Gen 4 DPP Azelf (Uploaded!)

Dpp Azelf

:Azelf:

[OVERVIEW]

One of the more iconic features of DPP OU is the lead metagame, and Azelf stands as one of the best candidates to get early momentum. Azelf’s varied movepool, high base 115 Speed, strong offensive stats, and underrated bulk allow it to prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt, set up one’s own Stealth Rock, and open up a hole with Explosion. These properties cement Azelf as a staple of hyper offensive (HO) teams. Azelf’s bulk is not to be underestimated—with investment, Azelf can survive many strong attacks in the lead position, such as Choice Scarf Tyranitar’s Crunch + Sandstorm damage, Metagross’s Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch, and Machamp’s Payback + Bullet Punch that could invalidate frailer Azelf. Azelf also can lean into more offensive sets with Choice Band and Life Orb, taking advantage of its high speed and strong Explosion.

Azelf’s primary flaws lie in its mediocre Psychic-typing and how the metagame has adapted to it. Despite Azelf’s fantastic offensive stats, Nasty Plot, and many coverage options, sweeping Azelf sets are ineffective and easily revenge killed. Azelf needs Psychic to break through bulky threats such as Rotom-A and Clefable, but it is resisted by many dangerous threats in the tier, such as Jirachi, Tyranitar, and Heatran. Azelf is the benchmark for successful leads; many leads are chosen for how they perform against Azelf. These include faster leads that try to get Stealth Rock up before Taunt such as Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Aerodactyl, overwhelming it using powerful leads such as Dragonite, Gyarados, Heatran, and Choice Specs Latias, or disabling it with Jirachi’s Body Slam and Iron Head, Choice Scarf Breloom's Spore, and Choice Scarf + Trick Uxie. Azelf also requires planning against offensive leads that could carry Stealth Rock—leads such as Metagross, Empoleon, Swampert, Heatran, and Bronzong can heavily damage Azelf if it chooses to Taunt to prevent Stealth Rock rather than just get its own Stealth Rock up and use Explosion. What to do in each situation depends on how weak the team is to Stealth Rock and how much bulk Azelf has.

[SET]
name: Standard Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Thunder Wave / U-Turn / Fire Blast
item: Lum Berry / Sitrus Berry / Colbur Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly
evs: 184 HP / 188 Def / 136 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Azelf is one of the premier Stealth Rock setters in the metagame due to its speed. Once Azelf has set up Stealth Rock, Azelf's Explosion has two functions: it heavily damages every non Ghost-type and lets in another threat to immediately gain momentum as a free switch. Explosion also OHKOes every Rapid Spinner in the game besides Forretress, which can not Rapid Spin Stealth Rock away due to being slower. Even an Explosion on resisted target such as Metagross, Bronzong, or Heatran can open up the opposing team. Another main Azelf role is Taunt, which helps keep Stealth Rock and other hazards off the field.

As Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Explosion make up Azelf's main niche as a lead, the last slot is more flexible. Some options include Thunder Wave, as Azelf can spread paralysis effectively instead using Explosion immediately. Common scenarios to use Thunder Wave include against Ghost-type Pokemon such as Rotom-A and Gengar coming in to block Explosion and paralyzing common defensive Pokemon resistant to Explosion such as Jirachi and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. U-Turn is another useful scouting move from the lead position, as it allows it to break opposing Focus Sash and scout out opposing Steel-types, Ghost-types, and Tyranitar trying to Pursuit trap it. Fire Blast directly threaten Steel-types such as Metagross, Skarmory, Jirachi, and Forretress. Make sure to use a Timid nature if using Fire Blast, as Azelf's Explosion is still strong even with a hindering nature.

Set Details
========
Azelf has a myriad of different EV spreads to adapt to the metagame. This particular EV spread gives Azelf the ability to survive Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Crunch while also outspeeding positive nature max Speed Jirachi, Zapdos, and Flygon. This spread prevents Azelf from fainting to almost all common attacks in the metagame without a Focus Sash, allowing it to use Explosion after it sets up Stealth Rock. Azelf can run many different items as well. Lum Berry prevents lead Breloom, Jirachi and Uxie from statusing Azelf, while also preventing Machamp's confusion. Sitrus Berry's 25% heal gives Azelf some flexibility in EVs, allowing it to survive various priority such as from Machamp and Metagross as well as Tyranitar's sand from KOing Azelf after a strong hit. Colbur Berry allows Azelf to survive the strong Dark-type attacks from Tyranitar and Machamp that often prevent Azelf from doing anything beyond setting up Stealth Rock.

Other EV spreads are viable—note all of these have a Jolly nature: these include outspeeding the positive nature base 90 Speed benchmark such as 228 HP / 216 Def / 8 SpD / 56 Spe that survives Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Crunch + Sand damage and Roserade's Leaf Storm, 252 HP / 56 Def / 64 SpD / 136 Spe outspeeds up to positive nature base 100 Speed Pokemon as well as survive Machamp's Payback and Modest Zapdos's Choice Specs Thunderbolt, 44 HP / 248 Def / 216 Spe that outspeeds Gengar and gives the maximum chance to survive Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Crunch, and 8 Hp / 248 SpD / 252 Spe with a Colbur Berry that survives various Dark type attacks and Metagross's Meteor Mash and has max Speed. Azelf can also use a Focus Sash with no bulk; however, Focus Sash leads Azelf to be vulnerable to offensive leads with priority moves such as Metagross's Metoer Mash + Bullet Punch, Empoleon's Hydro Pump + Aqua Jet, and Machamp's Payback + Bullet Punch while also being vulnerable to Tyranitar's sand, giving it only one turn to do anything.

Usage Tips
========
Azelf is primarily used as a lead; it sets up Stealth Rock, prevents set up with Taunt, and then uses Explosion. How aggressive to be with Taunt to prevent set up largely depends on how weak to Stealth Rock and other hazards the rest of Azelf's team is, Azelf's bulk, and how threatening the opposing lead is to the rest of the team. Hyper offense teams with Dragonite, Gyarados, and Zapdos struggle when they lose a quarter of their health to Stealth Rock, so Azelf should aim to Taunt potential Stealth Rock users aggressively, even potentially forgoing Stealth Rock or Explosion. However, bulky Azelf sets can be more forgiving should the opposing lead attack instead of setting up—as an example, physically bulky Azelf can comfortably Taunt + Stealth Rock on Metagross as Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch will not KO, but less bulky Azelf are much more at risk. Beware of opponents taking advantage of Taunt and switching to a Choice Scarf Tyranitar and preventing Stealth Rock. Explosion is often very predictable from Azelf, so mixing up the timing of the Explosion such as using Thunder Wave or U-Turn on a Ghost-type switch in can often lead to large payoffs. Fire Blast is often unexpected from Azelf, so hiding it often allows Azelf to do a lot of damage to bulky Fire-weak Pokemon such as Metagross and Forretress.

Team Options
========
Azelf is a cornerstone of the hyper offense play style in DPP OU; common teammates on these types of teams include Dragon Dance Gyarados, Dragon Dance Dragonite, Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Agility Metagross, Swords Dance Lucario, Swords Dance Scizor, and Swords Dance Empoleon. Azelf immediately gets these threats Stealth Rock and a free switch to start setting up. This setup is especially crucial for Gyarados and Dragonite, as it prevents them from having to deal with Stealth Rock. Azelf's Explosion also commonly targets Steel-types, meaning Dragonite has fewer Dragon-resists it needs to punch through. Azelf also is great for offensive paralysis teams, as it is effective at spreading paralysis on hard to paralyze threats such as Rotom-A. Common teammates include Jirachi, Machamp, Tyranitar, Breloom, Gyarados, Dragonite, and Latias. Jirachi is particularly effective: Jirachi's Iron Head is not only an effective tool at flinching down paralyzed threats, but mixed Jirachi is very good at breaking threats hard to handle for hyper offense, such as Skarmory and Gyarados with Thunderbolt, Swampert with Grass Knot, and Lucario with Hidden Power Ground or Fire Punch. Jirachi and Latias can also use Healing Wish to open up another attempt from a sweeper such as Gyarados.

Azelf often immediately attracts in Tyranitar to remove it, and as such, can help Gengar, Calm Mind Jirachi, Zapdos, and Latias break past it once it paralyzes Tyranitar or uses Explosion. Zapdos also benefits from Azelf's ability to prevent Stealth Rock. Azelf's ability to prevent Toxic Spikes in the short term against Roserade and Nidoqueen is critical for Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar and offensive Calm Mind Suicune. Azelf can also support teams built around Explosion, such as with Magnezone, Metagross, and even Choice Scarf + Copycat Lucario. Magnet Rise Magnezone works well with Azelf with U-turn, as Bronzong and Metagross will never Earthquake into Azelf while Skarmory gives easy entry, allowing Magnezone to trap these Pokemon. Magnezone also traps Choice Scarf Jirachi using Iron Head. Most offensive Pokemon in the tier can pair well with a free switch and Stealth Rock; good teammates can help to mitigate various matchups for hyper offense teams.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Explosion
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Zen Headbutt / Sleep Talk
move 4: Trick / Ice Punch / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Band
ability: Pressure
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Band Azelf takes a different approach than the standard lead: it doesn't set up Stealth Rock and just immediately threatens the opponent with Explosion or a strong U-Turn. Azelf's Explosion is among the strongest in the game—even many Explosion resistances have a high likelihood to be KOed, such as Metagross, Bronzong, Tyranitar, and non physically bulky variants of Jirachi and Skarmory. This prevents Stealth Rock from going up while also taking out a threat. Choice Band also gives Azelf a very strong U-Turn, having a chance to OHKO non physically bulky Azelf, OHKOing 0/0 Latias and Starmie after Stealth Rock, and 2HKOing Tyranitar. It also does respectable chip damage to most threats, especially helpful should Azelf want to save its Explosion for later in the game.

Zen Headbutt is strong physical Psychic-type move and OHKOs Machamp while being the strongest non Explosion move. As an alternative, Sleep Talk makes Azelf a great switch in to Breloom's Spore, as any of the moves Sleep Talk calls will do a lot of damage. Trick is the main final option, as it can shut down walls such as Rotom-A, Hippowdon, and Swampert. Ice Punch is another option that OHKOs all Dragonite and is favorable to OHKO 0/0 Zapdos. Azelf has access to other elemental punches; however, Explosion outdamages all other options even when resisted.

Set Details
========
Azelf has some options on EV spread, but it should mostly always be running Adamant max attack and max speed. Choice Band Azelf's primary niche is its nuclear Explosion and fast speed, and an Adamant nature emphasizes that. Reducing that power makes Azelf less likely to OHKO Explosion resists that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Heatran. As an example, Adamant Azelf has a 68.8% chance to OHKO max HP Metagross with Explosion, but a Jolly nature only has a 18.8% chance. However, Azelf without any investment is quite frail—Azelf can be made more bulky by using 8 HP / 252 Atk / 112 SpD / 136 Spe with a Jolly nature. This allows Azelf to survive Life Orb Starmie Hydro Pump while maintaining a lot of power. Another choice is make Azelf even more bulky with 8 HP / 224 Atk / 228 SpD / 56 Spe with a Jolly nature that survives Choice Specs Starmie Hydro Pump while still outspeeding Roserade. This spread still OHKOes Heatran and non physically bulky Bronzong, but only has a 6.3% chance to OHKO max HP Metagross with Explosion.

Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Azelf most often will lead and use Explosion on the first turn. This can often surprise the opponent once their Metagross, Bronzong, or Heatran is KOed, as the standard lead is far more common so they will almost assuredly stay in and attack. U-turn and Azelf's other coverage should be used if one predicts a Ghost-type switch or they are super-effective. Beware of locking into Zen Headbutt and Ice Punch, as much of the tier take little damage and Tyranitar can easily Pursuit trap Azelf. While using Trick on a wall will weaken Explosion, Azelf's Explosion will still OHKO anything that doesn't resist it even without a Choice Band. If Azelf stays alive in the midgame and has Sleep Talk, switching it into Spore or other sleep inducing moves is advised, as after the lead sequence, Azelf's lack of bulk makes it difficult to switch in.

Team Options
========
Choice Band Azelf is self-sufficient as an anti-lead designed to bait and remove bulky Steel types and Tyranitar with Explosion. As such, sweepers that appreciate no Stealth Rock are advised, such as Gyarados and Dragonite. Since this Azelf cannot set up Stealth Rock, another user such as Uxie, Heatran, Tyranitar, Bronzong, Metagross, and Jirachi is needed. Pokemon that are good in one-on-one situations, such as Metagross are quite good alongside Azelf, as Azelf often leads to a free switch after it uses Explosion. Azelf also appreciates another U-turn user that can continue its chain, such as Scizor and Flygon. This Azelf is more conducive to teams built around using Explosion, so other common users such as Bronzong, Metagross, Magnezone, Heatran, Gengar, Camerupt, and Choice Scarf + Copycat Lucario are appreciated. Heatran is perhaps the best partner, as Azelf can heavily damage Tyranitar with U-Turn or Explosion, meaning offensive teams have less switch ins to Heatran's Fire-type attacks. Other than these, this Azelf fits on standard hyper offense teams. As such, partners such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Swords Dance Empoleon, Dragonite and Gyarados are good partners. Other good partners are specially offensive hyper offense teams focused on removing Tyranitar as soon as possible. Good partners include Heatran, various Calm Mind users such as Jirachi, Suicune, and Latias, and weather dependent sweepers like Kingdra. Machamp also appreciates bulky Steel-type neutral to Fighting heavily weakened or removed, potentially Rotom-A tricked a Choice Band, and is also a great one-on-one Pokemon. Take care to use this sets unique advantages over the standard lead (eliminating Stealth Rock users instead of preventing it, strong U-Turn, Trick) in mind when choosing teammates.

[SET]
name: Utility Rain Lead
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Taunt / U-Turn
move 4: Explosion
item: Damp Rock
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly
evs: 228 HP / 216 Def / 8 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========
Azelf can lean more into its support role by setting up Rain Dance and Stealth Rock for the team. Azelf is indistinguishable from the standard lead until it reveals Rain Dance or Damp Rock, so it can effectively set up Stealth Rock with its speed. Rain Dance is the crux of the set, as after Azelf sets up Stealth Rock and Rain Dance, it gives rain sweepers 8 turns to run through the opposing team. While it faces heavy competition for the role from Uxie, Azelf has several key advantages: it is naturally much faster, making opponents less likely to Taunt it; it has Taunt itself to prevent hazards from more defensive leads such as Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Nidoqueen Uxie struggles with, and has Explosion to open up Tyranitar or other threats to rain on the opposing team. Taunt also helps to prevent status, Protect to stall rain turns, and opposing set up before the rain sweeper hits the field. Azelf can also use U-Turn instead should the team value Azelf to set up rain later in the game. Explosion can weaken an annoying threat such as Tyranitar or Skarmory and gives a free switch to a rain sweeper.

Set Details
========
As Azelf constantly fears being removed by Choice Scarf Tyranitar before getting rain set, it must run a physically bulky set designed to live its Crunch + sand damage. The Spe and SpD EVs allow it to outspeed and live Roserade’s Leaf Storm. The physical bulk also makes it survive strong physical attackers such as Metagross’s Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch, Machamp’s Payback + Bullet Punch, and Choice Band Gyarados. Azelf must use Damp Rock to keep rain up for the full 8 turns.

Usage Tips
========
Azelf typically lays Stealth Rock, sets up Rain Dance, and then uses Explosion. However, it can deviate from this game plan against specific leads. As Azelf’s rain sweeping teammates generally aren’t weak to Stealth Rock, using Taunt on potential Stealth Rock users such as Metagross, Empoleon, Heatran, and Bronzong isn’t as necessary. However, against Spikes and Toxic Spikes users such as Skarmory, Roserade, and Nidoqueen, Azelf should Taunt to prevent these hazards from going down. Against extremely powerful leads such as Choice Specs Latias, Choice Specs Heatran, and Tyranitar, Azelf should prioritize getting Rain Dance off, as rain sweepers need that support more than Stealth Rock should Azelf only survive one turn. Azelf’s Explosion is also very predictable after Rain Dance—while it is preferred to use Explosion on a good target, such as Tyranitar trying to reset rain, using Explosion immediately maximizes the turns rain sweepers have to run through the opposing team.

Team Options
========
Rain teams typically are formulaic and follow a general structure of three or four rain sweepers and the remainder support Pokemon. Swift Swim Kingdra is the best rain Pokemon in the tier and is generally required on rain teams. Kingdra has many possible sets it can run, but with Choice Specs, it can 2HKO even soft Water resists such as Gyarados and Dragonite, as well as special walls such as Clefable and Jirachi with a rain boosted Hydro Pump. It also outspeeds every common Choice Scarf user. Kingdra OHKOs most non specially bulky or Passho Berry Tyranitar after Stealth Rock even with the sand boost. After Kingdra, the other most common Swift Swim Pokemon used are Qwilfish and Ludicolo, as they provide other utility. Qwilfish absorbs Toxic Spikes, has a powerful Explosion, and hits Breloom and other Grass-types hard, while Ludicolo offers a neutrality to Electric-types and has strong Grass-type options for bulky Water resists such as Suicune. Swords Dance Empoleon is an excellent choice as a non Swift Swim sweeper, as it destroys defensive teams that rain sometimes struggles against while taking advantage of boosted Water-type attacks. For support, the standard choice is Bronzong, as it offers a Dragon-type resistance to absorb Latias, Dragonite, and opposing Kingdra while also easily setting up rain multiple times. It can set up Stealth Rock if Azelf is unable to, potentially sleep something with Hypnosis, and 2HKO Tyranitar with Gyro Ball. Another common support is Metagross, as it can lure in Skarmory, Rotom-A, and Zapdos with a Trick + Iron Ball set, or take advantage of rain’s halving of Fire-type attacks to run an Agility set. A Lum Berry also helps against Breloom’s Spore. Rotom-A and Latias with Colbur Berry are other good supporters, as they both resist Electric, weaken Tyranitar, and can set up rain multiple times. Rotom-A is also a great answer to defensive Jirachi, which commonly survives rain boosted attacks and spreads paralysis.

Many Pokemon enjoy not having sand active, and as such, are prime candidate for rain teams. The most prominent of these is Suicune, as its Substitute sets give a bulky and strong rain sweeper. Suicune also appreciates Toxic Spikes absorption and offensive Water resists such as Dragonite and Gyarados eliminated. Other more niche choices include Kabutops and Omastar, which are extremely powerful but lack the utility of other rain sweepers, defensive Dragon Dance Dragonite, Cresselia, Raikou, and Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi. To be effective rain support, teammates generally want to lure in and KO weather changers such as Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Abomasnow, sponge hits from Electric-types such as Zapdos and Rotom-A, and help weaken walls such as Skarmory, Jirachi, Latias, Milotic, and Blissey. Rain also struggles against Lucario and Gengar, as the style typically doesn’t run Choice Scarf Pokemon and most of the support give up an easy Swords Dance or can’t absorb Gengar’s attacks. Helpful Pokemon include Magma Storm Heatran, ironically Rain Dance Tyranitar, Swampert, Magnezone, and Machamp.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Azelf is effective in setting up the team with Dual Screens; however, it is almost completely outclassed by Uxie with the exception of Explosion and Taunt. Taunt does allow Azelf to more successfully set up Gyarados and Dragonite, however. Azelf also can use a full offensive set in the lead position with Psychic, Fire Blast, Explosion, and Stealth Rock or possible other coverage moves such as Grass Knot, Hidden Power Fighting, or Hidden Power Ground while holding a Life Orb. Such a set tries to combine the standard lead and Choice Band by aiming to KO opposing leads and use its offensive pressure to set up Stealth Rock. Azelf also can try sweeping with Nasty Plot alongside Flamethrower, Psychic, and Hidden Power Fighting, Grass Knot, or Hidden Power Ground. These sets can also hold other items, such as Colbur Berry to help with Tyranitar and Lum Berry for general status. While threatening, most offensive teams can revenge kill these fairly easily. Defensive teams are more threatened due to its coverage options, but Azelf will eventually be forced to use Explosion because of residual damage. Stealth Rock Azelf doesn’t have to be in the lead position—another more threatening lead such as Dragonite or Gyarados can lead so that Azelf can set up Stealth Rock afterwards. Choice Scarf Azelf is an extremely fast revenge killer and can set up Stealth Rock guaranteed on faster leads such as Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Jirachi, and Choice Scarf Roserade; however it struggles with easily being Pursuit trapped by Tyranitar as well as lack of general power. It also is generally outclassed by Trick + Choice Scarf Uxie.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Dark-types**: Tyranitar, especially Choice Scarf variants, and Weavile are the strongest Azelf counters in the game. Their Crunch and Night Slash respectively can easily dispatch Azelf, which Pursuit does a lot of damage on the switch out. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can also use Stealth Rock before Azelf can Taunt it, defeating its purpose. However, Tyranitar needs to be careful, as Azelf is commonly EVed to survive Crunch + sand and either paralyze it or use Explosion. Weavile easily dispatches all Azelf that don't carry a Colbur Berry.
Azelf can threaten these with the rare Hidden Power Fighting.

**Faster threats** Azelf cannot set up Stealth Rock effectively against faster Taunt users such as Aerodactyl or certain Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Jirachi and Roserade. However, the rest of Azelf's team often can take advantage of the free switch from Azelf's U-turn on Aerodactyl or Roserade and Jirachi's Choice lock.

**Very strong attackers** Even with investment, Azelf has no hope to survive certain strong attacks, such as Choice Specs Heatran's Overheat, Choice Specs Latias's Draco Meteor, and Choice Band Dragonite's Outrage. Without a Focus Sash, Azelf will just be able to set up Stealth Rock. Choice Specs Starmie will commonly KO non very specially bulky Azelf and outspeed it, preventing even Stealth Rock.

**Ghost-types** Both Gengar and Rotom-A are immune to Azelf's most common attacking move in Explosion and easily OHKO with Shadow Ball. Since few Azelf run max speed, Gengar will most likely outspeed it. Both do not enjoy paralysis and get hit hard by Psychic, however.

**Steel-types** Metagross, Bronzong, Empoleon, Jirachi, Forretress, Scizor, and Skarmory often will prevent Azelf lacking Fire Blast to do anything besides use Explosion after it sets up Stealth Rock, while Heatran walls Azelf. Choice Scarf Scizor can even OHKO it with U-turn before it does anything. However, all of these besides physically bulky Skarmory and Jirachi need to be careful of Choice Band Explosion, as it will KO them.

**Status** Choice Scarf Breloom and Roserade prevent Azelf without a Lum Berry from doing anything at all by sleeping it. Even with a Lum Berry, status leads such as Body Slam Jirachi and Trick + Choice Scarf Uxie will paralyze Azelf and attempt to flinch it down in Jirachi's case or prevent it from doing anything at all with Uxie.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon** Azelf is a frail Psychic-type Pokemon, and as such, all offensive sets without a Colbur Berry and bulk investment are easily revenge killed by every Choice Scarf Pokemon in the tier, such as Tyranitar, Flygon, Latias, Rotom-A, and Heatran.


[CREDITS]

- Written by: [johnnyg2, 57904]]
- Quality checked by: [[Sakito, 433460 ], [Oiponabys, 435540 ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
 
Last edited:
Some feedback if I may add it. I think that the newer players would be better served if the sample sets mentioned in the set details, were included in their own sections, rather than as bottom text. Although it's true they do similar things to the first set, placing them in their own sections will allow new players to try them out by pressing the shortcut in the team builder, allowing them to gain a personal preference without having to visit the strategy Pokedex. Also it would highlight which of the three items listed is most common on each set.

Along these lines, I think it would be good to include the duel screen and rain dance sets as well, although they are uncommon. A player should be able to just click on either set if they prefer explosion in the lead, without having to hunt for or recalculate the effort values.
 
Last edited:
Some feedback if I may add it. I think that the newer players would be better served if the sample sets mentioned in the set details, were included in their own sections, rather than as bottom text. Although it's true they do similar things to the first set, placing them in their own sections will allow new players to try them out by pressing the shortcut in the team builder, allowing them to gain a personal preference without having to visit the strategy Pokedex. Also it would highlight which of the three items listed is most common on each set.

Along these lines, I think it would be good to include the duel screen and rain dance sets as well, although they are uncommon. A player should be able to just click on either set if they prefer explosion in the lead, without having to hunt for or recalculate the effort values.
I didn’t want to clog it up too much, but I could add a section on a more bulky azelf, although I do feel we might have slashitis (like I’m thinking dual screens or rain dance + rocks or taunt/u-turn and lastly boom) and I don’t know how to fix that, esp when uxie does it better. that’s why I didn’t write that up, although I’ll happily do it
 
Dpp Azelf

:Azelf:

[OVERVIEW]

One of the more iconic features of DPP OU is the lead metagame, and Azelf stands as one of the best candidates to get early momentum. Azelf’s varied movepool, high base 115 Speed, strong offensive stats, and just good enough bulk allow it to easily prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt, set up one’s own Stealth Rock, and open up a hole with Explosion. These properties cement Azelf as a staple of hyper offensive (HO) teams. Azelf’s bulk is not to be underestimated—with investment, Azelf can survive many strong attacks in the lead position, such as Choice Scarf Tyranitar’s Crunch + Sandstorm damage, Metagross’s Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch, Machamp’s Payback + Bullet Punch, Modest Choice Specs Zapdos’s Thunderbolt, and Roserade’s Leaf Storm that used to invalidate frailer Azelf. Azelf also can lean into more offensive sets with Choice Band and Life Orb, taking advantage of its high speed and strong Explosion.

Azelf’s primary flaw lies in its mediocre Psychic-typing and its low bulk. Despite Azelf’s fantastic offensive stats, access to a strong boosting move in Nasty Plot, and many coverage options, sweeping Azelf sets are ineffective due to how easily it is revenge killed. Azelf also must pick its coverage carefully, as its STAB is resisted by many dangerous threats in the tier but is needed to break through bulky threats such as Clefable and Rotom-A. Azelf also struggles with all of Jirachi, Tyranitar, and Heatran, as they easily stomach most of its attacks and force it to use Explosion. Azelf is also a victim of its own success—many leads are specifically chosen to perform well against Azelf; these include U-Turn from leads such as opposing Azelf, Uxie, Flygon, and Gliscor, disabling Azelf with bulky Jirachi’s Body Slam and Choice Scarf + Trick Uxie, and overwhelming it using powerful leads such as Choice Specs Heatran, Choice Specs Latias, Choice Specs Starmie, Dragonite, and Choice Band Gyarados. Azelf also is forced into mind games against offensive leads that could carry Stealth Rock—leads such as Metagross, Empoleon, Swampert, Heatran, and Bronzong can heavily damage Azelf if it chooses to Taunt to prevent Stealth Rock rather than just setting up and using Explosion should these leads attack it. (to be honest i don't really think there are mindgames like such, it can be seen like that but it first depends of other things like Azelf's bulk, and the team that would influence x turn 1)

[SET]
name: Standard Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt / Fire Blast
move 4: Thunder Wave / U-Turn / Fire Blast
item: Lum Berry / Sitrus Berry / Colbur Berry
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 64 SpD / 136 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Moves
========

Azelf is one of the premier Stealth Rock setters in the metagame due to its speed. Only specific leads such as Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Jirachi, Choice Scarf Roserade, and faster Azelf can prevent Azelf from getting the hazard up immediately. Once Azelf has set up the entry hazard, Azelf's Explosion has two functions: it heavily damages every non Ghost-type and lets in another threat to immediately gain momentum as a free switch. Explosion also OHKOes every Rapid Spinner in the game besides Forretress, which can not Rapid Spin Stealth Rock away due to being slower. Even an Explosion on resisted target such as Metagross or Heatran can open up the opposing team.

From here, Azelf's options open up somewhat. Another main Azelf niche is Taunt, which helps keep Stealth Rock and other hazards off of the field. This is particularly effective against defensive teams, as Azelf preventing Skarmory, Nidoqueen, Hippowdon, and Swampert from setting up entry hazards can keep something like a Gyarados or Dragonite in the back healthy. Taunt also helps against balance teams featuring Roserade, as Leaf Storm doesn't OHKO and Taunt prevents Azelf from being put to sleep as well as Toxic Spikes. Should Taunt not be needed, a lesser option is Fire Blast, which can directly threaten Steel-types such as Metagross, Skarmory, Jirachi, and Forretress. Make sure to use a Timid nature if using Fire Blast, as Azelf's Explosion is still strong even with a hindering nature. Thunder Wave is another option, as Azelf can spread paralysis effectively instead Exploding immediately. Common scenarios to use Thunder Wave include against Ghost-type Pokemon such as Rotom-A and Gengar coming in to block Explosion, statusing Body Slam Jirachi trying to ParaFlinch Azelf, and paralyzing Choice Scarf Tyranitar attempting to eliminate Azelf. U-Turn is another useful scouting move from the lead position, as it allows it to break opposing Focus Sash and scout out opposing Steel-types, Ghost-types, and Tyranitar trying to Pursuit trap it. U-Turn also gives Azelf some mid-game utility to use its high Speed and Explosion to make sure its Explosion is used on a valuable target.

- I think I would highlight the fact that Taunt should be the prefered move on lead Azelf in general, and will be overall more useful than something like Fire Blast or U-turn - for reasons that you already mentioned, but HO truly appreciates having no hazards on its side and giving as less room as possible in the early turns

Set Details
========
Azelf has a myriad of different EV spreads to adapt to the metagame. This particular EV spread gives Azelf the ability to outspeed up to + speed base 100s, survive up to Machamp's Payback on the physical side, and Modest Zapdos's Choice Specs Thunderbolt on the special side. This prevents Azelf from fainting to almost all common attacks in the metagame, allowing it to use Explosion after it sets up Stealth Rock. Azelf can run many different items as well. Lum Berry prevents lead Jirachi and Uxie from paralyzing Azelf, while also preventing Machamp's confusion. Sitrus Berry's 25% heal gives Azelf some flexibility in EVs, allowing it to survive various priority such as from Machamp and Metagross as well as Tyranitar's sand from KOing Azelf after a strong hit. Colbur Berry allows Azelf to survive the strong Dark-type attacks from Tyranitar and Machamp that often prevent Azelf from doing anything beyond setting up Stealth Rock. Other EV spreads are viable: these include outspeeding the + speed base 90 benchmark such as Jolly 228 HP / 216 Def / 8 SpD / 56 Spe that survives Choice Scarf Tyranitar's Crunch + Sand damage and Roserade's Leaf Storm, Jolly 184 HP / 188 Def / 136 Spe that survives Tyranitar Crunch while also outspeeding + speed base 100s, and Jolly 8 Hp / 248 SpD / 252 Spe with a Colbur Berry that gives a max speed Azelf while still surviving various Dark type attacks and Metagross's Meteor Mash. Azelf is commonly EVed by taking a speed specific target and then adding bulk to survive common attacks. Another example of this is 8 HP / 140 Atk / 144 SpD / 216 Spe Jolly with a Colbur Berry, as it aims to survive Metagross's Meteor Mash and Roserade's Leaf Storm while outspeeding up to + speed base 110s. Azelf can also use a Focus Sash with no bulk; however, the metagame has largely adapted to this and will mostly lead to Azelf failing to do more than set up Stealth Rock (idk how necessary the last Sash mention is)

Usage Tips
========
Azelf is primarily used as a lead; it sets up Stealth Rock, prevents set up with Taunt, and then uses Explosion. How aggressive to be with Taunt to prevent Stealth Rock largely depends on Azelf's bulk and how threatening the opposing lead is to the rest of the team— physically bulky Azelf can comfortably Taunt + Stealth Rock on Metagross as Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch will not KO, but less bulky Azelf are much more at risk. However, more passive Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Hippowdon give up a pretty easy Taunt. Beware of opponents taking advantage of this and switching to a Choice Scarf Tyranitar and preventing Stealth Rock. Explosion is often very predictable from Azelf, so mixing up the timing of the Explosion such as using Thunder Wave or U-Turn on a Ghost-type switch in can often lead to large payoffs. Fire Blast is often unexpected from Azelf, so hiding it often allows Azelf to do a lot of damage to bulky Fire-weak Pokemon such as Metagross and Forretress.

- I would rephrase the Taunt part; I think being agressive with Taunt heavily depends on how much you want to prevent opposing Stealth Rock (even if for that in some scenarios you may have to pass on your own SR, or Explosion) for example take the standard HO with Gyara + Dnite, you can't exactly let your opponent set up SR t1 or you're suddenly put on the backfoot, and god knows how easy it is to lose with HO once you get a wrong start. So i would say that depending how prone to SR your team is you may wanna Taunt any possible SR setter no matter what (Jirachi, Heatran, Metagross, Swampert etc). If your team doesn't mind SR up too much then that's a different story and you can be more flexible in the early turns (what you said @ Azelf bulk is true too so keep that)



Team Options
========
While Azelf is quite self-sufficient, it has many common teammates. Azelf is a cornerstone of the hyper offense play style in DPP OU; common teammates on these types of teams include Dragon Dance Gyarados, Dragon Dance Dragonite, Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Agility Metagross, Swords Dance Lucario, and Swords Dance Empoleon. Azelf immediately gets these threats Stealth Rock and a free switch to start setting up. This is especially crucial for Gyarados and Dragonite, as it prevents them from having to deal with Stealth Rock. Azelf's Explosion also commonly targets Steel-types, meaning Dragonite has fewer Dragon-resists it needs to punch through. Azelf also is great for offensive paralysis (Paraspam) teams, as it is effective at spreading paralysis on hard to paralyze threats such as Rotom-A. Common teammates include Jirachi, Machamp, Tyranitar, Breloom, Gyarados, and Latias (would include Dragonite there once again). Jirachi is particularly effective: Jirachi's Iron Head is not only an effective tool at flinching down paralyzed threats, but mixed Jirachi is very effective at breaking threats hard to handle for hyper offense, such as Skarmory and Gyarados with Thunderbolt, Swampert with Grass Knot, and Lucario with Hidden Power Ground or Fire Punch. Jirachi and Latias can also use Healing Wish to open up another attempt from a sweeper such as Gyarados.

Azelf often immediately attracts in Tyranitar to remove it, and as such, can help Gengar, Calm Mind Jirachi, Zapdos, and Latias break past it once it paralyzes Tyranitar or uses Explosion. Zapdos also benefits from Azelf's ability to prevent Stealth Rock. Azelf's ability to prevent Toxic Spikes in the short term is critical for Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar and offensive Calm Mind Suicune. Azelf can also support teams built around Explosion, such as with Magnezone, Metagross, and even Choice Scarf + Copycat Lucario. Magnet Rise Magnezone works well with Azelf with U-turn, as Bronzong and Metagross will never Earthquake into Azelf while Skarmory gives easy entry, allowing Magnezone to trap these Pokemon. Magnezone also traps Choice Scarf Jirachi using Iron Head. Most offensive Pokemon in the tier can pair well with a free switch and Stealth Rock; good teammates can help to mitigate various matchups for hyper offense teams.

[SET]

name: Choice Band
move 1: Explosion
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Zen Headbutt / Sleep Talk
move 4: Trick / Ice Punch / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Band
ability: Pressure
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Band Azelf takes a different approach than the standard lead: it doesn't set up Stealth Rock and just immediately threatens the opponent with Explosion or a strong U-Turn. Azelf's Explosion is among the strongest in the game—even many Explosion resistances have a high likelihood to be KOed, such as Metagross, Bronzong, Tyranitar, and non physically bulky variants of Jirachi and Skarmory. This prevents Stealth Rock from going up while also taking out a threat. Choice Band also gives Azelf a very strong U-Turn, having a chance to OHKO non physically bulky Azelf, OHKOing 0/0 Latias and Starmie after Stealth Rock, and 2HKOing Tyranitar. It also does respectable chip damage to most threats, especially helpful should Azelf want to save its Explosion for later in the game.

Zen Headbutt is strong physical STAB and OHKOes Machamp while being the strongest non Explosion move. Be very careful with using it, as it has many resistances as well as invites Tyranitar to freely Pursuit trap it. As an alternative, Sleep Talk makes Azelf a great switch in to Breloom's Spore, as any of the moves Sleep Talk calls will do a lot of damage. Trick is the main final option, as it can shut down walls such as Hippowdon and Swampert should on not one to immediately use Explosion (I think defensive Rotom is a great target example that you may wanna Trick over the course of a game too). Ice Punch is another option that OHKOes all Dragonite and is favorable to OHKO 0/0 Zapdos. Azelf has access to other elemental punches; however, Explosion outdamages all other options even when resisted.

Set Details
========
There are two primary ways to EV Choice Band Azelf. The first is to just maximize attack like the EV spread above; Choice Band Azelf's primary niche is its nuclear Explosion and fast speed. Reducing that power makes Azelf less likely to OHKO Explosion resists that can set up Stealth Rock, such as Metagross, Bronzong, and Heatran. However, Azelf without any investment is quite frail—Azelf can be made more bulky by using 8 HP / 252 Atk / 112 SpD / 136 Spe with a Jolly nature. This allows Azelf to survive Life Orb Starmie Hydro Pump while maintaining a lot of power. Another choice is make Azelf even more bulky with 8 HP / 224 Atk / 228 SpD / 56 Spe with a Jolly nature that survives Choice Specs Starmie Hydro Pump while still outspeed Roserade. This spread still OHKOes Heatran and non physically bulky Bronzong, but fails to OHKO max HP Metagross with Explosion.

- highlight that an Adamant nature should always be the preferred choice on CB Azelf (high chance to OHKO max HP Metagross, as opposed to Jolly whose chance is much lower - maybe include calcs or the precise numbers, power also helps vs bulkier Jirachi and Heatran as you said)

Usage Tips
========
Choice Band Azelf most often will lead and use Explosion on the first turn. This can often surprise the opponent once their Metagross, Bronzong, or Heatran is KOed, as the standard lead is far more common so they will almost assuredly stay in and attack. U-turn and Azelf's other coverage should be used if one predicts a Ghost-type switch or they are super-effective. Beware of locking into Zen Headbutt and Ice Punch, as much of the tier take little damage and Tyranitar can easily Pursuit trap Azelf. While using Trick on a wall will weaken Explosion, Azelf's Explosion will still OHKO anything that doesn't resist it even without a Choice Band. If Azelf stays alive in the midgame and has Sleep Talk, switching it into Spore or other sleep inducing moves is advised, as after the lead sequence, Azelf's lack of bulk makes it difficult to switch in.

Team Options
========
Choice Band Azelf is self-sufficient as an anti-lead designed to bait and remove bulky Steel types and Tyranitar with Explosion. As such, sweepers that appreciate no Stealth Rock are advised, such as Gyarados and Dragonite. Since this Azelf cannot set up Stealth Rock, another user such as Uxie, Heatran, Tyranitar, Bronzong, and Jirachi is needed (I would include Metagross, the double lead synergy with CB Azelf is always something to consider - Pokemon that are great in 1v1s situations or double downs). Azelf also appreciates another U-turn user that can continue its chain, such as Scizor and Flygon. This Azelf is more conducive to teams built around using Explosion, so other common users such as Bronzong, Metagross, Magnezone, Gengar, Camerupt, and Choice Scarf + Copycat Lucario are appreciated (Would include Heatran once again there). Other than these, this Azelf fits on standard hyper offense teams. As such, partners such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Swords Dance Empoleon, and the aforementioned Dragonite and Gyarados are good partners. Take care to use this sets unique advantages over the standard lead (eliminating Stealth Rock users instead of preventing them, strong U-Turn, Trick) in mind when choosing teammates.

- I personally would emphasize on Heatran being possibly one of the best partner for CB Azelf, whether itd be SR or any offensive set, it has really great synergy with it in general. Maybe mention how CB Azelf enables some sort of heavy special offense kind of team, with like Heatran, CMers and sometimes Kingdra, that focuses on getting Tyranitar out of the game as fast as possible. I also think a mention of Machamp should be there as it fits relatively nicely alongside other bruisers + Explosions

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Azelf’s huge movepool and varied offensive stats leave it with many other options. Azelf can lean further into supporting its team with Dual Screens and Rain Dance. Azelf is effective in setting up the team in this way; however, it is almost completely outclassed by Uxie with the exception of Explosion (I would add Taunt there as well as one of the reasons you may wanna use RD or Screens Azelf over Uxie). Azelf also can use a full offensive set in the lead position with Psychic, Fire Blast, Explosion, and Stealth Rock or possible other coverage moves such as Grass Knot or Hidden Power Fighting while holding a Life Orb (it's niche but would mention HP Ground). Such a set aims to KO opposing leads and use its offensive pressure to set up Stealth Rock. Azelf also can try sweeping with Nasty Plot alongside Flamethrower, Psychic, and Hidden Power Fighting or Grass Knot. These sets can also hold other items, such as Colbur Berry to help with Tyranitar and Lum Berry for general status. While threatening, most offensive teams can revenge kill these fairly easily. Defensive teams are more threatened due to its coverage options, but Azelf will eventually be forced to use Explosion because of residual damage. Stealth Rock Azelf doesn’t have to be in the lead position—another more threatening lead such as Dragonite or Gyarados can lead so that Azelf can set up Stealth Rock afterwards. Choice Scarf Azelf is an extremely fast revenge killer and can set up Stealth Rock guaranteed on faster leads such as Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Jirachi, and Choice Scarf Roserade; however it struggles with easily being Pursuit trapped by Tyranitar as well as lack of general power. It also is generally outclassed by Trick + Choice Scarf Uxie.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Dark-types**: Tyranitar, especially Choice Scarf variants, and Weavile are the strongest Azelf counters in the game. Their Crunch and Night Slash respectively can easily dispatch Azelf, which Pursuit does a lot of damage on the switch out. However, Tyranitar needs to be careful, as Azelf is commonly EVed to survive Crunch + sand and either paralyze it or use Explosion. Weavile easily dispatches all Azelf that don't carry a Colbur Berry.
Azelf can threaten these with the very rare Hidden Power Fighting.

**Faster threats** Azelf cannot do set up Stealth Rock effectively against faster Taunt users such as Aerodactyl or certain Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Jirachi and Roserade. However, the rest of Azelf's team often can take advantage of the free switch from Azelf's U-turn on Aerodactyl or Roserade and Jirachi's Choice lock.

**Very strong attackers** Even with investment, Azelf has no hope to survive certain strong attacks, such as Choice Specs Heatran's Overheat, Choice Specs Latias's Draco Meteor, and Choice Band Dragonite's Outrage. Without a Focus Sash, Azelf will just be able to set up Stealth Rock. Choice Specs Starmie will commonly KO non very specially bulky Azelf and outspeed it, preventing even Stealth Rock.

**Ghost-types** Both Gengar and Rotom-A are immune to Azelf's most common attacking move in Explosion and easily OHKO with Shadow Ball. Since few Azelf run max speed, Gengar will most likely outspeed it.

**Steel-types** Metagross, Bronzong, Empoleon, Jirachi, Forretress, Scizor, and Skarmory often will prevent Azelf without Fire Blast to do anything besides use Explosion after it sets up Stealth Rock, while Heatran walls Azelf. However, all of these besides physically bulky Skarmory and Jirachi need to be careful of Choice Band Explosion, as it will KO them.

**Status** Even with a Lum Berry, status leads such as Body Slam Jirachi and Trick + Choice Scarf Uxie will paralyze Azelf and attempt to flinch it down in Jirachi's case or prevent it from doing anything at all with Uxie.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon** Azelf is a frail Psychic-type Pokemon, and as such, all offensive sets without a Colbur Berry and bulk investment are easily revenge killed by every Choice Scarf Pokemon in the tier, such as Tyranitar, Flygon, Latias, Rotom-A, and Heatran.


[CREDITS]

- Written by: [johnnyg2, 57904]]

- Quality checked by: [[Sakito, 433460 ], [, ]]

- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
really nice work, QC 1/2
 
I didn’t want to clog it up too much, but I could add a section on a more bulky azelf, although I do feel we might have slashitis (like I’m thinking dual screens or rain dance + rocks or taunt/u-turn and lastly boom) and I don’t know how to fix that, esp when uxie does it better. that’s why I didn’t write that up, although I’ll happily do it
I understand not wanting to clog it up too much, but two sets is minimalistic to the point at which it is missing information.

Azelf has more than two sets, and the teambuilder should reflect this. What information does the teambuilder provide to new players, if most of the spreads are mentioned in text only on a different page without their respective items or moves?

Don't get me wrong. What you have written about is very high quality and better than what I could have produced myself. I just think that you are providing about 60% of the benefit to new players in setting up the sample set page like this. Verterans already know the sets and items Azelf uses, and will only use the page as a reminder. New players on the other hand will use it to learn the sets to begin with. If they aren't there, then they will have to figure it out for themselves.
 
Last edited:
I understand not wanting to clog it up too much, but two sets is minimalistic to the point at which it is missing information.

Azelf has more than two sets, and the teambuilder should reflect this. What information does the teambuilder provide to new players, if most of the spreads are mentioned in text only on a different page without their respective items or moves?

Don't get me wrong. What you have written about is very high quality and better than what I could have produced myself. I just think that you are providing about 60% of the benefit to new players in setting up the sample set page like this. Verterans already know the sets and items Azelf uses, and will only use the page as a reminder. New players on the other hand will use it to learn the sets to begin with. If they aren't there, then they will have to figure it out for themselves.
I mean isn't that what OO is for? We really havent seen Azelf used successfully as the choice for Dual Screens at least in the last couple years at the tour level. Rain makes more sense to me as Azelf has historically been the lead of choice, but still, Uxie has taken over for Azelf for the most part for successful rain teams at the high level in the last year or two. We don't want to lead newer players astray? I do see your point and I'll discuss further with the rest of DPP QC to see if we want to include the rain set. I'd be happy to talk to you more offline, I think you have my discord (johnnyg2#1100)
 
Thank you sakito! I have updated the analysis with you insight. I also decided to add a Rain Dance set to the analysis because Uxie didn't have one, let me know what you think and I'll be happy to add in any edits
 
Looks good to me. I would add more nuance when mentionning screen Azelf, as screen teams featuring Dragonite + Gyarados or teams with a second screener appreciate Azelf's access to Taunt.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top