How should I use Dusclops in Pokemon Ruby?

Question

I plan on using Dusclops in my upcoming run of Ruby version, I know that Dusclops is built to be more of a tank than an offensive Pokemon so I need to know how Im supposed to use it on an in-game play through. Any advice would help.

Answer 1

Defensive Pokemon aren't good in playthroughs at all. Toxic stalling each of your opponent's Pokemon is inefficient for a run, as you could just 2HKO the opponent with an offensive Pokemon with better stats. Dusclops, much like all other defensive Pokemon, is bulky and has bad offensive stats with low Speed, you'll be better off using Absol and giving it the Shadow Ball TM, as its combo of Swords Dance + Shadow Ball is deadly. (As in Gens 1-3, Ghost moves are always physical.) Many other Pokemon can pull off the move combo too.

However, if you insist on using Dusclops, here's the moveset I'd suggest for it.

Dusclops @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Pressure
- Shadow Ball / Shadow Punch
- Toxic
- Protect
- Filler

Shadow Ball is STAB which can work off Dusclops alright, albeit outclassed Attack stat, while Shadow Punch can be used on Dusclops if you want to use the Shadow Ball TM on another Pokemon. Toxic and Protect allows you to Toxic stall the foes you can't deal much damage to, and the last slot can either be used as desired coverage or an HM move.

Comments

You can't get Gengar in R/S/E but other than that, thanks for the help :)

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Oh, right, I kind of forgot that. Since Abra, Machop, and Geodude were available in those games, I kinda just assumed Gastly was too.

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Even with such low offensive stats, I still don't think Dusclops is good for toxic stalling. I'd go with shadow ball, ice beam, earthquake, and will-o-wisp.

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I plan on running Shadow Punch and Will-O-Wisp on it then teaching it Calm Mind and Psychic that way it will be a bulky sweeper I just need to get the right nature for it

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Special Dusclops should use ice beam. It covers more stuff compared to psychic.

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I plan on using the Ice Beam TM on my starter although I could just grind up for money to spend it on coins at the game corner then purchase Ice Beam

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No matter which move you go for (Psychic or Ice Beam), I think you're going to be forced to grind for it at the Game Corner if you want it. The only other way to get the Psychic TM is at Victory Road, and none of the E4 or Champion have moves that are weak to Psychic. You'll have enough money to buy the Ice Beam TM in the Game Corner during the later game, as there's not much else to spend money on.

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I think i'll go for Ice Beam as Dusclops setting up with Calm Mind then spamming Ice Beam will be enough to make it useful and the Psychic type itself docent do that well in the E4 so I dont seem the point of having Psychic on it