Which Ampharos moveset is better (BDSP Gameplay)?

Question

Ok, so I know there's already another post about Ampharos's moveset, but this is totally different. I have asked my friends but they gave me mixed answers. So I'm hoping some of you can help me. (I skipped the EVs because I don't know it yet. Ik how to check but not the exact amount.) Also, the movesets are pretty similar. IMPORTANT!!!: pls tell me the moveset you have chosen by selecting one item and one move for the debated moves (Confuse Ray / Light Screen & Charge Beam / Discharge).

Possible Moveset Combinations:
Ampharos (M) @ Expert Belt / Light Clay / Focus Sash / Quick Claw
Ability: Static
Rash Nature
- Confuse Ray / Light Screen
- Charge Beam / Discharge
- Power Gem
- Dragon Pulse

A Special Attacker Ampharos just like every Ampharos. The only problem is it gets OHKO'd before I can do anything since its speed sucks. Expert Belt because its moves are different types so super effectiveness is common. Light Clay only if I have Light Screen. Focus Sash so I can survive and at least do something. Quick Claw so I can go first and set up. It's a debate between 1. Confuse Ray, Light Screen, and 2. Charge Beam, Discharge. I like Confuse Ray so I have a chance to set up in peace. Light Screen helps me take less damage during setup. For Charge Beam and Discharge, Charge Beam because it's a special attacker and Discharge because I need more damage. So basically I want an Ampharos that can carry out its Special Attacker role without dieing. Pls tell me what you think. Thank you :) !

Answer 1

Personally, I find that this is a better moveset over the ones you're deciding upon for the role you want Ampharos to provide.

Ampharos @ Focus Sash
Ability: Static
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Agility
- Power Gem
- Focus Blast / Dragon Pulse

• Focus Sash over the items you've selected, as Expert Belt won't really come into affect if you're OHKOed (which the Focus Sash allows you to survive), Quick Claw is too unreliable, and Light Clay is useless without a move like Reflect/Light Screen/Aurora Veil.
• Thunderbolt / Discharge over Charge Beam, as Charge Beam's base power is low compared to Thunderbolt or Discharge's, and it isn't worth the drop in damage for the Special Attack boost. At often times, a Pokemon uses its STAB attack over any other attack unless a coverage move is super effective against the opponent, and because of the 50 BP Charge Beam has, Ampharos has to instead rely on Power Gem and Dragon Pulse/Focus Blast. You can use Thunderbolt for more power, or Discharge for a higher paralysis chance.
• Agility over Confuse Ray and Light Screen, as Agility allows Ampharos to solve its speed problem. Additionally, moves like Light Screen and Reflect aren't good at all on Pokemon without high speed, and most people just swap out a Pokemon when you confuse a Pokemon with Confuse Ray. If you want to use a move that allows the opponent to be unable to attack, I highly suggest using Thunder Wave instead of Confuse Ray if you want to be able to safely setup.
• I personally find that Focus Blast is better than Dragon Pulse. Even with Focus Blast's low accuracy, Dragon Pulse is only super effective on Dragon types, while Focus Blast is super effective against Rock, Ice, Normal, Dark, and Steel types. You can keep Dragon Pulse however if you personally want to cover Dragon types, or if you don't like Focus Blast's lower accuracy.
• Modest nature over Rash, as Rash lowers your Special Defense and raises your Special Attack, while Modest lowers your Attack while raising your Special Attack, this is more beneficial, as you aren't using any physical moves, and it allows you to take less damage from moves like Foul Play.

I hope I helped!

Comments

Thank you for helping! I am winning more battles now! :)