Hilomilo
High-low My-low
[OVERVIEW]
With the ability to fulfill many roles, Krookodile is a big threat in the UnderUsed metagame and is capable of fitting onto multiple team archetypes. Its great typing gives it excellent coverage between its STAB attacks as well as key immunities to Psychic- and Electric-type attacks and four helpful resistances. Its Intimidate ability further solidifies its defensive capabilities and allows it to function as one of the tier's most reliable Stealth Rock setters. Krookodile also excels as a Choice Scarf user thanks to its ability to revenge kill several foes quite easily as well as take advantage of the switches it forces with STAB Pursuit. However, Krookodile's typing provides with as many useful resistances as common weaknesses, most notably to Fairy-, Water-, and Fighting-type attacks. Krookodile can also be hindered at times by its Speed tier, which, while not bad, leaves it outsped by several offensive Pokemon, including Celebi, Mega Pidgeot, and Infernape. Lastly, Krookodile is also hurt by its only average damage output, which prevents it from breaking past especially bulky foes like Hippowdon, Suicune, and Alomomola.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Stone Edge / Superpower
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is a powerful STAB attack that burdens most foes with the removal of their items. Earthquake is a very powerful secondary STAB attack that reliably revenge kills Pokemon like Infernape, Mega Manectric, and Mega Beedrill. Pursuit punishes foes that may try switching out of Krookodile, such as Latias, Venomoth, and Mega Aerodactyl, by trapping and either KOing or severely weakening them. Stone Edge nails Flying-types that may try switching in on Earthquake, such as Crobat, Mega Pidgeot, and Togekiss. Superpower can be used over Stone Edge, however, to hit Hydreigon, a Pokemon that otherwise walls Krookodile, for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
Full investment in Attack maximizes Krookodile's offensive presence, and 252 EVs invested in Speed with a Jolly nature make it as fast as possible. A Choice Scarf further boosts Krookodile's Speed, allowing it to outrun prominent threats like Latias, Mega Manectric, Mega Beedrill, and +1 Speed Venomoth. Intimidate is the preferred ability, as it lowers foes' Attack stats, which allows Krookodile to switch in more easily. Moxie can be run over Intimidate to give Krookodile decent late-game cleaning capabilities, though neither of its STAB moves is easy to clean up with.
Usage Tips
========
This set outspeeds every unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as +1 Pokemon like Mega Altaria and Venomoth, and should thus be used as a revenge killer. Krookodile should look to switch in on attacks it resists from Pokemon it can either revenge kill or Pursuit trap, such as Latias, Mega Manectric, and Alolan Muk. When a foe is predicted to switch out, it is best to use Pursuit to trap and deal heavy damage to it. Foes that will commonly switch out of Krookodile include Latias, Celebi, Mega Aerodactyl, and Blissey. Knock Off should be used frequently earlier on in a match, as Krookodile will often annoy foes that even resist the attack by removing items. Most of Krookodile's attacks are rather undesirable to stay locked into for long, as this allows Pokemon like Cobalion, Suicune, and Scizor to begin setting up on Krookodile. Due to this, Krookodile should immediately switch out of play as its foe begins setting up and bring in a teammate that can reliably take care of the opposing Pokemon in question. Due to the nature of Choice Scarf, it is best that Krookodile carefully predicts when attacking. For example, if a Flying-type is expected to switch into an anticipated Earthquake, Krookodile should predict the switch-in by using Stone Edge to hit it super effectively.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Infernape, Cobalion, and Terrakion appreciate Krookodile's ability to Pursuit trap the Psychic-types that often pressure them. Other Pokemon that enjoy the removal of Psychic-types like Latias, such as Tentacruel and Suicune, also appreciate Krookodile as a teammate. Electric- and Grass-types like Rotom-C, Magneton, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile can pressure the bulky Water-types that Krookodile often struggles to break past. Krookodile also appreciates Psychic- and Fairy-types like Starmie, Togekiss, and Primarina thanks to their ability to threaten Fighting-types. Powerful wallbreakers like Primarina, Scizor, Terrakion, and Infernape can break past the bulkier Pokemon that Krookodile can have problems with while also potentially paving the way for a late-game clean. Entry hazard support from the likes of Cobalion, Mega Steelix, and Azelf can let Krookodile break past foes more easily. Klefki is a particularly good entry hazard setter to pair with Krookodile, as it can come in on Bug-, Fairy-, Grass-, and Ice-type attacks and appreciates the removal of Fire-types. Toxic Spikes from Pokemon like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen is also notably helpful to Krookodile, as bad poison punishes several Pokemon that try switching in on Krookodile, like Swampert, Suicune, and Mega Blastoise.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Taunt / Iron Tail
item: Rocky Helmet / Steelium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock gives Krookodile a way of supporting its team with entry hazards and punishes most foes that try switching in with good chip damage. Knock Off pressures Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon like Latias, Slowbro, and Chandelure while also removing the items of opposing Pokemon. Earthquake is a powerful STAB attack that Krookodile can continuously fire off after setting Stealth Rock, dealing good damage to a large portion of the tier. Taunt prevents opposing Pokemon from setting entry hazards, removing Krookodile's Stealth Rock, or inflicting Krookodile with status. Iron Tail punishes Fairy-types that may try switching in, such as Sylveon and Togekiss, and alongside Steelium Z, it turns into a powerful Corkscrew Crash that can break past them entirely.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack puts as much power behind Krookodile's attacks as possible, and maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature gives it a good amount of Speed. It can notably outpace most Tentacruel sets, Entei, Nidoking, and unboosted Venomoth. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers that use contact moves to hit Krookodile and discourages the use of Rapid Spin from Pokemon like Tentacruel and Forretress. Steelium Z can be used, however, to help Krookodile reliably lure in and remove bulky Fairy-types like Sylveon and Togekiss. Intimidate is the ability of choice thanks to the decent number of opportunities to switch in it provides Krookodile with.
Usage Tips
========
Krookodile should look to set up Stealth Rock as early in a match as possible. Therefore, it can lead against opposing potential leads that it beats, such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen, as well as switch in on Pokemon that it can tank hits from, like Alolan Muk and Raikou, in order to reliably set Stealth Rock. Knock Off is a good move to use in the early-game and when predicting switches, as even Krookodile's typical switch-ins in Scizor, Mandibuzz, and Hydreigon won't appreciate the loss of their items. Taunt should be used against Pokemon that try setting up their own entry hazards, such as Klefki and Hippowdon, Pokemon that may try removing Stealth Rock, such as Latias and Mandibuzz, and Pokemon that will likely inflict Krookodile with status or recover health, like Blissey and Arcanine. Krookodile should usually only use Corkscrew Crash against Fairy-types like Sylveon, Togekiss, and Florges, as the only reason behind running Steelium Z is to adequately lure in and remove these Pokemon. However, if the opposing team lacks Fairy-types that take super effective damage from Steel-type attacks, Krookodile can look to fire off Corkscrew Crash against a foe like Mega Aerodactyl or Mamoswine.
Team Options
========
This set's best fit is on balanced and bulky offensive teams due to Krookodile's combination of decent bulk and Speed allowing Stealth Rock to reliably be set. Sweepers that enjoy Stealth Rock support to secure various KOs, such as Cobalion, Celebi, and Mega Sharpedo, appreciate Krookodile as a teammate. Wallbreakers like Infernape, Crawdaunt, and Primarina also appreciate Krookodile's ability to support them with entry hazards. Steel-types that can switch into Fairy-, Grass-, and Ice-type attacks, such as Klefki, Empoleon, and Assault Vest Metagross, make generally useful partners that can relieve the pressure that Pokemon of these types tend to put on Krookodile. Klefki in particular can also set up Spikes in addition to Krookodile's Stealth Rock while also providing speed control with Thunder Wave. Switch-ins to Fighting-types, like Nidoqueen, Jellicent, and Latias, also make generally useful partners for Krookodile. Due to Krookodile's tendency to invite Scizor into play, Fire-types like Infernape and Volcanion make decent partners due to their ability to easily exploit it. Scizor itself makes for a decent partner to Krookodile, as it can check multiple Pokemon that Krookodile is weak to, such as Mega Beedrill, Celebi, and Terrakion, alongside safely bringing it into play with U-turn. Pokemon that enjoy the removal of Fairy-types, such as Weavile, Latias, and Mega Absol, make generally good options as teammates for Krookodile if it opts to run Steelium Z.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band is an option for giving Krookodile a decent amount of wallbreaking prowess and surprising Pokemon like Blissey and Mega Steelix. However, Krookodile's poor Speed and the drawbacks of its STAB attacks make this a difficult set to consistently put to effective use, which makes Pokemon like Mamoswine and Nidoking better options as Ground-type wallbreakers. Krookodile can utilize Z-Me First or Z-Snatch to gain a +2 boost in Speed and sweep late-game, though this is quite situational and requires lots of support due to the drawbacks of Krookodile's STAB moves. Firium Z in conjunction with Fire Fang can be used as a way of luring in and KOing Scizor and Forretress, but this usually gives up coverage and is quite situational. Eject Button is an option on the Stealth Rock set to allow Krookodile to tank a hit while setting Stealth Rock and then bring in a teammate to deal with the opposing Pokemon in play. However, this usually isn't as useful as either Rocky Helmet or the luring capabilities Steelium Z provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types like Sylveon and Togekiss can freely switch in on Krookodile's Choice Scarf set, though they should be wary of Corkscrew Crash. Frailer Fairy-types like Primarina and Ribombee can't directly switch in, but they can force Krookodile out with their super effective STAB attacks.
**Fighting-types**: Heracross can freely switch in on Krookodile while threatening to either set up or KO it with STAB attacks, while other Fighting-types in Mienshao, Cobalion, and Infernape can't directly come in but can threaten to KO Krookodile with STAB attacks.
**Grass-types**: Amoonguss can threaten to immobilize Krookodile with Spore while wearing it down with Giga Drain. Celebi fears Knock Off from the Choice Scarf set, but it can still threaten Krookodile with either Leaf Storm or Giga Drain. More uncommon options in Chenaught and Whimsicott tank any of Krookodile's attacks fairly reliably, though neither necessarily appreciates losing its item.
**Water-types**: Several Water-types are bulky enough to tank Krookodile's hits while either setting up on it or wearing it down with STAB Scald. Examples include Suicune, which can easily set up Calm Mind, and Jellicent, which can tank a Knock Off with Colbur Berry, burn Krookodile with Will-O-Wisp, and recover any damage taken. Water-types that can't switch in, such as Primarina and Starmie, can still heavily threaten Krookodile with their super effective STAB attacks.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Krookodile will often struggle to break through Pokemon with exceptional physical bulk, such as Gliscor, Hippowdon, and Mandibuzz. All can easily stall out Krookodile with Toxic, but they often won't appreciate being hit with Taunt.
**Faster Pokemon**: While they may not be able to outspeed the Choice Scarf set, the likes of Mega Beedrill, Cobalion, Talonflame, and Hydreigon can all outspeed and heavily pressure Krookodile's Stealth Rock set. Choice Scarf users like Infernape, Latias, and Terrakion can outspeed even the Choice Scarf set and proceed to heavily threaten Krookodile with powerful STAB moves.
**Scizor**: Scizor possesses enough physical bulk to reliably tank hits from Krookodile while recovering with Roost, while in return threatening to either set up on Krookodile or nail it with a super effective STAB U-turn.
With the ability to fulfill many roles, Krookodile is a big threat in the UnderUsed metagame and is capable of fitting onto multiple team archetypes. Its great typing gives it excellent coverage between its STAB attacks as well as key immunities to Psychic- and Electric-type attacks and four helpful resistances. Its Intimidate ability further solidifies its defensive capabilities and allows it to function as one of the tier's most reliable Stealth Rock setters. Krookodile also excels as a Choice Scarf user thanks to its ability to revenge kill several foes quite easily as well as take advantage of the switches it forces with STAB Pursuit. However, Krookodile's typing provides with as many useful resistances as common weaknesses, most notably to Fairy-, Water-, and Fighting-type attacks. Krookodile can also be hindered at times by its Speed tier, which, while not bad, leaves it outsped by several offensive Pokemon, including Celebi, Mega Pidgeot, and Infernape. Lastly, Krookodile is also hurt by its only average damage output, which prevents it from breaking past especially bulky foes like Hippowdon, Suicune, and Alomomola.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Knock Off
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Stone Edge / Superpower
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Knock Off is a powerful STAB attack that burdens most foes with the removal of their items. Earthquake is a very powerful secondary STAB attack that reliably revenge kills Pokemon like Infernape, Mega Manectric, and Mega Beedrill. Pursuit punishes foes that may try switching out of Krookodile, such as Latias, Venomoth, and Mega Aerodactyl, by trapping and either KOing or severely weakening them. Stone Edge nails Flying-types that may try switching in on Earthquake, such as Crobat, Mega Pidgeot, and Togekiss. Superpower can be used over Stone Edge, however, to hit Hydreigon, a Pokemon that otherwise walls Krookodile, for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
Full investment in Attack maximizes Krookodile's offensive presence, and 252 EVs invested in Speed with a Jolly nature make it as fast as possible. A Choice Scarf further boosts Krookodile's Speed, allowing it to outrun prominent threats like Latias, Mega Manectric, Mega Beedrill, and +1 Speed Venomoth. Intimidate is the preferred ability, as it lowers foes' Attack stats, which allows Krookodile to switch in more easily. Moxie can be run over Intimidate to give Krookodile decent late-game cleaning capabilities, though neither of its STAB moves is easy to clean up with.
Usage Tips
========
This set outspeeds every unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as +1 Pokemon like Mega Altaria and Venomoth, and should thus be used as a revenge killer. Krookodile should look to switch in on attacks it resists from Pokemon it can either revenge kill or Pursuit trap, such as Latias, Mega Manectric, and Alolan Muk. When a foe is predicted to switch out, it is best to use Pursuit to trap and deal heavy damage to it. Foes that will commonly switch out of Krookodile include Latias, Celebi, Mega Aerodactyl, and Blissey. Knock Off should be used frequently earlier on in a match, as Krookodile will often annoy foes that even resist the attack by removing items. Most of Krookodile's attacks are rather undesirable to stay locked into for long, as this allows Pokemon like Cobalion, Suicune, and Scizor to begin setting up on Krookodile. Due to this, Krookodile should immediately switch out of play as its foe begins setting up and bring in a teammate that can reliably take care of the opposing Pokemon in question. Due to the nature of Choice Scarf, it is best that Krookodile carefully predicts when attacking. For example, if a Flying-type is expected to switch into an anticipated Earthquake, Krookodile should predict the switch-in by using Stone Edge to hit it super effectively.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Infernape, Cobalion, and Terrakion appreciate Krookodile's ability to Pursuit trap the Psychic-types that often pressure them. Other Pokemon that enjoy the removal of Psychic-types like Latias, such as Tentacruel and Suicune, also appreciate Krookodile as a teammate. Electric- and Grass-types like Rotom-C, Magneton, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile can pressure the bulky Water-types that Krookodile often struggles to break past. Krookodile also appreciates Psychic- and Fairy-types like Starmie, Togekiss, and Primarina thanks to their ability to threaten Fighting-types. Powerful wallbreakers like Primarina, Scizor, Terrakion, and Infernape can break past the bulkier Pokemon that Krookodile can have problems with while also potentially paving the way for a late-game clean. Entry hazard support from the likes of Cobalion, Mega Steelix, and Azelf can let Krookodile break past foes more easily. Klefki is a particularly good entry hazard setter to pair with Krookodile, as it can come in on Bug-, Fairy-, Grass-, and Ice-type attacks and appreciates the removal of Fire-types. Toxic Spikes from Pokemon like Tentacruel and Nidoqueen is also notably helpful to Krookodile, as bad poison punishes several Pokemon that try switching in on Krookodile, like Swampert, Suicune, and Mega Blastoise.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Taunt / Iron Tail
item: Rocky Helmet / Steelium Z
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock gives Krookodile a way of supporting its team with entry hazards and punishes most foes that try switching in with good chip damage. Knock Off pressures Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon like Latias, Slowbro, and Chandelure while also removing the items of opposing Pokemon. Earthquake is a powerful STAB attack that Krookodile can continuously fire off after setting Stealth Rock, dealing good damage to a large portion of the tier. Taunt prevents opposing Pokemon from setting entry hazards, removing Krookodile's Stealth Rock, or inflicting Krookodile with status. Iron Tail punishes Fairy-types that may try switching in, such as Sylveon and Togekiss, and alongside Steelium Z, it turns into a powerful Corkscrew Crash that can break past them entirely.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack puts as much power behind Krookodile's attacks as possible, and maximum investment in Speed with a Jolly nature gives it a good amount of Speed. It can notably outpace most Tentacruel sets, Entei, Nidoking, and unboosted Venomoth. Rocky Helmet punishes physical attackers that use contact moves to hit Krookodile and discourages the use of Rapid Spin from Pokemon like Tentacruel and Forretress. Steelium Z can be used, however, to help Krookodile reliably lure in and remove bulky Fairy-types like Sylveon and Togekiss. Intimidate is the ability of choice thanks to the decent number of opportunities to switch in it provides Krookodile with.
Usage Tips
========
Krookodile should look to set up Stealth Rock as early in a match as possible. Therefore, it can lead against opposing potential leads that it beats, such as Hippowdon and Nidoqueen, as well as switch in on Pokemon that it can tank hits from, like Alolan Muk and Raikou, in order to reliably set Stealth Rock. Knock Off is a good move to use in the early-game and when predicting switches, as even Krookodile's typical switch-ins in Scizor, Mandibuzz, and Hydreigon won't appreciate the loss of their items. Taunt should be used against Pokemon that try setting up their own entry hazards, such as Klefki and Hippowdon, Pokemon that may try removing Stealth Rock, such as Latias and Mandibuzz, and Pokemon that will likely inflict Krookodile with status or recover health, like Blissey and Arcanine. Krookodile should usually only use Corkscrew Crash against Fairy-types like Sylveon, Togekiss, and Florges, as the only reason behind running Steelium Z is to adequately lure in and remove these Pokemon. However, if the opposing team lacks Fairy-types that take super effective damage from Steel-type attacks, Krookodile can look to fire off Corkscrew Crash against a foe like Mega Aerodactyl or Mamoswine.
Team Options
========
This set's best fit is on balanced and bulky offensive teams due to Krookodile's combination of decent bulk and Speed allowing Stealth Rock to reliably be set. Sweepers that enjoy Stealth Rock support to secure various KOs, such as Cobalion, Celebi, and Mega Sharpedo, appreciate Krookodile as a teammate. Wallbreakers like Infernape, Crawdaunt, and Primarina also appreciate Krookodile's ability to support them with entry hazards. Steel-types that can switch into Fairy-, Grass-, and Ice-type attacks, such as Klefki, Empoleon, and Assault Vest Metagross, make generally useful partners that can relieve the pressure that Pokemon of these types tend to put on Krookodile. Klefki in particular can also set up Spikes in addition to Krookodile's Stealth Rock while also providing speed control with Thunder Wave. Switch-ins to Fighting-types, like Nidoqueen, Jellicent, and Latias, also make generally useful partners for Krookodile. Due to Krookodile's tendency to invite Scizor into play, Fire-types like Infernape and Volcanion make decent partners due to their ability to easily exploit it. Scizor itself makes for a decent partner to Krookodile, as it can check multiple Pokemon that Krookodile is weak to, such as Mega Beedrill, Celebi, and Terrakion, alongside safely bringing it into play with U-turn. Pokemon that enjoy the removal of Fairy-types, such as Weavile, Latias, and Mega Absol, make generally good options as teammates for Krookodile if it opts to run Steelium Z.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band is an option for giving Krookodile a decent amount of wallbreaking prowess and surprising Pokemon like Blissey and Mega Steelix. However, Krookodile's poor Speed and the drawbacks of its STAB attacks make this a difficult set to consistently put to effective use, which makes Pokemon like Mamoswine and Nidoking better options as Ground-type wallbreakers. Krookodile can utilize Z-Me First or Z-Snatch to gain a +2 boost in Speed and sweep late-game, though this is quite situational and requires lots of support due to the drawbacks of Krookodile's STAB moves. Firium Z in conjunction with Fire Fang can be used as a way of luring in and KOing Scizor and Forretress, but this usually gives up coverage and is quite situational. Eject Button is an option on the Stealth Rock set to allow Krookodile to tank a hit while setting Stealth Rock and then bring in a teammate to deal with the opposing Pokemon in play. However, this usually isn't as useful as either Rocky Helmet or the luring capabilities Steelium Z provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types like Sylveon and Togekiss can freely switch in on Krookodile's Choice Scarf set, though they should be wary of Corkscrew Crash. Frailer Fairy-types like Primarina and Ribombee can't directly switch in, but they can force Krookodile out with their super effective STAB attacks.
**Fighting-types**: Heracross can freely switch in on Krookodile while threatening to either set up or KO it with STAB attacks, while other Fighting-types in Mienshao, Cobalion, and Infernape can't directly come in but can threaten to KO Krookodile with STAB attacks.
**Grass-types**: Amoonguss can threaten to immobilize Krookodile with Spore while wearing it down with Giga Drain. Celebi fears Knock Off from the Choice Scarf set, but it can still threaten Krookodile with either Leaf Storm or Giga Drain. More uncommon options in Chenaught and Whimsicott tank any of Krookodile's attacks fairly reliably, though neither necessarily appreciates losing its item.
**Water-types**: Several Water-types are bulky enough to tank Krookodile's hits while either setting up on it or wearing it down with STAB Scald. Examples include Suicune, which can easily set up Calm Mind, and Jellicent, which can tank a Knock Off with Colbur Berry, burn Krookodile with Will-O-Wisp, and recover any damage taken. Water-types that can't switch in, such as Primarina and Starmie, can still heavily threaten Krookodile with their super effective STAB attacks.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Krookodile will often struggle to break through Pokemon with exceptional physical bulk, such as Gliscor, Hippowdon, and Mandibuzz. All can easily stall out Krookodile with Toxic, but they often won't appreciate being hit with Taunt.
**Faster Pokemon**: While they may not be able to outspeed the Choice Scarf set, the likes of Mega Beedrill, Cobalion, Talonflame, and Hydreigon can all outspeed and heavily pressure Krookodile's Stealth Rock set. Choice Scarf users like Infernape, Latias, and Terrakion can outspeed even the Choice Scarf set and proceed to heavily threaten Krookodile with powerful STAB moves.
**Scizor**: Scizor possesses enough physical bulk to reliably tank hits from Krookodile while recovering with Roost, while in return threatening to either set up on Krookodile or nail it with a super effective STAB U-turn.
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