>>31135145I love Cloyster for the Battle Tree/Maison equivalents.
The AI is generally setup to go for the KO if it is able, and Cloyster's terrible SpDef actually allows it to bait offensive moves instead of most setup/status moves that actually threaten it so it can safely setup Shell Smash with the Focus Sash guarantee. Against physical moves, you're likely to survive it with some HP left too for the odd priority buffer (but since you don't invest into HP, don't count on it being meaningful unless you took a weak, non-SE hit).
I've been leading with a Minior since Shields Down's status immunity is amazing as is its stat change and coverage, but I've bred my Shellder and will get it Tree ready to take its place since with a Focus Sash, it effectively does the same thing, but with better coverage, immediately better stats, and the ability to bulldoze through normally troublesome Tree mechanics like Subs, Sturdy, Focus Sash, etc. I also just like Cloyster more, and in-game Tree/Maison is the last place it's still a strong choice rather than a slowly dwindling shadow of what it used to be in the competitive meta.
>>31135150+2 Surf is generally a 2HKO, assuming you don't make the terrible mistake of going physical on Cloyster and are forced to use Razor Shell. While stupid to risk in the Tree, Hydro Pump is a guaranteed 2HKO.
>>31135625Dodrio got a major buff this gen with Jump Kick for coverage to finally hit Rock/Steels. It's like a stat shifted Staraptor; slightly weaker Fighting move, but higher base speed with sporting a strong enough base attack to output respectable damage.
Dodrio @Life Orb/Focus Sash
-Return/Quick Attack/Thrash
-Jump Kick
-Drill Peck/Brave Bird
-Sword Dance/etc
Sword Dance goes with Focus Sash on a lead and likely Drill Peck (or risk Acrobatics); Life Orb means you likely won't be able to setup Sword Dance and can run Thrash/Quick Attack + Brave Bird.
Bank is coming out soon enough if waiting is your deal or you can inject/ask.
