Grapploct, The Jujitsu Pokémon. A body made up of nothing but muscle makes the grappling moves this Pokémon performs with its tentacles tremendously powerful. Searching for an opponent to test its skills against, it emerges onto land. Once the battle is over, it returns to the sea.
Overview
A pure Fighting Octopus wasn’t something anyone was expecting to be introduced in Sword and Shield, so Grapploct was a bit out of left field. It immediately stands out thanks to its signature move Octolock. Trapping an opponent in and ruining any semblance of defense they have over several turns is the most brutal trapping move in the game, and with access to moves like Taunt and Soak, Grapploct can attempt to make the most of the trap.
However, Grapploct comes up short in nearly every other aspect. Its Attack, while above average, pales in comparison with most other Fighting types. Its average bulk and poor speed make it difficult if not impossible to trap most Pokémon without the threat of Grapploct being maimed if not outright KO’d. Other Fighting types such as Conkeldurr, Machamp and Buzzwole exceed Grapploct in nearly every aspect, making Grapploct difficult to justify over them. Even its gimmick Octolock comes up short. Trapping moves are not popular because it gives your opponent an opportunity to switch out, so instead of trapping something Grapploct can easily set up on, you could trap Grapploct in with a check or counter that can destroy it. Grapploct remains an interesting Gimmick, but just that -a Gimmick and fails to stand out against the myriad of other Fighting types.
Positives
Octolock is the best Trapping move in the game, and played correctly, can leave your opponent down a Pokémon or two.
Base 118 Attack is good, enabling Grapploct to hit decently hard.
Drain Punch and Pain Split give Grapploct decent recovery and longevity
Negatives
Poor Base 42 Speed ensures that Grapploct will near always take a hit before attacking
Average Defenses alongside poor speed and defensive typing prevents Grapploct from enduring many hits.
Outclassed by near every other Fighting type in the Game.
Movesets
Octo-hold
-Octolock
-Drain Punch
-Taunt
-Soak
Item Attached: Leftovers
Ability: Technician / Limber
EVs and Nature:
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
DYNAMAX:
Not recommended in the slightest, this is a defensive set with no coverage and Grapploct’s role can only be performed outside of Dynamax.
EVs and Items:
Max HP and Attack for a balance between bulk and offense, since Octolock dissipates if Grapploct switches out. Leftovers is recommended for continued longevity though Lum Berry can be considered to negate one status move while setting up the Octolock and protect against Scald burns.
Other Options:
Bulk Up -Grapploct makes for a decent Bulk Up user, bringing its Attack and Defense up to threatening levels after just one use.
Pain Split -Grapploct’s other healing option and helps run down the clock on wearing a target down even faster.
Brutal Swing/Ice Punch/Liquidation -all decent coverage options Grapploct has.
Sucker Punch -Grapploct’s only priority move, and a good one, punishing Ghost and Psychic types that would otherwise dispatch it easily.
Partners:
Dark types make fantastic partners for Grapploct, dispatching the unfettered Ghost types and threatening Psychic types with ease, though the stacking of Fairy weaknesses is unfortunate. Drapion and Bisharp are Dark types not weak to Fairy and enjoy Grapploct’s ability to remove troublesome walls that would otherwise hinder them.
Countering Grapploct
Any Pokémon that outspeeds Grapploct with a super effective STAB or sufficient power easily threatens it out or outright One Hit KOs it. Pokémon like Alakazam, Togekiss, the Tapus are just some of the Pokémon that can outright OHKO Grapploct, though frailer options must be wary of Sucker Punch.
Bulky Pokémon with good offense or type matchup like Corviknight, Celesteela, Cresselia, Necrozma, etc. can reliably one or two hit KO Grapploct while taking pittance from its normal moves.
Pokémon with Scald like Gastrodon and Quagsire give Grapploct problems too, despite being its preferred prey thanks to a meaty Burn chance that isn’t blocked by Taunt.
Locations in Games
Red/Blue/Yellow:
Not in game
Gold/Silver/Crystal:
Not in game
Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald:
Not in game
FireRed/LeafGreen:
Not in game
Colosseum/XD:
Not in game
Diamond/Pearl/Platinum:
Not in game
HeartGold/SoulSilver:
Not in game
Black/White:
Not in game
Black 2/White 2:
Not in game
X/Y:
Not in game
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire:
Not in game
Sun/Moon:
Not in game
Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon:
Not in game
Let's Go, Pikachu!/Let's Go, Eevee!:
Not in game
Sword/Shield:
Route 9, Lake of Outrage, West Lake Axewell, Loop Lagoon
Max Raid Battles: Dusty Bowl, North Lake Miloch, Fields of Honor, Challenge Beach, Challenge Road, Honeycalm Sea
Dynamax Adventures
Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl:
Not in game
Legends: Arceus:
Not in game
Anime Appearences
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Grapploct made a few appearances. Most notably, it was used by Bea in her World Coronation Series campaign and developed a rivalry with Ash's Riolu. |
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