[OVERVIEW]
Hydreigon's unique Dark / Dragon typing, high Special Attack and good overall stats, and wide range of coverage moves like Flash Cannon, Surf, and Fire Blast make it difficult for certain teams to switch into. Its ability in Levitate allows it to avoid all entry hazards barring Stealth Rock as well as Ground-type attacks like Earthquake from Landorus-T. Hydreigon's typing alongside its decent bulk allows it to switch into foes like Rotom-W and Slowbro with relative ease. However, with a mediocre Speed stat, Hydreigon is left vulnerable to offensive Pokemon such as Mega Diancie, Keldeo, Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard Y, and Latios that can all outspeed and threaten it. Hydreigon also struggles against Fairy-types such as Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Altaria while also having a tough time breaking through specially defensive foes like Chansey.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Fire Blast
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dark Pulse is Hydreigon's primary STAB move with very few drawbacks, making it a very spammable move. Draco Meteor hits harder compared to Dark Pulse but is less reliable, lowering Hydreigon's Special Attack as well as having low PP and a chance to miss. Flash Cannon acts as a coverage move to primarily hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, which resist both of Hydreigon's STAB moves. Fire Blast is primarily used to hit Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and bulky Excadrill. Alternatively, Surf can be used to hit Fire-types like Heatran as well as Ground-types like Gliscor for more damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature let Hydreigon outspeed neutral-natured base 100s like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard Y, and Manaphy. A Modest nature can also be run, which makes Hydreigon more powerful and harder to switch into but leaves it more vulnerable to revenge killers, as foes like Thundurus-T, Excadrill, and Modest Manaphy can now outspeed it. Levitate gives Hydreigon a useful immunity to Spikes and Ground-type attacks. Choice Specs makes Hydreigon a stronger breaker.
Usage Tips
========
Hydreigon should be used early-game to pressure and weaken opposing teams with its strong attacks. Dark Pulse should be spammed, as very few Pokemon can consistently take it. Draco Meteor is Hydreigon's most powerful move and should be used to net OHKOs. Do keep in mind that being locked into Draco Meteor drops Hydreigon's Special Attack, making it very passive and easily taken advantage of the following turns. Flash Cannon should be used on Fairy-types like Mega Altaria and Clefable as they switch in, leaving them at very low health. Hydreigon should not switch into many offensive foes' attacks, so VoltTurn support is recommended to provide it with a way to switch in safely. It can come in on more passive Pokemon or those using attacks it resists, though; for example, Slowbro and Rotom-W are passive and use resisted Water-type attacks, and Weavile and Tyranitar locked into a Dark-type move do not threaten it.
Team Options
======
Mega Metagross is a great partner, as it can deal with Fairy-types that Hydreigon struggles with and also Pursuit trap the likes of Latios, which could otherwise offensively check Hydreigon. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Rotom-W and Tornadus-T are also good partners, as they can provide Hydreigon with a way to switch in safely. Tornadus-T can also provide Knock Off support, removing items like Chansey's Eviolite and Clefable's Leftovers to make it easier for Hydreigon to wear them down. Rotom-W can provide Thunder Wave support to cripple foes like Tornadus-T and Latios, which makes Hydreigon harder to revenge kill. Excadrill help deal with Fairy-types and absorbs Thunder Wave from the likes of Clefable while also appreciating Hydreigon's ability to handle bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Rotom-W. Ferrothorn is able to switch into Fairy-type attacks and can provide entry hazards like Stealth Rock and Spikes, which help wear down Hydreigon's switch-ins. Clefable can act as a status absorber, spread paralysis via Thunder Wave, or provide Knock Off support to remove items like Tornadus-T's Assault Vest, Heatran's and other Clefable's Leftovers, and Chansey's Eviolite, making it easier for Hydreigon to break through them.
[SET]
name: Expert Belt
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Surf
item: Expert Belt
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 72 Def / 244 SpA / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dark Pulse acts as Hydreigon's primary STAB move with great neutral coverage hitting the likes of Slowbro, Starmie, and Rotom-W for a good amount of damage. Flash Cannon is Hydreigon's coverage move to primarily hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, which could otherwise wall it. Flamethrower is used to hit Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Excadrill, Bisharp, and Skarmory and Grass-types like Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss for super effective damage. Surf can be used to hit Fire-types like Heatran and Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T for super effective damage as well. Alternatively, Head Smash OHKOes Tornadus-T after Stealth Rock damage.
Set Details
========
72 Defense and 4 HP EVs allow Hydreigon to always live a +2 Bullet Punch from Adamant Mega Scizor, even after Stealth Rock damage. 188 Speed EVs allow Hydreigon to outspeed foes up to Timid Heatran. A Modest nature with all the remaining EVs thrown into Special Attack allows it to hit as hard as possible. Expert Belt is the chosen item to boost Hydreigon's damage output and take advantage of its large movepool. Levitate is Hydreigon's only ability, and it allows it to avoid Ground-type moves and all entry hazards besides Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Hydreigon should look to come in on weak or resisted hits like Scald from Slowbro and Starmie or Hydro Pump from Rotom-W. It can also pivot into Ground-type attacks like Earthquake from Gliscor or Landorus-T thanks to Levitate or come in on double switches giving it a favorable matchup. Predictions are necessary with Hydreigon in order to 2HKO foes like Clefable on the switch with super effective damage. With a lack of recovery, status aliments like Toxic and burn cripple Hydreigon, as it is put on a timer. Avoid letting Hydreigon get paralyzed, or else it will become easier for foes to revenge kill it.
Team Options
========
Heatran can deal with Fairy-types that annoy Hydreigon like Clefable while also providing Stealth Rock support and crippling Keldeo with Toxic. Amoonguss can resist Fairy-type attacks while also checking Keldeo, which resists all of Hydreigon's attacks. It also can provide Spore support, making it easier for Hydreigon to come in, or use Stun Spore on the likes of Tornadus-T and Latios, making Hydreigon harder to revenge kill. Tornadus-T can provide Knock Off support to get rid of Chansey's Eviolite, Clefable's Leftovers, and opposing Tornadus-T's Assault Vest, making it easier for Hydreigon to break through them. It can also provide U-turn support, making it easier for Hydreigon to come in. Excadrill can help Hydreigon check Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria and provide entry hazard removal while also appreciating Hydreigon's ability to take on defensive Water-types like Slowbro and Rotom-W. Mega Metagross can also take on Fairy-types and Pursuit trap the likes of Latios and Latias, which can offensively check Hydreigon. Rotom-W can provide Thunder Wave support, crippling the likes of Clefable, Latios, and Tornadus-T, and has Volt Switch to allow Hydreigon to come in more easily. Ferrothorn can resist Fairy-types' attacks and provide Spikes support, making Hydreigon harder to switch into. It can also provide Thunder Wave support to make Hydreigon harder to revenge kill.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
Thunder Wave can be used on the Expert Belt set to cripple foe's speed. Earth Power can be used as a better way to hit the likes of Heatran. Additionally, Choice Scarf can be used as an item, allowing Hydreigon to outspeed offensive foes like Mega Metagross, Keldeo, Mega Diancie, and more. Life Orb is also an option to boost Hydreigon's damage output but does have the drawback of residual damage every turn. Superpower can be used as another method to hit Steel-types like Bisharp as well as a better way to hit Chansey.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Azumarill, Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Mega Diancie resist Hydreigon's STAB moves and threaten it back with their own. Hydreigon can, however, use Flash Cannon to deal a large amount of damage to each of them.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Chansey can consistently switch into Hydreigon's attacks and cripple it with Thunder Wave or Toxic or chip away at it with Seismic Toss. Assault Vest Tornadus-T can soak up hits from Hydreigon, remove its item with Knock Off, or use Hurricane and U-turn to chip away at it. Specially defensive Heatran can take hits from Hydreigon while retaliating back with Toxic but does not appreciate taking Surf or Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse.
**Fast Offensive Foes**: With Hydreigon's mediocre Speed stat, strong threats that are faster than it like Mega Lopunny, Choice Specs Latios, Mega Metagross, Keldeo, Weavile, Mega Diancie, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar can all deal a great amount of damage to Hydreigon and revenge kill it. Most of these threats, however, do not appreciate switching into Hydreigon.
**Status**: If Hydreigon gets paralyzed, its Speed will become crippled, making it easier to revenge kill. If Hydreigon gets badly poisoned or burned, it gets put on a timer and into range of enemy attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ez, 233669]]
- Quality checked by: [[jonfilch, 472436], [Vulpix03, 306299]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Estronic, 240732]]
Hydreigon's unique Dark / Dragon typing, high Special Attack and good overall stats, and wide range of coverage moves like Flash Cannon, Surf, and Fire Blast make it difficult for certain teams to switch into. Its ability in Levitate allows it to avoid all entry hazards barring Stealth Rock as well as Ground-type attacks like Earthquake from Landorus-T. Hydreigon's typing alongside its decent bulk allows it to switch into foes like Rotom-W and Slowbro with relative ease. However, with a mediocre Speed stat, Hydreigon is left vulnerable to offensive Pokemon such as Mega Diancie, Keldeo, Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard Y, and Latios that can all outspeed and threaten it. Hydreigon also struggles against Fairy-types such as Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Altaria while also having a tough time breaking through specially defensive foes like Chansey.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Fire Blast
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dark Pulse is Hydreigon's primary STAB move with very few drawbacks, making it a very spammable move. Draco Meteor hits harder compared to Dark Pulse but is less reliable, lowering Hydreigon's Special Attack as well as having low PP and a chance to miss. Flash Cannon acts as a coverage move to primarily hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, which resist both of Hydreigon's STAB moves. Fire Blast is primarily used to hit Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and bulky Excadrill. Alternatively, Surf can be used to hit Fire-types like Heatran as well as Ground-types like Gliscor for more damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature let Hydreigon outspeed neutral-natured base 100s like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard Y, and Manaphy. A Modest nature can also be run, which makes Hydreigon more powerful and harder to switch into but leaves it more vulnerable to revenge killers, as foes like Thundurus-T, Excadrill, and Modest Manaphy can now outspeed it. Levitate gives Hydreigon a useful immunity to Spikes and Ground-type attacks. Choice Specs makes Hydreigon a stronger breaker.
Usage Tips
========
Hydreigon should be used early-game to pressure and weaken opposing teams with its strong attacks. Dark Pulse should be spammed, as very few Pokemon can consistently take it. Draco Meteor is Hydreigon's most powerful move and should be used to net OHKOs. Do keep in mind that being locked into Draco Meteor drops Hydreigon's Special Attack, making it very passive and easily taken advantage of the following turns. Flash Cannon should be used on Fairy-types like Mega Altaria and Clefable as they switch in, leaving them at very low health. Hydreigon should not switch into many offensive foes' attacks, so VoltTurn support is recommended to provide it with a way to switch in safely. It can come in on more passive Pokemon or those using attacks it resists, though; for example, Slowbro and Rotom-W are passive and use resisted Water-type attacks, and Weavile and Tyranitar locked into a Dark-type move do not threaten it.
Team Options
======
Mega Metagross is a great partner, as it can deal with Fairy-types that Hydreigon struggles with and also Pursuit trap the likes of Latios, which could otherwise offensively check Hydreigon. Volt Switch and U-turn users like Rotom-W and Tornadus-T are also good partners, as they can provide Hydreigon with a way to switch in safely. Tornadus-T can also provide Knock Off support, removing items like Chansey's Eviolite and Clefable's Leftovers to make it easier for Hydreigon to wear them down. Rotom-W can provide Thunder Wave support to cripple foes like Tornadus-T and Latios, which makes Hydreigon harder to revenge kill. Excadrill help deal with Fairy-types and absorbs Thunder Wave from the likes of Clefable while also appreciating Hydreigon's ability to handle bulky Water-types like Slowbro and Rotom-W. Ferrothorn is able to switch into Fairy-type attacks and can provide entry hazards like Stealth Rock and Spikes, which help wear down Hydreigon's switch-ins. Clefable can act as a status absorber, spread paralysis via Thunder Wave, or provide Knock Off support to remove items like Tornadus-T's Assault Vest, Heatran's and other Clefable's Leftovers, and Chansey's Eviolite, making it easier for Hydreigon to break through them.
[SET]
name: Expert Belt
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Surf
item: Expert Belt
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 72 Def / 244 SpA / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dark Pulse acts as Hydreigon's primary STAB move with great neutral coverage hitting the likes of Slowbro, Starmie, and Rotom-W for a good amount of damage. Flash Cannon is Hydreigon's coverage move to primarily hit Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, which could otherwise wall it. Flamethrower is used to hit Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Excadrill, Bisharp, and Skarmory and Grass-types like Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss for super effective damage. Surf can be used to hit Fire-types like Heatran and Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T for super effective damage as well. Alternatively, Head Smash OHKOes Tornadus-T after Stealth Rock damage.
Set Details
========
72 Defense and 4 HP EVs allow Hydreigon to always live a +2 Bullet Punch from Adamant Mega Scizor, even after Stealth Rock damage. 188 Speed EVs allow Hydreigon to outspeed foes up to Timid Heatran. A Modest nature with all the remaining EVs thrown into Special Attack allows it to hit as hard as possible. Expert Belt is the chosen item to boost Hydreigon's damage output and take advantage of its large movepool. Levitate is Hydreigon's only ability, and it allows it to avoid Ground-type moves and all entry hazards besides Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Hydreigon should look to come in on weak or resisted hits like Scald from Slowbro and Starmie or Hydro Pump from Rotom-W. It can also pivot into Ground-type attacks like Earthquake from Gliscor or Landorus-T thanks to Levitate or come in on double switches giving it a favorable matchup. Predictions are necessary with Hydreigon in order to 2HKO foes like Clefable on the switch with super effective damage. With a lack of recovery, status aliments like Toxic and burn cripple Hydreigon, as it is put on a timer. Avoid letting Hydreigon get paralyzed, or else it will become easier for foes to revenge kill it.
Team Options
========
Heatran can deal with Fairy-types that annoy Hydreigon like Clefable while also providing Stealth Rock support and crippling Keldeo with Toxic. Amoonguss can resist Fairy-type attacks while also checking Keldeo, which resists all of Hydreigon's attacks. It also can provide Spore support, making it easier for Hydreigon to come in, or use Stun Spore on the likes of Tornadus-T and Latios, making Hydreigon harder to revenge kill. Tornadus-T can provide Knock Off support to get rid of Chansey's Eviolite, Clefable's Leftovers, and opposing Tornadus-T's Assault Vest, making it easier for Hydreigon to break through them. It can also provide U-turn support, making it easier for Hydreigon to come in. Excadrill can help Hydreigon check Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria and provide entry hazard removal while also appreciating Hydreigon's ability to take on defensive Water-types like Slowbro and Rotom-W. Mega Metagross can also take on Fairy-types and Pursuit trap the likes of Latios and Latias, which can offensively check Hydreigon. Rotom-W can provide Thunder Wave support, crippling the likes of Clefable, Latios, and Tornadus-T, and has Volt Switch to allow Hydreigon to come in more easily. Ferrothorn can resist Fairy-types' attacks and provide Spikes support, making Hydreigon harder to switch into. It can also provide Thunder Wave support to make Hydreigon harder to revenge kill.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
===================
Thunder Wave can be used on the Expert Belt set to cripple foe's speed. Earth Power can be used as a better way to hit the likes of Heatran. Additionally, Choice Scarf can be used as an item, allowing Hydreigon to outspeed offensive foes like Mega Metagross, Keldeo, Mega Diancie, and more. Life Orb is also an option to boost Hydreigon's damage output but does have the drawback of residual damage every turn. Superpower can be used as another method to hit Steel-types like Bisharp as well as a better way to hit Chansey.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types like Azumarill, Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Mega Diancie resist Hydreigon's STAB moves and threaten it back with their own. Hydreigon can, however, use Flash Cannon to deal a large amount of damage to each of them.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Chansey can consistently switch into Hydreigon's attacks and cripple it with Thunder Wave or Toxic or chip away at it with Seismic Toss. Assault Vest Tornadus-T can soak up hits from Hydreigon, remove its item with Knock Off, or use Hurricane and U-turn to chip away at it. Specially defensive Heatran can take hits from Hydreigon while retaliating back with Toxic but does not appreciate taking Surf or Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse.
**Fast Offensive Foes**: With Hydreigon's mediocre Speed stat, strong threats that are faster than it like Mega Lopunny, Choice Specs Latios, Mega Metagross, Keldeo, Weavile, Mega Diancie, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Choice Scarf Tyranitar can all deal a great amount of damage to Hydreigon and revenge kill it. Most of these threats, however, do not appreciate switching into Hydreigon.
**Status**: If Hydreigon gets paralyzed, its Speed will become crippled, making it easier to revenge kill. If Hydreigon gets badly poisoned or burned, it gets put on a timer and into range of enemy attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[ez, 233669]]
- Quality checked by: [[jonfilch, 472436], [Vulpix03, 306299]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Estronic, 240732]]
Last edited:
