Horsea
Type: Water
Stats: 30 | 40 | 70 | 70 | 60
Introduction
Just one tier lower than its fully evolved form and Horsea already makes a name for itself as an intriguing option for teams to consider. Its role is that of a sweeper, as STAB Hydro Pump deals significant damage to most of the tier, combining with Blizzard to form a combination of attacks that few pokemon in the tier can comfortably handle. On top of its coverage, it is able to use Agility to boost its Speed and outpace the entire tier. Sadly it suffers greatly from mediocre base stats, which ensure that its bulk is merely average and that it struggles to fill any defensive function. Furthermore it faces severe competition from Kabutops as an offensive water type, as Kabutops has the same Special stat while being a far more multidimensional threat at the cost of being unable to boost its Speed. Despite this, Horsea is still able to function as a sweeper in 6U, and if given the right support it will prove itself worthy of its teamslot.
Sets
Sweeper
Horsea
-Agility
-Hydro Pump
-Blizzard
-Surf
Set Details
Although this set is capable of functioning as a hit and run attacker, its true goal is secure an Agility boost and sweep. Agility is the move that powers the set and forms a key part of Horsea's niche in the tier as it allows it to outpace the entire tier. Hydro Pump is Horsea's primary attacking option, and between STAB and its prodigious base power it will leave a sizable mark on most foes, even in spite of Horsea's average Special. Blizzard complements Horsea's STAB, offering superior coverage and nailing Weepinbell that might otherwise look to check Horsea. Surf rounds out the set as a reliable alternative to Hydro Pump, finding use in situations where Hydro Pump's extra power is not needed.
Other Options
Horsea simply does not have any other good options available to it. By far the most notable is Substitute, which can be tempting to exploit passive play, but it tends to be rarely worth it. Ice Beam should not be used as Horsea practically never finds itself in scenarios where playing for a freeze is the best course of action, while the loss of power is detrimental.
Checks and Counters
Horsea's excellent coverage means that you generally can't wall it in the long run, but its mediocre bulk ensures that it's possible to simply take it down before it can do the same to you. Thunderbolt users are possibly the best checks to Horsea, with Magneton outspeeding it before a boost, usually avoiding a 3HKO from Hydro Pump while OHKOing in retaliation. Weezing speed ties while only being 3HKO'd and 2HKOing in turn. Pikachu outspeeds, however it and Horsea both 2HKO each other. The rare Thunderbolt Muk is also viable, playing out similarly to Weezing except it gets outpaced. Weepinbell resists Horsea's STAB and OHKOs with a crit Razor Leaf, but it runs the risk of getting 2HKO'd by Blizzard. Note that although Mega Drain does hit Horsea super effectively, its damage output is so feeble that it's situational at best- this applies to both Butterfree and Muk.
If you can't hit it super effectively, your next best bet is to pressure Horsea with physical attackers that are neutral to its attacks. Kabutops is the best option here, outspeeding, avoiding the 2HKO while 2HKOing in retaliation. Machamp plays out similarly, but is outpaced by Horsea. If Horsea has yet to get an Agility boost in it can be revenge killed by faster pokemon such as Hitmonlee, Pidgeot and even Flareon. Lastly, Horsea and Seel both resist Horsea's attacking options, enabling them to neutralise Horsea, but the matchup is usually a draw.
Type: Water
Stats: 30 | 40 | 70 | 70 | 60
Introduction
Just one tier lower than its fully evolved form and Horsea already makes a name for itself as an intriguing option for teams to consider. Its role is that of a sweeper, as STAB Hydro Pump deals significant damage to most of the tier, combining with Blizzard to form a combination of attacks that few pokemon in the tier can comfortably handle. On top of its coverage, it is able to use Agility to boost its Speed and outpace the entire tier. Sadly it suffers greatly from mediocre base stats, which ensure that its bulk is merely average and that it struggles to fill any defensive function. Furthermore it faces severe competition from Kabutops as an offensive water type, as Kabutops has the same Special stat while being a far more multidimensional threat at the cost of being unable to boost its Speed. Despite this, Horsea is still able to function as a sweeper in 6U, and if given the right support it will prove itself worthy of its teamslot.
Sets
Sweeper
Horsea
-Agility
-Hydro Pump
-Blizzard
-Surf
Set Details
Although this set is capable of functioning as a hit and run attacker, its true goal is secure an Agility boost and sweep. Agility is the move that powers the set and forms a key part of Horsea's niche in the tier as it allows it to outpace the entire tier. Hydro Pump is Horsea's primary attacking option, and between STAB and its prodigious base power it will leave a sizable mark on most foes, even in spite of Horsea's average Special. Blizzard complements Horsea's STAB, offering superior coverage and nailing Weepinbell that might otherwise look to check Horsea. Surf rounds out the set as a reliable alternative to Hydro Pump, finding use in situations where Hydro Pump's extra power is not needed.
Other Options
Horsea simply does not have any other good options available to it. By far the most notable is Substitute, which can be tempting to exploit passive play, but it tends to be rarely worth it. Ice Beam should not be used as Horsea practically never finds itself in scenarios where playing for a freeze is the best course of action, while the loss of power is detrimental.
Checks and Counters
Horsea's excellent coverage means that you generally can't wall it in the long run, but its mediocre bulk ensures that it's possible to simply take it down before it can do the same to you. Thunderbolt users are possibly the best checks to Horsea, with Magneton outspeeding it before a boost, usually avoiding a 3HKO from Hydro Pump while OHKOing in retaliation. Weezing speed ties while only being 3HKO'd and 2HKOing in turn. Pikachu outspeeds, however it and Horsea both 2HKO each other. The rare Thunderbolt Muk is also viable, playing out similarly to Weezing except it gets outpaced. Weepinbell resists Horsea's STAB and OHKOs with a crit Razor Leaf, but it runs the risk of getting 2HKO'd by Blizzard. Note that although Mega Drain does hit Horsea super effectively, its damage output is so feeble that it's situational at best- this applies to both Butterfree and Muk.
If you can't hit it super effectively, your next best bet is to pressure Horsea with physical attackers that are neutral to its attacks. Kabutops is the best option here, outspeeding, avoiding the 2HKO while 2HKOing in retaliation. Machamp plays out similarly, but is outpaced by Horsea. If Horsea has yet to get an Agility boost in it can be revenge killed by faster pokemon such as Hitmonlee, Pidgeot and even Flareon. Lastly, Horsea and Seel both resist Horsea's attacking options, enabling them to neutralise Horsea, but the matchup is usually a draw.
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