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Moves The combination of Stone Edge and Earthquake allows Crustle to hit almost every Pokemon in the tier for at least neutral damage, with one very notable exception in Bronzor, which the last move allows it to hit hard. Knock Off gives Crustle a way to 2HKO all variants of Bronzor, as well as giving Crustle a way to rid the many Eviolite users in the tier of their needed item, with targets including Mareanie, Metang, and Dusclops. X-Scissor is another option that allows Crustle to still hit Bronzor reasonably hard while also allowing it to hit bulkier Grass-types such as Quilladin and Leafeon for super effective damage. However, this option loses out on the ability to OHKO specially defensive variants of Bronzor. Set Details White Herb allows Crustle to keep its high Defense stat intact after using Shell Smash, which notably allows it to comfortably take a hit from Choice Scarf users such as Electivire and Rapidash as well as common priority users such as Purugly before OHKOing them in return. This also can potentially give Crustle an opportunity to set up Shell Smash again, jacking up both its power and speed to breathtaking levels. Another option is Rockium Z, which gives Crustle a one-time nuke that circumvents Stone Edge's meager accuracy and OHKOes Gourgeist-XL after Stealth Rock damage, a Pokemon that otherwise gives Crustle issues. However, such a set must be played with more caution, as Crustle immediately becomes much more vulnerable to Choice Scarf and priority users. Sturdy is the preferred ability here, as it guarantees that Crustle will be able to set up Shell Smash as long as entry hazards are kept off the field. Using Weak Armor is an option that can potentially make Crustle extremely fast at the cost of some bulk, but the prevalence of priority users such as Pawniard as well as the fact that the White Herb could be used up before Crustle actually uses Shell Smash make this a risky option at best. Usage Tips Shell Smash Crustle is best saved for the mid-or late-game, when it will have an easier time sweeping through teams. It is a good idea to remove at least some of its offensive and defensive checks before sending Crustle out. Defensive checks to watch out for include Gourgeist-XL and Pyukumuku, while offensive ones include potential Choice Scarf users like Electivire and Mr. Mime as well as priority users such as Swanna. Crustle can also operate as an excellent wallbreaker if it is unable to sweep, with defensive Pokemon including Mawile and Bronzor being prime targets. Avoid switching Crustle in directly, as it cannot afford to take much damage if it is aiming to be out of range of the common Choice Scarf threats and priority users. Pivoting Crustle in through a slow U-turn or Volt Switch or after one of your Pokemon has fainted is generally a better option. Removing entry hazards before Crustle comes in is an excellent idea, as it is weak to Stealth Rock and will take damage from Spikes and Toxic Spikes as well. Crustle cannot afford to take much damage before it gets in range of some of the tier's Choice Scarf users and priority users. Crustle should ideally attempt to set up on physical attackers that don't immediately threaten it or foes that it can force out thanks to its decent base Attack that threatens a good amount of the tier. Prime points of entry include Kecleon, Purugly, and Choice Band Komala. Attempting to set up on some of the more passive Pokemon in the tier is an option as well, but Crustle must be extremely careful of status, which most of the passive Pokemon in the tier can spread. As such, setting up against Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL, Mareanie, and Dusclops should be avoided, as they threaten to burn Crustle. Bulky Water-types are a big problem for Crustle, as most of them will OHKO it if they aren't eliminated or brought into KO range the first turn you see them. A specific mention goes to Pyukumuku, which isn't bothered by what Crustle does and will wall it out. Such Pokemon should absolutely be removed before Crustle attempts to sweep. Team Options Entry hazard removal is much appreciated, as Crustle is weak to Stealth Rock and will take hefty damage if it switches in with it on the field. This is especially imperative with the Rockium Z set, as Crustle will be in range of an OHKO from Choice Scarf users such as Pinsir and Rapidash after Stealth Rock damage and the Defense drop. All entry hazards will also break Sturdy. Thus, Defog or Rapid Spin support from teammates such as Swanna, Altaria, Komala, and Sandslash is very helpful. Crustle greatly appreciates entry hazards from teammates such as Quilladin, Mawile, and Bronzor on the opposing side of the field, as they let it more easily punch through the opponent's team. Crustle is vulnerable to special attackers, so having a way of dealing with them is imperative. Choice Scarf Electivire takes out threats such as Swanna, Kadabra, and Mr. Mime, while Assault Vest Komala can tank many hits from special attackers thanks to its naturally decent bulk before threatening them with its powerful attacks. Ways of crippling or removing Choice Scarf and priority users are very helpful for Crustle, with revenge killing them with your own Choice Scarf users such as Electivire and Pinsir being a good option. Another option is checking them defensively; Sandslash, for example, can tank anything Electivire or Rapidash throws at it before OHKOing them with Earthquake. In addition to the aforementioned bulky Water-types, Crustle will struggle to break certain physical walls, such as Colbur Berry Gourgeist-XL and physically defensive Golem. As such, having a wallbreaker as a teammate is appreciated. Exeggutor, Servine, and Beheeyem are potential options here.

Moves Crustle's access to Spikes and Knock Off is largely the only reason to use it over lead Golem. As such, they should absolutely be used on every lead Crustle. Spikes and Stealth Rock combine for a choking entry hazard stack that can wear down opposing teams very quickly, while Knock Off allows Crustle to potentially annoy other leads that appreciate having their item, such as the aforementioned Golem, as well as giving it a good way to fight against Pokemon that rely on Eviolite and Leftovers, such as Bronzor, Mareanie, and Lickilicky. The last move slot is largely filler. Stone Edge is a nice, powerful STAB move that can dissuade some of the tier's most notable Defoggers such as Rotom-S and Swanna from switching into Crustle, while Rock Blast allows Crustle to greatly threaten Focus Sash-reliant Pokemon like Masquerain, Kadabra, and Leavanny while also neutering enemy lead Crustle. Set Details Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Crustle to at worst Speed tie with the ever-present lead Golem, as well as with opposing lead Crustle, while maximum Attack investment allows Crustle to hit as hard as possible. Using Custap Berry with Sturdy allows Crustle to ensure it can almost always get at least Stealth Rock up and one layer of Spikes up before fainting. An alternative to the above set is running Focus Sash along with the ability Weak Armor. This ensures that Crustle will be able to tank a hit at least once while also gaining a large Speed boost if said hit is physical. This also has the added benefit of lowering Crustle's Defense, which is ironically useful in this case, as Crustle's goal is to get out of the way for the next teammate. Ideally this allows Crustle to at least get up Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes, but it is inconsistent compared to the other set, as it relies on Crustle facing a physical attacker. Usage Tips Crustle should almost always be the lead, unless the opponent has a very obvious Taunt user such as Misdreavus that threatens Crustle's ability to get up entry hazards. It can still be worth it to send Crustle in on certain physically based Taunt users, as the combination of Knock Off and either Stone Edge or Rock Blast is nothing to sneeze at offensively. Crustle should be wary of leading against hazard removers such as Silvally-Fighting, Sandslash, Avalugg, and Silvally-Water, which wall it and are able to cleanly keep its hazards off the field. It should also be somewhat careful of leading off against Golem and opposing Crustle, which oftentimes carry Rock Blast. Crustle can potentially be saved for later if these threats are present so that it can put its hazards up once they have been effectively dealt with. Stealth Rock should generally be used first, as it is the more overall useful entry hazard. The next step should be to set up as many layers of Spikes as possible in order to threaten chip damage on Stealth Rock-resistant Pokemon such as Sandslash, Mawile, and Machoke. Using Knock Off on opposing leads is oftentimes a good option. Lead Golem, for example, greatly relies on its Weakness Policy or its Custap Berry to effectively do its job. This also has the added benefit of breaking Sturdy. This Crustle should only be switched out against hazard removers that is has no way of dealing with, such as Silvally-Water and Sandslash. Outside of those situations it is usually better to let Crustle get KOed and let a more overall useful Pokemon take the reins. Custap Berry allows Crustle to set a hazard while sacrificing itself, which is great for keeping momentum and letting offensive teammates such as Purugly or Pawniard take center stage. Team Options Lead Crustle works best on hyper offense teams that appreciate multiple layers of entry hazards. Finding a way to beat Defoggers and spinners that threaten to remove all of Crustle's hard work is generally a very good idea. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Purugly can force Defoggers into a very uncomfortable situation, with Contrary Servine being another option. Spinblocking using Taunt Misdreavus is an option to give insurance against spinners, although finding another way to deal with common spinners is an option as well, such as Fighting-type coverage for taking on Komala and Water- or Grass-type coverage for Sandslash. Many of the tier's offensive threats appreciate the offensive pressure that hazards give, as it makes it harder to switch into them. Combusken, Pinsir, Z-Rain Dance Swanna, and mixed Electivire are all offensive powerhouses that appreciate hazard stacking, as it aids them in their efforts to break down and/or sweep the opposing team.

Moves Shell Smash is something Crustle should absolutely should not be without, preventing it from being outclassed by Golem by boosting its Attack to high levels and making Crustle significantly faster. Next, Rock Wrecker is an extremely powerful STAB move with Rockium Z that is meant to OHKO opposing Pokemon, often after a Shell Smash boost. Crustle can also use Rock Blast to beat Substitute users like Serperior and Mega Charizard Y, or FEAR Pokemon like Aron. Counter is used to punish strong physical attackers like Mega Mawile and Choice Band Garchomp. Protect helps it beat certain Fake Out users like Mega Blastoise and certain slower Zeraora variants, but can be played around with Z-moves, if applicable. Set Details Rockium Z boosts Crustle's Rock Wrecker to a whopping 200 Base Power, OHKOing many Pokemon after a Shell Smash boost. The EVs are very simple, allowing Crustle to have as much power and speed as possible, as with Sturdy, Crustle doesn't need bulk investment. A Jolly nature helps Crustle's Speed stat after a Shell Smash boost quite a bit, specifically ensuring Crustle will still outspeed Landorus-T after being hit by a Rock Tomb. However, an Adamant nature can be used for a significant boost in Attack, allowing it to muscle past Pokemon like Mega Gyarados after a Shell Smash. Adamant Crustle, even with max Speed, is still quite slow. Alternatively, a spread of 208 HP / 32 Atk / 56 Def / 212 Spe with an Adamant nature can be run in order to survive an Iron Tail from Choice Band Haxorus, in exchange for some Attack and Speed EVs, which could prove troublesome against Pokemon like Mega Gyarados. Usage Tips Against Mega Charizard, Continental Crush should be used immediately, as Flame Charge variants win if Shell Smash is used first. Continental Crush should also be used against Pokemon like Porygon-Z that could hold Choice Scarf, as they can outspeed Crustle even after a Jolly Shell Smash. Against fast and bulky Pokemon like anti-Donphan Genesect, Crustle should set up Shell Smash in order to get as strong of a Continental Crush as possible. Use Rock Blast after a Shell Smash against opponents using Substitute, like Serperior, Jumpluff, or Mega Charizard Y. Team Options As Crustle is weak to Water and Ground-type Pokemon, Grass-types are good partners. Ferrothorn in particular is a good team option that takes advantage of Crustle's ability to handle Fire-types like Mega Charizard well while being a good Grass-type and check to some Steel-types like Mega Metagross. Magnezone is a good option, as it easily beats Water-types and has good matchups against some threatening Steel-types like Mega Mawile and Calm Mind Magearna. Water-types like bulky Primarina and Mega Blastoise can beat Ground-types and also some Steel-types. Mega Charizard X or Y can be used to take on Steel-types like Magearna and Mega Metagross.

Moves Stealth Rock is a solid way of weakening foes upon switching in, and thanks to Sturdy, Crustle is able to set it reliably. Spikes is another form of entry hazard that can deal more damage to Steel-types and can be used in tandem with Stealth Rock. Stone Edge is a strong STAB move that allows Crustle to take on common hazard removers such as Vullaby and Armaldo. Knock Off is a powerful move that is able to weaken checks to Crustle and other wallbreakers by getting rid of items like Eviolite and Leftovers. Earthquake is able to hit Steel-types like Mawile and Probopass for super effective damage; otherwise, Crustle wouldn't be able to touch them. Finally, X-Scissor can be used to hit Grass-types like Tangela, Quilladin, and Leafeon for extra damage. Otherwise, those Pokemon would be able to easily KO or set up on Crustle. Set Details Maximum EVs in Speed ensure that the most entry hazards possible are set by outspeeding opposing Pokemon like Probopass, Relicanth, and Roselia. Maximum EVs in Attack let Crustle keep offensive pressure and deal damage to hazard removers like Vullaby and Swanna. A Jolly nature is used in order to outspeed maximum Speed Adamant Golem. The combination of Sturdy and Custap Berry allows Crustle to get up two entry hazards almost all of the time, if need be. If you do not need more entry hazards, Custap Berry can also allow Crustle to deal a lot of damage to the foe with Stone Edge or Knock Off before it faints. Usage Tips You can use Crustle as a lead, as Stealth Rock and Spikes are more effective when they are set early. Look at your opponent's team before you choose to either set entry hazards (and decide which ones to set) or get off damage on opposing Pokemon instead. For example, if they have three Flying-type Pokemon on their team, it is vital to get up Stealth Rock, but Spikes are unnecessary. If you are facing offense, you may not need to get up Spikes because they usually would not get any crucial KOs that would not be gotten from just Stealth Rock. If the opposing lead is a Golem, it might be better to break Golem's Sturdy rather than set a second hazard. Look out for priority users such as Floatzel and Monferno, as they outprioritize Custap Berry's activation. Team Options This Crustle set works best as a suicide lead on hyper offense, as entry hazards can weaken the walls that are typical of balance teams and allow your Pokemon to sweep. Sweepers and wallbreakers like Stoutland, Mawile, and Ninetales appreciate the hazards that Crustle sets. In addition, sweepers like Monferno that appreciate weakening of Flying-types enjoy Crustle's Stealth Rock support, making them great partners. Spinblockers such as Misdreavus and Dusknoir work well with Crustle, as they can sometimes prevent the hazards that Crustle sets from being removed. Pawniard and Purugly are also great partners for Crustle, as their ability, Defiant, punishes opposing Defog users.

Moves Shell Smash doubles Crustle's Attack and Speed, turning it into a very threatening late-game sweeper. Stone Edge, being Crustle's strongest STAB move, deals a lot of damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake is a solid coverage move that allows Crustle to hit Steel-types such as Pawniard and KO Pokemon such as Stunfisk and Golem after a Shell Smash boost. X-Scissor gains STAB and hits Pokemon such as Tangela that can shrug off Stone Edge and Earthquake after a Shell Smash boost. Set Details Maximum Attack investment along with an Adamant nature is used to make Crustle as powerful as possible, while maximum Speed investment allows Crustle to outspeed Pokemon such as Jumpluff after a Shell Smash boost along with uninvested slower Pokemon like Politoed, Seaking, and Vullaby before a boost. White Herb offsets the Defense and Special Defense drops Crustle suffers from Shell Smash, letting it possibly take a hit from a Choice Scarf user, and allowing it to more comfortably set up on slower Pokemon. Sturdy allows Crustle to take any one hit at full health, giving it an opportunity to set up Shell Smash. Usage Tips Crustle should be saved for mid- or late-game when its checks, including faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-F and bulkier Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL, have been removed. At this point, it can set up Shell Smash and sweep an opposing team. However, it can also wallbreak early-game. Crustle can be used to check Pokemon such as Stoutland and Ursaring, even taking advantage of them to set up Shell Smash. However, it does not appreciate Superpower or Close Combat and is not a great switch-in for these Normal-types unless you plan on setting up Shell Smash and sweeping right after. Take advantage of more passive Pokemon, such as defensive Altaria and Quilladin without Roar, to set up Shell Smash. However, as long as Crustle maintains Sturdy, it can set up on any Pokemon that it can outspeed and OHKO after a boost. Examples of Pokemon that fit into this category are Choice Band Dodrio, Simisear, and Stoutland. Be wary of opposing Choice Scarf users, as even after a Shell Smash boost, Crustle is outsped by Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Rotom-F and Choice Scarf Simipour. Fast Pokemon like Ninjask and Electrode can also outspeed it after a boost. Priority moves like Floatzel's Aqua Jet and Monferno's Mach Punch can easily pick off Crustle as well. Team Options Crustle appreciates wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Cacturne that can break down Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL and Stunfisk, making it easier for Crustle to sweep. Pokemon such as Roselia and Stunfisk that can use entry hazards make for good partners for Crustle, as hazards are able to weaken checks to Crustle as they switch in. Bulky Grass-types such as Quilladin and Gourgeist-XL are able to take on Water-types such as Floatzel and Ground-types such as Golem, which Crustle struggles with. Memento from Pokemon such as Jumpluff can be helpful to grant easier setup opportunities for Crustle. In order to set up reliably, it is important for Crustle to maintain its Sturdy. As a result, hazard removers like Prinplup, Swanna, and Cryogonal help Crustle by letting it not have to switch into Stealth Rock or Spikes and keep its Sturdy.

As a hazard setter, Crustle's main job is to get as many hazards up as possible before fainting. Stealth Rock is Crustle's main go-to hazard, breaking Focus Sashes and making ally sweeps easier. Spikes performs a similar role, and thanks to Sturdy and the Custap Berry, Crustle is guaranteed at least a layer alongside Stealth Rock. Stone Edge, despite shaky accuracy, functions as Crustle's main STAB attack, OHKOing Crobat, Xatu, Zapdos, and other opposing Pokemon that happen to have a weakness to Rock-type attacks. X-Scissor provides a secondary STAB and is exceptionally useful against Azelf and other Psychic-type leads trying to prevent Crustle from laying hazards via Taunt or Magic Bounce. However, Toxic can be used over X-Scissor to provide further team support, helping break down opposing tanks and walls. Although it might seem counterproductive to run a lead set with its defenses brought to their lowest level, the strategy behind Crustle encourages it. When using a Lonely nature alongside the provided EV and IV investments, Crustle's attacking prowess is maximized while keeping its defenses as low as possible in hopes of activating Sturdy and its Custap Berry. Counter can be used in the fourth slot over both X-Scissor and Toxic, as it pairs exceptionally well with Sturdy and allows Crustle to knock out an opponent before getting an additional layer of hazards up. Because Crustle is a suicide lead, a spinblocker is a must, with Cofagrigus and Sableye being the most reliable. Pokemon that appreciate having multiple entry hazards to break down threats, such as Darmanitan, Sharpedo, and Mienshao, make for excellent teammates, as their own offensive presence and power will force switches and break down opposing walls, allowing for themselves or a teammate to begin a sweep.

Set Description Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack and Speed by two stages each, allowing it in many cases to move before the opponent the following turn. Rock Wrecker is Crustle's strongest STAB move and with a Rock Gem and Shell Smash boost, it can OHKO most Pokemon that do not resist it, such as Snorlax and Latias. Rock Blast is useful against Pokemon that try to set up Substitute, such as Volcarona, Thundurus, Aerodactyl, and Serperior. X-Scissor allows Crustle to more reliably hit Pokemon such as Cresselia. Earthquake can be used to have better matchups against Heatran and Terrakion. Counter can be used in conjunction with Sturdy to punish physical attackers, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T. EVs Crustle almost always runs 252 Attack EVs due to needing as much damage as possible from Shell Smash. It also almost always runs 252 Speed EVs to outspeed Tornadus-T after a Shell Smash. Adamant is the preferred nature because Crustle does not gain any meaningful matchups having a Jolly nature other than against opposing Crustle. Usage Tips Crustle's strength lies in its combination of Sturdy, Shell Smash, and Rock Wrecker. Sturdy allows Crustle to often freely use Shell Smash and attack first on turn two. However, Crustle struggles against Pokemon that can use moves like Taunt, which is commonly used by Heatran, Jellicent, and Sableye. It also struggles against Pokemon with priority moves, such as Keldeo, Genesect, and Mienshao, which can either break Sturdy or attack it after Sturdy activates. Despite having difficulties against Trick, Crustle can still perform well against Choice Scarf Cresselia and Choice Specs Latios if it has X-Scissor. If Crustle has X-Scissor, it is important to not use Shell Smash on the first turn against these Pokemon, as they can use Trick to lock Crustle into Shell Smash. Crustle, however, still struggles against Porygon-Z and Jellicent, which also commonly use Trick. Other Options Crustle can also use a variety of different items with this set, including Mail, which makes Crustle immune to with Trick, and Lum Berry, which can heal a burn from Heatran, Arcanine, or Sableye's Will-O-Wisp, which Crustle struggles against. Choice Band Crustle is also an option, but it is generally worse than Rock Gem sets, as it cannot use Shell Smash.

Shell Smash boosts Crustle's Attack, Special Attack and Speed by two stages at the cost of lowering Crustle's Defense and Special Defense by one stage. A White Herb, however, allows Crustle to keep the boosts and restores its defenses, making Shell Smash into one of the best moves in the game. After a Shell Smash, Crustle reaches 212 Speed, which outspeeds all Pokemon lacking Choice Scarf in the metagame. Rock Slide is used again for STAB, though if you want the ability to OHKO Chandelure and Thundurus through a Focus Sash and Substitute, respectively, Rock Blast should be used. Crustle's second STAB move comes in the form of X-Scissor, hitting Pokemon that resist Rock Slide such as Scrafty. Protect is a great utility move in VGC, letting Crustle stall out Trick Room or give time for Crustle's ally to KO a threat. With a White Herb, Crustle can ignore the stat reduction of Shell Smash, and proceed to sweep without lowered defenses. A Lum Berry, however, lets Crustle take on Amoonguss and KO it with support from its teammates. A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs are used to outspeed every Pokemon in VGC after a Shell Smash, though Adamant gives Crustle more power at the expense of some Speed. Amoonguss is a detriment to Crustle, so a Pokemon that can take care of it such as Tornadus is greatly appreciated. Tornadus also takes care of Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Conkeldurr, that laugh at Crustle's STAB moves and hit it hard with Drain Punch. Ironically, Amoonguss is a great partner for Crustle, as it can Spore Pokemon that may otherwise give Crustle trouble, and draw off attacks aimed at Crustle with Rage Powder.

With base 45 Speed, Crustle is perfect for Trick Room. Sturdy allows Crustle to use Swords Dance once, and if Trick Room is set up, Crustle can outspeed and heavily damage most of the metagame. Rock Slide is Crustle's main STAB move and, in addition to hitting both opponents, it has a flinch chance. With a Swords Dance boost and Rock Gem, Rock Slide does a great deal of damage to most Pokemon. Rock Blast, however, OHKOes Chandelure through Focus Sash, something that should be considered. It also KOes Thundurus through Substitute in two hits, so it is not nearly as risky as one might think. X-Scissor is Crustle's other STAB move, hitting Pokemon that resist Rock Slide such as Krookodile for super effective damage. X-Scissor is also useful when facing opposing Trick Room teams, denting Psychic-types such as Musharna and Reuniclus. Protect allows Crustle's partner time to set up Trick Room, and also shields Crustle from a threatening Pokemon, giving Crustle's teammate time to eliminate the Pokemon. Swords Dance doubles Crustle's normally average base 95 Attack, allowing it to dish out powerful Rock Slides. A Rock Gem gives Crustle a one-time powerful Rock Slide, which can help if Crustle has been unable to Swords Dance. A Lum Berry could be used instead, though, if you fear Amoonguss. A Brave nature and 0 Speed IVs makes Crustle as slow as possible, so in Trick Room, Crustle can move before most other Pokemon. The EVs are invested in Attack and HP to give Crustle as much power and bulk as it can get, while the Brave nature boosts Crustle's Attack even higher. This set relies on Trick Room being set up, so naturally, Trick Room users make great teammates. Musharna can reliably set up Trick Room, and boosts Crustle's attacks further with Helping Hand. Jellicent can set up Trick Room and finishes off Pokemon that Rock Slide does not KO with its powerful Water Spout. Cofagrigus can Will-O-Wisp physical attackers that threaten Crustle such as Mienshao, whom Crustle has a hard time dealing with. Cofagrigus also fills the role of bulky Trick Room user, that Crustle loves to have as a teammate.