pannu
bokura no
[OVERVIEW]
Toxapex is a defensive staple in the SM CAP metagame, as it checks key Pokemon in the tier like Jumbao, Arghonaut, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile. Regenerator lets it safely scout foes like Tornadus-T, Greninja, and Kartana. Toxapex also has access to a plethora of good defensive utility moves like Scald, Toxic Spikes, and Haze. However, due to Toxapex's defensive potency, it often has to check multiple opposing Pokemon, which can cause it to get overwhelmed in the long term.
[SET]
name: The Pex
move 1: Scald
move 2: Recover
move 3: Haze
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off / Toxic Spikes
item: Black Sludge
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 228 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald allows Toxapex to mitigate its passivity, punishing attackers like Mega Tyranitar and Mega Mawile with Scald burns. Haze thwarts setup attempts from Necturna, Reuniclus, and Magearna and prevents Toxapex from being setup fodder. Toxic gives it a way to punish switch-ins like Rotom-W, Tapu Lele, Jumbao, and Tornadus-T. Knock Off can be used instead to force progress by removing items from Krilowatt, Weavile, Chansey, and Reuniclus. Another option is Toxic Spikes, which help setup sweepers like Mega Latias, Reuniclus, and Gliscor by wearing down their checks in Chansey, Mega Tyranitar, and Jumbao.
Set Details
========
The EV spread maximizes Toxapex's special bulk to let it handle Jumbao, Magearna, and Tornadus-T better, with the given Defense investment allowing it to always survive a +2 Leaf Blade from Kartana two Choice Band Knock Offs from Weavile, as well as counter Mega Lopunny. Regenerator and Black Sludge keep Toxapex healthy throughout the game, which lets it check Manaphy and Volcarona.
Usage Tips
========
Switching Toxapex into resisted hits ensures that it can get on the field safely without having to use Recover, allowing it to spread status and disrupt the opposing team. Toxapex can also pivot into passive foes such as Chansey, Celesteela, and Arghonaut, as their low damage output is negated by Regenerator. Furthermore, using Regenerator to scout Choice Item users like Greninja, Weavile, and Victini lets Toxapex switch into a more appropriate answer, depending on what move they lock into. Additionally, Toxapex can also scout what item the opponent's Greninja is holding, though it must be wary of Tectonic Rage off of Dig. Toxapex can also switch into Tornadus-T and threaten it with Knock Off or Toxic.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that resist or are immune to Electric such as Gliscor, Mega Latias, Equilibra, and Ferrothorn make for stellar teammates, as they're able to check the Electric-types that bother Toxapex. Ground-resistant or -immune Pokemon like Celesteela, Tornadus-T, and Jumbao can switch into Ground-type attacks from Equilibra, Landorus-T, and Gliscor, which threaten Toxapex. Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Reuniclus, and Tapu Lele threaten Toxapex, so Pokemon like Heatran, Mega Tyranitar, and Weavile are great teammates alongside it. Tyranitar and Weavile are especially notable, as their Pursuit support is greatly appreciated by Toxapex to remove Psychic-types that threaten it. Mega Scizor is a solid teammate, as it helps patch Toxapex's negative matchup versus Kyurem-B. Regenerator cores with Tangrowth and Tornadus-T are incredibly hard to consistently break through, as they cover each other's weaknesses.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Baneful Bunker is a solid option that eases prediction by punishing physical attackers like Weavile, Mega Medicham, and Caribolt. However, the opportunity cost from not running Toxic or any of its other utility moves is noticeable. Defense investment can be used to better handle physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kartana, and Weavile. However, without Special Defense investment, it no longer handles Jumbao. This forces you to run Toxapex alongside a Pokemon which does, like Chansey or Tornadus-T. A Payapa Berry can be used to punish Mega Medicham and Tapu Lele and use Haze against Reuniclus and Mega Latias in a pinch. However, it's a very situational item, rendered completely useless in matchups where Toxapex does not have to face a Psychic-type. Finally, Shed Shell can also be run to let Toxapex escape trapping attempts from Heatran and Pajantom.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Tapu Lele, Mega Medicham, and Mega Alakazam all threaten Toxapex out, but none of them appreciate being statused when switched in. Reuniclus deserves a special mention, (AC) as it's (AA) able to switch in completely for free without minding being statused or losing its Colbur Berry.
**Ground-types**: Ground-type foes such as Landorus-T and Equilibra threaten Toxapex with their powerful Ground-type attacks. However, neither of them want to switch into a super effective Scald and risk a burn. Gliscor can use Toxapex as setup fodder once its Toxic Orb has been activated, shrugging off Scald damage and recovering HP while doing so.
**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage**: Electric-types like Krillowatt, Tapu Koko, and Caribolt threaten to OHKO Toxapex with their STAB moves, but they cannot safely switch in on Toxic or Knock Off. Kyurem-B, Clefable, and Mega Mawile can all run Electric-type coverage to beat Toxapex.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[pannuracotta, 517892]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [quziel, 297859]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Astra, 240732]]
Toxapex is a defensive staple in the SM CAP metagame, as it checks key Pokemon in the tier like Jumbao, Arghonaut, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile. Regenerator lets it safely scout foes like Tornadus-T, Greninja, and Kartana. Toxapex also has access to a plethora of good defensive utility moves like Scald, Toxic Spikes, and Haze. However, due to Toxapex's defensive potency, it often has to check multiple opposing Pokemon, which can cause it to get overwhelmed in the long term.
[SET]
name: The Pex
move 1: Scald
move 2: Recover
move 3: Haze
move 4: Toxic / Knock Off / Toxic Spikes
item: Black Sludge
ability: Regenerator
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 228 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald allows Toxapex to mitigate its passivity, punishing attackers like Mega Tyranitar and Mega Mawile with Scald burns. Haze thwarts setup attempts from Necturna, Reuniclus, and Magearna and prevents Toxapex from being setup fodder. Toxic gives it a way to punish switch-ins like Rotom-W, Tapu Lele, Jumbao, and Tornadus-T. Knock Off can be used instead to force progress by removing items from Krilowatt, Weavile, Chansey, and Reuniclus. Another option is Toxic Spikes, which help setup sweepers like Mega Latias, Reuniclus, and Gliscor by wearing down their checks in Chansey, Mega Tyranitar, and Jumbao.
Set Details
========
The EV spread maximizes Toxapex's special bulk to let it handle Jumbao, Magearna, and Tornadus-T better, with the given Defense investment allowing it to always survive a +2 Leaf Blade from Kartana two Choice Band Knock Offs from Weavile, as well as counter Mega Lopunny. Regenerator and Black Sludge keep Toxapex healthy throughout the game, which lets it check Manaphy and Volcarona.
Usage Tips
========
Switching Toxapex into resisted hits ensures that it can get on the field safely without having to use Recover, allowing it to spread status and disrupt the opposing team. Toxapex can also pivot into passive foes such as Chansey, Celesteela, and Arghonaut, as their low damage output is negated by Regenerator. Furthermore, using Regenerator to scout Choice Item users like Greninja, Weavile, and Victini lets Toxapex switch into a more appropriate answer, depending on what move they lock into. Additionally, Toxapex can also scout what item the opponent's Greninja is holding, though it must be wary of Tectonic Rage off of Dig. Toxapex can also switch into Tornadus-T and threaten it with Knock Off or Toxic.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that resist or are immune to Electric such as Gliscor, Mega Latias, Equilibra, and Ferrothorn make for stellar teammates, as they're able to check the Electric-types that bother Toxapex. Ground-resistant or -immune Pokemon like Celesteela, Tornadus-T, and Jumbao can switch into Ground-type attacks from Equilibra, Landorus-T, and Gliscor, which threaten Toxapex. Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Reuniclus, and Tapu Lele threaten Toxapex, so Pokemon like Heatran, Mega Tyranitar, and Weavile are great teammates alongside it. Tyranitar and Weavile are especially notable, as their Pursuit support is greatly appreciated by Toxapex to remove Psychic-types that threaten it. Mega Scizor is a solid teammate, as it helps patch Toxapex's negative matchup versus Kyurem-B. Regenerator cores with Tangrowth and Tornadus-T are incredibly hard to consistently break through, as they cover each other's weaknesses.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Baneful Bunker is a solid option that eases prediction by punishing physical attackers like Weavile, Mega Medicham, and Caribolt. However, the opportunity cost from not running Toxic or any of its other utility moves is noticeable. Defense investment can be used to better handle physical attackers like Mega Mawile, Kartana, and Weavile. However, without Special Defense investment, it no longer handles Jumbao. This forces you to run Toxapex alongside a Pokemon which does, like Chansey or Tornadus-T. A Payapa Berry can be used to punish Mega Medicham and Tapu Lele and use Haze against Reuniclus and Mega Latias in a pinch. However, it's a very situational item, rendered completely useless in matchups where Toxapex does not have to face a Psychic-type. Finally, Shed Shell can also be run to let Toxapex escape trapping attempts from Heatran and Pajantom.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Tapu Lele, Mega Medicham, and Mega Alakazam all threaten Toxapex out, but none of them appreciate being statused when switched in. Reuniclus deserves a special mention, (AC) as it's (AA) able to switch in completely for free without minding being statused or losing its Colbur Berry.
**Ground-types**: Ground-type foes such as Landorus-T and Equilibra threaten Toxapex with their powerful Ground-type attacks. However, neither of them want to switch into a super effective Scald and risk a burn. Gliscor can use Toxapex as setup fodder once its Toxic Orb has been activated, shrugging off Scald damage and recovering HP while doing so.
**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage**: Electric-types like Krillowatt, Tapu Koko, and Caribolt threaten to OHKO Toxapex with their STAB moves, but they cannot safely switch in on Toxic or Knock Off. Kyurem-B, Clefable, and Mega Mawile can all run Electric-type coverage to beat Toxapex.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[pannuracotta, 517892]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [quziel, 297859]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Astra, 240732]]
Last edited: