Galvantula Movesets & Competitive Sets

Toxic puts Pokemon that would love to set up on Galvantula, such as Zekrom and Zygarde, on a timer, crippling them if they lack a Lum Berry. String Shot is a speed control option against Electric-type Pokemon like Regieleki, which are immune to Thunder Wave. Compound Eyes boosts Thunder's accuracy to 91%, making it a much more consistent and useful option, as well as making Toxic always hit. A Timid nature ensures Galvantula can outspeed foes such as Lunala, Mew, and offensive Yveltal. Wallbreakers like Choice Specs Kyogre, Xerneas, and offensive Eternatus greatly appreciate Sticky Web letting them outspeed their checks. All of them have good offensive synergy as Xerneas, for example, can break through Kyogre checks such as Palkia and Eternatus, while Kyogre can beat Necrozma-DM for it. Galvantula also enjoys the support of offensive Stealth Rock users or and anti-entry hazard Pokemon such as Necrozma-DM and Excadrill.

Galvantula is a fantastic lead because it is one of the few Electric-types with access to Sticky Web and has a high base Speed. Having Sticky Web set up is important for Electric-type teams because it helps against threatening Choice Scarf users such as Weavile, Gengar, and Gardevoir and hinders setup sweepers like Cloyster and Barbaracle. Galvantula is also a good attacker because it can land Thunder consistently thanks to Compound Eyes. Thunder is able to 2HKO common Defoggers such as Galarian Weezing and Rotom-W while also threatening anti-hazard leads such as Xatu. Bug Buzz is used for Pokemon that can tank Thunder such as Hydreigon, Mew, Rotom-C, and Alolan Raichu. String Shot slows opposing Pokemon, which makes it easier for Galvantula's teammates to outspeed and check threatening sweepers, such as Excadrill. Energy Ball can be used instead of String Shot to offer Galvantula coverage against Ground-types such as Gastrodon and Seismitoad. Galvantula should be wary of Magic Bounce users such as Hatterene and Defiant users such as Bisharp, as they can take advantage of Sticky Web. A Timid nature and maximum Speed investment allow Galvantula to outspeed Pokemon such as Mew and Speed tie Cobalion. Focus Sash is used so Galvantula can survive any attack and set up Sticky Web or attack. Powerful wallbreakers and sweepers such as Zeraora, Toxtricity, and Rotom-H make for great teammates, as they take full advantage of Galvantula's Sticky Web. Specifically, Alolan Raichu outspeeds a Jolly Barraskewda outside of rain after Sticky Web. A Choice Band Zeraora is also a huge threat to Dark-, Dragon-, and Normal-type teams once Sticky Web is set because it can outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile and Dragapult and OHKO them with Close Combat and Play Rough, respectively. When Sticky Web is up, Toxtricity does well against Poison- and Fairy-type teams, as it can outspeed Pokemon such as Salazzle and Alolan Ninetales and do tons of damage. Rotom-H is a great option that takes advantage of Galvantula's Sticky Web, especially against Steel- and Grass-type teams, dealing with Pokemon such as Excadrill, Ferrothorn, and Celebi that Electric teams can struggle against. Finally, Pincurchin's entry hazard stacking abilities, when combined with Galvantula's Sticky Web, can heavily damage grounded foes upon entry. Furthermore, Pincurchin's Electric Surge is able to power up Galvantula's Thunder.

Galvantula is a niche Sticky Web setter that sets itself apart from other leads in AG due to its ability to pressure common Defoggers, such as Yveltal and Ho-Oh, with Thunder while spreading status. Sticky Web provides useful support for offensive teammates by slowing down offensive threats such as Calyrex-S, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and Zacian-C. Thunder Wave cripples fast foes that can immediately threaten Galvantula such as Calyrex-S, Eternatus, and Zacian-C while deterring setup from Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Geomancy Xerneas. Toxic prevents Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Zekrom from setting up freely while also putting defensive Defog Lunala on a timer. Focus Sash lets Galvantula reliably set Sticky Web against faster foes like Calyrex-S and offensive Eternatus. Compound Eyes is the preferred ability, making Thunder a more reliable move by boosting its accuracy to 91% and boosting the accuracy of Thunder Wave and Toxic to 99%. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature lets Galvantula outspeed the likes of offensive Yveltal, Dragon Dance Zygarde-C, and Kyogre. Galvantula only fits on hyper offense teams where slower setup sweepers and wallbreakers such as Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and Choice Specs Kyogre benefit from it setting Sticky Web. Calyrex-S is also useful to spinblock lead Excadrill, which is especially threatening as it is immune to all of Galvantula's moves. Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and specially offensive Yveltal are needed partners in order to check Zacian-C and Calyrex-S, respectively, which can otherwise be extremely threatening once Galvantula is removed from the match and Sticky Web is removed from the field. Choice Scarf Calyrex-S still outspeeds and threatens most Pokemon on hyper offense with Sticky Web up, so it must be accounted for when building. Galvantula should almost always be led with to immediately set Sticky Web and pressure Defoggers. Given that Galvantula fails to threaten entry hazard setters such as Toxic Spikes Eternatus, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM, Toxic Spikes absorbers such as Eternatus and Rapid Spin users such as Cloyster and Regieleki are appreciated. Fast Taunt Yveltal is also a good way to deny opposing entry hazards.

Moves Sticky Web is Galvantula's main niche, allowing it to support the team by slowing down all grounded Pokemon and allowing Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir and Volcarona to sweep with more ease. Thunder is Galvantula's spammable Electric-type STAB move that allows it to hit annoying Flying-types such as Mega Charizard Y and Celesteela for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice allows Galvantula to dent major threats to Bug-type teams such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp. Energy Ball allows Galvantula to hit bulkier Ground-type Pokemon, which are immune to Thunder, such as Mega Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon. These move combinations make Galvantula essential for beating Flying and Water, as Thunder and Hidden Power Ice hit every Flying-type while Thunder and Energy Ball hit every Water-type. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment along with a Timid nature allows Galvantula to outspeed threats like Landorus and act as a fast Sticky Web setter while being able to do some damage with Thunder and its coverage moves. 4 EVs in Special Defense give Download users such as Porygon-Z a boost to their Attack rather than their Special Attack. Focus Sash allows Galvantula to survive any single attack and either set up Sticky Web or attack a threat such as Mega Pidgeot with Thunder if it is intact. Compound Eyes increases the accuracy of Galvantula's moves, allowing it to use Thunder rather than having to rely on a weaker Thunderbolt for its Electric-type STAB move. Usage Tips Galvantula should be used as a suicide lead on Bug-type teams, either to get Sticky Web up to support the rest of the team or to spam Thunder in certain matchups, especially against Flying- and Water-type teams. Thunder can also be readily spammed to fish for paralysis on fast threats that the team might struggle with like Volcarona before it sets up a Quiver Dance. Against Taunt users such as Cobalion and Tapu Koko, Galvantula should set up Sticky Web later in the match after all entry hazards have been removed from its side of the field. Be careful with setting Sticky Web against teams that have Bisharp, as the Attack boost from Defiant will make it a very potent sweeper even after the drop in Speed. When Galvantula isn't used as a lead, it likes to switch in safely against slower foes that barely touch it like Mantine so that it can safely get up Sticky Web. Galvantula also can help break down more annoying Pokemon to Bug teams such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Mantine, and Toxapex with its coverage and STAB moves. Galvantula should preserve its Focus Sash to help Bug-type teams check certain threats by either OHKOing them or trying to cripple them with paralysis using Thunder such as Choice Scarf Nihilego, Choice Scarf Victini, and Mega Pidgeot. Team Options Armaldo can clear entry hazards from the field for Galvantula, allowing it to keep its Focus Sash intact to set up Sticky Web more easily. It can also cripple Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Victini for Galvantula with Knock Off. Galvantula can then take care of Defoggers such as Mandibuzz and Mantine, which try to clear away the Stealth Rock that Armaldo sets. Heracross and Buzzwole both appreciate Galvantula's ability to set up Sticky Web allowing them to more easily clean weakened teams. Heracross is primarily used over Buzzwole due to its better Speed tier and its ability to Pursuit trap threats like Victini for Bug-type teams. Buzzwole, on the other hand, improves matchups against Flying- and Dragon-types due to its access to Ice Punch and Thunder Punch allowing it to easily pick off threats such as Gliscor and Tornadus-T. Mega Pinsir greatly appreciates Sticky Web support, as it is able to outspeed threatening revenge killers such as Victini or threats that naturally outspeed it such as Greninja, which can otherwise be painful for Bug teams to try and handle. Scizor can find good opportunities to safely bring in Galvantula with U-turn while also being able to pick off annoying Rock-types. Scizor can run a Choice Band or Swords Dance to better clean through opposing teams late-game, which is only further aided by the speed support Galvantula provides in Sticky Web. Mega Scizor is also an option with a set of Swords Dance / Bullet Punch / Superpower / Knock Off, allowing it to hit Steel-types like Celesteela that would wall regular Scizor and remove items such as Toxapex's Black Sludge. Mega Heracross, similarly to Buzzwole, makes the Flying-type matchup much easier due to its incredible wallbreaking power, allowing it to muscle past Skarmory, Celesteela, and Zapdos with a combination of Swords Dance, Rock Blast, and Close Combat. Yanmega appreciates Sticky Web, as it allows it to run a Modest nature to make its attacks more powerful, while also providing a way to significantly damage bulky Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur. Volcarona outspeeds most grounded Pokemon including Choice Scarf Excadrill after the drop from Sticky Web while also being able to pick off Steel-, Ground-, and Water-types for the team. Galvantula also picks off Pokemon that Volcarona has a harder time dealing with such as Toxapex and Mantine. Forretress can be used over Armaldo on teams that prefer Spikes support; however, Armaldo can provide Rapid Spin support while easing the Fire-type matchup due to its typing.

Moves Sticky Web reduces the Speed of grounded foes. Thunder is Galvantula's main STAB move and strongest attack, as its accuracy is boosted by Compound Eyes, and it has a good chance to paralyze the foe. It is also the only way it's really going to deal any meaningful damage. Bug Buzz is used to beat Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar, Hydreigon, and Mew. It is also Galvantula's most reliable move, as it has perfect accuracy. Hidden Power Ice is used to hit Dragon-type Pokemon such as Garchomp and Dragonite and Ground-type Pokemon such as Landorus and Gliscor super effectively. Energy Ball lets Galvantula hit Ground-type Pokemon like Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon, which are immune to Thunder and take little to no damage from Hidden Power Ice. Volt Switch can be used to pivot and gain momentum, although its damage is awful and Galvantula is generally just a bad Volt Switch user due to its high Speed. Set Details A Timid nature with maximum Speed EVs is used to make Galvantula as fast as it can possibly be and Speed tie with other base 108 Speed Pokemon such as Infernape and Cobalion. Maximum Special Attack investment boosts its average Special Attack as much as possible without a boosting nature. Compound Eyes is used to increase Thunder's accuracy. Focus Sash allows Galvantula to always get up Sticky Web, if used as a lead. Usage Tips Galvantula should be sent out as soon as possible to set up Sticky Web to reduce the Speed of opposing foes, although it needs to be careful of Fake Out anti-leads, such as Mega Lopunny, and Taunt users, such as Infernape. Galvantula is especially good against Water-type teams, as most Water-types struggle to check the offensive threats on Bug-type teams, such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Heracross, with their Speed reduced. Galvantula can also dent Water-type teams with Thunder and Energy Ball, if it is running it. Its coverage options should generally only be used on weakened foes, as Galvantula lacks the power to actually take most of them out. Galvantula can often fish for paralysis with Thunder, as it has a good chance of paralyzing the foe. As it is running a Focus Sash, it should not be sent out with entry hazards on the field. Galvantula can revenge kill somewhat decently thanks to its powerful Thunder and its good Speed. Due to it having below average defensive stats, most of the time, Galvantula will not be able to take more than one non-super effective hit, so it is better to switch out against faster offensive foes. Team Options Most Bug-type Pokemon appreciate Galvantula's ability to set up Sticky Web. Forretress and Galvantula work great together as an entry hazard-stacking duo. Forretress can set up Stealth Rock and Spikes while being able to Rapid Spin away opposing entry hazards for Galvantula. Armaldo can also Rapid Spin and set up its own Stealth Rock, and it can beat Pokemon like Zapdos on Flying-type teams thanks to its Rock-type STAB. Mega Heracross greatly appreciates Galvantula's Sticky Web, as it has below-average Speed. Sticky Web lets Mega Heracross outspeed most grounded foes and KO them with its moves. Galvantula and Mega Heracross work greatly together to beat Water-type teams if they are running Thunder and Bullet Seed, respectively. Mega Pinsir is another Mega Evolution that appreciates Galvantula's Sticky Web. With this, Mega Pinsir can outspeed Choice Scarf base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Victini, which is problematic for Bug-type teams. Volcarona also likes having Sticky Web support from Galvantula. After a Sticky Web, Volcarona outspeeds most grounded Pokemon and can run a more bulky EV spread. Mega Scizor and Galvantula can be used together as a VoltTurn core if Galvantula is running Volt Switch. Scizor can also find good opportunities to bring in Galvantula safely. It is able to take advantage of Sticky Web to sweep teams. It's also a counter to Mega Diancie, which can be difficult for Galvantula to play around due to its Magic Bounce.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on ORAS Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out ORAS Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

Thunder with a Compound Eyes boost to its accuracy is the ultimate trump card, and it lets Galvantula strike down foes with the fury of Zeus himself. Absolutely nothing in UU likes taking a 120 Base Power STAB Electric-type move, and despite Galvantula's relatively humble Special Attack stat, Thunder will be doing some major damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Bug Buzz complements Thunder by getting excellent damage against most of the Electric-type resists that reside in UU. Bug Buzz is another useful tool that Galvantula has over other Electric-types, because they mostly rely on Hidden Power for coverage against Electric-type resists. Hidden Power Ice provides Galvantula with even more coverage (pseudo BoltBeam) and is absolutely required for dealing with Flygon and Gligar. The former is still hit hard by Bug Buzz, but Flygon commonly sport Choice Scarf, so taking them out in one shot is preferred. Gligar can comfortably sponge Galvantula's attacks and ends up turning it into a liability by setting up hazards or getting a chance to Roost, so using Hidden Power Ice can deter it from getting in any free turns. As if those two coverage moves alone weren't enough, Galvantula also gets Energy Ball, which allows it to put the hurt on Swampert and Rhyperior. Energy Ball might seem redundant given the above coverage moves, but consider the fact that Swampert is rarely 2HKOed by Bug Buzz, and while Rhyperior may take super effective damage from Hidden Power Ice, it's not nearly enough to put it down. On the other hand, Substitute over Energy Ball will ruin teams that solely rely on checks to deal with Galvantula. The loss in coverage means that Swampert and Rhyperior are more of a threat, so a greater reliance on entry hazards is needed to wear them down. Galvantula can opt to use Choice Specs for a major boost in power. That great power comes with a price: the inability to switch moves. On top of making Galvantula noticeably easier to counter, donning a Choice Specs will force you switch Galvantula out more, which isn't a good idea considering its weakness to Stealth Rock. An Expert Belt can be used to bluff a Choice set, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. Galvantula isn't nearly common enough in UU to pull off a bluff, and you're better of using Life Orb and its extra power anyway. It's so frail that the recoil from Life Orb is a non-factor. Volt Switch is an option for the players who want their Galvantula to act as pseudo scout, and is particularly useful on a Choice set. Galvantula can use Charge Beam as an attack to finish off weakened Pokemon while simultaneously boosting its own Special Attack. As a bonus, Compound Eyes turns Charge Beam into a 100% accurate move, so you only really have to worry about whether or not Charge Beam will end up boosting your attack. With that said, Charge Beam is a mediocre option at best, and should not be seriously considered. Despite having a large number of things going for it, life isn't all good for the itzy bitzy spider. Snorlax and its mammoth special tanking ability will halt Galvantula in its tracks every single time. Snorlax can smash Galvantula with Body Slam or even deal heavy damage with Pursuit as it flees. If you see Snorlax in Team Preview, steer clear until you're ready to take it on. Strong Fighting-types are appreciated as partners because they can put Snorlax in its place. Heracross and Machamp are good at crushing Snorlax with their strong STAB Fighting-type moves (just watch out for Choice Band Body Slam / Return). The key to doing well with Galvantula is littering the battlefield with entry hazards to wear down the opposing team and using Galvantula as a cleaner late-game. Opposing teams will jump over hoops trying to check Galvantula in these conditions. Roserade or Qwilfish with Spikes and a Stealth Rock user of your choice are excellent at creating the perfect battle condition for Galvantula. Rapid Spin support is recommended if you want to preserve Galvantula as Stealth Rock and Life Orb will quickly eat away at Galvantula's life otherwise. Blastoise gets top honors because it's the undisputed best Rapid Spin user in the tier, and it can check a few Pokemon that give Galvantula trouble such as Choice Scarf Flygon and a healthy Rhyperior.

With its two STAB moves, Galvantula has nearly all the coverage it needs. Thunder hits Flying-types such as Tornadus, while Bug Buzz hits Hydreigon, Whimsicott, and Musharna, all common Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice helps Galvantula deal with Landorus, who otherwise resists its STAB moves. Protect is used in the last slot, as it is, after all, the Swiss Army knife of VGC. With Protect, Galvantula can hide from potential OHKOes, and allow its partner to get rid of the threat. Protect can also be used to stall out Trick Room. Timid allows Galvantula to Speed tie with the musketeer trio. Focus Sash lets Galvantula take a hit and KO back, which is especially useful against Tornadus. Life Orb gives it a greatly needed boost, but if used as a lead, Galvantula is generally better off with a Focus Sash. Galvantula needs as much Speed and Special Attack as it can get, so the EV spread is optimized for that. Galvantula benefits from Tailwind support, as it allows Galvantula to outspeed and KO Tornadus. For this, Whimsicott and Tornadus are good partners. Anything that can take down Terrakion helps Galvantula out a lot, as Terrakion counters Galvantula. Musharna can hit Terrakion with STAB Psychic, and also give Galvantula Helping Hand support.

With its two STAB moves, Galvantula has nearly all the coverage it needs. Bug Buzz is great as it hits Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, Cresselia, and Tyranitar, as well as the Grass-type Pokemon that resist Thunderbolt, for super effective damage. Thunderbolt then hits Pokemon such as Politoed, Jellicent, and Gyarados for super effective damage. Hidden Power Ice hits Pokemon such as Gliscor and Landorus, which resist both its STABs, and as Unnerve takes care of their Yache Berries, Galvantula has a good chance to OHKO them. Protect is there to prevent unnecessary damage, and to let Galvantula avoid damage for a turn so its partner can take out a threat to it. A Timid nature allows Galvantula to Speed tie with the musketeer trio. Focus Sash lets Galvantula take a hit and attempt to KO back, which is especially useful against Tornadus, Latios, and Latias. Life Orb gives Galvantula a much needed power boost; however, it's incredibly frail, so a Focus Sash is usually the best item to use. Electric Gem also works well, giving Thunderbolt a chance to OHKO max specially defensive Politoed or Jellicent, as Unnerve nullifies their Wacan Berries. When using Unnerve, Thunderbolt must be used, as it will be much more accurate than Thunder. The choice of ability is up to what the team needs to accomplish. Compoundeyes increases the accuracy of Thunder, and also allows Galvantula to hit Pokemon such as Sand Veil Garchomp more accurately. Unnerve enables Galvantula to beat the likes of Wacan Berry Gyarados and Politoed, as well as to possibly OHKO Yache Berry Garchomp and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice. It also provides team support, as Galvantula's allies can now beat Chople Berry Tyranitar and Rindo Berry Gastrodon. Speaking of team support, Galvantula will appreciate a teammate to take care of Terrakion. Cresselia works well, as it can give Helping Hand boosts, use Icy Wind or Thunder Wave to deal with the likes of Tornadus and Latios, and take care of Terrakion with Psychic. A Pokemon that can stop Trick Room, such as Imprison Chandelure, works well with Galvantula; Chandelure can also take Heat Wave from the opponent thanks to Flash Fire. However, note that both of these Pokemon are weak to Rock Slide. Finally, Galvantula really appreciates rain support, as it weakens Fire-type attacks, and also grants Galvantula an accurate Thunder even when using Unnerve.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.