Intro
Cacturne is a very interesting pokemon in this meta, and while it still is very early in the month, Cacturne has potential to do pretty good here. With a great list of traits like getting coverage moves to take down this month's biggest threats, having a great ability, and amazing mixed attacking versatility make this Pokémon one you should never underestimate.
Strengths
The main appeal of Cacturne is mostly its hidden ability: Water Absorb. This ability makes it a great switch-in to one of the biggest threats this meta in Milotic while also doing great against Celebi, another powerful threat (just don't get u-turned on a switch in). It has great offensive stats with 115 in both Physical Attack and Special Attack, making it very unpredictable, and it can use both stats to the fullest with setup moves like Swords Dance and Nasty Plot. It also gets great moves for both stats, such as Seed Bomb, Dark Pulse, Leaf Storm, Knock Off, Drain Punch, Zen Headbutt, and Stomping Tantrum, just to name a few. this diverse set of attacks allow it to hit a majority of the meta for very solid damage.
Role
Mostly every mon in this format will try to run some kind of psychic coverage to try to take down, arguably the best mon in the metagame right now, Okidogi. Pokémon like Roserade, Chandelure, and even Okidogi itself run psychic coverage to deal with it. This actually works in Cacturne's favor, however, with its somewhat useful dark typing, allowing it to switch in safely on these predicted attacks. Cacturne's main role is to pivot in safely, either with water absorb or momentum from a teammate, and do consistent damage with a choice item or by setting up.
Weaknesses
While possessing some amazing strengths, this little goofy cactus comes at a significant cost. With its grass/dark typing, though, this is to be expected. Its abysmal defenses, (60/60), a very poor speed stat of 55 which makes it very prone to getting KO'd without getting to show its strength. Moreover, Cacturne's biggest enemy, Yanmega, absolutely ruins its day. With Yanmega being one of the few Pokémon this month that naturally bypasses sticky webs, and dual supereffective STABs on Cacturne, it just isn't fun. Cacturne also does not like dealing with Okidogi, considering both of its stab types, poison and fighting, will always OHKO Cacturne. Ribombee also can one shot Cacturne with Fairy and Bug-type attacks (I'm seeing a trend here).
Overcoming Weaknesses:
Cacturne isn't the kind of pokemon that can naturally wreak havoc this month on its own like Okidogi or Primarina. It needs a good team composition that highlights its strengths while also providing great answers to the areas where it lacks. Ribombee is great with Cacturne because it provides webs, which can make its 55 speed more manageable. Previously mentioned, Okidogi is another great Cacturne partner, as you can bait incoming psychic attacks and switch in safely. Chandelure is also another great teammate for Cacturne, providing a counter to the aforementioned Yanmega while also being a great spin blocker to keep webs up for Cacturne. Celebi is yet again a great teammate for Cacturne. Celebi being the only pokemon that gets STAB Psychic makes it one of the few pokemon that can comfortably deal with Okidogi,which is Cacturne's biggest weakness.
Conclusion
Overall, Cacturne is a versatile pokemon that has great strengths, packaged with very glaring weaknesses. Cacturne obviously isn't a top-tier threat, but at the very least it can bust holes in some of the best defensive cores in the meta with just a little bit of good positioning.
Written by tjoker.osu