Raticate
May 13, 2012 16:09:00 GMT -8
Post by GGFan on May 13, 2012 16:09:00 GMT -8
Stats
HP: 313
Attack: 260
Defense: 218
Speed: 292
Special: 198
Overview
Raticate fits the very definition of glass cannon: fast, powerful, yet undesirably frail. Unfortunately, Raticate is outclassed by his predator, Persian, in almost every conceivable way. However, a more intricate look at Raticate reveals that he isn't completely useless for two reasons: his signature move Super Fang, and its ability to bypass Gengar's Normal-type immunity. Super Fang will take off half of the opponent's HP, which complements Raticate's Normal-type STAB and decent attack nicely. Nonetheless, this unique move obviously doesn't give Raticate enough of an edge to warrant usage in OU over other under-used Normals like Kangaskhan and Clefable. Raticate shines in UU where he becomes one of the fastest Pokemon and doesn't have to contend with bulkier Pokemon.
OU strategy
Physical sweeper
~Super Fang
~Body Slam
~Hyper Beam
~Bubblebeam/Dig
Even in OU, Raticate has the moves and conducive STAB necessary to pick off weakened Pokemon. To elaborate, given the amount of bulky Pokemon in OU, Super Fang is an excellent move when used in tandem with Hyper Beam. For example, Super Fang + Hyper Beam will fell even the mighty Snorlax if it comes in at a bit less than 80%. This deadly combo will also kill Starmie if it has around 90%. Bearing this in mind, it goes without saying that Raticate easily 2HKOs Alakazam, Chansey, and Jynx (ReflectZam still lives, but he will still take 50% from Super Fang, which is better than nothing). However, Raticate must be played very cautiously, as he is 2HKOd by almost everything and becomes almost useless once paralyzed. Overall, one of the best ways to play Raticate is to bring him in against a paralyzed Pokemon that killed one of yours. If the opponent switches, Body Slam can put the switch-in into kill range as well as paralyze it.
The first three moves are immutable, but Raticate has two good options for his fourth. Bubblebeam is his best weapon against GolDon, which always 2HKOs. Dig is mainly for Gengar, who dies to Super Fang + Dig, but it should be noted that it hits Jolteon for almost 300 damage as well.
Other options
Blizzard is there, but I personally wouldn't recommend it. It hits Exeggutor for only around 30 more damage than Body Slam, and you also have the slight accuracy problem to worry about. It would be better suited in a UU metagame where Dragonite is allowed. With that said, Thunderbolt can deal with Gyarados.
Favorable match-ups
If it's paralyzed, Raticate can cut it down to size. He doesn't have enough power to 2HKO most Pokemon on his own, but if his target took any kind of hit, he can most likely finish it off.
Counters
Anything that's faster and has Thunder Wave screws him over completely. Furthermore, Raticate's frailness can not be overstated: practically everything in the game--not just in OU--2HKOs him. Raticate can be a valuable asset to a team, but he must be played cautiously to maximize his full potential.
HP: 313
Attack: 260
Defense: 218
Speed: 292
Special: 198
Overview
Raticate fits the very definition of glass cannon: fast, powerful, yet undesirably frail. Unfortunately, Raticate is outclassed by his predator, Persian, in almost every conceivable way. However, a more intricate look at Raticate reveals that he isn't completely useless for two reasons: his signature move Super Fang, and its ability to bypass Gengar's Normal-type immunity. Super Fang will take off half of the opponent's HP, which complements Raticate's Normal-type STAB and decent attack nicely. Nonetheless, this unique move obviously doesn't give Raticate enough of an edge to warrant usage in OU over other under-used Normals like Kangaskhan and Clefable. Raticate shines in UU where he becomes one of the fastest Pokemon and doesn't have to contend with bulkier Pokemon.
OU strategy
Physical sweeper
~Super Fang
~Body Slam
~Hyper Beam
~Bubblebeam/Dig
Even in OU, Raticate has the moves and conducive STAB necessary to pick off weakened Pokemon. To elaborate, given the amount of bulky Pokemon in OU, Super Fang is an excellent move when used in tandem with Hyper Beam. For example, Super Fang + Hyper Beam will fell even the mighty Snorlax if it comes in at a bit less than 80%. This deadly combo will also kill Starmie if it has around 90%. Bearing this in mind, it goes without saying that Raticate easily 2HKOs Alakazam, Chansey, and Jynx (ReflectZam still lives, but he will still take 50% from Super Fang, which is better than nothing). However, Raticate must be played very cautiously, as he is 2HKOd by almost everything and becomes almost useless once paralyzed. Overall, one of the best ways to play Raticate is to bring him in against a paralyzed Pokemon that killed one of yours. If the opponent switches, Body Slam can put the switch-in into kill range as well as paralyze it.
The first three moves are immutable, but Raticate has two good options for his fourth. Bubblebeam is his best weapon against GolDon, which always 2HKOs. Dig is mainly for Gengar, who dies to Super Fang + Dig, but it should be noted that it hits Jolteon for almost 300 damage as well.
Other options
Blizzard is there, but I personally wouldn't recommend it. It hits Exeggutor for only around 30 more damage than Body Slam, and you also have the slight accuracy problem to worry about. It would be better suited in a UU metagame where Dragonite is allowed. With that said, Thunderbolt can deal with Gyarados.
Favorable match-ups
If it's paralyzed, Raticate can cut it down to size. He doesn't have enough power to 2HKO most Pokemon on his own, but if his target took any kind of hit, he can most likely finish it off.
Counters
Anything that's faster and has Thunder Wave screws him over completely. Furthermore, Raticate's frailness can not be overstated: practically everything in the game--not just in OU--2HKOs him. Raticate can be a valuable asset to a team, but he must be played cautiously to maximize his full potential.