This was written before the overqwil and oricorio quick ban, so not everything may be up to date.
Introduction
Granbull is an interesting mon. On one hand, it’s one of the two fairy pokemon in this meta. On the other, Wigglytuff overshadows it, with generally liking wish, and it being wish’s best user. And yet, just like last month’s Samurott, being “overshadowed” is just a strength it can play into.
Offensive
Granbull has the second highest Attack stat of 120, being behind Pinsir by only 5 points. And just like Pinsir, it likes to abuse a choice item. The only difference is that Granbull prefers choice bandas opposed to scarf, with its…. unimpressive speed of 45 For its ability, all of them have a niche! -Quick Feet makes use of the burn that likes to be inflicted to Physical attackers, and facade is, ya know, facade -Rattled, while not as useful, can switch into Araquanid duels, effectively nullifying the webs -Intimidate is intimidate, while not as useful now that Overqwill is gone, but it’s still intimidate, you can’t go wrong with it as long as there’s at least on Physical attacker
Pure fairy stab is…. it sure is! While fairy is probably the best type in the game, and there are no true steel types in the meta, there are plenty poison and fire types that keep fairy in check, plus the only Physical fairy move Granbull gets is Play Rough, which while good, that 90% accuracy WILL bite you in the ass.
Granbull can also run Expert Belt, since it has coverage for 13 TYPES, most being pretty impactful (rock/fire for Frosmoth, electric for Araquanid, steel for granbull standoffs, ice for that sweet sweet 4X on garchomp, yada yada)
Its greatest drawback is its speed, Granbull is NOT outspeeding anything without support (normally, abilities may change that). That’s why you pair it with Araquanid! Those webs are a lifesaver; with some speed investment you change from not outspeeding jack shit to being faster than some of the faster mons that usually don’t invest in speed, like unboosted moth (just hope it doesn’t have boots)
Defensive
Pure fairy, again, sure is a type! While there are no true steel types, there are still enough steel moves to cause Granbull grief. But those are mostly physical attacks which intimidate makes manageable. Here’s a fun tidbit: 200 HP EV Granbull had around 50/50 chance to survive gunk shot and OHKO OVERQWILL (-1 252+ Atk Overqwill Gunk Shot vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Granbull: 336-396 (90.5 - 106.7%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO) As mentioned before, it likes running high HP EVs, but it won’t scoff at defensive natures. Not much Ii can recommend in terms of items– you’re on your own this time. If you want recovery, it does get access to rest and sleep talk, so do with that what you will. It could set up like, it does actually get bulk up/curse, and it might work with the absence of Overqwill but it depends on the opponent’s team. Overall, offensive Bull is just more reliable. It also gets Seismic toss if you want to go the stall route.
...Supportive?
I was surprised to see this, but Granbull actually gets quite a bit of good supporting moves. It gets Encore and Taunt for disruption, Toxic and Thunder Wave for status, Reflect to enhance its defense, Roar if you wanna be a prick with hazards, Super Fang for some damage and HEAL BELL FOR SOME REASON. With it’s…. eh bulk (90/75/60) it’s not great, but serviceable as a support if you train it right. I haven’t tried it that much, just not my kind of playstyle, but go nuts it might just work.
Written by Aryecki