Gorebyss? Ah whoop-de-doo, I found this thing iffy even in Ruby and Sapphire – what’s that? Shell Smash and Baton Pass at its side?
Putting that last paragraph aside, Gorebyss does appear to have just about everything a standard sweeper needs – A nice base 114 Special Attack, Swift Swim to double and fix that pitiful base 52 Speed, and Shell Smash, one of the greatest setup moves around. In addition, base 105 Defense adds a little extra bulk to this sweeper – but I stress only a little, because 55 HP isn’t going to back up much. Still, Gorebyss fits the standard sweeper quota and even has a couple unique tools of its own to use over other Water-types.
Abilities:
Swift Swim – Doubles Gorebyss’ Speed in Rain. For an offensive attacker, Gorebyss needs this; even if Shell Smash will do the same effect without this ability, bringing Gorebyss out with Drizzle Politoed can give it even one crucial turn to setup for the battle.
Hydration – Cures all status problems on Gorebyss when it’s raining. This is another very nice ability to use, and if you’re trying to pull off a Baton Pass set, not having to worry about passing a bad condition to your teammates is invaluable.
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Gorebyss SMASH!
Item: Life Orb/Focus Sash/White Herb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Sp. Atk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Nature: Timid (+ Spd, - Atk) / Modest (+ Sp. Atk, - Atk)
- Shell Smash
- Surf/Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Use Shell Smash to double your offensive stats and Speed, then prepare to sweep. Surf gets STAB and great power, but if you don’t want to harm your partner in doubles (although as I write this I don't think Gorebyss would do well in doubles), Scald is another good option. Ice Beam is the standard partner with any Water-type attack, getting rid of Grass-types that would pose a threat otherwise. Hidden Power Grass prevents other Water-types from resisting and stalling you.
There are a few item choices that would go well with this set. Life Orb gives even more power to your attacks, Focus Sash keeps you alive from a fatal hit (mostly while setting up Shell Smash), and the White Herb rids Gorebyss of the Defense and Special Defense drops from Shell Smash.
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I have Shell Smash! Pass it on! (Baton Pass set)
Item: White Herb/Focus Sash
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 252 Sp. Atk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Nature: Timid/Modest
- Shell Smash
- Baton Pass
- Surf/Scald
- Ice Beam/Hidden Power [Grass]
This set plans for Gorebyss to mainly function as an assistant to a stronger member of the team with Shell Smash and Baton Pass. Use Shell Smash to double Attack, Special Attack, and Speed, receive no reduction in defenses with the White Herb; however, being Swift Swim won't be around to help Gorebyss' sad base 52 Speed, the Focus Sash can keep it alive just long enough to use Baton Pass the next turn. Finally, Baton Pass the boost to someone else. Hydration is recommended in this set because Gorebyss won’t end up passing a status condition to its teammates, which would create complications otherwise. Shall Gorebyss be placed in a corner and need to attack, Surf/Scald and Ice Beam/HP Grass are there like from the previous set.
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LOOK AT ALL THE STATS I GIVE! (Gimmicky set)
Item: White Herb
Ability: Swift Swim/Hydration
EVs: 252 Spd/252 HP / 4 Def
Nature: Timid
- Baton Pass
- Shell Smash
- Iron Defense
- Amnesia
Lol, this is a stupid set. Like, really stupid – you’re Taunt bait, no questions asked. Plus, being Gorebyss is so frail, where would you get the time to use all these moves before getting plowed over? But this set is intended more as a list to show just how versatile Gorebyss is in the way of what it can pass to its teammates. Shell Smash and White Herb have been explained before. Iron Defense doubles Defense. Amnesia doubles Special Defense. Gorebyss literally can double any stat both offensively and defensively, and that’s pretty amazing. Too bad it’s so weak defensively itself. If you can manage to mess up your opponent to the point they can’t harm Gorebyss as it uses this set, you truly deserve a cookie.
