The LC Role Comparison Project

[Mowtom]

The LC Role Comparison Project

Approved by blarajan
Credit to Theorymon for the OP and idea and Wyvern for making this thread for XYUU.

Have you ever pinpointed a Pokémon on one of your teams, where you find it's role to be extremely useful for your team, but wonder "man, if only there was a similar Pokémon that had more manageable flaws for my team"? If so, this is the thread for you! Believe it or not, there tend to be a lot more Pokémon that can achieve a certain role than you think, but often times, these Pokémon are obscure, or they may be common Pokémon using an unusual set, so the people who are looking for such a "role replacement" may end up never finding it!

This thread aims to fix that problem! The main goal of this thread is to highlight certain underrated Pokémon sets, by comparing them to more common Pokémon who fulfill similar roles, both the advantages and the disadvantages! This way, people who feel like their team could use with some changes can get some tips from this thread, or if they are just making a team with certain roles in mind, they can be exposed to some Pokémon that deserve more usage! Also, don't worry if you can't think of any good examples, commenting on examples already mentioned to incite discussion is fine too!

Here's an example to get you guys started. Feel free to use the same format, since it gets right to the point, but if you feel the need to deviate a bit, that's fine too!

Dwebble vs. Tirtouga as a Shell Smasher

Dwebble @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 236 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- X-Scissor
- Stone Edge / Rock Blast
- Earthquake / Knock Off

Tirtouga @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 180 Spd / 236 Atk / 92 Def
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet / Earthquake


Dwebble's Advantages:

1. More Speed Dwebble reaches 30 Speed after a Shell Smash, while Tirtouga only hits 22. This means that Dwebble, unlike Tirtouga, can outspeed Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Misdreavus and Carvanha after one Speed Boost turn.

2. Choice of Secondary STAB Tirtouga is stuck with Stone (Miss) Edge as a Rock-type STAB move. Dwebble, on the other hand, has the option of using Rock Blast, which has a much higher accuracy and can break through Sashes and Substitutes.

3. More Utility Dwebble can use Knock Off to give up coverage for a larger team supporting role. This also lets it get past other SturdyJuiceSmashers by removing their Berry Juice. Tirtouga can use Knock Off too, but has a much harder time finding a moveslot for it.

Tirtouga's Advantages:

1. Priority Tirtouga gets Aqua Jet to use as a priority move. This means it is not stopped by Sucker Punch users *cough Pawniard cough* and somewhat makes up for its lower Speed.

2. More Bulk Tirtouga's bulk is better than Dwebble's, so it is more easily capabel of surviving hits without calling on Sturdy or the Berry Juice. It also isn't weak to Stealth Rock, although since it still needs Sturdy, it shouldn't be switching into rocks anyway.

3. Better Defensive Typing Tirtouga, unlike Dwebble, resists Flying thanks to its secondary typing, so it can deal with birdspam from Pokemon such as Fletchling, Doduo, and Tailow more easily.

Role Comparison Archive:
Dwebble vs. Tirtouga as a Shell Smasher (this post)
Lickitung vs. Spritzee vs. Drowzee as Bulky Wish Passers
Trubbish vs. Munchlax vs. Magnemite as Recycle Berry Juice Users
Timburr vs. Mienfoo vs. Croagunk vs. Scraggy as Bulky Fighting-Types
Vullaby vs. Archen as Defoggers
Cottonee vs. Spritzee as Supporting Fairy-Types

 

[chimp]

Tirtouga gets brownie points for being able to stop the current birdspam that is so egregiously rampant in the tier. Unless I'm mistaken, Tirt also gets Knock Off as well as Scald. I honestly feel like Tirtouga is the more reliable option, but dwebble is certainly good as well, since it can also set up spikes.

Love the thread idea btw.

 

[Mowtom]

Tirtouga gets brownie points for being able to stop the current birdspam that is so egregiously rampant in the tier. Unless I'm mistaken, Tirt also gets Knock Off as well as Scald. I honestly feel like Tirtouga is the more reliable option, but dwebble is certainly good as well, since it can also set up spikes.

Love the thread idea btw.

Thanks! I've edited your comments into the comparison.

 

[Corporal Levi]

Bulky Wish Passers

Lickitung @ Eviolite
Ability: Oblivious
Level: 5
EVs: 236 SDef / 116 HP / 156 Def
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Knock Off / Body Slam
- Heal Bell / Body Slam

Spritzee @ Eviolite
Ability: Aroma Veil
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Def / 76 SDef / 12 SAtk / 212 HP / 12 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Wish
- Protect
- Moonblast
- Aromatherapy / Calm Mind

Drowzee
Ability: Insomnia
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 156 Def / 92 SAtk / 36 SDef / 20 Spd
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Psychic
- Taunt / Hypnosis / Thunder Wave

Lickitung's advantages:
- Greater statistical bulk
- Bigger wishes
- Knock Off
- Immunity to Ghost
- Immunity to Taunt
- Access to Heal Bell

Spritzee's advantages:
- Very useful resistances to Fighting and Dark
- Immunity to Encore
- Greater initial offensive presence
- Potential to sweep
- Immunity to Taunt
- Access to Aromatherapy

Drowzee's advantages:
- Access to Taunt / Hypnosis / Thunder Wave for a bit more utility

Am I doing this right

 

[Goddess Briyella]

I love this thread idea.


Berry Juice + Recycle

Trubbish @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 36 Atk / 100 Def / 20 SDef / 236 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Recycle
- Spikes
- Gunk Shot
- Drain Punch

Trubbish's Advantages:

- Comfortably walls and beats every Fighting-type in the tier one-on-one, bar setup variants (and the rare Zen Headbutt Scraggy and Earthquake Croagunk)
- Outspeeds Pawniard (non-Scarfed) and beats most variants other than Swords Dance
- Walls and beats both Cottonee and Spritzee
- Berry Juice cannot be removed from it by any means, including Knock Off, Thief, Covet, Trick, Switcheroo, etc.
- 17 Speed and decent bulk for a non-Eviolite Pokemon
- Reliably sets up Spikes by virtue of all the above advantages
- 120 Base Power STAB move somewhat mitigates Trubbish's disappointing offensive power

Munchlax @ Berry Juice
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 36 Def / 236 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Recycle
- Body Slam
- Earthquake
- Pursuit / Fire Punch

Munchlax's Advantages:

- Strong physical attacker
- Incredible special bulk, including pseudo-resistance to Ice and Fire
- Only one weakness, Fighting
- Immunity to Ghost-type attacks, most notably Shadow Ball
- Walls and beats most users of strong recoil attacks (Brave Bird, Flare Blitz, etc.) under usual circumstances
- Walls and beats a huge amount of special attackers, including Abra
- Paralysis support via Body Slam alleviates Munchlax's Speed issue
- Traps enemies with Pursuit if needed

Magnemite @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 240 SAtk / 236 Spd
Modest Nature
- Recycle
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Grass]

Magnemite's Advantages:

- Sturdy allows it to survive any hit (bar multi-hit and Mold Breaker attacks) and fully restore health with Berry Juice, also restoring Sturdy in the process
- Strong special attacker
- 11 resistances and immunity to poison and paralysis
- Walls and beats both Cottonee and Spritzee
- Walls and beats most Flying-type threats, very important in the current metagame
- Volt Switch pivot, takes advantage of forced switches for momentum and also is slow enough to get teammates in unharmed against many enemies



A few minor fixes:

2. Choice of Secondary STAB Tirtouga is stuck with Stone (Miss) Edge as a Rock-type STAB move. Dwebble, on the other hand, has the option of using Rock Blast, which has a much higher accuracy and can break through Sashes and Substitutes.

Tirtouga can viably run Rock Slide, which has the same accuracy as Rock Blast, and also comes with a flinch chance even greater than that of Waterfall. It should probably be mentioned here. :)

Spritzee's advantages:
- Very useful resistances to Fighting and Dark
- Immunity to Encore
- Greater initial offensive presence
- Potential to sweep

Aroma Veil also provides immunity to Taunt, which is arguably more important than Encore. It should probably be mentioned here. :)

 

[Heysup]

I'm going to probably do the most obvious and difficult one.....

BULKY FIGHTING-TYPES

Timburr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 76 Def / 156 SpD
Impish Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Mach Punch
- Bulk Up / Poison Jab

Advantages:
- Doesn't care about WoW.
- Mach Punch off of 17-18 Atk.
- Highest basic bulk (ie. not including Regenerator).

Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 156 HP / 156 Atk / 196 Def (or there are Speed variants...)
Adamant Nature / Jolly (with Speed)
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Fake Out / (Taunt if fast) / Poison Jab

Advantages:
- Regenerator gives insane longevity.
- U-turn gives incredible utility and momentum.
- Can opt for fast Taunt.
- Can run a fairly powerful Fake Out.
- Moderately high bulk.

Croagunk @ Eviolite
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 52 HP / 188 Atk / 116 Def / 116 SpD / 36 Spe (or mixed)
Adamant Nature (or Quiet)
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot (/Sludge Bomb if mixed)
- Bulk Up / Fake Out / Vacuum Wave

Advantages:
- Water Absorb gives Croagunk extra longevity.
- Gunk Shot lets it beat Spritzee and destroy things like Fletchling on the switch.
- Walls other Fighting-types.
- Can run mixed, with STAB Vacuum Wave (though it's fairly weak).

Scraggy @ Eviolite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 36 HP / 156 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 212 Spe (these may be wrong im doing this by memory)
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Hi Jump Kick / Poison Jab / Iron Head
- Dragon Dance

Advantages:
- Dark-typing lets it absorb Knock Off even easier and makes it immune to Psychic (though basically all Dazzling Gleam OHKOes it and it loses to all of the above Fighting-types which are both huge minus points).
- STAB Knock Off.
- Dragon Dance lets it sweep more effectively along with Moxie.
- Shed Skin can be used to shrug off status.

 

[The Avalanches]

Defoggers

Vullaby

Vullaby @ Eviolite
Trait: Overcoat
EVs: 236 Def / 236 SpD / 36 Spe
Impish Nature
- Defog
- Knock Off
- Roost
- Brave Bird

Advantages:

• 23/27/24 bulk with Eviolite
• Decent defensive typing to support; two immunities, a powder immunity through Overcoat and three resistances
• Access to STAB Knock Off which makes it even better at supporting

Archen

Archen @ Eviolite
Trait: Defeatist
EVs: 236 HP / 236 Def / 36 Spe
Impish Nature
- Defog
- Rock Slide
- Roost
- U-turn / Knock Off

Advantages:

• Huge Attack stat makes Rock Slide hurt a lot
• Can also set up Stealth Rock
• Fastest user of Defog

 

[Rowan]

Supporting Fairy-types

Cottonee VS

Spritzee

Advantages of Cottonee
Prankster gives it a wide range of support options
Stun Spore helps slower sweepers such as Pawniard
Memento aids set-up sweepers
Encore stops opposing set-up sweepers
Grass-typing helps it stop Water- and Ground-types more easily

Advantages of Spritzee
Wish allows it to restore bulky attackers that lack recovery
Wish means it can stick around for longer
Aromatherapy means status doesn't affect your team too much
Aroma Veil stops it being taunt bait
Calm Mind allows it to late-game sweep
Lack of 4x weakness to Poison means it can survive Poison Jab from fighting-types


These Pokemon look very different on paper but basically fulfill the same role in a team, stopping Fighting- and Dark-types (bar Pawniard). However, because both of them have very different traits, its important you pick the right one for your team.

Spritzee works best on Bulky Offense teams as it can heal Pokemon such as Eviolite Pawniard and Timburr increasing longetivity, and sometimes even sweeping with Calm Mind. If you have Pokemon such as these on your team Spritzee is often the best choice.

Cottonee is more offense orientated. Thanks to Encore it can stop set-up sweepers that could tear through frailer offensive teams. It can also use Stun Spore or Memento to help support more offensive Pokemon. It's lack of longevity is also more suited to an offensive playstyle.

On Balance teams, it usually harder to decide between the two. Spritzee works great if your defensive core lacks recovery, but Cottonee can work to help your sweepers set up.

 

[Mowtom]

Corporal Levi You should add images and implement Goddess Briyella's suggestions.

@Everyone else: Added.

 

[Corporal Levi]

doesn't oblivious block taunt this generation
but yea I'll add pictures

 

[Mowtom]

It does, but it is an advantage they both have over Drowzee :)

 

[Krubby]

I feel like writing something about Tentacool vs. Trubbish for t. spike setters, any suggestions for either one?

 

[sparktrain]

I feel like writing something about Tentacool vs. Trubbish for t. spike setters, any suggestions for either one?

Definitely mention sticky hold + bj/recycle for trubbish, making it difficult to take down without a SE attack, not to mention it screws over the second most used mon in the tier (pawniard). Tentacool has rapid spin, knock off, special balk. You can also mention Froakie, which has a niche as the most heavily offensive t-spike setter thanks to Protean and its good speed/SpA, but it has very little bulk to speak of.

 

[boo836]

Offensive Flying-types.


Archen @ Berry Juice
Ability: Defeatist
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 180 Atk / 196 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Defog /Stealth Rock
- Acrobatics
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake

Advantages

• Rock typing provides a useful resistance to other Flying types
• Hits like a damn truck when Defeatist isn't in play, without any real cost
• Access to Defog and Stealth Rock allow Archen to also take a supporting role.
• Free item slot allows the use of Berry Juice, increasing survivability while also making Acrobatics useful.

Disadvantages

• Slow compared to other birds
• Only priority attack is weak compared to other birds.
• DEFEATIST SUCKS ASS MAN

Doduo @ Life Orb
Ability: Early Bird
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 240 Spd
Naive Nature
- Brave Bird
- Knock Off
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Quick Attack

Advantages

• Access to Knock Off, allowing Doduo to support the team by hitting the switch-in.
• Fast, but not the fastest bird.
• Brave Bird kicks most of the tier's ass, as it hits with the same power as Murkrow's

Disadvantages

• Knock Off is its only real niche over Taillow
• Dies quickly.
• Not hitting 19 speed makes this even more of a poor man's Murkrow.
• No U-Turn :(

Fletchling
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 180 Spd / 92 Def
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- U-turn
- Roost

Advantages

• Has a 110 base power priority move without factoring STAB.
• Can boost power of said move immensely with Swords Dance
• Slow U-Turn
• Priority Roost
• Very cute

Disadvantages

• Poor coverage without Natural Gift
• Natural Gift sets mitigate Acrobatics' power
• Somewhat frail

Taillow @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
Level: 5
EVs: 236 Atk / 236 Spd / 36 Def
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- U-turn
- Brave Bird
- Quick Attack

Advantages

• Has access to a STAB 140 bp move that's further boosted by Guts.
• Brave Bird kills stuff that Facade may not be able to
• Second fastest unboosted speed tier in LC
• Just hits everything both quickly and heavily.

Disadvantages

• Dies pretty quickly due to Brave Bird and Flame Orb kinda ripping your HP from you
• Pretty frail

Really bad coverage

The Flying-type has become a major factor in the Little Cup metagame. This is both due to the dominance of Fighting types, but also because there are a handful of Flying types that have access to hard hitting STAB moves, and are able to fill offensive roles. Additionally, the coverage of Flying tends to pair very well with Fighting-Type sweepers, as LC's birds enjoy the removal of the Rock and Steel types that resist their moves, while the Fighting-types thrive when the opponent's own Fighting types have been knocked out.

The Flying type has become a centralizing force in the metagame, mandating the use of resists such as Pawniard, Archen, Tirtouga, Omanyte, and Chinchou.

 

[Pancham]

boo836

• For Taillow advantages, you should add the Choice Specs Scrappy Boomburst, as it is actually scary.
• Fletchling can also run an all-out attacking set using HPGrass and Overheat over Roost and Swords Dance, which is really viable.
• Knock Off on Archen is viable.
• I've been seeing a "hybrid" Vullaby running around lately, with Weak Armor as the ability. Give some insight on that, maybe?

 

[Kavatika]

yeah definetely include np Vullaby in that list boo836

 

[Anthiese]

I feel like writing something about Tentacool vs. Trubbish for t. spike setters, any suggestions for either one?

Offensive Toxic Spikers (these are sets i use so EVs can be tweaked to liking bar Trubbish since i don't use it)

Tentacool @ Eviolite
Ability: Liquid Ooze
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 76 Def / 196 SAtk / 196 SDef
Bold Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Scald
- Sludge Wave
- Rapid Spin

Prosh
+ 100 Sdef is wonderful, Hits 17 Spe
+ resists 8 types (fire/ice/water/fighting/fairy/steel/poison/bug)
+ Grass types doesnt wanna Subseed when it can't get health back and shall get punished by Liquid Ooze
+ Can spin hazards away unlike the others

Cons
- No recovery
- Low 35 Def invites Knock Off




(shamefully stolen from Goddess Briyella's Post above)

Trubbish @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sticky Hold
Level: 5
EVs 116 HP / 36 Atk / 100 Def / 20 SDef / 236 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Toxic Spikes / Spikes
- Drain Punch
- Gunk Shot
- Recycle

Pros
+ Excellent recovery in Berry Juice + Recycle
+ Cant lose Berry Juice to Knock Off shenanigans
+ Beats Pawniard 1v1
+ Can choose to set up one of the two kinds of Spikes
+ Can wall all the fighting mons in the meta (unless random psychic/ground moves)


Cons
- Cant handle ghosts or psychics faster than it
- Gunk Shot has shaky acc
- Not the bulkiest without Eviolite but this set up is superior
- Low damage output (Gunk Shot mitigates this some)

Skorupi @ Eviolite
Ability: Battle Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 Def / 236 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Poison Jab
- Knock Off
- Toxic Spikes
- Taunt


Pros
+ 17 Speed + Taunt a strong combo
+ Solid Def / SDef combo
+ Gets both Spiking options

Cons
- Semi low 55 SDef but Eviolite sorta mitigates it
- Not doing much to fighting mons except Knocking off Eviolites
- Even though high Def, doesnt like birds
- Missy is a bane but at least Knock Off

Hide

All the TSpikers in LC

Italics get Spikes as well
Underlined also get SR
Bolded are good ones imo

Froakie, Koffing, Nidoran-F, Nidoran-M, Omanyte, Pineco, Skorupi, Skrelp, Spinarak, Tentacool, Trubbish, Venipede, Venonat, Yamask

I guess we could talk about defensive TSpikers but they all rather have their slots filled with other moves (Yamask/Koffing)

 

[Kavatika]

I'll make a post later today about bird checks

 

[boo836]

boo836

• For Taillow advantages, you should add the Choice Specs Scrappy Boomburst in advantages, as it is actually scary.
• Fletchling can also run an all-out attacking set using HPGrass and Overheat over SD and Swords Dance, which is really viable.
• Archen can also run Knock Off very viably.
• I've been seeing a "hybrid" Vullaby running around lately, with Weak Armor as the ability. Give some insight on that, maybe?

I considered NP Vullaby, but it's kinda gimmicky and it doesn't necessarily compare to the others. Sure, it will sweep an unprepared team, but it has trouble with set up and hates priority.

I love the all out attacker Fletch, but SD is by far the most common set. I can't believe I forgot knock off on archen tho.

And Adam, Specs Boomburst is extremely overhyped. Facade does pretty much the same or more damage while still having the freedom to use other moves. Priority attacks should not be a factor as Taillow has no business being in on them anyways.

 

[Kavatika]

Bird Checks (WIP)

Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
Level: 5
EVs: 156 Atk / 36 Def / 116 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance / Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch

Archen @ Berry Juice
Ability: Defeatist
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 156 Def / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock / Defog
- Defog / Rock Slide
- Acrobatics / Rock Slide
- Earthquake / U-turn
(really any combination of those moves will work)

Tirtouga @ Eviolite
Ability: Solid Rock
Level: 5
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpA / 156 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off / Aqua Jet

Chinchou @ Berry Juice / Eviolite
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 212 Def / 152 SpA / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump / Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell / Thunder Wave / Soak
- Thunderbolt / Hidden Power [Ground]

Magnemite @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 240 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ground] / Hidden Power [Grass]
- Recycle / Thunderbolt

Onix @ Berry Juice
Ability: Sturdy
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 236 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt / Dragon Tail / Roar

ill do advantages/disadvantages later

 

[Pancham]

Kavatika
What about Omanyte and Nosepass? There are also Aron and Shieldon which coukd be usee, but are relatively outclassed.

boo836
Specs Taillow is still really good though. Anf for NP Vullaby, it can still be used on Bird Offense trams, you should explain it if not just to say it is really outclassed/gimmicky

 

[Kavatika]

yeah I'm still gonna be adding to it, I'll be sure to do those too

 

[boo836]

Reserving for wallbreakers (will also clean up birds)

Vulpix

Croagunk

Wynaut

Abra

 

[Aaron's Aron]

There are more comparisons of mine at the top of the next page.
Apparently hide tags are lame, so I took them out.

Special Shell Smash Sweepers: Clamperl vs Omanyte

Tirtouga and Dwebble have been two of the most prominent Shell Smashers in recent times, but Dwebble has recently fallen off the Shell Smashing circuit and moved on to laying entry hazards instead. Even Tirtouga has started to shift towards an Eviolite + Solid Rock set for setting hazards as well. However, some special Shell Smashers are starting to come into the spotlight such as Clamperl (more with lower players) and Omanyte and gain popularity among the top players.

Clamperl @ DeepSeaTooth
Ability: Shell Armor
Level: (5+3)*3/2+(2-6)-3
EVs: 248 SpA / 76 SpD / 180 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]

Pros:
+ Clamperl's DeepSeaTooth doubles its Special Attack. Just for perspective, that is 3.3 Life Orbs but with no recoil. That's a lot of Life Orbs.
+ Without any boosts Clamperl's Special Attack stat is 18 (so if it's item is Knocked Off). With the DeepSeaTooth boost it doubles to 36. With a Shell Smash it doubles again to 72. A Special Attack stat of 72. 72.
+ This is fairly obvious, but not much (anything really) can take an attack from Clamperl, so unless you have priority it is pretty much good game.
+ Without a Shell Smash Clamperl still has a massive Special Attack stat of 36 thanks to DeepSeaTooth, so if it can outspeed something or survive a hit it is certain to deal some heavy damage. It is by no means deadweight.
+ Clamperl doesn't mind a burn, unlike Tirtouga and physical attacking friends,

Cons:
- Clamperl has no priority, and with no Eviolite and lowered defenses anything that outspeeds will most likely KO it (Fletchling, Timburr, etc.). Since it can't take a hit it can't function anywhere near as well on its own as Omanyte, so it needs a huge amount of support to use properly.
- It only has a Speed stat of 12, so after a Shell Smash it is still a lackluster 24. It isn't a terrible number, but it leaves Clamperl outsped by some Scarfs like Pawniard.
- Clamperl is heavily reliant on its DeepSeaTooth, and with Knock Off flying around Little Cup it is much harder to use. If its DeepSeaTooth is Knocked Off Clamperl becomes underwhelming for a Shell Smash sweeper and is basically deadweight.

Omanyte @ Eviolite
Ability: Shell Armor
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 196 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power

Pros:
+ Even after a Shell Smash, it still has a solid 16 Defense thanks to it's Eviolite. It can easily survive Fighting-type priority and KO back with a small amount of prior damage.
+ Omanyte has superb coverage in Surf / Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, and Earth Power. Not much can take a hit, and nothing can switch in and hope to survive another. Even Pokemon that are considered to be very bulky like Misdreavus and Porygon are KOed with a bit of prior damage.
+ After a Shell Smash boost, Omanyte reaches a blistering Speed of 26, outspeeding all Scarfers (except for weird ones like Misdreavus).
+ Even without a boost Omanyte can function decently against things it outspeeds, as it has a high Special Attack of 19 and high powered moves.
+ Omanyte does not mind a burn since it is a special attacker.
+ It counters Flying-types.

Cons:
- Omanyte has no way to restore any HP lost, so it can't take multiple priority attacks (but it can take one).
- Despite it's high Special Attack of 19, it has a dismal Speed of 13 without a Shell Smash (it is faster than Tirtouga though).
- It is checked pretty well by Ferroseed, but it has to come in clean since it is two hit KOed after a Shell Smash by Earth Power and Ice Beam. Ferroseed is less common than it used to be though.


Pivots: Mienfoo vs Magnemite vs Archen

What actually makes a pivot a pivot is very broad, so you could argue there are many, many pivots in Little Cup. Here are three of the more common pivots in this meta and why they should or should not be used.

Mienfoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
Level: 5
EVs: 176 HP / 116 Def / 196 SpD
Impish nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- U-Turn
- Fake Out

Pros:
+ Mienfoo has STAB Drain Punch and Regenerator to recover HP as it switches in and out.
+ It also has Knock Off to support the team.
+ It has good defenses, especially with an Eviolite, allowing it to take most neutral hits with ease.
+ Mienfoo also has Fake out to break Sturdy and finish off a Pokemon at low health.
+ Mienfoo is slow, so it uses its low Speed to take a hit, U-Turn out, Regenerate health, and switch a teammate in unscathed.
+ If you need a Pokemon to switch into Knock Off, Mienfoo is a good choice. It does miss its Eviolite however, and the loss of bulk is noticeable.

Cons:
- Mienfoo is weak to the all the prevalent Flying-types, especially Fletchling.
- It is pretty much walled by Spritzee.
- As a physical attacker it isn't very fond of burns.
- Mienfoo's Eviolite is often Knocked Off at the start of the game by opposing Mienfoo.

Magnemite @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Analytic/Sturdy/Magnet Pull
Level: 5
EVs: 240 SpA / 236 Spe
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Ground] / Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Thunderbolt

Pros:
+ With a Scarf, Magnemite outspeeds all non-boosted Pokemon.
+ Magnemite already has a massive Special Attack stat of 19, and Analytic is useful for increasing the power of Volt Switch even further as the opponent switches out.
+ Sturdy is helpful in case you need to stop a sweep.
+ It has multiple options like Sturdy + Berry Juice, so the opponent can't be sure what you are running.
+ Magnemite outspeeds Tirtouga even after a Shell Smash.
+ It checks the Flying-types racing around the tier.
+ Magnemite can switch into Spritzee and force it out or KO it with Flash Cannon.

Cons:
- Unfortunately Magnemite is in a pesky Speed tie with Jolly Scraggy after a Dragon Dance.
- It is trapped and KOed by Diglett, unless its Focus Sash is already broken, in which case Magnemite outspeeds and KOs.
- Scarf Pawniard can outspeed and use Knock Off to KO Magnemite if it has already taken a bit of damage.
- Magnemite does not have the best bulk or any way to heal, so it can't pivot forever.
- Due to holding a Choice Scarf, Magnemite is locked into one move.

Archen @ Berry Juice
Ability: Defeatist
Level: 5
EVs: 180 Atk / 132 SpD / 196 Spe
Jolly nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Rock Tomb / Rock Slide
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake
- U-Turn

Pros:
+ Archen has an almost unrivaled Attack stat of 20 and a powerful STAB in Acrobatics.
+ Rock Tomb is helpful for KOing things you normally couldn't due to the Speed drop.
+ It has good coverage in Earthquake.
+ Archen is a good counter to Flying-types.

Cons:
- Defeatist :(
- If its Berry Juice gets Knocked Off, it is then in Defeatist's range and is severely weakened for the remainder of the battle due to Defeatist.
- Acrobatics has a weak base power of 55 until it uses it Berry Juice.
- Defeatist! Why must you have this?!? (ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻ (Extra rage table flip.)
- Archen's defenses are adequate, but not extraordinary, so you don't want to be taking to many hits. You also want to stay out of Defeatist's range.
- Despite being a Flying-type, it can't switch into Fighting-types.

 

[The Avalanches]

Sticky Web Users

Spinarak

Advantages:
• Best defensive typing of Sticky Web users
• Access to another entry hazard move in Toxic Spikes
• Powerful offensive STABs make up for its mediocre Attack
• Sleep immunity lets it take on Foongus
• Only Sticky Web user with priority
• Capable of serving as a check to Fighting-types

Surskit

Advantages:
• Fastest user of Sticky Web; ties with Onix and outspeeds Dwebble
• Highest Special Attack of all Sticky Web users
• Powerful offensive options in Hydro Pump and Ice Beam
• Can utilize rain effectively, boosting its speed to 34 and powering up its Hydro Pumps
• Able to burn physical threats once Sticky Web is set

Sewaddle

Advantages:
• Cutest Bug-type in LC
• Highest Defenses of Sticky Web users
• Immune to Spore and other Powder-based moves
• Strong Special-based options