Analysis GP Queue

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Kris

1v1 Mega Gyarados is ready for upload!
yo, give me gyara
QC 3/3 GP 1/1
Overview

Mega Gyarados is one of the most dominating forces in the metagame. Mega Gyarados has access to two abilities in-battle that can be used to overwhelm the opponent. Intimidate lowers physical attackers damage output from Kyurem-B and Mega Charizard X. Mold Breaker ignores defensive abilities like Dragonite's Multiscale and Donphan's Sturdy. Intimidate as well as its high Defense and Special Defense lets it withstand powerful attacks from the majority of the tier, allowing it to set up crucial Dragon Dances. This high bulk allows it from being KOed so it can increase its Speed and Attack to easily KO back. Mega Gyarados has two very beneficial typings: Water / Flying is weak to Electric and Rock, and Water / Dark is weak to Bug, Electric, Fairy, Fighting, Grass. This allows Mega Gyarados to potentially avoid super effective, Bug-, Fairy-, Fighting-, Grass-, and Rock-type moves by choosing when to Mega Evolve. Offensively, its great base 155 Attack stat is one of the highest in the whole game, and its access to many strong STAB and coverage moves let it hit most Pokemon for neutral and super effective damage. Switching coverage moves to interact with the current ladder allows Mega Gyarados to consistently defeat majority of the other team. Finally, the Prankster ability doesn't affect Dark-types, allowing Mega Gyarados to not be affected by Whimsicott's Leech Seed and Sableye's Will-o-Wisp. However, Mega Gyarados desperately wants to run more than four moves to include its coverage moves alongside its STAB moves, and with a relatively low 81 base Speed, Mega Gyarados heavily relies on Dragon Dance to boost it to respectable levels.

Dragon Dance
Gyarados @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 80 Def / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Waterfall
- Crunch / Taunt

Moves

Dragon Dance is required to boost Mega Gyarados's Speed to outpace faster Pokemon like Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y and boost damage to break through walls like Deoxys-D. Waterfall hits Rock-, Ground-, and Fire-type Pokemon such as Donphan and Crustle. Outrage hits Dragon-types like Dragonite and Mega Charizard X. Crunch hits Psychic-types like Deoxys-D and Mega Slowbro. Taunt targets stall Pokemon like Deoxys-D, Slowbro, and Mega Venusaur. With so many options, Mega Gyarados can provide support to any team based on the counters they have to watch out for.

Set Details

252 Attack EVs and an Adamant nature maximize Mega Gyarados's damage output, allowing it to KO most Pokemon at +0 or +1. 88 Speed investment allows Mega Gyarados to outspeed base 100s such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Choice Band Victini after one Dragon Dance. The bulk lets Mega Gyarados avoid a 2HKO from a Naive Choice Scarf Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt and a 2HKO from a Mega Charizard X's Outrage. Regular Gyarados can also survive two Solar Beams from a Timid Mega Charizard Y.

Usage Tips

Most of the time, Mega Gyarados should choose to Dragon Dance on turn one. This almost always gives Mega Gyarados the power and speed to KO a target on the subsequent turn. A +1 Mega Gyarados can KO Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Kyurem-B, and Dragonite with Outrage; an offensive Donphan and Crustle with Waterfall; and 2HKO a Deoxys-D and Mega Slowbro even after recovery with Crunch. However, it is often best not to Mega Evolve on turn one to avoid potentially super effective Grass-, Fighting-, or Fairy-type attacks. This can come from Mega Charizard Y's Solar Beam, Sawk's Close Combat, or Mimikyu's Twinkle Tackle. When attempting to secure a KO, Gyarados should Mega Evolve to do the necessary damage to its foe. Send in Mega Gyarados on a predicted Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Dragonite, Garchomp, or Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, as Outrage makes quick work of these Pokemon. With Waterfall, Mega Gyarados can also handle Golem, Nihilego, and other Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon. With just Taunt, Gyarados can stop Crustle's Shell Smash and respond with a Waterfall or Crunch. If Mega Gyarados is running Taunt and Crunch, you can send it out on stall Pokemon like Deoxys-D and Mega Slowbro. Make sure to avoid Choice Specs Magearna and Electrium Z Tapu Koko, as they are very problematic for Mega Gyarados, being able to OHKO regular and Mega Gyarados.

Team Options

Choice Scarf Genesect can break fast Pokemon and Fairy- and Grass-type Pokemon like Tapu Lele and Mega Venusaur. Genesect appreciates Mega Gyarados's ability to threaten Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. Specially defensive Pokemon like Aegislash and Deoxys-D can help counter Magearna and Tapu Lele. They can also beat some strong Choice item Pokemon like Kyurem-B. A well-designed set can even win against Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Greninja. Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y appreciate Mega Gyarados's ability to handle Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon. They can similarly help beat Will-O-Wisp users, Grass-types, and Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Sableye, Kartana, Magearna, and Celesteela. Magearna can also be useful against Dark-types like Umbreon and Fairy-types like Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele. Landorus and other Ground-types can make up for a Mega Gyarados that lacks Earthquake and can easily counter Tapu Koko.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

Earthquake is a strong move to hit Steel-types, especially those that rely on Sturdy, such as Magnezone and Aggron. Substitute blocks status and Charm and can be used instead of Taunt as a way to defeat stall Pokemon that depend on it. Stone Edge can be used to hurt Flying-type Pokemon like defensive Mega Charizard Y. Bounce can be used to hit Fighting and Bug-type Pokemon. A spread of 104 HP / 196 Atk / 100 Def / 8 SpD / 100 Spe with an Adamant nature sacrifices some attacking power for more bulk and the ability to outspeed Garchomp after a Dragon Dance. A spread of 252 Attack and 252 Speed EVs with an Adamant nature makes Mega Gyarados a more dedicated fast attacker that can outspeed base 126 Speed Pokemon after one Dragon Dance.

Checks and Counters

Attack-lowering Moves and Burns: Charm, its Z-variants, and burns are very problematic for Mega Gyarados. Umbreon and Mega Sableye use these moves to neuter physical attacks from Mega Gyarados and then heal off damage. Carrying Taunt can help remedy this check.

Stall Pokemon: If Mega Gyarados doesn't carry Taunt or is bypassed by a Z-move, many stall Pokemon can whittle and recover Mega Gyarados. Mega Venusaur is great at whittling with Leech Seed and Toxapex can use Z-Toxic to raise defense.

Bulky Grass-types: Mega Venusaur and Ferrothorn easily resist Mega Gyarados's Waterfall and can take a neutral Crunch or Outrage, making it very difficult for Mega Gyarados to defeat them.

Powerful Electric-types and strong Electric-type Coverage: Electrium Z Tapu Koko, Xurkitree, and Magnezone, as well as Pokemon that carry powerful Electric-type coverage can defeat Mega Gyarados. Carrying Earthquake can help beat Magnezone and Choice Scarf Xurkitree.

Physically Bulky Offensive Pokemon: Pokemon like Mega Metagross and Mega Pinsir can withstand Mega Gyarados's attack if they invest in bulk and don't grant Mega Gyarados the opportunity to set up. Kartana can similarly overwhelm Mega Gyarados without investing in bulk.

Fairy-types: A strong Fairy-type can OHKO Mega Gyarados and regular Gyarados. Choice Specs Magearna can use Fleur Cannon to KO Gyarados. Tapu Fini and Primarina also can perform very well using Moonblast.

Powerful Special Pokemon: Pokemon with a high Special Attack stat and special moves like Porygon-Z and Greninja can overcome Mega Gyarados's bulk to KO it.
 

lotiasite

undedgy
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QC 3/3 [Written] GP 0/1

Greninja

Overview


With a high speed stat, fantastic offensive typing in Water, and an incredible ability in Protean, Greninja is a powerful attacker with several options for taking out different Pokemon. Access to good coverage options such as Ice Beam, Grass Knot, and Gunk Shot allow Greninja to hit a large portion of the metagame for super-effective damage, especially when factoring in STAB from Protean. Greninja also has access to Hydro Cannon, which allows Greninja to hit incredibly hard especially with a Waterium Z or Choice Specs equipped. However, Greninja's underwhelming 103 Special Attack stat doesn't match up to other Special hard hitters in the metagame, such as Tapu Lele. This low Special Attack can also make Greninja fall short of some KOes against Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y. Greninja also has low defensive stats, leaving it very vulnerable to Pokemon which outspeed it and Pokemon that can tank a hit and retaliate with hard hitting moves of their own.

Choice Specs
Greninja @ Choice Specs
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Cannon
- Dark Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot

Set Comments
Moves

Hydro Cannon is Greninja's most powerful move. With an incredible 150 base power and Choice Specs, it is capable of OHKOing almost every Pokemon that does not resist it and does not have Sturdy. Greninja also usually does not need to worry about the recharge turn due to 1v1's format, which makes the trade for more power and accuracy over Hydro Pump worth it. Dark Pulse is a coverage option Greninja can use to hit Pokemon such as Mega Metagross, Deoxys-Defense and Aegislash for super-effective damage, while also having a nifty 20% flinch chance that can help out Greninja in a matchup it would normally lose by getting free damage off. Ice Beam is another coverage move that hits Dragon- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Dragonite, Mega Pinsir, and Garchomp, while also hitting Grass-type Pokemon such as Whimsicott that resist Hydro Cannon. Grass Knot is Greninja's best fourth option, as it hits Mega Gyarados, one of the best Pokemon in the current metagame, extremely hard.

Set Details

Maximum investment in Speed and Special Attack lets Greninja hit as hard as possible while outspeeding most threats. Protean is Greninja's best ability, as it grants STAB on all of its attacks and can also be used to play around an opponent by switching Greninja's type as to resist an attack. Choice Specs is the item of choice, as it allows Greninja to hit extremely hard with all of its attacks, increasing Greninja's damage output by a large amount. Either a Timid or Modest Nature can be used on this set, as Timid allows Greninja to outspeed certain threats such as max speed Mega Metagross, Kartana, and Modest Tapu Koko, while Modest maximizes Greninja's damage output and lets it hit a lot harder.

Usage Tips

Use Greninja if your team is weak to Fire-type Pokemon such as Charizard, as it can scare them off and protect Pokemon weak to them such as Magearna. Prevent mindlessly clicking Hydro Cannon, as those that can live an attack, such as Crustle or Golem, or those running Substitute can easily take advantage of the recharge turn and knock Greninja out. Also avoid using Hydro Cannon unless it has a very good chance to KO the foe. Refrain from sending Greninja in when threats such as Tapu Koko and Kyurem-Black loom, as they can easily take it out. Greninja can also be brought in against more passive Pokemon such as Jumpluff and Mega Slowbro, as they can wall other members of your team. Greninja can also utilize its Protean ability to play around opponents, changing its type to resist a move the opponent may go for.

Team Options

Pokemon such as Mimikyu can be used to threaten Greninja's checks, which include Tapu Koko and Choice Scarfers such as Garchomp. Greninja also does well against common Steel-type Pokemon such as Mega Metagross, so Pokemon weak to them such as Crustle can be safely brought in. Other options include heavy hitters such as Kyurem-Black, as Greninja's lacking Special Attack baits in more defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Strong physical attackers such as Mega Charizard X are also appreciated, as they can make an opponent think twice before bringing in a specially defensive wall. Other hard hitting Special Attackers such as Mega Charizard Y and Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can be utilized due to Greninja's role as a coverage specialist rather than a hard hitter, yet it makes the team more susceptible to being walled by Chansey. However, Greninja's versatility as a coverage attacker can cover the weaknesses of many Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Mega Pinsir, making it easier for them to be brought in. Tapu Lele in particular can also cover some of Greninja's checks such as Kyurem-Black and Tapu Koko.

Other Options

A Waterium Z turns Hydro Cannon into a powerful 200 base power move with no drawbacks such as recharge and accuracy, and also gives Greninja the freedom to switch up its attacks. However, Greninja's other coverage attacks such as Ice Beam and Dark Pulse receive no boost, meaning Greninja is left without a way to hit Water-resistant Pokemon effectively. Another good item option is Life Orb, as it allows Greninja to switch its moves up while also giving a good power boost to special moves as well as physical moves. It also allows Greninja to run Shadow Sneak, which can be used to avoid damage from opposing Normal-type attacks such as Hyper Beam and Giga Impact. Other physical coverage moves such as Gunk Shot can be utilized on the Life Orb set, as it gives Greninja more power to better deal with Fairy-type Pokemon such as Tapu Lele. Water Shuriken is another option that can be used to bypass Sturdy Pokemon such as Crustle and Golem, yet can be unreliable due to its luck factor. Hydro Pump can also replace any of the coverage moves on the Choice Specs set, as to avoid the recharge turn from Hydro Cannon. However, it lacks power compared to Hydro Cannon and has a less reliable accuracy. Another powerful option is Hyper Beam, which hits just as hard as Hydro Cannon due to Protean and can hit Water-Resistant Pokemon such as Kyurem-Black.

Checks and Counters

Faster Pokemon and Choice Scarf users
- Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black can easily outspeed Greninja and OHKO it due to its frail defenses.

Sturdy - Sturdy users such as Crustle and Donphan can take any one hit from Greninja and retaliate with powerful Z-moves.

Chansey - Chansey’s specially defensive capabilities allow it to easily wall all of Greninja’s attacks as it breaks it down with a combination of Toxic and Seismic Toss.

Resistant Pokemon - Pokemon such as Tapu Fini and Kyurem-Black resist Greninja's most powerful attacks, namely Hydro Cannon, meaning it cannot OHKO them and takes a lot of damage in return.

Bulky Offensive Pokemon - Bulkier Pokemon such as Magearna and Mega Venusaur can also survive all of Greninja's attacks, OHKOing it in return.
Greninja (1v1) is ready for GP.
http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/1v1-analysis-megathread.3594171/page-2#post-7229050
 

Ren

i swore lips were made for lies
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[QC 3/3] [GP 1/1]

Tapu Koko


Overview
With access to two pivoting moves, Electric Surge, and a good typing, Tapu Koko has carved itself a large niche as one of Mix and Mega's best revenge killers and pivots. Electric Surge, Tapu Koko's signature ability, activates Electric Terrain which grants it and all other grounded Pokemon a 1.5x boost to their Electric-type attacks. In addition, Tapu Koko has access to U-turn and Volt Switch which allow it to function as an effective pivot. Despite its shallow movepool, it has what it needs to function well, and its offensive stats allow it to function as an effective revenge killer. Finally, its stellar offensive typing allows it to force out common metagame threats such as Weavile, Suicune, and Pinsirite Genesect. However, it struggles with dominating forces in the current metagame such as Primal Groudon and Zapdos. In addition, upon Mega Evolving, it loses Electric Surge, which can be a huge disadvantage in battle.

Lucarionite

Tapu Koko @ Lucarionite
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam / Grass Knot
- Nature's Madness

Set Comments

Moves

Volt Switch allows Tapu Koko to pivot out of any non-Ground-type switch-in, gaining momentum for the team. Thunderbolt hits ridiculously hard with the Adaptability boost gained by Lucarionite and the boost provided by Electric Terrain. Dazzling Gleam is a secondary move designed to hit the Grass-, Dragon-, and Ground-types that Thunderbolt cannot handle. Grass Knot can be used to hit Primal Groudon and Arceus for more consistent damage, but the Fairy STAB move would be lost. Nature's Madness punishes switch-ins like Primal Groudon and other Ground types by halving their HP, putting them at a range where they are easier to deal with.

Set Details

Maximum investment in Speed allows Tapu Koko to outspeed unboosted Pokemon such as Glalitite Weavile, Absolite Tapu Lele, Metagrossite Kartana, and Absolite Manaphy. Special Attack is also maximized in order to hit as hard as possible. Lucarionite boosts Tapu Koko's base Special Attack to 120, also gifting it with Adaptability, which changes the STAB multiplier from 1.5x to 2x. Electric Surge is a great pre-Mega ability, as it summons Electric Terrain, which provides a 1.5x boost to Tapu Koko's Electric-type attacks.

Usage Tips

Identifying threats on the opponent's team like Primal Groudon and using double switches to bring in your check can turn the game in your favor. In addition, you can also use Nature's Madness to soften the threats to a level where Tapu Koko can handle them. Preserving your answers to defensive threats such as Cresselia and Blissey will serve you well in the long run, since both Pokemon wall and can set up on Tapu Koko due to its relatively low damage output compared to other metagame threats. Knowing when to Mega Evolve is key as well, since upon Mega Evolving, Tapu Koko loses its ability to summon Electric Terrain. Despite the small advantage provided by Electric Terrain, however, situations where you will not Mega Evolve Tapu Koko are rare. Use Nature's Madness liberally early on in the game in order to cripple the opponent's team, as the whole team will likely become easier to handle at lower HP values.

Team Options

Tapu Koko appreciates being partnered with Primal Groudon checks such as Arceus-Water and Golisopod. Golisopod in particular helps Tapu Koko in the matchup versus Primal Groudon due to forcing a switch from the Primal Groudon user. Checks to Cresselia such as Golisopod, Darkrai, and Hoopa-U are appreciated due to Tapu Koko doing negligible damage to it and having to switch out of the battle in favor of a partner capable of forcing Cresselia out. Mega Gengar could be an option to use Perish Trap on Sablenite Blissey, which Tapu Koko otherwise struggles to beat. Checks to Red Orb Raikou such as Primal Groudon work well in tandem with Tapu Koko due to Red Orb Raikou walling both of Tapu Koko's STAB moves with no difficulty and Primal Groudon forcing it out. However, Primal Groudon can be forced out as well, as it has no recovery and the damage from Raikou's Weather Ball deals a significant amount of damage. Entry hazard removers such as Zapdos and defensive Arceus formes carrying Defog are appreciated so that Tapu Koko isn't worn down from pivoting too much. Hazard setters such as Terrakion and Primal Groudon work well due to compensating for Tapu Koko's low offensive stats.

Pinsirite

Tapu Koko @ Pinsirite
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- U-turn
- Quick Attack
- Wild Charge / Nature's Madness

Set Comments

Moves


Return is the main move that the player will be spamming. It provides a strong Flying-type STAB attack for Tapu Koko and doesn't have the recoil that Wild Charge does, allowing Tapu Koko to stay longer on the field without fainting itself due to recoil damage. U-turn allows the player to pivot out of any switch-ins, gaining momentum. Quick Attack is a priority Aerilate-boosted STAB attack that allows Tapu Koko to revenge kill weakened foes. It can also net a surprise KO on Pheromosa. U-Turn allows the player to pivot out of any switchins, gaining momentum. Wild Charge is the Electric-type STAB move of choice, hitting Pokemon that don't resist, such as Suicune, it for a hefty amount of damage when Electric Terrain is up and Tapu Koko hasn't Mega Evolved. Nature's Madness can be run over Wild Charge, as it is useful for crippling switch-ins to Tapu Koko such as Zapdos, but Tapu Koko loses its Electric-type STAB move, which makes it more difficult to handle Absolite Manaphy and Sablenite Suicune.

Set Details

252 Speed EVs along with a Jolly nature are used to outspeed as much Pokemon as possible. The Pokemon that are outsped include Absolite Manaphy, Lucarionite Keldeo, and Salamencite Gyarados. 252 Attack EVs allow Tapu Koko to take advantage of its Attack stat after it has Mega Evolved. Pinsirite gives Tapu Koko the Flying type and Aerilate, allowing Tapu Koko to utilize its decent pre-Mega base 110 Attack stat due to having a physical Normal-type option in Return.

Usage Tips

Bring Tapu Koko in when you can force switches with it such as on Keldeo, Golisopod, and Pinsirite Genesect. This allows you to maintain momentum in the battle and respond to Pokemon that threaten Tapu Koko without having to spend a turn on switching out. It is also important to consider when you will Mega Evolve Tapu Koko. Electric Surge is a useful ability for Tapu Koko, so timing the moment that it will Mega is important. However, it is less important on the Pinsirite set, as Return is a more spammable attack than Wild Charge upon Mega Evolving. In addition, if you choose to forgo Wild Charge in favor of Nature's Madness, you can completely ignore preserving Electric Surge. When there is a Zapdos on the field, be sure to preserve your answer to it. Tapu Koko cannot 2HKO Zapdos regardless of what it does. When your opponent has Suicune, do not Mega Evolve until it is off the field. If Tapu Koko has Mega Evolved, it only 3HKOes Sablenite Suicune due to Electric Terrain not boosting Wild Charge. However, if Tapu Koko hasn't Mega Evolved, it easily 2HKOes Sablenite Suicune despite its lower attack, provided Electric Terrain is still active.

Team Options

Golisopod makes for a good partner due to being able to force threats out like Primal Groudon and Cresselia, as the two Pokemon take any attack Tapu Koko can throw at them and KO back using Stone Edge or set up, respectively. However, the defensive synergy isn't good due to both Pokemon being weak to Stealth Rock. Using Pokemon that carry Toxic such as Blissey help in the matchup against Venusaurite Zapdos. Primal Groudon helps in breaking past Red Orb Raikou due to coming onto both of its STAB moves and KOing back with a STAB Ground-type attack. However, it can be forced out, as Raikou does a hefty amount of damage with Weather Ball. As Tapu Koko is weak to Stealth Rock after it Mega Evolves, it greatly appreciates entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Zapdos and defensive Arceus formes that carry Defog. Mega Gengar functions well in tandem with Tapu Koko, as it can use Perish Trap on many of the threats Tapu Koko cannot break past, such as Blissey. Hazard setters such as Terrakion function well with Tapu Koko due to being able to soften up opposing threats such as Zapdos and Weavile and thus discourage excessive switching, which makes up for Tapu Koko's relatively subpar offensive stats and bulk. Tapu Koko's U-turn also helps in maintaining pressure versus teams that use Zapdos so that an opportunity to Defog is missed. Finally, Pokemon with similar checks and counters such as Kartana and Genesect put more pressure on the opponent in regards to keeping their answer alive.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

Taunt can be run on both sets, but oftentimes, it ends up being more of a hindrance than a benefit, as on the Lucarionite set, Nature's Madness is better for weakening answers to Tapu Koko, while on the Pinsirite set, you are either missing out on the priority, the strong Flying-type STAB move, the Electric-type STAB move, or the pivoting move. In addition, Taunt doesn't hit most of what it is meant to anyway, since a lot of defensive threats in the tier carry Sablenite, which provides Magic Bounce. Absolite can be run for the extra Speed plus Magic Bounce, but the former doesn't necessarily matter, as Lucarionite Pheromosa still outspeeds it. Calm Mind is an option that can be run on the Lucarionite set but Tapu Koko would sorely miss any of the other moves, which means there is less room for Calm Mind. Roost can be run on either set, but the problem with it is Tapu Koko requires all four moves on both sets to function, and it gives your opponent a free turn.

Checks and Counters

*Ground-types: Ground-types such as Gliscor, Primal Groudon, and Hippowdon wall Tapu Koko with no struggle whatsoever. Primal Groudon is naturally bulky enough to take all of Tapu Koko's attacks and KO back with Precipice Blades or Earthquake. Stone Edge variants aren't deterred by Pinsirite Tapu Koko either. The same goes for Gliscor and Hippowdon; the latter is somewhat more difficult to deal with due to having access to reliable recovery in Slack Off.
*Mixed Walls: Tapu Koko struggles with Pokemon that are naturally bulky both physically and specially such as Cresselia, Magearna and Blissey. Sablenite Cresselia walls Tapu Koko completely, with the most damaging attack being Nature's Madness on the Lucarionite set. The opponent will have to misplay in order for Tapu Koko to beat Cresselia one-on-one. Sablenite Blissey walls Tapu Koko and is capable of Toxic stalling it out or even just clicking Seismic Toss. Tapu Koko can do nothing to Sablenite Blissey. Magearna is able to force Tapu Koko to pivot out and gain momentum with Volt Switch, forcing you into an unfavorable situation.
*Red Orb Raikou: Red Orb Raikou walls both Tapu Koko sets due to its Electric / Fire typing. It is also able to return a Weather Ball that consistently OHKOes Lucarionite Tapu Koko after Stealth Rock and has a high chance to OHKO Pinsirite Tapu Koko after Stealth Rock.
*Flying-resistant Pokemon: Flying-resistant Pokemon such as Arceus-Rock wall the Pinsirite set due to Frustration being the main attack of choice. Zapdos in particular deserves a special mention due to its ability to wall both sets.
*Faster Attackers: Tapu Koko isn't very bulky, so faster attackers such as Pheromosa and Absolite Darkrai with Sludge Bomb can do incredible damage to and possibly KO Tapu Koko.
Mix and Mega Tapu Koko is now ready for upload! Kris
 
Just FYI that the mix and mega analysis links for the latest uploads, Arceus-Ghost, Tapu Koko, Togekiss and Weavile give 404 not found errors when going to them. The analyses have been uploaded, but you have to change the links slightly to get to them.
 

RNGIsFatal

Banned deucer.
Kris
Kyurem-White analysis is ready for upload!

Overview

Unlike other -ate users, Kyurem-W does not rely on priority. While it is weak to them because of its poor defensive stats, it has the potential to fire off strong attacks with its monsterous base 170 Special Attack stat. In addition, Kyurem-W’s unique typing allows it to purge through walls such as Zygarde-C, defensive Primal Groudon variants, Giratina, and Fur Coat users that do not resist its STAB moves.

In addition, Kyurem-W's STAB combination is only resisted by Steel-types, and this gives it a niche due to its capability to purge through defense-oriented teams. It's somewhat easy to prepare a wall for Imposter by carefully choosing coverage moves.

However, weakness to entry hazards usually limit the times Kyurem–W can switch in. Kyurem-W's typing does not provide much resistances and its defensive stats are not impressive. Therefore, it is easily revenge killed or forced out. In addition, Kyurem-W's mediocre base 95 Speed forces it to run Choice Scarf to outspeed many threats such as all Mewtwo variants.



Standard Refrigerate

Kyrurem–White @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Refrigerate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpAtk / 252 Spe
Timid / Naive Nature

- Boomburst / Techno Blast
- Extremespeed / Earth Power / Blue Flare
- Core Enforcer / Draco Meteor
- Switcheroo / Moongeist Beam / Volt Switch

Set Comments

Moves

Boomburst is mandatory in this set due to its ridiculous raw power that allows Kyurem-W to purge through bulky Ground-types and Dragon-types. It also dents anything that doesn’t resist it, including all forms of Primal Groudon and Mewtwo. Techno Blast can be used if one is wary of walls with Soundproof such as Mega Slowbro and Mega Aggron, but it has significantly low PP and is unable to hit through Substitutes. Extreme Speed can be used to pick up on weak or frail foes once they lack anti–priority abilities or field conditions. Earth Power can hit the Steel-types such as Solgaleo and Registeel super effectively that resist Boomburst, while Blue Flare is another option to hit aforementioned foes with better power and apply considerable chance to burn in exchange of having imperfect accuracy. Core Enforcer is a good option that has high Base Power and is STAB while nullifying the switch-in's abilities. Draco Meteor can be used to launch a strong attack, but it weakens Kyurem-W afterwards and is generally inferior to Refrigerated Boomburst. Switcheroo can be used to cripple walls that prevent Kyurem-W from fulfilling its role, while Moongeist Beam can be used to target Solgaleo or Sturdy Shedinja. Finally, Volt Switch can be utilized to hit the likes of Primal Kyogre or Mega Gyarados super effectively while maintaining momentum.


Set Details

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed will allow Kyurem-W to hit as hard and as fast as possible. One should always choose a nature that boosts Speed regardless of the item Kyurem-W is holding. Such investment will allow Kyurem-W with Choice Scarf to outspeed threats including all Mewtwo variants, Mega Rayquaza that lacks priority, and other Choice Scarf users with base Speed below 95. A Naive nature should be chosen if Extreme Speed is included in the set in order to allow Kyurem-W to safely OHKO Pheromosa and Deoxys-A that lack Dazzling or Queenly Majesty and is not under Psychic Terrain. Choice Scarf is generally preferred due to the fact that Kyurem-W cannot outspeed unboosted Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Gengar, and Deoxys-A. Choice Specs provides Kyurem-W with significantly better power, allowing it to 2HKO foes such as Kyogre or Registeel after some prior damage and depending on their investment.


Usage Tips

Kyurem-W is relatively frail, especially with a Naive nature. Therefore, it should never switch into any attacks other than weak attacks like U-turns from slow pivots. Even they can be risky to switch into, though, as many RegenVest pivots like Solgaleo and Mega Gyarados having high-Base Power attacks.
When Kyurem-W's HP is low, never send it into the battle until its checks, such as the likes of Registeel, Solgaleo, and Primal Kyogre, are gone. Especially if it still has its Choice item, one should try their best to protect Kyurem-W due to its late-game sweeping potential, especially if it has Choice Scarf. In addition, if Kyurem-W is holding Choice item, one should make serious consideration before deciding to lock Kyurem-W into Exterme Speed. It is vitally important not to use Extreme Sspeed until one ensures the opponent is susceptible to priority moves. Failure to execute do so will immediately turn Kyurem-W into set-up fodder, unless it has already passed its Choice Scarf to other opponent. Another fact to be aware of when using Choice-locked Kyurem-W is that choosing coverage moves like Earth Power will give an opportunity for Flying types to freely switch in without harm. Switcheroo should be used when one can clearly predict the switch against Kyurem-W. Common switch-ins for Kyurem-W include Registeel, Aegislash, Mega Gyarados, and Solgaleo. RegenVest pivots like Mega Gyarados and Solgaleo will have their walling capabilities significantly hindered without Assault Vest and no longer be able to perform slow U-turn after they are locked into Choice Scarf.


Team Options

Slow pivots with moves such as U-turn and Parting Shot, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Audino, Registeel, and Solgaleo are great support for Kyurem-W, since they allow Kyurem-W to safely switch into a foe whose Focus Sash is not in tact or weakened from Parting Shot. Also, due to its weakness to Stealth Rock, entry hazard removers are mandatory on a team. Good options for this case will be RegenVest pivots with Rapid Spin or bulky allies with Defog such as Zygarde-C, Registeel, and Mega Audino.
Even if Kyurem-W may have high Speed with Choice Scarf, anti-priority support from a team is necessary due to the abundance of Triage. A lead with Psychic Surge, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, or any fast ally would be a good option. This set needs Imposter-proofing support. One should always have an ally who can check their own Kyurem-W, since no moves from the set above can OHKO its own Imposter, even with critical hits. Steel types that can take Boomburst, Dragon type moves, and coverage moves will be a great option in terms of checking an Imposter. Primal Groudon pairs well with Kyurem-W, since it can check specially bulky foes or problematic Steel-types. It can threaten all Fairy types, Gyarados that lack Water-type moves, Solgaleo, Registeel, defensive Dialga, and Aegislash which Kyurem-W have a hard time purging through. Teammates that can deal with sudden burst of damage or boosts from set ups are necessary due to the fact that Kyurem-W will have to switch after firing off an attack and has allows another foe to switch in while Kyurem-W is locked into a move that they can take.


Contrary Wallbreaker

Kyrurem–W @ Choice Scarf / Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpAtk / 252 Spe
Timid / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Overheat
- Leaf Storm / Moongeist Beam
- Switcheroo

Set Comments

Moves

Draco Meteor is the main STAB and spammable move, denting Pokemon that resist it after couple boosts from Contrary. Overheat is another Contrary–utilizing move that can dent Steel types such as Solgaleo and Registeel, which wall Kyurem-W without such coverage. Unlike the previous two boosting moves, Leaf Storm can be used to break through Water types, such as Mega Gyarados and Primal Kyogre. Moongeist Beam, if Kyurem-W has already passed its Choice Scarf to the foe, can be used to break through Unaware or Sturdy Shedinja that would otherwise wall this set. Switcheroo can be used to cripple walls that disrupts the whole team, locking them into a single move.


Set Details

Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment is required to hit as hard and fast as possible. A Modest nature is not preferred due to its inability to let Kyurem-W outspeed other Choice Scarf users or the likes of Mega Mewtwo Y and Pheromosa. Choice Specs is not necessary, as Contrary allows Kyurem-W to constantly gain Special Attack boosts, and Choice Scarf is much better in terms of late-game clean up. Life Orb can be used to boost Kyurem-W's power, but it leaves it very vulnerable against faster foes or its own Imposter. A Naive nature is an interesting and considerable option, as it allows Kyurem-W to OHKO its own Imposter after a single Contrary boost from Draco Meteor, as the Imposter will copy a nature that decreases their Special Defense. Choice Scarf will allow Kyurem-W to win the Speed tie in this case unless Imposter Blissey holds a Choice Scarf.


Usage Tips

Kyurem-W should switch in after a slow U-turn or Parting Shot from allies due to its relatively poor typing and unimpressive bulk. When the opponent has defensive walls, make sure that they do not have Unaware or rare Innards Out from the likes of Lunala or Kyurem-B, which have fairly high HP stat that can be utilized in such a case. Switcheroo, while it can cripple walls, will lock Kyurem-W into mediocre Speed in exchange; therefore, careful considerations are required before using it. Even Spectral Thief users with Focus Sash will be unable to stop this set, as they can only take boosts from Special Attack, meaning they won't be able to do major damage to Kyurem-W in return.


Team Options

Due to Kyurem-W's terrifying power that can potentially be boosted by Contrary, there are very limited number of sets that can wall this set, such as Unaware or Innards Out. Allies that can scout for abilities, such Normalize Mega Gengar with Entrainment, are the best partner for Kyurem-W. In addition, Draco Meteor has 90% accuracy, and that means Kyurem-W will sometimes fail to check its own Imposter. Therefore, having a Fairy-type Unaware wall in the team, such as Mega Audino or Xerneas, will prevent Kyurem-W's team being swept by their own ally. If one wishes to sweep with non-Choice Scarf Kyurem-W with Contrary, a partner that can use Sticky Web and block Rapid Spin, such as Giratina or Aegislash, are going to be a great option.


Other Options

If one favors safer Dragon-type moves, Clanging Scales can be replaced with Core Enforcer on the Refrigerate set. Not having Core Enforcer will let RegenVest pivot in one's team to remain healthy while constantly checking Imposter transformed as Kyurem-W. As different coverage, Secret Sword can be used to make Kyurem-W a mixed sweeper by targeting specially defensive walls that are not capable of taking many physical damage, such as defensive variants of Chansey. A different set with Draco Plate, Judgment, Ice Beam, Moongeist Beam, and Quiver Dance with Dazzling can be a fast sweeper that is not locked into one move while also being able to hit its own Imposter super effectively. However, this set is easily walled or threatened by Prankster Pokemon with Haze, bulky foes with Spectral Thief, or any Unaware foes with type advantage. Using Galvanize with a set of Boomburst, Ice Beam, Moongeist Beam or Blue Flare, and Switcheroo can be instead of Refrigerate to surprise the foe. This set allows Kyurem-W to check Water type switch-in's such as Mega Gyarados and Primal Kyogre that can easily wall Refrigerate set, but this is generally inferior to Refrigerate set outside of this.


Checks and Counters

Solgaleo: While other Steel types are threatened by coverage moves such as Earth Power and Secret Sword, Solgaleo can take a couple of hits thanks to its massive base HP stat of 137. Especially if it has Regenerator with Assault Vest, even Moongeist Beam will not be able to 2HKO Solgaleo unless Choice Specs set is used. After sponging the damage, Solgaleo can retaliate with Sunsteel Strike or Metal Burst or Knock Off Kyurem-W's Choice item. However, Solgaleo must be always wary of Blue Flare, which has a relatively high chance of burning it and has a chance of 2HKOing it after some prior damage.

Priority: Pokemon with Triage and -ate abilities always threaten Kyurem-W when Psychic Terrain is not active. Especially the likes of Pixilate Mega Diancie can always force out Kyurem-W or OHKO with Pixilate-boosted Extreme Speed.

Bulky Water-types: RegenVest Mega Gyarados can take anything from Refrigerate set except some rare coverage moves like Secret Sword. It can hit back with Knock Off or switch into Kyurem-W's check using slow U-turn. Kyogre's high Special Defense stat with resistance to Ice allows it to take most of coverage moves.

-Entry Hazards: Kyurem-W loses a quarter of its health when it switches into Stealth Rock. Also, it is vulnerable to Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web. Therefore, a support with Rapid Spin or Defog is almost mandatory in the team.

Status: Just like other sweepers, Kyurem-W hates status. Paralysis will make Kyurem-W fail to fulfill its role of outspeeding threats and forcing them out with Choice Scarf, and poison puts a timer on Kyurem-W.

Switcheroo-immune Walls: Mega Audino or Steel types with Z-crystals can consistently wall Kyurem-W while not being crippled by being locked into Choice item.

Soundproof Users: Although uncommon, Soundproof users that resist Kyurem-W's coverage moves can quite easily wall it due to the fact that they do not take any damage from Refrigerated Boomburst.
 
Last edited:
Kris this is ready for upload
Stealing Tapu Fini
E: Copyediting [QC 2/2] [GP 1/1]
Overview

Tapu Fini's excellent Water / Fairy typing lets it take on common metagame picks like Keldeo, Hydregion, and Weavile. Its good defensive stats let it take most neutral hits and wall multiple Pokemon per match, and a solid support movepool that includes Nature's Madness and Taunt allows it to function in multiple roles. However, Tapu Fini's lack of recovery forces it to use abilities such as Poison Heal to restore health, and its low offenses allow setup sweepers such as Snorlax to take advantage of the defensive set. It also faces competition from other bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Manaphy and Suicune, which makes it reliant on its Fairy typing and movepool to stand out.

Defensive Poison Heal
Tapu Fini @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Protect
- Nature's Madness / Moonblast / Taunt
- Defog / Haze / Whirlpool

Set Comments

Moves

Scald is a reliable Water-type STAB move with a 30% burn chance, dissuading physical attackers such as Kartana and allowing Tapu Fini to fish for chip damage, and Protect lets Tapu Fini recover HP with Poison Heal safely and scout for dangerous moves. Nature's Madness removes 50% of the foe's health, allowing Tapu Fini to deal heavy damage to any switch-in. Moonblast is a secondary STAB option to hit Pokemon that resist Water-type attacks such as Dragonite and Mega Gyarados; Taunt is another option that prevents status moves, allowing Tapu Fini to block entry hazards more directly and prevents Pokemon such as Snorlax from setting up on it. Defog clears entry hazards for the team and allows Tapu Fini to switch without being crippled by passive damage. Haze clears stats boosts even through Magic Bounce and Substitute, allowing Tapu Fini to check setup sweepers such as Suicune and Gyarados. Whirlpool traps foes and allows Tapu Fini to wear them down with Nature's Madness, Scald burns, and Whirlpool's own passive damage.

Set Details

Maximum investment in HP and Defense makes Tapu Fini as bulky as possible and allows it to take on physical attackers such as Terrakion and Victini. Toxic Orb is the chosen item to badly poison Tapu Fini and thus activate Poison Heal, which restores 12.5% of Tapu Fini's health every turn while poisoned, makes up for its lacking recovery, and allows Tapu Fini to function as a status absorber.

Usage Tips

In the early-game, pivot Tapu Fini into Pokemon that it walls to gain momentum, and then fire off a Scald or Nature's Madness to cripple the switch-in; because Poison Heal is passive, Tapu Fini doesn't have to waste turns recovering off damage. Protect is a great way to help Tapu Fini regain HP and scout the foe's moves, particularly versus Choiced threats, but be wary of the foe using the free turn to switch, set up, or set entry hazards. Avoid switching Tapu Fini directly into support Pokemon like RegenVest Manaphy or Toxapex until after its Toxic Orb activates, as Knock Off and status will cripple it for the entire match. When possible, keep entry hazards off the field when possible, as Poison Heal recovery is slow; switch Tapu Fini into entry hazard setters that it beats such as Skarmory so it can Defog directly. Haze has very high PP, so use it freely on setup sweepers even if they only have a single boost.

Team Options

As Tapu Fini is reliant on its Toxic Orb to function, slow pivots such as Magearna and Meloetta are handy to bring it in to activate it safely. Electric-type walls such as Volt Absorb Toxapex, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T are useful to prevent threats such as Thundurus from overly taking advantage of Tapu Fini. Steel-type Pokemon such as Skarmory and Doublade also pair well with Tapu Fini; they cover its troublesome weaknesses to Poison- and Grass-type attacks from Pokemon such as Kartana, while Tapu Fini can take on Fire- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Keldeo and Entei in return. Hazard-weak Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Alolan Marowak appreciate Tapu Fini removing Stealth Rock with Defog. Tapu Fini is one of the best answers to Mega Gyarados on stall, so Pokemon such as Chansey that Gyarados enjoys setting up on appreciate Tapu Fini's support.


Stallbreaker Poison Heal
Tapu Fini @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 52 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Scald
- Moonblast / Nature's Madness
- Calm Mind / Whirlpool

Set Comments

Moves

Taunt prevents the foe from using status moves, allowing Tapu Fini to avoid phazing, avoid hazing, prevent recovery, block ability change, and prevent hazards from going up. Scald is a reliable Water-type STAB move with a 30% burn chance, which allows Tapu Fini to better take on physical attackers such as Mega Metagross that can ignore the boosts to Special Defense. Moonblast is a secondary STAB move with extra power and good coverage against Dragon-type Pokemon such as Hydregion but is less spammable thanks to its lack of burn chance. Nature's Madness removes 50% of the foe's health, allowing Tapu Fini wear down even bulky walls such as Chansey and hit switch-ins such as Desolate Land Heatran hard. Calm Mind boosts Tapu Fini's Special Attack and Special Defense, allowing it to deal solid damage with Scald and Moonblast to most targets and potentially sweep. Whirlpool is another option to trap foes and KO them with Nature's Madness; it also deals solid damage every turn to aid in stalling out recovery.

Set Details

52 Speed EVs allow Tapu Fini to outspeed maximum Speed Victini at -1, as well as everything slower such as Suicune and Skarmory; 128 Speed EVs can be run to outrun uninvested base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Mew but comes at the cost of significant bulk. The other EVs are placed in HP and Defense, alongside a Bold nature, to allow Tapu Fini to better take on physical attackers, since it cannot boost that stat. Toxic Orb + Poison Heal restores 12.5% of Tapu Fini's health every turn, allowing it to stay healthy throughout the match and preventing it from being statused.

Usage Tips

Use Scald liberally in the early-game to spread burns to switch-ins such as Xurkitree and Suicune. Switch in on passive Pokemon that Tapu Fini defeats such as Toxapex and Skarmory and proceed to pressure the foe's team, and if you suspect the foe of having a phazing move, use Taunt to keep Tapu Fini's boosts. When possible, Calm Mind on something Tapu Fini forces out such as Buzzwole, as Tapu Fini needs to be near full HP to defeat foes such as Hoopa-U. Despite its primary function, Whirlpool set does not always need to trap; if the foe has a super effective Pokemon such as Thundurus on their team, it is often beneficial to use Nature's Madness to weaken it and then defeat it the second time it comes in. Tapu Fini defeats most other Poison Heal Pokemon, particularly Suicune and Zygarde, and thus can be used to heavily pressure teams that rely on them.

Team Options

Fast offensive Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Genesect and Mega Alakazam appreciate Tapu Fini's ability to take on walls such as Toxapex and Chansey for them, while wallbreakers such as Hoopa-U and Mamoswine pair well with Tapu Fini, as they break down holes and cause switches for Tapu Fini to take advantage of. Pokemon that can remove Desolate Land Fire-types like Heatran and Chandelure, particularly Dugtrio and Tyranitar, are useful to allow Tapu Fini to cleanly sweep, while pivots such as Magearna, Genesect, and Tapu Koko can bring Tapu Fini in on things it beats.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


A Regenerator set is usable to also give Tapu Fini more active recovery and free a moveslot from Protect, but it has to switch out frequently and cannot absorb status. A more offensive spread on the Calm Mind stallbreaker lets Tapu Fini beat some Unaware Pokemon and sweep with fewer required boosts, and greater Speed investment may be run on both sets to outpace Pokemon such as Suicune and Bisharp should the team require it; however, the loss of bulk is highly noticeable. Toxic on the stallbreaker set allows it to cripple Regenerator Pokemon that can pivot out of Whirlpool such as Meloetta but cannot effect Magearna and takes away Tapu Fini's best way to deal damage.

Checks and Counters

Electric-types: Electric-type Pokemon such as Xurkitree and Thundurus hit Tapu Fini super effectively and deal heavy damage. While they cannot switch in regularly, they force out Tapu Fini and can deal heavy damage to its teammates.

Grass-types: Grass-type Pokemon resist Scald and can hit back with super effective Grass-type attacks or cripple Tapu Fini with Leech Seed. Ferrothorn and Amoongus, in particular, are annoying, as they can also easily take Moonblasts and annoy Tapu Fini with entry hazards or remove its boosts with Clear Smog.

Wallbreakers: Powerful wallbreakers such as Tinted Lens Hoopa-U, Kartana, and Choice Band Kyurem-B can defeat even Tapu Fini. Tapu Fini can deal heavy damage to them should they attempt to hard switch in, but they force it out and remove boosts it has accumulated.

Taunt-immune Phazing: Any phazing that bypasses Taunt such as Clear Smog or Magic Bounce Roar can remove the boosts of the Poison Heal set. Amoonguss and Magic Bounce Suicune are particularly annoying, as they resist Tapu Fini's attacks.

Chip Damage: Poison Heal recovery is rather slow, so chip damage from weak attacks or entry hazards makes it much harder for Tapu Fini to do its job. Constant damage such as Leech Seed or a burn on the switch-in, in particular, negate Tapu Fini's recovery entirely and prevent it from recovering off any damage from the attacks it takes.
 

Funbot28

Banned deucer.
Kris BH Zygarde-C is ready to be uploaded (finally)


Optimus Prime joins the battle kek

Ready for QC Uselesscrab MAMP E4 Flint
Edit: Finished

AM QC Stamps: 1 (SuperSkylake)
QC Stamps: 1 (Uselesscrab) 2 (E4 Flint) 3 (motherlove)
GP Stamps: Sobi

Overview
Zygarde-C possesses titanic bulk, rivaling that of Eviolite Chansey, thanks to its outstanding HP stat and great defensive stats. It also has a great Dragon / Ground defensive typing that allows it to resist many common offensive types such as Fire, Electric, and Rock. This allows Zygarde-C to blanket check many common metagame threats such as Primal Groudon, Mega Tyranitar, and Mega Mewtwo X if they lack Ice coverage. It can run many defensive sets such as Fur Coat, Unaware, and Poison Heal that allows it to fit well on a variety of teams and sometimes makes it mandatory on more balanced builds. Zygarde-C can also run surprise sweeping sets such as Shift Gear Poison Heal and Quiver Dance Soundproof sets that allows it to garner more of an offensive presence. Although offensive Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Mewtwo Y can pull off sweeping sets much better due to their better damage output, they trade off the amazing bulk that Zygarde-C has access to.

However, Zygarde-C has a nasty 4x weakness to Ice that offensive threats can exploit by running appropriate coverage moves to weaken it down immensely with examples being Refrigerate Mega Mewtwo X and Ice Beam Primal Kyogre. This typing also gives it a weakness to Fairy- and Dragon-type attacks, which are also quite prevalent in the current metagame. It is also quite weak without any setup boosts, which means it can be passive at times.

Setup Check
Zygarde-Complete @ Safety Goggles / Groundium Z
Ability: Unaware / Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Haze
- Thousand Waves / Thousand Arrows
- Shore Up
- Core Enforcer / U-turn


Set Comments

Moves

Haze allows Zygarde-C to reset all stat changes on the field, allowing it to check many common setup sweepers such as Mega Mewtwo X, Primal Groudon, and Regigiggas. Thousand Waves is a great STAB move that allows Zygarde-C to trap opposing Pokemon and proceed to stall them. Thousand Arrows is alternative STAB option that can be used if Zygarde-C is running a pivot move. Shore Up is a reliable recovery move that allows Zygarde-C to sustain itself and and be a more consistent wall. Core Enforcer is a STAB option that allows Zygarde-C to prevent common Poison Heal users such as Regigigas, Primal Kyogre, and Arceus from setting up. It also works well with Thousand Waves, as it allows Zygarde-C to trap and stall out Poison Heal Pokemon. U-turn can be used as a pivoting move that allows Zygarde-C to switch out on incoming Pokemon that threaten to hit it hard and provides momentum for your team. Defog is another option that allows Zygarde-C to clear all entry hazards, which may be more beneficial for its teammates.

Set Details

As Unaware allows Zygarde-C to ignore stat boosts, and Prankster + Haze can remove them before taking a hit, Zygarde-C is an excellent check to certain setup sweepers, which is invaluable for more defensively orientated teams. Safety Goggles allows Zygarde-C to be immune from the most common form of sleep inducement in Spore, which can help it check certain setup sweepers more easily. Groundium Z makes Zygarde-C immune to Trick, meaning it has a much easier time facing common Trick users such as Primal Groudon. Tectonic Rage can also act as an emergency tool to hit Entrainment Mega Gengar as well. Leftovers is another option on any defensive Pokemon but generally has less utility than the other two items. EVs are maxed out in HP, Attack, Defense, and Special Defense with a Relaxed nature to allow Zygarde-C to become a bulky wall, allowing it to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Primal Groudon's Precipice Blades and Psystrike from Mega Mewtwo Y. It also ensures the effects of Core Enforcer activate as much as possible.

Usage Tips

When using Unaware, be wary of certain setup sweepers that carry ability-ignoring moves such as Sunsteel Strike and Moongeist Beam, although Zygarde-C can usually avoid the 2HKO from common Sunsteel Strike and Power Trip users, such as Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and Mega Mewtwo X. Prankster Zygarde does not fear these moves; however, it's important to switch it into Pokemon that you predict will use setup moves so that it will not need to take any boosted hit. Zygarde-C cannot always switch in on certain special setup sweepers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Rayquaza, and Deoxys-A, as they can sometimes 2HKO Zygarde-C due to its lower Special Defense. Zygarde-C can be worn down quite frequently if the foe has laid down multiple entry hazards, so try and remove them as soon as possible to try and alleviate this issue. It's important to scout for Ice-type coverage from common users such as Mega Mewtwo X, Primal Kyogre, and Primal Groudon when using Zygarde-C, as these coverage moves tend to have the chance to OHKO Zygarde-C. It is also important to keep Zygarde-C at high health due to it having a bit more of a difficult time checking certain threats if it is weakened enough.

Team Options

Defensive Steel-types such as Solgaleo and Registeel can be great partners for Zygarde-C, as they are able to sustain Ice- and Fairy-type attacks that would otherwise dent Zygarde-C immensely. They also provide a Psychic-type resistance to the team that can help Zygarde-C get passed certain special setup sweepers in Mega Mewtwo Y and Deoxys-A more easily. Pokemon that can check common -ate abilities such as the aforementioned Registeel, Aegislash, and Soundproof Mega Slowbro can help Zygarde-C deal with these wallbreakers without taking a severe amount of damage. Entry hazard removers such as Giratina and Mega Audino can also be quite useful, as they can clear the battlefield from all entry hazards, which grants Zygarde-C a much more easier time when switching in. Specially defensive walls such as Giratina and Primal Kyogre are also useful partners, as they can stomach special attackers such as Mega Mewtwo Y and Kyurem-W.

Fur Coat
Zygarde-Complete @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Fur Coat
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Core Enforcer
- Shore Up
- U-turn
- Haze / Metal Burst

Set Comments

Moves

Core Enforcer is a great STAB option that allows Zygarde-C to punish incoming switch-ins by removing the effect of their abilities. This can be quite useful against certain threats such as Poison Heal Giratina and Poison Heal Primal Kyogre for example. Thousand Arrows is another STAB option that allows Zygarde-C to hit Fairy-types more reliably, but the beneficial side effects from Core Enforcer usually outclass the use of this move. Shore Up acts as an reliable recovery move and allows Zygarde-C to sustain itself and be able to perform its role throughout the match. U-turn allows Zygarde-C to pivot out from incoming Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it out such as Kyurem-B, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Diancie and allows Zygarde-C to safely bring in teammates due to it being a rather slow pivot. Haze is a useful move that allows Zygarde-C to not be setup bait against certain setup sweepers by nullifying their stat changes, making it a more consistent check to a wider variety of offensive threats such as Power Trip Yveltal and Mega Tyranitar. Metal Burst is another option that can be a useful way of dealing massive amounts of damage thanks to Zygarde-C's amazing HP coupled with its equally high Defense thanks to Fur Coat. This allows it to beat certain physical threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Mewtwo X more reliably. Although once scouted, the foe can then capitalize on the use of the move by getting free switches.

Set Details

Fur Coat turns Zygarde-C to undoubtedly the best physically defensive wall in the metagame thanks to its titanic HP stat. EVs are maximized in all stats besides Attack and Speed with a Relaxed nature to maximize Zygarde-C's defensive utility while also ensuring that it provides slow pivoting and also be able to activate the effects of Core Enforcer. Safety Goggles are paired, (AC) as it allows Zygarde-C to bypass certain Spore users such as Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, and Deoxys-S. Groundium Z paired with Thousand Arrows can also be used to prevent Zygarde-C from being crippled by Trick Choice items and also can let hit Normalize Mega Gengar even after it has been inflicted with Entrainment. Leftovers is another option that can be used to grant Zygarde-C passive recovery each turn, although Safety Goggles is preferred due to it being more useful in more situations.

Usage Tips

Zygarde-C may not be able to switch in on certain physical wallbreakers if they tend to run Ice-type coverage such as Stakeout Primal Groudon and Refrigerate Mega Mewtwo X; however, Zygarde-C can comfortably pivot in on a variety of offensive threats such as Mega Tyranitar, Yveltal, and Regigigas if they do not run Ice-type coverage, and it can then provide your team with useful momentum afterwards. Zygarde-C cannot really switch in to powerful special attacking wallbreakers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Primal Kyogre, or Deoxys-A all too well, so be cautious of these threats when using Fur Coat Zygarde-C. Certain physical setup sweepers such as Mega Mewtwo X, Yveltal, and Mega Tyranitar sometimes tend to run Sunsteel Strike to bypass their foes' abilities, so be wary of these variants, as they can sometimes OHKO Zygarde-C if boosted enough. Since Fur Coat Zygarde-C possesses immense Defense, it does not always need to be at full health in order to check physical attackers, meaning that it can choose to go for U-turn more often instead of constantly recovering its HP.

Team Options

Specially defensive walls such as Dialga, Mega Audino, Mega Gyarados, and Registeel complement Zygarde-C well, as they can oftentimes be able to wall powerful special wallbreakers, that would otherwise threaten Zygarde-C. Registeel in particular can be a great partner, as it can resist Sunsteel Strikes from threats such as Kartana and Regigigas. Primal Groudon is also a great partner for Zygarde-C, as it can threaten out many Ice-types such as Kyurem-B and Kyurem-W and can also break through many of Zygarde-C's checks in Dialga, Primal Kyogre (if Desolate Land is up), and Zekrom. Primal Groudon also works very well alongside Zygarde-C, as Zygarde-C can Imposter proof Primal Groudon if it is not running Ice-type coverage. -ate checks such as Registeel, Solgaleo, and Aegislash can also be great partners, as they can deal with certain wallbreakers such as Mega Rayquaza, Mega Diancie, and Kyurem-B that would otherwise threaten Zygarde-C. Powerful Fairy-type wallbreakers such as Mega Diancie and Xerneas can also be good partners, as they can threaten out this Zygarde-C set if the opposing Chansey had transformed into it due to their immunity to Core Enforcer and their ability to hit Zygarde-C extremely hard. Hazard removers such as Registeel and Mega Audino are also good options to add on the team, as otherwise, Zygarde-C can be severely crippled when switching in if hazards are up.

Poison Heal Sweeper
Zygarde-Complete @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Will-O-Wisp / Sacred Fire
- King's Shield / Taunt
- Shift Gear

Set Comments

Moves

Thousand Arrows is the main STAB move for this set, as the move can hit every relevant Pokemon in the metagame regardless of their typing. Will-O-Wisp acts as a great way to beat out opposing Chanseys that transform into this set, as they generally do not run a Toxic Orb to take advantage of the effects of Poison Heal. It also helps Zygarde-C cripple physical attackers such as Mega Mewtwo X and Yveltal as well. Sacred Fire can accomplish the same goal most of the time as well and can also hit Steel-types that are not hit super effectively from Ground-type attacks such as Ferrothorn and Kartana. Knock Off can also be used to cripple opposing Eviolite Chansey and Toxic Orb Giratina on the switch in. It also can provide great utility for your team, getting rid of items such as Safety Googles, type plates, and Choice items. King's Shield is a great option to check certain priority users such as Mega Rayquaza and Regigigas by lowering their Attack stat, often forcing them to switch out. It also allows Zygarde-C to gain passive recovery from Poison Heal without fearing to be hit by any attacking moves for one turn. Taunt is a great move to cripple defensive Pokemon that can potentially wall Zygarde-C such as Unaware Mega Audino, Fur Coat Giratina, and Unaware Tapu Fini from recovering or using moves such as Haze that could potentially stop Zygarde-C from sweeping. Dragon Hammer is another option that grants Zygarde-C another STAB move that allows it to deal more damage against other Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C and Giratina, although Poison Heal Zygarde-C is already pressed for moveslots, so it's usually not worth running. Shift Gear is the main setup move on this set, as it allows Zygarde-C to become more of an offensive sweeper.

Set Details

Poison Heal allows Zygarde-C to recover 12% of its HP each turn while also being immune to other crippling status affects such as burns, which complements physical setup boosting sets immensely. A Toxic Orb is equipped to ensure that Zygarde-C is inflicted with the poisoned status to utilize Poison Heal. EVs are maxed out in every stat besides Special Attack with an Adamant nature to ensure Zygarde-C hits as hard as possible when attacking.

Usage Tips

Be careful when swtitching in on certain Core Enforcer users such as Dialga and Giratina, as not only does the move deal super effective damage against Zygarde-C, but it can also nullify the effects from Poison Heal, meaning that Zygarde-C would take poison damage instead of receiving healing. Once the Toxic Orb is activated, Zygarde-C can become a great sponge to annoying attacks such as Knock Off and status moves in general. Try not to set up on certain Unaware walls such as Yveltal, Mega Audino, and Zygarde-C, as these walls can threaten to steal the boosts from Zygarde-C through Spectral Thief and pass them to another physical sweeper on the opposing team. Assault Vest users such as Mega Gyarados and Dialga often carry Spectral Thief as well in combination with powerful attacks that could damage Zygarde-C. Scouting coverage options on offensive Pokemon such as Ice Beam Mega Mewtwo Y and Ice Hammer Primal Groudon is vital when using Zygarde-C, since it holds such a great defensive presence on teambuilding and is often prepared for due to this. Zygarde-C should only try setting up against opposing passive Pokemon that cannot really immobilize it too much such as Aegislash, Giratina, and Solgaleo. If the opposing team pertains an Imposter Chansey, try crippling it first with Will-O-Wisp before setting up, as this allows Zygarde-C to not be threatened by the Chansey even if it starts boosting as well. Try not to be too liberal when using King's Shield against priority users such as Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B, as otherwise, the foe can bait out the use of King's Shield and use another move not affected by it to be able to check Zygarde-C the next turn.

Team Options

Unaware walls such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, and Yveltal are useful team members, as they can check opposing threats that may have stolen stat boosts from Zygarde-C. They can also check Chansey that have transformed into Zygarde-C if the Zygarde-C on your team does get forced out by it. Pokemon that can check -ate ability users such as Solgaleo, Aegislash, and Soundproof Mega Slowbro can also be useful partners, since they can switch in on powerful -ate attacks that would otherwise dent Zygarde-C. Powerful wallbreakers such as Stakeout Primal Groudon, Steelworker Kartana, Aerilate Mega Rayquaza, and Sheer Force Mega Mewtwo Y are all great partners to break through Unaware walls that would otherwise stop Zygarde-C from sweeping effectively. Bulky Steel-types such as Solgaleo, Registeel, and Magearna can be useful, as they can take on Fairy- and Ice-types that would otherwise threaten Zygarde-C out.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

A RegenVest set with Rapid Spin / Core Enforcer / Metal Burst / U-turn is a decent set that allows Zygarde-C to be a specially defensive bulky pivot, but the set gets worn down quite easily by entry hazards such as Spikes and Toxic Spikes, and Zygarde-C cannot really stomach Ice-, Fairy-, and Dragon-type special attacks all too well even with an Assault Vest. A defensive Poison Heal and Magic Bounce set is also quite good, as Zygarde-C gains so much passive recovery from the former and can block status moves with the latter; however, these sets are usually outclassed by better defensive abilities in Unaware and Fur Coat. Stealth Rock is a useful move on all defensive sets, as Zygarde-C gains many chances to set it up thanks to its great bulk. Defensive sets with Darknium Z and Icium Z for Parting Shot and Haze, respectively, can also be used to prevent Zygarde-C from being crippled from Trick users. A Soundproof special sweeping set with Quiver Dance / Thousand Waves / Shore Up / Changling Scales also can work, as it can lure and trap incoming Imposter Chanseys. However, there are several better special sweeping threats that can perform Imposter-proofing shenanigans better such as Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, and Zekrom for this set to actually be that viable. Zygarde-C can honestly run any defensive ability viably due to it possessing possibly the best physical bulk in the entire metagame.

Checks and Counters

Ice-type Coverage:
Offensive Pokemon that carry Ice-type coverage on their sets such as Ice Hammer Mega Mewtwo X, Ice Beam Primal Kyogre, and Ice Judgement Primal Groudon limit Zygarde-C's walling capabilities due to the huge weakness it has to these moves.

Fairy-types: Fairy-types such as Mega Diancie and Xerneas can threaten Zygarde-C out due to their immunities to Dragon-type attacks and their ability to fire off powerful special Fairy-type attacks, which can force out the Fur Coat set quite well.

Powerful Special Attacking Wallbreakers: Special attackers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Primal Kyogre, and Deoxys-A can all threaten Zygarde-C out due to its lower Special Defense stat that oftentimes cannot handle attacks coming from these threats.

-ate Abilities: Zygarde-C is weak to or is hit neutrally by many common -ate abilities such as Pixilate, Refrigerate, and Aerilate, which means common threats such as Mega Diancie, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Mewtwo X can severely dent Zygarde-C due to the damage output boosted by these abilities.

Taunt: Zygarde-C can be quite limited if Taunted due to it being quite passive at times, especially on more defensive sets.

Trick Choice Items: Foes that Trick any Choice item onto Zygarde-C can be quite a nuisance due to it relying on the use of several moves on its sets to be effective, unless it is running Darknium Z or Icium Z.
 

RNGIsFatal

Banned deucer.
Kris
Sobi

Allow me to bother you one more time with Kyurem-W analysis. I felt like I needed extra time to edit stuff after EV limitations were gone from BH metagame.



Need extra GP check. Barely edited anything. If you want to see what I exactly did here is the reference.

LINK for analysis
 

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