Top Entry Hazard Strategies to Control the Field

Entry hazards are a staple of competitive battles, serving as a passive yet powerful tool to chip away at opponents, control their movements, and disrupt their strategies. Cobblemon’s unique mechanics make entry hazards even more critical for gaining an upper hand. Here’s a guide to the best strategies for leveraging entry hazards effectively.

What Are Entry Hazards?

Entry hazards are moves that place traps on the battlefield, affecting opposing Cobblemon when they switch in. Common examples include:

• Stealth Rock: Deals damage based on the target’s type and resistance to Rock.
• Spikes: Inflicts fixed damage to grounded Cobblemon (up to three layers for more damage).
• Toxic Spikes: Poisons grounded Cobblemon; two layers inflict badly poisoned status.
• Sticky Web: Reduces the Speed of grounded Cobblemon upon entry.

Why Use Entry Hazards?

1. Chip Damage: Entry hazards punish frequent switching by steadily weakening the opponent’s team.
2. Momentum: They limit the opponent’s options, making them think twice before switching.
3. Status Infliction: Moves like Toxic Spikes spread status effects, hindering physical or special sweepers.
4. Synergy: Pairing hazards with sweepers ensures even bulky opponents are easier to take down.

Top Entry Hazard Strategies

1. Stealth Rock Supremacy

• Why It’s Effective: Stealth Rock damages all opponents based on their typing. Pokémon weak to Rock take significant damage upon switching in.
• Best Users:
  • Ferrothorn: High bulk and access to Stealth Rock make it a great hazard setter.
  • Heatran: Can set up Stealth Rock while threatening with offensive pressure.
• Tip: Pair with Cobblemon that resist Defog or have Taunt to prevent hazard removal.

2. Spikes for Sustained Damage

• Why It’s Effective: Spikes affect all grounded Cobblemon, stacking up to deal significant damage with three layers.
• Best Users:
  • Roserade: Fast, with access to Spikes and Toxic Spikes.
  • Skarmory: Can tank hits and set up Spikes while providing utility with Whirlwind.
• Tip: Use in combination with phazing moves like Roar or Whirlwind to force switches and rack up damage.

3. Toxic Spikes for Status Pressure

• Why It’s Effective: Toxic Spikes can poison entire teams, making it harder for them to sustain in battle.
• Best Users:
  • Tentacruel: Immune to Toxic Spikes and capable of setting them up while removing others.
  • Gliscor: Can set Toxic Spikes and benefit from Poison Heal.
• Tip: Keep Flying and Steel types in mind, as they are immune to Toxic Spikes. Pair with Stealth Rock to cover these types.

4. Sticky Web Speed Control

• Why It’s Effective: Sticky Web reduces the Speed of grounded Cobblemon, allowing slower attackers to outspeed opponents.
• Best Users:
  • Galvantula: Fast and reliable, with access to Thunder for offensive pressure.
  • Shuckle: Can also set Stealth Rock alongside Sticky Web for double utility.
• Tip: Use Sticky Web with bulky sweepers like Snorlax or slower setup Cobblemon to capitalize on Speed drops.

Combining Entry Hazards

The Multi-Hazard Approach

• Use multiple hazards to maximize pressure. For example:
  • Lead: Skarmory sets up Stealth Rock and Spikes.
  • Support: Tentacruel lays down Toxic Spikes and spins away hazards.
  • Sweeper: Dragonite takes advantage of weakened opponents for a late-game sweep.

Hazard Stack and Phazing

• Combine hazards with phazing moves like Whirlwind or Dragon Tail to force opponents to switch into hazards repeatedly.

Hazard Trapping

• Pair hazards with trapping moves or abilities (e.g., Arena Trap or moves like Whirlpool) to force the opponent into taking hazard damage without escaping.

Countering Opponent’s Entry Hazards

1. Rapid Spin: Moves like Rapid Spin remove hazards from your side. Best users include Starmie and Excadrill.
2. Defog: Clears hazards on both sides of the field. Cobblemon like Corviknight and Togekiss excel at this role.
3. Levitate and Flying Types: These Cobblemon avoid most hazards except Stealth Rock.
4. Magic Guard and Heavy-Duty Boots: Cobblemon with Magic Guard ignore hazard damage, while those with Heavy-Duty Boots take no damage from hazards.

Sample Teams Using Hazards

Defensive Hazard Team

• Lead: Skarmory (Stealth Rock, Spikes, Whirlwind)
• Core: Tentacruel (Toxic Spikes, Rapid Spin), Heatran (Offensive Stealth Rock setter)
• Sweeper: Salamence (Dragon Dance + Hazard Support)

Offensive Hazard Team

• Lead: Galvantula (Sticky Web, Thunder)
• Core: Garchomp (Stealth Rock), Weavile (Physical Attacker)
• Sweeper: Alakazam (Special Attacker taking advantage of Speed drops from Sticky Web)

Conclusion

Mastering entry hazards in Cobblemon can help you dominate the field, control momentum, and wear down opponents. Experiment with different hazard combinations and Cobblemon to find a strategy that suits your playstyle. Remember, the key to success is balancing hazard setup with countermeasures to keep your team safe.

Let us know how you use entry hazards to control the battlefield in Cobblemon!