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View Full Version : Heracross Analysis Revamp.



Carlo1003
07-28-2009, 11:33 AM
Old analysis by Rampage: http://teamuber.net/forum/showthread.php?t=76

Heracross:

http://pokemon.supercheats.com/artwork/214.png

Summary:

Most Used Heracross Set:

A "ChoicedCross" is the most recurrent Heracross that you will see out there; predominantly, ScarfCross. A Heracross with Choice Scarf can definitely wreck havoc to you opponent's team. Your typical common threats such as Heatran, Latias, Tyranitar, Lucario, and Starmie are all out-sped and OHKOed. Choice Scarf and a timed status condition prediction to activate its Guts Ability are basically the reasons for this Pokémon's success in not only the OU tier, but as well as the Uber tier. Consequently, ScarfCross has become a very popular and threatening Pokémon in this generation.

Usual Counters:

Practically any Ghost, Flying, and Poison-type Pokémon are considered as counters to Heracross. Undoubtedly, the best counter to Heracross would be Gliscor, particularly those Gliscors that pack Roost and Aerial Ace - a STAB Aerial Ace can effortlessly destroy Heracross. Not to mention that Gliscor has a higher base Speed compared to Heracross, which implies that it can easily shake off Heracross' entire move pool with Roost.

Popular Flying-type counters for Heracross would be Gyarados and Salamence, as they both have Intimidate and can easily take on or set-up on Heracross if stuck on a STAB move. An unboosted Waterfall from Gyarados can 2HKO Heracross while Salamence can easily KO Heracross with Fire Blast. Common Ghost and Poison counters are Rotom-H, Gengar, Weezing, and Dusknoir. These Pokémon resists Heracross' devastating STAB moves and also pack the essential moves to take down Heracross.

Scizor and Dugtrio are also widely accepted as counters because they have the ability to revenge kill Heracross. Scizor can resist Megahorn on a switch-in and KO Heracross with Bullet Punch. Dugtrio can trap Heracross and deliver a sure kill with Aerial Ace.

Types of Teams Heracross Is Used In:

Heracross is mainly used on highly offensive teams, provided that it has Stealth Rock support. Heracross is greatly dependent on Stealth Rock because one of Heracross' counters are those Flying-type Pokémon, and that -25% on them is really significant. ScarfCross can also be seen in Uber teams, it completely stops non-Scarfed Dialga, CM Mewtwo, Wobbuffet, and the different Dexoys formes.

In Depth:

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngHeracross of Choice @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA) Or Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)

- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Night Slash / Pursuit

Heracross has turned into one of the most efficient sweepers in the game, thanks to a huge Speed boost provided by Choice Scarf. Heracross is known by many of its two base 120 power STAB moves - Megahorn and Close Combat - those two moves alone can cover a large variety of types, not to mention OHKOing the majority of them. Since most Flying-types love to switch in on this dude to resist its two STAB moves, it is feasible to always pack Stone Edge. The last slot is mainly for those Ghost-types, who also resist its two STAB moves. Night Slash is highly recommended as it deals a lot of damage to Rotom, regardless of its forme. Pursuit is mainly for trapping and revenge killing those whom will surely flee once Scarf Heracross switches in.

Adamant is the most appropriate nature for this particular variant. However, Jolly is also a strong option as it can easily bait a Timid/Naive Scarf Heatran into a STAB Close Combat for the OHKO.

Overall, this type of Heracross basically provides you with proficient Speed and overwhelming destructiveness.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngHeracross of Choice @ Choice Band
Ability: Guts
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)

- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Night Slash / Pursuit

Banded Heracross, although it lacks the Speed to revenge kill or to finish a clean sweep, it provides what the Scarf variants does not endow, and that is raw power. Another difference from the two types is that Scarf Heracross acts as a revenge killer, while Banded Heracross performs as a wall breaker - an extremely potent wall breaker at that. The two STAB moves - Megahorn and Close Combat - are obviously standard; they wreck havoc on an almost all types. An intelligent prediction on Flying-type switch-ins would almost guarantee a KO. The last slot is again for those Ghost-types. You can either choose between Night Slash and Pursuit. Night Slash is brought into consideration as it inflicts massive damage on Ghost-types, plus the ever annoying high critical hit ratio. Pursuit however, is an excellent choice for this Heracross because it can trap and deal enormous damage on fleeing low health Pokémon.

The major and most evident downside for a "Choiced" Heracross, and practically any Pokémon with a Choice Item for that matter, is that many Pokemon such as SD Lucario, DD Gyarados, DD Salamence, SD Scizor, etc. can switch in and set up once it is trapped on a wrong move.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngJuggernaut @ Wide Lens/Life Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 6 SpD / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)

- Swords Dance
- Megahorn
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge

Swords Dance Heracross can really plunge a hole in the opponent's defenses early game with constantly timing a SD to a kill a Pokémon or two. Knowing that Heracross really lack figures in the Speed department, it is always reasonable to switch out and have support for this dude. Saving SD Heracross is really effective late game, when the opponent's sweepers are KOed, as it can easily set up on a Pokémon slower than it for a sweep.

Raising Heracross' Attack stat two stages higher comes great with its two STAB moves because it can effortlessly break through the opponent's walls. Since some types resist Megahorn and Close Combat, the need of adding Stone Edge into the final slot came into practicality. Stone Edge is basically there to deal damage to Pokémon who resist the said STAB moves.

Wide Lens is a very appropriate Item choice for this variant because two moves in this Heracross' move pool only have an 80% chance to land a hit, thus, making it useful especially late game. Moreover, Wide Lens also adds survivability to Heracross. However, if you are looking for sheer power, Life Orb is an excellent choice for you.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngSleeping Destroyer @ Leftovers
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 SpD
Nature: Careful (+SpD, -SpA)

- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Bulk Up
- Megahorn

This Heracross destroys so much late game it's not even funny. Seriously, Heracross has very decent stats on the Special Defense partition, thus, allowing it to get a quick Bulk Up or two. Bulk Up must be used in coordination with Rest to keep Heracross alive. So feel free to abuse rest as much as possible. Megahorn is chosen over Close Combat because unlike Close Combat, Megahorn can hit the Ghost-types. Sleep Talk is definitely a must in this variant because Sleep Talk works conjointly with Guts. Bulk Up boosts Heracross' Attack stat, Rest activates Guts, and Sleep Talk makes use of the activation.

Like what has been stated above, this Heracross works perfectly late game. But be sure to eliminate all of its threats to make the setting up easier.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngSubSalac @ Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)
IVs: 30 HP

- Subsitute
- Megahorn
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge / Night Slash

Although SubSalac Heracross is just a variation of the Juggernaut set, it can actually sweep better than the former. 30 IVs are given to the HP partition so that Salac Berry and Swarm activate on the third substitution. Once this is achieved, one of the problems that you will encounter are Scizor and Lucario. So it is apparent that you will have to deal with them ahead of time before using this Heracross. Also, when 3 Substitutes are achieved, not only do you get a +1 Speed boost, but you also get an insane boost on Megahorn thanks to Swarm, turning it into a base 270 power move. In addition to the stat boosts, you can also have a chance to get a SD behind a timed Substitute.

Since the main objective of this set is to sweep with Megahorn, the last spot is basically a filler or for those Pokémon that resist Megahorn. Stone Edge has the edge over Night Slash because it is much more needed versus Flying-types such as Gyarados and Salamence. Also, Megahorn already does huge damage on those Ghost-types.

This is undoubtedly one of the hardest Pokémon variants to set up. But with good amount of skill and support, it can actually be quite easy to achieve. A clean set up almost equates to a sure good game.

Other Options:

Another derivation of the SD Heracross set is replacing the Item with Flame Orb and replacing Stone Edge with Facade. This is also extremely deadly because after just one SD boost, it has the capability to KO its famous counters: Gliscor, Weezing, Gyarados, and Salamence, even after a -1 in Attack inflicted by Intimidate! Flame Orb is chosen over Toxic Orb because unlike being Burned, the damage you take when you are Poisoned significantly builds up; so it's basically for survivability purposes. A different variation of the SubSalac set is replacing Stone Edge with Reversal and Substitute with Endure. Although this ensures a Salac Berry and Swarm boost, it has a major loop hole: Sand Stream, Snow Warning, and priority moves; so this set is not totally encouraged.

Opinion:

All in all, it is quite obvious to infer that Heracross is a very versatile Pokémon. Its sets can range from sweeping, revenge killing, wall breaking, and setting up. Although Heracross needs a lot of support and skill in using, but once perfected, it can surely become a huge asset on your part and notorious threat to your opponent.

Carlo1003
07-28-2009, 11:34 AM
Constructive criticisms only please.

Will probably edit more later.

Also, this is my first work, so go easy. ;D

EDIT: I did this in one long sitting. So if you find any grammatical errors or wrong spellings, tell me here, don't edit it. So it won't be confusing. Thanks!

i am cool
07-28-2009, 12:25 PM
Old analysis by Rampage: http://teamuber.net/forum/showthread.php?t=76

Heracross

http://pokemon.supercheats.com/artwork/214.png


Sumarry:

Most Used Set:

A "ChoicedCross" is the most recurrent Heracross that you will see out there; predominantly, ScarfCross. A Heracross with Choice Scarf can definitely wreck havoc to you opponent's team. Your typical common threats such as Heatran, Latias, Tyranitar, Lucario, and Starmie are all out-sped and OHKOed. Choice Scarf and a timed status condition prediction to activate its Guts Ability are basically the reasons for this Pokémon's success in not only the OU tier, but as well as the Uber tier. Consequently, ScarfCross has become a very popular and threatening Pokémon in this generation.

Usual Counters:

Practically any Ghost, Flying, and Poison-type Pokémon are considered as counters to Heracross. Undoubtedly, the best counter to Heracross would be Gliscor, particularly those Gliscors that pack Roost and Aerial Ace - a STAB Aerial Ace can effortlessly destroy Heracross. Not to mention that Gliscor has a higher base Speed compared to Heracross, which implies that it can easily shake off Heracross' entire move pool with Roost.

Popular Flying-type counters for Heracross would be Gyarados and Salamence, as they both have Intimidate and can easily take on or set-up on Heracross if stuck on a STAB move. An unboosted Waterfall from Gyarados can 2HKO Heracross while Salamence can easily KO Heracross with Fire Blast. Common Ghost and Poison counters are Rotom-H, Gengar, Weezing, and Dusknoir. These Pokémon resists Heracross' devastating STAB moves and also pack the essential moves to take down Heracross.

Scizor and Dugtrio are also widely accepted as counters because they have the ability to revenge kill Heracross. Scizor can resist Megahorn on a switch-in and KO Heracross with Bullet Punch. Dugtrio can trap Heracross and deliver a sure kill with Aerial Ace.

Types of Teams Breloom Is Used On:

Heracross is mainly used on highly offensive teams, provided that it has Stealth Rock support. Heracross is greatly dependent on Stealth Rock because one of Heracross' counters are those Flying-type Pokémon, and that -25% on them is really significant. ScarfCross can also be seen in Uber teams, it completely stops non-Scarfed Dialga, CM Mewtwo, Wobbuffet, and the different Dexoys formes.

In Depth:

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngHeracross of Choice @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly (+Spe, -SAtk)

- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Night Slash / Pursuit

Heracross has turned into one of the most efficient sweepers in the game, thanks to a huge Speed boost provided by Choice Scarf. Heracross is known by many of its two base 120 power STAB moves - Megahorn and Close Combat - those two moves alone can cover a large variety of types, not to mention OHKOing the majority of them. Since most Flying-types love to switch in on this dude to resist its two STAB moves, it is feasible to always pack Stone Edge. The last slot is mainly for those Ghost-types, who also resist its two STAB moves. Night Slash is highly recommended as it deals a lot of damage to Rotom, regardless of its forme. Pursuit is mainly for trapping and revenge killing those whom will surely flee once Scarf Heracross switches in.

Adamant is the most appropriate nature for this particular variant. However, Jolly is also a strong option as it can easily bait a Timid/Naive Scarf Heatran into a STAB Close Combat for the OHKO.

Overall, this type of Heracross basically provides you with proficient Speed and overwhelming destructiveness.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngHeracross of Choice @ Choice Band
Ability: Guts
EVs: 96 HP/252 Atk/160 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SAtk)

- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Night Slash / Pursuit

Banded Heracross, although it lacks the Speed to revenge kill or to finish a clean sweep, it provides what the Scarf variants does not endow, and that is raw power. Another difference from the two types is that Scarf Heracross acts as a revenge killer, while Banded Heracross performs as a wall breaker - an extremely potent wall breaker at that. The two STAB moves - Megahorn and Close Combat - are obviously standard; they wreck havoc on a almost all types. An intelligent prediction on Flying-type switch-ins would almost guarantee a KO. The last slot is again for those Ghost-types. You can either choose between Night Slash or Pursuit. Night Slash is brought into consideration as it inflicts massive damage on Ghost-types, plus the ever annoying high critical hit ratio. Pursuit however, is an excellent choice for this Heracross because it can trap and deal enormous damage on fleeing low health Pokémon.

The major and most evident downside for a "Choiced" Heracross, and practically any Pokémon with a Choice Item for that matter, is that many Pokemon such as SD Lucario, DD Gyarados, DD Salamence, SD Scizor, etc. can switch in and set up once it is trapped on a wrong move.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngJuggernaut @ Wide Lens/Life Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk/6 SDef/252 Spe
Nature: Jolly (+Spe, -SAtk)

- Swords Dance
- Megahorn
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge

Swords Dance Heracross can really plunge a hole in the opponent's defenses early game with constantly timing a SD to a kill a Pokémon or two. Knowing that Heracross really lack figures in the Speed department, it is always reasonable to switch out and have support for this dude. Saving SD Heracross is really effective late game, when the opponents sweepers are KOed, as it can easily set up on a Pokémon slower than it for a sweep.

Raising Heracross' Attack stat two stages higher comes great with its two STAB moves because it can effortlessly break through the opponent's walls. Since some types resist Megahorn and Close Combat, the need of adding Stone Edge into the final slot came into practicality. Stone Edge is basically there to deal damage to Pokémon who resist the said STAB moves.

Wide Lens is a very appropriate Item choice for this variant because two moves in this Heracross' move pool only have an 80% chance to land a hit, thus, making it useful especially late game. Moreover, Wide Lens also adds survivability to Heracross. However, if you are looking for sheer power, Life Orb is an excellent choice for you.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngSleeping Destroyer @ Leftovers
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP/40 Atk/216 SDef
Nature: Careful (+ SDef, -SAtk)

- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Bulk Up
- Megahorn

This Heracross destroys so much late game it's not even funny. Seriously, Heracross has very decent stats on the Special Defense partition, thus, allowing it to get a quick Bulk Up or two. Bulk Up must be used in coordination with Rest to keep Heracross alive. So feel free to abuse rest as much as possible. Megahorn is chosen over Close Combat because unlike Close Combat, Megahorn can hit the Ghost-types. Sleep Talk is definitely a must in this variant because Sleep Talk works conjointly with Guts. Bulk Up boosts Heracross' Attack stat, Rest activates Guts, and Sleep Talk makes use of the activation.

Like what has been stated above, this Heracross works perfectly late game. But be sure to eliminate all of its threats to make the setting up easier.

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/sprites/dpmfa/dpmfa214.pngSubSalac @ Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe
IVs: 30 HP
Nature: Jolly (+Spe, -SAtk)

- Subsitute
- Megahorn
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge / Night Slash

Although SubSalac Heracross is just a variation of the Juggernaut set, it can actually sweep better than the former. 30 IVs are given to the HP partition so that Salac Berry and Swarm activate on the third substitution. Once this is achieved, one of the problems that you will encounter are Scizor and Lucario. So it is apparent that you will have to deal with them ahead of time before using this Heracross. Also, when 3 Substitutes are achieved, not only do you get a +1 Speed boost, but you also get an insane boost on Megahorn thanks to Swarm, turning it into a base 270 power move. In addition to the stat boosts, you can also have a chance to get a SD behind a timed Substitute.

Since the main objective of this set is to sweep with Megahorn, the last spot is basically a filler or for those Pokémon that resist Megahorn. Stone Edge has the edge over Night Slash because it is much more needed versus Flying-types such as Gyarados and Salamence. Also, Megahorn already does huge damage on those Ghost-types.

This is undoubtedly one of the hardest Pokémon variants to set up. But with good amount of skill and support, it can actually be quite easy to achieve. A clean set up almost equates to a sure good game.

Other Options:

Another derivation of the SD Heracross set is replacing the Item with Flame Orb and replacing Stone Edge with Facade. This is also extremely deadly because after just one SD boost, it has the capability to KO its famous counters: Gliscor, Weezing, Gyarados, and Salamence, even after a -1 in Attack inflicted by Intimidate! Flame Orb is chosen over Toxic Orb because unlike being Burned, the damage you take when you are Poisoned significantly builds up; so it's basically for survivability purposes. A different variation of the SubSalac set is replacing Stone Edge with Reversal and Substitute with Endure. Although this ensures a Salac Berry and Swarm boost, it has a major loop hole: Sand Stream, Snow Warning, and priority moves; so this set is not totally encouraged.

Opinions:

All in all, it is quite obvious to infer that Heracross is a very versatile Pokémon. Its sets can range from sweeping, revenge killing, wall breaking, and setting up. Although Heracross needs a lot of support and skill in using, but once perfected, it can surely become a huge asset on your part and notorious threat to you opponent.

GJ Carlo <333. This was excellent.

Carlo1003
07-28-2009, 12:53 PM
Okay, completed everything. ;D

And thanks iac. <3