Indigo Plateau
UU Leader
[OVERVIEW]
Kyurem is an interesting pick in the OU metagame thanks to its ability to PP stall several Pokemon with its useful combination of Substitute, Pressure, and Roost. Kyurem's typing and respectable bulk allow it to take advantage of some of OU's premier walls, such as Toxapex and Tangrowth, and pivot into Choice-locked Kartana's Leaf Blade and Greninja's Hydro Pump. Its high base Special Attack and access to Ice- and Ground-type coverage let it hit a vast majority of the OU tier for neutral damage and can threaten many common Pokemon like Landorus-T, Heatran, and Tornadus-T. However, Kyurem's mediocre base 95 Speed leaves more to be wished for in a metagame full of faster threats that can beat it, such as Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Kartana. Kyurem is also susceptible to every form of entry hazard and requires entry hazard control to perform its niche to its fullest potential. Moreover, Kyurem's ability to PP stall takes a big hit if it is inflicted with status, which is fairly common in the OU metagame, and its typing leaves it susceptible to the plethora of Steel-, Fairy-, and Fighting-type Pokemon and moves that plague the tier.
[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Roost
item: Metronome / Icium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute gains Kyurem free attacking turns against Pokemon that are incapable of breaking its Substitute with one attack, such as Toxapex, Tangrowth, and Rotom-W; it also eases prediction against certain cores that try to pivot around Kyurem like Heatran + Stone Edge Landorus-T. Once behind a Substitute, Kyurem is able to PP stall super effective moves with low PP, such as Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball and Tyranitar's Stone Edge. Ice Beam and Earth Power allow Kyurem to break through common defensive backbones consisting of Pokemon such as Heatran, Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Toxapex. Roost is crucial for keeping Kyurem healthy throughout the match and lets Kyurem PP stall foes with the combination of Substitute and Pressure.
Set Details
========
56 HP EVs give Kyurem 101 HP Substitutes, preventing Chansey from breaking them with Seismic Toss. Metronome pairs nicely with Substitute, allowing Kyurem to possibly muscle through defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Clefable, and most importantly Toxapex, which Kyurem would struggle to break through otherwise, thanks to the additional damage per turn. Icium Z lets Kyurem use Subzero Slammer, which is difficult to switch into offensively and defensively. Subzero Slammer is especially useful if Kyurem is behind a Substitute, OHKOing Pokemon that could otherwise stomach a hit and force it out like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Mega Medicham, and Clefable. Leftovers is an acceptable alternative to potentially give Kyurem more opportunities to use Substitute throughout the game, but it misses out on the additional power that Metronome and Icium Z provide.
Usage Tips
========
Kyurem's priority should be to set up a Substitute against Pokemon that it forces out or Pokemon that can't break its Substitute, such as Zygarde, Tangrowth, and Toxapex. Once behind a Substitute, Kyurem's combination of Pressure, Roost, and respectable bulk should be utilized to deplete Pokemon of their PP. Some examples include Celesteela and Clefable, as these can be PP stalled out of Heavy Slam and Moonblast, respectively, once behind a Substitute. Try to keep Stealth Rock and other entry hazards off of the field to keep Kyurem as healthy as possible and maximize its ability to switch into Pokemon it can beat like Tangrowth and Tornadus-T. Leech Seed and status conditions, especially paralysis and poison, hinder Kyurem's ability to PP stall foes, so try not to switch into status-inducing moves and avoid them with Substitute whenever possible. At times, using Substitute isn't necessary; if the opponent's team struggles to switch into Kyurem's coverage or is more offensively inclined, then attacking and weakening the opposing team for its teammates is beneficial. Kyurem should utilize its Ice- and Ground-type coverage effectively to dent common defensive backbones consisting of Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removers, such as Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T, are vital to prevent Kyurem from being worn down over time. Defensive Landorus-T pairs nicely with Kyurem because it can lure in Grass-types that Kyurem can beat with ease, such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu, and it can also help against physical threats that can threaten Kyurem like Mega Lopunny and Kartana. Kyurem greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to wear down the opposing team over time and make its job of stalling foes out easier. Toxapex is a phenomenal partner, as it can set up Toxic Spikes of its own and absorb opposing ones while helping counter Pokemon that trouble Kyurem like Mega Scizor, Volcarona, and Ash-Greninja. Reuniclus also benefits from Toxic Spikes and appreciates Kyurem's ability to beat common Taunt users like Heatran and Tornadus-T. Magearna, specifically Shift Gear and Calm Mind variants, makes for a good teammate, as it can take advantage of teams that have been weakened by Kyurem to have an easier time sweeping late-game. Magearna also appreciates Kyurem's ability to pressure opposing Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Similarly, threatening wallbreakers like Mega Mawile and Mega Alakazam appreciate the pressure that Kyurem exerts on the Steel-types mentioned earlier and are difficult for offensive teams that can pressure Kyurem to switch into. Celesteela can form an annoying core with Kyurem, especially if paired with Toxapex, thanks to Leech Seed allowing it to slowly wear down the opposing team. Celesteela can also pressure certain Fairy- and Steel-types that can give Kyurem trouble like Magearna and Scizor. Magnezone can trap and potentially remove annoying Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Kartana, and Celesteela for Kyurem.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Kyurem has no other options that are worth using in OU, as its entire niche lies in PP stalling foes with Pressure, Substitute, and Roost while having excellent coverage with Ice Beam and Earth Power.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon, such as Mega Alakazam, Ash-Greninja, and Kartana, can all pressure Kyurem with super effective coverage or STAB attacks but are forced to take a significant amount of damage if Kyurem is behind a Substitute.
**Fighting-types**: Although they can't directly switch into Kyurem's attacks, Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny can both threaten Kyurem out with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Steel-types**: Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Assault Vest Magearna can all beat Kyurem one-on-one, but they must be careful of getting worn down over time. Mega Scizor in particular can comfortably take any hit from Kyurem and threaten it out with Bullet Punch, which Kyurem is unable to PP stall.
**Setup Sweepers**: Certain setup sweepers that don't mind Ice Beam or Earth Power, such as Volcarona and Mega Scizor, can set up on Kyurem with ease.
**Tapu Fini**: Tapu Fini can easily survive and gradually heal off any attack that Kyurem possesses and can threaten it out with its Fairy-type STAB moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Indigo Plateau, 216712]]
- Quality checked by: [[lyd, 303291], [Simia, 300791], [LL, 144451]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [Kris, 241023]]
Kyurem is an interesting pick in the OU metagame thanks to its ability to PP stall several Pokemon with its useful combination of Substitute, Pressure, and Roost. Kyurem's typing and respectable bulk allow it to take advantage of some of OU's premier walls, such as Toxapex and Tangrowth, and pivot into Choice-locked Kartana's Leaf Blade and Greninja's Hydro Pump. Its high base Special Attack and access to Ice- and Ground-type coverage let it hit a vast majority of the OU tier for neutral damage and can threaten many common Pokemon like Landorus-T, Heatran, and Tornadus-T. However, Kyurem's mediocre base 95 Speed leaves more to be wished for in a metagame full of faster threats that can beat it, such as Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Kartana. Kyurem is also susceptible to every form of entry hazard and requires entry hazard control to perform its niche to its fullest potential. Moreover, Kyurem's ability to PP stall takes a big hit if it is inflicted with status, which is fairly common in the OU metagame, and its typing leaves it susceptible to the plethora of Steel-, Fairy-, and Fighting-type Pokemon and moves that plague the tier.
[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Roost
item: Metronome / Icium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute gains Kyurem free attacking turns against Pokemon that are incapable of breaking its Substitute with one attack, such as Toxapex, Tangrowth, and Rotom-W; it also eases prediction against certain cores that try to pivot around Kyurem like Heatran + Stone Edge Landorus-T. Once behind a Substitute, Kyurem is able to PP stall super effective moves with low PP, such as Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball and Tyranitar's Stone Edge. Ice Beam and Earth Power allow Kyurem to break through common defensive backbones consisting of Pokemon such as Heatran, Tangrowth, Tapu Bulu, and Toxapex. Roost is crucial for keeping Kyurem healthy throughout the match and lets Kyurem PP stall foes with the combination of Substitute and Pressure.
Set Details
========
56 HP EVs give Kyurem 101 HP Substitutes, preventing Chansey from breaking them with Seismic Toss. Metronome pairs nicely with Substitute, allowing Kyurem to possibly muscle through defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Clefable, and most importantly Toxapex, which Kyurem would struggle to break through otherwise, thanks to the additional damage per turn. Icium Z lets Kyurem use Subzero Slammer, which is difficult to switch into offensively and defensively. Subzero Slammer is especially useful if Kyurem is behind a Substitute, OHKOing Pokemon that could otherwise stomach a hit and force it out like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Mega Medicham, and Clefable. Leftovers is an acceptable alternative to potentially give Kyurem more opportunities to use Substitute throughout the game, but it misses out on the additional power that Metronome and Icium Z provide.
Usage Tips
========
Kyurem's priority should be to set up a Substitute against Pokemon that it forces out or Pokemon that can't break its Substitute, such as Zygarde, Tangrowth, and Toxapex. Once behind a Substitute, Kyurem's combination of Pressure, Roost, and respectable bulk should be utilized to deplete Pokemon of their PP. Some examples include Celesteela and Clefable, as these can be PP stalled out of Heavy Slam and Moonblast, respectively, once behind a Substitute. Try to keep Stealth Rock and other entry hazards off of the field to keep Kyurem as healthy as possible and maximize its ability to switch into Pokemon it can beat like Tangrowth and Tornadus-T. Leech Seed and status conditions, especially paralysis and poison, hinder Kyurem's ability to PP stall foes, so try not to switch into status-inducing moves and avoid them with Substitute whenever possible. At times, using Substitute isn't necessary; if the opponent's team struggles to switch into Kyurem's coverage or is more offensively inclined, then attacking and weakening the opposing team for its teammates is beneficial. Kyurem should utilize its Ice- and Ground-type coverage effectively to dent common defensive backbones consisting of Heatran, Tapu Bulu, and Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removers, such as Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T, are vital to prevent Kyurem from being worn down over time. Defensive Landorus-T pairs nicely with Kyurem because it can lure in Grass-types that Kyurem can beat with ease, such as Tangrowth and Tapu Bulu, and it can also help against physical threats that can threaten Kyurem like Mega Lopunny and Kartana. Kyurem greatly appreciates Toxic Spikes support to wear down the opposing team over time and make its job of stalling foes out easier. Toxapex is a phenomenal partner, as it can set up Toxic Spikes of its own and absorb opposing ones while helping counter Pokemon that trouble Kyurem like Mega Scizor, Volcarona, and Ash-Greninja. Reuniclus also benefits from Toxic Spikes and appreciates Kyurem's ability to beat common Taunt users like Heatran and Tornadus-T. Magearna, specifically Shift Gear and Calm Mind variants, makes for a good teammate, as it can take advantage of teams that have been weakened by Kyurem to have an easier time sweeping late-game. Magearna also appreciates Kyurem's ability to pressure opposing Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Similarly, threatening wallbreakers like Mega Mawile and Mega Alakazam appreciate the pressure that Kyurem exerts on the Steel-types mentioned earlier and are difficult for offensive teams that can pressure Kyurem to switch into. Celesteela can form an annoying core with Kyurem, especially if paired with Toxapex, thanks to Leech Seed allowing it to slowly wear down the opposing team. Celesteela can also pressure certain Fairy- and Steel-types that can give Kyurem trouble like Magearna and Scizor. Magnezone can trap and potentially remove annoying Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Kartana, and Celesteela for Kyurem.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Kyurem has no other options that are worth using in OU, as its entire niche lies in PP stalling foes with Pressure, Substitute, and Roost while having excellent coverage with Ice Beam and Earth Power.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon, such as Mega Alakazam, Ash-Greninja, and Kartana, can all pressure Kyurem with super effective coverage or STAB attacks but are forced to take a significant amount of damage if Kyurem is behind a Substitute.
**Fighting-types**: Although they can't directly switch into Kyurem's attacks, Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny can both threaten Kyurem out with their Fighting-type STAB attacks.
**Steel-types**: Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Assault Vest Magearna can all beat Kyurem one-on-one, but they must be careful of getting worn down over time. Mega Scizor in particular can comfortably take any hit from Kyurem and threaten it out with Bullet Punch, which Kyurem is unable to PP stall.
**Setup Sweepers**: Certain setup sweepers that don't mind Ice Beam or Earth Power, such as Volcarona and Mega Scizor, can set up on Kyurem with ease.
**Tapu Fini**: Tapu Fini can easily survive and gradually heal off any attack that Kyurem possesses and can threaten it out with its Fairy-type STAB moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Indigo Plateau, 216712]]
- Quality checked by: [[lyd, 303291], [Simia, 300791], [LL, 144451]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [Kris, 241023]]
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