Binacle Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Switcheroo is a fantastic move as it allows Binacle to cripple common switch-ins such as Foongus while also stealing their item. To utilize Switcheroo to its full potential, it's best for Binacle to come in on Pokemon it naturally scares out, such as Fletchling or Vullaby. Razor Shell's chance to drop the opponent's Defense is amazing, as it often helps Binacle get past bulkier foes. Stone Edge provides a solid secondary STAB that hits hard. Corphish is able to run a very similar set, however Binacle is able to run coverage moves such as Earthquake and Cross Chop. Earthquake gives Binacle the ability to break through Croagunk, which would otherwise completely wall it, while Cross Chop provides Binacle with a better means of dealing with Ferroseed. Poison Jab could be used to hit Cottonee, but it hits little else. Set Details The given EVs maximize Binacle's Attack and Speed, while also slightly increasing its bulk. If using a Choice Band, Adamant is the recommended nature to hit as hard as possible. With a Choice Scarf and a Jolly nature, Binacle hits 22 Speed, letting it outpace the entire unboosted metagame. Usage Tips Switcheroo is Binacle's biggest niche and is the main reason for using it. Binacle's item decides its role on the team. Choice Band Binacle functions as a wallbreaker, while Choice Scarf Binacle acts as a revenge killer. Without Eviolite, Binacle's defensive capabilities are incredibly underwhelming. As such, switching it in on predicted switches, weak resisted hits, or after one of your Pokemon has fainted is important. Team Options Binacle appreciates teammates that can deal with Fighting-types; in this regard, Taillow, Croagunk, and Fletchling are all good partners. Fighting-types also make good teammates, as they can help beat the Steel-types that can wall Binacle. Mienfoo in particular is incredibly useful, as removing items such as Eviolite with Knock Off helps Binacle clean up late-game. Entry hazard setters such as Drilbur, Dwebble, Trubbish, and Ferroseed help net KOs, with Trubbish having the best synergy with Binacle. Sweepers such as Scraggy, Carvanha, and Tirtouga appreciate the support Binacle provides. Spritzee has decent synergy with Binacle and can keep it healthy with Wish + Aromatherapy support. Ponyta and Larvesta can spread burns to weaken opponents and also beat the Grass-types that cause Binacle so much trouble.

Moves Shell Smash boosts Binacle's power to sky-high levels. Razor Shell is the main move, hitting like a truck after Tough Claws and Shell Smash boosts. Cross Chop sets Binacle apart from Tirtouga by helping it get past Ferroseed, something that Tirtouga cannot do. Earthquake hits Croagunk, which could impede Binacle otherwise. Stone Edge is a good secondary STAB that can be used over Earthquake. Poison Jab can be used if Fairy-types such as Cottonee present a serious threat to your team. Set Details The EVs maximize Binacle's sweeping potential and allow it to hit 30 Attack and 28 Speed after a Shell Smash, while also slightly increasing its bulk. An Adamant nature maximizes Attack while still allowing Binacle to outspeed everything necessary. Eviolite lets Binacle survive Croagunk's Vacuum Wave at -1; if carrying Earthquake, Binacle would be able to KO back easily as well. Berry Juice gives Binacle a means of recovering HP. Usage Tips Avoid setting up too early. Binacle functions best in the mid- to late-game, when its major checks have been KOed or weakened considerably. Binacle has ample setup opportunities on Pokemon such as Vullaby, Trubbish, and Fletchling, and is best brought in after either a teammate goes down or on a weak or resisted hit. After setting up, spam Razor Shell to smash through the opposing team, since it is the most reliable of Binacle's moves. If a Pokemon that resists Razor Shell is brought in, simply use the appropriate coverage move. Team Options First and foremost, Pokemon that can give Binacle chances to set up are the most important teammates. Cottonee in particular is a fantastic teammate, as it has incredible synergy with Binacle as well as access to moves such as Encore and Memento, which grant ample setup opportunities. Gothita is another excellent teammate for Binacle because of its ability to trap and KO Fighting-types and Foongus. Fighting-types can support Binacle with Knock Off while also luring out Trubbish and Fletchling, providing Binacle with good setup opportunities. Powerful Flying-type attackers, such as Fletchling and Taillow, are useful teammates since they can beat Croagunk, Binacle's best counter. Entry hazards are important to ensure certain KOs on Pokemon; as such, Trubbish, Dwebble, and Drilbur make good partners as well. Larvesta is good for checking Fighting- and Grass-type Pokemon, which easily KO Binacle with their powerful STAB attacks. Tirtouga makes a surprisingly good partner, as it appreciates how Binacle can break through Ferroseed and weaken the rest of the opposing team.