Clauncher Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Scald is a useful move because it punishes switch-ins with its high burn chance backed by decent power. Alternatively, Water Pulse receives a boost from Mega Launcher, which amplifies its power to the same strength as Surf, and has an added chance of confusion. Aqua Jet is a decent STAB priority move with the ability to pick off weakened foes and somewhat mitigate Clauncher's low Speed. Ice Beam hits frailer Grass-types and is able to OHKO Fletchling after Stealth Rock. Sludge Bomb is an option to hit Grass-types and Fairy-types, most notably Cottonee, as well, but the coverage against Flying-types that Ice Beam provides is much more useful to Clauncher. U-turn allows Clauncher to pivot out of its counters; it's not used primarily for its power or coverage. Set Details With the given EV spread and Eviolite, Clauncher's bulk is boosted to a solid spread of 21 / 24 / 21. This bulk can only be achieved with Eviolite; thus, Berry Juice is not advised. A Relaxed nature lowers Clauncher's Speed to ensure that its U-turn to pivot into foes is slower and thus almost always a safe move. 100 Defense EVs and 172 Special Defense EVs alongside a Sassy nature could be used to let Clauncher take on special attackers, but Clauncher should focus on taking on physical attacks because its weaknesses are primarily special. 132 Special Attack EVs give Clauncher a two-point boost to its Special Attack, making its attacks stronger. Usage Tips Clauncher should be used as a pivot to come in, take hits, and then use U-turn to switch into a counter to the opposing Pokemon. U-turn should be played smartly, as a well-timed U-turn can easily get Clauncher out of a risky situation; this is most effective when used on predicted switches. Scald should be your main attack, as thanks to its high chance to burn it dissuades physical attackers. Because Clauncher lacks reliable recovery and is susceptible to all forms of entry hazards, be careful about switching Clauncher in and out too much because it will get worn down very quickly. Team Options Removing entry hazards is crucial to Clauncher's success; Drilbur, Staryu, Archen, and Vullaby are able to do so effectively. This is because Clauncher switches a lot and will thus get worn down extremely quickly if entry hazards are up. Forming a VoltTurn core with Clauncher is a good idea because as a Water-type, it naturally fits into these cores. Larvesta and Mienfoo also have U-turn, while Magnemite has Volt Switch. Chinchou stands out as a partner because it fits well in a VoltTurn core and provides Heal Bell support, along with having decent synergy with Clauncher. Cleric support from the likes of Spritzee and Lickitung is appreciated because Clauncher lacks reliable recovery and is worn down quickly by status, entry hazards, and just generally switching into attacks. Partners that can take on Grass- and Electric-type Pokemon for Clauncher, such as Foongus and Magnemite, are helpful. Frailer sweepers, such as Abra and Gastly, appreciate Clauncher's ability to stomach hits for them and pivot into them with a slow U-turn.