[OVERVIEW]
Granbull's Fairy typing is unique in ZU and allows it to threaten common Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark. Granbull excels as a wallbreaker due to its coverage options in Earthquake and Fire Punch, which allow it to hit Fairy-resistant Pokemon like Muk and Bronzor super effectively. Being a good wallbreaker is not Granbull's only strong quality; it is also a good support Pokemon due to its access to Heal Bell and status options. Its ability Intimidate is a boon for its bulk, which makes it a solid physically defensive Pokemon that can check Choice Scarf Pinsir and Silvally-Fighting. However, Granbull has low Special Defense, which is not beneficial against Pokemon that can run both special and physical sets, such as Swanna, Combusken, and Floatzel. Its low Speed makes it vulnerable against faster Pokemon, especially special attackers that can outspeed or revenge kill it, such as Swanna and Exeggutor. Granbull is also prone to chip damage and faces competition from other physical walls like Golem and Gourgeist-XL. A Lack of reliable recovery also hurts Granbull; it has to rely on Leftovers or Z-Heal Bell to keep itself healthy.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: Close Combat
item: Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake hits Poison-, Steel-, and Fire-types that resist Play Rough super effectively, such as Muk, Metang, and Rapidash. Fire Punch is used to hit Bronzor, which resists Play Rough and is immune to Earthquake. Close Combat 2HKOes Avalugg after Stealth Rock damage and has a small chance to 2HKO it from full. Close Combat is also capable of OHKOing Lickilicky after Stealth Rock damage, as well as OHKOing Bouffalant and Silvally.
Set Details
========
A Choice Band and an Adamant nature give Granbull a sky-high Attack stat, which makes wallbreaking much easier. Maximum Speed investment is needed to Speed tie with other base 45 Speed Pokemon, such as Marowak and Golem, and to outpace some slow defensive Pokemon, such as Lickilicky and defensive Komala. Intimidate lets Granbull tank hits from strong physical attackers like Komala and Golem and can act as an offensive check to them if kept healthy.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull works best early-game as an excellent wallbreaker. It can come in on physical attackers that struggle to threaten it, such as Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark. Granbull should be cautious of physical attackers like Kecleon and Machoke that carry Knock Off, however, because losing Choice Band lowers Granbull's damage output massively. With Granbull's great power and Intimidate, it forces a lot of switches from slow or passive Pokemon, such as Lickilicky and Altaria. In these situations, Granbull should use its coverage moves to punish incoming Pokemon that resist Play Rough, such as Earthquake and Fire Punch for Mareanie and Bronzor, respectively. However, be aware that setup sweepers, like Swanna and Combusken, can take advantage of Granbull being Choice-locked into these moves.
Team Options
========
Granbull works best on balance and bulky offense teams. It appreciates Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Golem and Bronzor, which makes wallbreaking a lot easier. Golem has a good matchup against Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-types, like Mawile, Rapidash, and Muk, while Bronzor also has a good matchup against Poison-types and does well versus physical walls like Golem. Cleaners like Choice Scarf Swanna and Electivire benefit from Granbull's ability to weaken Pokemon such as Lickilicky and defensive Golem, and Granbull appreciates their ability to take care of faster Pokemon. Knock Off support from Pokemon such as Pawniard and Leafeon enhances Granbull's wallbreaking potential against Eviolite-holding walls like Bronzor and Metang, and it lets Granbull secure a 2HKO on Pyukumuku after Stealth Rock damage with Play Rough. Because of Granbull's low Special Defense, it tends to rely on teammates with great special bulk. Pokemon like Kecleon and Muk are excellent partners for Granbull, as they give its team a comfortable switch-in to special attackers like Swanna and Raichu. Granbull can switch into physical attackers such as Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Ground for them in return. Entry hazard removal and pivoting moves also greatly support Granbull, which is why Silvally-Water and Silvally-Fighting are good partners.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic / Thunder Wave
move 4: Heal Bell / Roar
item: Normalium Z / Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is useful for Pokemon that resist Play Rough, such as Rapidash and Muk. For its status move, Granbull can use Toxic or Thunder Wave. Toxic helps Granbull wear down Pokemon that it aims to check and cripple opposing walls such as physically defensive Golem and Gourgeist-XL. Thunder Wave lowers the foe's Speed, crippling incoming switch-ins like Leafeon and Rapidash, which is great team support. Thanks to Heal Bell, Granbull can cure status for the team. However, Roar can be used over Heal Bell if phazing is useful for the team. It is a good option against setup Pokemon like Bouffalant or if Granbull is used on an entry hazard-stacking team.
Set Details
========
Normalium Z is used to give Granbull full restoration of its health with Z-Heal Bell once. Holding Normalium Z lets Granbull check Knock Off users like Kecleon and Leafeon more reliably. Leftovers is another option for recovery if Granbull's team already has a Z-Move user.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull is excellent for sponging hits from physical attackers like Rapidash and Kecleon. It can also be used to cure status, which is very useful against a variety of Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Altaria. Granbull should be careful against Pokemon that have both physical and special sets like Swanna and Combusken, as it can easily be KOed by special moves. Try to catch special attackers like Simisear on the switch and cripple them with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Granbull can work throughout the whole game, but it can be chipped easily, so it has to be careful about its recovery. Be smart about when to use Z-Heal Bell, as Granbull can only use it once and needs to avoid being chipped into KO range by Pokemon such as Rapidash.
Team Options
========
Because Granbull works best on balance teams, it appreciates a teammate with good Special Defense. Pokemon like Altaria, Kecleon, Muk, and Lickilicky offer Granbull's team safe switch-ins to special attackers like Kadabra and Swanna. Komala and Licklicky are good partners, as they provide Granbull with recovery via Wish, and Granbull acts as a switch-in to Fighting-types like Silvally-Fighting. Offensive Pokemon like Pinsir are also recommended, as Granbull doesn't offer much offensive pressure; it can support them by switching into physical attackers, such as Silvally-Dark and Golem, and cure them of status afflictions like burn and paralysis. Offensive Pokemon like Exeggutor and Bouffalant also appreciate Granbull's Thunder Wave support because of their low Speed stats. Granbull also likes attackers such as Simisear wearing down its primary switch-ins like Bronzor. Granbull's capability to absorb Knock Off is helpful for Pokemon such as Mareanie, Beheeyem, and Bronzor. Mareanie and Bronzor are especially useful partners because they check special attackers like Swanna and Exeggutor in return. Pokemon that can cover Granbull's weaknesses make great partners for it. Ground-types like Golem, Sandslash, and Camerupt work excellently with it, as they offer Stealth Rock support and a free switch-in for Muk, and their STAB moves pressure Poison- and Steel-types.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Granbull can run an offensive support set of Heal Bell / Play Rough / Earthquake / Thunder Wave with an EV spread of 216 HP / 252 Atk / 40 Spe. The Speed EVs let Granbull outspeed Lickilicky. However, this set has some important flaws; for example, Granbull doesn't have enough defensive investment, which means it can't check physical attackers, such as Rapidash, reliably. Offensively, Granbull additionally outputs far less damage and is easily walled by Bronzor. Another option is to use Toxic on the Choice Band set instead of Close Combat. Toxic effectively negates Leftovers recovery and lets Granbull 2HKO Z-Move Pyukumuku after Stealth Rock damage. However, sacrificing a powerful coverage move in Close Combat makes for a worse Avalugg matchup.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Special Attackers**: Strong special wallbreakers that are faster than Granbull threaten it heavily. Pokemon such as Exeggutor, Swanna, and Simisear fall into this category. However, these attackers can't directly switch into Granbull and risk being crippled by the defensive set.
**Steel-types**: Although Earthquake hits Steel-types like Metang, hard Granbull still struggles against them. Bronzor is especially a struggle due to its ability Levitate.
**Residual Damage**: Chip damage from entry hazards, status, and Leech Seed is a big problem for Granbull due to its lack of recovery. Granbull is affected by every type of entry hazard, and Choice Band Granbull is prone to being inflicted by burn and poison, since it can't cure itself with Heal Bell.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tsareentje, 431988]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [uhuhuhu7, 407249]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [The Dutch Plumberjack , 232216]]
Granbull's Fairy typing is unique in ZU and allows it to threaten common Pokemon like Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark. Granbull excels as a wallbreaker due to its coverage options in Earthquake and Fire Punch, which allow it to hit Fairy-resistant Pokemon like Muk and Bronzor super effectively. Being a good wallbreaker is not Granbull's only strong quality; it is also a good support Pokemon due to its access to Heal Bell and status options. Its ability Intimidate is a boon for its bulk, which makes it a solid physically defensive Pokemon that can check Choice Scarf Pinsir and Silvally-Fighting. However, Granbull has low Special Defense, which is not beneficial against Pokemon that can run both special and physical sets, such as Swanna, Combusken, and Floatzel. Its low Speed makes it vulnerable against faster Pokemon, especially special attackers that can outspeed or revenge kill it, such as Swanna and Exeggutor. Granbull is also prone to chip damage and faces competition from other physical walls like Golem and Gourgeist-XL. A Lack of reliable recovery also hurts Granbull; it has to rely on Leftovers or Z-Heal Bell to keep itself healthy.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: Close Combat
item: Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake hits Poison-, Steel-, and Fire-types that resist Play Rough super effectively, such as Muk, Metang, and Rapidash. Fire Punch is used to hit Bronzor, which resists Play Rough and is immune to Earthquake. Close Combat 2HKOes Avalugg after Stealth Rock damage and has a small chance to 2HKO it from full. Close Combat is also capable of OHKOing Lickilicky after Stealth Rock damage, as well as OHKOing Bouffalant and Silvally.
Set Details
========
A Choice Band and an Adamant nature give Granbull a sky-high Attack stat, which makes wallbreaking much easier. Maximum Speed investment is needed to Speed tie with other base 45 Speed Pokemon, such as Marowak and Golem, and to outpace some slow defensive Pokemon, such as Lickilicky and defensive Komala. Intimidate lets Granbull tank hits from strong physical attackers like Komala and Golem and can act as an offensive check to them if kept healthy.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull works best early-game as an excellent wallbreaker. It can come in on physical attackers that struggle to threaten it, such as Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Dark. Granbull should be cautious of physical attackers like Kecleon and Machoke that carry Knock Off, however, because losing Choice Band lowers Granbull's damage output massively. With Granbull's great power and Intimidate, it forces a lot of switches from slow or passive Pokemon, such as Lickilicky and Altaria. In these situations, Granbull should use its coverage moves to punish incoming Pokemon that resist Play Rough, such as Earthquake and Fire Punch for Mareanie and Bronzor, respectively. However, be aware that setup sweepers, like Swanna and Combusken, can take advantage of Granbull being Choice-locked into these moves.
Team Options
========
Granbull works best on balance and bulky offense teams. It appreciates Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Golem and Bronzor, which makes wallbreaking a lot easier. Golem has a good matchup against Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-types, like Mawile, Rapidash, and Muk, while Bronzor also has a good matchup against Poison-types and does well versus physical walls like Golem. Cleaners like Choice Scarf Swanna and Electivire benefit from Granbull's ability to weaken Pokemon such as Lickilicky and defensive Golem, and Granbull appreciates their ability to take care of faster Pokemon. Knock Off support from Pokemon such as Pawniard and Leafeon enhances Granbull's wallbreaking potential against Eviolite-holding walls like Bronzor and Metang, and it lets Granbull secure a 2HKO on Pyukumuku after Stealth Rock damage with Play Rough. Because of Granbull's low Special Defense, it tends to rely on teammates with great special bulk. Pokemon like Kecleon and Muk are excellent partners for Granbull, as they give its team a comfortable switch-in to special attackers like Swanna and Raichu. Granbull can switch into physical attackers such as Silvally-Fighting and Silvally-Ground for them in return. Entry hazard removal and pivoting moves also greatly support Granbull, which is why Silvally-Water and Silvally-Fighting are good partners.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Play Rough
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Toxic / Thunder Wave
move 4: Heal Bell / Roar
item: Normalium Z / Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is useful for Pokemon that resist Play Rough, such as Rapidash and Muk. For its status move, Granbull can use Toxic or Thunder Wave. Toxic helps Granbull wear down Pokemon that it aims to check and cripple opposing walls such as physically defensive Golem and Gourgeist-XL. Thunder Wave lowers the foe's Speed, crippling incoming switch-ins like Leafeon and Rapidash, which is great team support. Thanks to Heal Bell, Granbull can cure status for the team. However, Roar can be used over Heal Bell if phazing is useful for the team. It is a good option against setup Pokemon like Bouffalant or if Granbull is used on an entry hazard-stacking team.
Set Details
========
Normalium Z is used to give Granbull full restoration of its health with Z-Heal Bell once. Holding Normalium Z lets Granbull check Knock Off users like Kecleon and Leafeon more reliably. Leftovers is another option for recovery if Granbull's team already has a Z-Move user.
Usage Tips
========
Granbull is excellent for sponging hits from physical attackers like Rapidash and Kecleon. It can also be used to cure status, which is very useful against a variety of Pokemon like Gourgeist-XL and Altaria. Granbull should be careful against Pokemon that have both physical and special sets like Swanna and Combusken, as it can easily be KOed by special moves. Try to catch special attackers like Simisear on the switch and cripple them with Toxic or Thunder Wave. Granbull can work throughout the whole game, but it can be chipped easily, so it has to be careful about its recovery. Be smart about when to use Z-Heal Bell, as Granbull can only use it once and needs to avoid being chipped into KO range by Pokemon such as Rapidash.
Team Options
========
Because Granbull works best on balance teams, it appreciates a teammate with good Special Defense. Pokemon like Altaria, Kecleon, Muk, and Lickilicky offer Granbull's team safe switch-ins to special attackers like Kadabra and Swanna. Komala and Licklicky are good partners, as they provide Granbull with recovery via Wish, and Granbull acts as a switch-in to Fighting-types like Silvally-Fighting. Offensive Pokemon like Pinsir are also recommended, as Granbull doesn't offer much offensive pressure; it can support them by switching into physical attackers, such as Silvally-Dark and Golem, and cure them of status afflictions like burn and paralysis. Offensive Pokemon like Exeggutor and Bouffalant also appreciate Granbull's Thunder Wave support because of their low Speed stats. Granbull also likes attackers such as Simisear wearing down its primary switch-ins like Bronzor. Granbull's capability to absorb Knock Off is helpful for Pokemon such as Mareanie, Beheeyem, and Bronzor. Mareanie and Bronzor are especially useful partners because they check special attackers like Swanna and Exeggutor in return. Pokemon that can cover Granbull's weaknesses make great partners for it. Ground-types like Golem, Sandslash, and Camerupt work excellently with it, as they offer Stealth Rock support and a free switch-in for Muk, and their STAB moves pressure Poison- and Steel-types.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Granbull can run an offensive support set of Heal Bell / Play Rough / Earthquake / Thunder Wave with an EV spread of 216 HP / 252 Atk / 40 Spe. The Speed EVs let Granbull outspeed Lickilicky. However, this set has some important flaws; for example, Granbull doesn't have enough defensive investment, which means it can't check physical attackers, such as Rapidash, reliably. Offensively, Granbull additionally outputs far less damage and is easily walled by Bronzor. Another option is to use Toxic on the Choice Band set instead of Close Combat. Toxic effectively negates Leftovers recovery and lets Granbull 2HKO Z-Move Pyukumuku after Stealth Rock damage. However, sacrificing a powerful coverage move in Close Combat makes for a worse Avalugg matchup.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Special Attackers**: Strong special wallbreakers that are faster than Granbull threaten it heavily. Pokemon such as Exeggutor, Swanna, and Simisear fall into this category. However, these attackers can't directly switch into Granbull and risk being crippled by the defensive set.
**Steel-types**: Although Earthquake hits Steel-types like Metang, hard Granbull still struggles against them. Bronzor is especially a struggle due to its ability Levitate.
**Residual Damage**: Chip damage from entry hazards, status, and Leech Seed is a big problem for Granbull due to its lack of recovery. Granbull is affected by every type of entry hazard, and Choice Band Granbull is prone to being inflicted by burn and poison, since it can't cure itself with Heal Bell.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tsareentje, 431988]]
- Quality checked by: [[5gen, 296755], [Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [uhuhuhu7, 407249]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [The Dutch Plumberjack , 232216]]
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