[OVERVIEW]
Bug
========
Armaldo is the best entry hazard remover for Bug-type teams because of Rapid Spin and its ability to threaten common opposing hazard removers such as Crobat, Mantine, and Zapdos. Armaldo can also set up Stealth Rock for the team, along with being able to take on Flying-type Pokemon thanks to STAB Stone Edge. Armaldo is comparable to Forretress as a reliable hazard remover for Bug-type teams, but it is not weak to Fire-type attacks and isn't as passive. Its Rock typing notably allows it to take a V-create from Victini and hit it back with either Knock Off or Stone Edge. However, Armaldo is weak to Stealth Rock due to its Bug typing, it cannot remove hazards against Ghost-type Pokemon, and is weak to common offensive coverage such as Rock-type and Water-type attacks, forcing Armaldo to switch out often. In addition, Armaldo is not the strongest Pokemon and can be set up on very easily, by the likes of Swords Dance Mega Scizor and Calm Mind Mega Latias. Furthermore, since Armaldo has poor bulk and only base 75 HP, it is difficult for it to take on Pokemon that threaten most Bug-type Pokemon and still fulfill its role as a hazard remover for the team.
[SET]
name: Defensive Spinner
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock is used to cripple incoming Pokemon on any type and help put foes into range for Bug's powerful offensive backbone to come in and sweep. Rapid Spin is crucial for Armaldo because most of its partners are weak to Stealth Rock. It is Armaldo's job to keep Stealth Rock off its side of the field, but it struggles against Ghost-type Pokemon. Knock Off is a utility move for removing items like Eviolite from Chansey and Porygon2 and even Choice Scarf from Victini. Stone Edge is Armaldo's Rock-type STAB attack, allowing it to threaten Flying-type Pokemon better, such as Zapdos and Mega Charizard Y. Armaldo can also use it to threaten Bug-type Pokemon like Mega Pinsir and Volcarona.
Set Details
========
An investment of 252 HP EVs allows Armaldo to minimize the damage taken from Stealth Rock and increases Armaldo's longevity. Maximum investment in Special Defense allows Armaldo to take on Mega Charizard Y and other specially offensive Pokemon. An alternative spread for Armaldo would be 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 SpD with a Careful nature, which allows it to take a V-create from Victini, even after Stealth Rock damage. Leftovers is a good item for Armaldo because it increasesitArmaldo’s longevity. Battle Armor is Armaldo's best ability to block critical hits.
Usage Tips
========
Armaldo's role on the team is to keep entry hazards off the field with Rapid Spin and to support its teammates. Also, Armaldo can set up Stealth Rock to weaken opposing Pokemon to help the team. Stealth Rock is important for weakening Pokemon so Bug-type teams' offensive sweepers can come in and pick off the weakened Pokemon. Set up the hazard early on in matches and if Armaldo doesn't need to clear hazards with Rapid Spin right away. Knock Off allows Armaldo to help its teammates knock out Eviolite Pokemon like Chansey and Porygon2 more easily. Also, Knock Off allows Armaldo to hit the Ghost-type Pokemon that spinblock it, such as Gengar. Armaldo's STAB Stone Edge is used to weaken Flying-type Pokemon such as Zapdos and Crobat that threaten Armaldo's partners. Armaldo can also act as a check to Victini if Armaldo has not been damaged much, but after one switch into Stealth Rock Armaldo can no longer check it. In some matchups, know when it's more important to set up Stealth Rock for clutch chip damage or to clear hazards to secure a sweep from teammates. For Example Stealth Rock is important against Normal-type teams because hazards pressure the team and allows Armaldo's partners a chance to break through. Also, since Armaldo only has base 75 Special Defense, it should not be staying in on strong special attackers if it doesn't have to. Meanwhile Rapid Spin can become crucial against Rock-type teams because Bug-type teams cannot afford to have Stick Web and Stealth Rock on their side of the field.
Team Options
============
Galvantula uses Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon and support the rest of the team, just like Armaldo. Together, they pressure Flying-type teams, and Armaldo can remove entry hazards while keeping Galvantula's Sticky Web up. Galvantula also pressures Dark-types, Psychic-types, and Water-types with its coverage, which is very helpful for Armaldo. Also, Scizor is a great partner for Armaldo because it resists Steel-type attacks that Armaldo cannot handle and is neutral against Rock-type attacks. In return, Armaldo is neutral against Scizor's Fire-type weakness and can beat Fire-types with Stone Edge. When using the alternative spread for Armaldo, Scizor can remove Victini with Choice Band-boosted Pursuit after Victini uses V-create twice on Armaldo. Armaldo supports Volcarona well because Volcarona is 4x weak to Stealth Rock. With hazards off the field and Volcarona healthy, it becomes a lot easier for it to set up Quiver Dance. Mega Pinsir also appreciates Armaldo because it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and needs Armaldo to clear hazards. If Stealth Rock isn't up, Mega Pinsir can set up a Swords Dance a lot more easily. Also, Armaldo can remove Eviolites from Pokemon that can usually check Mega Pinsir like Chansey and Porygon2. Heracross helps Armaldo because Heracross has the ability Guts, boosting its Attack stat if statused. This allows Heracross to break through Mega Sableye, which counters Armaldo. Araquanid is a very solid partner for Armaldo because of its immunity to burn thanks to its ability Water Bubble and its resistance to Water-type attacks. Armaldo supports Araquanid by taking Flying-type attacks for it and keeping hazards off the field. Araquanid replaces Armaldo as the Fire-type check, alleviating some pressure from Armaldo. Yanmega is another very strong special attacker that benefits from Armaldo's hazard removal. Yanmega also pressures Dark-types and Psychic-types and benefits from Armaldo setting up Stealth Rock, allowing it to KO weakened Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bug
--------
Rock Blast can be run over Stone Edge to beat Substitute Zapdos, but it is inconsistent and lacks the power that Stone Edge provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
Bug
--------
**Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor can switch-(RH) in on Armaldo and set up a Swords Dance on it very easily, along with the fact that Scizor has Steel-type STAB Bullet Punch to threaten Armaldo.
**Water-types**: Armaldo does not take Water-type attacks very well, especially an attack like Scald, which can burn and weaken it. Pokemon like Keldeo and Mega Swampert resist Armaldo's attacks and beat Armaldo with their Water-type attacks.
**Magic Bounce**: Magic Bounce prevents Armaldo from setting up Stealth Rock on the opponent's side of the field. Mega Sableye not only is a spinblocker but also prevents Armaldo from putting Stealth Rock on its side of the field. Mega Sableye can also remove Armaldo's Leftovers with Knock Off and burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Mega Diancie punishes Armaldo if it tries to set Stealth Rock on the field and beats Armaldo with its Rock-type STAB attacks.
**Setup Sweepers**: There are many Pokemon that take advantage of Armaldo and set up on it without being pressured. Pokemon like Calm Mind Mega Latias, Swords Dance Mega Scizor, and Z-Belly Drum Azumarill set up on Armaldo and threaten the rest of its team.
**Stealth Rock**: Armaldo loses 25% every time it switches in on Stealth Rock, limiting the number of times it can switch in on entry hazards.
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Armaldo's STAB attacks and can hit it super effectively with their own STAB attacks. Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Stakataka force out or take advantage of Armaldo. Ferrothorn also punishes Armaldo for using Rapid Spin because of its ability Iron Barbs.
**Rock-types**: Armaldo is weak against Rock-type attacks and is easily pressured by them. Pokemon like Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Nihilego all beat Armaldo with their respective STAB attacks.
**Ghost-types**: Since Armaldo is weak to Stealth Rock and can only remove hazards with Rapid Spin, Ghost-type Pokemon can switch in on Armaldo and prevent it from removing Stealth Rock.
**Status**: Armaldo does not appreciate being statused because if it's burned it cannot beat Pokemon it is meant to check, such as Mantine and Zapdos, making it more difficult for Armaldo to support its team
Bug
========
Armaldo is the best entry hazard remover for Bug-type teams because of Rapid Spin and its ability to threaten common opposing hazard removers such as Crobat, Mantine, and Zapdos. Armaldo can also set up Stealth Rock for the team, along with being able to take on Flying-type Pokemon thanks to STAB Stone Edge. Armaldo is comparable to Forretress as a reliable hazard remover for Bug-type teams, but it is not weak to Fire-type attacks and isn't as passive. Its Rock typing notably allows it to take a V-create from Victini and hit it back with either Knock Off or Stone Edge. However, Armaldo is weak to Stealth Rock due to its Bug typing, it cannot remove hazards against Ghost-type Pokemon, and is weak to common offensive coverage such as Rock-type and Water-type attacks, forcing Armaldo to switch out often. In addition, Armaldo is not the strongest Pokemon and can be set up on very easily
[SET]
name: Defensive Spinner
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rapid Spin
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Leftovers
ability: Battle Armor
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock is used to cripple incoming Pokemon on any type and help put foes into range for Bug's powerful offensive backbone to come in and sweep. Rapid Spin is crucial for Armaldo because most of its partners are weak to Stealth Rock. It is Armaldo's job to keep Stealth Rock off its side of the field, but it struggles against Ghost-type Pokemon. Knock Off is a utility move for removing items like Eviolite from Chansey and Porygon2 and even Choice Scarf from Victini. Stone Edge is Armaldo's Rock-type STAB attack, allowing it to threaten Flying-type Pokemon better, such as Zapdos and Mega Charizard Y. Armaldo can also use it to threaten Bug-type Pokemon like Mega Pinsir and Volcarona.
Set Details
========
An investment of 252 HP EVs allows Armaldo to minimize the damage taken from Stealth Rock and increases Armaldo's longevity. Maximum investment in Special Defense allows Armaldo to take on Mega Charizard Y and other specially offensive Pokemon. An alternative spread for Armaldo would be 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 SpD with a Careful nature, which allows it to take a V-create from Victini, even after Stealth Rock damage. Leftovers is a good item for Armaldo because it increases
Usage Tips
========
Armaldo's role on the team is to keep entry hazards off the field with Rapid Spin and to support its teammates. Also, Armaldo can set up Stealth Rock to weaken opposing Pokemon to help the team. Stealth Rock is important for weakening Pokemon so Bug-type teams' offensive sweepers can come in and pick off the weakened Pokemon. Set up the hazard early on in matches and if Armaldo doesn't need to clear hazards with Rapid Spin right away. Knock Off allows Armaldo to help its teammates knock out Eviolite Pokemon like Chansey and Porygon2 more easily. Also, Knock Off allows Armaldo to hit the Ghost-type Pokemon that spinblock it, such as Gengar. Armaldo's STAB Stone Edge is used to weaken Flying-type Pokemon such as Zapdos and Crobat that threaten Armaldo's partners. Armaldo can also act as a check to Victini if Armaldo has not been damaged much, but after one switch into Stealth Rock Armaldo can no longer check it. In some matchups, know when it's more important to set up Stealth Rock for clutch chip damage or to clear hazards to secure a sweep from teammates. For Example Stealth Rock is important against Normal-type teams because hazards pressure the team and allows Armaldo's partners a chance to break through. Also, since Armaldo only has base 75 Special Defense, it should not be staying in on strong special attackers if it doesn't have to. Meanwhile Rapid Spin can become crucial against Rock-type teams because Bug-type teams cannot afford to have Stick Web and Stealth Rock on their side of the field.
Team Options
============
Galvantula uses Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon and support the rest of the team, just like Armaldo. Together, they pressure Flying-type teams, and Armaldo can remove entry hazards while keeping Galvantula's Sticky Web up. Galvantula also pressures Dark-types, Psychic-types, and Water-types with its coverage, which is very helpful for Armaldo. Also, Scizor is a great partner for Armaldo because it resists Steel-type attacks that Armaldo cannot handle and is neutral against Rock-type attacks. In return, Armaldo is neutral against Scizor's Fire-type weakness and can beat Fire-types with Stone Edge. When using the alternative spread for Armaldo, Scizor can remove Victini with Choice Band-boosted Pursuit after Victini uses V-create twice on Armaldo. Armaldo supports Volcarona well because Volcarona is 4x weak to Stealth Rock. With hazards off the field and Volcarona healthy, it becomes a lot easier for it to set up Quiver Dance. Mega Pinsir also appreciates Armaldo because it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and needs Armaldo to clear hazards. If Stealth Rock isn't up, Mega Pinsir can set up a Swords Dance a lot more easily. Also, Armaldo can remove Eviolites from Pokemon that can usually check Mega Pinsir like Chansey and Porygon2. Heracross helps Armaldo because Heracross has the ability Guts, boosting its Attack stat if statused. This allows Heracross to break through Mega Sableye, which counters Armaldo. Araquanid is a very solid partner for Armaldo because of its immunity to burn thanks to its ability Water Bubble and its resistance to Water-type attacks. Armaldo supports Araquanid by taking Flying-type attacks for it and keeping hazards off the field. Araquanid replaces Armaldo as the Fire-type check, alleviating some pressure from Armaldo. Yanmega is another very strong special attacker that benefits from Armaldo's hazard removal. Yanmega also pressures Dark-types and Psychic-types and benefits from Armaldo setting up Stealth Rock, allowing it to KO weakened Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Bug
--------
Rock Blast can be run over Stone Edge to beat Substitute Zapdos, but it is inconsistent and lacks the power that Stone Edge provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
Bug
--------
**Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor can switch
**Water-types**: Armaldo does not take Water-type attacks very well, especially an attack like Scald, which can burn and weaken it. Pokemon like Keldeo and Mega Swampert resist Armaldo's attacks and beat Armaldo with their Water-type attacks.
**Magic Bounce**: Magic Bounce prevents Armaldo from setting up Stealth Rock on the opponent's side of the field. Mega Sableye not only is a spinblocker but also prevents Armaldo from putting Stealth Rock on its side of the field. Mega Sableye can also remove Armaldo's Leftovers with Knock Off and burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Mega Diancie punishes Armaldo if it tries to set Stealth Rock on the field and beats Armaldo with its Rock-type STAB attacks.
**Setup Sweepers**: There are many Pokemon that take advantage of Armaldo and set up on it without being pressured. Pokemon like Calm Mind Mega Latias, Swords Dance Mega Scizor, and Z-Belly Drum Azumarill set up on Armaldo and threaten the rest of its team.
**Stealth Rock**: Armaldo loses 25% every time it switches in on Stealth Rock, limiting the number of times it can switch in on entry hazards.
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Armaldo's STAB attacks and can hit it super effectively with their own STAB attacks. Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Stakataka force out or take advantage of Armaldo. Ferrothorn also punishes Armaldo for using Rapid Spin because of its ability Iron Barbs.
**Rock-types**: Armaldo is weak against Rock-type attacks and is easily pressured by them. Pokemon like Tyranitar, Terrakion, and Nihilego all beat Armaldo with their respective STAB attacks.
**Ghost-types**: Since Armaldo is weak to Stealth Rock and can only remove hazards with Rapid Spin, Ghost-type Pokemon can switch in on Armaldo and prevent it from removing Stealth Rock.
**Status**: Armaldo does not appreciate being statused because if it's burned it cannot beat Pokemon it is meant to check, such as Mantine and Zapdos, making it more difficult for Armaldo to support its team
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