Question?

[Shiny_Milotic]

I haven't been to this forum in a really long time... but over a year ago when I was more of a frequent here, it really was a very strong forum.

I just had a couple questions, specifically with the release of D/P that I never really got cleared up. I sort of dropped off the face of competitive battling with the 4th generation, with no intentional reasons.

Grass Knot > Energy Ball > Giga Drain?

This is the kind of feeling I'm getting from the board and from Smogon. Is this really true? For Pokemon like Sceptile, on a Choice Specs set, which is best to use? Smogon says Grass Knot, but why? Why not Energy Ball? Giga Drain is good too, obviously for a set without Leech Seed.

 

[Danbaru's]

Next time, please use the Questions thread becauase it's there for a reason.

Grass Knot is preferred in OU because most of the things you want to hit with a Grass attack can be hit for more damage than with an Energy Ball. Arguably, Energy Ball is considerable if you have STAB. Personally I would still go with Grass Knot.

 

[Frost Nova]

If you've looked around more carefully you would've spotted the question thread. Questions like these clutter up the forums hence the need for a sticky.

Grass Knot works well against bulky waters / defensive pokemon who are usually heavy (e.g. Swampert, Milotic, Hippowdon, Suicune, Donphan, etc) but less so against lighter foes like Vaporeon or Starmie. Energy Ball allows for more consistant damage against all pokemon.

For pokemon who get STAB on Energy Ball / Grass Knot, Energy Ball is superior since it's 120 base power after STAB, which is usually sufficient to dent opposing pokemon hard. Pokemon that don't get STAB on Energy Ball / Grass Knot should stick to Grass Knot unless they can't learn it.