Bastiodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Roar
- Magic Coat
Stealth Rock can offer chip damage to foes on the switch, break Focus Sashes, and severely injure some Pokemon upon switching in, such as Ninjask and Articuno. Toxic is Bastiodon's only way to inflict damage, and it can be very effective in either breaking down walls or weakening a foe to the point where a teammate can revenge kill it. Roar is very useful for phazing Pokemon that are attempting to set up as well as for switching the active foe out, forcing the opponent to send in a more favorable match up. Magic Coat allows Bastiodon to bounce back status moves, such as Will-O-Wisp and Taunt.
Maximum investment in Special Defense and HP with a Careful nature allows Bastiodon to take on dangerous threats such as Ninetales, Zebstrika, Rotom-F, Tangela, Roselia, and other special attackers. A physically defensive set with a Bold nature could be used, but it has more special weaknesses, while investment in Defense doesn't help it as much. Leftovers gives Bastiodon a bit of health back each turn, which is important, as it doesn't receive a recovery move. Sturdy allows Bastiodon to survive a singular hit from full health, which can be key in situations when it is trying to get Stealth Rock up or when it needs to Roar out a Pokemon that is trying to sweep.
Just because Bastiodon has Stealth Rock doesn't mean it will always be the Pokemon you will lead with. Don't solely rely on Bastiodon to take on a lot of threats to your team, because it can get weakened quickly. Because it lacks a recovery move, you shouldn't consistently switch it into attacks. In addition, Bastiodon needs to fear coverage moves on foes such as Mr. Mime and Misdreavus. If you can, attempt to preserve Sturdy for late-game as a last resort against setup sweepers. Use Magic Coat only when you are certain the foe is going to use a status move.
