SPIKES

[controller]

spikes is a move implemented last patch that you're probably going to see used a lot. it's a ground type attack that doesn't do any damage until an opponent's pokemon switches in after spikes has been used. the damage varies with how many layers of spikes you've laid out for your opponent (or your opponent's laid out for you.) you can lay up to 3 layers of spikes at a time.

a pokemon entering battle takes

12.5% of max hp damage with one layer of spikes

16.67% with two layers of spikes

25% with three layers of spikes

with spikes support sweeping becomes much easier as 75% damage becomes a OHKO as well as potentially damaging or KOing one of your opponent's pokemon due to switching. roar and whirlwind become damaging moves as well.

here's who can learn spikes:

cloyster

forretress

qwilfish

skarmory

cacturne

smeargle

rapid spin is a normal type move with base 20 power that removes your opponent's spikes and leech seed from play.

here's who can learn rapid spin:

blastoise

starmie

forretress

donphan

smeargle

of course, if rapid spin fails then both spikes and leech seed would remain in effect. it has 100% accuracy, so the best way to prevent your spikes from being spun away is by switching in a "spinblocker" (aka ghost type pokemon) after you've laid your spikes.

here are the "spinblockers:"

dusclops

banette

misdreavus

sableye

gengar

spikes doesn't effect all pokemon. in fact all pokemon that are immune to other types of ground attacks (flying pokemon and pokemon with levitate) are also immune to spikes damage. if you use spikes on these pokemon however, it will not fail. they are only immune to the damage.

here's who's impervious to spikes:

fearow

pidgeot

dodrio

farfetch'd

noctowl

butterfree

scyther

ledian

yanma

gyarados

mantine

skarmory

xatu

murkrow

delibird

jumpluff

aerodactyl

dragonite

charizard

crobat

togetic

masqeruain

gengar (has levitate)

weezing (has levitate)

misdreavus (has levitate)

unown (has levitate)

[JPG]

It's time for the spikes meta.

I wish Espeon had Magic Bounce. ;_;