assets alongside Toxapex. Giratina is a great defensive Pokemon that can support its team with Defog while crippling foes a little more reliably with Will-O-Wisp if necessary. Having access to Dragon Tail also forces the foe to switch into Toxic Spikes. Mega Sableye is a reliable partner that can bounce back entry hazards to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible while also being another check to Mega Gengar.

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

Wacan Berry lets Toxapex act as an emergency Xerneas check, but outside of that circumstance, it has little use whatsoever. Toxic cripples Ho-Oh and Yveltal, since they are immune to Toxic Spikes, but in most cases, the utility of Toxic Spikes is heavily preferred; thus, Toxic would only be an option over Haze. Lacking Haze makes Toxapex weaker to Mega Lucario and Bulk Up Marshadow, though. Ice Beam helps Toxapex a bit more versus Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Zygarde but is otherwise inferior to Scald in most cases. Finally, Black Sludge gives Toxapex passive recovery, though Rocky Helmet and Shed Shell are far better options for Toxapex.

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

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar traps Toxapex and only fears repeated Scalds. It has various tools to overcome Toxapex such as Taunt and Will-O-Wisp + Hex. Mega Gengar also clears Toxic Spikes when it switches into them. Be advised that Shed Shell Toxapex can freely switch out from Mega Gengar.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Ground are the three big Ground-types that Toxapex has to avoid at all costs. Though Toxic Spikes can be bad news for Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C can use Rest to remove the poison while firing off STAB Thousand Arrows. Primal Groudon's Desolate Land completely nullifies Scald, and Toxapex is vulnerable to Precipice Blades. Arceus-Ground can use Judgment to scare Toxapex and Defog to keep Toxic Spikes from the field. Excadrill and Dugtrio are also bad news for Toxapex, as their STAB Earthquakes will do a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex. Excadrill can remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin, while Dugtiro prevents Toxapex from switching out, though it should be careful of Shed Shell, as it lets Toxapex switch out freely from Arena Trap.

**Psychic-types**: Deoxys-A, Lunala, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo can easily overwhelm Toxapex with strong STAB Psychic-type attacks. Toxapex does pitiful damage to the majority of these Pokemon with Scald, though it does threaten to remove Lunala's Shadow Shield and cripple Mega Mewtwo X. Tapu Lele and Mewtwo can also carry Taunt to create major disruption for Toxapex.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can redirect Toxic Spikes to Toxapex's team, which can be bad news if Toxapex's teammates are grounded Defog users. Though Mega Sableye cannot do much back to really threaten Toxapex, Will-O-Wisp can cripple Toxapex defensively.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence sets with Dragon Dance and Facade fear nothing from Toxapex, as a Scald burn powers them them up. After Mega Salamence is burned, +1 Facade does a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Though Toxapex has a rather high Special Defense stat, it can still be overwhelmed by Pokemon such as Yveltal and Thunder Primal Kyogre. Xerneas can switch into Toxapex and threaten it out with Thunder, though setting up Geomancy is rather dangerous due to Haze.

**Electric-types**: Zekrom, Arceus-Electric, and Tapu Koko are Pokemon that Toxapex does not enjoy facing, as they do significant damage to it with their Electric-type STAB moves. Zekrom must be wary of switching into Toxapex, though, as Scald's burn cripples it.

**Ho-Oh**: Choice Band Ho-Oh can easily switch into Toxapex and threaten it with either STAB Brave Bird or Earthquake to bypass Rocky Helmet. Life Orb Ho-Oh can overcome Toxapex if Toxapex directly switches into it, as Life Orb Brave Bird is a 2HKO after Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes; however, Ho-Oh cannot directly switch into a healthy Toxapex or one that will likely use Recover the same turn it switches in, as Ho-Oh can be easily stalled out by Life Orb recoil, Brave Bird recoil, and Rocky Helmet damage from Toxapex.
 
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Colonel M

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Should be good to go. I know people talk about Toxapex on more balanced teams, though I feel Toxapex thrives more on stall-like teams that have multiple Pokemon that appreciate its perks as well as Pokemon that help patch its problems.

EDIT: Made changes suggested by Nayrz via Discord:

- Rocky Helmet / Shed Shell as main items. Wacan and Black Sludge to OO.
- Lowered Ho-oh to the bottom of C&C (prior to I had it over Electric-types) and further explained the match-up.
 
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Fireburn

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Mention Celesteela as a teammate for handling Arceus-Ground and other assorted Ground mons. Lugia is a good teammate for similar reasons. Mention Pursuit trappers too...Tyranitar is the best option to pair with Pex since it helps with Ho-Oh and Yveltal.

Strong special attackers (Yveltal, Thunder PKyogre) can be mentioned as checks.

QC 1/3
 
Usage Tips
In balance matchups Toxapex can act as a pivot to pretty much any passive pokemon from Steel types to Bulky Waters such as Arceus-Water and defensive Kyogre. While it is a great physical wall, it also acts as the ultimate midground pivot because of its great natural bulk both Def/Spd wise, and in matchups where its bulk isn't needed to check offensive threats, it can get momentum by setting a Toxic Spike to annoy the opposing team and force a defog.

Team Options
Pursuit support is an obvious mention as you want to deal with Mega Gengar if you have Rocky Helmet Toxapex.

Spikes users such as Ferrothorn are solid as it forms a Hazard stack core and Toxapex also covers the fighting weakness.

QC 2/3
 
Toxapex should be used as a physically defensive pivot to check dangerous threats such as Mega Lucario, defensive Ho-oh, Marshadow, and Cloyster.
Generally you don't want to be using Toxapex to check Cloyster since it's a suicide lead that'll just stack spikes all over you and spin your hazards away

Overview should make note of how Toxapex compares to Tentacruel, and the limited types of builds it is useful on

Haze is a great fourth move to eliminate stat boosts such as from Z-Geomancy, Swords Dance from Mega Lucario, and mono-attacking Primal Kyogre.
Crogre unfortunately isn't a set so there's no point to include this as a stat booster Toxapex checks.

Usage tips should discuss toxapex's limitations as a physical wall. You mention toxapex's vulnerability to physical attackers such as offensive ho-oh/mence in team options but include this in usage tips as well
Include Rayquaza and zygarde as targets for Ice Beam in OO

 

autumn

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Additions (AC) = add comma
Removals (RC) = remove comma
Comments

[OVERVIEW]

Toxapex's unique typing, great defensive stats, and access to utility moves such as Toxic Spikes, Scald, and Haze make it a valuable Pokemon to have on defensive teams. Toxapex It should be used as a physically defensive pivot to check dangerous threats such as Mega Lucario, defensive Ho-oh Ho-Oh, and Marshadow. Toxapex's access to both Regenerator and Recover make it a fairly easy Pokemon to keep healthy while staying in and checking threats or switching out accordingly. However, its Toxapex's nasty Ground-type weakness does leave it vulnerable to Primal Groudon, Zygarde-Complete, and Arceus Ground as Toxapex can only indirectly damage them through Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon is even worse as it completely nullifies Scald. Furthermore, Toxapex's passive nature also gives way to it being a Pokemon that Mega Gengar can switch into and trap as well. Toxapex must also be very careful as some of the Pokemon it aims to check can carry deadly attacks that can overwhelm it such as Marshadow using Bulk Up and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. Toxapex also faces competition from Tentacruel as Tentacruel has access to Rapid Spin, is faster than other defensive threats, and has better special bulk. (Toxapex has better special bulk than Tentacruel, which are you referring to here?)

[SET]
name: Thapex
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Haze
item: Rocky Helmet / Shed Shell
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes are Toxapex's best method of wearing down many grounded Pokemon that lack access to Poison- or Steel-typing, Rest, or moves such as Refresh and Aromatherapy. lack access to Rest, moves such as Refresh or Aromatheraphy, or do not have a Poison- or Steel-typing. (The way it's written could suggest that a Poison- or Steel-typing is something that can be added to a Pokemon.) A single layer of Toxic Spikes is the most sufficient method of beating most offensive archtypes of Pokemon; however, a second layer can also be used against bulkier teams that may attempt to keep their Pokemon in for greater more than three turns. Toxic Spikes will be mostly effective against Primal Groudon, non-Aromatherapy Xerneas, various Support support Arceus forms, and Primal Kyogre. Scald is mostly used for its 30% chance to burn opponents such as Marshadow and Mega Lucario while also making Toxapex less vulnerable to Taunt. Recover is necessary to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible to continuously check defensive Ho-oh Ho-Oh and non-Bulk Up Marshadow. Haze is a great fourth move to eliminate stat changes boosts such as boosts from Z-Geomancy and Swords Dance from Mega Lucario Mega Lucario's Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment allows Toxapex to continuously check physically offensive threats with maximum potency. Rocky Helmet is the best item for Toxapex due to its rather passive nature. This and allows Toxapex it to indirectly damage Mega Lucario, Marshadow, and defensive Ho-oh Ho-Oh when attacked by their contact attacks. Shed Shell is a viable item option over Rocky Helmet as Mega Gengar has almost nothing to fear from Toxapex outside of Scald and its burn rate. This also allows Toxapex to escape from Dugtrio's Arena Trap which can OHKO Toxapex after some chip damage with STAB Tectonic Rage.

Usage Tips
========

Toxapex should be used as a physically defensive pivot that should can switch into dangerous physical attacking threats that it can easily measure up to (implied by saying it can switch in to them) such as Mega Lucario and non-Bulk Up Marshadow, (AC) while also being able to absorb Toxic Spikes for Toxapex's its own team as well. Toxapex can take advantage of some passive Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy thanks to its typing, recvoery recovery, and great bulk. Toxic Spikes is rather easy to set (space) up as either Arceus is either forced to Defog or potentially cripple one of their its teammates. Though Toxapex is fairly bulky, (AC) it still can be easily overwhelmed by boosted Z Moves such as Never-Ending Nightmare from Arceus-Ghost and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike from Marshadow. Toxapex is still limited to stronger threats such as physically offensive Ho-oh Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence, so Toxapex it should not be used as the end-all physically defensive wall for these particular Pokemon. If possible, (AC) try to bait out these moves and switch into Pokemon that can easily survive the attack or a potential sack if absolutely necessary. Be prepared to make educated double switches when Toxapex's checks and counters arrive as there are some, such as Primal Groudon, that are almost impossible for Toxapex to touch. such as Primal Groudon arrive, as they are almost impossible for Toxapex to touch.

Team Options
========

Ho-oh Ho-Oh is an excellent teammate to check the majority of Primal Groudon and non-Swords Dance Arceus-Ground sets. Ho-oh Ho-Oh greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to make bypassing both Primaly Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon easier. Support Arceus-Ground is also a great middle ground to handle Primal Groudon as well as Zygarde-Complete, though Arceus-Ground has to be careful of Dragon Dance variants if it is rather shaky low on health. Arceus-Ground It can clear Spikes and Stealth Rock on Toxapex's side of the field while Toxapex can handle some of the Pokemon that may take advantage or overwhelm Arceus-Ground. Unfortunately, Toxapex fully investing in physical bulk leaves it a little more vulnerable to special attacks. Chansey is a reliable partner that appreciates having Toxapex check some of the Fighting-types in the Uber tier while Chansey can handle Xerneas and Lunala. Some of the Pokemon that Toxapex can lose to, (AC) such as offensive Ho-oh Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, (AC) can be easier to check with Stealth Rock support. Tyranitar and Primal Groudon are great partners alongside Toxapex to help with this. Tyranitar has the perk of being able to have a reliable STAB Rock-type attack as well as STAB Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar lacking Will-O-Wisp too. Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela are great partners alongside Toxapex as well. Celesteela tackles Arceus-Ground barring Gravity variants while also checking Excadrill. Ferrothorn has great typing synergy with Toxapex while also being able to provide Spikes support. Both of these Pokemon appreciate that Toxapex can be fairly reliable for handling Ho-oh Ho-Oh and most variants of Mega Blaziken without too many issues as well. Both variations of Giratina Giratina formes (I assume you meant Giratina and Giratina-O) can be great assets alongside Toxapex. Giratina is a great defensive Pokemon that can support with Defog while crippling foes a little more reliably with Will-O-Wisp if necessary. Having access to Dragon Tail also forces the opponent to switch into Toxic Spikes. Mega Sableye can still be seen as a reliable partner that can bounce back entry hazards to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible while also being another check to Mega Gengar.

Other Options
=============

Wacan Berry lets Toxapex act as an emergency Xerneas check, but outside of that circumstance it has little use whatsoever. Toxic cripples Ho-oh Ho-Oh and Yveltal since they are immune to Toxic Spikes. In most cases, (AC) the utility of Toxic Spikes is heavily preferred, thus this would only be an option over Haze. Lacking Haze makes Toxapex a bit too prone weaker to Mega Lucario and Bulk Up Marshadow, though. Ice Beam helps Toxapex a bit more versus Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Zygarde, but otherwise is inferior in most cases to Scald. Finally, Black Sludge gives Toxapex passive recovery, though Rocky Helmet and Shed Shell are far better options for Toxapex.

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

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar traps Toxapex and only fears repeated Scalds. Mega Gengar It has various tools to overcome Toxapex such as Taunt and Will-O-Wisp + Hex. Mega Gengar also clears Toxic Spikes when it switches into them. Be advised that Shed Shell Toxapex can freely switch in and (switching in isn't the issue) out Mega Gengar from Shadow Tag.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon, Zygarde-Complete, and Arceus-Ground are the three big Ground-types that Toxapex has to always avoid at all costs. Though Toxic Spikes can be bad news for Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-Complete can use Rest to remove the Poison status while firing off STAB Thousand Arrows. Primal Groudon's Desolate Land completely nullifies Scald while leaving Toxapex vulnerable to Precipice Blades. Arceus-Ground can use Judgment to scare Toxapex while using Defog to keep Toxic Spikes from the field as well. Excadrill and Dugtrio are also bad news for Toxapex as their STAB Earthquakes will do a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex. Excadrill can remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin while Dugtiro traps and prevents Toxapex from switching out, though it should be careful of Shed Shell as it lets Toxapex switch out freely from Arena Trap.

**Psychic-types**: Deoxys-A, Lunala, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo can easily overwhelm Toxapex with strong STAB Psychic-type attacks. Toxapex does pitiful damage to the majority of these with Scald, though it does threaten to remove Lunala's Shadow Shield and cripple Mega Mewtwo X. Tapu Lele and Mewtwo can also carry Taunt to create major disruption to for Toxapex.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can re-direct Toxic Spikes to Toxapex's team, which can be bad news if Toxapex's teammates are grounded Defog users. Though Mega Sableye cannot do much back to really threaten Toxapex, (AC) Will-O-Wisp can cripple Toxapex defensively.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence with Dragon Dance and Facade fear nothing from Toxapex as Scald merely powers it up Mega Salamence. After Mega Salamence is burned, (AC) +1 Facade does a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex.

**Strong Special Attackers:** Though Toxapex has a rather high Special Defense stat, it can still be overwhelmed by Pokemon such as Yveltal and Thunder Primal Kyogre. Xerneas can switch into Toxapex and threaten it out with Thunder, though setting up Geomancy is rather dangerous due to Haze.

**Electric-types**: Zekrom, Arceus-Electric, and Tapu Koko are Pokemon that Toxapex does not enjoy facing as they do significant damage to Toxapex it. Bolt Strike from Zekrom, Thunder from Tapu Koko, and Judgment from Arceus-Electric are moves Toxapex will never enjoy facing. Zekrom must be weary switching into Toxapex though as Scald's burn cripples it Zekrom.

**Ho-oh Ho-Oh**: Choice Band Ho-oh Ho-Oh can easily switch into Toxapex and threaten it with either STAB Brave Bird or Earthquake to bypass Rocky Helmet. Life Orb Ho-oh Ho-Oh can overcome Toxapex if Toxapex directly switches into Ho-oh it as Life Orb Brave Bird is a 2HKO after Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes; however, Ho-oh Ho-Oh cannot directly switch into a healthy Toxapex or one that will likely use Recover the same turn Ho-oh it is switching in as Ho-oh Ho-Oh can be easily stalled out by Life Orb recoil, Brave Bird recoil, and Rocky Helmet damage from Toxapex.
 
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Fireflame

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[OVERVIEW]

Toxapex's unique typing, great defensive stats, and access to utility moves such as Toxic Spikes, Scald, and Haze make it a valuable Pokemon to have on defensive teams. It should be used as a physically defensive pivot to check dangerous threats such as Mega Lucario, defensive Ho-Oh, and Marshadow. Toxapex's access to both Regenerator and Recover make it a fairly easy Pokemon to keep healthy while staying in and checking threats or switching out accordingly. However, its nasty Ground-type weakness does leave it vulnerable to Primal Groudon, Zygarde-Complete Zygarde-C, and Arceus Ground,(AC) (if "as" or "since" is being used to mean "because", a comma must precede it) as Toxapex can only indirectly damage them through Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon is even worse for Toxapex,(AC) as it completely nullifies Scald. Furthermore, Toxapex's passive nature also gives way to it being a Pokemon that Mega Gengar can switch into and trap as well. Toxapex must also be very careful as against some of the Pokemon it aims to check because they can carry deadly attacks that can overwhelm it such as Marshadow using Bulk Up and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. Toxapex also faces competition from Tentacruel,(AC) as Tentacruel has access to Rapid Spin, is faster than other defensive threats, and has better special bulk.

[SET]
name: Thapex Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Haze
item: Rocky Helmet / Shed Shell
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes are is Toxapex's best method of wearing down many grounded Pokemon that lack access to Rest, moves such as Refresh or Aromatheraphy, or do not have a Poison- or Steel-typing. A single layer of Toxic Spikes is the most sufficient method of beating most offensive archetypes of Pokemon; however, a second layer can also be used against bulkier teams that may attempt to keep their Pokemon in for more than three turns. Toxic Spikes will be mostly effective against Primal Groudon, non-Aromatherapy Xerneas, various support Arceus formes, and Primal Kyogre. Scald is mostly used for its 30% chance to burn opponents foes such as Marshadow and Mega Lucario while also making Toxapex less vulnerable to Taunt. Recover is necessary to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible to continuously check defensive Ho-Oh and non-Bulk Up Marshadow. Haze is a great fourth move to eliminate stat changes such as boosts from Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Mega Lucario's Swords Dance Mega Lucario.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment allows Toxapex to continuously check physically offensive threats with maximum potency. Rocky Helmet is the best item for Toxapex due to its rather passive nature and allows it to indirectly damage Mega Lucario, Marshadow, and defensive Ho-Oh when attacked hit by their contact attacks. Shed Shell is a viable item option over Rocky Helmet,(AC) as Mega Gengar has nothing to fear from Toxapex outside of Scald and its Scald's burn rate. This Shed Shell also allows Toxapex to escape from Dugtrio's Arena Trap Dugtrio,(AC) which can OHKO Toxapex after some chip damage with STAB Tectonic Rage.

Usage Tips
========

Toxapex should be used as a physically defensive pivot that can switch into dangerous physical attacking threats such as Mega Lucario and non-Bulk Up Marshadow,(RC) while (Little tip: if "while" is being used to mean essentially "at the same time", there should be no comma before it [I watch TV while I do homework]. If it's being used to mean "whereas", there should be a comma before it [I like baseball, while he likes tennis].) also being able to absorb Toxic Spikes for its own team as well. Toxapex can take advantage of some passive Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy thanks to its typing, recovery, and great bulk. Toxic Spikes is rather easy to set up,(AC) as both Arceus is formes are either forced to use Defog or potentially cripple one of its teammates by switching out (assuming this is what you meant). Though Toxapex is fairly bulky, it still can be easily overwhelmed by boosted Z-(AH)Moves such as Never-Ending Nightmare from Arceus-Ghost and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike from Marshadow. Toxapex is still limited to against stronger threats such as physically offensive Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence, so it should not be used as the end-all physically defensive wall for these particular Pokemon. If possible, try to bait out these their moves and switch into Pokemon that can easily survive the attack or a potential sack if potentially sacrifice a teammate absolutely necessary. Be prepared to make educated double switches when Toxapex's checks and counters such as Primal Groudon arrive, as they are almost impossible for Toxapex to touch.

Team Options
========

Ho-Oh is an excellent teammate to check the majority of Primal Groudon and non-Swords Dance Arceus-Ground sets. Ho-Oh greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to make bypassing both Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon easier. Support Arceus-Ground is also a great middle ground to handle Primal Groudon as well as Zygarde-Complete Zygarde-C, though Arceus-Ground has to be careful of Dragon Dance variants if it is low on health. It can clear Spikes and Stealth Rock on Toxapex's side of the field,(AC) while Toxapex can handle some of the Pokemon that may take advantage or overwhelm Arceus-Ground. Unfortunately, Toxapex fully investing in physical bulk leaves it a little more vulnerable to special attacks. Chansey is a reliable partner that appreciates having Toxapex check some of the Fighting-types in the Uber tier while Chansey and can handle Xerneas and Lunala. Some of the Pokemon that Toxapex can lose to, such as offensive Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, can be easier to check with Stealth Rock support. Tyranitar and Primal Groudon are great partners alongside Toxapex to help with this. Tyranitar has the perk of being able to have a reliable STAB Rock-type attack as well as STAB Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar lacking Will-O-Wisp too. Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela are great partners alongside Toxapex as well. Celesteela tackles Arceus-Ground barring Gravity variants while also checking and checks Excadrill. Ferrothorn has great typing type synergy with Toxapex while also being and is able to provide Spikes support. Both of these Pokemon appreciate that Toxapex can be being fairly reliable for handling Ho-Oh and most variants of Mega Blaziken without too many issues. Both Giratina formes can be great assets alongside Toxapex. Giratina is a great defensive Pokemon that can support its team with Defog while crippling foes a little more reliably with Will-O-Wisp if necessary. Having access to Dragon Tail also forces the opponent to switch into Toxic Spikes. Mega Sableye can still be seen as is (this isn't referring back to anything) a reliable partner that can bounce back entry hazards to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible while also being another check to Mega Gengar.

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

Wacan Berry lets Toxapex act as an emergency Xerneas check, but outside of that circumstance it has little use whatsoever. Toxic cripples Ho-Oh and Yveltal,(AC) since they are immune to Toxic Spikes,(AC) but.(period) in most cases, the utility of Toxic Spikes is heavily preferred;(SC),(RC) thus,(AC) Toxic this would only be an option over Haze. Lacking Haze makes Toxapex weaker to Mega Lucario and Bulk Up Marshadow, though. Ice Beam helps Toxapex a bit more versus Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Zygarde,(RC) but is otherwise is inferior in most cases to Scald in most cases. Finally, Black Sludge gives Toxapex passive recovery, though Rocky Helmet and Shed Shell are far better options for Toxapex.

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

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar traps Toxapex and only fears repeated Scalds. It has various tools to overcome Toxapex such as Taunt and Will-O-Wisp + Hex. Mega Gengar also clears Toxic Spikes when it switches into them in. Be advised that Shed Shell Toxapex can freely switch out from Shadow Tag.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon, Zygarde-Complete Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Ground are the three big Ground-types that Toxapex has to avoid at all costs. Though Toxic Spikes can be bad news for Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-Complete Zygarde-C can use Rest to remove the poison status while firing off STAB Thousand Arrows. Primal Groudon's Desolate Land completely nullifies Scald,(AC) and while leaving Toxapex is vulnerable to Precipice Blades (Desolate Land doesn't make Toxapex vulnerable to Precipice Blades). Arceus-Ground can use Judgment to scare Toxapex while using and Defog to keep Toxic Spikes from the field as well. Excadrill and Dugtrio are also bad news for Toxapex,(AC) as their STAB Earthquakes will do a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex. Excadrill can remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin,(AC) while Dugtiro traps Toxapex and prevents Toxapex from switching out, though it should be careful of Shed Shell,(AC) as it lets Toxapex switch out freely from Arena Trap.

**Psychic-types**: Deoxys-A, Lunala, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo can easily overwhelm Toxapex with strong STAB Psychic-type attacks. Toxapex does pitiful damage to the majority of these Pokemon with Scald, though it does threaten to remove Lunala's Shadow Shield and cripple Mega Mewtwo X. Tapu Lele and Mewtwo can also carry Taunt to create major disruption for Toxapex.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can re-(RH)direct Toxic Spikes to Toxapex's team, which can be bad news if Toxapex's teammates are grounded Defog users. Though Mega Sableye cannot do much back to really threaten Toxapex, (AC) (keep comma remove the "(AC)") Will-O-Wisp can cripple Toxapex defensively.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence sets with Dragon Dance and Facade fear nothing from Toxapex,(AC) as a Scald merely burn powers it them up. After Mega Salamence is burned, (AC) (keep comma remove the "(AC)") +1 Facade does a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Though Toxapex has a rather high Special Defense stat, it can still be overwhelmed by Pokemon such as Yveltal and Thunder Primal Kyogre. Xerneas can switch into Toxapex and threaten it out with Thunder, though setting up Geomancy is rather dangerous due to Haze.

**Electric-types**: Zekrom, Arceus-Electric, and Tapu Koko are Pokemon that Toxapex does not enjoy facing,(AC) as they do significant damage to it with their Electric-type STAB moves. Bolt Strike from Zekrom, Thunder from Tapu Koko, and Judgment from Arceus-Electric are moves Toxapex will never enjoy facing. Zekrom must be weary wary of (wrong word lol) switching into Toxapex,(AC) though,(AC) as Scald's burn cripples it.

**Ho-Oh**: Choice Band Ho-Oh can easily switch into Toxapex and threaten it with either STAB Brave Bird or Earthquake to bypass Rocky Helmet. Life Orb Ho-Oh can overcome Toxapex if Toxapex directly switches into it,(AC) as Life Orb Brave Bird is a 2HKO after Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes; however, Ho-oh Ho-Oh cannot directly switch into a healthy Toxapex or one that will likely use Recover the same turn it is switching switches in,(AC) as Ho-Oh can be easily stalled out by Life Orb recoil, Brave Bird recoil, and Rocky Helmet damage from Toxapex.
GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

lotiasite

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hi, gp 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Toxapex's unique typing, great defensive stats, and access to utility moves such as Toxic Spikes, Scald, and Haze make it a valuable Pokemon to have on defensive teams. It should be used as a physically defensive pivot to check dangerous threats such as Mega Lucario, defensive Ho-Oh, and Marshadow. Toxapex's access to both Regenerator and Recover makes (access to is singular) it a fairly easy Pokemon to keep healthy while staying in and checking threats or switching out accordingly. However, its nasty Ground-type weakness does leave it vulnerable to Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Arceus Ground, as Toxapex can only indirectly damage them through Toxic Spikes. Primal Groudon is even worse for Toxapex, as it completely nullifies Scald. Furthermore, Toxapex's passive nature also gives way to it being a Pokemon that Mega Gengar can switch into and trap. Toxapex must also be very careful against some of the Pokemon it aims to check because they can carry deadly attacks that can overwhelm it such as Marshadow using Bulk Up and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike. Toxapex also faces competition from Tentacruel, as Tentacruel has access to Rapid Spin, is faster than other defensive threats, and has better special bulk.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Scald
move 3: Recover
move 4: Haze
item: Rocky Helmet / Shed Shell
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

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

Toxic Spikes is Toxapex's best method of wearing down many grounded Pokemon that lack access to don't use (pretty much everything has access to rest) Rest, lack access to moves such as Refresh or and Aromatheraphy Aromatherapy, or do not have a Poison or Steel typing. (RH) (parallelism errors) A single layer of Toxic Spikes is the most sufficient method of beating most offensive archetypes; however, a second layer can also be used against bulkier teams that may attempt to keep their Pokemon in for more than three turns. Toxic Spikes will be mostly effective against Primal Groudon, non-Aromatherapy Xerneas, various support Arceus formes, and Primal Kyogre. Scald is mostly used for its 30% chance to burn foes such as Marshadow and Mega Lucario while also making Toxapex less vulnerable to Taunt. Recover is necessary to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible to continuously continually (continuously = without stopping, continually = again and again) check defensive Ho-Oh and non-Bulk Up Marshadow. Haze is a great fourth move to eliminate boosts from Z-Geomancy Xerneas and Swords Dance Mega Lucario.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP and Defense investment allows Toxapex to continuously continually check physically offensive threats with maximum potency. Rocky Helmet is the best item for Toxapex due to its rather passive nature and allows it to indirectly damage Mega Lucario, Marshadow, and defensive Ho-Oh when hit by their contact attacks. Shed Shell is a viable option over Rocky Helmet, as Mega Gengar has nothing to fear from Toxapex outside of Scald's burn rate. Shed Shell also allows Toxapex to escape from Dugtrio, which can OHKO Toxapex after some chip damage with STAB Tectonic Rage.

Usage Tips
========

Toxapex should be used as a physically defensive pivot that can switch into dangerous physical attacking threats such as Mega Lucario and non-Bulk Up Marshadow while also being able to absorb Toxic Spikes for its own team. Toxapex can take advantage of some passive Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy thanks to its typing, recovery, and great bulk. Toxic Spikes is rather easy to set up, as both Arceus formes are either forced to either (parallel structure) use Defog or potentially cripple one of its their teammates by switching out. Though Toxapex is fairly bulky, it still can be easily overwhelmed by boosted Z-Moves such as Never-Ending Nightmare from Arceus-Ghost and Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike from Marshadow. Toxapex is still limited against stronger threats such as physically offensive Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence, so it should not be used as the end-all physically defensive wall for these particular Pokemon. If possible, try to bait out their moves and switch into Pokemon that can easily survive the attack or potentially sacrifice a teammate when absolutely necessary. Be prepared to make educated double switches when Toxapex's checks and counters such as Primal Groudon arrive, as they are almost impossible for Toxapex to touch.

Team Options
========

Ho-Oh is an excellent teammate to check the majority of Primal Groudon and non-Swords Dance Arceus-Ground sets. Ho-Oh greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to make bypassing both Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon easier. Support Arceus-Ground is also a great middle ground to handle Primal Groudon as well as Zygarde-C, though Arceus-Ground has to be careful of Dragon Dance variants if it is low on health. It can clear Spikes and Stealth Rock on Toxapex's side of the field, while Toxapex can handle some of the Pokemon that may take advantage of or overwhelm Arceus-Ground. (nothing about it possibly clearing your own toxic spikes?) Unfortunately, Toxapex fully investing in physical bulk leaves it a little more vulnerable to special attacks. Chansey is a reliable partner that appreciates having Toxapex checking some of the Fighting-types in the tier and can handle Xerneas and Lunala. Some of the Pokemon that Toxapex can lose to, such as offensive Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, can be easier to check with Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Tyranitar and Primal Groudon. Tyranitar and Primal Groudon are great partners alongside Toxapex to help with this. Tyranitar has the perk of being able to have a reliable STAB Rock-type attack as well as STAB Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar lacking Will-O-Wisp. Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela are great partners alongside Toxapex as well. Celesteela tackles non-Gravity Arceus-Ground barring Gravity variants and checks Excadrill. Ferrothorn has great type synergy with Toxapex and is able to provide Spikes support. Both of these Pokemon appreciate Toxapex being fairly reliable for handling Ho-Oh and most variants of Mega Blaziken without too many issues. Both Giratina formes can be great assets alongside Toxapex. Giratina is a great defensive Pokemon that can support its team with Defog while crippling foes a little more reliably with Will-O-Wisp if necessary. Having access to Dragon Tail also forces the opponent foe to switch into Toxic Spikes. Mega Sableye is a reliable partner that can bounce back entry hazards to keep Toxapex as healthy as possible while also being another check to Mega Gengar.

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

Wacan Berry lets Toxapex act as an emergency Xerneas check, but outside of that circumstance, (AC) it has little use whatsoever. Toxic cripples Ho-Oh and Yveltal, since they are immune to Toxic Spikes, but in most cases, the utility of Toxic Spikes is heavily preferred; thus, Toxic would only be an option over Haze. Lacking Haze makes Toxapex weaker to Mega Lucario and Bulk Up Marshadow, though. Ice Beam helps Toxapex a bit more versus Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Zygarde but is otherwise inferior to Scald in most cases. Finally, Black Sludge gives Toxapex passive recovery, though Rocky Helmet and Shed Shell are far better options for Toxapex.

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

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar traps Toxapex and only fears repeated Scalds. It has various tools to overcome Toxapex such as Taunt and Will-O-Wisp + Hex. Mega Gengar also clears Toxic Spikes when it switches into them in. Be advised that Shed Shell Toxapex can freely switch out from Shadow Tag Mega Gengar.

**Ground-types**: Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Ground are the three big Ground-types that Toxapex has to avoid at all costs. Though Toxic Spikes can be bad news for Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C can use Rest to remove the poison while firing off STAB Thousand Arrows. Primal Groudon's Desolate Land completely nullifies Scald, and Toxapex is vulnerable to Precipice Blades. Arceus-Ground can use Judgment to scare Toxapex and Defog to keep Toxic Spikes from the field. Excadrill and Dugtrio are also bad news for Toxapex, as their STAB Earthquakes will do a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex. Excadrill can remove Toxic Spikes with Rapid Spin, while Dugtiro prevents Toxapex from switching out, though it should be careful of Shed Shell, (AC) as it lets Toxapex switch out freely from Arena Trap.

**Psychic-types**: Deoxys-A, Lunala, Tapu Lele, and Mewtwo can easily overwhelm Toxapex with strong STAB Psychic-type attacks. Toxapex does pitiful damage to the majority of these Pokemon with Scald, though it does threaten to remove Lunala's Shadow Shield and cripple Mega Mewtwo X. Tapu Lele and Mewtwo can also carry Taunt to create major disruption for Toxapex.

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye can redirect Toxic Spikes to Toxapex's team, which can be bad news if Toxapex's teammates are grounded Defog users. Though Mega Sableye cannot do much back to really threaten Toxapex, Will-O-Wisp can cripple Toxapex defensively.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence sets with Dragon Dance and Facade fear nothing from Toxapex, as a Scald burn powers them them up. After Mega Salamence is burned, +1 Facade does a tremendous amount of damage to Toxapex.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Though Toxapex has a rather high Special Defense stat, it can still be overwhelmed by Pokemon such as Yveltal and Thunder Primal Kyogre. Xerneas can switch into Toxapex and threaten it out with Thunder, though setting up Geomancy is rather dangerous due to Haze.

**Electric-types**: Zekrom, Arceus-Electric, and Tapu Koko are Pokemon that Toxapex does not enjoy facing, as they do significant damage to it with their Electric-type STAB moves. Zekrom must be wary of switching into Toxapex, though, as Scald's burn cripples it.

**Ho-Oh**: Choice Band Ho-Oh can easily switch into Toxapex and threaten it with either STAB Brave Bird or Earthquake to bypass Rocky Helmet. Life Orb Ho-Oh can overcome Toxapex if Toxapex directly switches into it, as Life Orb Brave Bird is a 2HKO after Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes; however, Ho-Oh cannot directly switch into a healthy Toxapex or one that will likely use Recover the same turn it switches in, as Ho-Oh can be easily stalled out by Life Orb recoil, Brave Bird recoil, and Rocky Helmet damage from Toxapex.
 

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