Primordial Sea Webs
Empoleon
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Description
Since nearly all of the hazard removers in the metagame don't resist Water or otherwise can't touch Empoleon, it can typically get Sticky Web up without too much hassle. The Steel-typing importantly blocks Mortal Spin, even from otherwise reliable users like Fur Coat V-create Ho-Oh. Modest Steam Eruption packs a massive punch, dealing 45% on average to neutral Arceus. Leech Seed + Burning Bulwark is chosen as the recovery method to deny Imposter Chansey healing as well as further harass the few RegenVest users that don't mind Steam Eruption, such as Dialga-Origin. Skill Swap over Leech Seed is intended primarily for Magic Bounce Eternatus, which otherwise completely shuts the set down. This does come at the price of forgoing a recovery move altogether, though Empoleon can still heal by clicking Skill Swap against Regenerator users that come in.
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Usage Tips
Empoleon's primary purpose is to keep Sticky Web up, and its secondary purpose is to make as much progress as possible while denying the opponent any initiative. If Sticky Web is easily maintainable and will cause a big swing in the position, prioritize it; otherwise, just get as much mileage out of Steam Eruption as you can. Empoleon functions similarly to something like Tyranitar in OU: it provides noteworthy offensive and defensive utility as well as hazards, but it's slow, lacks reliable recovery, and generally won't be around forever.
Counters & Checks
Empoleon is weak to Electric, Ground, and Fighting, all of which are relatively common types, so it isn't hard to force out. Choice and contact attackers are a poor choice here due to Burning Bulwark, but Pokemon like Miraidon and Thunder Cage Arceus-* can easily send Empoleon running away. If you want to deny webs as a whole, the aforementioned Magic Bounce Eternatus or a Court Change user can do it. Desolate Land Ho-Oh can also replace the rain with sun, though it's vice-versa if Empoleon is the one switching in.
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