RicePigeon

I said it before and I'll say it again...
 
Dat UNiB Flavens...

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 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

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
Cleric support can help Skarmory stay healthy and stay around longer. Xerneas, normal Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable are all capable of doing this.
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.
Arceus-Rock and Mega Diancie can both take on Ho-oh, who threatens Skarmory.
Latios and Latias, as well as Palkia to a lesser extent, can check Primal Kyogre for Skarmory.
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.
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

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.
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.
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)

Okay so Mega Zapdos didn't much much discussion but hopefully this one will: Don't you find it kind of odd that with Mega Evolutions that the series mascot didn't get one? Or two for that matter?

+  

 

Mega Raichu X & Mega Raichu Y
 
Raichu base stats: 60 / 90 / 55 / 90 / 80 / 110
Mega Raichu X base stats: 60 / 140 / 75 / 100 / 100 / 110
Mega Raichu Y base stats: 60 / 90 / 105 / 140 / 80 / 110
 
Mega Raichu X type: Electric -> Electric
Mega Raichu Y type: Electric -> Electric/Ground

Mega Raichu X Ability: Static / Lightning Rod (HA) -> Electrilate*
Mega Raichu Y Ability: Static / Lightning Rod (HA) -> Ground Wire*
 
Ability Name: Electrilate
Effect: Normal-type moves become Electric-type moves.
Description: Electrilate causes all Electric-type moves used by this Pokemon to become Electric-type. In addition to the type change, these attacks also receive a 30% base power increase.
 
Ability Name: Ground Wire
Effect: Makes Electric-type moves hit Ground-type Pokemon.
Description: Ground Wire causes the effectiveness of damage dealing Electric-type moves against Ground-type Pokemon to change from x0 to x1.
 
Mega X: Raichu's best option for a physical Electric move is its signature move Volt Tackle, which doesn't see alot of use due to Raichu's frailty and subpar attacking stats. However, Raichu does get access to Extremespeed as an event move, and getting the stab boost on this move would be a blessing. With Electrilate turning Extremespeed from an 80 Base Power Normal-type move into a 104 Baser Power STAB Electric type move backed by 140 Attack, Raichu can easily outspeed anything, including priority users, and smack them hard, and can even revenge kill some of OU's sweepers with it. Even better is that Electrilate boosts Return into a 135.2 STAB Base Power attack, surpassing Volt Tackle in damage. Raichu does got other interesting physical attacks as well, including Knock Off, Focus Punch, and even Fake Out. Brick Break, although weak, can be used as an alternative to Focus Punch if Substitute isn't used. If pivoting is necessary, Raichu can still make use of Volt Switch.
 
Sample moveset: Mega X Attacker

Ability: Static (Electrilate) / Item: @Raichunite X
Nature: Jolly or Naive w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Return / Extremespeed / Knock Off / Brick Break or Volt Switch
 
Sample moveset: Mega X SubPunch

Ability: Static (Electrilate) / Item: @Raichunite X
Nature: Jolly w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 4 Defense / 252 Speed
Moves: Substitute / Focus Punch / Extremespeed / Knock Off
 
252 Atk Mega Raichu X Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Latios: 270-318 (89.4 - 105.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
 
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 476-564 (132.5 - 157.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Thundurus: 240-283 (80.2 - 94.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Gallade: 187-222 (67.5 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Gyarados: 332-392 (100.3 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
252 Atk Mega Raichu X Focus Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 328-388 (101.5 - 120.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Mega Raichu X Focus Punch vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 232-274 (65.9 - 77.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
 
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Return vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 266-314 (79.6 - 94%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Electrilate Mega Raichu X Return vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Slowbro: 218-260 (55.3 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock  
 
Mega Y: Remember that one instance in the anime where Ash's Pikachu was commanded to "Aim for the horn!", thus enabling it to KO Rhydon despite it being immune to electric attacks? Even Raichu's Pokedex entry in Ruby states that "If the electrical sacks become excessively charged, Raichu plants its tail in the ground and discharges." With this in mind, perhaps "aiming for the horn" isn't so ridiculous after all, as now with Ground Wire, essentially an electric type version of Scrappy, Raichu's electric attacks are no longer blocked by incoming Ground types. This is significant as Landorus-Incarnate and Landorus-Therian, both S and A rank Pokemon in OU respectively, are now hit super effectively by Thunderbolt due to their secondary Flying type. Now that Raichu actually has the ability to "cause an indian elephant to faint", its special attack sees an increase from a meager base 90 to base 140. Although its newfound Electric/Ground typing doesn't offer anything offensively, it does allow Raichu to block incoming Volt Switches and other electric moves, allowing it to emulate the effects of Lightning Rod, albeit without the Sp.Attack increase. Since ground types tend to have some bulk to them, Raichu's pathetic 55 base Defense was increased to 105.
 
Sample moveset: Mega Y Pivot

Ability: Lightning Rod (Ground Wire) / Item: @Raichunite Y
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice / Volt Switch
 
Sample moveset: Mega Y Sweeper/Wallbreaker

Ability: Lightning Rod (Ground Wire) / Item: @Raichunite Y
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Thunderbolt / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice / Nasty Plot
 
Hidden Power Ice, although no longer necessary to hit Ground types, Raichu still has problems getting past the Dragon types that resist its Thunderbolt without it.
 
252 SpA Ground Wire Mega Raichu Y Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 374-444 (97.9 - 116.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
 
252 SpA Mega Raichu Y Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Garchomp: 356-420 (99.7 - 117.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Mega Raichu Y Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 256-302 (84.7 - 100%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Mega Raichu Y Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 276-326 (85.4 - 100.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Mega Raichu Y Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Heatran: 392-462 (101.8 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Alright because people keep wishing for this thing;
 

 
Flygon base stats: 80 / 100 / 80 / 80 / 80 / 100
Mega Flygon base stats: 80 / 150 / 80 / 110 / 80 / 120

Mega Flygon type: Ground/Dragon -> Ground/Dragon

Mega Flygon Ability: Levitate -> Sand Rush


Flygon has always been glanced over for other Dragon types due to its mediocre base stats and lack of apparent niche in the higher tiers. As a levitating Defogger, it is outclassed by Latios and Latias, while as a Dragon/Ground type it is outclassed by Garchomp. Sand Rush rectifies this by doubling Flygon's base speed, turning it into a powerful cleaner with mixed 150/110 offenses. One flaw that Sand Rush has is that the speed boost does not activate until the turn after it Mega Evolves, a problem which currently plagues Mega Swampert. Unlike Swampert, Flygon still has a respectable 100 base speed prior to Mega Evolving compared to Swampert's 60. During the sand, Mega Flygon becomes the fastest Pokemon in OU, outspeeding even Sand Rush Excadrill. With access to U-turn, Flygon can Mega Evolve early and preserve momentum by switching back out immediately, allowing it to come in when the sand is up without suffering from the 100 base speed on the first turn.
 
Sample moveset: Mega Sand Cleaner

Ability: Levitate (Sand Rush) / Item: @Flygonite
Nature: Lonely w/ EVs: 252 Attack / 252 Sp.Attack / 4 Sp.Defense
Moves: Earthquake / Dragon Claw or Outrage / Fire Blast / U-Turn or Draco Meteor
 
With no speed investment, Flygon outspeeds everything up to and including max speed Sand Rush Excadrill. Alternate spreads include maxing out Speed with a Jolly/Naive nature, which allow it to speed tie with other positive natured base 100 speed Pokemon prior to Mega Evolving, as well as outspeed Tailwind Mega Charizard X after Mega Evolving in the sand. Bulkier variants with max HP and Roost can also be used for longevity.
 
Calcs:
 
252+ Atk Mega Flygon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Metagross: 300-354 (99.6 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
 
252+ Atk Mega Flygon Outrage vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus: 321-378 (107.3 - 126.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Mega Flygon Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 318-375 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
252+ Atk Mega Flygon Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Sableye: 148-175 (48.6 - 57.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
-1 252+ Atk Mega Flygon Outrage vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 175-207 (54.8 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
 
252 SpA Mega Flygon Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 284-336 (85 - 100.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Mega Flygon Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 328-388 (93.1 - 110.2%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Mega Flygon Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 100 SpD Mega Scizor: 384-456 (111.9 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
252 SpA Mega Flygon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Hippowdon: 246-291 (58.5 - 69.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Flygon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Sableye: 267-315 (87.8 - 103.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Mega Flygon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 228-268 (59.6 - 70.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

All Letty and Cirno needs to do is put their differences aside and...
 

..."chill out"

Goddamnit Daniel...

@Trinitronity: While this may be true, this is not acceptable behavior. We don't let another person's activities at another forum/website dictate how we should handle a user if he isn't doing anything wrong here. As long as he behaves himself here, which he has so far, then there is absolutely no reason to even bring that up. I'm letting you off with a verbal warning this time. Make sure that it doesn't happen again.

@Trinitronity: While this may be true, this is not acceptable behavior. We don't let another person's activities at another forum/website dictate how we should handle a user if he isn't doing anything wrong here. As long as he behaves himself here, which he has so far, then there is absolutely no reason to even bring that up. I'm letting you off with a verbal warning this time. Make sure that it doesn't happen again.

@Trinitronity: While this may be true, this is not acceptable behavior. We don't let another person's activities at another forum/website dictate how we should handle a user if he isn't doing anything wrong here. As long as he behaves himself here, which he has so far, then there is absolutely no reason to even bring that up. I'm letting you off with a verbal warning this time. Make sure that it doesn't happen again.

Low and/or limited accessibility has never played a role in any aspect of competitive battling, nor will it ever. You're also acting as if GTS, Wifi trading, and Poke Transporter don't exist anymore, which is false. ORAS's move tutors have changed nothing in OU aside from making Greninja broken and actually making some lower tier gen 6 mons like Chesnaught and Pangoro more viable in the upper tiers.

@Trinitronity: While this may be true, this is not acceptable behavior. We don't let another person's activities at another forum/website dictate how we should handle a user if he isn't doing anything wrong here. As long as he behaves himself here, which he has so far, then there is absolutely no reason to even bring that up. I'm letting you off with a verbal warning this time. Make sure that it doesn't happen again.

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")


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
ORAS 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

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

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
ORAS 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
ORAS 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
ORAS 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
ORAS 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

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

Raikou


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

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:

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.
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.
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

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:

Due to Raikou's tendency to lure in Ground types to block Volt Switch, Grass types make for good partners.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
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.
Wish users such as Clefable and Alomomola can keep Raikou healthy, while the latter can also check Greninja. ORAS OU Singles Moveset: Assault Vest

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.
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)

Time for some theorymon discussion that doesn't involve Mega evolutions.
 
As everyone knows, ORAS granted Greninja access to Gunk Shot, which turned it from a good Pokemon in OU to THE most threatening Pokemon in OU currently, enough that people are calling for it to be suspect tested for a ban. This is evidence that one or two moves can make or break a Pokemon:
 
+ Recover
 
Enter Regirock, a Pokemon introduced in Gen 3 that, looking at its 80 / 200 / 100 defenses, should make an excellent physical wall, yet without any form of recovery there are much better options. Recover rectifies this problem, and it isn't too out of place on Regirock as its Pokedex entries state:
 
Greatly improving Regirock's longevity, it can now operate in the higher tiers about NU where it currently resides. Even without investment, it still has enough defense to stomach physical attacks, while setting up Stealth Rock. Just to show what Regirock is already capable of:
 
+2 252 Atk Mega Pinsir Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Regirock: 294-348 (80.7 - 95.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Regirock: 58-69 (15.9 - 18.9%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Regirock: 182-216 (50 - 59.3%) -- 80.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Regirock: 176-210 (48.3 - 57.6%) -- 50.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
With Recover, Regirock can find its way onto defensive or balanced teams, setting up Stealth Rock and Recovering off the damage.
 
Still not convinced Regirock can function in the higher tiers even with Recover? Fair enough...
 

 
Normal base stats: 80 / 100 / 200 / 50 / 100 / 50
Mega base stats: 80 / 130 / 230 / 50 / 140 / 50
 
Clear Body -> Regenerator

Dragonitite...


Also Dragon/Steel typing because.. you know... Dragon "Knight" :p

Anyone whose used Dialga in ubers knows how good Dragon/Steel typing is.

Pokeaim of Smogon uploaded this onto his youtube, which I think would help alot of newer and lesser experienced players:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgntqUE8Olc

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?
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kyogre: 237-280 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kyogre: 301-355 (88 - 103.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 184-218 (53.8 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
 

252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon: 157-186 (38.8 - 46%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Groudon in Sun: 202-238 (50 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Groudon: 268-316 (66.3 - 78.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Palkia: 217-256 (67.3 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Palkia: 276-325 (85.7 - 100.9%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Palkia: 105-124 (32.6 - 38.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arceus-Ground: 186-219 (48.8 - 57.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arceus-Ground: 237-279 (62.2 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Arceus-Ground: 210-248 (55.1 - 65%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
 

0 SpA Primal Groudon Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T in Sun: 222-262 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
-1 252+ Atk Primal Groudon Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-T: 79-94 (20.6 - 24.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 147-174 (38.4 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
 

0 SpA Primal Groudon Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gliscor in Sun: 232-274 (65.5 - 77.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Poison Heal
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gliscor: 95-112 (26.8 - 31.6%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Poison Heal
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gliscor: 155-183 (43.7 - 51.6%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Poison Heal
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 398-470 (98.5 - 116.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 510-600 (126.2 - 148.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar: 178-210 (44 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arceus-Rock: 372-438 (83.7 - 98.6%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arceus-Rock: 474-558 (106.7 - 125.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Rock: 210-248 (47.2 - 55.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cloyster: 144-170 (59.7 - 70.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Cloyster: 182-216 (75.5 - 89.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Cloyster: 458-540 (190 - 224%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 

LOL
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 139-165 (33 - 39.2%) -- 75.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 178-210 (42.3 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon in Sun: 241-285 (57.3 - 67.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon: 322-380 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
 

0 Atk Primal Groudon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 174-205 (44.1 - 52%) -- 14.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 220-261 (55.8 - 66.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Primal Groudon Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Quagsire: 692-816 (175.6 - 207.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
 
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.

Mega Kecleon doesn't have to be fast to be effective.
 
Two of Kecleon's biggest niches over Greninja: 120 Sp.Defense and access to Recover.
 
Instead of trying to turn Mega Kecleon into Greninja, it would make more sense to capitalize on its defensive prowess with Protean. Thus I think the following base stat changes would be more appropriate:
 
Kecleon base stats: 60 / 90 / 70 / 60 / 120 / 40
Mega Kecleon base stats: 60 / 120 / 120 / 60 / 150 / 30
 
This gives it some bulk that's comparable to Mega Sableye, except with much higher Sp.Defense. It can work either as a mixed wall, a bulky attacker, or as a trick room attacker:
 
 
Sample Moveset: Mega Defensive

Ability: Protean (Protean) / Item: @Kecleonite
Nature: Impish w/ EVs: 252 HP / 216 Defense / 40 Sp.Defense
Moves: Recover / Stealth Rock / Foul Play /  Drain Punch, Toxic or Thunder Wave
 
 
 
Sample Moveset: Mega Bulky Attacker

Ability: Protean (Protean) / Item: @Kecleonite
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Defense
Moves: Recover / Drain Punch or Low Kick / Knock Off / Sucker Punch, Shadow Sneak, or Stealth Rock
 
 
 
Sample Moveset: Mega Trick Room

Ability: Protean (Protean) / Item: @Kecleonite
Nature: Brave w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Defense w/ IVs: 0 Speed
Moves: Trick Room / Drain Punch or Low Kick / Knock Off / Ice Punch or Thunder Punch
 
 
 
Will provide calcs later unless someone else does it in the meantime.

Couldnt resist

Couldnt resist

Managed to find the time to write this up real quick, considering this thing is literally the most threatening Pokemon right now, it had to take this week's Ubers PotW spotlight:
 
 
Groudon & Primal Groudon

Tier Status (Normal): Ubers
Tier Status (Primal): Ubers
 
Type (Normal): Ground
Type (Primal): Ground/Fire

Base Stats (Normal): 100 / 150 / 140 / 100 / 90 / 90
Base Stats (Primal): 100 / 180 / 160 / 150 / 90 / 90
 
Abilities (Normal):
Drought: Summons Intense Sun for 5 turns (8 turns with Heat Rock) as soon as this Pokemon switches in. Abilities (Primal):
Desolate Land: Summons Extremely Harsh Sun as soon as this Pokemon switches in, which lasts until the Pokemon switches out. In addition to the effects of Intense Sun, Extremely Harsh Sun cannot be overwritten except by Heavy Rain and Strong Winds, and also causes all Water-type attacks to fail. Table of Contents
Singles Ubers Overview  
 
 
Singles Ubers Overview
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Normal): B+
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: A -> B+
 
ORAS Singles Ubers Viability (Primal): S+
Viability changes from X&Y Singles Ubers: N/A

When Groudon was first introduced in Ruby & Sapphire for the GBA over 12 years ago, it has always sat in the shadow of its water sea counterpart, Kyogre. For starters, while Kyogre's Drizzle boosted its STAB Water attacks to dangerous levels, allowing Kyogre to easily dominate the Ubers tier as an S-rank threat for 3½ generations, Groudon got shafted as the sun could only boost its non-stab Fire attacks, most of which depended on Groudon's inferior Sp.Attack stat, and only dampened its weakness to water attacks. Despite these shortcomings, Groudon saw itself as a reliable A rank Pokemon in XY Ubers, as both a reliable setter of Stealth Rock and as a powerful bulky physical sweeper with Rock Polish.
 
With ORAS, the tables have finally turned in Groudon's favor as it received a massive buff in the form of Primal Reversion. Not only did Primal Groudon increase Groudon's already high Attack and Defense stats, but also gave it a massive buff to its Sp.Attack as well as a secondary Fire typing, so that it can now not only fully take advantage of the sun, but is now immune to both Burn and Paralysis, status conditions that could easily cut Groudon's sweeps short. Speaking of sun, Primal Groudon's Desolate Lands now summons a buffed version of sun that now not only lasts until Primal Groudon switches out, emulating the effects of infinite weather that Drought once summoned prior to X&Y, but also rendering it immune to Water, a type that would otherwise crush Groudon with its newfound 4x weakess. If that wasn't enough, the sun summoned by Desolate Lands cannot be overwritten by other weathers except for those summoned by Primal Kyogre and Mega Rayquaza, the latter of which has been banned from Ubers. Unlike Mega Evolution, which must be manually activated, Primal Reversion occurs automatically as soon as Groudon is sent out. Primal Reversion does not count as Mega Evolution, meaning that Primal Groudon not only has a much lower opportunity cost than the rest of the Ubers tier, but can also be used alongside Mega Evolutions on the same team. Outside of the Primal form, Groudon also received a signature move in the form of Precipice Blades, a stronger, albeit less accurate, version of Earthquake. All of these traits makes Primal Groudon the most threatening Pokemon in Ubers currently, usurping Kyogre's throne after its long 12 year reign.
 
Fangasming aside, Primal Groudon is perhaps one of the best checks to Xerneas and Kyogre in the tier, and is singlehandedly responsible for the decrease in viability of both Choice Scarf Kyogre and Choice Specs Kyogre. However, Groudon's Primal Reversion did nothing to buff its mediocre Sp.Defense, so it must invest towards this stat in order to effectively check the above mentioned threats. Primal Groudon is very versatile, able to fit on both offensive or defensive teams.
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Defensive Primal Support

Ability: Drought (Desolate Lands) / Item: @Red Orb
Nature: Relaxed or Impish w/ EVs: 252 HP / 56 Defense / 200 Sp.Defense
Moves: Stealth Rock / Earthquake or Precipice Blades / Lava Plume or Stone Edge / Roar or Thunder Wave

Tips:
Primal Groudon is an excellent setter of Stealth Rocks due to its sheer offensive presence The second moveslot is dedicated to Primal Groudon's Ground STAB. Earthquake or Precipice Blades can be used, as this moveset does not invest toward Primal Groudon's Attack, so the difference in power is minimal. The choice between Earthquake or Precipice Blades comes down to power versus accuracy. For the third moveslot, Lava Plume is Primal Groudon's secondary STAB, as Primal Groudon does have an excellent 150 base Sp.Attack to abuse it with, along with the 50% base power boost from Harsh Sun, as well as the ability to spread burns. Stone Edge, however, gives Primal Groudon an option to use against Ho-oh, who walls this set otherwise. The last moveslot is dedicated to further support options, and Roar and Thunder Wave are Groudon's best options, especially against Xerneas. Roar is useful for two reasons; one is to stop setup sweepers by forcing them out, which is especially useful against Geomancy Xerneas as this forces it to waste its Power Herb. The second is to rack up entry hazard damage from Stealth Rock. Thunder Wave can also stop sweepers in their tracks by cutting their speed, and also makes Latios, Latias, and Lugia easier to handle. The above EV spread with a Relaxed nature makes Primal Groudon as bulky as possible against the Pokemon this moveset is meant to check, allowing it to avoid an OHKO from a +2 Xerneas's Focus Blast and opposing Primal Groudon's Precipice Blades, while also avoiding a 2HKO from Modest Specs Kyogre's Ice Beam, Adamant Zekrom's Outrage, and Jolly Mega Salamence's Double-Edge. Relaxed should be used if running Lava Plume, to avoid cutting into Primal Groudon's Sp.Attack, otherwise Impish should be used. If needed, alternate EV spreads of Impish + 252 HP / 252 Defense and Careful + 252 HP / 252 Sp.Defense can be run instead. The former gives Primal Groudon an easier time against Extremekiller Arceus-Normal, Ho-oh, Mega Salamence, and Zekrom, while the latter gives better longevity against special attackers. Since this set lacks Leftovers, avoid being too reckless as it can get worn down, especially with a Ground weakness. Your first priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. Recommended Teammates:

Latios and Latias both give Primal Groudon trouble, as not only are they immune to Ground and resist Lava Plume, but can also remove Primal Groudon's Stealth Rocks with Defog. Mega Scizor and Aegislash are both good users of Pursuit, coming in and KOing them whether they switch out or not. These two can also do the same against Lugia, another Pokemon that gives Primal Groudon trouble.
Klefki, Arceus-Ghost, Arceus-Dark, Yveltal, Darkrai, Zekrom, and Primal Kyogre are all good Pokemon that can handle Lugia quite well.
Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, and Zekrom can all check Ho-oh if Primal Groudon isn't running Stone Edge. Arceus-Rock also has the benefit of being able to check opposing Mega Salamence.
Fairy types such as Xerneas, Mega Diancie, Arceus-Fairy, and Sylveon all keep Yveltal and Origin Giratina in check, especially since the former can hit Primal Groudon hard with STAB Dark Aura boosted Dark Pulse, while the latter can Defog while being immune to Ground while resisting Lava Plume. These Fairy types all appreciate having Primal Groudon as a teammate as it can check the Steel types that threaten them.
Wish support from Blissey and Sylveon is appreciated, as Primal Groudon lacks any form of recovery.
Primal Groudon works as an excellent check to Fairy types, so Dragon types appreciate having Primal Groudon as a partner for this purpose.
Arceus-Ground easily threatens Primal Groudon, so a check to Arceus-Ground is recommended. Latias and Ho-oh can handle special variants running Judgement, while Origin Giratina and Lugia can check physical variants that run Earthquake.  
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Defensive Non-Primal Support

Ability: Drought  / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Impish w/ EVs: 252 HP / 4 Attack / 252 Defense
Moves: Stealth Rock / Earthquake or Precipice Blades / Stone Edge / Roar or Thunder Wave

Tips:
Although generally inferior, this set functions identical to the Primal Support moveset. The biggest niche this set has over its Primal counterpart is the ability to better check Mega Salamence, Normal-Arceus, and opposing Primal Groudon due to its lack of Ground weakness and passive recovery from Leftovers. Recommended Teammates:
Same as Defensive Primal Support  
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Offensive Primal Support

Ability: Drought (Desolate Lands) / Item: @Red Orb
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 224 HP / 240 Attack / 32 Sp.Defense / 12 Speed
Moves: Stealth Rock / Precipice Blades / Dragon Tail, Dragon Claw or Stone Edge / Fire Punch or Stone Edge

Tips:
Primal Groudon is an excellent setter of Stealth Rocks due to its sheer offensive presence Because this set invests towards Attack, Precipice Blades is the Ground STAB of choice as this moveset aims to hit as hard as possible. Dragon Tail not only racks up entry hazard damage from Stealth Rock, but is also useful for dealing with Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, and Origin Giratina, all Pokemon that Primal Groudon has trouble with otherwise. If phazing out threats isnt needed, then Dragon Claw can be run instead, as it OHKOs both Latios and Latias, while hitting Origin Giratina hard. If hitting Lugia and Ho-oh is more of a concern, Stone Edge can be used instead. Fire Punch is Primal Groudon's only physical STAB Fire move, but does hit quite hard under the Sun, taking care of non-grounded Ground types as well as Arceus-Grass, Skarmory, and Yveltal. Again, Stone Edge can be used in this slot instead if Ho-oh and Lugia are a concern to you. The above EV spread makes Primal Groudon hit as hard as possible while simultaneously avoiding an OHKO from both Soul Dew Latios's Draco Meteor and +2 Xernea's Focus Blast. The 12 EVs in speed allows Primal Groudon to outspeed Timid Diancie before it Mega Evolves. This moveset is best suited to more offensive teams, as its offensive presence will force many switches, giving you time to set up Stealth Rock. Unlike the Defensive Support set, this set isn't as good at checking Xerneas due to its lower bulk and lack of Roar, so either try to preserve its HP or run another Xerneas check on your team.  
Recommended Teammates:

Latios and Latias both give Primal Groudon trouble, as not only are they immune to Ground and resist Fire Punch, but can also remove Primal Groudon's Stealth Rocks with Defog. Mega Scizor and Aegislash are both good users of Pursuit, coming in and KOing them whether they switch out or not. These two can also do the same against Lugia, another Pokemon that gives Primal Groudon trouble.
Klefki, Arceus-Ghost, Arceus-Dark, Yveltal, Darkrai, Zekrom, and Primal Kyogre are all good Pokemon that can handle Lugia quite well.
Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, and Zekrom can all check Ho-oh if Primal Groudon isn't running Stone Edge. Arceus-Rock also has the benefit of being able to check opposing Mega Salamence.
Fairy types such as Xerneas, Mega Diancie, Arceus-Fairy, and Sylveon all keep Yveltal and Origin Giratina in check, especially since the former can hit Primal Groudon hard with STAB Dark Aura boosted Dark Pulse, while the latter can Defog while being immune to Ground while resisting Fire Punch. These Fairy types all appreciate having Primal Groudon as a teammate as it can check the Steel types that threaten them.
Wish support from Blissey and Sylveon is appreciated, as Primal Groudon lacks any form of recovery.
Primal Groudon works as an excellent check to Fairy types, so Dragon types appreciate having Primal Groudon as a partner for this purpose.
Arceus-Ground easily threatens Primal Groudon, so a check to Arceus-Ground is recommended. Latias and Ho-oh can handle special variants running Judgement, while Origin Giratina and Lugia can check physical variants that run Earthquake.
Klefki, Mega Scizor, Ho-oh, Aegislash, and Arceus-Normal can all check Xerneas, which this variant has greater difficulty.
Due to this Primal Groudon's ability to soften up physical tanks, physical attackers such as Mega Salamence, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Normal all appreciate having this Primal Groudon as a teammate.  
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Primal Rock Polish Sweeper

Ability: Drought (Desolate Lands) / Item: @Red Orb
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 104 HP / 252 Attack / 96 Sp.Defense / 56 Speed
Moves: Rock Polish / Precipice Blades / Dragon Claw or Swords Dance / Stone Edge or Overheat

Tips:
Rock Polish doubles Primal Groudon's Speed, allowing it to become a fast and threatening sweeper with its monstrous base 180 Attack. Precipice Blades is the Ground STAB of choice as this moveset aims to hit as hard as possible. For the third slot, Dragon Claw is primarily a coverage move to OHKO Latios and Latias while 2HKOing Origin Giratina. Swords Dance can be used instead if you want to transform Primal Groudon into a double boosting sweeper, giving it a boosting move to use in situations against both Offensive teams (Rock Polish) and Defensive teams (Swords Dance) alike. For the last slot, Stone Edge gives great neutral coverage with Precipice Blades, and used primarily for hitting Ho-oh, Lugia, and Yveltal. Although it doesn't use Primal Groudon's fully invested attack, Overheat is Primal Groudon's best option for getting past Landorus-Therian, Skarmory, and Gliscor, all of which can tank Primal Groudon's hits otherwise. The above EV spread maximizes Primal Groudon's monster attack stat, while the HP and Sp.Defense EVs allow it to survive a +2 Xerneas's Focus Blast as well as Defensive Primal Groudon's Precipice Blades. 56 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed most Choice Scarf users after a single Rock Polish. As a sweeper, this Primal Groudon is best used late game. As such, don't waste its health by switching it in to check your opponent's Pokemon. It is best to set up against Steel and Fairy types, or defensive Pokemon who can't do much to you in general. Another scenario that is best to set up a Rock Polish is on a predicted switch, as Primal Groudon's offensive presence tends to cause a lot of them.  
Recommended Teammates:

If this moveset doesn't run Overheat, Landorus-Therian, Skarmory, and Gliscor can simply come in and tank your attacks with ease. Yveltal can easily smack all three of them for their lower Sp.Defense stat, while Ho-oh can KO Skamory with Sacred Fire and cripple Landorus-Therian & Gliscor with a burn. or Toxic
Without Swords Dance, Lugia can be quite annoying, even if you run Stone Edge. Dark types such as Darkrai, Yveltal, and Arceus-Dark can all handle Lugia, as can Arceus-Ghost. Toxic can also put Lugia on a timer, limiting the amount of turns it can stay in for, while also breaking its Multiscale.
Mixed Rayquaza can take on many general checks to physical attackers, including those that check Primal Groudon.
If using Swords Dance, Primal Groudon can double as a wallbreaker for other physical sweeper, such as Mega Salamence or Arceus-Normal.
As is the case with any sweeper, Stealth Rock support makes Primal Groudon's sweeping job easier, especially when it helps check Lugia and Ho-oh. Deoxys-Speed, Deoxys-Attack, and Dialga are all good choices for offensive Stealth Rockers.  
 
 
ORAS Ubers Singles Moveset: Primal Paralysis Swords Dancer

Ability: Drought (Desolate Lands) / Item: @Red Orb
Nature: Adamant w/ EVs: 252 HP / 100 Attack / 144 Sp.Defense / 12 Speed
Moves: Swords Dance / Precipice Blades / Thunder Wave / Stone Edge

Tips:
Swords Dance doubles Primal Groudon's already monstrous Attack even further. Precipice Blades is the Ground STAB of choice as this moveset aims to hit as hard as possible. Thunder Wave is used primarily for Xerneas, Lugia, Latios, and Latias, all of which become significantly easier for Primal Groudon to handle once paralyzed. Stone Edge is used for hitting the aforementioned Lugia and Lati twins, and has great neutral coverage with Precipice Blades. The above EV spread allows Primal Groudon to OHKO Lugia with a +2 Stone Edge after Multiscale is broken, while outspeeding Diancie prior to Mega Evolving and surviving a +2 Xerneas's Focus Blast. This set is mostly a lure for Lugia, Latios, and Latias, paralyzing them on the switch-in and KOing them. This moveset also attempts to turn Primal Groudon into a hybrid sweeper and support Pokemon, allowing it to check Geomancy Xerneas while still posing a threat to bulkier teams. Unlike this Rock Polish Sweeper, this moveset works better on balanced and bulky offense teams. Recommended Teammates:

Pokemon that dislike the presence of Lugia, Latios, and Latias appreciate this moveset's ability to cripple them. Examples of such Pokemon include Mega Salamence, Arceus-Normal, and Primal Kyogre.
Because it cannot be paralyzed by Thunder Wave, Arceus-Ground can pose problems. Latias and Ho-oh can handle special variants running Judgement, while Origin Giratina and Lugia can check physical variants that run Earthquake.
As is the case with the Rock Polish set, Stealth Rock support makes Primal Groudon's sweeping job easier, especially when it helps check Lugia and Ho-oh. Because this Primal Groudon set works better on bulkier teams, bulkier Stealth Rock setters such as Dialga, Tyranitar, and Diancie are preferred.  
 
Singles Ubers Checks & Counters to Groudon & Primal Groudon
Entry Hazards & Status

Because Primal Groudon lacks any form of recovery, it is prone to being worn down over time, especially since as Primal Groudon, it loses its resistance to Stealth Rock.
Lugia is perhaps the best check to Primal Groudon, setting up Reflect to sponge Primal Groudon's attacks while cutting into its lifespan with Toxic, while Recovering off damage and reactivating Multiscale. Once Multiscale is broken, Stone Edge will do a number to it and it also hates being Paralyzed. (Ground)
Arceus-Ground can survive a hit from Primal Groudon and easily outspeed and KO with either Earthquake or Judgement, depending on whether Arceus-Ground is physical or special based, and then Recover off the damage. Bulkier Primal Groudon sets can live an unboosted hit, however.
Origin Giratina is immune to Primal Groudon's Ground STAB and only fears Dragon Claw, but can otherwise hit hard with Draco Meteor or Shadow Force, phaze Primal Groudon out with Dragon Tail, or remove its Stealth Rocks with Defog.
Latios, Latias, and Rayquaza resist Primal Groudon's STAB combo and outspeed, while the former two can deal a number with Soul Dew-boosted Draco Meteor, with Latios potentially scoring an OHKO. All of them fear Dragon Claw and +2 Stone Edge, however, and Rayquaza hates getting burned by Lava Plume.
Bulky variants of Mega Salamence can pose problems for Primal Groudon for similar reasons as Rayquaza.
Primal Kyogre's Primordial Sea is the only weather in Ubers that can override Primal Groudon's Desolate Lands, turning its Water immunity into a x4 Weakness and threatening it with Origin Pulse.
Physically Defensive Yveltal can handle the Rock Polish set, while offensive Yveltal can hit hard with Dark Aura-boosted Dark Pulse, though the latter dislikes being hit by Stone Edge and Fire Punch.
Any Primal Groudon not carrying Stone Edge is instantly walled by Ho-oh.
One of Primal Groudon's checks is, ironically, normal Groudon, who does not sport the Primal forme's Ground weakness, allowing it to hit back harder with its own Precipice Blades or Earthquake.

Official timeline reveal:
 

 
Basically its everything that we already knew aside from the fact that X&Y takes place simultaneously with B2W2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKvZzo5PZ5U&feature=youtu.be
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2bthfd_street-fighter-5-teaser_videogames
 
EDIT: Alternate link for the video seeing as Capcom issued a copyright takedown:
https://www.sendspace.com/file/8wtv74

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKvZzo5PZ5U&feature=youtu.be
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2bthfd_street-fighter-5-teaser_videogames
 
EDIT: Alternate link for the video seeing as Capcom issued a copyright takedown:
https://www.sendspace.com/file/8wtv74

Mega Swampert requires rain in order to be effective, which isnt that great in UU since Drizzle is banned in UU. That aside, the extra defenses of Mega Swampert isnt quite enough to offset the lack of Leftovers recovery on support Swampert, which is mostly used for Stealth Rock setup, leaving room for another Mega who can use. This doesnt mean Mega Swampert is bad in UU though, its still A- rank.
 
OU is a different story, and Mega Swampert greatly outclasses its regular form in that environment.