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[VGC] Swampert Moveset - Tank (Sweeper)
#1
[Image: swampert___muddy_water_by_ishmam-d8255ny.png]
Credit to Ishmam

When I first played the original Pokemon Sapphire
and was given the option to choose my starter. I was so ready to choose the Fire starter Torchic. In previous Gen's I always chose the fire starter. But Gen 3 and mudkip, how could I not choose him? He's adorable! And thus my fascination with mudkip and his evolutions began. Being the first water starter to have a dual typing after evolving was awesome. Not to mention that made him a beast of a pokemon with only one true weakness, Grass. Regardless of that weakness Swampert became my favorite starter, even to this day. With his Defensive Bulk, high HP and Typing. It allows for Swampert to be a bulky Cannon of a pokemon. With the inclusion of his Mega Evolution in the Gen 6 Remake of Sapphire, Swampert gained even more Bulk and Attack power.
Hitting hard and being able take hits, that's the plan here.
I hope you find this build useful!

[Image: 20150126000116eea.gif]
Type: Water / Ground
Base Stats: 100 HP / 110 ATT / 90 DEF / 85 SPA / 90 SPD / 60 SPE
Weaknesses: GRASS
Resistances: Poison Rock Steel Fire
Immunities: Electric
Abilities: Torrent



Pressure Tank

[Image: giphy.gif]
Swampert @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 200 HP / 52 Atk / 129 Def / x SpA / 129 SpD / x Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Waterfall
- Avalanche
- Barrier / Curse


This build for Swampert is meant to Take hits and dish out even harder ones.
I Chose the EV spread to make sure that Swampert can take hits from common threats. 200 in HP gives Swampert good longevity combined with the 129 in both DEF and SPD Swampert can easily survive a moonblast from a Mega Gardevoir. With leftovers included to possibly make Swampert a 3HKO in most situations. Giving him time to set up if necessary with Barrier or Curse. With Curse Swampert can take advantage of Avalanche in a way. reducing his speed even further incase the priority of the move is matched by one of the opposing pokemon, while also increasing the damage dealt and Swamperts DEF. Avalanche will OHKO both Landorus and Thundurus, two very common threats in the VGC scene. With Avalanche doubling its base power when used after the opposing pokemon. I feel it's more viable than ice punch for this set, especially since we shouldn't be expecting Swampert to out speed most Mons in the first place. Earthqauke for Great STAB and waterfall for STAB and possible flinches. Pairing Swampert up with a mon that has intimidate could help prolong his potential for sweeping against physical threats like Kangaskhan. Or having a pkemon setup light screen to help with SPA pokemon like Hydriegon or Mega Gardevoir. With a light screen up Swampert can take more than a couple of grass Knots from Timid full EV & IV thundurus
(252 SpA Thundurus Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. +2 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 88-104 (44 - 52%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery)
Most Pokemon that Swampert hits neutrally will go down in 2 hits. There's more detail in the damage Calcs down below.

Damage Calculations:

Offensive


52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Thundurus: 138-164 (89 - 105.8%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
52 Atk Swampert Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Thundurus: 69-82 (44.5 - 52.9%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus: 224-268 (135.7 - 162.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
52 Atk Swampert Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus: 114-134 (69 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

52 Atk Swampert Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 67-81 (46.5 - 56.2%) -- 78.1% chance to 2HKO
52 Atk Swampert Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 73-87 (50.6 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 73-87 (50.6 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

52 Atk Swampert Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 184-220 (110.1 - 131.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
If they decided to go with a supportive nature for defense and invest EV's on heatran:
52 Atk Swampert Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Heatran: 132-160 (79 - 95.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

52 Atk Swampert Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 49-58 (27 - 32%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
52 Atk Swampert Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 52-63 (28.7 - 34.8%) -- 5.7% chance to 3HKO
52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 52-62 (28.7 - 34.2%) -- 2.5% chance to 3HKO

52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 118-140 (59.8 - 71%) -- 89.8% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
52 Atk Swampert Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 58-70 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- 94.7% chance to 4HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

52 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 168-200 (98.2 - 116.9%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Defensive


All of these take place before using Curse / barrier / or light Screen

252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 200 HP / 129+ Def Swampert: 126-148 (63 - 74%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 75-88 (37.5 - 44%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Thundurus Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 172-204 (86 - 102%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 84-100 (42 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 88-105 (44 - 52.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psyshock vs. 200 HP / 129+ Def Swampert: 72-85 (36 - 42.5%) -- 94.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 93-109 (46.5 - 54.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 200 HP / 129+ Def Swampert: 94-110 (47 - 55%) -- 15.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 105-124 (52.5 - 62%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 169-201 (84.5 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Earth Power vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 79-93 (39.5 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery



Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to;
  • Arcanine is a great teammate for Swampert. with the intimidate to lower the opponents attack. If you are running a Bulkier Arcanine with will-o-wisp you can Nerf the opponents physical threats even more, possibly forcing a switch. Or at the very least put on a bit of pressure.
  • TalonFlame is also a good partner for Swampert. It brings the pressure to your opponents. Galewings - Brave bird, followed by an earthquake (if applicable in that situation) Can KO atleast one of your opponents Mons. Making them really weigh out their options early in the match.
  • Whimsicott is probably my favorite support for Swampert. With prankster allowing for boosting of both Mon's Defenses and adding pressure by throwing status effects on the opponents Mons. giving Whimsicott  the light clay to boost the duration of light screen, keeps Swampert in the green a bit longer for more sweeping possibilities.


Threats include, but aren't limited to;
  • Let's be honest Grass Types or Grass type Moves are your only real concern here.
  • Thundurus, Klefki, and Whimsicott are all tricky due to there ability prankster. Causing Swampert less time to shine on your team with toxic or by buffing their own team as well.
  • Greninja can be a problem for any team. Being able to learn Grass Knot and the ability Protean, This means trouble. Grass Knots power will be 80 (due to Swamperts weight) Protean triggers + Greninja gets STAB = Not fun for Swampert.

    252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 296-348 (148 - 174%) -- guaranteed OHKO

    If you use light screen: 252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. +2 200 HP / 129 SpD Swampert: 146-177 (73 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


Other Notable Moves
  • Aqua Tail: More base power than Waterfall, but that chance to miss is crucial to me. I'd rather take my chances with waterfall and possibly get a flinch or two out of it.
  • Iron Tail: If you want a way to get a Possible OHKO on mega Gardevoir then this move is decent. but with Earthquake (STAB) having a better type coverage, the only other benfit outside of Fairy Killing is Ice Types.
  • Hammer Arm: This move is more for taking out the every annoying Bisharp that makes rare appearances on teams. Yea we do have earthquake for this, but with Bisharp taking 4x the damage from this move you can guarantee an OHKO. Not to mention Mega Kangaskhan does not appreciate a Hammer Arm to the face.


    52 Atk Swampert Iron Tail vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 122-144 (84.7 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
    52 Atk Swampert Hammer Arm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Bisharp: 176-208 (124.8 - 147.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
    252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 200 HP / 129+ Def Swampert: 130-155 (65 - 77.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery




Other Notable Items
  • Expert Belt: If you want to take advantage of Swamperts decent type coverage in its moves, then the Expert belt is a nice little extra Oomph for those Super Effective hits.
  • Lum Berry: If you want to be really nasty. Pair your Swampert up with someone who knows Swagger (Whimsicott). And watch as your Swampert begins to become a serious threat in only one turn. Or for the possible Will-o-wisp from a Gardevoir. It never hurts to be prepared.


And that's it! I hope this gave you all some ideas on how awesome a Swampert can be in VGC format. As I'm sure there are plenty of different ways to run every Pokemon out there. This is just one of the many. If it's not for you, then it's just not for you. No Harm done there!  :D
If you found this enjoyable or informational or if you have any constructive criticism, then please let me know by dropping a comment down below. I'm Still new here, so my eyes and ears are open to constructive input.
Thank you for reading!
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#2
This is great! Moved to competitive movesets!

also, tokyo ghoul is dope [:
50 thousand people used to live here...Now it's a ghost town.
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#3
(Oct 8, 2015, 02:34 PM)Rogue Wrote: This is great! Moved to competitive movesets!

also, tokyo ghoul is dope [:

Thank you! And I totally Agree about Tokyo ghoul!
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#4
Nice write up, much more relevant to the VGC metagame than your last few write ups. Just a few things I would tweak. First, change 129 to 128, the extra one EV in each stat makes no difference to the level of the stat and it's just standard practice to leave those 2 EVs out. Secondly you have 12 wasted EVs. By dropping 4 EVs from your HP, Defence and Special Defence stat, at level 50 you keep the same exact stats and this gives you more EVs to place elsewhere. I would recommend investing slightly in speed to speed creep other base 60s such as Aegislash, Sylveon and Tyranitar, while still being considerably slower than anything you intend to use Avalanche on.

For your calculations, there are some mistakes. For example, against Landorus-T and Salamence you should also calc at -1 due to intimidate. (For my calcs I dropped the attack to 44 so I could invest more in speed. This only drops the attack stat by 1).

-1 44 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 112-132 (65.4 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 44 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 152-180 (92.1 - 109%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

As for Mega Gardevoir, it never carries Moonblast. Hyper voice does almost the same damage while hitting both targets and avoiding redirection. From experience, they are also normally Modest.

252+ SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 196 HP / 124 SpD Swampert: 93-111 (46.5 - 55.5%) -- 68% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 196 HP / 124 SpD Swampert: 96-114 (48 - 57%) -- 87.5% chance to 2HKO

Thundurus is very rarely offensive. And if it is, it rarely carries Grass knot. Giving up a moveslot to be able to hit Gastrodon and Swampert really isn't worth it. I substituted the offensive set for a very physically bulky spread.

44 Atk Swampert Avalanche vs. 244 HP / 140+ Def Thundurus: 104-124 (56.2 - 67%) -- 34% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

This is basically the worst case scenario for Swampert, it will normally be getting a guaranteed 2HKO. In return Thundurus can't touch Swampert. HP Ice and Thunderbolt to nothing. The worst thing it can do to you is Swagger you and hope for the best (or Taunt you if you wanted to set up). For this reason, Thundurus really isn't a threat, in fact this thing is a counter to it (as long it doesn't carry Grass knot).

There are also a couple of things I would add. firstly, Rotom-W completely destroys Swampert. With its resistance/immunity to all of these moves and ability to W-o-w you, it just wins. Bulky waters in general give you some issues, with Swampert only taking Scald neutrally and their fairly high chance to burn.
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#5
Very interesting build. I've actually used a Swampert with this exact moveset in Smogon UU only with Max HP, Max Attack. Also in reference to the EV spread, all EVs should be a multiple of 4 seeing as how 4 EVs = 1 stat point.
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#6
(Oct 8, 2015, 05:32 PM)Marcusube Wrote: Very interesting build. I've actually used a Swampert with this exact moveset in Smogon UU only with Max HP, Max Attack. Also in reference to the EV spread, all EVs should be a multiple of 4 seeing as how 4 EVs = 1 stat point.

Thanks I'm still pretty new at this. So im learning. Thank you all for the input!
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