[OVERVIEW]
Water
========
Toxapex's amazing bulk and its ability Regenerator make it one of the best pivots available to Water teams. Its typing further augments its natural bulk, providing it a valuable neutrality to Grass-type moves that is greatly appreciated by Water teams. This allows it to take on threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona better. Toxapex also has access to plenty of useful utility moves, notably Recover, Toxic Spikes, and Haze as well as a decent STAB move in Scald that may burn the foe, rendering most physical attackers like Mega Scizor near useless. However, Toxapex has very little actual offensive presence due to its abysmal offensive stats. Moreover, its low Speed stat leaves it vulnerable to stallbreakers utilizing Taunt or Substitute, and it stacks another weakness to Ground, which Water teams generally tend to have a lack of switch-ins to. Despite its generally passive nature, however, Toxapex manages to fit well on not only stall team archetypes but balance teams too.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Recover
move 3: Haze
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Baneful Bunker
item: Black Sludge
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is this set's only offensive move, preventing Toxapex from being completely shut down by stallbreakers with Taunt or Substitute and having a chance to burn physical wallbreakers like Tapu Bulu on the switch in. Recover lets Toxapex combat the Pokemon it pivots into much better and allows it to take on Grass-type Pokemon like Mega Venusaur in a one-on-one scenario. Haze prevents Toxapex from becoming complete setup fodder for Pokemon that aren't threatened by Scald, such as bulky Volcarona sets. Toxic Spikes offers support to the team in the form of reliably spreading poison on grounded Pokemon that aren't Poison- or Steel-type. Toxapex finds it incredibly easy to set up both layers of Toxic Spikes with its amazing bulk, making the move a great choice. Baneful Bunker can be used instead of Toxic Spikes, however, to scout for what move Choice item-using foes such as Xurkitree and Tapu Koko choose to go for. It is primarily used only on stall teams to ease prediction.
Set Details
========
Black Sludge is an excellent item for Toxapex, providing a bit of recovery every turn and helping Toxapex perform its job as a pivot even better. Regenerator is its best option as its ability, recovering its HP by 33% whenever it switches out. Maximum HP and Defense EVs along with a Bold nature maximize Toxapex's physical bulk and allow it to take on threats like Mega Pinsir much more easily. Moreover, they give Toxapex a chance to survive a Wood Hammer from Tapu Bulu and attempt to burn it with Scald, rendering a huge threat to Water teams almost useless.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of Regenerator whenever possible. Double switch out to grab momentum on an expected switch instead of wasting the turn to Recover after coming in on an attack, as there are very few moves that Toxapex can't heal off merely through Regenerator and needs to use Recover for. Furthermore, after switching in on a hit that can be easily healed through Regenerator, Toxapex can fire off a Scald in order to grab a burn on whatever may switch in, in an attempt to wear it down. Similarly, setting up Toxic Spikes is also an option after Toxapex switches in to take a hit, but make sure you don't set them up pointlessly. If there aren't enough Pokemon that are actually threatened by Toxic Spikes, or if there's a Pokemon that can absorb the Toxic Spikes, it's better to just fire off a Scald or attempt to double switch in order to obtain momentum. Try to set at least one layer of Toxic Spikes as soon as possible if there are no Poison-types present to absorb it, as it can seriously cripple the opposing team. Keep in mind, however, that once Toxic Spikes have been set, you will not be able to burn Pokemon affected by it. It is sometimes wise to preemptively use Haze on a Pokemon that is likely to set up in order to avoid taking unnecessary damage while attempting to Haze it otherwise. Use Baneful Bunker to scout for what move a Choice item-using foe may go for. For example, don't switch in your Electric-immune Pokemon right away when you see a Xurkitree; there's a chance it might go for Energy Ball. Using Baneful Bunker will prevent such situations and grab momentum for your team. Try hard switching Toxapex in to use Haze whenever there's a Pokemon on the field that may set up, such as Volcarona or Porygon-Z, before it gets out of hand. With Porygon-Z in particular, Toxapex can use Haze to remove its one-time boosts from Z-Conversion, rendering it relatively useless for the rest of the game.
Team Options
========
Toxapex's amazing natural bulk makes it a great pivot that is extremely easy to fit on both balance and stall team archetypes. Mantine proves itself to be an excellent partner for Toxapex, providing an immunity to Ground-type moves and the ability to switch in on special attacks that may threaten Toxapex with ease. Swampert appreciates Toxapex's ability to switch in on Grass-type moves and can easily take Electric-type moves that threaten Toxapex. Defensive Azumarill sets that use Sap Sipper greatly support Toxapex by providing an immunity to Grass-type moves. Although this doesn't directly help Toxapex, as Toxapex does not fear most Grass-type moves, it lifts pressure from it because Azumarill becomes the primary switch-in to Grass-type moves instead of Toxapex. Furthermore, offensive Azumarill sets, primarily Choice Band, appreciate Toxic Spikes support, as it helps wear down the opposing team. Other wallbreakers and setup sweepers, such as Manaphy, Greninja, Keldeo, Gyarados, and Mega Sharpedo, highly appreciate Toxic Spikes as well, which makes it easier for them to clean up late-game. Moreover, they appreciate Toxapex's ability to take priority moves for them, as none of them with the possible exception of Manaphy like to stay in on strong priority moves. Slowbro and its Mega Evolution form an amazing defensive core with Toxapex, with the latter taking Grass- and Bug-type moves easily. In return, Slowbro and Mega Slowbro can take physical Ground-type moves aimed at Toxapex from the likes of Excadrill. Alomomola forms a great pivoting core with Toxapex too. It appreciates the fact that Toxapex can switch in on Grass-type moves and provides Wish support so Toxapex can go for another move instead of Recover after switching in to take a hit. Quagsire is another physically defensive wall that hates Grass-type moves. It stands out due to its ability Unaware, allowing Toxapex to run another move, such as Toxic, instead of Haze, as Quagsire can take care of most setup sweepers. Lanturn is another option to take Electric-type moves that Toxapex fears and provides a slow Volt Switch to help bring Toxapex in. It does, however, stack a weakness to Ground-type moves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
A specially defensive set is an option to take on special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y better. It is generally outclassed by the standard set because physical attackers like Mega Pinsir can be more threatening to Water teams and Mantine does a better job as a specially defensive Grass-neutral Pokemon anyway, but it comes down to what your team needs. Furthermore, a mixed defensive set with 80 EVs invested in Special Defense can also be used to let Toxapex survive a Psychic from Mega Alakazam. Rocky Helmet hurts whatever makes contact with Toxapex, which helps when switching in on physical attackers. However, a bit of recovery per turn is a lot more useful, as Toxapex doesn't like to waste too many turns using Recover after switching in on an attack. Alternatively, Toxic can also be used on Toxapex. This allows it to take on more Pokemon in a one-on-one scenario without having to rely on Scald. It's suboptimal compared to Haze and its other utility moves, however, because Water teams generally appreciate Toxapex's ability to switch in on setup sweepers like Mega Pinsir as they set up and nullify their boosts.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor can shut down Toxapex with Taunt, forcing it to switch out or rely on Scald. Mega Sableye's Magic Bounce can even reflect Toxic Spikes, which can cripple one of Toxapex's teammates.
**Electric-types**: Strong Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Xurkitree can swiftly remove Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Psychic-types**: Similarly to Electric-types, most Psychic-type Pokemon, notably Latios and offensive Mew, can easily break through Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Ground-types**: Most Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus can threaten Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Wallbreakers**: Strong wallbreakers such as Choice Band Dragonite and Choice Specs Magearna can muscle past Toxapex with their strong STAB or coverage moves.
Water
========
Toxapex's amazing bulk and its ability Regenerator make it one of the best pivots available to Water teams. Its typing further augments its natural bulk, providing it a valuable neutrality to Grass-type moves that is greatly appreciated by Water teams. This allows it to take on threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona better. Toxapex also has access to plenty of useful utility moves, notably Recover, Toxic Spikes, and Haze as well as a decent STAB move in Scald that may burn the foe, rendering most physical attackers like Mega Scizor near useless. However, Toxapex has very little actual offensive presence due to its abysmal offensive stats. Moreover, its low Speed stat leaves it vulnerable to stallbreakers utilizing Taunt or Substitute, and it stacks another weakness to Ground, which Water teams generally tend to have a lack of switch-ins to. Despite its generally passive nature, however, Toxapex manages to fit well on not only stall team archetypes but balance teams too.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Recover
move 3: Haze
move 4: Toxic Spikes / Baneful Bunker
item: Black Sludge
ability: Regenerator
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is this set's only offensive move, preventing Toxapex from being completely shut down by stallbreakers with Taunt or Substitute and having a chance to burn physical wallbreakers like Tapu Bulu on the switch in. Recover lets Toxapex combat the Pokemon it pivots into much better and allows it to take on Grass-type Pokemon like Mega Venusaur in a one-on-one scenario. Haze prevents Toxapex from becoming complete setup fodder for Pokemon that aren't threatened by Scald, such as bulky Volcarona sets. Toxic Spikes offers support to the team in the form of reliably spreading poison on grounded Pokemon that aren't Poison- or Steel-type. Toxapex finds it incredibly easy to set up both layers of Toxic Spikes with its amazing bulk, making the move a great choice. Baneful Bunker can be used instead of Toxic Spikes, however, to scout for what move Choice item-using foes such as Xurkitree and Tapu Koko choose to go for. It is primarily used only on stall teams to ease prediction.
Set Details
========
Black Sludge is an excellent item for Toxapex, providing a bit of recovery every turn and helping Toxapex perform its job as a pivot even better. Regenerator is its best option as its ability, recovering its HP by 33% whenever it switches out. Maximum HP and Defense EVs along with a Bold nature maximize Toxapex's physical bulk and allow it to take on threats like Mega Pinsir much more easily. Moreover, they give Toxapex a chance to survive a Wood Hammer from Tapu Bulu and attempt to burn it with Scald, rendering a huge threat to Water teams almost useless.
Usage Tips
========
Take advantage of Regenerator whenever possible. Double switch out to grab momentum on an expected switch instead of wasting the turn to Recover after coming in on an attack, as there are very few moves that Toxapex can't heal off merely through Regenerator and needs to use Recover for. Furthermore, after switching in on a hit that can be easily healed through Regenerator, Toxapex can fire off a Scald in order to grab a burn on whatever may switch in, in an attempt to wear it down. Similarly, setting up Toxic Spikes is also an option after Toxapex switches in to take a hit, but make sure you don't set them up pointlessly. If there aren't enough Pokemon that are actually threatened by Toxic Spikes, or if there's a Pokemon that can absorb the Toxic Spikes, it's better to just fire off a Scald or attempt to double switch in order to obtain momentum. Try to set at least one layer of Toxic Spikes as soon as possible if there are no Poison-types present to absorb it, as it can seriously cripple the opposing team. Keep in mind, however, that once Toxic Spikes have been set, you will not be able to burn Pokemon affected by it. It is sometimes wise to preemptively use Haze on a Pokemon that is likely to set up in order to avoid taking unnecessary damage while attempting to Haze it otherwise. Use Baneful Bunker to scout for what move a Choice item-using foe may go for. For example, don't switch in your Electric-immune Pokemon right away when you see a Xurkitree; there's a chance it might go for Energy Ball. Using Baneful Bunker will prevent such situations and grab momentum for your team. Try hard switching Toxapex in to use Haze whenever there's a Pokemon on the field that may set up, such as Volcarona or Porygon-Z, before it gets out of hand. With Porygon-Z in particular, Toxapex can use Haze to remove its one-time boosts from Z-Conversion, rendering it relatively useless for the rest of the game.
Team Options
========
Toxapex's amazing natural bulk makes it a great pivot that is extremely easy to fit on both balance and stall team archetypes. Mantine proves itself to be an excellent partner for Toxapex, providing an immunity to Ground-type moves and the ability to switch in on special attacks that may threaten Toxapex with ease. Swampert appreciates Toxapex's ability to switch in on Grass-type moves and can easily take Electric-type moves that threaten Toxapex. Defensive Azumarill sets that use Sap Sipper greatly support Toxapex by providing an immunity to Grass-type moves. Although this doesn't directly help Toxapex, as Toxapex does not fear most Grass-type moves, it lifts pressure from it because Azumarill becomes the primary switch-in to Grass-type moves instead of Toxapex. Furthermore, offensive Azumarill sets, primarily Choice Band, appreciate Toxic Spikes support, as it helps wear down the opposing team. Other wallbreakers and setup sweepers, such as Manaphy, Greninja, Keldeo, Gyarados, and Mega Sharpedo, highly appreciate Toxic Spikes as well, which makes it easier for them to clean up late-game. Moreover, they appreciate Toxapex's ability to take priority moves for them, as none of them with the possible exception of Manaphy like to stay in on strong priority moves. Slowbro and its Mega Evolution form an amazing defensive core with Toxapex, with the latter taking Grass- and Bug-type moves easily. In return, Slowbro and Mega Slowbro can take physical Ground-type moves aimed at Toxapex from the likes of Excadrill. Alomomola forms a great pivoting core with Toxapex too. It appreciates the fact that Toxapex can switch in on Grass-type moves and provides Wish support so Toxapex can go for another move instead of Recover after switching in to take a hit. Quagsire is another physically defensive wall that hates Grass-type moves. It stands out due to its ability Unaware, allowing Toxapex to run another move, such as Toxic, instead of Haze, as Quagsire can take care of most setup sweepers. Lanturn is another option to take Electric-type moves that Toxapex fears and provides a slow Volt Switch to help bring Toxapex in. It does, however, stack a weakness to Ground-type moves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
A specially defensive set is an option to take on special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y better. It is generally outclassed by the standard set because physical attackers like Mega Pinsir can be more threatening to Water teams and Mantine does a better job as a specially defensive Grass-neutral Pokemon anyway, but it comes down to what your team needs. Furthermore, a mixed defensive set with 80 EVs invested in Special Defense can also be used to let Toxapex survive a Psychic from Mega Alakazam. Rocky Helmet hurts whatever makes contact with Toxapex, which helps when switching in on physical attackers. However, a bit of recovery per turn is a lot more useful, as Toxapex doesn't like to waste too many turns using Recover after switching in on an attack. Alternatively, Toxic can also be used on Toxapex. This allows it to take on more Pokemon in a one-on-one scenario without having to rely on Scald. It's suboptimal compared to Haze and its other utility moves, however, because Water teams generally appreciate Toxapex's ability to switch in on setup sweepers like Mega Pinsir as they set up and nullify their boosts.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor can shut down Toxapex with Taunt, forcing it to switch out or rely on Scald. Mega Sableye's Magic Bounce can even reflect Toxic Spikes, which can cripple one of Toxapex's teammates.
**Electric-types**: Strong Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Xurkitree can swiftly remove Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Psychic-types**: Similarly to Electric-types, most Psychic-type Pokemon, notably Latios and offensive Mew, can easily break through Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Ground-types**: Most Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus can threaten Toxapex with their STAB moves.
**Wallbreakers**: Strong wallbreakers such as Choice Band Dragonite and Choice Specs Magearna can muscle past Toxapex with their strong STAB or coverage moves.
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