Shuckle Movesets & Competitive Sets

With unique access to both Sticky Web and Stealth Rock and greater bulk over its competition, Shuckle is a decent dedicated lead in hyper offense builds. After ideally getting up both Sticky Web and Stealth Rock, Shuckle can use Final Gambit to prevent Defog and Rapid Spin at the cost of sacrificing itself. Encore deters setup sweepers like Klinklang, Gurdurr, and Silvally formes from boosting in front of it, as well as punishing Defog and Rapid Spin attempts from Pokemon like Articuno, Coalossal, and Morpeko. Sturdy ensures Shuckle will survive at least one hit to set up a hazard. Mental Herb ensures Shuckle can set up at least one entry hazard in front of Taunt users like Froslass and Alolan Persian, while Red Card can disrupt attackers like Sawk, Rhydon, and Poliwrath seeking to limit it to one hazard, as well as setup attackers, thanks to Sturdy. Shuckle best fits on hyper offense builds, where teammates can best capitalize on Sticky Web's Speed drop. Setup sweepers like Silvally formes, Qwilfish, and Klinklang fit well with it, working together to overwhelm the opposition. Ghost-types like Rotom and Froslass can prevent Rapid Spin while maintaining pressure in their own right; the former can set up with Nasty Plot, while the latter can set Spikes while stopping Defog users with Taunt. Powerful wallbreakers like Sawk and Jynx enjoy Sticky Web and can immediately pressure the opposing team without need for setup. Offensive threats that can threaten Levitate and Defog users, like the aforementioned Rotom, Silvally-Dark, Klinklang, and Lycanroc-N, work well to maintain entry hazard pressure.

Shuckle's set and spread are designed to optimize chances at setting and keeping Sticky Web and, if possible, Stealth Rock as well. 120 Special Defense EVs allow Shuckle to always avoid the 2HKO from Xerneas's Moonblast, with the remaining EVs put into physical bulk to help defend against the tier's common offensive threats. Mental Herb lets Shuckle ignore the first use of Taunt, allowing it to still get at least one type of hazard up. Alternatively, Red Card forces out an attacker with a good matchup against Shuckle to one that might have a weaker one, which can also help against setup sweepers and spinners. Encore lets Shuckle lock its foe into a singular predictable pattern, which is essential for being able to set hazards and keep them up. Final Gambit ensures Shuckle is allowed to faint and keep momentum into an offensive threat once its purpose of setting hazards is complete. The purpose of Shuckle is to provide Sticky Web support for powerful offensive threats that are exceptionally difficult to check when given a speed advantage; some of the best Pokemon to utilize this support are Calyrex-S, Yveltal, Rayquaza, and Zekrom. Due to the nature of maintaining Sticky Web and combating opposing hazards, it is highly desirable to have a spinner such as Regieleki, Excadrill, or Pheromosa for anti-hazard support and a spinblocker such as Calyrex-S or Lunala. Offense teams need to role compress very well to accommodate Shuckle's nigh-irrelevant defensive utility, so Pokemon such as Eternatus and Necrozma-DM are important.

Shuckle is the primary entry hazard setter for Bug teams, with its access to Stealth Rock and Sticky Web. Since Shuckle is a utility Pokemon, Encore is used as an insurance against setup Pokemon such as Gyarados and Hawlucha, which can potentially exploit Shuckle. Toxic is used to cripple bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon. Knock Off can be used as an alternative to cripple Pokemon such as Corviknight and Ferrothorn by removing their item. Mental Herb is used to bypass Taunt users such as Froslass and Sableye in order to allow Shuckle to at least set up either Stealth Rock or Sticky Web; otherwise, it is forced to Struggle under Taunt. Strong wallbreakers such as Centiskorch and Durant appreciate Stealth Rock, as they can wallbreak more consistently with the chip damage. Centiskorch greatly benefits from Sticky Web, as its Speed is mediocre as well. Durant can outspeed common Choice Scarf users with Sticky Web up on the opposing side of the field, such as Dracozolt and Excadrill. Sticky Web also frees teammates like Galvantula and Vikavolt from running it, allowing them to use more offensive sets.

Thanks to its access to both Sticky Web and Stealth Rock, Shuckle has become the premier entry hazard setter on Rock. Sticky Web allows Shuckle to slow down almost all Pokemon, being especially useful against those that rely on their Speed to be threatening like Choice Scarf Tapu Lele, Spectrier, and Alolan Raichu. It also helps against threats such as Choice Scarf Weavile and Excadrill that can clean Rock-teams late-game. In addition, it improves the matchup against types with poor entry hazard control such as Steel, Ghost, and Fairy. Encore prevents Shuckle from becoming setup fodder by locking foes like Cinderace or Aegislash into a setup move, giving a teammate that is able to deal with them a free switch. Encore can also annoy Defoggers, letting Shuckle's teammates come in safely and setup. Knock Off allows Shuckle to remove items like Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers from foes like Tornadus-T and Landorus-T. Mental Herb prevents foes such as Froslass and Spectrier from taunting Shuckle, ensuring it can set up entry hazards at least once. Custap Berry can be used instead to ensure that Shuckle can set up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Web against strong foes without Taunt. Sturdy allows Shuckle to usually set up entry hazards at least once. Shuckle's EVs make it as physically bulky as possible in order to live Urshifu-R's Surging Strikes. All of Shuckle's offensive teammates benefit from its Stealth Rock and the speed control it provides. Choice Band Tyranitar loves Shuckle's Sticky Web, as it allows Tyranitar to defeat foes it would otherwise lose against, such as Choice Specs Tapu Lele and Choice Specs Gengar. Barbaracle outspeeds and defeats Sand Rush Choice Band Excadrill and Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan and Weavile when supported with Sticky Web after a Shell Smash, allowing it to clean types such as Ground and Ice. It also becomes harder to revenge kill because Sticky Web slows down grounded Choice Scarf users. Nihilego is another setup sweeper that appreciates the entry hazards Shuckle sets, allowing Nihilego to devastate Water, Flying, Ground, and Fairy. Specifically, Nihilego can defeat Barraskewda, Swampert, and Corviknight with Shuckle's entry hazards in play. Choice Scarf Terrakion checks threats such as Cinderace, Zeraora, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Choice Scarf Heatran before Sticky Web has been set. It also acts as a strong revenge-killer, as it removes sweepers such as Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Excadrill, improving the Dark and Steel matchups. Rhyperior provides an Electric immunity and pressures types such as Steel due to its ability to threaten Corviknight and Ferrothorn.

Shuckle's unique access to both Stealth Rock and Sticky Web makes it a good dedicated hyper offense lead. Sticky Web is usually used first, as teams with Shuckle appreciate offensive threats being crippled; however, Stealth Rock is more useful against defensive builds. Encore prevents foes from taking advantage of Shuckle's passivity and potentially gives a teammate free setup opportunities against Pokemon locked into Rapid Spin or Defog. With an HP increase, Final Gambit can take out many offensive threats if Shuckle is at full HP and provide a teammate with a free switch in. Mental Herb guarantees at least one entry hazard, even against a Taunt user such as Tornadus-T or Heatran, while Red Card prevents Shuckle from being setup fodder. Sturdy prevents Shuckle from being OHKOed by powerful attacks from Pokemon such as Araquanid. Shuckle should only be used in hyper offense teams that can make full use of Sticky Web and Stealth Rock. Rayquaza, Pheromosa, and Mewtwo are the most common gods to pair with Shuckle and all significantly bolster its HP; In particular, Sticky Web can patch up the middling Speed of Rayquaza and its Speed receivers Pokemon that deter Rapid Spin and Defog are necessary, making Ghost-type spinblockers like Mimikyu and Polteageist as well as Defiant Pokemon like Bisharp and Galarian Zapdos great choices. Other powerful offensive threats such as Galarian Moltres, Victini, Galarian Slowking, and Weavile can keep up the pressure to overwhelm the opposing team; in particular, the former three take advantage of Sticky Web to outspeed foes.

Shuckle as a god is used almost exclusively for the stats it passes to receivers. Beyond that, Shuckle sets Stealth Rock and Sticky Web to support its teammates. Stealth Rock is significantly better on Shuckle god teams, which tend to be bulkier and not need Sticky Web support as much. Encore deters setup sweepers from using Shuckle as setup bait and can lock foes into a move that allows teammates to switch in safely. Infestation traps foes, dealing consistent chip damage to them, and pairs well with Encore to switch in teammates and gain momentum; Toxic is also an option to help spread status. Mental Herb prevents Shuckle from outright losing to Taunt users like Yveltal and Tapu Fini by guaranteeing it can set one entry hazard, which can be pivotal in certain matchups. Sturdy protects Shuckle from OHKOs against foes like Kartana and setup sweepers, while its EVs let Shuckle tank hits from special setup sweepers like Lunala and Galarian Moltres, both of which can be threatening for Shuckle teams. As a non-Uber Pokemon, Shuckle must be used in the HP slot in order to pass its stats. Luckily, its base 20 HP would be an albatross anyway. While Shuckle itself is a liability to most teams, it shines as a god due passing exceptional base 230 Defense and Special Defense. These high defensive stats can hyper-charge two Pokemon to cover almost the entire tier. Some example Defense receivers would be Calm Mind Clefable, Corviknight, and Galarian Slowking. Special Defense receivers are much more varied, with offensive Pokemon like Rillaboom and Kartana turning into potent setup sweepers, and physically defensive Pokemon like Slowbro and Hippowdon becoming blanket checks to both physical and special attackers. However, Shuckle teams are slightly restricted by needing Pokemon to receive its terrible Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. It's wise to pick Pokemon that are naturally good without receiving any boosted stats. Using strong special attackers in the Attack slot like Tapu Koko, Blacephalon, Gengar, and Heatran allows the team to keep offensive pressure, while strong physical attackers like Weavile, Landorus-T, Kartana, and Blaziken fit in the Special Attack slot well. For the Speed slot, Pokemon like Slowbro, Landorus-T, and Mandibuzz can still perform their roles with lowered Speed, provide slow pivoting to get wallbreakers in, and are helpful against Trick Room.

Shuckle finds a niche in National Dex OU as a lead on Sticky Web teams due to its great bulk and Final Gambit alongside Encore, which provide momentum to its teammates with ease after it sets entry hazards. Encore is vital because it can lock foes into Defog or a stat-boosting move, such as Corviknight, Zapdos, Rillaboom, and Mega Garchomp, allowing Shuckle to more easily set up hazards while also making it easy for its teammates to revenge kill them. Mental Herb is the item of choice for Shuckle to securely set up at least one hazard, as it is very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon such as Grimmsnarl, Tapu Koko, and Mew; however, that can be replaced with Red Card, which can force out strong attackers and disrupt U-turn and Volt Switch from Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Rillaboom, and Landorus-T. Bisharp is an essential teammate for Shuckle, as Defiant helps it easily deter Defoggers such as Corviknight and Zapdos, and it's a very threatening wallbreaker and setup sweeper. Serperior's Contrary also pressures Defog. Shuckle's Sticky Web support heavily supports a multitude of slow yet powerful wallbreakers, such as Thundurus-T, Mega Scizor, and Mega Heracross.

Shuckle's access to Sticky Web and solid bulk sets itself apart from other entry hazard leads in AG, allowing it to effectively utilize its plethora of other great utility options such as Stealth Rock, Encore, Toxic, and Knock Off. However, Shuckle faces competition from Slurpuff as a Sticky Web setter, as it can block Defog or Rapid Spin attempts with Misty Explosion and deter opposing entry hazard leads and Taunt users with Magic Coat. Sticky Web is useful for slowing down grounded offensive foes such as Calyrex-S, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and Zacian-C for teammates. Stealth Rock also aids teammates by chipping down foes and can target certain Pokemon unaffected by Sticky Web such as Life Orb Yveltal. Encore is useful for preventing setup sweepers such as Xerneas, Nasty Plot Calyrex-S, Zekrom, and Groudon from using Shuckle as complete setup fodder, forcing them to switch out or Dynamax, while also enabling teammates to switch in freely. Final Gambit generates momentum for Shuckle's teammates by KOing itself once entry hazards have potentially been set up. Alternatively, Infestation traps and slowly damages foes like Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and defensive Xerneas during the match, forcing chip damage on them as well as working with Encore to give Shuckle's teammates free switch-ins. Toxic can also be used to put a timer on Defoggers such as Ho-Oh and Yveltal. Sturdy allows Shuckle to survive attacks from powerful attackers like Kyogre, enabling it to use Mental Herb for Taunt users such as Yveltal and Grimmsnarl, guaranteeing it gets to set an entry hazard. Alternatively, Red Card forces out an abundance of threats like Zacian-C and Kyogre as well as boosted Zygarde-C and Zekrom. Shuckle should only be used on hyper offense teams that can make full use of Sticky Web. Slower setup sweepers and wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Kyogre, Zekrom, and Groudon can all take advantage of Sticky Web while threatening common Defoggers including Ho-Oh and Yveltal. Ghost-types such as Calyrex-S and Marshadow can effectively spinblock against opposing Excadrill, preventing Shuckle's Sticky Web and Stealth Rock from being removed. Due to the importance of Sticky Web and Stealth Rock, Shuckle should generally be led with in order to immediately slow down offensive grounded threats with Sticky Web and weaken foes with Stealth Rock.

Shuckle plays an integral role on every Rock team due to its access to Sticky Web and the ability to reliably set it up against most Pokemon due to its access to Sturdy, paving the way for Rock's only viable playstyle, Sticky Web Offense. Sticky Web drops foes' Speed by one stage, which greatly benefits Shuckle's teammates such as Terrakion, Nihilego, and Mega Diancie and allows them to deal with faster threats such as Choice Scarf Excadrill and Greninja. Stealth Rock helps wear down foes upon switch in, most notably breaking Focus Sash and Sturdy from Pokemon such as Cloyster and Skarmory. Encore prevents setup sweepers such as Mega Gallade, Azumarill, and Volcarona from using Shuckle as setup bait. It also helps deal with defensive walls like Toxapex by forcing them into using utility moves. Knock Off helps get rid of items such as Heavy-Duty Boots, Eviolite, and Choice Scarf from Pokemon like Blissey, Porygon2, and Landorus-T. Removing Heavy-Duty Boots also further improves the effectiveness of the hazards Shuckle sets. Final Gambit can be opted for over Encore, as it provides great momentum gain after hazards are set up. Mental Herb allows Shuckle to ignore Taunt from Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Cobalion, and Tapu Fini for a single turn allowing it to reliably set up at least one entry hazard. 248 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs along with an Impish nature maximizes Shuckle's physical bulk and minimizes damage taken by Stealth Rock. Sturdy ensures Shuckle survives a hit from full HP, allowing it to set up hazards against powerful wallbreakers like Choice Specs Aegislash. Mega Diancie pairs well with Shuckle, bouncing off entry hazards and Taunt while also being able to make the most of Shuckle's Sticky Web and Stealth Rock support. The former helps Mega Diancie outspeed threats such as Choice Scarf Excadrill and Mega Lopunny, while the latter chips threats, allowing it to successfully net more KOs. Much like Mega Diancie, Choice Scarf Terrakion appreciates Shuckle reliably setting up Sticky Web to outspeed faster threats, such as Sand Rush Excadrill and Choice Scarf Greninja. Terrakion can also run Swords Dance to make the most out of Sticky Web, as Swords Dance further improves its wallbreaking abilities and helps greatly in matchups such as Steel and Normal. Nihilego can be a threatening teammate against Fairy, Flying, and Water teams when paired with Shuckle's entry hazards thanks to a great ability in Beast Boost and a wide range of coverage options. Tyranitar can provide sand support, bolstering Shuckle's already high Special Defense stat, allowing it to take special hits better, while also improving the Psychic and Ghost matchups greatly due to its STAB-boosted Crunch and Pursuit. Alolan Golem pairs well with Shuckle thanks to an amazing ability in Magnet Pull, allowing it to deal with threats such as Mega Scizor, which it even outspeeds after Sticky Web. Shell Smash Omastar appreciates hazards set up by Shuckle, as they allow it to outspeed most threats and not worry about Sturdy and Focus Sash.

Moves Encore can lock Shuckle's foes into setup moves and weak attacks, generating free turns for Shuckle's teammates to switch in and take advantage of them or at the very least force switches. Infestation prevents the foe from switching, and nothing is immune to it, working well in tandem with Encore by guaranteeing free turns for Shuckle's teammates. Toxic is another option and nails Pokemon such as Gourgeist-XL and Silvally-Water. This option in particular makes Shuckle susceptible to Taunt after its Mental Herb has been used up, however. Knock Off is a third option for Shuckle's last moveslot that prevents it from being Taunt bait and has the added benefit of removing items such as Electivire's Choice Scarf and Altaria's Leftovers. Set Details A Calm nature should be utilized with Infestation or Toxic along with 0 Attack IVs. A Careful nature should be utilized with Knock Off along with 31 Attack IVs. Mental Herb nullifies the effects of Taunt and Encore from users such as Floatzel and Volbeat once, guaranteeing Sticky Web's setup. Sturdy is Shuckle's only worthwhile ability, allowing it to survive hits such as Sheer Force Rampardos's Rock Slide, ensuring Sticky Web will be set up. Usage Tips Sticky Web is the primary reason for running Shuckle, so setting it up should be its priority against most standard balance and offensive teams. In particular, in niche team matchups such as against Trick Room and stall, moves such as Encore and Knock Off should take precedence, as Sticky Web doesn't really come into effect in these matchups and Shuckle's utility moves have even greater importance through locking foes into ineffective moves or removing items. Despite Shuckle being a dedicated Sticky Web lead, its bulk typically allows it to set up entry hazards again later in the game. If Shuckle is at low health, where it cannot be preserved, letting it faint allows an offensive teammate to switch in freely without fear of taking a massive hit. Early- to mid-game after Sticky Web has been set, Shuckle can act as a Normal-type answer and blanket check for special attackers so that its frail teammates don't have to take unnecessary hits. If a Defog user switches in and you predict them to try removing Shuckle's Sticky Web and Stealth Rock, switch Shuckle out to a Defiant or Competitive user such as Pawniard, Purugly, or Meowstic-F. Similarly, if a Rapid Spin user such as Komala comes into remove entry hazards, switch directly to your Ghost-type. Team Options Wallbreakers such as Simipour, Raticate, Rampardos, and Pinsir are mandatory to utilize alongside Shuckle, as they can outspeed most unboosted foes and punch holes in the opposing team. Notably, they are able to outspeed foes such as Choice Scarf Electivire and Floatzel they weren't able to outspeed before. Defog deterrents such as Pawniard and Purugly can help keep Sticky Web on the field. Pokemon such as Silvally-Fighting and Electivire can check and apply offensive pressure to common entry hazard removers such as Komala, Altaria, and Silvally-Water to help keep entry hazards on the field. Offensive Flying-types and Levitate users such as Swanna, Ninjask, and Misdreavus are not affected by Sticky Web and therefore are harder to revenge kill. Checks to some of these Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Electivire for Swanna and Ninjask and Swords Dance Silvally-Dark for Misdreavus make great teammates.

Moves Sticky Web reduces the foe's Speed stat by one stage upon them switching in, which is advantageous for teammates such as Terrakion and Nihilego. Stealth Rock wears the foe down each time they switch in, which is especially helpful in matchups such as Bug and Steel, breaking Sturdy on Pokemon such as Forretress and Skarmory. Encore allows Shuckle to disrupt setup sweepers like Mega Scizor, Terrakion, and Mega Gallade as well as bulky Pokemon like Toxapex and Hippowdon. Knock Off is used to remove Chansey and Porygon2's Eviolites as well as Choice Scarf from Greninja and Keldeo. Set Details Maximum investment in HP and Defense with an Impish nature makes Shuckle as physically bulky as possible while minimizing Stealth Rock damage. Mental Herb allows Shuckle to bypass Taunt from Pokemon such as Cobalion and Deoxys-S for a single turn. Sturdy ensures that Shuckle always survives a hit from full health, allowing it to set up Sticky Web against wallbreakers like Keldeo and Tyranitar. Usage Tips In most matchups, it is important that Shuckle be led with immediately in order to set up Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, allowing offensive threats like Mega Diancie and Terrakion to sweep more effectively. Predicting when the foe will use a status move allows you to shut it down with Encore and switch an offensive threat in safely. Encore can also be useful for locking offensive Pokemon into a certain move. Examples include locking Mew into Psychic to safely allow Tyranitar to switch in and locking Latios into Draco Meteor so that Mega Diancie can safely come in. Due to Shuckle's Stealth Rock weakness and lack of recovery, it is also a good idea to switch in as the foe sets up Stealth Rock to avoid taking unnecessary damage. If Shuckle's Mental Herb is still intact, feel free to set up Stealth Rock or Sticky Web immediately against Taunt users like Cobalion, Heatran, and Gliscor. If the Mental Herb has already been used, it is a good idea to predict when your foe will Taunt and proceed to use Knock Off to remove their item. However, against Taunt users like Heatran and Cobalion, it is better to switch out on a predicted Taunt because Shuckle cannot severely damage them and they are more easily taken out by Terrakion or Mega Diancie. In matchups like Ground, Steel, and Psychic, it is best to prioritize setting up Sticky Web immediately as a means of outspeeding important threats like Excadrill, Mega Scizor, and Mega Gallade. However, in matchups where Sticky Web isn't as helpful, such as Flying and Poison, it is better to set up Stealth Rock first. Many entry hazard removers like Mantine and Armaldo will capitalize on how passive Shuckle is, so try predicting when they will come in and double switch into an offensive threat like Tyranitar or Mega Diancie. Avoid poison as much as possible, since it will wear down Shuckle very fast and leave it unable to take hits and set up entry hazards. Team Options Mega Diancie can bounce back entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, both of which can wear down Shuckle rather quickly. In return, Shuckle's Sticky Web can allow Mega Diancie to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon like Terrakion and Heracross, making it a prime asset in the Fighting matchup. Tyranitar can set up sand for Shuckle with Sand Stream, allowing Shuckle to take more special hits. Tyranitar can also beat common Defoggers like Zapdos, Mantine, and Latios, which helps Shuckle keep up its hazards. In return, Sticky Web allows Tyranitar to outspeed and KO Pokemon like Nidoking, Diggersby, and Mew; the hazard also allows Choice Scarf Terrakion to outspeed Excadrill in sand as well as Choice Scarf users like Greninja and Gengar. Terrakion can also beat Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran, which threaten Shuckle. Sticky Web can also give it the option to run Choice Band to function as an effective wallbreaker. Nihilego can beat Pokemon with Taunt such as Gliscor as well as physical walls like Skarmory and Mega Slowbro. It also benefits from Shuckle's Sticky Web to outspeed and remove Pokemon like Keldeo and Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. Omastar is a powerful setup sweeper that can beat Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp after a Shell Smash, both of which can severely threaten Shuckle by setting up and breaking through it with a Z-Move. Sticky Web allows Omastar to outspeed Choice Scarf users like Keldeo after a Shell Smash. Rhyperior and Alolan Golem are both able to beat Mega Scizor, a huge threat to Shuckle. Rhyperior can also blanket check other threats to Shuckle such as Terrakion and Excadrill, and Alolan Golem can trap Steel-types like Skarmory and Ferrothorn, both of which very easily wear down Shuckle. Cradily offers a Water immunity for Shuckle thanks to Storm Drain. In return, Shuckle can switch into Fighting-type attacks from Breloom and Infernape for Cradily. Shuckle providing Stealth Rock can also grant Cradily a free moveslot, and Cradily can do the same for Shuckle.

Moves Sticky Web allows Shuckle to support teammates such as Mega Pinsir and Scizor by slowing down grounded foes. For example, with Sticky Web up, Mega Pinsir can outpace Choice Scarf Victini and Scizor can outpace Heatran. Stealth Rock chips down foes when they switch in and renders Sturdy and Focus Sash on Pokemon such as Skarmory and Breloom useless. Encore prevents Shuckle from becoming setup bait by threatening setup sweepers such as Mega Charizard X and Suicune. Toxic lets Shuckle cripple entry hazard removers that aren't immune to the status such as Zapdos and Staraptor. Knock Off is a great utility move that can cripple Pokemon that rely on their item against Bug-type teams, such as Air Balloon Heatran and Eviolite Porygon2. Set Details An EV spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with an Impish nature allows Shuckle to set up entry hazards on threatening physical attackers such as Victini and Mega Lopunny. 248 HP EVs let Shuckle take minimal damage from Stealth Rock. Mental Herb allows Shuckle to bypass annoying Taunt and Encore users such as Deoxys-S and Mega Lopunny, respectively. Sturdy allows Shuckle to set at least one hazard against foes that could otherwise OHKO it, such as Choice Specs Keldeo. Usage Tips Lead with Shuckle almost every game, as this set allows it to set entry hazards against almost every Pokemon as well as pressure hazard removers that are susceptible to Toxic. However, play skillfully against common Magic Bounce Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie, as they are generally good leads against Bug-type teams. You can lead with a Pokemon that can force the Magic Bounce user out before it can Mega Evolve and then double switch into Shuckle, which lets it safely set at least one entry hazard. Use Encore liberally against Pokemon like Tapu Bulu that could potentially be carrying setup moves, as Shuckle's bulk gives it multiple opportunities to set up hazards in most games. Although the most consistent plan with Shuckle is to set hazards and let it faint within a few turns, it can be wise to save Shuckle if given the opportunity, as it can be sacrificed for important momentum later on in a game. Play extremely aggressively around hazard removers such as Mantine by making double switches. For example, if you predict a Defog user like Mantine to switch in, double switch into a Pokemon such as Galvantula to maintain momentum. Be careful when setting Sticky Web if the opponent has a Pokemon with Contrary or Defiant like Serperior or Bisharp. Only set Sticky Web if you have a good way of beating these, as they can get out of control very quickly. Prioritize Sticky Web over Stealth Rock against offensive types such as Fighting and Bug. On the other hand, prioritize Stealth Rock over Sticky Web when playing against bulky teams or against types like Dragon and Flying that are not affected by Sticky Web. Team Options Mega Pinsir greatly appreciates Shuckle's Sticky Web support because it allows Mega Pinsir to outpace quick offensive threats to Bug such as Choice Scarf Victini. Choice Scarf Heracross and Buzzwole are good partners because they outpace most Pokemon with Sticky Web support. Heracross especially appreciates Sticky Web support, as it allows Heracross to outspeed and more reliably Pursuit trap Choice Scarf Victini. Heracross can also Pursuit trap entry hazard removers such as Latios and Zapdos, allowing teammates to keep up hazards more easily. Volcarona appreciates the support that Shuckle provides; Sticky Web allows +1 Volcarona to outpace Pokemon such as Swift Swim-boosted Kingdra and lets Volcarona set up on special attackers such as Gengar and Tapu Koko more easily, whereas Stealth Rock allows Volcarona to beat Pokemon such as Focus Sash Breloom and Alolan Golem. Scizor Pursuit traps hazard removers such as Latios and can also pressure other hazard removers such as Armaldo. Scizor can also give Shuckle a free opportunity to switch in with its slow U-turn. Armaldo and Forretress provide hazard removal support for Shuckle, which allows Shuckle to come in multiple times in a match to set entry hazards without having to worry about being chipped down by hazards such as Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock. Armaldo can also pressure Flying-type hazard removers like Mantine with Stone Edge, while Forretress can provide a secondary switch-in to Flying-type attacks and generate momentum with Volt Switch. Araquanid beats one of Shuckle's biggest problems, Mega Sableye, and it also pressures hazard removers like Latios and Rotom-H.

Shuckle is no good as a wall despite its huge defensive stats, but it has a niche as possibly the best setter of Sticky Web in the game, letting it provide useful support against faster Pokemon. Red Card ensures that setting up on Shuckle is a poor option before Sturdy is used up, while Mental Herb will block one use of Taunt, guaranteeing Sticky Web is set up. Note that Shuckle is nearly dead weight outside of setting up entry hazards, so be prepared to rely on your other two Pokemon. When using Shuckle, make sure your team is built around taking advantage of Sticky Web support. Usually, this means pairing it with sweepers that have problems with Choice Scarf revenge killers such as Kartana, Mega Metagross, and Tapu Lele.

Moves Sticky Web lowers the Speed of a foe switching in by one stage, allowing a slow, strong wallbreaker to become a threatening sweeper. Stealth Rock wears down foes, allowing your Pokemon to score OHKOs and 2HKOs they wouldn't otherwise. Encore locks the foe into the move that they last used, allowing you to easily switch in a Pokemon of your choice, as the foe is either forced to switch out or hit your Pokemon with a weak attack. Toxic is Shuckle's best way of dealing damage and can be used to wear down spinners and Defoggers with the exception of Forretress, Crobat, and Empoleon by spamming Stealth Rock and Sticky Web until Toxic KOes them. Knock Off can be used to remove the foe's item, but it deals very little damage. Finally, Infestation can be used to trap foes and has good synergy with Encore. Set Details The EVs don't really do much for Shuckle, but extra Defense allows Shuckle to take multi-hit moves better, as they are all physical, and allows Shuckle to set up entry hazards against more threats. The combination of Sturdy and a Mental Herb guarantees that Shuckle is able to set up at least one layer of entry hazards, as Sturdy guarantees Shuckle survives one attack and Mental Herb grants a one-time immunity to Taunt or Encore. Usage Tips Shuckle is best used as a suicide lead for offensive teams that can take advantage of the lowered Speed of the foes. However, if you can keep Shuckle around for later in the game to switch in and set up switching opportunities using Encore, then that is a good course of action. Team Options Strong wallbreakers such as Krookidile, Chandelure, Exploud, Lucario, Darmanitan, Machamp, and Heracross make for good partners for their ability to take advantage of Sticky Web and smash holes in the opponent's team. Chandelure gets a special mention for being able to spinblock thanks to its Ghost typing. Also, fast Taunt users such as Crobat and Mega Aerodactyl make for good partners for their ability to prevent the opponent from Defogging.

Sticky Web slows down faster threats like Mega Lopunny, Mega Gallade, and Choice Scarf Heracross, making it easier for teammates like Mega Diancie and Terrakion to pick up KOs. Stealth Rock chips down Flying-types and Levitate Pokemon like Landorus-T and Latias, which are unaffected by Sticky Web, and breaks the Focus Sash of Pokemon like Breloom. Encore is important to prevent Shuckle from being used as setup fodder to Pokemon like Mega Scizor and Mega Gyarados while also opening up opportunities to bring its teammates in safely. Knock Off is a great utility move that cripples defensive Pokemon like Chansey, Porygon2, Tentacruel, and Rotom-W as well as revenge killers like Kyurem-B, Choice Scarf Heracross, and Landorus. Toxic allows Shuckle to cripple bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Mandibuzz, and Swampert. Mental Herb is needed so Shuckle isn't shut down by stallbreakers like Mew and Gliscor carrying Taunt. 248 HP EVs allow Shuckle to be 5HKOed by Stealth Rock while the rest of the EVs are dumped into Shuckle's Defense to grant it more longevity against physical attackers like Mega Gallade and Garchomp. When using Shuckle, the player should be cautious of carelessly switching Shuckle into Knock Off users like Mew and Gliscor before its entry hazards are up, or else they will use Taunt against it. All of Shuckle's teammates appreciate its Sticky Web and Stealth Rock support. Terrakion can break through bulky Pokemon like Gliscor and Mega Venusaur after a Swords Dance and get rid of Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Choice Scarf Excadrill under Sticky Web with Close Combat. Mega Diancie excels in the Fighting matchup with Sticky Web up by outspeeding threats like Choice Scarf Terrakion and Mega Gallade. Furthermore, its ability in Magic Bounce allows it to prevent entry hazards that could otherwise wear down Shuckle. Tyranitar can get rid of Psychic- and Ghost-types like Slowbro, Jirachi, and Jellicent and Pursuit trap faster Pokemon like Latios. Additionally, Tyranitar sets sand, which benefits Shuckle's longevity and in return, Shuckle can switch into Fighting-types like Hawlucha and Infernape for Tyranitar. Cradily can absorb Water-type attacks and threaten defensive Water- and Ground-types like Slowbro and Hippowdon with Giga Drain. Mega Aggron can target Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn with Fire Punch and KO Fairy- and Rock-types like Mega Gardevoir, Mega Diancie, and Cradily with Heavy Slam. Thanks to Solid Rock, Rhyperior can eat attacks from physical attackers like Garchomp and Mega Scizor and KO them with Ice Punch and Fire Punch. Omastar can utilize Sticky Web to outspeed Excadrill in sand after a Shell Smash, and it notably excels in the Ground matchup thanks to its Air Balloon and its coverage alongside Hidden Power Grass for Water-immune Pokemon like Gastrodon and Seismitoad.

Guard Split is the main attraction to this set. Thanks to Shuckle having defensive stats can that reach into the 300's, the recipient of Guard Split has its defensive capabilities boosted through the roof. Shuckle's other moves are mainly for situations where using Guard Split is not favorable, or has already been used. Helping Hand allows Shuckle to strengthen its partner's attacks, while Toxic is used to wear foes down. Lastly, Protect allows Shuckle to scout for the opponent's attacks, and helps stall opposing Pokemon to death when used in tandem with Toxic. While the EV spread doesn't do much for Shuckle, it maximizes the effectiveness of Guard Split. Mental Herb prevents the opponent from stopping Shuckle in its tracks with Taunt; however, a Lum Berry can be used instead if you are worried about being afflicted with sleep from moves, such as Spore and Hypnosis. The best recipient for Guard Split is Chansey, due to Eviolite further boosting the effects of Guard Split. After a Guard Split, even Terrakion's Close Combat will be a 4HKO, and because critical hits do not bypass the effects of Guard Split, Chansey becomes pretty much indestructible. Porygon2, Rhydon, Snorlax, and Blissey are also good recipients of Guard Split, though they are not nearly as hard to defeat as Chansey is after the boost. Trick Room users, such as Cresselia, Jellicent and Chandelure, are effective at helping Shuckle set up, as Shuckle becomes the fastest Pokemon on the field under Trick Room, making it extremely hard to stop from using Guard Split. On the other hand, hard hitting sweepers, such as Latios, Salamence, and Rotom-A, are also effective partners for Shuckle. By threatening the opponent with powerful moves such as a Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor, it can force the opponent to play defensively, providing an opportunity to switch out Shuckle's attacking partner in order to use Guard Split on the desired Pokemon. Alternatively, Shuckle can use Helping Hand to boost these Pokemon's attacks in an attempt to KO an opposing Pokemon.

With Power Split, Shuckle can use its hideous base 10 Attack and Special Attack stats to effectively hamper the attacking power of an enemy. With the given nature and IVs, Shuckle has 30 Attack and 13 Special Attack, which turns a Modest Chandelure's 216 Special Attack into a significantly less threatening 114 Special Attack. After using Power Split on a strong physical attacker, Shuckle can use its improved Attack in an attempt to deal damage with its STAB moves. However, Shuckle has to be wary of Taunt, which stops it from using Power Split and Rest. Rock Slide is a very good move in VGC, hitting both targets for decent damage. Helping Hand is considered a very useful move in VGC, turning 2HKOs into OHKOs; however, Shuckle is not the best user of it, as it is already complete Taunt bait. Bug Bite is Shuckle's secondary STAB move, and has a nifty secondary effect of stealing the opponents' Berries. It is also useful for dealing damage to Ludicolo, who is a threat to Shuckle. With Rest, Shuckle can take advantage of its ability, Sturdy, if the opponent is using a bulky setup Pokemon, such as Calm Mind Cresselia. Chesto Berry is essential when using Rest, as it allows Shuckle to recover all of its health in one turn. Shuckle functions best in sandstorm, which grants it a 50% boost to its Special Defense. Sandstorm also provides residual damage, which helps Shuckle wear down the opponents. Considering Water is one of Shuckle's few weaknesses, you can opt to invest more heavily in Special Defense to better take special hits. Earthquake can be used, as it has good coverage in tandem with Rock Slide, but be careful about not hitting your partner. Scizor makes an excellent partner for Shuckle, as it deals with rain teams that threaten Shuckle, and is also impervious to the residual damage from sandstorm. Zapdos also makes a good teammate for Shuckle, as its main coverage moves—Thunderbolt, Hidden Power, and Heat Wave—help eliminate some of Shuckle's counters, namely. With its base 5 Speed, Shuckle benefits from Trick Room, and can flinch the opponent with Rock Slide once it is set up. Shuckle receives Contrary as a Dream World ability, which can be useful for turning a possible Defense or Special Defense drop into a boost. While Shuckle's other abilities are more important, neither of them are essential, and Contrary can be used so you do not have to worry about Defense drops from Crunch and Special Defense drops from Shadow Ball, Psychic, and other moves.

Defense Curl to boost your Defense and the power of Rollout. Even with Shuckle's low Attack, Rollout can do some massive damage on the 4th and 5th roll.

Shuckle's not that great, but he can work as a mini Wobbuffet with this Encore moveset. For this to work, you need Magneton and Dugtrio on your team. It won't work any other way. Toxic stuff and Protect to get HP back. When you predict a Substitute, Encore it and switch to Dugtrio. If you predict Aromatherapy, do the same. If you are bad at predicting, Shuckle won't work at all. You'll need to kill Skarmory off first with Magneton. Weezing will stop you no matter what you have, so I suggest you pack a Facade Swellow or Ursaring. Encore Will-O-Wisp, switch to Swellow, and OHKO nearly everything with Facade. Proceed to sweep. Obviously not as effective as Wobbuffet, but Shuckle is allowed in OU matches.

Set Description Shuckle cannot hope to get past any foes by attacking them, so its role is to waste PP and wall a variety of threats. Defense Curl has a massive PP count, which ensures that Shuckle cannot be outdone in terms of PP. Without the ability to boost its Defense, Shuckle would eventually succumb to Curse Snorlax, so Defense Curl is crucial to allow Shuckle to perform its role effectively. Toxic is Shuckle's only damage source and can be used to restrict the number of Pokemon that can switch into it safely to those that are immune to it or have Rest, force Pokemon that have Rest to use it, and punish any Pokemon without Rest that risk staying in against it. As it is a powerful dissuasion tool with limited PP, it is sometimes a good idea to use it sparingly—although, catching dangerous sweepers on the switch can yield significant advantages. Alternatively, Encore can be used to attempt to waste the PP of a particular move or lock the opposing Pokemon into a move, which allows Shuckle's teammates to switch in freely. However, Toxic tends to be preferred because it gives Shuckle a way to punish threatening Pokemon like Cloyster, Machamp, and Tyranitar. Unlike Curse Skarmory, which is at no risk of being defeated by a critical hit from an opposing Curse Snorlax, Shuckle's inability to boost its Defense past +2 and its low base HP mean that it will, on average, be KOed by a critical hit Double-Edge or Earthquake plus two non-critical hits from a +5 Attack Snorlax. Shuckle therefore has Flash to minimize the odds of this situation occurring. Flash is also useful against other setup sweepers such as Steelix, and it contributes to Shuckle's overall goal of ensuring the opponent cannot mount offensive pressure by reducing the threat level of any foe it hits. Wrap is an alternative that forces foes to waste more PP by preventing them from switching out, which can also work well with Encore to attempt to force the opponent to use up more of a particular move. However, forgoing Flash can result in situations where Shuckle is unable to do its job of walling Snorlax effectively. Finally, Rest ensures that Shuckle cannot be worn down by repeated attacks by allowing it to keep itself healthy. Team Options Shuckle is extremely passive, so it fits best on teams with reliable and sturdy Pokemon such as Skarmory and Blissey. Shuckle is one of the best Pokemon in the game at taking on all manner of mixed, Curse, and Self-Destruct variants of Snorlax, but it struggles against Belly Drum Snorlax due to being outsped by it. It is therefore a good idea to use Skarmory as a check to Belly Drum Snorlax as well as other threats such as Heracross, Machamp, and Marowak, which Shuckle can struggle against. Shuckle can easily be taken advantage of by Pokemon like Growth Vaporeon, so it is a good idea to bring a reliable answer to it such as Zapdos, Roar Suicune, Light Screen Starmie, or Light Screen Blissey. However, it must be noted that Shuckle will be extremely vulnerable to special attacks while Light Screen is active because its Special Defense is so high that Light Screen makes it exceed the stat cap and roll over to a much lower number. Other powerful special attackers like Zapdos also pose a significant threat to Shuckle, especially if Spikes are up. Pokemon such as Blissey, Snorlax, Raikou, and Quagsire make for solid options for taking on Zapdos, and Blissey can also potentially offer Heal Bell support. Due to Shuckle inviting Forretress in, it can be a good idea to pair it with a spinblocker if Shuckle is supported by Spikes and a spinner to prevent Shuckle from being worn down in the long run. Starmie, Golem, and Forretress are common spinners; Starmie is also good against Cloyster and Machamp, Golem boasts a decent Tyranitar matchup and can easily beat both spinblockers, and Forretress has access to Spikes. Due to Shuckle's passivity, it requires its teammates to be capable of exerting offensive pressure in order to have a chance at winning. This pressure can come from Spikes and Toxic, Belly Drum users and powerful physical attackers like Machamp and Marowak, Growth sweepers like Jolteon, and even teams designed to take advantage of Struggle's infinite PP to create offensive pressure. Shuckle can be used on more offensive teams, but doing so introduces significant risk due to there being dangerous Pokemon that can take advantage of its presence, such as Tentacruel and Vaporeon.