Combining its post-Mega ability boost to Pulse moves with stat-boosting setup, Setup Special Ace Build. Use its bulk to find setup turns and rotate among multiple special-typed moves.

Alternative Move Options

Aura Sphere broadens coverage on weaknesses

Aura Sphere is also a Pulse move, so Mega Launcherit gets the boost. Worth considering for coverage vs. Normal, Dark, and Steel.

Shell Smash Ace Role

Shielding behind solid bulk to boost stats, a role of sweeping with boosted Sp.Atk and Speed. With multiple non-Water Pulse moves, it keeps coverage even vs. main-weapon resists.

Threats

Weak to bulky Pokémon with super-effective coverage

It struggles vs. Pokémon with high Sp.Def and super-effective coverage. Especially bulky Grass-type attackers — so Ice Beamhaving counters in your team is an option.

Max Atk/Spe, Shell Smashwith Shell Smash drastically raising attack — Blastoise physical setup ace. Lowered bulk via White Herbrestored, high-power physical Water + great subweapons destroy opponent team.

Physical Shell Smash Role

On favorable matchups, set up to flip Speed; Wave Crashrecoil and opponent attacks trigger ability Torrentto sweep as main role. Water-synergizing Ice Punchor Earthquakeare used interchangeably, hard-to-stop coverage forcefully pressures and KO opponents role.

Generally Mega Evolution recommended

White Herb advantage exists but special Mega Blastoise is generally better. Mega ability raises power and base bulk is higher. Even without support, Shell Smasheasy to use and breakthrough power is high. Mega Blastoise build guide and counters

Invests heavily in Sp. Atk and Speed, Special attacker build that uses Shell Smash to greatly raise stats and fight Mega Blastoise. Creates an opening for setup with ally support, and from boosted Speed, max-power Water Spout spams.

Alternative Move Options

Aura Sphere or Fake Out are also recommended

Aura Sphere or Fake Out are also recommended. Running Aura Sphere lets it hit the weaknesses of Pokémon like Archaludon that resist Water-type moves. Also, when running Fake Out, Tailwind or Sleep Powder synergize well with Pokémon that learn powerful status moves like these.

Role of the Water Spout Build for Doubles

While receiving ally support, Uses Shell Smash to sweep the board from above with high-power AoE moves ace role. Even when HP is chipped by opponent attacks, the Ability Mega Launcher powered up via Dark Pulse enables a playstyle that continuously pressures opponents.

Threats

Struggles against Grass-types and Sun

It struggles against Grass types, since they resist its Water-type moves and exploit its weaknesses. It is also weak in harsh sunlight, where Water-type moves are halved and the weakness Solar Beam gets used without charging.Protect or ally's Rain Dance use as a counter.