Now that I've decided to start Pokemon Black, I'm back to my usual style. I'm going to competitively breed my whole Black team even though some of them may never be used outside of the Battle Subway or the odd, fun tourney.
I've gotten everyone pegged, for the most part, except for one member: Carracosta. The problem with this guy is that both abilities are useful, he has a x4 grass weakness, and his special defense is low-ish. I want him to live through an attack, but I also want to be able to do something once surviving. Right now, its the natures/EVs that are stumping me.
Adamant Nature/Impish
Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Attack, split HP and Defense or full Attack and HP
Aqua Jet/Sandstorm
Aqua Tail/Waterfall
Rock Slide/Stone Edge
Earthquake/Bulldoze
Aqua Jet would be a nice STABed priority, but Sandstorm would give me the opportunity to boost my Special Defense. Matched with Solid Rock, it's quite a nice combination. The decision between Aqua Tail and Waterfall is purely the power verses accuracy, but since Carracosta isn't fast Waterfall's extra feature wouldn't be as useful unless Trick Room were in effect. Rock Slide/Stone Edge is again a decision between accuracy verses power, but also whether I'm doing Singles or Doubles/Triples. Earthquake verses Bulldoze on the other hand comes down to damage and speed calculations. Bulldoze is pretty nice for that extra Speed decreasing effect, but I'm not sure if it would decrease a Pokemon's speed enough for Carracosta to outspeed it next turn. If it didn't, it probably wouldn't be as useful because Carracosta might die. The lack of power from Bulldoze could also prove fatal since Carracosta's attack stat is high, but not that high - and it wouldn't be STABed.
The Sturdy ability is pretty cool, but I think I'm more intrigued by Solid Rock on this guy due to not having Explosion as an option. IMO it also doesn't really have the physical strength or Speed stat to pull off a Rock Polish set, at least not as well as the likes of Golem.
So, yeah. Again, I like bulky, but overall I do want something that can attack and do enough damage to justify its existence. Would Adamant instead of Impish make a huge difference power-wise, or could I safely go for an Impish nature and do full Attack/HP EV training? Any help is appreciated.
(P.S. - Yes, I know I put too much thought into simple questions. XP)
I've gotten everyone pegged, for the most part, except for one member: Carracosta. The problem with this guy is that both abilities are useful, he has a x4 grass weakness, and his special defense is low-ish. I want him to live through an attack, but I also want to be able to do something once surviving. Right now, its the natures/EVs that are stumping me.
Adamant Nature/Impish
Solid Rock
EVs: 252 Attack, split HP and Defense or full Attack and HP
Aqua Jet/Sandstorm
Aqua Tail/Waterfall
Rock Slide/Stone Edge
Earthquake/Bulldoze
Aqua Jet would be a nice STABed priority, but Sandstorm would give me the opportunity to boost my Special Defense. Matched with Solid Rock, it's quite a nice combination. The decision between Aqua Tail and Waterfall is purely the power verses accuracy, but since Carracosta isn't fast Waterfall's extra feature wouldn't be as useful unless Trick Room were in effect. Rock Slide/Stone Edge is again a decision between accuracy verses power, but also whether I'm doing Singles or Doubles/Triples. Earthquake verses Bulldoze on the other hand comes down to damage and speed calculations. Bulldoze is pretty nice for that extra Speed decreasing effect, but I'm not sure if it would decrease a Pokemon's speed enough for Carracosta to outspeed it next turn. If it didn't, it probably wouldn't be as useful because Carracosta might die. The lack of power from Bulldoze could also prove fatal since Carracosta's attack stat is high, but not that high - and it wouldn't be STABed.
The Sturdy ability is pretty cool, but I think I'm more intrigued by Solid Rock on this guy due to not having Explosion as an option. IMO it also doesn't really have the physical strength or Speed stat to pull off a Rock Polish set, at least not as well as the likes of Golem.
So, yeah. Again, I like bulky, but overall I do want something that can attack and do enough damage to justify its existence. Would Adamant instead of Impish make a huge difference power-wise, or could I safely go for an Impish nature and do full Attack/HP EV training? Any help is appreciated.
(P.S. - Yes, I know I put too much thought into simple questions. XP)