HERACROSSAbilities:
Swarm
Guts
Moxie
Stats:
HP:80
Atk:125
Def:75
SpA:40
SpD:95
Spe:85
Total:500
Placed Tier:UU
Type:
BUG /
FIGHTING Optional: Heracross appeared with an amazing attack stat and a unique typing,and now with new moves and a fearsome ability it lives up to its fearsome reputation of being a dangerous sweeper. Sporting a massive 125 base attack combined with some STAB moves that support each other,Heracross is sure to find its way wrecking through teams with its power. However it has to face new threats and its 85 base speed isn't the best,yet this doesn't stop Heracross from finding its way onto a team.
Set #1:The Moxie ScarfItem:Choice Scarf
Ability:Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPE
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
-
Close Combat-
Megahorn-
Stone Edge /
Earthquake-
Earthquake / Sleep Talk
Set Explanation: This set focuses on using Heracross's power and then adding onto it with a choice Scarf to make it a dangerous sweeper and revenge killer. With moxie every KO that Heracross gets makes it even more dangerous,allowing it to go on a rampage unless stopped. Close Combat and Megahorn have great coverage and support each other well. Stone Edge hits flying types but can be swapped for Earthquake for a more accurate way to hit Fire types. Sleep Talk can be used so Heracross absorbs Spore and other moves only to counter attack.
The EVs maximize Heracross's power to sweep. A Jolly nature allows Heracroos to outspeed Adamant Darmanitan and chandelure,but a Adamant nature can be used for more power.
Set #2: SubDancer Item: Salac Berry / Leftovers
Ability:Moxie / Guts
EVs: 252 ATK / 4 DEF / 252 SPE
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
-Substitute
-Swords Dance
-
Close Combat /
Megahorn-
Stone Edge /
Earthquake / Return
Set Explanation:This set is a great late game sweeper that aims to setup a Substitute and Swords Dance then sweep. After using a Swords Dance Heracross gains an impressive 698 speed,making it more fearsome than usual. Close Combat or Megahorn can be used to inflict severe damage. Stone Edge an hit Flying types but is somewhat inaccurate so Earthquake can be used to hit Fire types. Return can be used for neutral damage.
A Salac Berry boost Heracross's speed greatly after a few Substitutes but can be swapped for Leftovers for greater longevity.
Set #3: Banded BeetleItem:Choice Band
Ability:Guts / Moxie
EVs: 4 HP / 252 ATK / 252 SPE
Nature:Adamant
-
Close Combat-
Megahorn-
Stone Edge /
Earthquake-
Earthquake / Sleep Talk
Set Explanation:This set doesn't play,its all about wall breaking and power. Close Combat is stronger than ever now,and has excellent coverage with Megahorn. Stone Edge and Earthquak make the infamous EdgeQuake combo and work well together but Sleep Talk can be used so Heracross can absorb sleep inducing moves and counter attack.
Just to see the raw power of this set here are some damage calcs.
- Spoiler:
Heracross's Close Combat vs 252 HP / 252 DEF Skarmory
53.29-57.17%(2HKO)
Heracross's Close Combat vs 252 HP / 252 DEF Politoed
70.57-83.07%(2HKO)
Heracross's Close Combat vs 252 HP / 252 DEF Donphan
51.82-61.2%(2-3HKO)(2HKO After Stealth Rocks)
Heracross's Close Combat vs 252 / 252 DEF Suicune
50.74-60.15%(2-3HKO)(2HKO After Stealth Rocks)
Heracross's Close Combat vs 252 HP / 252 ATK Metagross
68.68- 81.04%(2HKO)
Other sets for Heracross can be a Flame Orb set with Facade or a SubPunch set,but these sets are usually outclassed by others.
ConclusionHeracross is an amazing poke with a good move pool and great coverage,however it has some notable threats. Tornadus-T can take any attack Heracross has to offer bar Stone Edge and can counter with Hurricane. Scizor can live a non Moxie boosted hit or a non-Choice Banded hit and can counter with Bullet Punch. Gliscor and Gligar can take anything Heracross has to offer. Xatu,Zapdos and Crobat can take Megahorn and Close Combat but must be wary of Stone Edge.
Good partners for Heracross in OU can be Heatran,who can take Psychic and Flying type attacks. In UU good partners can be Chandelure,who can easily take on Heracross's counters. There will be no end to the might of Heracross,so use it while it forever remains one of the best bug types around.