Crustle

Crustle

Hi all, another buff video and today it’s the gen 5 crab himself, Crustle!
If you enjoy this kind of content please consider leaving a like, but it’s cool if not too!
So let’s tuck in to this lasagne crab’s buffs, bon app the teeth!

For starters, we’re considering Crustle’s stats and what it did before SuMo

HP:	70
Atk:	95
Def:	125
SpA:	65
SpD:	75
Spe:	45

Bug/Rock is surprisingly decent defensive typing with few weaknesses for a combination of 2 types with pretty bad weaknesses separately. Rock’s grass, ground and fighting weaknesses are patched up with bug resistance, and bug’s flying and fire weaknesses are patched up by rock resistances.
Equally, offensively they are not too bad a combination, with EQ and Knock Off giving Crustle great coverage all round.
Its stats are ok for its role – it is very slow but has decent bulk and a usable attack stat. Its Weak Armor and Sturdy abilities can both be useful: Weak Armor means tanking a hit may let you boost your speed to get another attack off, though not great for such a slow mon. Sturdy guarantees at least one turn survival giving you set up or attack opportunities.
Crustle’s main roles have been as a suicide lead hazard stacker as it handily gets both Stealth Rock and Spikes which is great! Especially as it is not as vulnerable as most Rock/Ground pokemon with gaping weaknesses.
Alternatively, Shell Smasher which can be fully offensive or SR & smash for offensive pressure and utility. Still can be outsped after +2 though.

But now let’s move on to the main course, the BUFFS

1.	Attack stat buff

From 95 to 105, minor but significant. Immediate power is better, and Shell Smash is even more threatening, especially with great coverage and high BP moves. All Crustle sets will benefit from this deceptively useful buff!

2.	Weak Armor buff

Now boosts speed 2 stages. Much more viable for such a slow mon now. It has the bulk to live many different hits and +2 speed is much more likely to outspeed on the following turn. Best on hazard stack leads to allow multiple hazard layers + potential Knock Off/other attack. Sturdy still a very good choice for Shell Smash sets to ensure safe set up, but Weak Armor has real value now – if you can survive a hit (or use Focus Sash), get +2 speed AND smash, this thing will outspeed p much everything, even fast scarfers!

3.	Z-Moves
Decent candidate for offensive Z-Moves due to sweeping potential, and because it has access to some great moves to turn into Z-Moves: high bp moves that usually have drawbacks e.g. shaky accuracy of Stone Edge, or even the insane nuke Rock Wrecker which requires a recharge turn. This is an overwhelming Continental Crush that will smash through many walls! Alternatively bolster your coverage with Savage Spin Out off X-Scissor or Tectonic Rage from EQ.

All in all, Crustle performs similar roles that it has previously been seen doing, but it is much better at them now. The hazard stacking set is generally its most effective and most frequently used set, but that just makes its Shell Smash option even less predictable and harder to deal with. If your opponent underestimates this crab, let them eat their lasagne-y just desserts.

That’s all for today, I hope you enjoyed the vid and if it was to your tastes please leave a like. All that’s left to be said I’ve been foo, you’ve been awesome and hopefully see you next time.