Pokémon Blastoise

[Bribery]

Name: Blastoise
Type: Water
Ability: Torrent / Rain Dish (DW)
Base Stats: 79 / 83 / 100 / 85 / 105 / 78
Mega Evo Type: Water
Mega Evo Ability: Mega Launcher (Increases the power of Aura and Pulse moves by 50%)
Mega Evo Base Stats: 79 / 103 / 120 / 135 / 115 / 78

Movepool

Level-Up Movepool
Start - Tackle
Start - Tail Whip
Lv. 07 - Water Gun
Lv. 10 - Withdraw
Lv. 13 - Bubble
Lv. 16 - Bite
Lv. 20 - Rapid Spin
Lv. 24 - Protect
Lv. 28 - Water Pulse
Lv. 32 - Aqua Tail
Lv. 39 - Skull Bash
Lv. 46 - Iron Defense
Lv. 53 - Rain Dance
Lv. 60 - Hydro Pump

TM & HM Compatibility
TM06 Toxic
TM07 Hail
TM10 Hidden Power
TM13 Ice Beam
TM17 Protect
TM18 Rain Dance
TM21 Frustration
TM26 Earthquake
TM27 Return
TM28 Dig
TM31 Brick Break
TM32 Double Team
TM39 Rock Tomb
TM42 Facade
TM44 Rest
TM45 Attract
TM55 Scald
TM56 Fling
TM74 Gyro Ball
TM78 Bulldoze
TM80 Rock Slide
TM82 Dragon Tail
TM88 Sleep Talk
TM90 Substitute
TM91 Flash Cannon
TM94 Rock Smash
TM97 Dark Pulse
TM98 Power-Up Punch

HM03 Surf
HM04 Strength
HM05 Waterfall

Egg Moves
Aura Sphere
Dragon Pulse

General Analysis

With the introduction of a deadly new entry hazard, Sticky Web, Rapid Spinning is more important than ever. However, Gen VI also brought in powerful new Ghosts with Aegislash and Mega Gengar, making it much harder to remove hazards off the field. In the past, Blastoise was often overshadowed in the Rapid Spinning department by Forretress, Tentacruel, and Starmie. However, Blastoise was one of the Pokemon that received a Mega Evolution and this gives it a niche as a bulky offensive Rapid Spinner.


Possible Movesets

Bulky Offensive Spinner

Blastoise @ Blastoisinite
Trait: Mega Launcher
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 HP / 4 SpD
Nature: Modest
- Rapid Spin
- Water Pulse / Hydro Pump / Scald
- Dark Pulse
- Aura Sphere / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse

Starmie is heralded as the premiere offensive Spinner and with good reason: it's fast, strong, and has excellent coverage. Blastoise has a few advantages over Starmie. First, it's a pure Water type so it lacks the Pursuit and Ghost weakness that Starmie's Psychic type brings. It also has an easier time breaking past specially defensive Jellicent thanks to Mega Launcher + Dark Pulse. Furthermore, it doesn't fear Mega Gengar as much since its superior bulk allows it to take a hit and retaliate with Dark Pulse. Likewise, newcomer Aegislash could pick off a weakened Starmie with Shadow Sneak while Blastoise lives comfortably.

Calculations

Note: I simply raised Aura Sphere and Dark Pulse to 120 BP to account for Mega Launcher.

252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Jellicent: 282-332 (69.97 - 82.38%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 220+ SpD Jellicent: 212-250 (52.47 - 61.88%) -- 97.66% chance to 2HKO

252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Gengar: 374-442 (142.74 - 168.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Shield Forme Aegislash (Assumed 60 HP/150 SDef)
252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD (custom): 208-246 (64.19 - 75.92%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD (custom): 160-190 (49.38 - 58.64%) -- 69.53% chance to 2HKO

252+ SpA Blastoise Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 208 SpD Ferrothorn: 218-258 (61.93 - 73.29%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Blastoise Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn: 192-228 (54.54 - 64.77%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Calculations

252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 152-179 (41.98 - 49.44%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA (Mega) Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 142-168 (39.22 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 239-283 (66.02 - 78.17%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA (Mega) Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 226-266 (62.43 - 73.48%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Aegislash (Assumed 150 Atk)
252+ Atk Life Orb (custom) Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Blastoise: 90-107 (24.86 - 29.55%) -- possible 4HKO
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb (custom) Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Blastoise: 177-211 (48.89 - 58.28%) -- 96.88% chance to 2HKO

Water Pulse is boosted to 90 BP with Mega Launcher, making it as strong as Surf with an additional 20% confusion rate. Hydro Pump is still slightly stronger, but after the nerf to 110 BP it might not be worth the unreliable accuracy (I'm assuming Hydro Pump isn't boosted by Mega Launcher). Scald is also another Water STAB option. It's slightly weaker than Water Pulse but has a 30% burn rate instead of the confusion. Dark Pulse is also boosted by Mega Launcher, which allows Blastoise to annihilate most Ghost types attempting to spin block it. Aura Sphere also receives a boost from Mega Launcher to 120 BP, making it as strong as Focus Blast without the annoying accuracy. Aura Sphere allows Blastoise to plow through Ferrothorn, which is commonly a thorn (get it?) in the side of most Water Pokemon.

The Water / Dark / Fighting coverage allows Blastoise to hit everything for at least neutral damage except Whimsicott and Azumarill. Ice Beam is a viable option over Aura Sphere for better Super Effective coverage against Grass and Dragon types which commonly check Water types. Dragon Pulse receives a Mega Launcher boost and can hit Dragons like Goodra and Charizard X harder than Ice Beam, but it's generally an inferior option. Max SpA EVs and Modest nature propels Blastoise's special attack to a whopping 405. HP EVs can be lowered in favor of more speed. 152 Speed EVs will let Blastoise outrun max speed Adamant Scizor. 220 Speed EVs outruns 40 speed Celebi and Jirachi.


Defensive Spinner

Blastoise @ Leftovers
Trait: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Nature: Bold
- Scald
- Rapid Spin
- Roar / Dragon Tail
- Toxic

Defensive Blastoise faces heavy competition as a defensive Spinner in OU from Forretress, Tentacruel, and Avalugg. However, Blastoise was by far the best Rapid Spinner for the UU metagame in Gen V and it will probably remain that way in Gen VI. The tried, tested, and true set from Gen V makes an appearance here for those who want a solid Spinner without giving up their MegaEvo slot.


Checks and Counters

Blastoise's lack of recovery and vulnerability to all forms of hazards hurts its survivability. Blissey, Chansey, and new specially bulky Pokemon from Gen VI will have no trouble walling Blastoise. If it lacks Ice Beam then Grass types and most Dragon types are an issue as well.


Conclusion

Mega Blastoise has a lot of potential as a Rapid Spinner in Gen VI. Unfortunately, it does force you to give up your MegaEvo slot for it. Is it worth it? I guess it would depend on your team. Mega Blastoise fits comfortably on balanced teams that might favor its bulky offense over some of the more HO-based Mega Evolutions or a frail Starmie. The defensive Spinner set is a good option for lower tiers where Blastoise doesn't face competition from Forretress, Tentacruel, and Avalugg.

 

[Mattman324]

Mega Blastoise has a lot of potential as a Rapid Spinner in Gen VI. Unfortunately, it does force you to give up your MegaEvo slot for it. Is it worth it? I guess it would depend on your team. Blastoise fits comfortably on balanced teams that might favor Blastoise's bulky offense over some of the more HO-based Mega Evolutions or a frail Starmie.

Point of order: Your Support Blastoise set doesn't HAVE a Mega Stone.

 

[Bribery]

Point of order: Your Support Blastoise set doesn't HAVE a Mega Stone.

The defensive set is for regular Blastoise. It's still a decent spinner in lower tiers and Leftovers would provide more durability than Mega's extra defenses (I think). I'll edit that section to make it more clear.

 

[Mattman324]

Ah, fair enough. Though Blastoise is OU if his Mega Form is, so... well, he probably won't be OU anyway (unless it's bottom of the barrel in OU, I can see him fitting in well in UU just like last gen)

 

[Helldoom]

This will be a great spinner for balanced teams. Bulky and strong enough to 2HKO Jellicent. I can see this being OU for sure.

BTW, Azumarill also resists water, dark and fighting.

 

[Bribery]

This will be a great spinner for balanced teams. Bulky and strong enough to 2HKO Jellicent. I can see this being OU for sure.

BTW, Azumarill also resists water, dark and fighting.

Good catch! Forgot about its Fairy typing.

 

[Princess Bubblegum]

Using Mega-Blastoise as a rapid spinner is actually pretty interesting, IMO one should use your mega-slot for something else but it isn't a bad option at all.

 

[alexwolf]

Imo, this thing is going to be one of the best MEvos and one of the best spinners to use. Its biggest selling point is its ability to take even two hits from Mega Gengar with the right investment and thus is the only, i repeat, the only spinner that can both get past any spinblocker and not get spunked by Mega Gengar. This is huge right there! Don't forget that we don't have Rain Dish Tentacruel and its SubToxic shenanigans anymore, so effective defensive spinners are going to be in really short supply and in very big demand.

Spinner that easily beats ghosts + great bulk + untrappable it if its healthy (Pursuit, Shadow Tag , Arena Trap, this dude cares about nothing) + good wallbreaker, all in one? Sign me in!!!

 

[Helldoom]

Imo, this thing is going to be one of the best MEvos and one of the best spinners to use. Its biggest selling point is its ability to take even two hits from Mega Gengar with the right investment and thus is the only, i repeat, the only spinner that can both get past any spinblocker and not get spunked by Mega Gengar. This is huge right there! Don't forget that we don't have Rain Dish Tentacruel and its SubToxic shenanigans anymore, so effective defensive spinners are going to be in really short supply and in very big demand.

Spinner that easily beats ghosts + great bulk + untrappable it if its healthy (Pursuit, Shadow Tag , Arena Trap, this dude cares about nothing) + good wallbreaker, all in one? Sign me in!!!

I wouldn't say blastoise doesn't care about shadow tag. Gengar can still kill you and itself with destiny bond, preventing you from spinning.

 

[alexwolf]

I wouldn't say blastoise doesn't care about shadow tag. Gengar can still kill you and itself with destiny bond, preventing you from spinning.

You bring Mega Blastoise in against something it can force out and if you predict Mega Gengar coming in you KO it with Dark Pulse, otherwise you spin.

 

[Mattman324]

I wouldn't say blastoise doesn't care about shadow tag. Gengar can still kill you and itself with destiny bond, preventing you from spinning.

Hey, if you can take down a Mega Gengar, to me that is good enough for a single pokemon. If I have to make my mega Blastoise to do it, then so be it. That he's an amazing spinner helps.

 

[-Nitro-]

Base 135 Special attack on Mega Blastoise, and a pretty solid movepool could see him some use as a Bulky sweeper as well. Probably not top of OU material, but if he and his mega DO end up in UU (very unlikely, I can see him being BL at worst now). There are a few problems with this, though. First of all, super low speed. Second of all, no reliable way of recovery. Toxic would almost ensure his demise.

Very similar to the offensive spinner set. So much so, actually, that it's hardly worth mentioning. You'd probably put dragon pulse or ice beam over rapid spin if this were the case. Maybe Toxic.

He may be able to pull off a Resttalk set, as well.

Blastoise@Blastoisinite
Ability: Mega Launcher
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 HP / 6 SpD(or Def)
Nature: Modest
- Water Pulse
- Dark Pulse / Aura Sphere
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Finally, he does still get Sub, toxic, rest, roar, and a decent array of both physical and special moves.

Also, I know it's a pipe dream, but has anyone tried breeding for Shell Smash to see if he gets that yet? (Unlikely).

 

[Annabeth]

Is there a Pokémon able to prevent Mega-Blastoise from spinning ?

 

[Psylink]

Imo, this thing is going to be one of the best MEvos and one of the best spinners to use. Its biggest selling point is its ability to take even two hits from Mega Gengar with the right investment and thus is the only, i repeat, the only spinner that can both get past any spinblocker and not get spunked by Mega Gengar. This is huge right there! Don't forget that we don't have Rain Dish Tentacruel and its SubToxic shenanigans anymore, so effective defensive spinners are going to be in really short supply and in very big demand.

Spinner that easily beats ghosts + great bulk + untrappable it if its healthy (Pursuit, Shadow Tag , Arena Trap, this dude cares about nothing) + good wallbreaker, all in one? Sign me in!!!

I think this is the most optimistic I've seen a moderator (aside from Poppy, but that's just his custom title).

How do you think using MeVo times will affect his spinning game?

 

[Skyblade12]

Does Blastoise get any set-up moves? Or does it need to be Baton-passed to in order to pick up Special Attack and/or Speed boosts?
Can we breed it Shell Smash?

 

[Mattman324]

Guys, Mega Blastoise is going to be great, because as I've recently realized, IT IS THE ONLY GOOD RAPID SPINNER (no, Torkoal, get out) THAT CAN BEAT AEGISLASH ONE ON ONE. Dark Pulse utterly MAULS Aegislash, and in return it... can't do anything. I mean, I think it's best move is a nonSTAB nonSE Sacred Sword or a Hidden Power that's SE on Blastoise.

 

[-Nitro-]

Disregarding the obvious Giratina and Ghostceus, specially defensive Spiritomb maybe?

Blastoise 3HKO's a calm, 252 HP 252 SpD spiritomb with water pulse.
3.13% chance to 2HKO with Hyrdo pump, otherwise 3HKO
16.63% for a 3HKO with Scald, otherwise 4hko

Dusknoir is 2HKO'd by Dark pulse

Can't find Aegislash's base stats in either form, but pretty sure Dark Pulse 2hKO's either *(Baseless speculation there though, again, I don't have the stats to do the math)

Honestly, as far as offensive sweepers go, he outclasses starmie simply because it's dangerous to block him because of dat dark pulse. Bulky as hell, too. Gets access to Roar, too, so if he gets Destiny bonded by Gengar, he can roar out, then dark pulse if you think it'll switch back in.

His biggest problem is that he can't use lefties. And also uses your mega slot.

Can we breed it Shell Smash?

Haven't tested or heard this yet. My brother has a cloyster I can try this with.

 

[alexwolf]

Disregarding the obvious Giratina and Ghostceus, specially defensive Spiritomb maybe?

252+ SpA Blastoise Surf vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Spiritomb: 114-135 (37.5 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

Gets 3HKOed while it can't do anything back and only has RestTalk as recovery

252+ SpA Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Giratina: 188-222 (37.37 - 44.13%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

Same as Spiritomb

252+ SpA Mega Blastoise Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Ghost: 252-298 (56.75 - 67.11%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Gets 2HKOed by Dark Pulse even if it goes for Calm Mind before the second Dark Pulse

So, aside from specially defensive Calm Mind GhostCeus (non-existent) and RestTalk CM Giratina no Ghost-type can spinblock Mega Blastoise. Btw, i put 120 BP on Dark Pulse to mimic the effects of Mega Launcher.

 

[-Nitro-]

My biggest concern with Mega Blastoise is toxic / set up toxic spikes (Since you'd be going in to spin). No leftovers means even regular poison is going to cut into his survivability something fierce.

 

[Mattman324]

My biggest concern with Mega Blastoise is toxic / set up toxic spikes (Since you'd be going in to spin). No leftovers means even regular poison is going to cut into his survivability something fierce.

Not to many things in OU use those things though, and Poison has had enough of a boost that having a TS absorber may not be a bad idea. Of course, you're right, that is certainly a disadvantage compared to Tentacruel (but it may be one of the few)

 

[Bribery]

My biggest concern with Mega Blastoise is toxic / set up toxic spikes (Since you'd be going in to spin). No leftovers means even regular poison is going to cut into his survivability something fierce.

Yeah that's one major disadvantage Blastoise has over Starmie (Natural Cure + Recover), Tentacruel, and Avalugg. It might be worthwhile carrying a cleric for this reason. A lot of the new Fairy types have Aromatherapy/Heal Bell and can Wish pass (Sylveon for example).

 

[Smasher89]

As i thought, it is able to get waterspout though breedingchains. (wailord>remoraid>squirtle). Just finished Evtraining one and will try using it in matches a little bit later.

 

[Unknown001]

How hard does a 252 Sp. Atk Mega Gengar hit Megblastoise with T-Bolt for?
How hard does a 252 Sp. Atk Life Orbed Gengar hit Megblastoise with T-Bolt for?

 

[Bribery]

How hard does a 252 Sp. Atk Mega Gengar hit Megblastoise with T-Bolt for?
How hard does a 252 Sp. Atk Life Orbed Gengar hit Megblastoise with T-Bolt for?

252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 239-283 (66.02 - 78.17%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Mega: 252 SpA Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blastoise: 226-266 (62.43 - 73.48%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[-Nitro-]

What are some pokes that would go well with Mega Blastoise? Obviously, anything that likes rapid spin support and hates stealth rock. Things like Talonflame, flying or fire types.