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[Gen6] Pokemon of the Week ORAS Edition (08/26: The return of PotW)


RicePigeon

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What are Water types doing to Primal Groudon, though? And what is Solarbeam KOing that isnt already KOed by Earthquake/Precipice Blades or Stone Edge?

 

Those are pretty much the only Relevant Pokemon in Ubers that you'll be hitting with Solar Beam, and the only ones that are hit harder by Solar Beam than any of other of Primal Groudon's moves are Cloyster and Quagsire, neither of which can touch you, and Hippowdon and Normal Groudon, who are already 2HKOed by Lava Plume on defensive sets and Overheat on offensive sets, and Normal Groudon beats you 1vs1 anyway.

Hmm. good point.  :-P

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Metagross & Mega Metagross
metagross.gif376-m.png
 
Tier Status (Singles, Normal): OU
Tier Status (Singles, Mega): OU
 
Tier Status (Doubles, Normal): DOU
Tier Status (Doubles, Mega): DOU
 
Type (Normal): Steel/Psychic
Type (Mega): Steel/Psychic

Base Stats (Normal): 80 / 135 / 130 / 95 / 90 / 70
Base Stats (Mega): 80 / 145 / 150 / 105 / 110 / 110
 
Abilities (Normal):

  • Clear Body: Prevents this Pokemon's stats from being lowered by the opponent's attacks or abilities, such as Growl and Intimidate. This Pokemon can still lower its own stats through the use of moves such as Hammer Arm or Curse.
     
  • Light Metal (Hidden Ability): This Pokemon's weight is halved. Moves that are affected by the target's weight, such as Low Kick, Grass Knot, and Sky Drop, will only take half of this Pokemon's weight into account in their damage calculation.

Abilities (Mega):

  • Tough Claws: Contact moves such as Meteor Mash, Grass Knot, and Close Combat, which involve making physical contact with the opponent (not to be confused with physical attacks, which use the attacker's attack stat) will have their base power increased by 33% if used by this Pokemon.

 

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

 

 

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability (Normal): D
Viability changes from X&Y Singles OU: D -> D
 
ORAS Singles OU Viability (Mega): S
Viability changes from X&Y Singles OU: N/A

Metagross has always been a relatively good OU Pokemon for most of its history until Gen 5. While Metagross was still OU back in Gen 5, this is when it began its steady decline. X&Y hit Metagross's viability the hardest by removing the Steel type's resistances to Ghost and Dark, granting Metagross 2 new weaknesses to types that it normally wouldn't care about. This, and the prevalence of many high ranking threats that could easily handle Metagross, caused it to drop down to UU for the first time in its history. If that wasn;t enough, Metagross's signature move, Meteor Mash, also had its base damage lowered from 100 to 90, but had its accuracy increased to a much more reliable 90% as a tradeoff. In X&Y UU, Metagross had a variety of movesets: a mixed wallbreaker with Grass Knot, a Choice Band physical wallbreaker, an agility sweeper, or a bulky offensive Stealth Rock setter. In X&Y OU, Metagross did not see use until after Aegislash was banned, and was used mostly as a check to Mega Gardevoir and Latios.
 
ORAS, however, gave Metagross a new lease on life by granting it a powerful new Mega Evolution. Metagross's mediocre base 70 speed now rises to a whopping 110. It's bulk also increased and while the buff to its attack stat was minimal, it gained Tough Claws to act as a recoil-less Life Orb when using contact moves. Its ability to function as either a wallbreaker or a cleaner is so great, allowing it to take on many of OU's primary threats, including Latios, Clefable, Keldeo, Mega Gardevoir, and isn't dead weight against Skarmory as it can take advantage of Hammer Arm's speed drop and Roost's temporary removal of Skarmory's Flying type to beat it 1-on-1. Although the buff to Metagross was huge, it still has mediocre speed on the turn that it Mega Evolves, and Mega Metagross suffers from a bit of 4 Moveslot Syndrome in that no matter what moves it runs, it will always find itself walled by something, but is still powerful enough to work consistently and effectively.
 
Fun fact: Did you know that each stage of Metagross's evolutionary line contains a number of legs equal to powers of 2? (Beldum: 1, Metang: 2, Metagross: 4, Mega Metagross: 8). Metagross's Pokedex entries state that it has faster processing power than a supercomputer. Powers of 2 are significant in computer programming, as computers operate in binary language (either 0 or 1), which operate on the powers of 2, each value of 0 or 1 is known as a bit. To make binary more readable by humans, binary is sometimes converted into hexidecimal, which use values of 0-9, plus the letters A-F, in order to represent the decimal values of 0-15. Thus, when converting binary to its equivalent hexidecimal value, one must be familiar with the first four powers of 2, which are 1, 2, 4, and 8, the same numbers as the number of legs in Metagross's evolutionary line. Not that this means anything competitively, but I thought the subtle reference was cute. Just image Ultra Mega Metagross with 16 legs, isn't it just adorable?
 
 
ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Physical Attacker
376-m.png
Ability: Clear Body (Tough Claws) / Item: @Metagrossite
Nature (1): Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Nature (2): Naive w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Meteor Mash / Zen Headbutt / Ice Punch or Bullet Punch / Hammer Arm, Earthquake, Grass Knot, or Pursuit

Tips:

  • Meteor Mash is Mega Metagross's primary STAB move, able to crush Fairies in combination with 145 attack and Tough Claws boost.
  • Zen Headbutt is Mega Metagross's other STAB move, also gaining the boost from Tough Claws, and allows Mega Metagross to 2HKO Rotom-Wash in addition to Fighting and Poison types.
  • For the third slot, Ice Punch is the preferred option, allowing Mega Metagross to smash Landorus-Therian and Gliscor, who could otherwise wall Metagross, along with opposing Dragon and Ground types. Bullet Punch, however, can be used against faster threats and break speed ties. Notable targets include Rock Polish Mega Diancie, Greninja, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and Mega Aerodactyl. Both moves receive the boost from Tough Claws.
  • The last slot is dedicated to hitting opposing Steel types, who don't otherwise care about Metagross's STAB moves. Hammer Arm, although it decreases Mega Metagross's newly buffed speed, allows Mega Metagross to 2HKO Ferrothorn and Offensive Mega Scizor, while also enabling Metagross to beat Skarmory 1-on-1 if it lacks Counter. Earthquake can be used instead to beat Jirachi, opposing Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and Heatran, but does not gain the power boost from Tough Claws. Two other options for the 4th slot are Grass Knot and Pursuit. Grass Knot, despite being a Special Attack, gains the power boost from Tough Claws due to being a contact move, and allows Mega Metagross to beat Mega Slowbro, who otherwise walls Mega Metagross, and is also useful for beating Mega Swampert, Quagsire, and Hippowdon. Pursuit allows Mega Metagross to trap and KO Latios and Latias, while also getting damage off on Mega Gardevoir as it switches out.
  • The above EV spread with a Jolly/Naive nature makes Metagross take advantage of its newly buffed speed after Mega evolving, while still providing an offensive presence. A Naive nature should only be used if running Grass Knot so that it does not cut into Metagross's Sp.Attack.
  • Due to Mega Metagross's offensive presence, this set is best used as a wallbreaker early in the game. If running Bullet Punch, Mega Metagross can also double as a cleaner.
  • When running Hammer Arm, Mega Metagross can beat Skarmory 1-on-1 if it lacks Counter, as the speed drop from Hammer Arm will allow Mega Metagross to underspeed Skarmory and hit it for super effective damage if it tries to use Roost, dealing more damage to Skarmory than Roost is able to heal off.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 462.png
    Despite sharing several weaknesses with Mega Metagross, Magnezone can dismantle the Steel types that Mega Metagross has problems with, especially against Skarmory if Metagross isn't running Hammer Arm. Magnezone also handles Mandibuzz and the bulky Water types that give Mega Metagross problems as well.
  • 645-s.png479w.png
    Landorus-Therian and Rotom-Wash can use U-turn and Volt Switch, respectively, to preserve offensive momentum and provide Mega Metagross with safe switch-in opportunities. Landorus-Therian also has the advantage of being able to set up Stealth Rock. Both are able to check Talonflame relatively well, as Talonflame outspeeds Mega Metagross while hitting it with Flare Blitz. Both are also immune to Earthquake, and can pivot into them.
  • 647.png
    Keldeo provides nice type synergy with Mega Metagross, checking Bisharp, Mandibuzz, and Mega Scizor, while also checking Greninja if it runs Choice Scarf, while Metagross can handle the Pokemon that give Keldeo problems, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Venusaur.
  • 036.png
    Clefable, especially Unaware Clefable, can check Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye, two Pokemon that Mega Metagross has problems with.
  • 645-s.png445.png639.png658.png652.png
    Offensive entry hazard users pair well with Mega Metagross, allowing Mega Metagross to break down defensive cores much more effeciently. Landorus-Therian, as already mentioned, can utilize U-turn to give Metagross safe switch-in opporunities and pivot into Earthquake. Garchomp can break down physical walls with Swords Dance and Lum Berry, so it does well against Mega Sableye and Slowbro, as it doesnt have to immediately worry about being burned. Greninja and Chesnaught both provide Spikes, as Greninja forces a ton of switches while Chesnaught can handle Pokemon that give Mega Metagross problems such as Bisharp.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Rock Polish Sweeper
376-m.png
Ability: Clear Body (Tough Claws) / Item: @Metagrossite
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 80 HP / 252 Attack / 176 Speed
Moves: Rock Polish or Agility / Meteor Mash or Iron Head / Zen Headbutt / Hammer Arm, Earthquake, or Ice Punch

Tips:

  • Rock Polish (Agility) turns Mega Metagross into a powerful sweeper, outspeeding the untire unboosted OU metagame.
  • Meteor Mash is Mega Metagross's primary STAB move, able to crush Fairies in combination with 145 attack and Tough Claws boost. Iron Head can also be used as the difference in power is minimal, also receives the boost from Tough Claws, and has perfect accuracy. Iron Head also has the potential to flinch threats that aren't OHKOed by it.
  • Zen Headbutt is Mega Metagross's other STAB move, also gaining the boost from Tough Claws, and allows Mega Metagross to 2HKO Rotom-Wash in addition to Fighting and Poison types.
  • For the third slot, Hammer Arm is the preferred option, allowing Mega Metagross to smash Dark and Steel types such as Air Balloon Heatran, Air Balloon Excadrill, Greninja, and Mega Gyarados. The speed drop from Hammer Arm does conflict with the speed boost from RP/Agility, so Earthquake can be used instead, as it also gives Metagross an option to hit Mega Charizard X and Heatran that lack Air Balloon. Ice Punch is another option to hit Dragon types and Landorus-Therian.
  • The given EV spread makes Metagross hit as hard as possible with an Adamant nature, as RP/Agility will take care of its speed. For speed, 176 EVs will allow Mega Metagross to outspeed everything up to, and including, Sand Rush Excadrill after a Rock Polish. The remaining EVs are dumped into HP for extra bulk.
  • As a sweeper, this set should be brought in late in the game after its checks and counters have been eliminated.
  • The best time to set up Rock Polish should be against something that Metagross can force out, enabling it to begin a sweeper.
  • If a user of Healing Wish such as Jirachi or Latias are on your team, Metagross can be brought in earlier to act as a wallbreaker, then sacrifice Jirachi or Latias with Healing Wish to bring Metagross back to full health so that it can begin a sweep.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 645-s.png479w.png243.png
    Landorus-Therian, Rotom-Wash, and Raikou can all effectively check Talonflame while providing switch-in opportunities with U-turn and Volt Switch. Landorus-Therian also has the advantage of being able to set up Stealth Rock, making Metagross's sweep easier.
  • 462.png647.png
    Checks to Steel types, such as Magnezone and Keldeo, can remove these from the game, so that Metagross has an easier time sweeping. Keldeo, in particular, is an excellent answer to Bisharp.
  • 658.png
    Greninja can use its offensive presence to set up Spikes for Metagross, as well as using its coverage options to dispose of Mega Slowbro, Skarmory, and defensive Landorus-Therian.
  • 380.png385.png
    Users of Healing Wish such as Latias and Jirachi can not only give Mega Metagross a second opportunity to perform a sweep should something go wrong, but also allow it to come in earlier in the match and act as a wallbreaker.
  • 445.png639.png645-s.png625.png
    Users of Swords Dance make good teammates due to their ability to break down physical walls such as Alomomola, Mega Slowbro, Mandibuzz, Skarmory, and Mega Scizor. Bisharp, in particular, can also dissuade the opponent from removing your entry hazards with Defog due to Defiant, and can also threaten opposing Mega Metagross.

 

 

Singles OU Checks & Counters to Metagross

  • 212-m.png598.png227.png625.png
    Bulky Steel types such as Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory can give Metagross problems, as they resist its STAB combination, while Bisharp can threaten Metagross with Sucker Punch and Pursuit, keeping Metagross guessing as to whether it should attack or switch out, punishing it heavily if it guesses wrong. Hammer Arm variants can 2HKO all of them except for defensive Mega Scizor, while Counter Skarmory can force Mega Metagross to lose 56%-66% of its health with Counter if it tries to Hammer Arm at the wrong time.
  • 080.pngx568l7X.png594.png195.png121.png130-m.png
    Bulky Water types such as Slowbro, Mega Slowbro, Alomomola, Quagsire, and defensive Starmie can wall Metagross if it lacks Grass Knot, and then recover off the damage. Mega Gyarados resists Meteor Mash, is immune to Zen Headbutt and can OHKO with +1 Earthquake, and even though it is OHKOed by Hammer Arm after Stealth Rock damage, it can play around the Hammer Arm weakness by delaying the Mega Evolution.
  • 645-s.png658.png663.png310-m.pngns1PnDU.pngefA6EXl.png
    Faster Pokemon with Super Effective coverage can KO Mega Metagross, if not deal a chunk of damage to it. Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian, Greninja, Talonflame, and Mega Manectric can all OHKO with Earthquake, Dark Pulse, Flare Blitz, and Overheat, respectively, while Landorus-Therian and Mega Manectric can also lower Metagross's attack with Intimidate. Mega Sceptile and Mega Beedrill can also KO with Hidden Power Fire and Drill Run, but require prior damage to do so.
  • 0vrs5qm.pngx568l7X.png488.png645-s.png227.png
    Physically defensive Pokemon can wall Mega Metagross if it lacks the proper coverage move. Mega Sableye can burn Metagross while 2HKOing with with Shadow Ball and Recover off the damage. Mega Slowbro doesn't care about any of Metagross's attacks except Grass Knot, and Cresselia can wall Metagross's attacks, but can't do much besides Paralyze it with Thunder Wave. Defensive Landorus-Therian must watch out for Ice Punch, but can otherwise switch in and 2HKO with Earthquake. Skarmory, as already mentioned, can switch in and wall Mega Metagross if it doesn't have Hammer Arm, or alternate between Counter and Roost if it does.

 

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Normal): F
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: F -> F
 
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Mega): B
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: N/A
 
 
Thanks to its Mega Evolution, Metagross is now viable enough that it can now hang out with the big boys in the Ubers metagame. Unlike in OU where it can function as a sweeper with Rock Polish, a Rock Polish sweeper performs rather poorly in Ubers. Its wallbreaker set isnt as effective in Ubers as it is in OU as many more things are able to wall it. However, due to Metagross's resistances, it can Pursuit trap Latios and Latias rather nicely. It can also run Stealth Rock if needed, as it is a pretty reliable setter of Stealth Rocks in Ubers.
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Physical Attacker
376-m.png
Ability: Clear Body (Tough Claws) / Item: @Metagrossite
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 136 HP / 196 Attack / 176 Speed
Moves: Pursuit or Thunder Punch / Meteor Mash / Earthquake / Bullet Punch

Tips:

  • For the first slot, Pursuit allows Mega Metagross to trap and kill Latios and Latias, as Mega Metagross can check them really well. If this is not needed, Thunder Punch can be run instead as this allows Mega Metagross to 2HKO Primal Kyogre and Ho-oh.
  • Meteor Mash is Metagross's best Steel type STAB, as it OHKOs Xerneas.
  • Earthquake is predominantly for the Fire and Steel types that resist Meteor Mash, and has a chance of 2HKOing Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage.
  • Bullet Punch is useful for revenge killing weakened Geomancy Xerneas, as well as taking out Mega Diancie before it can KO you with Earth Power.
  • The above EV spread allows Mega Metagross to outspeed neutral natured base 100 speed Pokemon, as well as survive a +2 Focus Blast from Geomancy Xerneas. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Attack with an Adamant nature so that Metagross can hit as hard as it can.
  • This moveset works best as a cleaner late in the game, after its checks and counters are gone.
  • Try not to stay in against anything that commonly carries Earthquake or Will-o-Wisp, such as the Arceus formes.
  • This moveset is prone to getting worn down due to lack of recovery, so try not to switch it in recklessly.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 250.png380.png381.png717.png487o.png645-s.png384.png
    Mega Metagross hates Earthquake, so Flying types and Pokemon with Levitate make for good teammates. Ho-oh, Latias, Yveltal, Origin Giratina, and mixed Rayquaza can all check Primal Groudon. Origin Giratina deserves a special mention as it can also act as a Spinblocker to prevent your opponent from using Rapid Spin to remove your entry hazards.
  • 493-electric.png493-rock.png248.png644.png493.png493-dark.png716.png383-p.png382-p.png485.png
    Yveltal and Ho-oh can cause problems, so checks to them are advised. Arceus-Electric, Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Zekrom can handle both of them. Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Dark, and Xerneas can all check Yveltal, while Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Heatran can check Ho-oh.
  • 383-p.png645-s.png386a.png386s.png658.png
    Pokemon that can set up entry hazards makes Mega Metagross's job as a cleaner much easier. Primal Groudon, Landorus-Therian, Deoxys-Attack, and Deoxys-Speed can all set up Stealth Rock, while Deoxys-Speed and Greninja can set up Spikes.
  • 493-ghost.png487.png487o.png681.png
    Arceus-Ghost, both Giratina formes, and Aegislash can all prevent the opponent from using Rapid Spin to remove your entry hazards, and are recommended if you're using any of the 5 hazard setters listed above.

 

 

Singles Ubers Checks & Counters to Metagross

  • 250.png
    Mega Metagross can outspeed and 2HKO offensive Ho-oh with Thunderpunch, but Sacred Fire OHKOs. Defensive Ho-oh is 3HKOed by Thunder Punch and can burn Metagross with Sacred Fire.
  • 717.png
    Offensive Yveltal can bypass Mega Metagross's higher speed with Sucker Punch, which has a chance to OHKO with a single layer of Spikes. Defensive Yveltal is 3HKOed by Thunder Punch while Foul Play OHKOs Metagross.
  • 249.png
    Lugia is only 3HKOed by Meteor Mash and Thunder Punch once its Multiscale is broken, but can otherwise setup Reflect, Recover the damage and phaze Mega Metagross away.
  • Y63zdgN.png
    Cuts Mega Metagross's attack prior to Mega Evolving, and then outspeeds and 2HKOs with Earthquake while only being 3HKOed at best, and thats without Dragon Dance setups.
  • 383-p.png
    Aside from Earthquake, Primal Groudon is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Metagross attacks. Defense Primal Groudon can OHKO with Lava Plume while offensive sets OHKO with Precipice Blades or Earthquake.
  • 382.png382-p.png484.png195.png
    Bulky Water types can also take on Mega Metagross, but must watch out from Thunder Punch. Kyogre and Primal Kyogre both take around 80% from Thunder Punch, but both Choice Specs Kyogre and Choice Scarf Kyogre can outspeed and OHKO with Origin Pulse or Water Spout, respectively, while Primal Kyogre can also OHKO with Origin Pulse. Palkia can also OHKO with Fire Blast if its running Choice Specs. Quagsire takes minimal damage from any of Metagross's attacks, is immune to Thunder Punch, and can heal off damage while 3HKOing with Earthquake.

 

 

Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability (Normal): A+
Viability changes from X&Y Doubles OU: F -> A+
 
ORAS Doubles OU Viability (Mega): A+
Viability changes from X&Y Doubles OU: N/A
 
 
While Mega Metagross is obviously the main reason to use Metagross in the first place, regular Metagross's default ability, Clear Body, is much more useful in the Doubles environment than in Singles, as it stops Intimidate cold. This means that as long as Metagross hasn't Mega Evolved yet, it becomes one of the few physical attackers that doesn't care about Intimidate. The base stat gains of its Mega Evolution is just enough to land it a place in A+ rank in Doubles, possessing the perfect combination of power, bulk, and speed that allow it to thrive in Doubles. There are a few things that prevents Mega Metagross from being an S rank threat in Doubles, however. First of all, it competes for a Mega slot from Mega Mawile and Mega Scizor, the former of which is a better Mega Salamence check due to Intimidate pre-Mega and powerful STAB Play Rough post-Mega, which can also threatens Mega Metagross with Sucker Punch. In addition to Mega Mawile, Bisharp and Mega Kangaskhan are 2 more high ranking threats that also keep Mega Metagross in check with Sucker Punch. Its also weak to the ever-present Earthquake, and it loses its immunity to Intimidate post-Mega. Mega Metagross would seem to be a perfect choice for rain teams, but competes with Mega Swampert for a Mega slot in this regard.

 

 ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Physical Attacker
376-m.png
Ability: Clear Body (Tough Claws) / Item: @Metagrossite
Nature: Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Meteor Mash / Protect / Zen Headbutt / Ice Punch, Earthquake, Hammer Arm, or Bullet Punch

Tips:

  • Meteor Mash is Metagross's best Steel type STAB, smashing many of the Fairy types in Doubles such as Togekiss, Gardevoir, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, and Aromatisse, while also 2HKOing Mega Mawile.
  • Protect is a staple move in Doubles. It allows Mega Metagross to avoid the KO from the many attacks that threaten it, such as Sucker Punch from Bisharp, Mega Mawile, and Mega Kangaskhan, and also Shadow Balls from Aegislash.
  • Zen Headbutt is Mega Metagross's secondary STAB, hitting many targets for neutral damage while also hitting Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Gengar, Breloom, Conkeldurr, and Venusaur super effectively.
  • The last slot is dedicated to a coverage move. Ice Punch gains the Tough Claws boost and hits Landorus-Therian, Sky Shaymin and Mega Salamence for 4x super effective damage, while also being a good option against Latios, Latias, and Hydreigon. Earthquake is a powerful spread move that, while it doesn't gain the boost from Tough Claws, is still powerful and can hit Pokemon that resist Metagross's STAB combo for Super Effective damage. Hammer Arm is another option thats useful for scoring an OHKO on Mega Kangaskhan. Bullet Punch is an option that not only gives Mega Metagross priority, but allows it to break speed ties with Mega Diancie and 2HKO Togekiss under the effects of Tailwind.
  • Another option is to replace Zen Headbutt in the 3rd slot with another of Mega Metagross's coverage options from the 4th slot.
  • The above EV spread with Jolly allows Mega Metagross to speed tie with other base 110 speed Pokemon while hitting as hard as possible.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 468.png591.png
    Togekiss and Amoonguss can redirect attacks away from Mega Metagross, such as Aegislash's Shadow Ball and Bisharp's Sucker Punch. Togekiss also has the advantage of providing Tailwind support to make Mega Metagross even faster, while Amoonguss can shut down Metagross's checks and counters with Spore.
  • 237.png560.png534.png
    Hitmontop and Scrafty's Intimidate can weaken the physical dark and ghost type attacks aimed at Mega Metagross, while both can check Bisharp to an extent, while also providing Fake Out support. Do note however that they will not be able to switch in against Bisharp without activating Defiant. Conkeldurr works in a similar manner as it does not fear Bisharp and can pick it off with Mach Punch, but does not have access to Fake Out.
  • 635.png
    Hydreigon has decent type synergy with Mega Metagross, and appreciates its ability to destroy the Fairy types that threaten it, while it can handle Aegislash for Mega Metagross and roast Bisharp with Fire Blast. Hydreigon can also run Tailwind to support Mega Metagross as well.
  • 492s.png
    Sky Shaymin can 2HKO Aegislash with Earth Power for Mega Metagross, while Sky Shaymin also appreciates Mega Metagross's ability to remove Togekiss, Black Kyurem, and Weavile.

 

 

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Metagross

  • 645-s.png373-m.png094-m.png649.png663.png303-m.png115-m.png625.png
    Faster Pokemon with Super Effective coverage, as well as Sucker Punch, can threaten to KO Mega Metagross if not deal a large chunk of damage to it. Landorus-Therian requires a Choice Scarf to outspeed, but can 2HKO with Earthquake while it avoids an OHKO from Ice Punch due to Intimidate. Mega Salamence is in a similar boat and can 2HKO with Fire Blast. Mega Gengar can trap and OHKO Mega Metagross with Shadow Ball, but cannot break the speed tie with Metagross until after it Mega Evolves. Choice Scarf Genesect outspeeds and OHKOs with Flamethrower after scoring a Sp.Attack boost from Download due to Mega Metagross's lower Sp.Defense stat. Talonflame can eat a Zen Headbutt and KO with Flare Blitz or sets up priority Tailwind for its team. Mega Mawile and Mega Kangaskhan can outspeed and 2HKO with Sucker Punch, while the former can also lower Metagross's attack prior to Mega Evolving, while Bisharp has a small chance to OHKO with its own Sucker Punch. Mega Kangaskhan should, however, be wary if Mega Metagross carries Hammer Arm.
  • 681.png
    Aegislash either resists or is immune to any move Mega Metagross can carry except for Earthquake, and even then it is only 3HKOed, while it OHKOs in return with Shadow Ball.
  • 479w.png130.png130-m.png245.png260-m.png
    Bulky Water types resist Mega Metagross's STAB Meteor Mash and don't really care too much for Zen Headbutt or its coverage options. Rotom-Wash and Gyarados can both lower Metagross's attack with Will-o-Wisp and Intimidate, respectively, while the latter can lower its speed with Icy Wind. Mega Gyarados can OHKO with Crunch after a Dragon Dance. Suicune is only 3HKOed at best and can Burn Metagross with Scald while providing Tailwind support for its team, while offensive variants can 2HKO with Hydro Pump. Mega Swampert can outspeed under rain and 2HKO with Earthquake.
  • 468.png381.png373.png373-m.png663.png635.png609.png385.png488.png
    Users of Tailwind and Trick Room can turn Mega Metagross's 110 base speed into a liability. Togekiss and Latios are the only ones that are directly threatened by Mega Metagross, while everything else can either KO Metagross or, in Jirachi and Cresselia's cases, wall its attacks.

 
 
External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles OU)
Smogon Analysis (Singles Ubers)

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As the PotW tier rotation goes, we now have our lower tier PotW:

Raikou
raikou.gif

Tier Status (Singles): UU OU
Tier Status (Doubles): DUU

Type: Electric

Base Stats: 90 / 85 / 75 / 115 / 100 / 115

Abilities:

  • Pressure: Opponent's attacks that target this Pokemon lose 2 PP instead of 1. Outside of battle, the wild Pokemon encounter rate increases if this Pokemon is in the lead spot.
  • Volt Absorb (Hidden Ability) (UNRELEASED): If this Pokemon is targeted by an Electric-type attack, the attack will fail and this Pokemon restores 25% of its max HP (rounded down) instead.

Table of Contents

  • Singles UU Overview
  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

Singles UU Overview
ORAS Singles UU Viability: A-
Viability changes from X&Y Singles UU: A- -> A-

Raikou was blessed with just the right stats to make it a threat in UU. Having only one weakness and decent defensive stats, Raikou can run a variety of sets in UU, and has just the right coverage moves available to it. However, there are certain flaws that hold Raikou back. It cannot break past special walls such as Blissey, Snorlax, or Florges, even when holding a Choice Specs. While Raikou makes an effective Assault Vest user in OU, the Assault Vest set is sadly not as effective in UU. Another flaw lies with Aura Sphere; while Aura Sphere is a great coverage move for Raikou, Raikou only obtains Aura Sphere from a Gen 4 event, and all legally obtained Aura Sphere Raikou come with Rash (+Sp.Attack, -Sp.Defense) natures, so Raikou is not only forced to sacrifice the speed increase from Timid in order to run Aura Sphere, but also forced to lower its otherwise good Sp.Defense.



ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Calm Mind + Substitute
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Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice / Substitute

Tips:

  • Calm Mind turns Raikou into a boosting sweeper.
  • Thunderbolt is a powerful and reliable STAB move.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt, and forms great neutral coverage with Thunderbolt
  • Substitute blocks status and also gives Raikou a buffer against revenge killers.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack and Speed, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding as many threats as possible. Leftovers is chosen to increase Raikou's longevity, allowing it to regain health lost from using Substitute and switching in to entry hazards.
  • The best time to use Calm Mind is on a predicted switch, as Raikou tends to cause a lot of them. Avoid setting up if your opponent has a Special wall in reserve, as even with a Calm Mind boost, Raikou cannot wear them down while they wear Raikou down in return.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 232.png121.png205.png009-m.png142-m.png169.png330.png
    Removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog is crucial to preserving Raikou's longevity. Donphan, Starmie, Forretress and Mega Blastoise can all accomplish the former while Mega Aerodactyl, Crobat, and Flygon can accomplish the latter.
  • 142-m.png635.png169.png330.png479h.png479m.png251.png492.png652.png
    Pokemon resistant or immune to Ground also make for nice partners. Both Rotom-Heat and Rotom-Mow can burn them with Will-o-Wisp and strike them with Hidden Power Grass and Leaf Storm, respectively. Grass types like Rotom-Mow, Celebi, and Shaymin can also get rid of Swampert and Mega Swampert, both of which can wall Raikou.
  • 260.png207.png031.png034.png464.png407.png652.png596.png205.png
    As a Calm Mind sweeper, Raikou appreciates having entry hazards to make its job easier. Swampert, Gligar, Nidoqueen and Nidoking can set up Stealth Rock, Roserade and Chesnaught can set up Spikes, Roserade and Nidoqueen can use Toxic Spikes, Galvantula can set up Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon that could otherwise outspeed Raikou, and Forretress can set up any of them.

ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Choice Specs
243.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Choice Specs
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Grass or Hidden Power Ice / Volt Switch / Extrasensory

Tips:

  • Thunderbolt is a reliable STAB move that hits hard with Choice Specs.
  • Hidden Power Grass is the preferred Hidden Power type on this set for its ability to smash through Swampert, Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Rhyperior, all of which can otherwise hard counter. Hidden Power Ice can still be used as it provides great neutral coverage with Thunderbolt.
  • Volt Switch, while weaker than Thunderbolt, still hits pretty hard with Choice Specs, but its main purpose is to allow Raikou to pivot out of unfavorable matchups, potentially providing a teammate with a safe switch.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, and OHKOs both Landorus formes, Gliscor, and Garchomp, while also 2HKOing physically defensive Hippowdon.
  • Extrasensory allows Raikou to hit Roserade, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen harder than Hidden Power Ice, while also smashing Fighting types such as Mienshao, Machamp, and Infernape.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack and Speed, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding as many threats as possible.
  • Prediction is necessary for this set, as Raikou will be locking itself into its moves with Choice Specs. Volt Switch can alleviate this somewhat, allowing you to scout and gain momentum.
  • Because of their immunity to Volt Switch, avoid using it if you predict a Ground type coming in as being unable to switch will hurt your momentum. Instead, use one of Raikou's coverage moves or hard switch out.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 479m.png251.png492.png652.png640.png
    Due to Raikou's tendency to lure in Ground types to block Volt Switch, Grass types make for good partners.
  • 479h.png
    Rotom-Heat is not only immune to Ground due to Levitate, but can also burn Ground types with Will-o-Wisp, as many of them tend to be physical attackers.
  • 232.png121.png205.png009-m.png142-m.png169.png330.png
    Removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog is crucial to preserving Raikou's longevity. Donphan, Starmie, Forretress and Mega Blastoise can all accomplish the former while Mega Aerodactyl, Crobat, and Flygon can accomplish the latter.
  • 260.png207.png031.png034.png464.png407.png652.png596.png205.png
    Raikou appreciates having entry hazards to make its job easier. Swampert, Gligar, Nidoqueen and Nidoking can set up Stealth Rock, Roserade and Chesnaught can set up Spikes, Roserade and Nidoqueen can use Toxic Spikes, Galvantula can set up Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon that could otherwise outspeed Raikou, and Forretress can set up any of them.

ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Choice Scarf
243.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Choice Scarf
Nature (1): Timid w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Nature (2): Rash w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice / Volt Switch / Extrasensory or Aura Sphere

Tips:

  • Choice Scarf aims to turn Raikou into a potent revenge killer in UU. The first three moves are pretty much staples of Raikou's arsenal.
  • The last move comes down to coverage. Extrasensory allows Raikou to take down the many Poison and Fighting types found in UU. Aura Sphere can be used instead to hit Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Snorlax, Umbreon, Lucario, Mega Absol and Mega Aggron hard, but forces Raikou to run a Rash nature.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack and Speed, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding as many threats as possible. The only time you will be running any nature other than Timid is if you are running Aura Sphere, as Aura Sphere Raikou is incompatible with any other nature.
  • Like the Choice Specs set, prediction is necessary for this moveset. As always, Volt Switch should be used to retain momentum, as Raikou tends to force a lot of switches, but be wary of Ground types that try to block Volt Switch and halt your offensive momentum.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 260.png207.png031.png034.png464.png407.png652.png596.png205.png
    Because of this set's lack of power compared to the Calm Mind and Choice Specs set, entry hazards are almost mandatory to enable Raikou to effectively revenge kill. Swampert, Gligar, Nidoqueen and Nidoking can set up Stealth Rock, Roserade and Chesnaught can set up Spikes, Roserade and Nidoqueen can use Toxic Spikes, Galvantula can set up Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon that could otherwise outspeed Raikou, and Forretress can set up any of them.
  • 232.png121.png205.png009-m.png142-m.png169.png330.png
    Removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog is crucial to preserving Raikou's longevity. Donphan, Starmie, Forretress and Mega Blastoise can all accomplish the former while Mega Aerodactyl, Crobat, and Flygon can accomplish the latter.
  • 385.png594.png134.png197.png671.png
    As a revenge killer, Raikou will be prone to being worn down from repeated switching, so clerics and Wish users are handy to have. Jirachi, Alomomola, Vaporeon, Umbreon, and Florges can all pass Wishes to Raikou, while the latter two also have the advantage of using Heal Bell and Aromatherapy, respectively.
  • 479m.png251.png492.png652.png640.png
    Grass types make nice partners to take on Swampert and Mega Swampert. Rotom-Cut in particular can also spread burns against physical attackers that trouble Raikou while also being immune to Ground moves.
  • 479h.png
    Rotom-Heat is not only immune to Ground due to Levitate, but can also burn Ground types with Will-o-Wisp, as many of them tend to be physical attackers.

ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Calm Mind + Life Orb
243.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Life Orb
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Grass or Hidden Power Ice / Extrasensory

Tips:

  • Calm Mind turns Raikou into a boosting sweeper.
  • Thunderbolt is a powerful and reliable STAB move.
  • Hidden Power Grass is the preferred Hidden Power type on this set for its ability to smash through Swampert, Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Rhyperior, all of which can otherwise hard counter. Hidden Power Ice can still be used as it provides great neutral coverage with Thunderbolt.
  • Extrasensory allows Raikou to hit Roserade, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen harder than Hidden Power Ice, while also smashing Fighting types such as Mienshao, Machamp, and Infernape.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack and Speed, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible while outspeeding as many threats as possible.
  • Unlike the Substitute Calm Mind set, this set utilizes a Life Orb in order to get Raikou to deal as much damage as possible. Because of the lack of Substitute, this Raikou is even more prone to status.
  • The best time to use Calm Mind is on a predicted switch, as Raikou tends to cause a lot of them. Avoid setting up if your opponent has a Special wall in reserve, as even with a Calm Mind boost, Raikou cannot wear them down while they wear Raikou down in return.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 385.png594.png134.png197.png671.png
    Due to the lack of Substitute to block status and recoil taken from Life Orb, Raikou will be prone to being worn down, so clerics and Wish users are handy to have. Jirachi, Alomomola, Vaporeon, Umbreon, and Florges can all pass Wishes to Raikou, while the latter two also have the advantage of using Heal Bell and Aromatherapy, respectively.
  • 260.png207.png031.png034.png464.png407.png652.png596.png205.png
    Raikou appreciates having entry hazards to make its job easier. Swampert, Gligar, Nidoqueen and Nidoking can set up Stealth Rock, Roserade and Chesnaught can set up Spikes, Roserade and Nidoqueen can use Toxic Spikes, Galvantula can set up Sticky Web to slow down Pokemon that could otherwise outspeed Raikou, and Forretress can set up any of them.
  • 232.png121.png205.png009-m.png142-m.png169.png330.png
    Removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin or Defog is crucial to preserving Raikou's longevity. Donphan, Starmie, Forretress and Mega Blastoise can all accomplish the former while Mega Aerodactyl, Crobat, and Flygon can accomplish the latter.
  • 479h.png
    Rotom-Heat is not only immune to Ground due to Levitate, but can also burn Ground types with Will-o-Wisp, as many of them tend to be physical attackers.
  • 245.png260.pngvSaxZS9.png009-m.png134.png479m.png251.png492.png652.png640.png
    Water and Grass types make nice partners to handle Ground types, with the latter being able to take on opposing Swampert and Mega Swampert. Rotom-Cut in particular can also spread burns against physical attackers that trouble Raikou while also being immune to Ground moves.

Singles UU Checks & Counters to Raikou

  • 260.pngvSaxZS9.png464.png423.png718.png031.png034.png207.png553.png450.png
    Ground types are a nuisance as not only are they immune to Raikou's Electric-type STAB moves, but also prevent Raikou from using Volt Switch to pivot out. It should be noted that Hidden Power Grass will threaten Swampert, Mega Swampert, Rhyperior and Gastrodon, Extrasensory threatens Nidoqueen and Nidoking, and Hidden Power Ice threatens Zygarde, Gligar and Krookodile, while Hippowdon is the only one that can avoid a 2HKO from any of Raikou's moves.
  • 197.png242.png143.png671.png488.png
    Specially defensive Pokemon can easily wall any of Raikou's attacks. Umbreon, Blissey, Snorlax, and Florges easily fit this role, and the former three dont care about Aura Sphere despite hitting super effectively. Umbreon can also pose a threat to Raikou with Foul Play. Do note however that Florges can be setup bait for Raikou, allowing it to accumulate multiple Calm Minds.
  • 553.png330.png051.pngefA6EXl.png
    Revenge killers, specifically Choice Scarf Krookodile and Choice Scarf Flygon, can outspeed Raikou and threaten to KO. Dugtrio has the added niche of being able to trap Raikou. Mega Beedrill can pick off any Raikou below 70% health with U-turn while preserving momentum.
  • 479h.png082.png
    Rotom-Heat and Magneton both resist Raikou's STAB moves and both types of Hidden Power that Raikou commonly carries, but both lose 1vs1 to both Calm Mind sets, while Magneton also needs to watch out for Aura Sphere.
  • 437.png
    Bronzong is only 3HKOed by Thunderbolt from every set other than the Choice Specs set, while it can either 2HKO with Earthquake, Toxic Raikou, set up Trick Room, or set up Reflect and Light Screen.
  • 691.png
    Dragalgae has just enough bulk to avoid a 2HKO from Extrasensory even after taking Stealth Rock damage, while Dragalgae can OHKO Raikou with a Choice Specs boosted Adaptabiity Draco Meteor, even against Assault Vest Raikou.

 

 

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability: B+
Viability changes from X&Y Singles OU: B+ -> B+

Raikou is often compared to Mega Manectric in OU, and its not that hard to see why. While Raikou's B+ ranking in OU may indicate that its outclassed by the A rank Mega Manectric due to its 135 Sp.Attack and Speed, Raikou has several niches that set it apart from Mega Manectric, despite playing similarly. For starters, Raikou has better special bulk than Mega Manectric, and since Raikou doesn't need to hold a Mega stone, Raikou can make for a viable user of Assault Vest, allowing it to fit better on balanced teams than Mega Manectric. With Choice Specs, Raikou can become a nuke, hitting much harder than Mega Manectric, though still has trouble getting past some special walls. Raikou also has slightly different coverage options in Extrasensory and Shadow Ball, with the latter allowing it to 2HKO Latios while serving as a better check to it than Mega Manectric. Like Mega Manectric, Raikou also checks Birdspam teams, which have been falling in usage lately.

The transition to ORAS was a kind of a mixed bag for Raikou. On the one hand, many new fast threats in the 110 base speed tier still fail to outpace Raikou, and one of the most notable new Megas, Mega Slowbro, is checked by Raikou. On the other hand, ORAS also brought Mega Lopunny and Mega Sceptile, both of which outpace and 2HKO Raikou (and in Mega Sceptile's case, OHKO if Raikou is lacking Assault Vest), though the latter must be wary of Hidden Power Ice. Additionally, ORAS also granted Greninja access to Gunk Shot and Low Kick, so Assault Vest Raikou can no longer check Greninja like it could in X&Y OU. Nonetheless, Raikou can still act as a glue for balanced teams.


ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Choice Specs
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Ability: Pressure / Item: @Choice Specs
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 32 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 224 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch / Hidden Power Ice / Shadow Ball or Extrasensory

Tips:

  • Thunderbolt is a reliable STAB move that hits hard with Choice Specs.
  • Volt Switch, while weaker than Thunderbolt, still hits pretty hard with Choice Specs, but its main purpose is to allow Raikou to pivot out of unfavorable matchups, potentially providing a teammate with a safe switch.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, and OHKOs both Landorus formes, Gliscor, and Garchomp, while also 2HKOing physically defensive Hippowdon.
  • For the last slot, Shadow Ball is the preferred option, as it lets Raikou 2HKO Latios, Latias, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Gallade, and Mega Metagross while having a guaranteed OHKO against Gengar, and is also Raikou's best option against Excadrill. Extrasensory can be used instead if hitting Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss is needed, as they can fare well against this set otherwise.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible. 224 Speed with a Timid nature allows it to outspeed everything up to and including Thundurus-Incarnate. The rest of the EVs are put into HP to give it a little more bulk.
  • Generally, you will want to be spamming Volt Switch most of the time as it allows you to maintain momentum against the opponent while getting off chip damage. Because Ground types can block Volt Switch entirely, it is better to manually switch out if you predict them to switch in.
  • Generally, you will only want to be using Thunderbolt instead of Volt Switch when you need to clean late in the
  • Because of lack of recovery and repeated Volt Switching, Raikou is prone to being worn down by entry hazards and even resisted attacks, enough that Pokemon that this Raikou is meant to check, such as Thundurus, Talonflame, and Mega Pinsir, will have a much easier time against it.
  • This Raikou moveset works best as part of a Volt-Turn core on offensive teams.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 479w.png645-s.png212-m.png663.png
    Because of this Raikou set's ability to fit into offensive Volt-Turn cores, users of Volt Switch and U-turn pair well with it. Wash Rotom, Landorus-Therian, and Talonflame are all immune to the Ground type moves that threaten Raikou, while the former two can also handle the physical attackers that give Raikou problems with Will-o-Wisp and Intimidate, respectively. Mega Scizor has the added benefit of not only being able to provide Defog support to remove entry hazards that can wear Raikou down, but can also make use of Knock Off to help Raikou break through defensive teams.
  • 212-m.png227.png630.png381.png380.png530.png121.png
    Being able to remove entry hazards through Defog or Rapid Spin is essential to preserve this Raikou's longevity. Mega Scizor, Skarmory, Mandibuzz, Latios and Latias can all utilize the former while Excadrill and Starmie use the latter. Using Skarmory or Mandibuzz are generally reserved for balanced teams while Latios and Latias are more suited for more offensive teams.
  • 036.png594.png
    Wish users such as Clefable and Alomomola can keep Raikou healthy, while the latter can also check Greninja.

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Assault Vest
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Ability: Pressure / Item: @Assault Vest
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 252 Sp.Attack / 32 Sp.Defense / 224 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch / Hidden Power Ice / Shadow Ball or Extrasensory

Tips:

  • Thunderbolt is a powerful and reliable STAB move.
  • Volt Switch, while weaker than Thunderbolt, allowa Raikou to pivot out of unfavorable matchups, potentially providing a teammate with a safe switch.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt and Volt Switch.
  • For the last slot, Shadow Ball is the preferred option, as it lets Raikou 2HKO Latios. Extrasensory can be used instead if hitting Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss is needed, as they can fare well against this set otherwise.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible. 224 Speed with a Timid nature allows it to outspeed everything up to and including Thundurus-Incarnate. The rest of the EVs are put into Sp.Defense in order to capitalize on the Sp.Defense boost provided by Assault Vest.
  • With Assault Vest, Raikou is able to take some of OU's most powerful Special Attacks, such as Latios's Draco Meteor, Keldeo's Hydro Pump, Mega Charizard Y's Fire Blast, and avoids a 2HKO from Mega Diancie's Earth Power 50% of the time while Raikou outspeeds all of them except Choice Scarf variants of Keldeo and Latios and 2HKOs all of them.
  • Assault Vest Raikou tends to operate better on Bulky Offense and Balanced teams due to its ability to take special attacks rather well.
  • Like the Choice Specs set, this set lacks recovery, so it can be worn down rather quickly.
  • Generally, you will want to be spamming Volt Switch most of the time as it allows you to maintain momentum against the opponent while getting off chip damage. Because Ground types can block Volt Switch entirely, it is better to manually switch out if you predict them to switch in.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 479w.png645-s.png212-m.png663.png
    Because of this Raikou set can also fit into offensive Volt-Turn cores, users of Volt Switch and U-turn pair well with it. Wash Rotom, Landorus-Therian, and Talonflame are all immune to the Ground type moves that threaten Raikou, while the former two can also handle the physical attackers that give Raikou problems with Will-o-Wisp and Intimidate, respectively. Mega Scizor has the added benefit of not only being able to provide Defog support to remove entry hazards that can wear Raikou down, but can also make use of Knock Off to help Raikou break through defensive teams.
  • 212-m.png227.png630.png381.png380.png530.png121.png
    Being able to remove entry hazards through Defog or Rapid Spin is essential to preserve this Raikou's longevity. Mega Scizor, Skarmory, Mandibuzz, Latios and Latias can all utilize the former while Excadrill and Starmie use the latter. Using Skarmory or Mandibuzz are generally reserved for balanced teams while Latios and Latias are more suited for more offensive teams. Skarmory and Mandibuzz, in particular, can also handle physical attackers.
  • 036.png594.png
    Wish users such as Clefable and Alomomola can keep Raikou healthy. The former can also set up Stealth Rock to punish opposing switches and further wear down the opponent while the latter can also check Greninja.
  • t1uu1nb.png625.png
    Mega Gallade and Bisharp appreciate Assault Vest Raikou's ability to not only check Birdspam, but also its ability to check Keldeo, especially Choice Scarf Keldeo, who outspeeds both and KOs Bisharp while threatening Mega Gallade with Scald burns.
  • 130-m.png
    Mega Gyarados appreciates Raikou's ability to act as a secondary check to Azumarill, as Mega Gyarados can't touch it with either of its STAB moves. In return, Mega Gyarados can switch in to check Ground types before Mega evolving, and also helps Raikou break through specially defensive Pokemon. Also forms a very nice core for Balanced teams when used with both Raikou and Clefable.

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Calm Mind
243.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers or Life Orb
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 32 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 224 Speed
Moves: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice / Shadow Ball, Extrasensory or Substitute

Tips:

  • Calm Mind can turn Raikou into a boosting sweeper.
  • Thunderbolt is a powerful and reliable STAB move.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt and Volt Switch.
  • For the last slot, Shadow Ball 2HKO Latios. Extrasensory can be used instead if hitting Mega Venusaur. Substitute can be used if the extra coverage isnt needed, as it blocks status and also gives Raikou a buffer against revenge killers.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible. 224 Speed with a Timid nature allows it to outspeed everything up to and including Thundurus-Incarnate. The rest of the EVs are put into HP to give it a little more bulk.
  • For the item choice, Leftovers can improve Raikou's longevity, especially if running Substitute. Life Orb, however, is an option to bolster Raikou's sweeping abilities.
  • As a sweeper, this Raikou set should be saved until late game when its checks and counters have been removed.
  • Due to its natural speed and special bulk, this Raikou set can easily set up against Thundurus-Incarnate, as its Electric typing gives it an immunity to Thunder Wave's Paralysis thanks to Gen 6's changes to the game mechanics.
  • Try not to get too greedy with Calm Mind boosts, as you don't want Raikou to be worn down to where it can be revenge killed.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 647.png490.png658.png
    Choice Scarfers such and Landorus-Therian and Garchomp, as well as Mamoswine, Excadrill, and Hippowdon, can pose problems to this set, so Pokemon that can handle them are recommended. Choice Scarf Keldeo can handle the Choice Scarfers easily, while also being able to handle Chansey.
  • 645-s.png036.png485.png598.png639.png450.png
    Even with Calm Minds under its belt, Raikou still appreciates Stealth Rock support to make its job easier. Heatran can also handle Unaware Clefable, who doesn't care about how many Calm Minds Raikou accumulates. Landorus-Therian and Terrakion are still good teammates even if not running Stealth Rock, as Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian is still an effective revenge killer, while Terrakion is still a good wallbreaker that can threaten Chansey.

ORAS OU Singles Honorable Mentions

  • Aura Sphere is a move that Raikou obtains from a Gen 4 event, and would have been a good option to allow Raikou to get past Tyranitar, Mamoswine, Heatran and Ferrothorn, except that all legally distributed Aura Sphere Raikou have Rash natures (+Sp.Attack, -Sp.Defense), meaning that running Aura Sphere on Raikou will cause Raikou to fail to outspeed the relevant threats in OU that it needs to outspeed, so it is generally not worth the moveslot unless Raikou runs a Choice Scarf to compensate for the drop in speed, but there are much better Choice Scarf users than Raikou.

Singles OU Checks & Counters to Raikou

  • Entry Hazards & Status

    Due to Raikou's ability to take hits and lack of recovery, it is prone to being worn down from taking hits and constant switching.
  • 645-s.png445.png530.png660.png472.png450.pngns1PnDU.png
    Ground types and Pokemon with Lightning Rod are a nuisance as not only are they immune to Raikou's Electric-type STAB moves, but also prevent Raikou from using Volt Switch to pivot out, while the former can also hit Raikou super effectively with their Ground type STAB. Mega Sceptile also gains a +1 Sp.Attack boost from Raikou's Electric STAB due to Lightning Rod, allowing it to easily KO Raikou with Leaf Storm if it lacks an Assault Vest and 2HKOing Raikou if it doesn't. Many of these Pokemon risk being OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice, however, namely Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Gliscor, and Mega Sceptile, and only Hippowdon and Excadrill avoid being 2HKOed.
  • elvqhTa.png036.png113.png003-m.png006-mx.png
    Specially defensive and/or bulky Pokemon can stomach most of Raikou's attacks. Bulkier Mega Altaria variants can avoid a 2HKO from Hidden Power Ice even if Raikou is running Choice Specs. Clefable can avoid a 2HKO from Thunderbolt, while Unaware variants can stop Calm Mind Raikou. Chansey can wall even a +6 Calm Mind Raikou all day. Mega Venusaur can eat any of Raikou's attacks aside from a Choice Specs boosted Extrasensory. Mega Charizard X is only 2HKOed 50% of the time from a Choice Specs boosted Shadow Ball, and can OHKO back with Flare Blitz even with no boosts.
  • t1uu1nb.png214-m.pngAsvQNus.png625.png248.pngefA6EXl.png
    Physical attackers that take neutral damage from Thunderbolt can pose problems for Raikou. Mega Gallade, Mega Heracross, and Mega Lopunny can OHKO with Close Combat and High Jump Kick, respectively. Bisharp, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and Mega Beedrill can all outspeed (or in Bisharp's case, Sucker Punch) and 2HKO.
  • 381.png380.png380-m.png
    Latios, Latias, and Mega Latias are all outsped by Raikou (unless Latios is running Choice Scarf) but can 2HKO with Psyshock, bypassing Assault Vest's Sp.Defense boost by hitting Raikou's weaker physical Defense. Of the three, only Mega Latias avoids the 2HKO from Shadow Ball unless Raikou is running Choice Specs.

Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability: F
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: F -> F

Raikou simply cannot hit hard enough to perform well in the Ubers metagame. It performs poorly against many top threats in Ubers, and is even outclassed by Arceus-Electric, who sports higher speed and Sp.Attack, and overall better bulk both physically and defensively, not to mention it also gets Ice Beam which is far superior to Hidden Power Ice as a coverage move, and reliable recovery in the form of Recover.




Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability: C+
Viability changes from X&Y Doubles OU: C -> C+

While Raikou already competes with Mega Manectric in Singles OU, the competition becomes even more fierce in Doubles. While Intimidate is great ability in Singles, its utility is even more necessary in Doubles where threats like Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence, two Pokemon who have been banned from Singles OU, run rampant. Raikou lacks this utility, but even then Mega Manectric sits at a B rank in Doubles OU, causing Raikou to be ranked even lower. For the most part, Raikou is completely outclassed by Mega Manectric in Doubles OU, but it does have some pluses over Mega Manectric. The fact that it does not take up your Mega Evolution slot allows it to be paired with the much more viable Megas in Doubles, such as the aforementioned Kangaskhan and Salamence. Raikou also has access to Snarl, allowing it to support the team by softening the blows of Special attackers, which are common in Doubles due to the omnipresence of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp to keep Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence in check.



ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Special Attacker
243.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Shuca Berry or Assault Vest
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 24 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 232 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice / Snarl / Protect or Volt Switch

Tips:

  • Thunderbolt is a powerful and reliable STAB move.
  • Hidden Power Ice is mandatory for hitting the Ground and Dragon types that don't care about Thunderbolt.
  • Snarl is a 55 Base Power (41.25 in Doubles) Dark type spread move that lowers the Sp.Attack stats of both opponents, supporting the team and further amplifying Raikou's Special bulk.
  • For the last slot, Protect allows Raikou to scout the opponent's moves and punish Double targeting, while also stalling out field effects such as Trick Room. Because Assault Vest prevents the use of Protect, Volt Switch should be used instead to get Raikou out of unfavorable matchups while also getting chip damage off on the opponent.
  • The EV spread maximizes Raikou's Sp.Attack, ensuring it can hit as hard as possible. 232 Speed with a Timid nature allows it to outspeed everything up to and including Mega Lucario. The rest of the EVs are put into HP to give it a little more bulk.
  • For the item choice, Shuca Berry is preferred, as it allows Raikou to bait in Garchomp and Landorus-Therian, smack them hard with Hidden Power Ice, and allow Raikou to safely switch in against them as Shuca Berry temporarily removes its weakness to Earthquake. Assault Vest can be used instead of further bolster Raikou's special bulk, but prevents it from using Protect and also leaves it susceptible to Earthquake.
  • The best time to switch Raikou in is when the opponent has a Flying or Electric type such as Togekiss or Thundurus-Incarnate on the field.
  • If your opponent has any special attackers out, Snarl should be used liberally, but be wary of Bisharp, as it gains a free +2 Attack boost from Snarl due to Defiant.
  • If running Assault Vest, it is crucial to know when to switch out manually or when to use Volt Switch, as you do not have Protect to guard you from Earthquake.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 492s.png591.png286.png130.png663.png
    Pokemon that dislike Flying and Electric types appreciate having Raikou around to wall them. Sky Shaymin, Amoonguss and Breloom, for instance, dislike Flying types, while Gyarados and Talonflame dislike Thundurus-Incarnate. Gyarados is notable for also being able to soften blows from physical attackers with Intimidate, while Raikou can Snarl the special attackers who aren't crippled by it.
  • 681.png237.png
    Aegislash and Hitmontop can provide Wide Guard support, blocking Earthquake entirely, and is especially useful if Raikou is running an Assault Vest instead of Chople Berry.
  • 115-m.png373-m.png303-m.png376-m.png094-m.png282-m.png006-my.png
    The number one reason to use Raikou over Mega Manectric is so that it can be used alongside other, more viable Megas. Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Salamence immediately come to mind, being two S-rank threats in Doubles OU. Mega Kangaskhan also has the benefit of providing Fake Out support to the team.
  • 479w.png534.png
    Pokemon that can handle opposing Ground types can make Raikou's life easier, especially against the ones that Raikou can't touch such as Mamoswine and Excadrill. Rotom-Wash handles the former while Conkeldurr KOs the latter.
  • 645-s.png373.png303.png130.png237.png560.png479w.png479h.png663.png
    Due to Raikou's lower physical bulk, Pokemon with Intimidate and/or Will-o-Wisp make for good partners, as they cripple the physical attackers that can give Raikou problems while also baiting Special attackers to come in for Raikou to use Snarl.

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Raikou

  • 645-s.png260.png260-m.png530.png445.png473.png323.png323-m.png
    Ground types can come in against Raikou's Thunderbolt and threaten to KO with Earthquake. Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian, Sand Rush Excadrill, Mega Swampert, and Mega Camerupt under Trick Room can all outspeed and KO. Of the above Ground types, only Landorus-Therian and Garchomp worry about Hidden Power Ice, but these two will sometimes carry a Yache Berry to guarantee surviving stray Ice attacks.
  • 646-b.png598.png
    Black Kyurem and Ferrothorn resist Thunderbolt and aren't fazed by Hidden Power Ice, while they can smack Raikou with physical attacks. In Black Kyurem's case it set up Substitute, though Raikou can cut into its mixed attacking potential with Snarl.
  • 609.png683.png488.png663.png468.png381.png663.png635.png145.png245.png130.png385.png
    Speed control such as Trick Room, Tailwind, and Icy Wind can circumvent Raikou's speed and turn it into a liability. However, most setters of Tailwind are weak to Raikou's Thunderbolt, and those who aren't (namely Latios, Hydreigon, and Zapdos) are usually special attackers who dislike Snarl cutting into their Sp.Attack stats.
  • 115-m.pngdiancie-mega.png248.png534.png560.png376-m.png381.png381-m.png380.png380-m.png485.png479h.png591.png
    Specially Bulky Pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan, normal Diancie, normal Tyranitar, Assault Vest Conkeldurr, Assault Vest Scrafty, Mega Metagross, normal and Mega Latios & Latias, Heatran and Rotom-Heat can easily absorb a hit from Raikou and fire back with powerful physical attacks or, in the case of the Latis, Heatran and Rotom-Heat, use hard hitting Draco Meteor, Earth Power and Overheat, respectively. Amoonguss is only 5HKOed by Hidden Power Ice after Sitrus Berry recovery, while it can redirect Raikou's attacks with Rage Powder or shut it down with Spore.

External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles, OU)
Smogon Analysis (Doubles, OU)

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And now a special PotW that will happen once a year, let me tell you a tale featuring a bird that spreads holiday cheer.

Delibird (aka "How Delibird 'saved' Christmas")
delibird.gif

Tier Status (Singles): NU
Tier Status (Doubles): DUU


Type (Normal): Ice/Flying
Type (Mega): Ice/Flying

Base Stats: 45 / 55 / 45 / 65 / 45 / 75


Abilities:

  • Hustle: All physical attacks have their accuracy lowered by 20%, but with x1.5 more power so please don't lament.
  • Insomnia: When hit by moves like Spore from Breloom the creep, this Pokemon will refuse to go to sleep.
  • Vital Spirit (Hidden Ability): Immunity to sleep is good but this ability is sad, because its a clone of an ability Delibird already had.

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles NU Overview
  • Singles RU Overview
  • Singles UU Overview
  • Singles OU Overview

 

 

Singles NU Overview
225.pngORAS Singles NU Viability: C-

In a tier far from OUville where the shitmons play, there lives a special bird who flies on his sleigh. Every year he brings lots of presents and toys, for all Feraligatr and Uxie girls and boys. Inside each gift that this special bird bring, is a base power and effect more inconsistent than Fling. Gimmicky at best, the potential 120 base power is nothing more than a ruse, because the chance of healing the foe, this move should never be used. But inside his bag of gifts, lay Spikes and Spinners and all the Hoo-Hifts. Then the holiday bird realized, " Rather than gifts I can bring my utility", yet he was completely unaware of his typing's own futility.

ORAS PU Singles Moveset: Utility
225.png
Ability: Vital Spirit or Insomnia / Item: @Focus Sash
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Spikes / Destiny Bond / Rapid Spin / Ice Beam or Freeze Dry

Tips:

  • Spikes is the new gift Delibird gets with his holiday wishes, as it punishes the foe's switches.
  • Destiny Bond ensures that even if Delibird is knocked out by attacks, that your opponent's sweeper will be stopped in their tracks.
  • But the opponent can use his own Spikes, or perhaps even Stealth Rocked, but with Rapid Spin the foe's efforts will be cockblocked.
  • For the last slot, there is Ice Beam, which makes Grass and Flying scream, while if you go Freeze Dry, you'll make even Feraligtr cry.
  • The above EV spreads gives Delibird the most power that it need, while the spread also maximizes Delibird's speed.
  • The item of choice is the Focus Sash, which will guarantee that Delibird lays 1 Spikes layer before running out of HP.
  • The mission is simple, and here I'll tell you why; the bird should be used first, lay Spikes, and then die.

Singles NU Checks & Counters to Delibird

  • 157.png567.png323-mega.png668.png112.png208-mega.png
    With Ice and Flying, our special bird will be crying, as it faces all the attacks common attackers can give, as the Delibird cries out "Its Super Effective!".
  • While our poor bird starts spinning away Stealth Rock, it won't be for long they say, as they say that Stealth Rock cut its life in half that day.

 

 

Singles RU Overview
225.pngORAS Singles RU Viability: F

Hoping to spread some holiday cheer, the Delibird left NU, smirking at those who mocked him with a sneer. As the Bird flew over RUtown, it saw below, a tier dominated by the mighty Moltres and Mega Sharpedo. It saw other high ranking threats during its christmas raid, including Mega Camerupt, Cobalion, Fletchinder and Doublade. And with the savior doge Houndoom ready to roast our bird to stew, the Delibird then exclaimed "Theres no place for me here, I must move on to UU."

 

 

 

Singles UU Overview
225.pngORAS Singles UU Viability: F

As the Bird flew over UUville it then landed with glee, until it met face to face with the mighty Jirachi. With Aggrons and Aerodactyls all gone Mega powered, Delibird ran as the clock struck the hour. Then it saw, over there yonder in the distance, a snow girl with grace; a yukionna named Froslass, which took Delibird's place. While she was beautiful and lacked any crass, with the same moves but better typing, Delibird knew he was outclassed. Sad and dejected, the bird then ran, until it realized "there's still OUland!"

 

 

 

Singles OU Overview
225.pngORAS Singles OU Viability: F

 

The bird landed in the hostile OUland, and met with the boss, who introduced himself as Mega Metagross. An affectionate punch as a show of good will for the holiday bash, the poor bird was knocked out by a single Meteor Mash. Even those that Delibird would normally be strong against like Latios and Landorus who were both Ice weak, it was their powerful attacks that exposed Delibird as the one who was meek. Then the terrifying Greninja wearing fancy holiday hats, took one look at the bird and said "lol what shitty base stats!" The poor bird stood hopeless, dejected and defeated, with blood gushing from its beak. Poor poor Delibird then realized he was weak. He thought to himself deeply... and pondered as he lay on the ground... what could he do to bring his holiday cheer around. "Wait..." he said as he thought as he thought of an idea so crazy and odd... "Yes! It might work! I must go find God!"

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
225.pngORAS Singles Ubers Viability: F

 

So the little Delibird loaded back on his sleigh, and traversed the heavens to find the land of Ubers that day. His resolve was renewed, it would not break this time as he held on, but his sleigh was suddenly decimated by an attack from Primal Groudon.

 

 

...and from that base 180 attack our poor Delibird was dead. He could not hold out in Ubers, it was said. At least he wasn't shredded into molecules by Palkia's Spacial Rend, but our tale is now over, and with that, I say...

 

The End

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And now a special PotW that will happen once a year, let me tell you a tale featuring a bird that spreads holiday cheer.

Delibird (aka "How Delibird 'saved' Christmas")

delibird.gif

Tier Status (Singles): NU

Tier Status (Doubles): DUU

Type (Normal): Ice/Flying

Type (Mega): Ice/Flying

Base Stats: 45 / 55 / 45 / 65 / 45 / 75

Abilities:

  • Hustle: All physical attacks have their accuracy lowered by 20%, but with x1.5 more power so please don't lament.
  • Insomnia: When hit by moves like Spore from Breloom the creep, this Pokemon will refuse to go to sleep.
  • Vital Spirit (Hidden Ability): Immunity to sleep is good but this ability is sad, because its a clone of an ability Delibird already had.

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles NU Overview
  • Singles RU Overview
  • Singles UU Overview
  • Singles OU Overview

 

 

Singles NU Overview

225.pngORAS Singles NU Viability: C-

In a tier far from OUville where the shitmons play, there lives a special bird who flies on his sleigh. Every year he brings lots of presents and toys, for all Feraligatr and Uxie girls and boys. Inside each gift that this special bird bring, is a base power and effect more inconsistent than Fling. Gimmicky at best, the potential 120 base power is nothing more than a ruse, because the chance of healing the foe, this move should never be used. But inside his bag of gifts, lay Spikes and Spinners and all the Hoo-Hifts. Then the holiday bird realized, " Rather than gifts I can bring my utility", yet he was completely unaware of his typing's own futility.

ORAS PU Singles Moveset: Utility

225.png

Ability: Vital Spirit or Insomnia / Item: @Focus Sash

Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed

Moves: Spikes / Destiny Bond / Rapid Spin / Ice Beam or Freeze Dry

Tips:

  • Spikes is the new gift Delibird gets with his holiday wishes, as it punishes the foe's switches.
  • Destiny Bond ensures that even if Delibird is knocked out by attacks, that your opponent's sweeper will be stopped in their tracks.
  • But the opponent can use his own Spikes, or perhaps even Stealth Rocked, but with Rapid Spin the foe's efforts will be cockblocked.
  • For the last slot, there is Ice Beam, which makes Grass and Flying scream, while if you go Freeze Dry, you'll make even Feraligtr cry.
  • The above EV spreads gives Delibird the most power that it need, while the spread also maximizes Delibird's speed.
  • The item of choice is the Focus Sash, which will guarantee that Delibird lays 1 Spikes layer before running out of HP.
  • The mission is simple, and here I'll tell you why; the bird should be used first, lay Spikes, and then die.

Singles NU Checks & Counters to Delibird

  • 157.png567.png323-mega.png668.png112.png208-mega.png

    With Ice and Flying, our special bird will be crying, as it faces all the attacks common attackers can give, as the Delibird cries out "Its Super Effective!".

  • While our poor bird starts spinning away Stealth Rock, it won't be for long they say, as they say that Stealth Rock cut its life in half that day.

 

 

Singles RU Overview

225.pngORAS Singles RU Viability: F

Hoping to spread some holiday cheer, the Delibird left NU, smirking at those who mocked him with a sneer. As the Bird flew over RUtown, it saw below, a tier dominated by the mighty Moltres and Mega Sharpedo. It saw other high ranking threats during its christmas raid, including Mega Camerupt, Cobalion, Fletchinder and Doublade. And with the savior doge Houndoom ready to roast our bird to stew, the Delibird then exclaimed "Theres no place for me here, I must move on to UU."

 

 

 

Singles UU Overview

225.pngORAS Singles UU Viability: F

As the Bird flew over UUville it then landed with glee, until it met face to face with the mighty Jirachi. With Aggrons and Aerodactyls all gone Mega powered, Delibird ran as the clock struck the hour. Then it saw, over there yonder in the distance, a snow girl with grace; a yukionna named Froslass, which took Delibird's place. While she was beautiful and lacked any crass, with the same moves but better typing, Delibird knew he was outclassed. Sad and dejected, the bird then ran, until it realized "there's still OUland!"

 

 

 

Singles OU Overview

225.pngORAS Singles OU Viability: F

 

The bird landed in the hostile OUland, and met with the boss, who introduced himself as Mega Metagross. An affectionate punch as a show of good will for the holiday bash, the poor bird was knocked out by a single Meteor Mash. Even those that Delibird would normally be strong against like Latios and Landorus who were both Ice weak, it was their powerful attacks that exposed Delibird as the one who was meek. Then the terrifying Greninja wearing fancy holiday hats, took one look at the bird and said "lol what shitty base stats!" The poor bird stood hopeless, dejected and defeated, with blood gushing from its beak. Poor poor Delibird then realized he was weak. He thought to himself deeply... and pondered as he lay on the ground... what could he do to bring his holiday cheer around. "Wait..." he said as he thought as he thought of an idea so crazy and odd... "Yes! It might work! I must go find God!"

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview

225.pngORAS Singles Ubers Viability: F

 

So the little Delibird loaded back on his sleigh, and traversed the heavens to find the land of Ubers that day. His resolve was renewed, it would not break this time as he held on, but his sleigh was suddenly decimated by an attack from Primal Groudon.

 

 

...and from that base 180 attack our poor Delibird was dead. He could not hold out in Ubers, it was said. At least he wasn't shredded into molecules by Palkia's Spacial Rend, but our tale is now over, and with that, I say...

 

The End

LoL! Nice rhythm on that Rice!  :=D: 

 

But jokes aside as you said this a Pokemon that also needs some love. Maybe next christmas it can have Megastone to be more stronger to its tone. :goodmood:

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Okay Delibird shenanigans aside, here's the real holiday present; I get to bring the next PotW a few days early. This one is a Pokemon that was previously covered a few weeks ago, but has been updated due to drastic shifts in the Ubers metagame (and Ubers in general):

Rayquaza (revisited)
rayquaza.gif384-m.png

Tier Status (Singles, Normal): Ubers
Tier Status (Singles, Mega): AG

Tier Status (Doubles, Normal): DUbers
Tier Status (Doubles, Mega): DUbers

Type (Normal): Dragon/Flying
Type (Mega): Dragon/Flying

Base Stats (Normal): 105 / 150 / 90 / 150 / 90 / 95
Base Stats (Mega): 105 / 180 / 100 / 180 / 100 / 115


Abilities (Normal):

  • Air Lock: For as long as this Pokemon is on the field, negates the effect of all weathers.

Abilities (Mega):

  • Delta Stream: For as long as this Pokemon is on the field, the Strong Winds weather is in effect. Cannot be overwritten by other weathers and reduces the damage of Rock, Electric, and Ice attacks by 50% when used against Flying types. This weather disappears once the Pokemon is switched out.

 

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles Ubers Overview

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
384.pngORAS Singles Ubers Viability: A-
384-m.pngORAS Singles Ubers Viability: BANNED


Rayquaza is a Pokemon that was already covered as a PotW and the first one for ORAS. However, many drastic changes have taken place since then that Rayquaza deserves being looked at again. The first and foremost change is that, days after the original PotW for Rayquaza was written, its Mega Evolution became the first Pokemon in competitive Pokemon history to be banned from the Ubers tier. Because of Mega Rayquaza's sheer offensive power and virtual lack of checks, counters, AND opportunity cost, the entire Ubers tier had to be redefined as Mega Rayquaza forced Smogon to acknowledge Ubers as a legitimate tier instead of just an OU banlist with its own metagame. For those who are curious as to why this behemoth was banned from Ubers, the reasons are outlined in Smogon's official ban announcement:

 

There is a lot to say about M-Ray but I will try to keep it short. In general, the Ubers Pokemon hover around ~700 BST; anything higher has either a wasted ability slot (Multitype) or a restricted item slot (Orbs, Plates, Mega Stones). What separates Mega Rayquaza from the rest is the fact that it is the first unrestricted ~800 BST pokemon. As a result, it is able to easily overpower most Pokemon in Ubers (calcs and description by PROBLEMS):

  • 252 Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Palkia: 328-386 (101.8 - 119.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO - speed creeps palkia by 1 point and just out right kills it without any boosts
  • 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arceus: 308-363 (80.8 - 95.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock - 50% chance to kill standard Jolly Ekiller after rocks unboosted
  • +1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arceus: 460-542 (103.6 - 122%) -- guaranteed OHKO - set up a dragon dance which outspeeds arceus and support without any defense dies
  • +2 252 Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Primal Groudon: 372-439 (92 - 108.6%) -- 50% chance to OHKO - groudon gets outsped at +2 and just dies
  • 252 Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 356-421 (100.5 - 118.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO & 252 SpA Mega Mewtwo Y Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Delta Stream Rayquaza: 266-314 (75.7 - 89.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO - lives an ice beam from this thing and sets up or kills
  • +2 252 Atk Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Extreme Speed vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Mewtwo Y: 389-458 (109.8 - 129.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO - ^
  • +2 252 Atk Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Lugia: 390-460 (93.9 - 110.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO - people say Lugia is its 'best counter' and well look at this, consider on an well built hyper offense team the other team struggles to defog so rocks are up
  • +1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Lugia: 321-380 (77.3 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery - even at +1 the 'wall' dies shows you that Lugia is forced to whirlwind away whilst taking all this damage in the process as it cant really thunder-wave due to if rocks /are/ off then getting followed up +2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 214-252 (51.5 - 60.7%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery - which leads to you following up the ko with espeed next turn: +2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Lugia: 191-225 (46 - 54.2%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery = dead lugia

As a result of Mega Rayquaza's ban and the redefining of the Ubers tier, a new metagame called AG (short for Anything Goes) was created as the spiritual successor to the old Ubers tier; many of the things that were banned from Ubers such as OHKO moves, Moody, Swagger, and even Mega Rayquaza are allowed. As such, an AG analysis for Mega Rayquaza will not be covered here (and you should probably seriously rethink your definition of fun if you think using this thing in Ubers is fun).

Normal Rayquaza, despite having its Mega Evolution banned from Ubers, is still a great mixed wallbreaker. Air Lock also received a slight buff in that it can negate the effects of Desolate Land and Primordial Sea, the two new abilities introduced in ORAS that are exclusive to Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, so Rayquaza can act as a soft check to them. Prior to ORAS, Rayquaza had to rely on V-Create, a powerful physical 180 base power Fire move that it obtains from a Gen 5 event. However, ORAS granted Rayquaza a signature move in the form of Dragon Ascent, which is basically a Flying type version of Close Combat, which also happened to be the only requirement for Rayquaza to Mega Evolve (don't you dare press that button though), giving Rayquaza a much more reliable option. Many of Rayquaza's old checks and counters from X&Y Ubers have decreased in usage in ORAS due to the presence of Primal Groudon. However, Rayquaza is still prone to being revenge killed and its typing isnt too great defensively, especially when its left with a Stealth Rock weakness.

 

NOTE: It is interesting to note however that the ban of Mega Rayquaza in Ubers is one of the few differences between Smogon's tiers and Pokemon Online's tiers in that, while only Mega Evolving Rayquaza is banned from Smogon's Ubers tier, Pokemon Online's Mega Rayquaza ban extends to cover Dragon Ascent as well, mostly due to technical limitations within the simulator. Thus, this PotW will assume that Smogon's ruleset is in effect, in that Mega Rayquaza itself is banned while Dragon Ascent is not.



ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Mixed Wallbreaker
384.png
Ability: Air Lock / Item: @Life Orb
Nature (1): Naive w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 40 Sp.Attack / 216 Speed
Nature (2): Naive w/ EVs: 40 Attack / 252 Sp.Attack / 216 Speed
Moves: Draco Meteor / Dragon Ascent / Earthquake or Fire Blast / Extremespeed or Earthquake

Tips:

  • Draco Meteor allows Rayquaza to plow through physical walls, even going as far as to 2HKO Defensive Primal Groudon, while potentially OHKOing Offensive sets after Stealth Rock.
  • Dragon Ascent is a powerful physical Flying type STAB that, alongside Draco Meteor, allows Rayquaza to act as a mixed wallbreaker, hitting the Specially Defensive Pokemon that Draco Meteor can't touch.
  • The third slot is dedicated to hitting Steel types who don't care about Draco Meteor or Dragon Ascent. Earthquake hits on the physical side and smashes Heatran. Fire Blast, however, hits on the special side and decimates Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Bronzong, and Scizor.
  • For the last slot, Extremespeed allows Rayquaza to perform against Offensive teams, hitting faster yet frail Pokemon and letting Rayquaza act as a revenge killer. If extra coverage is necessary to fare against Stall and Balanced teams, Earthquake can be used here if Fire Blast is run in the third slot.
  • The above EV spreads allow Rayquaza to outspeed positive natured base 90 speed Pokemon, including Jolly Primal Groudon and Timid Kyogre. The nature remains the same for both spreads, the only difference being whether to maximize Attack or Sp.Attack. The most notable thing about the second EV spread is that it allows Draco Meteor to OHKO all variants of Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage, but greatly limits the power of Dragon Ascent.
  • This Rayquaza set's first priority is as a wallbreaker; it should be brought in early to the middle of the match, either KOing or weakening bulky and defensive Pokemon on your opponent's team, so that a sweeper can be brought in later.
  • Due to Life Orb recoil, it is crucial to keep Rayquaza as healthy as possible for as long as possible, to avoid being revenge killed.
  • Both Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent 2HKO most of the Ubers Metagame, so there isnt that much pressure choosing between the two of them. Even with the Sp.Attack drop from Draco Meteor, you're not forced to immediately switch out afterward as you can still hit hard on the physical side with Dragon Ascent.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Surf can be used on the Mixed wallbreaker set specifically for Primal Groudon, as Air Lock negates the Water immunity provided to Primal Groudon through the use of Intense Sunlight, easily scoring an OHKO. Although being able to score an OHKO on the most threatening Pokemon currently in Ubers is huge, Surf does not have much use outside of this purpose, and it is difficult to find a moveslot for it as running Surf limits Rayquaza's other coverage options unless you drop Extremespeed. However, if you need a check to Primal Groudon and if you can fit Surf in on Rayquaza, then by all means go for it.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Y63zdgN.png
    Despite sharing the exact same type, Mega Salamence is the perfect teammate for Rayquaza, as they are able to KO most of each others checks and counters aside from Lugia and support Arceus formes.
  • 383-p.png483.png386a.png386s.png645-s.png598.png485.png
    Because Lugia is a problem, Stealth Rock setters can lay them down and break its Multiscale the moment it switches in. It also helps to break Focus Sash on fast and frail Pokemon so that Rayquaza can KO with Extremespeed.
  • 380.png381.png487o.png530.png
    Defog and Rapid Spin users from Arceus forms, Latias, Latios, Origin Giratina, and Excadrill can keep Stealth Rock off of Rayquaza's side of the field.
  • 645-s.png212.png649.png644.png
    Users of Volt Switch and U-turn can provide Rayquaza with opportunities to safely switch in and break down walls.

 

 

ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Swords Dance
384.png
Ability: Air Lock / Item: @Life Orb
Nature: Adamant or Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Sp.Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Earthquake / Extremespeed, Dragon Dance, or V-Create

Tips:

  • Swords Dance turns Rayquaza into a threatening physical wallbreaker
  • Dragon Ascent is a powerful physical Flying type STAB that smashes anything that doesn't resist it.
  • Earthquake pairs wonderfully with Dragon Ascent, breaking any Steel or Rock type not named Skarmory.
  • For the last slot, Extremespeed allows Rayquaza to punish faster offensive threats and hits hard after a Swords Dance boost. Dragon Dance can be used here to give Rayquaza an option against offensive teams, turning it into a cleaner. V-Create can also be used to get past Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory, but otherwise has limited use.
  • The given EV spread maximizes Rayquaza's Attack and Speed. Adamant nature gives it the best physical wallbreaking power, but Jolly allows Rayquaza to outspeed Lugia and positive natured base 90 speed Pokemon. The 4 Sp.Defense EVs are there specifically to avoid giving Genesect a Sp.Attack boost from Download, pressuring it to use U-turn instead and capitalizing on your opponent's lost momentum from doing so.
  • If using both Swords Dance and Dragon Dance, know that very rarely will you be able to get to use both in a single match. Instead, you must use the boosting move that is most beneficial against the opponent's team; Swords Dance is used for Defensive teams, while Dragon Dance is to be used against Offensive teams.
  • If running Extremespeed, only use it to score revenge kills, and avoid using it to clean an opponent's team unless it has been weakened beforehand.
  • Take caution if your opponent has any potential Choice Scarf or priority users, as they can take advantage of Rayquaza's lowered defenses after using Dragon Ascent, forcing you to switch out.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Y63zdgN.png
    Despite sharing the exact same type, Mega Salamence is the perfect teammate for Rayquaza, as they are able to KO most of each others checks and counters aside from Lugia and support Arceus formes.
  • 383-p.png483.png386a.png386s.png645-s.png598.png485.png
    Because Lugia is a problem, Stealth Rock setters can lay them down and break its Multiscale the moment it switches in. It also helps to break Focus Sash on fast and frail Pokemon so that Rayquaza can KO with Extremespeed. Primal Groudon, in particular, can use its Fire type STAB to help eliminate Steel types so that Rayquaza can use Extremespeed to clean up.
  • 380.png381.png487o.png530.png
    Defog and Rapid Spin users from Arceus forms, Latias, Latios, Origin Giratina, and Excadrill can keep Stealth Rock off of Rayquaza's side of the field.
  • 645-s.png212.png649.png644.png
    Users of Volt Switch and U-turn can provide Rayquaza with opportunities to safely switch in and break down walls.
  • 707.png
    Klefki can lay down Spikes for Rayquaza, wearing down switch ins further while also checking Latios, Latias, and Xerneas.

 

 

ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Choice Band
384.png
Ability: Air Lock / Item: @Choice Band
Nature: Adamant or Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Dragon Ascent / Earthquake / Extremespeed / V-Create or Waterfall

Tips:

  • Dragon Ascent hits stupidly hard after a Choice Band boost, 2HKOing even Arceus formes and Lugia after Stealth Rock damage.
  • Earthquake hits Steel and Rock types that don't care about Dragon Ascent, and also deals a chunk of damage to Primal Groudon.
  • Extremespeed allows Rayquaza to punish faster offensive threats and hits hard with a Choice Band boost.
  • V-Create get past Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Genesect and Skarmory. Waterfall is an option to use to OHKO Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock, as Air Lock negates Primal Groudon's water immunity, but otherwise has limited use.
  • The given EV spread maximizes Rayquaza's Attack and Speed. Adamant nature gives it the best physical wallbreaking power, but Jolly allows Rayquaza to outspeed Lugia and positive natured base 90 speed Pokemon.
  • Because of its absurd power after a Choice Band boost, Dragon Ascent still dents Pokemon that resist it, so don't be afraid of being locked into it.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Y63zdgN.png
    Despite sharing the exact same type, Mega Salamence is the perfect teammate for Rayquaza, as they are able to KO most of each others checks and counters aside from Lugia and support Arceus formes.
  • 383-p.png483.png386a.png386s.png645-s.png598.png485.png
    Because Lugia is a problem, Stealth Rock setters can lay them down and break its Multiscale the moment it switches in. It also helps to break Focus Sash on fast and frail Pokemon so that Rayquaza can KO with Extremespeed. Primal Groudon, in particular, can use its Fire type STAB to help eliminate Steel types so that Rayquaza can use Extremespeed to clean up.
  • 380.png381.png487o.png530.png
    Defog and Rapid Spin users from Arceus forms, Latias, Latios, Origin Giratina, and Excadrill can keep Stealth Rock off of Rayquaza's side of the field.
  • 645-s.png212.png649.png644.png
    Users of Volt Switch and U-turn can provide Rayquaza with opportunities to safely switch in and break down walls.
  • 707.png
    Klefki can lay down Spikes for Rayquaza, wearing down switch ins further while also checking Latios, Latias, and Xerneas.

Singles Ubers Checks & Counters to Rayquaza

  • 249.png
    Lugia can wall Rayquaza while setting up Reflect, and can Whirlwind out the Swords Dance set, but has to watch out for Stealth Rock, as the Choice Band set can 2HKO.
  • 383-p.png
    Even though Offensive Primal Groudon risks being OHKOed by Draco Meteor, it can handle the Swords Dance set and sets lacking Waterfall or Surf, while burning Rayquaza with Lava Plume or using Stone Edge to put Rayquaza out of its misery.
  • 382.png644.png150.png150-my.png
    Revenge killers, such as Choice Scarf Kyogre and Choice Scarf Zekrom can outspeed and KO Rayquaza. Mewtwo and Mega Mewtwo Y are fast enough to outspeed most Pokemon including Rayquaza and deal serious damage with Psystrike, or OHKO with Ice Beam if they run it.
  • 493-ghost.png493.png493-grass.png493-rock.png493-water.png493-ground.png
    Arceus formes that commonly run support sets, including Ghost, Fairy, Grass, Rock, Water, Ground, can take a hit from Rayquaza, outspeed and burn it with Will-o-Wisp while Recovering off the damage. All of them except Arceus-Grass avoid a 2HKO from a burned Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent.

 

 

Doubles Ubers Overview
384.pngORAS Doubles Ubers Viability: N/A
384-m.pngORAS Doubles Ubers Viability: N/A

Doubles Ubers is normally not covered in PotW posts, as the metagame is still immature and has a marginally small player base, which also means a lack of viability rankings. That being said, Doubles Ubers is the only metagame other than AG where Mega Rayquaza is allowed. Delta Stream was clearly made for Doubles, as while Delta Stream was one factor that contributed to Mega Rayquaza's ban from all tiers in Singles, Delta Stream becomes even more prominent in Doubles as not only does Mega Rayquaza get to enjoy the benefit of receiving 50% less damage from Rock, Ice, and Electric attacks, but so do all Flying type partners to Mega Rayquaza. This includes Pokemon like Ho-oh, Yveltal, Lugia, Landorus-Therian, Thundurus-Incarnate, Sky Shaymin and more.



ORAS Ubers Doubles Moveset: Mega Physical Attacker
384-m.png
Ability: Air Lock (Delta Stream) / Item: @Life Orb
Nature: Adamant or Jolly w/ EVs: 4 HP /252 Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Dragon Ascent / Earthquake / Extremespeed / Protect

Tips:

  • Dragon Ascent hits stupidly hard after Life Orb and Mega Evolving.
  • Earthquake hits Steel and Rock types that don't care about Dragon Ascent
  • Extremespeed allows Mega Rayquaza to punish faster offensive threats and bypass Tailwind.
  • Protect is a staple move of many Pokemon, punishing double targeting as well as scouting the opponent or stalling out field conditions.
  • The given EV spread maximizes Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed. Adamant gives it the most physical attack possible while Jolly lets it outspeed as many threats as possible on the turn it Mega Evolves.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 383-p.png
  • 468.png385.png
    Mega Rayquaza still doesn't like Ice attacks, so Follow Me users such as Togekiss and Jirachi help. In addition to being able to provide Follow Me support, Togekiss can also provide Mega Rayquaza with Tailwind, turning its already high base 115 speed into a lightning fast 722 with Jolly and max investment. Togekiss also becomes much more effective at using Follow Me as it now loses its Rock, Electric, and Ice weaknesses thanks to Delta Stream, redirecting Ice attacks aimed at MegaRayray and only taking neutral damage from them.

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Rayquaza & Mega Rayquaza

  • 384.png383-p.png382-p.png
    Due to Air Lock, Desolate Lands, and Primordial Sea, Normal Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre can negate the effects of Delta Stream, causing Mega Rayquaza to regain its 4x Ice weakness. It should be noted that Rayquaza and Primal Kyogre will be OHKOed by Dragon Ascent due to their mediocre physical Defense, while Primal Groudon risks being OHKOed after a single Dragon Dance boost.
  • 473.png
    Mamoswine can live a +1 Extremespeed while it can only 2HKO with Ice Shard, but if Delta Stream is overwritten by one of the above weathers, Ice Shard can OHKO. Situational check at best.
  • 717.png716.pngWHn0uhM.png
    Choice Scarf Yveltal can outspeed and revenge kill Mega Rayquaza with Foul Play and prior damage, while only being 3HKOed by Extremespeed. Choice Scarf Xerneas can live a +2 Extremespeed while it OHKOs Mega Rayquaza with Moonblast. Mega Diancie is in a similar position in that it can OHKO with Moonblast, but it cannot outspeed and gets OHKOed by Earthquake at +0 and by Dragon Ascent at +1.
  • 373.png645-s.png303.png130.png383-p.png250.png485.png094-m.png479w.png
    Due to mostly being a physical attacker, Initimidate and Burns can mitigate the damage from Mega Rayquaza.
  • 468.png385.png
    Many of Mega Rayquaza's attacks can be redirected with Follow Me or Rage Powder. While this may KO the user in question, it opens up Mega Rayquaza to its other checks and counters. Togekiss, in particular, is immune to Earthquake, the only spread move Mega Rayquaza carries.
  • 681.png
    Aegislash can play around Mega Rayquaza's attacks with King's Shield and 2HKO with Shadow Ball, though it is 2HKOed by Earthquake.
  • 381.png468.png663.png488.png642.png
    Users of speed control such as Tailwind, Trick Room, or Thunder Wave can circumvent Mega Rayquaza's 115 base speed, either by causing its team to outspeed it or by turing MegaRay's speed into a liability. Latios, in particular, can OHKO with STAB Draco Meteor, while Talonflame and Thundurus-Incarnate both have priority Tailwind and Thunder Wave, respectively. Due note that Mega Rayquaza can circumvent speed control with Extremespeed.

External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles Ubers)

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  • 2 weeks later...

To kick off the new year, here's my personal favorite Pokemon in OU (even if I don't use it that much anymore)

Skarmory
skarmory.gif

 

Skarmory general discussion thread:

Tier Status (Singles): OU
Tier Status (Doubles): DRU

Type: Steel/Flying

Base Stats: 65 / 80 / 140 / 40 / 70 / 70


Abilities:

  • Keen Eye: Pokemon with this Ability cannot have their Accuracy lowered. As of Generation 6, Pokemon with this ability will also ignore the opponent's Evasion boosts.
  • Sturdy: Pokemon with this ability are immune to the OHKO moves Horn Drill, Fissure, Guillotine, and Sheer Cold. As of Generation 5, Pokemon with this ability are also guaranteed to survive any attack with at least 1 HP remaining as long as they are at full health.
  • Weak Armor (Hidden Ability): When this Pokemon is struck with a physical attack, its Speed increases by 1 stage, but its Defense is lowered by 1 stage.

 

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

 

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability: B+
Viability changes from X&Y Singles OU: B+ -> B+

Ah, Skarmory. Where do I even begin? This thing has belonged to OU ever since it was first introduced back in Gen 2, anyone whos played GSC back in the old days remembers the infamous SkarmBliss core; Skarmory put a dead stop to physical attacks while Blissey sponged the special attacks aimed at Skarmory. Skarmory has almost always been used as a physical wall in each subsequent generation, as its unique Steel/Flying type offers it many resistances and immunities while only having 2 weaknesses. Gen 3 gifted Skarmory with Spikes, while Gen 4 gave Skarmory Stealth Rock and Roost, while Gen 5 buffed Sturdy to further enhance Skarmory's potential as a wall and support Pokemon.

Gen 6, however, gave Skarmory a big blow by removing its resistances to Ghost and Dark, and with the power creep of Mega Evolutions, Skarmory finds it harder to wall prominent physical threats. Nonetheless, Skarmory's large defense stat, unique typing, and support options allows it to continue to be a reliable answer to many physical attackers in OU. Gen 6 also buffed Defog, granting Skarmory a new role not as a hazard setter, but as a hazard remover, and one of the few Defog users for Stall teams that isn't weak to Stealth Rock. Skarmory, however, is extremely passive; it is very susceptible to Taunt and with only 80 base attack, Skarmory's only reliable means of attacking back is Counter, as even STAB Brave Bird fails to OHKO the Pokemon that it needs to. Furthermore, Skarmory's biggest counter, Magnezone, is more popular than ever, forcing Skarmory to run Shed Shell and limiting its item slot. Additionally, Skarmory also suffers from Four Moveslot syndrome due to its number of support options, and Skarmory's role as a hazard setter in earlier Generations is much harder to do due to Defog, and running both hazards and Defog puts too much pressure on Skarmory to function well.


ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Physical Wall
227.png
Ability: Sturdy / Item: @Shed Shell
Nature: Bold or Impish w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Sp.Defense
Moves: Roost / Defog / Counter or Brave Bird / Whirlwind or Taunt

Tips:

  • Roost is Skarmory's most important move, allowing it to stay healthy and continually switch in against physical attackers.
  • Defog is mandatory as it is Skamory's most important contribution as a utility Pokemon, removing entry hazards as not only is Skarmory immune to Spikes, but is one of the few Defog users not weak to Stealth Rock.
  • The third slot is dedicated to not having Skarmory completely shut down by Taunt. Counter is Skarmory's best option against Mega Pinsir and Mega Metagross, allowing Skarmory to beat them, OHKOing the former. Brave Bird, while weaker, is harder to play around than Counter, and can be used to wear down switch-ins.
  • The last slot is dedicated to preventing Skarmory from being easy setup bait. Whirlwind can be used to phaze out setup sweepers, forcing them to switch out and lose their boosts. Taunt, however, can shut down other support Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, and is best used in conjunction with Counter as it forces physical attackers to attack Skarmory directly, eliminating the need to predict.
  • The given EV spread with Bold/Impish nature is geared to make Skarmory as physically bulky as possible. Bold nature should only be used if running Counter, as Skarmory doesn't need Attack and also reduces damage from confusion and Foul Play, otherwise Impish should be used if running Brave Bird, so that its damage output isn't reduced.
  • Shed Shell is mandatory, as it allows Skarmory to switch out once against its number one counter: Magnezone.
  • Skarmory's primary role is a hazard remover, thus it should be kept healthy until the opponent's hazard setter is KOed or if hazard removal is absolutely necessary (i.e.: to send in Charizard prior to Mega Evolving).
  • Being a physical wall is Skarmory's secondary role, and thus should be kept healthy so that it can put a stop to the opponent's sweeper and use Counter or Whirlwind, appropriately.
  • Double switching with Skarmory helps to scout for Fire and Electric attacks, which can easily exploit Skarmory, and helps to keep it as healthy as possible.
  • Due to its passive nature, Skarmory should not be used on Offense teams. Instead, Skarmory is best suited for Defensive/Stall teams, or as part of a defensive core on Balanced teams.

Honorable Mentions:

  • If needed, Skarmory can run Stealth Rock, though this puts alot of pressure on Skarmory to perform the dual role of hazard removal AND hazard setup. Most of the times, Skarmory is paired with another Stealth Rock setter on the team, so the need for Stealth Rock on Skarmory usually isn't needed.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 113.png485.png488.png
    Due to Skarmory's low Sp.Defense, Special walls can form defensive cores with it. Eviolite Chansey can recreate the "SkarmBliss" core that its evolution did in previous generations, though is not as effective as it used to be. Specially defensive Heatran also works in this regard, as it is completely immune to Fire attacks due to Flash Fire.
  • 0vrs5qm.pngx568l7X.png
    Mega Sableye and Mega Slowbro both provide excellent win conditions for Stall teams that Skarmory finds itself on. Mega Sableye, once Mega Evolved, can switch in freely against Taunt users that trouble Skarmory, while also deflecting Stealth Rock attempts, and burn physical attackers that can still give Skarmory trouble. Mega Sableye can also double as a Spinblocker if Skarmory is used on a team that uses multiple entry hazards. Mega Slowbro can switch in against Fire attacks and doubles as another physical wall, while also fishing for Scald burns.
  • 036.png485.png450.png113.png652.png
    Users of Stealth Rock and Spikes make for great partners on Stall teams in general, due to its passive nature of racking up entry hazard damage. Heatran, Hippowdon, and Chesnaught all have the advantage in being able to deal with Magnezone, though Chesnaught must watch out for Hidden Power Fire. Clefable is noteworthy among this bunch for its ability to check Garchomp, Latias, and Tyranitar, all of which commonly carry coverage moves to hit Skarmory for super effective damage.
  • 248.png149.png006-mx.png380.pngFj9Ab0G.png
    If using Skarmory on a Balanced team rather than full stall, attackers that appreciate having a physical wall to fall back on, such as Tyranitar, Dragonite, Mega Charizard X, Latias and Mega Latias, make for good teammates.
  • 591.png003-m.png652.png450.png485.pngx568l7X.png594.png073.png
    On Stall teams, Pokemon that can take Electric and Fire attacks help greatly. Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, Chesnaught, and Hippowdon can handle the former, while Heatran, Mega Slowbro, Alomomola, and Tentacruel handle the latter. The first two Grass types listed here can also handle Rotom-Wash, a common switch-in to Skarmory, while Chesnaught and Hippowdon can also handle Magnezone.

Singles OU Checks & Counters to Skarmory

  • 462.png082.png576.png202.png
    Magnezone and its pre-evolution, Magneton, are the literal bane of Skarmory's existence in OU. With Magnet Pull, Skarmory is completely helpless without Shed Shell as Magnezone/Magneton traps it and OHKOs with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch after Sturdy is broken. It doesn't help that Magnezone is almost always used with physical attackers that Skarmory is meant to counter. Gothitelle and Wobbuffet work in a similar manner with Shadow Tag, though Wobbuffet cannot threaten Skarmory directly, instead using Encore to lock Skarmory into a move as the opponent gains a free switch.
  • 0vrs5qm.pngWHn0uhM.png
    Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie can redirect Skarmory's attempts to Whirlwind or Taunt simply by switching in once they have Mega Evolved, while both can set up against Skarmory and hit its low Sp.Defense.
  • 094.png282-m.png130-m.png142-m.png472.png639.png151.png
    Common users of Taunt can shut down Skarmory, especially the faster, more offensive ones. Setup sweepers that carry Taunt, such as Mega Gyarados, can freely setup without fear of Skarmory phazing them away or recovering damage with Roost. Mega Gyarados can also bypass Skarmory's Sturdy with Mold Breaker, allowing it to OHKO a full health Skarmory once it acquires enough boosts.
  • 658.png381.png642.png036.png282-m.png647.png380.png006-my.png310-m.png479w.png462.png663.png445.png660.png646-b.png
    Due to Skarmory's pitiful Sp.Defense, special attackers can easily exploit this. Some physical attackers, such as Diggersby, Garchomp, and Black Kyurem, also carry Fire and Electric type coverage moves; even physical Fire and Electric moves can spell doom for Skarmory, such as Black Kyurem's Fusion Bolt and Talonflame's Flare Blitz.


Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability: B-
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: C+ -> B-

Skarmory has just the right tools to function in Ubers. Due to its typing and base stats, Skarmory serves as a check to important threats such as Arceus-Normal, Mega Salamence, and any Rayquaza lacking a Fire type move. Many of Skarmory's old checks from X&Y Ubers have been nerfed due to the presence of new additions to ORAS, such as Primal Groudon and Soul Dew Latios & Latias. Like like in OU, however, Skarmory's low Special Defense, passive nature, and susceptibility to Taunt let it down. As a Defogger, it struggles to make an impact when much better options such as Origin Giratina, support Arceus formes and Soul Dew Latias exist. However, Skarmory can return to its previous OU role as a hazard setter, as its one of the few viable Spikes setters in Ubers.


ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Physical Wall
227.png
Ability: Sturdy / Item: @Leftovers, Rocky Helmet, or Shed Shell
Nature: Impish or Bold w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Sp.Defense
Moves: Roost / Whirlwind / Spikes or Stealth Rock / Brave Bird, Toxic, or Taunt

Tips:

  • Roost is Skarmory's most important move, allowing it to stay healthy and continually switch in against physical attackers.
  • Whirlwind allows Skarmory to force out setup sweepers such as Arceus-Normal and Mega Salamence, while also accumulating damage from entry hazards.
  • The third slot is dedicated to entry hazard support. Spikes is the preferred option, as Skarmory is one of the few viable Spikers in Ubers, and can set them up against the Pokemon it walls such as Lugia, Mega Scizor, and Arceus-Normal. Stealth Rock can also be used if you don't have room on your team, but this should not be an issue.
  • For the forth slot, Brave Bird 2HKOs Gengar, preventing Skarmory from being Shadow Tag bait. Toxic cripples common switchins to Skarmory, such as Ho-oh and Primal Kyogre, while also wearing down opposing walls such as Lugia. Taunt is another option that can cripple Lugia, as well as opposing Skarmory.
  • The above EV spread capitalizes on Skarmory's physical bulk, allowing it to wall Mega Salamence and Arceus-Normal, two prominent threats in the Ubers metagame. Impish should be used if running Brave Bird, so as to not cut into Skarmory's attack stat, otherwise a Bold nature should be used.
  • For Skarmory's item choice, Leftovers gives it more longevity, especially when coupled with Sturdy and Roost. Shed Shell prevents Skarmory from being completely helpless against Mega Gengar and Gothitelle, while Rocky Helmet allows Skarmory to further punish the physical attackers that it walls. Do note however that Shed Shell should only be run if not running Brave Bird.
  • Skarmory should be sent in against Pokemon that it walls such as Mega Salamence, Arceus-Normal, and Mega Scizor, and proceed to either set up Spikes or use Whirlwind in order to remove their stat boosts.

 

Recommended Teammates:

  • 487o.png249.png
    Due to the prevalence of Primal Groudon in Ubers, Skarmory appreciates having teammates that can check it. Origin Giratina and Lugia fit this role nicely.
  • 716.png719.png242.png036.png
    Cleric support can help Skarmory stay healthy and stay around longer. Xerneas, normal Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable are all capable of doing this.
  • 487o.png302.png0vrs5qm.png
    Due to the entry hazard support that Skarmory brings, having a spinblocker helps prevent Rapid Spin from removing them. Origin Giratina and both Sableye and Mega Sableye help in this regard, with the former also being able to check Primal Groudon as mentioned earlier.
  • 493-rock.pngWHn0uhM.png
    Arceus-Rock and Mega Diancie can both take on Ho-oh, who threatens Skarmory.
  • 380.png381.png484.png
    Latios and Latias, as well as Palkia to a lesser extent, can check Primal Kyogre for Skarmory.
  • 383-p.png716.png645-s.png
    Primal Groudon, Xerneas, and Landorus-Therian can check Zekrom, who can otherwise OHKO Skarmory while bypassing Sturdy thanks to Teravolt, and pivoting out with Volt Switch, which Primal Groudon and Landorus-Therian also block completely.
  • 383-p.png212-m.png
    In addition to checking Zekrom, Primal Groudon also checks Xerneas quite well. Mega Scizor also works well for this purpose.

 

Singles Ubers Checks & Counters to Skarmory

  • 716.png382-p.png493-ghost.png493-dark.png150.png150-my.png
    Skarmory's pitiful Special Defense stat leaves it highly susceptible to special attackers. Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ghost, Arceus-Dark, Mewtwo, and Mega Mewtwo Y are some of the more notable ones in this category.
  • 383-p.png250.pngY63zdgN.png150.png150-my.png257.png257-m.png384.png
    Pokemon that commonly carry Fire-type coverage moves, most notably Primal Groudon and Ho-oh, can easily roast Skarmory. Even Mega Salamence, a Pokemon that Skarmory normally checks, sometimes runs Fire Blast for the sole purpose of luring in and KOing Skarmory.
  • 717.png386s.png642.png
    Due to Skarmory's passive nature, Taunt can shut down most of Skarmory's options, especially if not running Brave Bird. Yveltal, Deoxys-Speed, and Thundurus-Incarnate are some of the more common users of Taunt.

 

 

Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability: F
Viability changes from X&Y Doubles OU: F -> F

Like most passive walls in Singles, Skarmory simply isn't cut out for Doubles. Its low Special Defense is even more exploitable with double targeting, and even powerful physical attacks can't be stomached that well for the same reason. Skarmory does get a few tools that are quite good in Doubles, such as Tailwind, Sky Drop, and Icy Wind, but there are generally better users of this move, such as Aerodactyl, who can actually utilize the former two moves effectively due to its better Attack and Speed stats.

 

 

External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles, OU)

Smogon Analysis (Singles, Ubers)

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Awesome! you know Skarmory been around for a long time i'm surprise it never gotten an evolution or mega form yet .  :-P

Yeah, Skarmory is one of those Pokemon I think needs a pre-evo.

As for Mega Skarmory, that'd definitely be powerful.

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Yeah, Skarmory is one of those Pokemon I think needs a pre-evo.

If I recall:

 

Silver/FR/SS/X: "After nesting in bramble bushes, the wings of its chicks grow hard from scratches by thorns."

 

I always thought this pokedex information will lead too its Pre-evo  but I guess that won't be happening anytime in the future. :-P

 

 

Give Skarmory an evolution and then watch as its evolution sinks to UU while Eviolite Skarmory stays in OU.

That will be quite deadly if you think about. It be defensive enough to stay in the field to set up traps (stealth Rock+ 3x:spikes) let alone It knows "Roost" to recover while it can do some damage on some pokemon with "Brave Bird'. it be a great staller Unless like you said Rice with Magnezone trapping it  and knocking out with Thunder.

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That will be quite deadly if you think about. It be defensive enough to stay in the field to set up traps (stealth Rock+ 3x:spikes) let alone It knows "Roost" to recover while it can do some damage on some pokemon with "Brave Bird'. it be a great staller Unless like you said Rice with Magnezone trapping it  and knocking out with Thunderbolt.

 

Fixed. Nobody uses Thunder except in very rare circumstances (not in OU anyway, the only times you'd ever use Thunder usually involve Kyogre and Ubers). Also running both types of entry hazards is way too detrimental to Skarmory's overall performance as it makes you extremely passive, even with the x1.5 boosts to its defenses doesnt mitigate that.

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Fixed. Nobody uses Thunder except in very rare circumstances (not in OU anyway, the only times you'd ever use Thunder usually involve Kyogre and Ubers). Also running both types of entry hazards is way too detrimental to Skarmory's overall performance as it makes you extremely passive, even with the x1.5 boosts to its defenses doesnt mitigate that.

Hmm. thats understandable. well as people say "is always a catch". :goodmood:

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Just a quick note, now that Greninja has been banned from OU, its PotW information has been updated accordingly.

 

And now for the PotW tier rotation, time for a lower tier Pokemon:

Suicune
suicune.gif

 

Suicune general discussion thread:

Tier Status (Singles): UU
Tier Status (Doubles): DOU

Type: Water

Base Stats: 100 / 75 / 115 / 90 / 115 / 85

Abilities:

  • Pressure: Opponent's attacks that target this Pokemon lose 2 PP instead of 1. Outside of battle, the wild Pokemon encounter rate increases if this Pokemon is in the lead spot.
  • Water Absorb (Hidden Ability) (UNRELEASED): If this Pokemon is targeted by a Water-type attack, the attack will fail and this Pokemon restores 25% of its max HP (rounded down) instead.

Table of Contents

  • Singles UU Overview
  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

Singles UU Overview
ORAS Singles UU Viability: S

A Pokemon that was once OU for 3 generations straight before its fall to UU in Gen 5, its not that hard to see why Suicune is an S rank threat in UU today. The most effective set starting in Gen 3 was the famous CroCune set, consisting of Calm Mind, Surf, Rest, and Sleep Talk, first created by and named after Smogon user Cromat, which now runs Scald over Surf, allowing it to set up and sweep with great mixed bulk and longevity. In fact, Suicune's mixed bulk in OU gives it plenty of opportunities to set up, so if needed Suicune can even run a more offensively oriented Calm Mind set.


ORAS UU Singles Moveset: CroCune (Defensive Calm Mind)
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Bold w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Sp.Attack
Moves: Scald / Calm Mind / Rest / Sleep Talk

Tips:

  • Scald is Suicune's only attacking move, and the only attacking move that it really needs. Water in general has very great neutral coverage, and those that resist it risk the 30% burn chance, which acts as a psuedo +2 Defense boost to Suicune.
  • Calm Mind turns Suicune into a win condition for Stall teams, boosting its damage output while also patching up its uninvested Sp.Defense, and works great in conjunction with Scald burns.
  • Rest and Sleep Talk combined allows Suicune to remain healthy while also removing debilitating status that cuts into its longevity, while also simultaneously continuing to acquire Calm Mind boosts or damage from Scald even while Asleep.
  • The given EV spread with a Bold nature maximizes Suicune's physical bulk, as Suicune will be boosting its Sp.Defense with Calm Mind, so investment in Sp.Defense is not necessary.
  • Leftovers is the only viable item, as it provides Suicune with a form of passive recovery to increase its longevity, thus increasing the number of times it can score Calm Mind boosts.
  • This Suicune plays a role similar to a sweeper; It must be brought in late in the game when its checks and counters are removed, as it lacks any immediate offensive presence, and will need time to acquire enough boosts to start its sweep.
  • While Suicune's goal is to boost up as much as possible, it is not always necessary to acquire 6 Calm Mind boosts. In fact, it is not advised to do so as it can be more harmful than beneficial, as it leaves Suicune prone to Critical Hits, which bypass Suicune's Calm Mind boosts.
  • Even if Suicune hasn't acquired enough boosts, Scald should still be used not only to burn physical attackers, but also to provide a form of passive damage while Suicune boosts up.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 065.png
    Toxicroak and Roserade both pose problems for Suicune, so Alakazam can be used to handle both of them, but must watch out for Sucker Punch from the former.
  • 482.png306-m.png031.png260.png232.png652.png407.png
    Entry Hazard support from Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes can help Suicune's sweeping potential, especially since its Sp.Attack stat isnt that stellar especially when unboosted. Mega Aggron, Nidoqueen, Swampert, and Donphan can all provide Stealth Rock Support, while Spikes can be provided by Chesnaught and Toxic Spikes by Nidoqueen, while Roserade has the option to provide both.
  • 034.png555.png691.png635.png
    As a sweeper. Suicune appreciates wallbreakers that can tear down defensive Pokemon that could give Suicune trouble. Pokemon like Nidoking, Darmanitan, Dragalge, and Hydreigon can all fulfill this role, with all four of them resisting or being immune to at least one of Suicune's type weaknesses. Darmanitan, in particular, has the easiest time dealing with Florges and Blissey; two special walls that give Suicune problems.

ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Substitute + Calm Mind
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Modest w/ EVs: 108 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 148 Speed
Moves: Substitute / Calm Mind / Scald or Hydro Pump / Ice Beam

Tips:

  • Substitute capitalizes on Suicune's ability to force switches due to its offensive presence, which allows Suicune to set up safely.
  • Calm Mind turns Suicune into a win condition for Stall teams, boosting its damage output while also patching up its uninvested Sp.Defense, and works great in conjunction with Scald burns.
  • Scald has very great neutral coverage, and those that resist it risk the 30% burn chance, which acts as a psuedo +2 Defense boost to Suicune. Hydro Pump is a more powerful alternative, but is held back by its low PP count and 80% accuracy.
  • Ice Beam has overall good type coverage with Scald, and deals with the Grass types that would otherwise give Suicune problems.
  • The above EV spread with a Modest nature maximizes Suicune's Sp.Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 148 Speed EVs are necessary for Suicune to outspeed Adamant Honchcrow, while the rest of the EVs are placed in HP for additional mixed bulk.
  • Leftovers is the item of choice as it helps mitigate the HP lost from using Substitute.
  • Substitute should be set up against Pokemon that Suicune easily forces out, such as Rock & Ground types, physical attackers with no attack investment, or support Pokemon such as Umbreon and Gligar who can't do much to Suicune.
  • Suicune should only set up Calm Mind once its Checks and Counters are gone, specifically Blissey and Florges.
  • This Suicune plays a role similar to a sweeper; It must be brought in late in the game.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 407.png
    Roserade not only has good type synergy with Suicune both offensively and defensively, but can also absorb Toxic Spikes for Suicune while also setting up Toxic Spikes of its own, allowing Suicune to pressure the special walls that normally give it issues such as Blissey and Florges.
  • 482.png306-m.png031.png260.png232.png652.png407.png
    Entry Hazard support from Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes can help Suicune's sweeping potential, especially since its Sp.Attack stat isnt that stellar especially when unboosted. Mega Aggron, Nidoqueen, Swampert, and Donphan can all provide Stealth Rock Support, while Spikes can be provided by Chesnaught and Toxic Spikes by Nidoqueen, while Roserade has the option to provide both.
  • 034.png555.png691.png635.png
    As a sweeper. Suicune appreciates wallbreakers that can tear down defensive Pokemon that could give Suicune trouble. Pokemon like Nidoking, Darmanitan, Dragalge, and Hydreigon can all fulfill this role, with all four of them resisting or being immune to at least one of Suicune's type weaknesses. Darmanitan, in particular, has the easiest time dealing with Florges and Blissey; two special walls that give Suicune problems.

ORAS UU Singles Moveset: Offensive Calm Mind
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Modest w/ EVs: 200 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 56 Speed
Moves: Calm Mind / Hydro Pump / Ice Beam / Tailwind or Hidden Power [Grass]

Tips:

  • Calm Mind turns Suicune into a win condition for Stall teams, boosting its damage output while also patching up its uninvested Sp.Defense.
  • Hydro Pump is Suicune's most powerful option for STAB.
  • Ice Beam has overall good type coverage with Hydro Pump, and deals with the Grass types that would otherwise give Suicune problems.
  • For the last slot, Tailwind can be used to temporarily double Suicune's speed and allows it to outpace faster offensive threats. Hidden Power [Grass], however, is used to deal with opposing Water types.
  • The above EV spread with a Modest nature maximizes Suicune's Sp.Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible. 56 Speed EVs allows Suicune to outspeed Mega Aerodactyl while Tailwind is in effect, as Mega Aerodactyl is the fastest Pokemon allowed in UU not counting Choice Scarf users. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP for bulk, however, you can move some of the HP EVs over to Speed if you need to outspeed certain Choice Scarf users under Tailwind. Some important speed benchmarks include (red indicates Choice Scarf users):
    • 196 EVs: Jolly 252 Speed Mienshao
    • 164 EVs: Modest 252 Speed Raikou, Jolly 252 Speed Jirachi
    • 152 EVs: Timid 252 Speed Hydreigon
    • 136 EVs: Adamant 252 Speed Mega Swampert in Rain
    • 112 EVs: Jolly 252 Speed Krookodile
    • 108 EVs: Adamant 252 Speed +1 Mega Sharpedo
  • Leftovers is the preferred item to prevent Suicune from being worn down too quickly.
  • Due to its bulk, Suicune can often afford to set up a Calm Mind in the face of Pokemon that lack Super Effective coverage against it. However, the best times to set up is against Pokemon that cannot do anything to Suicune, such as Umbreon.
  • Like any sweeper, this Suicune must be brought in late in the game when its checks and counters are removed, as it will still lack the power to get past Special Walls like Blissey, even with multiple boosts.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 482.png
    Azelf is an excellent partner for this Suicune set. Azelf can set up Reflect and Light Screen to give Suicune an easier time to set up Calm Minds and Tailwind. Azelf can also set up Stealth Rock and then use Explosion to sacrifice itself and safely bring Suicune in.
  • 407.png
    Roserade not only has good type synergy with Suicune both offensively and defensively, but can also absorb Toxic Spikes for Suicune while also setting up Toxic Spikes of its own, allowing Suicune to pressure the special walls that normally give it issues such as Blissey and Florges.
  • 181-m.png205.png
    A slow user of U-turn or Volt Switch, such as Mega Ampharos or Forretress, can be used to safely bring Suicune in. Mega Ampharos, in particular, has excellent type synergy with Suicune, resisting its weaknesses while also handling bulky Waters while Suicune takes Ice attacks aimed at it. Forretress can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes to further assist Suicune's sweep.

Singles UU Checks & Counters to Suicune

  • 134.png454.png423.png593.png
    Pokemon immune to Water-type moves, such as Water Absorb Vaporeon, Dry Skin Toxicroak, Storm Drain Gastrodon, and Water Absorb Jellicent, can cause problems for Suicune, especially the CroCune set, whose only attacking move is Scald.
  • 407.png251.png492.png652.png479m.png591.png640.png
    Grass types, especially Roserade, can easily stop the CroCune set by nature of their Water resistance, but will fall easily to Offensive Calm Mind sets that carry Ice Beam. Roserade and Chesnaught, in particular, can use CroCune as fodder for Spikes/Toxic Spikes and Leech Seed, while Roserade, Celebi, and Shaymin can all break through Suicune's Sp.Defense if Suicune lacks enough boosts.
  • 671.png242.png
    Special Walls, such as Florges and Blissey, will give Suicune problems to break through due to their high Sp.Defense stats. Blissey can sponge even a +6 Scald from Suicune while stalling it with Softboiled. It should be noted that CroCune can stall Blissey out of PP with the combination of Rest and Pressure.
  • 199.png706.png
    Phazing Suicune out with Roar or Dragon Tail to remove its Calm Mind boosts can put a temporary stop to it, destroying Suicune's offensive momentum. It should be noted that the forced switch effect of Dragon Tail can be stopped by Substitute, however.

 

 

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability: B

In Gen 2, 3, and 4, Suicune was once a solid Pokemon deserving of OU status. Gen 3 gave Suicune Calm Mind, a boosting move that, at the time, made Suicune a very dangerous Pokemon, as after two boosts it could effectively remove its weaknesses (In Gen 3, all Grass and Electric type moves were Special attacks). The most effective set was the famous CroCune set, consisting of Calm Mind, Surf, Rest, and Sleep Talk, first created by and named after Smogon user Cromat. Three Generations later, the CroCune set still remains as Suicune's standard set in OU, having been virtually unchanged since Gen 3 with the only difference being the introduction of Scald in Gen 5, which now replaces Surf.

ORAS has made Suicune's life tougher. It now faces serious competition as a win condition for Stall and Balanced teams from both Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye, the former of which can not only run an identical set as Suicune's famous CroCune set, but also has access to the much more reliable recovery move Slack Off, and sports a much higher base Defense, while the latter provides invaluable utility to Stall in the form of Magic Bounce. Furthermore, due to Mega Slowbro's Battle Armor, Mega Slowbro does not have to worry about critical hits bypassing its boosted defenses unlike Suicune. Even with these two, Suicune is also held back by competition from other bulky water types commonly found on Stall, including regular Slowbro, Alomomola, and Tentacruel. Pokemon that could also handle Suicune previously, such as Substitute Mega Gyarados and Tail Glow Manaphy have risen in usage, and Suicune now has to also deal with Heal Bell Mega Altaria.


ORAS OU Singles Moveset: CroCune
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Bold w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Sp.Attack
Moves: Scald / Calm Mind / Rest / Sleep Talk

Tips:

  • Scald is Suicune's only attacking move, and the only attacking move that it really needs. Water in general has very great neutral coverage, and those that resist it risk the 30% burn chance, which acts as a psuedo +2 Defense boost to Suicune.
  • Calm Mind turns Suicune into a win condition for Stall teams, boosting its damage output while also patching up its uninvested Sp.Defense, and works great in conjunction with Scald burns.
  • Rest and Sleep Talk combined allows Suicune to remain healthy while also removing debilitating status that cuts into its longevity, while also simultaneously continuing to acquire Calm Mind boosts or damage from Scald even while Asleep.
  • The given EV spread with a Bold nature maximizes Suicune's physical bulk, as Suicune will be boosting its Sp.Defense with Calm Mind, so investment in Sp.Defense is not necessary.
  • Leftovers is the only viable item, as it provides Suicune with a form of passive recovery to increase its longevity, thus increasing the number of times it can score Calm Mind boosts.
  • The idea behind Suicune is simple; set up Calm Mind as early as possible, while using Rest to heal when necessary.
  • This Suicune plays a role similar to a sweeper; It must be brought in late in the game when its checks and counters are removed, as it lacks any immediate offensive presence, and will need time to acquire enough boosts to start its sweep.
  • While Suicune's goal is to boost up as much as possible, it is not always necessary to acquire 6 Calm Mind boosts. In fact, it is not advised to do so as it can be more harmful than beneficial, as it leaves Suicune prone to Critical Hits, which bypass Suicune's Calm Mind boosts.
  • Even if Suicune hasn't acquired enough boosts, Scald should still be used not only to burn physical attackers, but also to provide a form of passive damage while Suicune boosts up.
  • While Suicune is a sweeper, avoid using it on Offensive teams as Suicune does not have the same fast paced momentum that other sweepers typically have. Instead, it is best suited for Stall and Balanced teams due to its mixed bulk and ability to stall out an opponent's PP with Pressure and Rest.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 0vrs5qm.png
    Because of Suicune's natural fit onto stall teams, Mega Sableye should be fairly obvious choice for a partner. Mega Sableye, like Suicune, can also provide a win condition for Stall teams, as well as completely stop Taunt users and attempts at setting up Stealth Rock.
  • 485.png006-mx.png003-m.png591.png652.png073.png
    Unaware Clefable can spell trouble for Suicune, as not only does it completely ignore Suicune's Calm Mind boosts, but can also boost with Calm Mind alongside Suicune, thus answers to it are helpful. Heatran, Mega Charizard X, Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Chesnaught can also form parts of a Fire-Water-Grass type core with Suicune, forming excellent defensive synergy in general. Chesnaught, in particular, can also get up Spikes and Leech Seed for Suicune, allowing for additional passive damage and/or extra recovery. Tentacruel has the benefit of being able to use Acid Spray to remove the Sp.Defense boosts from Clefable's Calm Mind, usually forcing Clefable to switch out as it starts dealing more and more damage, and is usually an excellent partner for Mega Sableye if running it. If needed, Tentacruel can also run Toxic Spikes to wear down the opponent's team, and gives Suicune an easier time setting up against opposing Stall and Balance teams.
  • 376-m.pngt1uu1nb.png282-m.png006-my.png490.png646-b.png
    If using Suicune on a Balanced team, wallbreakers such as Mega Metagross, Mega Gallade, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard Y, Manaphy, and Black Kyurem can open holes in the opponent's defensive cores, making Suicune's sweeping job easier.
  • Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes (036.png113.png450.png652.png073.png)
    To facilitate a sweep, Stealth Rock and entry hazards in general are good options for teammates. Chansey can also double as a Special wall to fall back on and is commonly seen on Stall teams.

Singles OU Checks & Counters to Suicune

  • 598.png003-m.pngns1PnDU.png286.png652.png
    Grass types resist Scald while also hitting back with super effective STAB. If Suicune hasn't boosted yet, Special attacks like those from Mega Venusaur and Mega Sceptile can easily overpower Suicune, while a boosted Suicune must fear physical Grass moves from things like Ferrothorn and Breloom. Ferrothorn and Chesnaught can also cut into Suicune's longevity with Leech Seed while also It should be noted that Breloom and Chesnaught do not enjoy burns from Scald.
  • 423.png
    Although not very common in OU, Gastrodon can put a complete stop to Suicune, being immune to Scald due to Storm Drain while also simultaneously getting a free +1 Sp.Attack. It should be noted that while Gastrodon walls Suicune, it cannot threaten Suicune directly.
  • Unaware (036.png195.png)
    Clefable and Quagsire running Unaware completely ignore any and all Calm Mind boosts Suicune can possibly acquire. Clefable, in particular, can also run Calm Mind itself, allowing it to beat Suicune 1-on-1.
  • Taunt ( 642.png282-m.png094.png)
    Taunt users, notably Thundurus-Incarnate, Mega Gardevoir, Gengar, among others, can stop Suicune from not only acquiring Calm Mind boosts, but also from using Rest to heal itself. Thundurus-Incarnate can also outpace Suicune's boosts with Nasty Plot while hitting with STAB Thunderbolt.
  • elvqhTa.png130-m.png380-m.png(Latias)t1uu1nb.png646-b.pngns1PnDU.png310-m.png
    Certain offensive threats can handle Suicune. Mega Altaria and Mega Gyarados, for example, can boost their Attack with Dragon Dance, hitting Suicune's unboosted physical Defense while resisting Scald. While both are susceptible to burns, Mega Gyarados can mitigate this by running Substitute, while Dragon Dance Mega Altaria usually runs at least one of either Refresh, Substitute, Heal Bell, or Facade in order to either prevent, heal, or even take advantage of Scald burns. Mega Latias is in a similar boat as Mega Altaria, and with Stored Power also increasing in base power with every stat boost, a +6/+6 Mega Latias can OHKO +6/+6 Suicune. A +2 Mega Gallade can easily OHKO Suicune with Close Combat after Stealth Rock and prior damage. Although it fears a Scald Burn unless running Substitute, Black Kyurem can potentially 2HKO Suicune with Fusion Bolt if running Life Orb or max Attack. It should be noted that certain offensive checks such as Mega Sceptile and Mega Manectric will be unable to beat Suicune if it acquires too many Calm Mind boosts.

Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability: A

Suicune is a Pokemon who has only recently risen to OU status in Doubles as a result of the now-banned Mega Salamence. Suicune still stands as a great support Pokemon in Doubles, sporting dual utility in the form of Tailwind and Snarl. Tailwind provides speed control for the team, and in addition to doubling its teammate's speed to facilitate a sweep, Suicune can also run an offensive EV spread in order to fully take advantage of its own Tailwind. Snarl is a move not often seen in Singles due to its low base power, but Snarl is a great utility move in Doubles as it capitalizes on the tendency for teams to run Special Attackers as a response to Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp, which are commonly used to neuter powerful physical threats such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Mawile, and even Mega Lucario, all Pokemon which have been banned from Singles OU.


ORAS OU Doubles Moveset: Defensive Tailwind
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Leftovers or Sitrus Berry
Nature (1): Bold w/ EVs: 232 HP / 84 Defense / 112 Sp.Attack / 80 Sp.Defense
Nature (2): Bold w/ EVs: 232 HP / 196 Defense / 80 Sp.Defense
Moves: Tailwind / Scald / Ice Beam or Protect / Snarl or Protect

Tips:

  • Tailwind is Suicune's greatest contribution to any Doubles team, doubling the speed of itself and its teammates for 3 turns, thus putting much more offensive pressure on the opponent.
  • Scald is a great STAB attack for Suicune, as it sports great neutral coverage and also has a 30% chance to inflict a burn on physical attackers.
  • Ice Beam handles the Grass and Dragon types that resist Scald.
  • Snarl is Suicune's secondary form of support, lowering the Sp.Attack stats of both opponents and quickly neutering the offensive presence of many dangerous special attackers.
  • If neither Ice Beam nor Snarl are needed, Protect can be used in that free slot instead, as Protect is an invaluable tool for scouting, stalling out field conditions, and punishing opponents attempting to double target Suicune.
  • The first EV spread provides Suicune with enough special bulk to survive a Seed Flare from Sky Shaymin and enough Sp.Attack to OHKO Landorus-Therian with Ice Beam. The remaining EVs are put towards Defense with a Bold nature, as Suicune will often be using Snarl to cripple Special Attackers, so maximizing physical bulk is preferable.
  • The second EV spread should only be used if Suicune is not running Ice Beam, as it no longer needs any Sp.Attack investment to score any notable OHKOs, maximizing its physical defense as much as possible while also surviving Sky Shaymin's Seed Flare.
  • The item choice between Leftovers or Sitrus Berry is dependent on the need for gradual or instant recovery. Leftovers is preferred as Suicune will often be on the field for extended periods of time to support the team. Sitrus Berry, however, provides more immediate recovery that can cause Suicune to avoid certain 2HKOs.
  • Due to its natural bulk, this Suicune should be used as a pivot to tank resisted hits, and will find plenty of opportunities to set up Tailwind for the team.
  • Attempting to burn an opponent with Scald is not a bad idea if none of Suicune's attacks are particularly threatening to either opponent.
  • If facing against Special Attackers, repeatedly using Snarl can cripple them after a few turns, but be wary if the opponent carries a Bisharp, who gains a free +2 Attack boost due to Defiant.
  • If Suicune isn't doing much on the field, don't be afraid to switch it out for later, as Suicune can afford to come in many times in the match to set up Tailwind.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 646-b.png381.png635.png591.png
    Black Kyurem, Latios, Hydreigon, and Amoonguss can all handle the Grass and Electric types that plague Suicune. Amoonguss, in particular, is a great partner as it can even redirect these attacks and also checks Trick Room, which can counteract Suicune's Tailwind.
  • 645-s.png530.png445.png473.png464.png
    Ground types such as Landorus-Therian, Excadrill, Garchomp, Mamoswine, and Rhyperior can also check Electric types for Suicune. Rhyperior, in particular, can also redirect Electric attacks to itself with Lightning Rod.
  • 248.png646-b.png635.png649.png445.png639.png700.png
    Pokemon with rather middling to average Speed stats appreciate the Tailwind support that Suicune brings to the table. Tyranitar, Black Kyurem, Hydreigon, Genesect, Garchomp, Terrakion, and Sylveon are all good examples.

ORAS OU Doubles Moveset: Offensive Tailwind
245.png
Ability: Pressure / Item: @Sitrus Berry
Nature: Modest w/ EVs: 28 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 228 Speed
Moves: Tailwind / Hydro Pump or Scald / Ice Beam / Protect

Tips:

  • Tailwind is Suicune's greatest contribution to any Doubles team, doubling the speed of itself and its teammates for 3 turns, thus putting much more offensive pressure on the opponent.
  • The second moveslot is dedicated to Suicune's Water-type STAB. Hydro Pump is Suicune's most powerful option, but sports a shaky 80% accuracy. Scald is a weaker alternative, but is 100% accurate and also has a 30% chance to inflict a burn.
  • Ice Beam handles the Grass and Dragon types that resist Scald.
  • Protect is an invaluable tool for scouting, stalling out field conditions, and punishing opponents attempting to double target Suicune.
  • The above EV spread with a Modest nature maximizes Suicune's Sp.Attack for as much damage as possible. 228 Speed EVs allow Suicune to outspeed base 70 speed Pokemon such as Breloom and Bisharp. The rest in put into HP for a bit more bulk.
  • Sitrus Berry gives Suicune back a chunk of health all at once, as is the preferred option for recovery on this set due to its more offensive nature.
  • Like the Defensive Tailwind set, this set should be used as a bulky pivot to switch in against resisted hits.
  • Unlike the Defensive Tailwind set, this Suicune can better take advantage of its own Tailwind to pose a threat to the opponent, potentially covering for its partner.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 646-b.png381.png635.png591.png
    Black Kyurem, Latios, Hydreigon, and Amoonguss can all handle the Grass and Electric types that plague Suicune. Amoonguss, in particular, is a great partner as it can even redirect these attacks and also checks Trick Room, which can counteract Suicune's Tailwind.
  • 645-s.png530.png445.png473.png464.png
    Ground types such as Landorus-Therian, Excadrill, Garchomp, Mamoswine, and Rhyperior can also check Electric types for Suicune. Rhyperior, in particular, can also redirect Electric attacks to itself with Lightning Rod.
  • 248.png646-b.png635.png649.png445.png639.png700.png003-m.png
    Pokemon with rather middling to average Speed stats appreciate the Tailwind support that Suicune brings to the table. Tyranitar, Black Kyurem, Hydreigon, Genesect, Garchomp, Terrakion, and Sylveon are all good examples.
  • 642.png642-s.png003-m.png145.png
    Due to its offensive nature, this Suicune set has more problems getting past bulky Water types than its Defensive counterpart. Pokemon such as Thundurus-Incarnate, Thundurus-Therain, Mega Venusaur, and Zapdos can all fill this role.

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Suicune

  • 591.png593.png423.png
    Defensive Pokemon can be problematic for Suicune. Amoonguss can redirect its attacks and put it to sleep while healing itself with Regenerator. Jellicent and Gastrodon are both immune to Scald due to their abilities and take minimal damage from Ice Beam, but their offensive presence can be greatly reduced by Scald.
  • 003-m.png254-m.png272.png492s.png642.png642-s.png145.png479w.png
    Pokemon with Super Effective STAB moves naturally cause problems. Mega Venusaur and Ludicolo both resist Suicune's STAB moves while also taking minimal damage from Ice Beam. Sky Shaymin outspeeds when Tailwind isn't set up and deals a chunk of damage with Seed Flare, OHKOing Offensive variants of Suicune. Both Thundurus formes, Zapdos, and Rotom-Wash can hit with powerful Thunderbolts, while Rotom-Wash also resists Suicune's STAB. Thundurus-Incarnate also commonly carries Taunt, which can shut down Suicune's attempts at setting up Tailwind. Many of these answers, however, are Special Attackers and thus their offensive presence can be reduced through use of Snarl.
  • 534.png
    Conkeldurr can easily take advantage of Suicune by deliberately allowing itself to be burned by Scald, allowing it to nab a 50% damage boost from Guts while ignoring burn's attack reduction.
  • 625.png
    Bisharp can easily come in on a predicted Snarl to nab a free +2 attack, though Bisharp hates being burned by Scald.
  • Trick Room (488.png609.png683.png) & Paralysis (642.png385.png479w.png)
    Speed Control measures can circumvent Suicune's Tailwind. Trick Room, in particular, will make Pokemon under Tailwind even slower, guaranteeing that they will be outsped. Paralysis, usually through the use of Thunder Wave, cripples the target's speed to 25%, rendering them too slow to take advantage of Tailwind.
  • Taunt (642.png302.png0vrs5qm.png547.png)
    Taunt can shut down Suicune's attempts at setting up Tailwind and thus reduce its ability to support the team.

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With a national holiday coming up, I wont be able to get the PotW on time unless I post it early. So here is the Ubers PotW, this time we cover the very personification of death itself.

Yveltal
yveltal.gif

Tier Status (Singles): Uber
Tier Status (Doubles): D.Uber

Type: Dark/Flying

Base Stats: 126 / 131 / 95 / 131 / 98 / 99

Abilities:

  • Dark Aura: The base power of this Pokemon's Dark-type attacks is increased by 33.3%. If a Pokemon with the ability Aura Break is on the field, the base over of this Pokemon's Dark-type attacks is reduced by 33.3% instead.

Table of Contents

  • Singles Ubers Overview

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability: A+

Yveltal and its counterpart Xerneas sport the exact same base stat distribution and similar abilities, the only thing separating them being their typing and movepool. Yveltal's Dark/Flying typing, combined with its base stats and movepool, grant it great versitility, allowing it to fit on Offense and Defense teams alike. Due to its powerful Dark Aura-boosted Dark Pulse and immunity to Ground, it serves as a great check to Primal Groudon. Its signature move, Oblivion Wing, is unique among attacking moves that drain HP as it heals damage on a 4:3 ratio, wheras most draining moves heal on a 2:1 ratio, making it an excellent move when backed by Life Orb. In addition, Yveltal has access to the strongest priority attack in the game with STAB Dark Aura-boosted Sucker Punch. Defensively, Yveltal can take advantage of its bulk with Roost while still hitting hard with Dark Aura-boosted Foul Play.
 
Yveltal is not without its flaws, however. For one, while 99 base speed allows it to outspeed the majority of the Ubers tier, which lay in the 90-95 base speed range, Yveltal is still relatively slow. While Yveltal's typing isn't bad defensively, it doesn't have that many resistances, and a Stealth Rock weakness can easily cut into its longevity.
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Life Orb Mixed Attacker
717.png
Ability: Dark Aura / Item: @Life Orb
Nature: Rash w/ EVs: 24 HP / 48 Attack / 252 Sp.Attack / 184 Speed
Moves: Dark Pulse / Oblivion Wing / Sucker Punch / Taunt

Tips:

  • Yveltal's Dark Pulse is currently the strongest Dark-type move in the game, not only acting as a powerful nuke, but also sporting a handy flinch chance.
  • Oblivion Wing is Yveltal's secondary STAB, boosting Yveltal's longevity by healing off 75% of the damage dealt.
  • Sucker Punch also hits on the physical side and helps mitigate Yveltal's average Speed stat.
  • Taunt is used specifically for Klefki, a common switch-in to Yveltal. Outside of Klefki, Taunt is also useful for forcing the opponent to attack Yveltal directly, and thus works very well in conjunction with Sucker Punch.
  • 252 Sp.Attack EVs with a Rash nature ensures that Dark Pulse and Oblivion Wing hit for as much damage as possible when boosted by Life Orb. 184 Speed EVs allows Yveltal to outspeed all neutral natured base 90 Speed Pokemon. 24 HP EVs are chosen specifically to give Yveltal 399 HP, which both minimizes recoil damage from Life Orb and maximizes HP percentage gains from Oblivion Wing. The remaining 48 EVs are put into Attack to give Sucker Punch as much of a damage boost as possible. Rash nature is chosen over Modest so as to not cut into Sucker Punch's damage.
  • Life Orb is the crux of this set, maximizing Yveltal's damage output on both sides.
  • Due to Yveltal's immunities to both Ground and Psychic, switching this Yveltal in on these attacks is usually the best way to get it in. However, do note that Ground types such as Primal Groudon commonly carry Stone Edge as a coverage move, while Mewtwo and Mega Mewtwo Y commonly run Ice Beam.
  • When facing against Primal Groudon, it is always best to use Oblivion Wing first, as this will give Yveltal a buffer to eat a Stone Edge, while also placing Primal Groudon into KO range with Dark Pulse.
  • Whenever Yveltal's health is diminishing, never be afraid to use Oblivion Wing whenever the opportunity presents itself, such as on a forced switch or when Yveltal is able to outspeed and KO a Pokemon.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Heat Wave is an option to run if Klefki is a big concern, as it deals 80% damage on average, forcing it to either status or Spikes as a last-ditch effort. Heat Wave on Mixed Yveltal works best when using a Choice Scarf Xerneas as a teammate, otherwise it can be hard to fit onto this set.
  • U-turn is another option if using Mega Gengar on the same team, as this allows Yveltal to lure in Fairy types as it U-turns to Mega Gengar, trapping them and KOing them. In this case, it is better to run Black Glasses over Life Orb as Yveltal will be switching very often, leaving it vulnerable to Stealth Rock damage.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Due to Yveltal's ability to heavily punish Latios, Latias, and Origin Giratina for using Defog, Pokemon that appreciate these Pokemon gone make for nice teammates.
  • 716.png
    Xerneas makes for a nice teammate due to Yveltal's ability to check Primal Groudon. Additionally, Choice Scarf Xerneas makes for a nice partner if Yveltal runs Heat Wave, as Heat Wave Yveltal can destroy Klefki, which is otherwise a full stop to Choice Scarf Xerneas running rampant.
  • 716.png250.pngWHn0uhM.png493-electric.png707.png376-m.png644.png
    Many offensive teams appreciate Yveltal's ability to check Primal Groudon. Xerneas, Ho-oh, Mega Diancie, Arceus-Electric, Klefki, Mega Metagross, and Zekrom are all examples of Pokemon that appreciate having Primal Groudon removed.
  • 094-m.png
    If running U-turn, Mega Gengar with Sludge Wave makes for an excellent partner to for Yveltal to lure in Fairy types, U-turn out to Mega Gengar, trap and kill them.

 

 

ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Physically Defensive
717.png
Ability: Dark Aura / Item: @Black Glasses or Leftovers
Nature: Impish or Bold w/ EVs: 164 HP / 252 Defense / 92 Speed
Moves: Foul Play / Taunt / Roost / Toxic or Sucker Punch

Tips:

  • Dark Aura-boosted Foul Play spells doom for every physical attacker in Ubers, as Foul Play uses the opponent's Attack stat rather than Yveltal's, so Yveltal can still pose a huge offensive threat even when running no Attack investment.
  • Taunt is used to disable Klefki from using Spikes as well as disabling many other slower walls such as Lugia.
  • Roost is Yveltal's primary form of recovery, and also temporarily removes its Rock-type weakness so that it can better check slower variants of Primal Groudon.
  • For the last slot, Toxic helps Yveltal wear down opposing walls and cripple common switch-ins such as Xerneas. However, Sucker Punch can be used to KO Mewtwo and Mega Mewtwo Y, as well as faster, weakened attackers.
  • 92 Speed EVs allows Yveltal to outspeed 0 speed Lugia, so that it can cripple it with Taunt. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense and HP, with an emphasis on Defense in order to provide Yveltal with as much physical bulk as possible.
  • For the nature, Impish should only be run if using Sucker Punch, as Bold cuts into Sucker Punch's damage output. Otherwise, Bold should be used to minimize both confusion damage and damage from opposing Foul Plays.
  • The item choice depends on whether you need extra power or longevity. Black Glasses boosts the damage output of both Foul Play and Sucker Punch while not cutting into Yveltal's longevity, while Leftovers allows Yveltal passive recovery so that it can wall more attacks, at the cost of extra power.
  • This Yveltal set is a straightforward physical wall; come in on any physical attacker and threaten them with Foul Play.
  • Due to its Stealth Rock weakness and its role as a physical wall, Yveltal will be using Roost very frequently, especially if running Black Glasses over Leftovers.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 383-p.png707.png
    Physically defensive Yveltal hates Xerneas with a passion, so teammates that can deal with it are pretty much mandatory. Defensive variants of Primal Groudon, as well as Klefki, are good examples of this, as both can also set up Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively.
  • 716.png707.png382-p.png
    Since Physically Defensive Yveltal is also a solid switch-in to Primal Groudon, Xerneas also makes for a great teammate. Klefki and Primal Kyogre also hate having Primal Groudon around, so they can also take advantage of the support this Yveltal provides.

 

 

ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Choice Scarf
717.png
Ability: Dark Aura / Item: @Choice Scarf
Nature: Modest w/ EVs: 34 HP / 4 Defense / 248 Sp.Attack / 224 Speed
Moves: Dark Pulse / Foul Play / Oblivion Wing / U-Turn

Tips:

  • Yveltal's Dark Pulse is currently the strongest Dark-type move in the game, and with a Choice Scarf it allows Yveltal to revenge kill many notable threats due to its fantastic neutral coverage. Many key threats that Yveltal can revenge kill with it include Mewtwo, Latios, Latias, and Mega Gengar.
  • Foul Play is a very potent weapon against physical attackers and setup sweepers such as Rayquaza and Arceus-Normal, while also hitting Mega Mewtwo Y for more damage than Dark Pulse.
  • Oblivion Wing gives Yveltal recovery to mitigate damage taken from Stealth Rock, as well as nuke the Fighting types that resist Dark Pulse and Foul Play, including Blaziken, Mega Blaziken, and Mega Mewtwo X.
  • U-turn is used to preserve offensive momentum, allowing Yveltal to scout for incoming switch-ins such as Arceus-Fairy.
  • 248 Sp.Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximizes the damage output from Dark Pulse and Oblivion Wing. 248 is chosen over 252 as the extra 4 EVs make no difference in the damage calculations, and are better spent in its defense, which combined with 34 HP EVs allows Yveltal to survive a +2 Arceus-Normal's ExtremeSpeed while simultaneously OHKOing it with Foul Play. The rest of its EVs are put toward Speed in order to make Yveltal as fast as possible with a Choice Scarf.
  • With a Choice Scarf, Yveltal's role becomes that of a revenge killer; sending it in after an opponent scores a KO in order to KO back.
  • You should use U-Turn early in the match in order to scout for Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Dark, especially if your team has trouble with these two, as scouting for them is a good way of analyzing your opponent's team structure.
  • Since this Yveltal lacks the same damage output as the Life Orb mixed attacker, you need to be careful about which move Yveltal becomes locked into or else your opponent will be able to use Yveltal as setup bait.
  • This Yveltal works best on Balanced teams that can afford to run checks and counters to common Fairy types, due to its lower damage output and inability to switch attacks.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 383-p.png707.png
    One setup sweeper that Choice Scarf Yveltal cannot touch is Geomancy Xerneas, so teammates that can handle it are mandatory. Primal Groudon and Klefki are the best at handling this task.
  • 381.png380.png487o.png493-ghost.png
    Since this Yveltal will be coming in quite often, Stealth Rock removal through Defog is appreciated. Latios, Latias, Origin Giratina, and support formes of Arceus, namely Arceus-Ghost, are good examples of Defog users.

 

 

Singles Ubers Check and Counters to Yveltal

  • 716.pngWHn0uhM.png493.png707.png
    Fairy types are some of Yveltal's biggest checks and counters, as they all force Yveltal out. It should be noted that Xerneas is 2HKOed by Oblivion Wing on the Life Orb set, while Klefki takes a huge chunk of damage from Heat Wave. All of them except Klefki need to be wary of Yveltal carrying U-turn, as it can tag out into Mega Gengar as they switch in, and end up being trapped and KOed by Sludge Wave.
  • 493-dark.png248.png
    Dark types also resist Yveltal's STAB Dark moves. Tyranitar also resists Oblivion Wing while hitting Yveltal with STAB Stone Edge, although Tyranitar does have a bit of trouble handling Defensive Yveltal on its own.
  • 493-rock.png493-electric.png
    Formes of Arceus that hit Yveltal for super effective damage can KO with super effective Judgement, although they will not enjoy taking a Life Orb boosted hit. Arceus-Rock and Arceus-Electric are two of the more notable ones that can do this.
  • 644.png
    Zekrom can revenge kill any Yveltal lacking a Choice Scarf, but will not enjoy taking a Foul Play or Dark Pulse.
  • 646-w.png
    White Kyurem can KO Defensive Yveltal with Ice Beam, but struggles against Life Orb and Choice Scarf variants.
  • Poison & Burn (250.png)
    Life Orb Yveltal hates extra residual damage from status. Both Defensive Yveltal and Choice Scarf Yveltal hate burns as, while Foul Play uses the opponent's Attack stat, the damage is still reduced by half if Yveltal is burned. Defensive Yveltal also hates Toxic, as it limits the number of turns it can stay in before the damage from Toxic Poison becomes too much for it to handle.

External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles Ubers)

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  • 3 weeks later...

Sorry for such a long delay for the POTW. I find it easier than instead of every Monday that PotW be moved to Wednesdays. Sorry for the wait.

 

Once again with the tier rotation, we come back to OU. This time, we see a newcomer to the OU tier brought upon by ORAS;

Altaria & Mega Altaria
altaria.gifaltaria-mega.gif

Tier Status (Singles): OU
Tier Status (Doubles): D.UU

Type (Normal): Dragon/Flying
Type (Mega): Dragon/Fairy

Base Stats (Normal): 75 / 70 / 90 / 70 / 105 / 80
Base Stats (Mega): 75 / 110 / 110 / 110 / 105 / 80


Abilities (Normal):

  • Natural Cure: Whenever this Pokemon switches out, either by manually switching, using U-turn, Volt Switch, or Baton Pass, or is forced out by Roar or Whirlwind, this Pokemon will lose all status conditions that it currently has.
  • Cloud Nine (Hidden Ability): As long as this Pokemon is out on the field, all effects of weather are negated.

Abilities (Mega):

  • Pixilate: All Normal-type moves used by this Pokemon will have their type changed to Fairy-type. Any attack that has its type changed by this ability will also receive a 30% base power increase.

Table of Contents

  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability (Normal): F/Unranked
ORAS Singles OU Viability (Mega): A+

Like Charizard before it, Altaria is another case of a rags to riches story, having soared all the way from PU to OU due to its new Mega Evolution granted by ORAS. While Mega Altaria's base stats are pretty average by Mega standards, Mega Altaria more than makes up for this with its unique Dragon/Fairy typing, which is great both offensively and defensively. Altaria also has quite a good movepool available to it, and with decent stats across the board, it can function as either a physical attacker, special attacker, or support, making Mega Altaria quite unpredictable. With Pixilate, its Normal type moves become STAB Fairy type moves with an additional 30% base power increase, allowing it to even surpass Mega Gyarados, another premier Dragon Dance user, in terms of raw damage.

Mega Altaria is not without its flaws, however. 80 Base Speed is rather slow and dependent on Dragon Dance. While Mega Altaria's typing is great both offensively and defensively, the fact that it consumes your Mega slot means that certain other Megas who would love to have Mega Altaria as a teammate, such as Mega Venusaur, cannot be used alongside it. Finally, despite its great typing and bulk, dangerous threats in the metagame such as Mega Metagross, Mega Scizor, and even Clefable keep it in check.


ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Special Attacker
elvqhTa.png
Ability: Natural Cure (Pixilate) / Item: @Altarianite
Nature: Timid or Modest w/ EVs: 24 HP / 248 Sp.Attack / 236 Speed
Moves: Hyper Voice / Fire Blast / Earthquake or Heal Bell / Roost

Tips:

  • Hyper Voice, when affected by Pixilate, turns from a 90 base power Normal-type attack into a STAB 117 base power Fairy-type attack, with the added benefit of being able to bypass Substitute.
  • Fire Blast is there to hit the Steel types that resist Hyper Voice.
  • The third slot depends on wether you need extra coverage or utility. Earthquake is used specifically for Heatran, who resists Hyper Voice while being immune to Fire Blast due to Flash Fire. If coverage against Heatran isn't needed, Heal Bell can be run for team support.
  • Roost provides Mega Altaria with longevity.
  • The above EV spread with a Timid nature allows Mega Altaria to outspeed Jolly Mega Heracross, Adamant Lucario, Adamant Excadrill, and Timid Heatran. 248 Sp.Attack EVs allow for it to hit as hard as possible, while the remaining 24 EVs are put into HP for a bit more bulk. A modest nature can be run if extra power is needed, but doesn't gain any extra notable KOs, and fails to outspeed the above threats.
  • This set is the most aggressive of Mega Altaria's sets, as you can simply come in and start spamming your Fairy+Fire coverage.
  • While Pixilate Hyper Voice is good, Mega Altaria's Hyper Voice pales in comparison to that of Mega Gardevoir and Choice Specs Sylveon, so this set should not be used as a wallbreaker.
  • Mega Altaria's typing allows it to switch in many times with its 7 resistances, and doesn't care too much about status unlike its Dragon Dance sets.
  • If running Earthquake, you can bluff a Dragon Dance set by using it first, luring in a Physically defensive yet Specially weak Pokemon that you can spam Hyper Voice and Fire Blast against.
  • As already stated, this set should not be played as a wallbreaker, but as an offensive supporter that can, for the most part, sustain itself.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Perish Song is an option that can be run for extra utility against setup sweepers and Stall teams, as it forces your opponent to choose between switching out or losing their sweeper/walls. It can be difficult to find a moveslot for it, however.
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful nuke that provides neutral coverage against everything that resists Hyper Voice other than Steel-types, but otherwise provides redundant coverage with Hyper Voice.
  • If Gliscor or Landorus-Therian are an issue, Ice Beam can be run. However, Gliscor is known to run Substitute, which blocks Ice Beam, and Landorus-Therian is already 2HKOed by Hyper Voice.
  • Agility is another option that can rectify Mega Altaria's speed, allowing it to attempt a sweep, but without a boosting move it is often too weak to do so.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 485.png530.png
    This moveset is more or less self-sufficient, but it does have problems with Heatran and special walls. Stallbreaker Heatran can handle these, as can Excadrill.
  • 663.png149.png381.png
    Since this set tends to lure in Steel types as well as weaken other notable threats, sweepers and cleaners that appreciate having them gone work as teammates work nicely. Talonflame, Dragonite, and Latios are a few of these.
  • 485.png248.png530.png639.png
    Offensive users of Stealth Rock, such as Heatran, Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Terrakion, make for great teammates, as this set tends to force many switches, thus capitalizing on entry hazard damage.
  • 530.png248.png450.png
    Due to its typing, Mega Altaria fits well on Sand Offense teams, as it resists Water, Bug, Fighting, and Grass. Excadrill, as well as Tyranitar and Hippowdon, tend to be common staples of Sand Offense, so they should be used alongside Mega Altaria if you plan on using it on this team archtype.
  • 368.png
    Although an extremely niche Pokemon in OU, Gorebyss can provide Mega Altaria with Shell Smash boosts via Baton Pass, turning Mega Altaria into a potent threat backed by great coverage.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Offensive Dragon Dance
elvqhTa.png
Ability: Natural Cure (Pixilate) / Item: @Altarianite
Nature: Adamant, Naughty, or Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Dragon Dance / Return, Facade, or Double-Edge / Earthquake / Roost or Fire Blast

Tips:

  • Dragon Dance not only patches up Mega Altaria's average speed, but also further bolsters its decent Attack stat, allowing it to perform as a sweeper.
  • The second moveslot is dedicated to Fairy-type STAB move after Pixilate. Return is the preferred option as Pixilate turns it into a 136.2 base power STAB Fairy-type attack with good power and little to no drawbacks. Facade is another option that takes advantage of burns and paralysis, as Facade now ignores the attack drop from burn as of X&Y, turning into a powerful 182 base power STAB move, but is only 91 base power otherwise, so it is much more situational. Double-Edge is also more powerful than Return and much more consistent than Facade, as Pixilate turns it into a powerful 156 base power Fairy move that, at +1, can OHKO Chansey after Stealth Rock, but the recoil will quickly eat into Mega Altaria's longevity.
  • Earthquake provides coverage against most Steels that resist Fairy-type STAB.
  • For the last moveslot, Roost provides Mega Altaria with longevity, which goes extremely well with its natural bulk. Fire Blast, despite being a Special Attack, can be used instead for extra coverage against the Steel types that don't really care about Earthquake, namely Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Scizor.
  • The EV spread with an Adamant/Naughty/Jolly nature capitalizes on this Mega Altaria's role as a sweeper, maximizing its Attack and Speed. For the nature, Naughty should only be used if running Fire Blast in the 4th slot, otherwise Adamant or Jolly should be used. In these cases, Adamant is preferred, as Mega Altaria needs as much power as it can get. Jolly does have the benefit in allowing Mega Altaria to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian, however.
  • As a sweeper, your primary goal should be to use a single Dragon Dance and then begin your sweep. As such, this Mega Altaria should be sent in late in the game when its checks and counters have been removed.
  • If running Fire Blast, this Altaria can be sent in earlier in the match to lure in its checks and counters, weakening them on the switch.
  • While Mega Altaria has decent bulk, it is usually not enough to stomach the more powerful attacks in OU that can threaten its sweep, especially when uninvested. The best way to send it in is either after an opponent's KO or through the clever use of U-Turn or Volt Switch.
  • Since this Altaria's bulk isnt too fantastic with no investment, Roost should generally be used on predicted switches or weak opponents.
  • Due keep in mind that with only 80 base speed, Mega Altaria can still be outsped at +1 by common revenge killers donning a Choice Scarf, so these may need to be eliminated as well before attempting a sweep.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 462.png
    If not running Fire Blast, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Scizor/Mega Scizor can and will very easily switch in against you, with the latter three using their Steel-type STAB to dispose of you. Magnezone can easily trap and kill these Pokemon.
  • 485.png647.png381.png385.png184.png660.png286.png
    Heatran and Keldeo cannot trap the above Pokemon like Magnezone can, but they still serve as checks to them. Even Pokemon that commonly run Fire type coverage moves, such as Latios and Jirachi can be used. Azumarill, Diggersby, and Breloom cannot always beat them, but they can at least lure them in and weaken them.
  • 485.png094.png530.png680.png
    Like most Dragon Dancers, Unaware Clefable can ignore Altaria's Dragon Dance boosts, and hit it with super effective Moonblasts. Heatran helps, as it quad resists Clefable's Moonblast while also being immune to its Flamethrower. Gengar, Excadrill and Doublade also work, though the latter two must watch for Flamethrower.
  • 530.png380.png381.png
    While Altaria loses its Rock weakness upon Mega Evolving, hazard removal helps for switching it in prior to Mega Evolving. Excadrill can provide this with Rapid Spin, while Latias can not only provide hazard removal through Defog, but also allow Altaria a second opportunity to sweep by using Healing Wish. Latios can also work, but does not have the benefit of Healing Wish like its sister.
  • Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock (645-s.png036.png485.png598.png445.png450.png639.png248.png)
    As with any sweeper, Stealth Rock support is greatly appreciated, as it can easily turn a 3HKO into a 2HKO, making its job as a sweeper easier.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Support
elvqhTa.png
Ability: Natural Cure (Pixilate) / Item: @Altarianite
Nature: Bold, Impish, or Relaxed w/ EVs: 248 HP / 104 Defense / 156 Sp.Defense
Moves: Roost / Hyper Voice or Return / Heal Bell / Flamethrower, Earthquake, Perish Song, Haze, or Toxic

Tips:

  • Roost provides Mega Altaria with longevity, which goes extremely well with its natural bulk.
  • The second slot is for Fairy type STAB, the choice depending on whether you want to hit physically or specially. Hyper Voice hits on the special side while bypassing Substitute, while Return hits for physical damage, most notably against threats with lower Defense stats such as Mega Gyarados and Thundurus-Incarnate.
  • Heal Bell provides team support by having Mega Altaria take the role of a cleric, healing status conditions from the team.
  • The last slot is used for either additional coverage or additional support. As far as coverage options go, Flamethrower and Earthquake both provide coverage against Steel types that resist Fairy. Like the case with Hyper Voice and Return, the choice depends on whether you want to hit for Physical or Special damage. Perish Song forces walls and setup sweepers to switch out at the risk of a KO. Other options for this slot include Haze and Toxic, the former allowing this Altaria set to counter both Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye.
  • The above EV spread with a Bold/Impish/Relaxed nature allows Mega Altaria to avoid notable 2HKOs, including Keldeo's Icy Wind, Latios's Psyshock, and Landorus-Therian's Earthquake.
  • The choice of nature is dependent on the moves that Altaria runs in both the 2nd and 4th moveslots. Bold is preferred if using only special attacks (Hyper Voice + Flamethrower), Impish for only physical attacks (Return + Earthquake), and Relaxed for mixed (Hyper Voice + Earthquake or Return + Flamethrower).
  • This Mega Altaria set works as a defensive pivot, allowing it to switch into many attacks and Roost off the damage. Due to its typing, it is best used to pivot into Fire, Water, Dragon, and Fighting type attacks, many of which are common to offensive OU Pokemon.
  • Due to its resistances and invested bulk, this Mega Altaria works best on Balance teams that need specific resistances that Mega Altaria can cover.
  • Most of the time you should be using Roost liberally, as while Mega Altaria has great mixed bulk, its not on the same level as walls, a problem that is further complicated by the lack of Leftovers.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 462.png
    Magnezone, especially Choice Specs variants, make an excellent partner to Mega Altaria due to its type synergy.
  • 485.png
    Heatran forms part of a defensive core with this Mega Altaria, being able to take on Fairy, Ice and Poison types, especially Clefable. Heatran can also provide status and Stealth Rock.
  • 130.png
    Normal Gyarados works well to handle the Steel types that Mega Altaria lures in, and also appreciates having Heal Bell support so it can Dragon Dance without status interruption.
  • Entry Hazard Control: Rapid Spin or Defog (530.png121.png380.png630.png227.png)
    Since this Altaria set will be switching in quite often, Rapid Spinners and Defoggers that work well on Balanced teams help as teammates, providing Mega Altaria with more opportunities to switch in, especially if it hasn't Mega Evolved yet.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Defensive Dragon Dance
elvqhTa.png
Ability: Natural Cure (Pixilate) / Item: @Altarianite
Nature: Impish w/ EVs: 248 HP / 136 Defense / 96 Sp.Defense / 28 Speed
Moves: Dragon Dance / Roost / Return / Heal Bell, Refresh, Substitute, or Earthquake

Tips:

  • Dragon Dance not only patches up Mega Altaria's average speed, but also further bolsters its decent Attack stat, allowing it to perform as a sweeper.
  • Roost provides Mega Altaria with longevity, which goes extremely well with its natural bulk.
  • Return is the preferred STAB as Pixilate turns it into a 136.2 base power STAB Fairy-type attack with good power and little to no drawbacks.
  • The fourth move is dedicated to either status prevention, or extra coverage with Earthquake. Substitute blocks status moves that can cripple Mega Altaria, while Heal Bell and Refresh remove it. Refresh has more PP than Heal Bell, so it is harder to PP stall with Toxic, but does not have the advantage of providing team support.
  • The above EV spread with an Impish nature aims to make this set as physically bulky as possible, while also avoiding notable KOs on the special side, such as Thundurus-Incarnate's Hidden Power Ice. The 28 Speed EVs allows this set to outrun Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric after two Dragon Dances, as well as max Speed Azumarill with no boosts.
  • This set works nicely on Balanced teams that don't have too many attackers and in need of a win condition
  • This set can be sent in earlier in the game to provide team support with Heal Bell, acting as a cleric.
  • Later in the game, this set can come in and start accumulating Dragon Dance boosts to turn itself into a win condition, and has an easier time setting up compared to the Offensive Dragon Dance set.
  • Unlike the Offensive Dragon Dance set, this variant will need at least two Dragon Dance boosts in order to become fully effective, due to its lack of Attack and Speed investment.
  • The best time to grab Dragon Dance boosts are against Pokemon reliant on status moves, such as Rotom-Wash, both Mega Charizards, Chansey, Heatran, Thundurus-Incarnate, and Sableye/Mega Sableye, as Mega Altaria can heal itself easily with Heal Bell or Refresh, or block status entirely with Substitute.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 462.png576.png485.png184.png381.png660.png286.png
    Unlike Offensive Dragon Dance Mega Altaria, Defensive Dragon Dance needs a significant amount of Offensive support in order to become effective due to its limited coverage and lack of offensive investment. Steel types are a major concern, so trappers such as Magnezone and Gothitelle work, as does Heatran and Steel type lures such as Azumarill, Latios, Diggersby, and Breloom.
  • 485.png530.png
    While not as common, Poison types can also spell trouble for this Mega Altaria set. Heatran covers this nicely, covering Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, Gengar, and Dragalge. Excadrill also works, and is also able to provide Rapid Spin support.
  • Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock (645-s.png036.png485.png598.png445.png450.png639.png248.png)
    As with any sweeper, Stealth Rock support is greatly appreciated, as it can easily turn a 3HKO into a 2HKO, making its job as a sweeper easier.

 

 

Hall of Shame Corner: Cotton Guard

While Cotton Guard may seem like a good idea on Mega Altaria at first glance, due to its unique ability to nab an instant +3 Defense boost, the sad truth is that Cotton Guard is a gimmicky and subpar choice of a move. It takes up an important moveslot on Altaria that could be used for other, more important moves; support sets need Heal Bell, Offensive DD cant afford to sacrifice Roost AND extra coverage, and Defensive DD already has coverage issues as is and needs something to mitigate status.


Singles OU Checks & Counters to Altaria

  • 036.png282-m.pngWHn0uhM.png707.png468.png700.png
    Opposing Fairy types can hit Altaria for super effective STAB damage, both before and after it Mega Evolves. Bulkier Fairy types usually require at least 1 Dragon Dance boost before Mega Altaria can do any meaningful damage to them. Clefable, in particular, deserves special mention as Unaware variants can ignore the Attack boosts from Dragon Dance.
  • 625.png485.png530.png598.png385.png462.png227.png212.png212-m.png
    Steel types can pose problems as well, as not only do they have super effective STAB moves, but also resist Fairy. Do note that all must watch out for Earthquake except Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Scizor, and Mega Scizor, while Heatran is the only one that doesn't care about Fire Blast.
  • 003-m.png591.png094.pngefA6EXl.png
    Poison types, as well as the uncommon Poison-type coverage moves, are also problematic. Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss can easily tank Fairy attacks and Earthquake, though the latter must watch out for Flamethrower and Fire Blast, and also has trouble against variants with Substitute. Gengar and Mega Beedrill are frailer alternatives that can check unboosted Mega Altaria while punishing fleeing Altarias with Substitute and U-Turn, respectively.
  • 663.png485.png
    While they lack super effective coverage most of the time, Fire types can also check Mega Altaria. Talonflame in particular is notable for being resistant or immune to everything Mega Altaria commonly carries, and can also revenge kill with priority Brave Bird. Heatran must watch out for Earthquake, but can otherwise cripple Altaria with Toxic and Taunt if it lacks Substitute, Heal Bell, or Refresh.
  • 645-s.png647.png485.png530.png230.png212.png212-m.png473.png461.png
    Although Mega Altaria usually avoids an OHKO from most revenge killers at full health, most Choice Scarfers such as Landorus-Therian, Keldeo (with icy Wind), Excadrill, and Heatran can score a KO with prior damage. Sand Rush variants of Excadrill don't need Choice Scarf to outspeed, and can still outpace even a +2 Mega Altaria in the sand. In a similar vein, Choice Specs Kingdra can outspeed +1 Mega Altaria in the rain and KO with Ice Beam, but cannot outspeed a +2 Mega Altaria. Scizor, Mega Scizor, Mamoswine, and Weavile can outspeed and revenge kill with super effective priority moves in Bullet Punch and Ice Shard, respectively.
  • 642.png707.png
    Thundurus-Incarnate and Klefki can use Prankster Thunder Wave to cut Dragon Dance sweeps short, should Mega Altaria be lacking Substitute, Heal Bell, or Refresh.

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Normal): F/Unranked
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Mega): F/Unranked

Mega Altaria isn't worth the team slot or the Mega slot in Ubers. Too many large threats in the Ubers metagame threaten it, the most notable include Primal Groudon, Xerneas, Mega Gengar, Mega Diancie, Mega Scizor, and even Ho-oh to an extent. Mega Diancie gives it huge competition for the role of a cleric, and being a better Fairy type in ubers in general. As a Dragon Dancer, it is heavily outclassed by Mega Salamence. While Mega Altaria's typing allows it to check Zekrom and Palkia, the use of these two have fallen drastically due to the addition of Primal Groudon. The biggest nail in the coffin, however, is the fact that normal Altaria has virtually no switch-in opportunities, so getting the chance to Mega Evolve is next to impossible, especially when Altaria needs the typing of its Mega Evolution in order to tank the Pokemon that it is intended to tank, rendering it nearly useless as an Yveltal check.


 

Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability (Normal): C+
ORAS Doubles OU Viability (Mega): C+

Mega Altaria is mostly outclassed by other Fairy types in Doubles, most notably Sylveon. However, Mega Altaria does have a few niches that set it apart from other Fairies in Doubles. Its unique Dragon/Fairy typing, coupled with its natural bulk, allows it to take hits better, both physical and special, something that neither Sylveon nor Mega Gardevoir can claim. Altaria also have better coverage options, most notably Fire Blast, and provides utility in the form of Tailwind while having access to reliable recovery in the form of Roost. Altaria's Cloud Nine ability when pre-mega gives it an interesting niche of being able to check rain and sun teams, both being very potent playstyles in Doubles; locking Mega Charizard Y into a 2-turn Solarbeam while neutering the power of its Fire STABs while simultaneously restoring its water weakness, and cutting into the speed boosts of Chlorophyll & Swift Swimmers alike. However, its 80 base speed is often too slow to take advantage of its own Tailwind, and yet too fast to effectively use Trick Room.

 

 

 

ORAS OU Doubles Moveset: Special Attacker
elvqhTa.png
Ability: Cloud Nine (Pixilate) / Item: @Altarianite
Nature: Modest w/ EVs: 252 HP / 196 Sp.Attack / 60 Speed
Moves: Hyper Voice / Fire Blast or Flamethrower / Tailwind or Draco Meteor / Protect

Tips:

  • Hyper Voice is Altaria's STAB move of choice, hitting both opponents.
  • Fire Blast is primarily for coverage against Steels that resist Hyper Voice. Flamethrower can be used if the extra accuracy is needed, though it will miss out on some KOs.
  • For the third moveslot, Tailwind is preferred to give team support. Draco Meteor, however, can be used as a one-time nuke against single targets that need to be dispatched quickly.
  • Protect is a staple on almost all Pokemon in Doubles, allowing you scout an opponent's move, punish double targeting, or stalling out field conditions such as Trick Room.
  • 252 HP EVs allows Mega Altaria to survive several notable attacks, including Mega Charizard Y's Fire Blast, as well as Mega Kangaskhan. 60 speed EVs allows Mega Altaria to outspeed Choice Scarf Therian Landorus after setting up Tailwind. The remaining EVs are put into Sp.Attack with a Modest nature to make Altaria hit as hard as possible.
  • Cloud Nine is the preferred ability pre-mega, as this allows you to send in Altaria to check opposing weather teams. For instance, Mega Charizard Y's Fire attacks deal significantly less damage while it gets locked into Solarbeam for 2 turns, and Chlorophyll/Swift Swim/Sand Rush users such as Excadrill, Venusaur, and Mega Swampert lose their doubled speed.
  • Do not use Mega Altaria as a lead, as it requires a good amount of support to be truly effective. Furthermore, not using Altaria as a lead allows you to send it in to abuse Cloud Nine when you need it to.
  • Altaria should predominantly be used as a supporting attacker.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 245.png488.png642.png663.png
    Methods of speed control are excellent choices, especially if running Draco Meteor over Tailwind. Suicune is a nice teammate, as it can fish for Scald Burns against threats like Mega Mawile and Mega Metagross. Cresselia is a good support option, as not only does it provide additional speed control with Thunder Wave and Icy Wind, but also provides Helping Hand support to give Mega Altaria's Hyper Voices a 50% damage boost for the turn. Thundurus-Incarnate and Talonflame both provide speed control in the form of Thunder Wave and Tailwind, respectively, with both gaining priority due to their abilities.
  • 645-s.png130.png
    Methods to ensure Altaria's longevity, such as Intimidate, are strongly recommended. Landorus-Therian can lure in Bisharp, which Mega Altaria can KO with Fire Blast. Normal Gyarados offers nice type synergy with Mega Altaria in addition to Intimidate, resisting Steel while Mega Altaria resists Electric, and can offer either offensive or defensive support.

 

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Altaria

  • 282-m.png700.png
    Both Mega Gardevoir and Sylveon's Pixilate Hyper Voice hits harder than Mega Altaria's, and is also super effective against it. Due to EV investment, both often find themselves able to outspeed Mega Altaria as well.
  • 376-m.png303-m.png485.png681.png
    Both Mega Metagross and Mega Mawile pose problems with their high-powered Steel STAB, backed by Tough Claws and Huge Power, respectively. Both can also take a Fire Blast from Altaria while whittling away with their priority moves. Heatran is in a similar boat as it resists everything Altaria can throw at it while being immune to Fire Blast. Although Aegislash risks a 2HKO from Fire Blast, it can OHKO with Flash Cannon after a small bit of prior damage, while also blocking Hyper Voice with Wide Guard.
  • 094.png094-m.png
    Gengar, and by extension its Mega Evolution, can smack Mega Altaria hard with Sludge Bomb, or reduce its speed with Icy Wind, and doesn't particularly care about Landorus-Therian if it hasnt Mega Evolved yet.
  • 003-m.png591.png
    Mega Venusaur and Amoongus can be plenty annoying for Altaria. Both resist Pixilate Hyper Voice while sporting Super Effective Poison-type STAB. Mega Venusaur also lacks a weakness to Fire Blast due to Thick Fat, while Amoonguss can redirect Altaria's attacks with Rage Powder, or disable it entirely with Spore.
  • Swift Swim/Sand Rush/Chlorophyll (186.png+260-m.png272.png, 248.png+530.png, 006-my.png+003.png)
    Although Altaria can check these Pokemon prior to Mega evolving, once it loses Cloud Nine upon Mega Evolving these Pokemon can easily outspeed and pose problems with their super effective coverage moves (Ice Punch/Beam for Mega Swampert/Ludicolo, Iron Head for Excadrill, & Sludge Bomb for Venusaur).
  • Speed Control (642.png468.png488.png094.png130.png385.png381.png245.png663.png635.png609.png)
    80 Base Speed is often too slow to outpace most faster threats even under Tailwind, and is too fast to effectively make use of Trick Room, so opposing Speed Control users can easily make life hard for Altaria.

External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles OU)

Smogon Analysis (Doubles VGC)

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Sorry for such a long delay for the POTW. I find it easier than instead of every Monday that PotW be moved to Wednesdays. Sorry for the wait.

LOL! its cool Rice. ;-)

 

 

Hall of Shame Corner: Cotton Guard

While Cotton Guard may seem like a good idea on Mega Altaria at first glance, due to its unique ability to nab an instant +3 Defense boost, the sad truth is that Cotton Guard is a gimmicky and subpar choice of a move. It takes up an important moveslot on Altaria that could be used for other, more important moves; support sets need Heal Bell, Offensive DD cant afford to sacrifice Roost AND extra coverage, and Defensive DD already has coverage issues as is and needs something to mitigate status.

I have to agree with this even though it give a great defence-boost but it only works for stalling strategies. Mega-Altaria dosn't really need it since it get a defence boost when mega-evolving plus it earns Fairy-typing along with it Dragon-typing which is a already tough-type combination. :-P

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Tier rotation time. Although technically an extension of OU by nature and not its own tier, BL is considered a lower tier, thus brings us to...
 
Zygarde
zygarde.gif

Tier Status (Singles): BL
Tier Status (Doubles): DUU

Type: Dragon/Ground
 
Base Stats: 108 / 100 / 121 / 81 / 95 / 95


Abilities:

  • Aura Break: Pokemon on the field with the abilities Dark Aura and Fairy Aura lose their 33% damage boost from these abilities, and instead gain a 33% damage reduction to the affected attacks.

 

 

Table of Contents

  • Singles OU Overview
  • Singles Ubers Overview
  • Doubles OU Overview

 

 

Singles OU Overview
ORAS Singles OU Viability: C-


Like Kyurem before it, Zygarde is the third member of a super legendary trio, yet because of its flaws it finds itself placed in the lower tiers. Having been banned from UU for being able to easily dismantle every playstyle there, Zygarde finds itself in BL, where it must contend with the OU tier by default. Zygarde is often considered to be heavily outclassed by Garchomp and it's not hard to see why. Zygarde does have a few perks over its landshark cousin, such as Dragon Dance, Extremespeed, Glare, and Coil, the latter giving it a unique niche in OU as one of the few viable Coil users. However, Zygarde's offensive movepool is rather shallow, and lacks immediate power compared to other Dragon Dancers, making Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, Gyarados, Mega Gyarados, and even Mega Tyranitar much more appealing options. Zygarde's signature move, Land's Wrath, is essentially inferior to Earthquake in almost every way, including Doubles, so it is never used. Zygarde also lacks a reliable Dragon-type STAB move, limiting its ability.
 
 
ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Coil + Substitute
718.png
Ability: Aura Break / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Careful w/ EVs: 252 HP / 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Defense
Moves: Substitute / Coil / Earthquake / Dragon Tail
 
Tips:

  • Substitute has a dual purpose; Not only does it shield Zygarde from Burns that cut into its longevity and offensive power, but also gives Zygarde a buffer against faster Pokemon
  • Coil is an enhanced version of Bulk Up, not only increasing Attack and Defense by 1 stage, but also Accuracy, and grants Dragon Tail 120% accuracy after a single use, complimenting Zygarde's natural physical bulk.
  • Earthquake is Zygarde's STAB move of choice.
  • Dragon Tail is Zygarde's secondary STAB and has several purposes. It gives Zygarde an attack to hit any Pokemon immune to Earthquake not named Togekiss. Due to its phazing nature, it also allows Zygarde to phaze out slower opposing phazers who attempt to remove its stat boosts or Substitute, along with opposing stat boosters and unfavorable match ups.
  • The above EV spread gives Zygarde exactly 420 HP, allowing it to create 105 HP Substitutes to tank up to two Seismic Tosses from Chansey before breaking. Although its base physical defense is higher, maximum Sp.Defense with Careful is preferred to prevent as many Special attacks from breaking its Substitute as possible, while the lack of Defense investment is compensated for in Coil.
  • Leftovers is the preferred item choice, allowing Zygarde to recover health lost from using Substitute.
  • This set plays well against Defensive teams, setting up Substitute against Pokemon that cannot break it (such as Chansey) and boosting away.
  • Zygarde's checks and counters can be worn down with repeated damage from Dragon Tail and, optimally, Stealth Rock and other entry hazards, as long as Zygarde is behind a Substitute.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 212.png212-m.png006-my.png485.png073.png
    Fairy types, especially Unaware Clefable, can pose problems due to their Dragon Tail immunity, so checks and counters to them are preferred. Scizor, Mega Scizor, Mega Charizard Y, Heatran, and Tentacruel are examples of Pokemon who can accomplish this, especially the latter two whom can set up Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, respectively.
  • 212.png212-m.png485.png184.png700.png
    Powerful super effective Special attacks, most notably Draco Meteor and Ice Beam, pose big problems for Zygarde, so Pokemon that can tank these moves are preferred. Scizor, Mega Scizor, and Heatran again pair well with Zygarde for this purpose, as does Azumarill and, to a lesser extent, Sylveon.
  • Entry Hazards (485.png073.png036.png598.png248.png652.png227.png707.png) + Spinblockers/Defiant (094.png0vrs5qm.png625.png)
    Entry hazard users pair will with Dragon Tail, allowing Zygarde to accumulate additional chip damage each time. Heatran and Tentacruel, as previously mentioned, can accomplish this, as can other hazard users such as Clefable, Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Chesnaught, Skarmory, and Klefki are some examples. Using going this route, Pokemon that can dissuade Rapid Spin and Defiant should be used as well. Gengar and Mega Sableye block the former, while Bisharp deters the latter.
  • 642.png310-m.png243.png462.png082.png
    Pokemon immune to Earthquake can pose problems as they force Zygarde to use Dragon Tail, a negative priority move that gives them time to outspeed and break Substitute or heal. Pokemon that threaten Flying types and Levitate users, such as Thundurus-I, Mega Manectric, and Raikou, can help. Magnezone and Magneton can also accomplish this while trapping and KOing Skarmory and other Steels that aren't weak to Earthquake, such as Ferrothorn and both Scizors.
  • 645-s.png310-m.png243.png479w.png212.png212-m.pngefA6EXl.png251.pngAsvQNus.png
    Users of Volt Switch and U-turn can give Zygarde free switch-in opportunities while preserving offensive momentum. Landorus-T, Mega Manectric, Raikou, Rotom-Wash, Scizor/Mega Scizor, and Mega Beedrill are good candidates. Celebi and Mega Lopunny can also accomplish this with Baton Pass.
  • 642.png707.png213.png
    Since Zygarde isn't exactly fast, methods of slowing down faster Pokemon helps. Thundurus-I and Klefki both provide this in the form of Prankster Thunderwave, the latter also being able to lay down Spikes. Although not as effective, Sticky Web can also accomplish this, with Shuckle being the only real viable user in OU.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Dragon Dance
718.png
Ability: Aura Break / Item: @Lum Berry or Life Orb
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Dragon Dance / Earthquake / Outrage / Stone Edge or Extremespeed
 
Tips:

  • Dragon Dance boosts Zygarde's attack and speed in order to attempt a sweep.
  • Earthquake is Zygarde's Ground STAB move of choice.
  • Outrage is Zygarde's only reliable means of a Dragon-type STAB, allowing it to clean up late game.
  • For the 4th slot, Stone Edge gives Zygarde an option to pick off flying types and other Pokemon without having to rely on Outrage. Extremespeed allows Zygarde to outpace priority users.
  • The given EV spread maximizes Zygarde's Attack and Speed to ensure that Zygarde hits as hard and as fast as possible.
  • For the item, Lum Berry provides Zygarde with a one-time protection against status, and also allows it to cure itself of its self-inflicted confusion once it breaks out of Outrage. Life Orb, however, gives Zygarde additional power.
  • It should be noted that Dragon Dance Zygarde is mostly outclassed by other Dragon Dance users in OU. Zygarde's main niche over these other Dragon Dancers are its typing and access to Extremespeed, so unless you have specific need of these traits, you are most likely better off using another Dragon Dancer besides Zygarde.
  • That being said, the goal of this Zygarde is to nab 1, if not 2, Dragon Dance boosts and begin sweeping.
  • As a sweeper, the optimal time to bring this Zygarde set in is in late game when the opponent's team has been weakened and their defensive cores removed.
  • If running Extremespeed, Zygarde can be brought in earlier to revenge kill weakened priority users.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 479w.png
    Rotom-Wash is able to check many of the things that threaten Zygarde, including Mamoswine, Talonflame, and Togekiss.
  • 642.png310-m.png243.png462.png082.png
    Pokemon immune to Earthquake can pose problems. Pokemon that threaten Flying types and Levitate users, such as Thundurus-I, Mega Manectric, and Raikou, can help. Magnezone and Magneton can also accomplish this while trapping and KOing Skarmory and other Steels that aren't weak to Earthquake, such as Ferrothorn and both Scizors.
  • Entry Hazards (485.png073.png036.png598.png248.png652.png227.png707.png) + Spinblockers/Defiant (094.png0vrs5qm.png625.png)
    Entry hazard users pair will any sweeper, allowing Zygarde to score potential OHKOs when it would have otherwise only scored a 2HKO. Heatran and Tentacruel, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Chesnaught, Skarmory, and Klefki are some examples. Using going this route, Pokemon that can dissuade Rapid Spin and Defiant should be used as well. Gengar and Mega Sableye block the former, while Bisharp deters the latter.
  • 663.png
    Pokemon that can help lure in Pokemon weak to Ground gives Zygarde an easier time setting up. Talonflame can accomplish this, luring in Pokemon such as Heatran or Tyranitar and giving Zygarde an opportunity to switch in and set up.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Rest + Dragon Dance
718.png
Ability: Aura Break / Item: @Chest Berry
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 120 HP / 252 Attack / 136 Speed
Moves: Dragon Dance / Rest / Earthquake / Outrage or Stone Edge
 
Tips:

  • Dragon Dance boosts Zygarde's attack and speed in order to attempt a sweep.
  • Rest allows Zygarde to completely heal off any status and restore its HP back to full, at the cost of putting Zygarde to sleep for 2 turns.
  • Earthquake is Zygarde's Ground STAB move of choice.
  • For the 4th slot, Outrage is Zygarde's only reliable means of a Dragon-type STAB, allowing it to clean up late game. Stone Edge gives Zygarde an option to pick off flying types and other Pokemon without having to rely on Outrage.
  • For the EV spread, Attack is maximized with Adamant to allow Zygarde to hit as hard as possible. 136 Speed EVs allows Zygarde to outspeed Choice Scarf Keldeo after a +2 boost, while the rest of the EVs are dumped into HP for extra bulk, which allows Zygarde to survive a Fire Blast from Mega Charizard Y.
  • Chesto Berry is used specifically for Rest, allowing Rest to act as an instant Full Restore as Zygarde wakes up immediately afterward, though this only works once.
  • Unlike the Dragon Dance set, this set aims to accumulate multiple boosts while absorbing status, then using Rest to refresh itself and begin a sweep.
  • Zygarde should only attempt to set up on a Pokemon that it can know for certain it can handle, as Zygarde will usually only get one opportunity to use Rest, and having to switch out afterward can prevent it from successfully sweeping.
  • This set works best on Balanced teams, as Zygarde can use its combination of bulk, speed, and power to patch up weak links in the team.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Entry Hazards (485.png073.png036.png598.png248.png652.png227.png707.png) + Spinblockers/Defiant (094.png0vrs5qm.png625.png)
    Entry hazard users pair will any sweeper, allowing Zygarde to score potential OHKOs when it would have otherwise only scored a 2HKO. Heatran and Tentacruel, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Chesnaught, Skarmory, and Klefki are some examples. Using going this route, Pokemon that can dissuade Rapid Spin and Defiant should be used as well. Gengar and Mega Sableye block the former, while Bisharp deters the latter.
  • 642.png310-m.png243.png462.png082.png
    Pokemon immune to Earthquake can pose problems. Pokemon that threaten Flying types and Levitate users, such as Thundurus-I, Mega Manectric, and Raikou, can help. Magnezone and Magneton can also accomplish this while trapping and KOing Skarmory and other Steels that aren't weak to Earthquake, such as Ferrothorn and both Scizors.
  • 645-s.png310-m.png243.png479w.png212.png212-m.pngefA6EXl.png251.pngAsvQNus.png
    Users of Volt Switch and U-turn can give Zygarde free switch-in opportunities while preserving offensive momentum. Landorus-T, Mega Manectric, Raikou, Rotom-Wash, Scizor/Mega Scizor, and Mega Beedrill are good candidates. Celebi and Mega Lopunny can also accomplish this with Baton Pass.
  • 707.png482.png381.png
    Due to this Zygarde's need to set up, Dual Screens are not a bad idea as they can make Zygarde harder to KO. Klefki can be a great setter, as are Azelf and Latios. The former two can also set up Spikes and Stealth Rock for Zygarde.
  • 642.png707.png213.png
    Since Zygarde isn't exactly fast, methods of slowing down faster Pokemon helps. Thundurus-I and Klefki both provide this in the form of Prankster Thunderwave, the latter also being able to lay down Spikes. Although not as effective, Sticky Web can also accomplish this, with Shuckle being the only real viable user in OU.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Parashuffler
718.png
Ability: Aura Break / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Impish w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Defense / 4 Sp.Defense
Moves: Glare / Earthquake / Dragon Tail / Substitute
 
Tips:

  • Glare is this set's niche, as Zygarde is one of the few OU viable users of the move. Glare works exactly like Thunder Wave, but with the benefit of being able to Paralyze Ground type Pokemon due to them not resisting Normal-type attacks.
  • Earthquake is Zygarde's Ground STAB move of choice, and picks off the Electric types that are immune to Paralysis.
  • Dragon Tail is used for phazing, with the primary purpose of being used in conjunction with Glare to Paralyze as many of the opponent's Pokemon as possible.
  • Substitute is used to give Zygarde a buffer against foes, taking advantage of the 25% chance of the opponent being unable to attack each turn, and guarding Zygarde against status.
  • The given EV spread and nature maximizes Zygarde's physical bulk as much as possible. Physical Defense is chosen over Sp.Defense as this Zygarde set does not run Coil.
  • Leftovers is the preferred item choice, allowing Zygarde to recover health lost from using Substitute.
  • This set's primary purpose, as stated before, is to Paralyze as many of the opponent's Pokemon as possible with Glare, then forcing them out with Dragon Tail. Since Glare can Paralyze Ground types unlike Thunder Wave, Zygarde need only worry about Electric types, who are dispatched with Earthquake.
  • If you find that your opponent keeps switching in their already Paralyzed Pokemon to absorb the incoming status, you can take advantage of this by instead setting up Substitute on the switch or getting chip damage with another Dragon Tail.

Recommended Teammates:

  • 184.png625.png445.png282-m.png660.png646-b.png214-m.png
    Slower Pokemon that have trouble dealing with faster offensive threats enjoy having the opponent's speed crippled. Azumarill, Bisharp, Garchomp, Mega Gardevoir, Diggersby, Black Kyurem, and Mega Heracross are all examples of such Pokemon.
  • Entry Hazards (485.png036.png598.png248.png652.png227.png707.png) + Spinblockers/Defiant (094.png0vrs5qm.png625.png)
    Due to this set's ability to force switches, entry hazard users pair very well with this set. Heatran, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Chesnaught, Skarmory, and Klefki are some examples. Using going this route, Pokemon that can dissuade Rapid Spin and Defiant should be used as well. Gengar and Mega Sableye block the former, while Bisharp deters the latter.
  • 003-m.png473.png036.png700.png
    Pokemon that are immune to both Paralysis and Earthquake, namely Rotom-Wash, Thundurus-I, and Gliscor, can pose as obstacles, so teammates that can handle them are recommended. Mega Venusaur, Mamoswine, Clefable, and Sylveon can check all three of them for the most part.

 

 

Hall of Shame Corner:

  • Land's Wrath: Land's Wrath, despite being Zygarde's signature move, is completely and utterly outclassed by Earthquake in Singles, being 10 Base Power stronger, while Land's Wrath offers no secondary effects to speak of.
  • Rest + Sleep Talk + Dragon Tail: While this may seem like a good moveset for Zygarde in theory, this moveset is utterly outclassed by Hippowdon, who not only sports better mixed bulk, but also a much more reliable recovery move in the form of Slack Off AND the ability to phaze Fairy types with Whirlwind, leaving it with two free moveslots as opposed to Zygarde's one.

 

Singles OU Checks & Counters to Zygarde

  • 472.png645.png645-s.png381.png380.png479w.png142-m.png227.png468.png
    Common Flying types and Levitate users deny Zygarde access to its STAB Earthquake. Of these listed, Landorus-I, Latios, Latias, and Mega Aerodactyl can hit it for super effective Dragon and Ice coverage. Gliscor and Skarmory can also shut down Sub+Coil Zygarde with Taunt. Togekiss is notable for having a unique type combination that leaves it immune to both of Zygarde's STABs, allowing Togekiss to completely wall the Sub+Coil set. Do note that Dragon Dance variants sometimes carry Stone Edge, which can pose problems for some of these Pokemon.
  • 282-m.pngelvqhTa.png700.png473.png
    Mega Gardevoir, Mega Altaria, and Sylveon can all bypass Zygarde's Substitute and smack it hard with Pixilate boosted STAB Hyper Voice, all while simultaneously being immune to Dragon Tail. Mamoswine can emulate this effect if it runs Icicle Spear, and can also revenge kill with priority Ice Shard.
  • 645-s.png310-m.pngns1PnDU.png381.png473.png663.png
    Fast Pokemon can pose a threat, even to Dragon Dance sets, due to Zygarde's average base 95 speed. Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T can outspeed Adamant variants even after a +1 speed boost, while simultaneously neutering its Attack with Intimidate. Mega Manectric and Mega Sceptile can outspeed and KO with Hidden Power Ice and Dragon Pulse, respectively. Choice Scarf Latios also works. Mamoswine can use priority Ice Shard, as can Talonflame with Brave Bird. Do note that frailer offensive Pokemon will have trouble if Zygarde carries Extremespeed, which outspeeds all other attacking priority moves other than itself.
  • Status (647.png0vrs5qm.png485.png080.pngx568l7X.png479w.png)
    As a physical attacker, Zygarde hates burns, especially since it has no recovery outside of Leftovers. Scald burns from Keldeo and both Slowbros pose problems, while Mega Sableye and Rotom-Wash can simply fire off Will-o-Wisps.
  • 036.png195.png663.png381.png
    Clefable, specifically Unaware Clefable, as well as Quagsire can completely negate Zygarde's stat boosts by nature of their ability, while the former can smack it with Moonblast while the latter fishes for Scald burns. Other methods of preventing Zygarde from setting up including Taunt and Choice-Trick also work. Choice Scarf Latios is a prime example of the latter.

 

 

Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability: F
 
In Gamefreak's perfect little headcanon, Zygarde was intended to be the third member of a legendary trio along with Xerneas and Yveltal, serving as the trio's master, with Zygarde's ability Aura Break being evidence not only of this intention, but also evidence of Zygarde's intended "role" as a counter to both. In practice however, Zygarde simply sucks in Ubers. Even with Aura Break, a +0 Xerneas still manages to score a possible 2HKO with Moonblast after Stealth Rock damage, while offensive Yveltal can beat Zygarde 1-on-1 with Oblivion Wing. Outside of these two monsters, a good number of Pokemon easily threaten Zygarde including Primal Groudon, Mega Salamence, Ho-oh, Latios, Latias, Mewtwo & both Mega Mewtwos, Primal Kyogre, both Giratinas, Lugia, Deoxys-Attack, Deoxys-Speed, Mega Diancie, Rayquaza, Mega Scizor, Arceus-Fairy, White Kyurem, and more.
 
However, there is future hope for Zygarde in ubers. Due to data mining efforts in X&Y's code, we learned of the existence of two moves known as Thousand Arrows and Thousand Waves. Both are identical to Land's Wrath, with the exception of having secondary effects; Thousand Waves deals damage and inflicts trapping status on the target similar to Mean Look, while Thousand Arrows uses a custom type chart to deal super effective damage to Flying-types as opposed to 0 damage. Both moves are as of yet unreleased, leaving many to speculate that these two moves may be released along with new formes for Zygarde, similar to how Freeze Shock and Ice Burn were released as the signature moves of Black Kyurem and White Kyurem, respectively. Until then, Zygarde has to follow in normal Kyurem's footsteps.

 

 

Doubles OU Overview
ORAS Doubles OU Viability: C
 
Zygarde's mediocre attack stat is not only an issue in Singles, but also holds it back in Doubles as well. Zygarde also lacks any kind of support moves outside of Glare, which offers a semi-unique form of speed control that induces Paralysis on Ground types, whom are normally immune to Thunder Wave, the most common form of inducing Paralysis. Common Grounds who laugh at Thunder Wave, namely Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, and Excadrill, now have to be wary of Zygarde cutting their speed by a whopping 75%. Another niche for Zygarde in Doubles is its signature move, Land's Wrath; while Land's Wrath is outclassed by Earthquake in Singles due to its lower base power and lack of secondary effect, Land's Wrath sets itself apart from Earthquake in Doubles due to not hitting Zygarde's ally, thus having to use Protect every other turn or a Flying type or Levitate partner is no longer mandatory.

 

That being said, Zygarde lacks the same offense presence as other Dragon types, most notably Garchomp, Hydreigon, Latios, Salamence, and Black Kyurem, and thus more often than not those will be your first choices for a Dragon type over Zygarde. Zygarde's ability is also completely useless as it was designed specifically to counter Xerneas and Yveltal; not only are both of these Pokemon banned from Doubles OU, but even if they weren't, Zygarde does a horrible job countering both of them.

 

 

ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Physical Attacker
718.png
Ability: Aura Break / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 112 HP / 252 Attack / 148 Speed
Moves: Glare or Substitute / Land's Wrath / Stone Edge / Protect or Substitute
 
Tips:

  • Glare is this set's niche, as Zygarde is one of the few viable users of the move. Glare works exactly like Thunder Wave, but with the benefit of being able to Paralyze Ground type Pokemon due to them not resisting Normal-type attacks. Optionally, Substitute can be run instead to block status and prolong Zygarde's longevity.
  • Land's Wrath is a moderately powerful spread damage move and chosen over Earthquake as Zygarde's Ground STAB of choice due to Land's Wrath not hitting Zygarde's ally.
  • Stone Edge provides coverage against Pokemon that are immune to Land's Wrath, and is chosen over Rock Slide so that Zygarde isn't completely stopped by Wide Guard.
  • Protect is a staple move of most Pokemon in Doubles, and Zygarde is no exception. It punishes the opponent's attempts to double target or stall out field conditions such as Tailwind or Trick Room. If Glare is used in the first moveslot, Substitute can also be used here instead, as Zygarde will find more opportunities to set up against a Paralyzed opponent.
  • The given EV spread with an Adamant nature allows Zygarde to hit for as much damage as possible. 148 Speed EVs allows Zygarde to outspeed Jolly Breloom. The remaining EVs are put into HP for extra bulk.
  • Leftovers is the item of choice as it greatly helps Zygarde's longevity as it accumulates HP over time.
  • Due to its bulk, Zygarde is best brought in mid-game against predicted resisted attacks.
  • Zygarde's primary goal should be to use Glare on as much of the opponent's team as possible, especially against fast threats, using Protect when necessary to gain back health from Leftovers.
  • Zygarde is an effective check to Heatran, a common Doubles Pokemon, so do not be afraid to use Land's Wrath if Heatran is on the field, as many Pokemon tend to struggle with it. The same also applies to Pokemon weak to Stone Edge such as Talonflame and Mega Charizard Y.

 

Recommended Teammates:

  • 303-m.png376-m.png681.png006-mx.png006-my.pngWHn0uhM.png
    Zygarde has difficulty dealing with Dragon, Ice, and Fairy types by nature of its typing, so teammates that can handle these Pokemon are beneficial. Mega Mawile, Mega Metagross, and Aegislash can handle all three, while Mega Mawile also sports super effective coverage against Dragon, and both appreciate Zygarde's ability to remove Heatran. Aegislash also has the benefit of Wide Guard, which can protect Zygarde against Hyper Voice, which bypasses Substitute. Both Mega Charizards also appreciate having Heatran removed, while each also brings coverage against Zygarde's weaknesses; Mega Charizard X covers Dragon and Ice, while Mega Charizard Y covers Ice and Fairy.
  • 681.png237.png
    Users of Wide Guard help, especially if Zygarde is running Substitute, as Pixilate Hyper Voice is a common Fairy-type spread move that bypasses Substitute. Aegislash is a good user, and also provides super effective coverage against Fairy with STAB Flash Cannon. Hitmontop is another good user, who also has the benefit of running either Fake Out or Feint; the former can flinch opponents and grante Zygarde a free opportunity to get a free Paralysis with Glare, while the latter helps Zygarde get past opposing Wide Guard users attempting to block Land's Wrath, or Talonflame/Mega Charizard Y's attempt to block Stone Edge with Protect.
  • 560.png237.png115-m.png
    Users of Fake Out can flinch opponents and grante Zygarde a free opportunity to get a free Paralysis with Glare. Scrafty and Hitmontop are good users of the move, as is Mega Kangaskhan. Hitmontop also has the bonus of being able to run Feint, which helps Zygarde get past opposing Wide Guard users attempting to block Land's Wrath, or Talonflame/Mega Charizard Y's attempt to block Stone Edge with Protect.
  • 625.png303-m.png681.png485.png184.png286.png534.png700.png
    Slow Pokemon, especially offensive Pokemon, appreciate the speed control that Zygarde brings. Bisharp, Mega Mawile, Aegislash, Heatran, Azumarill. Breloom, Conkeldurr, and Sylveon are all examples of such Pokemon. Bisharp, Mega Mawile, Aegislash, and Heatran, in particular, pair well with Zygarde as unlike other Ground types whom run Earthquake, they do not have to fear taking damage from Zygarde's Land's Wrath.
  • 479w.png663.png
    Intimidate can neuter Zygarde's already average attack stat, so Pokemon that can handle common users help immensely. Rotom-Wash can check Landorus-Therian, while Talonflame can check Hitmontop and Scrafty.

 

Doubles OU Checks & Counters to Zygarde

  • Intimidate and/or Burn (645-s.png130.png237.png373.png560.png) + (479w.png479h.png302.png302-m.png)
    Users of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp can cut into Zygarde's physical attack and negate its already average damage output. Landorus-Therian, normal Gyarados, Hitmontop, Salamence, and Scrafty are the most notable Intimidate users in Doubles, while common users of burn include Rotom-Wash, Rotom-Heat, and both formes of Sableye.
  • 282-m.png700.pngWHn0uhM.png
    646-b.png381.png381-m.png006-mx.png445.png635.png380.png380-m.png373.png
    642.png310-m.png272.png460-m.png473.png488.png461.png
    Mega Gardevoir and Sylveon are notable threats due to their ability to spam Pixilate boosted STAB super effective Hyper Voice, which bypass Substitute. Mega Diancie is another notable Fairy to watch out for.
    Most other Dragon types either speed tie with or outspeed Zygarde, while Zygarde rarely runs Dragon type STABs of its own as the only real options it has are Dragon Tail and Outrage, neither of which are viable choices for Zygarde in Doubles. Do note that most of them do not like being Paralyzed.
    Ice type coverage is even more problematic, hitting Zygarde for 4x damage. Thundurus-Incarnate, Mega Manectric and Ludicolo commonly carry Ice coverage, and the former two are completely immune to Paralysis, though it must watch out for Stone Edge and Land's Wrath, respectively.
  • 681.png237.png
    Wide Guard can block Land's Wrath, forcing Zygarde to use Stone Edge for any meaningful damage.
  • 488.png609.png683.png
    Cresselia can not only hit Zygarde hard with Ice Beam while being immune to Land's Wrath, but is a common user of Trick Room, which can turn Glare from a liability into a benefit. Other common Trick Room setters include Chandelure and Aromatisse.

 
External Links
Smogon Analysis (Singles OU)

Smogon Analysis (Doubles OU)

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