Community POTW # 154

[Serebii]

Time for the penultimate Pokémon of the Gen 8 Pokémon of the Week and this week we go to Alola!

Golisopod #768 - Serebii.net Pokédex

Golisopod Pokémon Serebii.net Pokédex providing all details on moves, stats, abilities, evolution data and locations for Pokémon Sword & Shield

www.serebii.net

 

[KyogreThunder]

Golisopod
Adamant nature
Ability: Emergency Exit
@Heavy-Duty Boots
EVs: 252 Attack/252 SpDef/4 HP
-First Impression
-Liquidation
-Throat Chop/Knock Off/Sucker Punch
-Aqua Jet/Rock Slide/Leech Life

 

[XaelOstigian]

Every odd numbered generation we get an evolution line that starts off weak, pathetic, and useless, but then evolves into a monster capable of doing far more than its pre-evolution would suggest. We had Gyarados, Milotic, Eelektross, and now Golisopod. From skittish sea louse to giant samurai isopod, Golisopod has loads of offensive and defensive stats, excellent typing, and a wide range of attack coverage that includes a large selection of priority moves like First Impression, Aqua Jet, and Sucker Punch. Golisopod would probably be a top tier threat if not for the one thing riding against it, its ability Emergency Exit. Once its HP hits 50% or less it will automatically retreat from battle, and if this happens before you can even attack then you have effectively wasted a turn getting forced out. This destroys Golisopod's viability as it will be dependent on its priority moves until its ability activates once, not to mention it prevents it from running Swords Dance or Bulk Up sets since the self-imposed phazing renders any stat boost null upon activation. Emergency Exit is really only good for three niche uses, and that's switch momentum, an opportunity to use First Impression again, and making Jojo memes:

 

[Mestorn]

Golisopod was a beast in Sun and Moon, as it was introduced as the Ace of Guzma, the team Skull leader right before your starter was likely to reach their final form, leaving Golisopod a brutal opponent for many a trainer, especially with its brutally strong First Impression and Guzma actually leading with it to get the most out of the move and Golisopod's ability.

However, Emergency Exit has several key flaws, which XaelOstigan so succinctly pointed out. The most apparent in the generational shift is showing that the Gym Leader music change is tied to the last Pokémon instead of their Dynamaxed Ace, often leading to the rematches with Nessa having the crowd cheer and chant for a half dead Golisopod as her last Pokémon.

Emergency Exit would be so much better if Golisopod was faster, and had a move that benefited from immediate switching out like Tailwind, cause with Golisopod's current stat spread, it is often outsped and forced out by its own ability before it can even attack and then comes in half dead with its poor speed making it easy pickings.

Tactical Retreat
Golisopod
Ability: Emergency Exit
Item Attached: Heavy Duty Boots
-First Impression
-Spikes
-Aqua Jet
-Knock Off
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SAtk)

This set aims to mix offense and support. First Impression is a fantastic STAB priority move, able to rip chunks out of opposing targets and pairs naturally with Emergency Exit. Spikes also pairs naturally with Emergency Exit. Golisopod switching itself out is great at getting a counter in to the current Pokémon for free, helping rack up entry hazard damage. Aqua Jet is reliable STAB priority, enabling Golisopod to pick off weakened targets. Knock Off rounds out the set having excellent utility and hitting Ghost types hard is a bonus.