By Matt
It’s been a while since I’ve covered a Pokemon, so let’s cover Shuckle for today. The reason I’m discussing Shuckle is because it has the highest base Defense and Special Defense in the game with a value of 230 for each. This also includes being higher then legends, which I usually disregard. Its other stats are pitiful, though. With only 20 HP, 10 Attack and Special Attack, and 5 Speed (slowest in the game), Shuckle relies heavily on its defensive capabilities. Shuckle is a Mold Pokemon which stores Berries in its shell; for this reason, you can always find it with Berry Juice when you capture one. It is a Bug/Rock dual type, leaving it with only three weaknesses: Water, Rock, and Steel.
Competitive players sometimes underestimate Shuckle, and use stat-boosting moves instead of attacking. While this is true, Shuckle is thought of more as a defensive player. It barely learns any offensive moves, and uses status moves to get around. Therefore, Shuckle is a great partner in Double Battles, and its numerous supporting moves can help greatly. For example, Gastro Acid can stop terrible Abilities, such as Truant or Defeatist.
Power Trick is a very risky move in Single Battle, but even offensive strategies for Shuckle have been devised. This move switches Shuckle’s 230 Defense with its 10 Attack, making it wide open for physical attacks. However, now it’s the real powerhouse, and only a miracle would let it survive and attack the next turn because of its despicable speed.
In Pokemon Black and White versions, Shuckle is rare, and can be found only on Route 14. Even there, it’s tough to find, and is prized. But you can breed it and EV train it for more Defense and Special Defense, though. Competitive players like to have Shuckle use Knock Off. It’s a weak move, but disarms your opponent’s held item from their Pokemon. Shuckle could sacrifice itself in Double Battles by using Guard Split. This averages the Defense and Special Defense with the target, which could be your ally Pokemon. This will help them out, since all Pokemon are outmatched by Shuckle in these areas. Its better Ability would have to be Sturdy, since it can get a supporting move in.
Gluttony lets Shuckle eat a Berry at half HP, but that’s not so great, since Shuckle has not too much piled in its HP stats unless you EV train it. The Pokemon of the Week articles always advise Shuckle as a supporter, although you could Power Trick and risk a physical attack by using Gyro Ball, Earthquake, etc. Shuckle can easily be countered by one move: Taunt. This prevents all status moves from working, and the target must rely on attacking moves. Since Shuckle is a supporter, most of its moves will be useless. Don’t lose hope, though: just use Shuckle wisely, and the rest should follow suit. Shuckle might be an enigma wrapped in a shell, but it can help out in a pinch.
Tags: Nintendo DS, Pokemon Black & White, Shuckle