Gen 3 Kingdra(Done)

[Cdijk16]

[OVERVIEW]
Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl, and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds more Pokemon when rain is active and has more bulk, which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl. It also outspeeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi, and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi, and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wallbreaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

[SET]

name: Rain Dance Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric / Hydro Pump
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=========

Rain Dance, in conjuction with Swift Swim, makes Kingdra faster than all relevant unboosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon, and Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes offensive Starmie. Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range, forcing and forces it out to let Kingdra damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. This also means that your momentum doesn't come to dead stop upon Blissey coming in. Substitute lets Kingdra avoid status, especially from from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory, and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar, and take advantage of opponents using Protect or sacrificing weakened Pokemon to stall out rain turns. 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, and 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed Speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain even with no investment.

Usage Tips
=========

Send Kingdra in late-game after special walls like Blissey and Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can set up on most Pokemon that don't have Explosion or a super- effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute and Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options
=========
Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi, and Celebi, and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi, and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi, and its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon that set up on Kingdra's counters is comprised of Calm Mind users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set up on Blissey, Jirachi, and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi, and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi, and Offensive Suicune (if running Hidden Power Grass or Electric). The pairing with Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire stall matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune or Milotic + Blissey cores, as they tend to come with flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=========

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Special Attack boost lets Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon, and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to outspeed maximum Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful, and the bulk drop required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

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

**Blissey**: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

**Suicune**: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic.

**Milotic**: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

**Snorlax**: Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

**Celebi**: Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

**Jirachi**: Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

**Explosion Users**: If healthy, Explosion users like bulky Metagross, Cloyster, and Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

**Status**: Non-Lum Berry Kingdra is vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert, etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with Protect.

**Protect Users**: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of Protect users.

**Regice**: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain-boosted Water-type moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice Beam, or Explosion.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cdijk16.509123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/johnnyg2.57904/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vapicuno.5454/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/stupidflandrs48.633500/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/

 

[johnnyg2]

Hi Cdijk16,

I'd like to go over the points in the analysis first bc I think the prose needs to be beefed up quite a bit.

Intro: I think you should mention Kingdra's positives more than you do. Kingdra is an adept special sweeper bc:

-- I would specifically mention outspeeding aero and jolteon rather than nearly everything. Kingdra's main niche is the speed and power boost of rain allows it to out speed and KO frailer Pokemon at the cost of one turn of set up.

-- Kingdra well rounded stats and good typing give it a niche over other water sweepers. Kingdra typing and bulk is enough to afford it the turn of set up it needs for Rain Dance, act a utility check to attackers such as Tyranitar, Aerodactyl, and physical Mence (bc it is hard to OHKO and can OHKO them back), and survive multiple attacks from Pokemon it can't necessarily OHKO in rain such as Swampert, Zapdos, offensive Starmie, Celebi, and Metagross. This differentiates it from Starmie, who doesn't need the set up but is less bulky, powerful, and slower than Kingdra under rain and Suicune, who has the bulk and is stronger, but is slower, needs more set up, and it more easily checked by offensive Water checks such as Zapdos and, to an extent, Gengar and offensive Starmie.

-- The threat of Kingdra is often enough for frailer teams to sacrifice important special checks such as Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to it so it doesn't sweep, opening the door to Pokemon that don't like sand such as Suicune or are soft-checked by them, such as Zapdos or Jirachi.

For Kingdra's negatives:

- Before going into individual pokemon, I would discuss what metagame factors limit Kingdra. Kingdra has poor coverage and cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. It is also cannot deal with status and its set up is easily ruined by Tyranitar's omnipresent sand.

- (You mention this Kingdra cannot hope to get past Blissey, Milotic, and Calm Mind + Rest Suicune without substantial luck. Worse, these Pokemon either status Kingdra or, in the case of Suicune, set up on it. Kingdra also struggles with defensive Jirachi and Snorlax, as these Pokemon are bulky enough to take multiple hits and retaliate.

- Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can all survive one hit and KO Kingdra back. Kingdra's lack of overwhelming power means that it can get chipped easily by common Pokemon such as Zapdos, Swampert, and Salamence. This means one can stall out rain turns and then KO the relatively slow Kingdra once rain runs out.

Set itself:

I would not make Kingdra's primary item Lum Berry -- I would make it Leftovers / Lum Berry. Personally, I have had the most success with it holding Leftovers or using Substitute and I think this is the most common Kingdra today. I would make the main set:

Kingdra @ Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe (this is fine, you probably don't need this much speed, but could mention other spreads in set comments)
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Ice Beam
- Substitute / Hidden Power Grass / Toxic (I'd move HP Electric to OO)

Set Details:

Once the above is in, we can work on the prose.

Usage tips:

Needs to be more here imo, but for another go through, we can work on it.

Team Options:

These are fine, I'd also mention Claydol to help keep it alive against Spikes, but other than that everything is here

OO:

Petaya is prob the big one. Some other fillers you could mention are: Rest to help you beat Jirachi, HP Electric for gyarados. You could add a note about Dragon Dance or more defensive Kingdra, but these are pretty much unused and should stick to a Rain Dance set.

Checks/Counters:

These are fine, need to be bulked up, but I would also mention: mixed mence can heavily weaken it and can switch in once rain ends. spdef zapdos is decent. Protect stalling rain turns. Other water types (defensive star is really annoying without sub cause it can twave). Spdef Jirachi can stall you out of Hydro/Surf and status you. Regice can live a few hits. I'd mention tar reseting rain.

 

[Cdijk16]

Hi Cdijk16,

I'd like to go over the points in the analysis first bc I think the prose needs to be beefed up quite a bit.

Intro: I think you should mention Kingdra's positives more than you do. Kingdra is an adept special sweeper bc:

-- I would specifically mention outspeeding aero and jolteon rather than nearly everything. Kingdra's main niche is the speed and power boost of rain allows it to out speed and KO frailer Pokemon at the cost of one turn of set up.

-- Kingdra well rounded stats and good typing give it a niche over other water sweepers. Kingdra typing and bulk is enough to afford it the turn of set up it needs for Rain Dance, act a utility check to attackers such as Tyranitar, Aerodactyl, and physical Mence (bc it is hard to OHKO and can OHKO them back), and survive multiple attacks from Pokemon it can't necessarily OHKO in rain such as Swampert, Zapdos, offensive Starmie, Celebi, and Metagross. This differentiates it from Starmie, who doesn't need the set up but is less bulky, powerful, and slower than Kingdra under rain and Suicune, who has the bulk and is stronger, but is slower, needs more set up, and it more easily checked by offensive Water checks such as Zapdos and, to an extent, Gengar and offensive Starmie.

-- The threat of Kingdra is often enough for frailer teams to sacrifice important special checks such as Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to it so it doesn't sweep, opening the door to Pokemon that don't like sand such as Suicune or are soft-checked by them, such as Zapdos or Jirachi.

For Kingdra's negatives:

- Before going into individual pokemon, I would discuss what metagame factors limit Kingdra. Kingdra has poor coverage and cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. It is also cannot deal with status and its set up is easily ruined by Tyranitar's omnipresent sand.

- (You mention this Kingdra cannot hope to get past Blissey, Milotic, and Calm Mind + Rest Suicune without substantial luck. Worse, these Pokemon either status Kingdra or, in the case of Suicune, set up on it. Kingdra also struggles with defensive Jirachi and Snorlax, as these Pokemon are bulky enough to take multiple hits and retaliate.

- Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can all survive one hit and KO Kingdra back. Kingdra's lack of overwhelming power means that it can get chipped easily by common Pokemon such as Zapdos, Swampert, and Salamence. This means one can stall out rain turns and then KO the relatively slow Kingdra once rain runs out.

Set itself:

I would not make Kingdra's primary item Lum Berry -- I would make it Leftovers / Lum Berry. Personally, I have had the most success with it holding Leftovers or using Substitute and I think this is the most common Kingdra today. I would make the main set:

Kingdra @ Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe (this is fine, you probably don't need this much speed, but could mention other spreads in set comments)
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Ice Beam
- Substitute / Hidden Power Grass / Toxic (I'd move HP Electric to OO)

Set Details:

Once the above is in, we can work on the prose.

Usage tips:

Needs to be more here imo, but for another go through, we can work on it.

Team Options:

These are fine, I'd also mention Claydol to help keep it alive against Spikes, but other than that everything is here

OO:

Petaya is prob the big one. Some other fillers you could mention are: Rest to help you beat Jirachi, HP Electric for gyarados. You could add a note about Dragon Dance or more defensive Kingdra, but these are pretty much unused and should stick to a Rain Dance set.

Checks/Counters:

These are fine, need to be bulked up, but I would also mention: mixed mence can heavily weaken it and can switch in once rain ends. spdef zapdos is decent. Protect stalling rain turns. Other water types (defensive star is really annoying without sub cause it can twave). Spdef Jirachi can stall you out of Hydro/Surf and status you. Regice can live a few hits. I'd mention tar reseting rain.

Thanks, most of your suggestions have now been implemented. I'm going to flesh out the usage tips section and then you can go through it again.
EDIT: I've now fleshed the usage tips section, you can go through it again now.

 

[vapicuno]

Thanks. This still needs some work.

Please change the following:
OHKO, not 0HKO. The letter O.
2HKO, not 2hko. Capital letters on abbreviations.
A, B, and C, not A, B and C. The comma after B.
Its good bulk, not It's good bulk = It is good bulk

Kingdra

Kingdra's swift swim ability gives a nearly unmatched speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl and Jolteon. It's good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams (ACTION: compare with Starmie and Suicune, that's what the intro is for). It’s good bulk and defensive typing also lets it act as an offensive check to physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, physical Salamence and Aerodactyl. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi, and Celebi. This is greatly appreciated by pokemon soft checked by them like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi and Celebi. Last two sentences difficult to read. See suggested rephrasing.

Kingdra has poor coverage and cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage (swap to maintain order described in following sentence). As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Snorlax and Regice can also take multiple hits and threaten back, but they both lack recovery. (not important, and Regice is BL anyway) Explosion users such as Metagross and Gengar Forretress, bulky Gengar and Metagross (reorder in viability / frequency of scenario, and indicating Gengar's bulk is not needed here) can also check it in a pinch if healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability can also cut it's sweep short by depriving it of Rain. Lastly, it's sweep can easily be cut short by status such as Paralysis and Toxic. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support. (You're writing this like a checks and counters section. Don't do that. Only mention the important things/Pokemon. Make it succint.)

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] /Hydro Pump/ Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un-boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen water-type move STAB. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like 0hkoing bulkless Tyranitar out of rain and having a chance to 0hko bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam lets you hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon and Venusaur. HP Grass cleanly 2hkos defensive and nearly 0hkos offensive (there's not really a point to saying this if it still 2HKOs) Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and hits Suicune and Starmie hard, notably 2HKOing 2hkos Offensive Starmie. HP Electric lets you hits Gyarados and other water types hard. Toxic can force Suicune to use Rest and (feels useless to mention this) cripples non-rest variants Suicune. (ACTION: Add something about forcing Blissey out to damage another opposing Pokemon) Substitute lets you avoid status, especially from Thunder Wave from Zapdos and Jolteon and Toxic from the likes of Skarmory and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from the likes of Metagross and Gengar Forretress. (ACTION: Add something about being able to sub vs Protect spamming / sacing)152 speed EVs lets you outspeed max speed Jolly Tyranitar.

I'll look at the rest later.

 

[johnnyg2]

The content looks fine now. This still needs massaging on the grammar and you need to put the team section into prose form. Once you’ve implemented vapicuno’s comments on the whole analysis, i will go through it again and I’ll qc it at that time. Thank you

 

[vapicuno]

Note you still need to make the proper capitalization stated above and turn the zeros into O's. Also capitalize the word Pokemon.

Kingdra


Kingdra's swift swim ability gives a unmatched speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl and Jolteon. It's good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie it has much more defensive utility and outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon and Aerodactyl when rain is active (main point first) and has more. It’s good bulk, and defensive typing also lets it act as an offensive which lets it offensively check to physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, physical Salamence and Aerodactyl. (joined sentence for the reasoning to flow) (ACTION: still need to compare to Suicune) Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi and Celebi.

Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross,Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former has more speed outside of rain, better coverage and access to rapid spin. The latter has far more wall-breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] /Hydro Pump/ Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un-boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar out of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon and Venusaur. HP Grass cleanly 2HKOs defensive and OHKOs offensive Swampert 81.3% of the time without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2hkos Offensive Starmie. HP Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune, It can also be used to chips Blissey into Dugtrio range or forces it out to damage another pokemon to maintain momentum. Substitute lets you avoid status, especially from from Zapdos ,Jolteon, Skarmory and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you takes advantage of opponents using protect or sacrificing weakend pokemon to stall out rain turns. 152 The speed EVs allow Kingdra to lets you outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and the HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon even with no investment.

Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late game after special walls like Blissey and Snorlax etc have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can setup on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather mid-game for Suicune's benefit. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky water types like Milotic(this is because it 0hkos or 2hkos most offensive pokemon). These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users in the case of the former and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Substitute + Calm Mind (don't abbreviate without defining first) Suicune, and Raikou etc for the latter.

Team Options

There are a lot of points here. You will need to group similar points together and weave the prose together when you eventually write this out. I will QC after that.

• Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers.
• Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef Jirachi and Celebi and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep.
• Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage.
• Zapdos(especially with Substitute + Baton Pass) can bait special walls like Blissey with Baton Pass for Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune that wall Kingdra.
• Hypnosis Gengar generates setup oppotunities with Hypnosis and can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax and Celebi. Will-o-Wisp variants can also cripple Snorlax and Regice.
• All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic.
• SubCM Suicune can setup on Blissey, Jirachi and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows to 1v1 Blissey and greatly enhances its longevity. CM 3 attacks and Sub CM variants also pressure Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi and Regice.
• SubCM and Wish + CM Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. CM 3 attacks Jirachi also pressures Kingdra checks like Tyranitar, Blissey, Milotic and Snorlax.
• CM Pass Celebi sets up on Milotic and Suicune, which wall Kingdra. It can also weaken Tyranitar and Metagross, which Kingdra appreciates. CM pass support enables Kingdra to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, Forretress, Jolteon and bulkless Zapdos with Hydro Pump in rain. It also lets it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi and non-roar Offensive Suicune(if running HP Grass or Electric).
• Curse Snorlax greatly appreciates Kingdra's sand removal as well as this gives it leftovers recovery.
• Dragon Dance Tyranitar can heavily chip Milotic and Suicune, checks Snorlax and can pressure and setup on Blissey thanks to Lum Berry.
• Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. This allows it's frequent partner Dugtrio to follow up with a free KO.
• Claydol limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, which Kingdra appreciates.

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry boost lets you secure important 0hkos on Forretress, (not an important mon to care about) Skarmory, Metagross, Jolteon and bulkless Zapdos, and Jolteon (important mons/situations come first) with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to guarantee OHKOing Jolteon with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and have much better odds to 0hko improve the odds of OHKOing bulkless Zapdos and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump (again, important situations). 188 Speed EVs may be used to out-speed max speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Max Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful. However, and the bulk drop from running these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2hko it.

Tyranitar: It can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion users like Bulky Metagross, Cloyster and Foretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect.

Protect: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted water moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

 

[Cdijk16]

Note you still need to make the proper capitalization stated above and turn the zeros into O's. Also capitalize the word Pokemon.

Thanks for the QC check. I have implemented your suggestions and changed the team options section to prose form.

 

[vapicuno]

bulky Water-types (note capital and hyphen)
Don't use etc
Spell out Calm Mind. If you use something many times (like SubCM), spell it out the first time and abbreviate in brackets after.
By the way, I'm not sure if you're aware but you can quote my post and remove the quote tags for easy editing.

johnnyg2 Triangles Altina What is your opinion on these three points mentioned by Cdijk16 in team options?

1. Curse Snorlax greatly appreciates Kingdra's sand removal as well as this gives it leftovers recovery. It also sets up very easily of special walls like Blissey that wall Kingdra.
2. Dragon Dance Tyranitar can heavily chip Milotic and Suicune, checks Snorlax and can pressure and setup on Blissey thanks to Lum Berry.
3. Claydol limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, which Kingdra appreciates.

Kingdra


Kingdra's swift swim ability gives a unmatched speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl and Jolteon. It's good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, physical Salamence (no need to mention physical since you already said physical sweepers) and Aerodactyl. Kingdra's immense speed in rain lets it It also out-speeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune doesn't, including but not limited to: like Zapdos, Dugtrio, and Gengar, and Aerodactyl(avoid repeating). Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi and Celebi.

Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross,Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former has more speed outside of rain naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wall-breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un-boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar out of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon and Venusaur. HP Grass cleanly 2HKOs defensive and OHKOs offensive Swampert 81.3% of the time without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOs Offensive Starmie. HP Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip Blissey into Dugtrio range and forces it out to damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. Substitute lets you avoid status, especially from from Zapdos ,Jolteon, Skarmory and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you take advantage of opponents using protect or sacrificing weakend pokemon to stall out rain turns. The speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and the HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon even with no investment.


Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late game after special walls like Blissey, Snorlax etc (you missed the amendment here, check again) have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can setup on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather mid-game for Suicune's benefit. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic(this is because it OHKOs or 2HKOs most offensive Pokemon). These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey in the case of the former and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou for the latter against Water-types (sentence long, should just rewrite the identities of the targets imo).

Team Options

This needs to be rephrased to emphasize that
1. There are two ways of dealing with special walls with bulky waters. Either take them out and/or set up on them with CMers. These form your second and third paragraphs. SubCM and WishCM fall under this but not CM Pass.
2. Last paragraph for other offensive enablers / offenses enabled

I will re-QC after.

Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef Jirachi and Celebi and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep.

For these reasons, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos(especially with Substitute + Baton Pass) can bait special walls like Blissey with Baton Pass for Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune that wall Kingdra. Hypnosis Gengar generates setup oppotunities with Hypnosis and can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax and Celebi. Will-o-Wisp variants of Gengar can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. This allows its frequent partner Dugtrio to follow up with a free KO.

SubCM Suicune can setup on Blissey, Jirachi and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows to 1v1 Blissey and greatly enhances its longevity. CM 3 attacks and Sub CM variants also pressure Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi and Regice. SubCM and Wish + CM Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. CM 3 attacks Jirachi also pressures Kingdra checks like Tyranitar, Blissey, Milotic and Snorlax. CM Pass Celebi sets up on Milotic and Suicune, which wall Kingdra. It can also weaken Tyranitar and Metagross, which Kingdra appreciates.

CM pass support enables Kingdra to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, Forretress, Jolteon and bulkless Zapdos with Hydro Pump in rain. It also lets it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi and non-roar Offensive Suicune(if running HP Grass or Electric). Curse Snorlax greatly appreciates Kingdra's sand removal as well as this gives it leftovers recovery. It also sets up very easily of special walls like Blissey that wall Kingdra. Dragon Dance Tyranitar can heavily chip Milotic and Suicune, checks Snorlax and can pressure and setup on Blissey thanks to Lum Berry.
Claydol limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, which Kingdra appreciates.

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry boost lets you secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to out-speed max speed Adamant Claydol Timid Vaporeon. Max Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful and the bulk drop from running these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion users like Bulky Metagross, Cloyster and Foretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect.

Protect: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted water moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

 

[johnnyg2]

bulky Water-types (note capital and hyphen)
Don't use etc
Spell out Calm Mind. If you use something many times (like SubCM), spell it out the first time and abbreviate in brackets after.

johnnyg2 Triangles Altina What is your opinion on these three points mentioned by Cdijk16 in team options?

1. Curse Snorlax greatly appreciates Kingdra's sand removal as well as this gives it leftovers recovery. It also sets up very easily of special walls like Blissey that wall Kingdra.
2. Dragon Dance Tyranitar can heavily chip Milotic and Suicune, checks Snorlax and can pressure and setup on Blissey thanks to Lum Berry.
3. Claydol limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, which Kingdra appreciates.

1) I feel like, in a vacuum, weather clear helps more offensive curselax, and maybe this is where I should have been more direct, as curse + rest lax and kingdra def don’t fit. There are some older school offenses that lax + kingdra can fit on (the old Smurf offenses and even that mana team in ci could reasonable fit kingdra > gorebyss even if gorebyss’s niche was necessary). Maybe just saying more offensive snorlax can wallbreak for kingdra, as it booms on cune, can switch into and exert pressure on milo/bliss, while curse + boom can take out tar/meta who annoy kingdra w sand/living one boosted water hit.
2) dd tar kinda fits? Maybe this can be axed. There hasn’t been enough recent usage of dd tar + kingdra, but when kingdra was first coming around, it does pressure waters w a bulky dd set well enough for kingdra to clean up
3) I like dol w kingdra, but I do think this point can be expanded upon. Dol helps kingdra keep its natural bulk by alleviating spikes pressure, which dug easily lets up when you trap something. Dol also just soft checks a lot, can switch into zap/tar which these teams typically struggle w, can live one water hit and boom, prevents you from having to rely too much on kingdra to reverse momentum late game. My zapdugs w kingdra typically feature dol, I like it here

 

[Triangles]

DDtar kingdra is a pairing on a pretty notable ADV team historically, Smurf's Ozymandias. I'd keep that mention in personally

 

[vapicuno]

Kingdra


Kingdra's Swift Swim ability gives an unmatched speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl and Jolteon. It's good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence and Aerodactyl. It also out-speeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune doesn't does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wall-breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un-boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar out of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon and Venusaur. HP Grass cleanly 2HKOs defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOs Offensive Starmie. HP Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip Blissey into Dugtrio range and forces it out to damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. Substitute lets you avoid status, especially from from Zapdos ,Jolteon, Skarmory and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you take advantage of opponents using protect or sacrificing weakend pokemon to stall out rain turns. The speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and the HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon even with no investment.

Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late game after special walls like Blissey, Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can setup on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options

Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef Jirachi and Celebi and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. There are two ways of It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

For these reasons,In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, (don't use brackets) can bait special walls like Blissey with Baton Pass for and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune that wall Kingdra. Hypnosis Gengar generates setup opportunities with Hypnosis and can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax and Celebi. Its Will-O-Wisp (O is capitalized) variants of Gengar can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. This allows its frequent partner Dugtrio to follow up with a free KO. Offensive variants of Snorlax can put pressure on Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar, which Kingdra appreciates. In the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon the set up on Kingdra's counters comprise of Calm Mind (CM) users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can setup on Blissey, Jirachi and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to 1v1 beat Blissey as long as it comes in first at full HP and greatly enhances its longevity. CM 3 attacks and Sub CM variants Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + CM Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. CM 3 attacks Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips pressures Kingdra checks like Tyranitar, Blissey, Milotic and Snorlax. CM + Baton Pass Celebi sets up on Milotic and Suicune, which wall Kingdra. It can also weaken and chips Tyranitar and Metagross, which Kingdra appreciates.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates CM pass support from Celebi, enables Kingdrawhich allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory, Metagross, Forretress, Jolteon and bulkless Zapdos with Hydro Pump in rain. It This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi and non-roar Offensive Suicune (if running HP Grass or Electric). The pairing with CM + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. Curse + Self-Destruct and Utility 4 attacks Snorlax sets Kingdra's sand removal as well as this greatly improves its longevity by giving it leftovers recovery. It also sets up very easily on special walls like Blissey that wall Kingdra. Dragon Dance Tyranitar can heavily chip Milotic and Suicune, checks Snorlax and can pressure and setup on Blissey thanks to Lum Berry. In conjunction with using partners that break the special wall, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune/Milotic + Blissey cores as they tend to come with filmsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, this helps keep Kingdra's formidable natural bulk intact. (Action: rewrite Claydol part. implementing johnnyg2's suggestions. Once you have done this, I will give QC 1/2)

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry boost lets you secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to out-speed max speed Adamant Claydol Timid Vaporeon. Max Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful and the bulk drop from running these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion users like Bulky Metagross, Cloyster and Foretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect.

Protect: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted water moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

 

[vapicuno]

Some markup is not removed. It's very obvious when you click bbcode view on the right side of the toolbar.

QC 1/1 after implementing the changes.

Kingdra


Kingdra's Swift Swim gives an unmatched speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl and Jolteon. It's good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence and Aerodactyl. It also out-speeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune doesn't does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wall-breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un-boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late game. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar out of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon and Venusaur. HP Grass cleanly 2HKOs defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOs Offensive Starmie. HP Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip Blissey into Dugtrio range and forces it out to damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. Substitute lets you avoid status, especially from from Zapdos ,Jolteon, Skarmory and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you take advantage of opponents using protect or sacrificing weakened pokemon to stall out rain turns. The speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar and the HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon even with no investment.

Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late game after special walls like Blissey, Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can setup on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options

Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef Jirachi and Celebi and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax and Celebi. Its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon the set up on Kingdra's counters comprise of Calm Mind (CM) users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can setup on Blissey, Jirachi and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + CM Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar, and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates CM pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi and Offensive Suicune (if running HP Grass or Electric). The pairing with CM + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break the special wall, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune/Milotic + Blissey cores as they tend to come with flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, limits opponents to 1 layer of spikes if well played, this helps which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's formidable natural bulk intact. It also soft checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry boost lets you secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to out-speed max speed Adamant Claydol Timid Vaporeon. Max Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful and the bulk drop from running these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion users like Bulky Metagross, Cloyster and Foretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect.

Protect: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted water moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

 

[johnnyg2]

Just some minor things. I personally wouldn’t mention wish + cm Jirachi as a good partner, it typically needs a more defensive slant for partners than kingdra. Also, imo Tyranitar doesn’t have to be hard and fast eliminated before sweeping, as, especially with hydro pump, the opponent has to sacrifice to get it in. Other than that, everything looks great! Sorry for the delay Cdijk16

qc 2/2

 

[johnnyg2]

GP Team

 

[StupidFlandrs48]

You have no idea how much I hated this thing when I first started laddering ADV and hadn't discovered Blissey/Snorlax... PTSD flashbacks
Anyway forget about that, let's do an amcheck
Additions
Removals
Comments/silly nitpicks

The Big Check™

(AC) = Add Comma
(RC) = Remove Comma
(RH) = Remove Hyphen
(AH) = Add Hyphen
(AS) = Add Space

Kingdra


Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched speed Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl,(AC) and Jolteon. It(RC)s good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon,(AC) and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk,(AC) which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence,(AC) and Aerodactyl. It also out(RH)speeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not,(AC) like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross,(AC) and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi,(AC) and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi,(AC) and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered stopped by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wall(RC)breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un(RH)boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-(AH)game compared to Hydro Pump. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon,(AC) and Venusaur super effectively. HP Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes Offensive offensive Starmie. HP Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip, and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range and forces it out to damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum (this wording at the end seems really clunky, maybe take a second look at it). Substitute lets you Kingdra avoid status, especially from from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory,(AC) and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you take advantage of opponents using protect Protect or sacrificing weakened pokemon Pokemon to stall out rain turns. The speed 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar,(AC) and the 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain,(AC) even with no investment.

Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late-(AH)game after special walls like Blissey, Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Kingdra does not hold a Lum Berry. Kingdra can set (AS)up on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back (This is definitely more of a QC thing but this sentence doesn't make sense at all, it implies you can set up on anything besides dragons. Try to make this advice more consistent with what you mention in C&C). If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options

Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi,(AC) and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax,(AC) and Celebi. Its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon the that set up on Kingdra's counters comprise is comprised of Calm Mind(CM) users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set (AS)up on Blissey, Jirachi,(AC) and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi,(AC) and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + CM Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar(RC) and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates CM pass Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi,(AC) and Offensive Suicune (if running HP Grass or Electric). The pairing with CM Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and or Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break the special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire matchup (what matchup?). Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune/Milotic + Blissey cores as they tend to come with filmsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry Special Attack boost lets you Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon,(AC) and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to out(RH)speed max speed Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful and the bulk drop from running required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can cut Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion Explosion users like Bulky bulky Metagross, Cloyster,(AC) and Foretress Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non-(AH)Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert,(AC) etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect Protect.

Protect Users: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect Protect users.

Regice: Similar Similarly to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain-(AH)boosted water Water-type moves from Kingdra and threaten it back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam Beam,(AC) or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

 

[vapicuno]

You have no idea how much I hated this thing when I first started laddering ADV and hadn't discovered Blissey/Snorlax... PTSD flashbacks
Anyway forget about that, let's do an amcheck
Additions
Removals
Comments/silly nitpicks

The Big Check™

(AC) = Add Comma
(RC) = Remove Comma
(RH) = Remove Hyphen
(AH) = Add Hyphen
(AS) = Add Space

Kingdra


Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched speed Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl,(AC) and Jolteon. It(RC)s good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon,(AC) and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk,(AC) which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence,(AC) and Aerodactyl. It also out(RH)speeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not,(AC) like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross,(AC) and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi,(AC) and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi,(AC) and Celebi and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered stopped by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wall(RC)breaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

Standard Rain Sweeper

Kingdra @ Lum Berry /Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic


Set Description

Rain Dance in conjuction with Swift Swim makes Kingdra faster than all relevant un(RH)boosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-(AH)game compared to Hydro Pump. However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon,(AC) and Venusaur super effectively. HP Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes Offensive offensive Starmie. HP Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip, and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range and forces it out to damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum (this wording at the end seems really clunky, maybe take a second look at it). Substitute lets you Kingdra avoid status, especially from from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory,(AC) and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. It also lets you take advantage of opponents using protect Protect or sacrificing weakened pokemon Pokemon to stall out rain turns. The speed 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar,(AC) and the 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain,(AC) even with no investment.

Usage Tips
Send Kingdra in late-(AH)game after special walls like Blissey, Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Kingdra does not hold a Lum Berry. Kingdra can set (AS)up on most Pokemon that don't have a super-effective attack on it that it can threaten back (This is definitely more of a QC thing but this sentence doesn't make sense at all, it implies you can set up on anything besides dragons. Try to make this advice more consistent with what you mention in C&C). If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options

Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi,(AC) and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax,(AC) and Celebi. Its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon the that set up on Kingdra's counters comprise is comprised of Calm Mind(CM) users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set (AS)up on Blissey, Jirachi,(AC) and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi,(AC) and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + CM Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar(RC) and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates CM pass + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi,(AC) and Offensive Suicune (if running HP Grass or Electric). The pairing with CM + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and or Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break the special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire matchup (what matchup?). Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune/Milotic + Blissey cores as they tend to come with filmsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

Other Options

Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry Special Attack boost lets you Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon,(AC) and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to out(RH)speed max speed Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful and the bulk drop from running required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters

Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can cut Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users: If healthy, explosion Explosion users like Bulky bulky Metagross, Cloyster,(AC) and Foretress Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non-(AH)Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert,(AC) etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect Protect.

Protect Users: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect Protect users.

Regice: Similar Similarly to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain-(AH)boosted water Water-type moves from Kingdra and threaten it back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam Beam,(AC) or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

How do you deal with abbreviating Calm Mind as CM if you don't define it at the first instance?

 

[StupidFlandrs48]

How do you deal with abbreviating Calm Mind as CM if you don't define it at the first instance?

I was stuck in a bit of a gray area myself when considering this during the check, but after reviewing GP standards the abbreviation should not be used at all here in the first place, Calm Mind should be fully spelled out in many instances where it is abbreviated (mainly in combination phrases such as Calm Mind + Baton Pass). Editing the check to reflect this.

 

[vapicuno]

I was stuck in a bit of a gray area myself when considering this during the check, but after reviewing GP standards the abbreviation should not be used at all here in the first place, Calm Mind should be fully spelled out in many instances where it is abbreviated (mainly in combination phrases such as Calm Mind + Baton Pass). Editing the check to reflect this.

I was allowed to abbreviate in the past. See https://www.smogon.com/dex/rs/pokemon/tyranitar/
Where I abbreviated TSS to use it many times later.

Feels a bit inefficient to be unallowed to abbreviate...

 

[Tbolt]

I was allowed to abbreviate in the past. See https://www.smogon.com/dex/rs/pokemon/tyranitar/
Where I abbreviated TSS to use it many times later.

Feels a bit inefficient to be unallowed to abbreviate...

• In ADV analyses, the term Toxic + Spikes + Sandstorm is accepted as meaning "a team archetype whose gameplan involves wearing down the opposition mid-game through residual damage such as Toxic poison, Spikes, and sand". After referring to it in full once in an analysis, later references can be abbreviated to TSS.

The TSS abbreviation is allowed in Smogon analyses, but abbreviating Calm Mind, Swords Dance, etc. is not.

Edit: complete standards are here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/spelling-and-grammar-standards.3712738/, mention of TSS is in section 1.2

 

[vapicuno]

The TSS abbreviation is allowed in Smogon analyses, but abbreviating Calm Mind, Swords Dance, etc. is not.

Edit: complete standards are here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/spelling-and-grammar-standards.3712738/, mention of TSS is in section 1.2

Then we should get those abbreviations approved.

edit: BTW, nobody stopped me from saying this in the GP server, and the inclusion of TSS as an approved term was in consultation with me. In other words, it happened after I wrote that analysis.

 

[Tbolt]

SF's Additions
SF's Removals
SF's Comments/silly nitpicks

My additions
My removals
My comments

(AC) = Add Comma
(RC) = Remove Comma
(AH) = Add Hyphen
(RH) = Remove Hyphen
(AS) = Add Space
(RA) = Remove Apostrophe
(RSL) = Remove Slash

GP 1/1

Kingdra

[OVERVIEW]
Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched speed Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl,(AC) and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon,(AC) and Aerodactyl when rain is active (I'm hesitant to remove this, since it's important information, but it also repeats the first sentence of the paragraph. I would rewrite the beginning of the paragraph to remove this redundancy.) and has more bulk,(AC) which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence,(AC) and Aerodactyl. It also outspeeds (RH) many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross,(AC) and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi,(AC) and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and pokemon Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi, (AC) and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, (AC) and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wallbreaking (RH) power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

[SET]
Standard Rain Sweeper (Kingdra) @ Lum Berry / Leftovers (AS) (Remove the empty lines in between the set name and the set)
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump / Toxic (Just keep 3 moves slashed, you can talk about more moves in the set comments)

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rain Dance, (AC) in conjuction with Swift Swim, (AC) makes Kingdra faster than all relevant unboosted (RH) Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-game (AH). However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon,(AC) and Venusaur. HP Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes Offensive offensive Starmie. HP Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune. It can also be used to chip and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range, (AC) forcing and forces it out to let Kingdra damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. This also means that your momentum doesn't come to dead stop upon Blissey coming in. (Consulted with the author before making this change.) Substitute lets you Kingdra avoid status, especially from from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory,(AC) and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar. (RP) It also lets you , (AC) and take advantage of opponents using protect Protect or sacrificing weakened pokemon Pokemon to stall out rain turns. (I combined the two sentences, because otherwise, the sentences explaining Substitute are too short and choppy.) The speed 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar,(AC) and the 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed Speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain even with no investment.

Usage Tips
=========
Send Kingdra in late-game (AH) after special walls like Blissey, (RC) and Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been knocked out KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can set (AS) up on most Pokemon that don't have a super- effective (RH, AS) attack on it that it can threaten back (This is definitely more of a QC thing but this sentence doesn't make sense at all, it implies you can set up on anything besides dragons. Try to make this advice more consistent with what you mention in C&C. I don't entirely agree with SF here, but I do agree that this sentence is a bit vague. Please give some examples of Pokemon that Kingdra can set up on.). If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune vs against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute and Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options
=========
Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, SpDef specially defensive Jirachi, (AC) and Celebi,(AC) and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed (RA) before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi, (AC) and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax,(AC) and Celebi. (RP) Its , (AC) and its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. (Combined the two Gengar sentences into one sentence) All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon the that set up on Kingdra's counters comprise is comprised of Calm Mind(CM) users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set (AS) up on Blissey, Jirachi,(AC) and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi,(AC) and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + CM Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar(RC) and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates CM pass Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi,(AC) and Offensive offensive Suicune (if running HP Hidden Power Grass or Electric). The pairing with CM Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break the special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire matchup (what matchup?). Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune/ (RSL) or Milotic + Blissey cores, (AC) as they tend to come with filmsy flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, (AC) which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Petaya berry Special Attack boost lets you Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon,(AC) and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos with rain-boosted Hydro Pump and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to outspeed (RH) maximum speed Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful, (AC) and the bulk drop from running required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters
=========
Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with status like Thunder Wave and Toxic or with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: It Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand. This can cut Kingdra's sweep short by depriving it of rain, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic Kingdra.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Can Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Specially Defensive Celebi: Sp.Def Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Specially Defensive Jirachi: It Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion users Users: If healthy, explosion Explosion users like Bulky bulky Metagross, Cloyster,(AC) and Foretress Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non-(AH)Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its speed tier Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert,(AC) etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with protect Protect.

Protect Users: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of protect Protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain-(AH)boosted water Water-type moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice beam Beam,(AC) or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.
(Don't forget credits!)

GP Team done

 

[Cdijk16]

GP check implemented.

 

[Tbolt]

Edit: combining these fixes (and others) into one:

Follow up GP

Kingdra

[OVERVIEW]
Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl, and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon, and Aerodactyl more Pokemon when rain is active and has more bulk, which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl. It also outspeeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi, and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi, and by common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wallbreaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

[SET]
Standard Rain Sweeper (Kingdra) @ Lum Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump (Remove brackets)

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rain Dance, in conjuction with Swift Swim, makes Kingdra faster than all relevant unboosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-game . However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon, and Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes offensive Starmie. Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range, forcing and forces it out to let Kingdra damage another Pokemon to maintain momentum. This also means that your momentum doesn't come to dead stop upon Blissey coming in. Substitute lets Kingdra avoid status, especially from from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory, and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar, and take advantage of opponents using Protect or sacrificing weakened Pokemon to stall out rain turns. 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, and 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading speed Speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain even with no investment.

Usage Tips
=========
Send Kingdra in late-game after special walls like Blissey, (Remove comma) and Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can set up on most Pokemon that don't have Explosion or a super- effective attack on it that it can threaten back. If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, Subsitute and Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options
=========
Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi, and Celebi, and against bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KO'ed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi, and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi, and its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. All variants of Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. In On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon that set up on Kingdra's counters is comprised of Calm Mind users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set up on Blissey, Jirachi, and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi, and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to it break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi, and Offensive Suicune (if running Hidden Power Grass or Electric). The pairing with Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire stall matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune or Milotic + Blissey cores, as they tend to come with flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Special Attack boost lets Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon, and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to outspeed maximum Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful, and the bulk drop required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters
=========
**Blissey**: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware of Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

**Suicune**: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic.

**Milotic**: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

**Snorlax**: Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

**Celebi**: Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

**Jirachi**: Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

**Explosion users Users**: If healthy, Explosion users like bulky Metagross, Cloyster, and Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

**Status**: Non-Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert, etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with Protect.

**Protect Users**: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of Protect users.

**Regice**: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain-boosted Water-type moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice Beam, or Explosion.

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.
[CREDITS]
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cdijk16.509123/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/johnnyg2.57904/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vapicuno.5454/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/stupidflandrs48.633500/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/

Written by Cdijk16
Quality checked by johnnyg2 and vapicuno
Grammer checked by Tbolt

Bunch of stuff you haven't implemented:

Kingdra

"Kingdra" at the beginning should be removed.

Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl, and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up with Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds Dugtrio, Jolteon, and Aerodactyl when rain is active and has more bulk, which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl.

This is still repeated, you should rewrite this to not repeat yourself.

- Hidden Power [Grass] / Hidden Power [Electric] / Hydro Pump

Remove these brackets

Explosion users Users: If healthy, Explosion users like bulky Metagross, Cloyster, and Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

"users Users"

Status: Non-Lum Berry Kingdra is very vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up.

Remove the "very" or, if you want to keep it, remove the strikethrough to indicate you will do so.

Send Kingdra in late-game after special walls like Blissey, and Snorlax have been removed

Remove the comma

Note: Got approval from moderators(johnnyg2) on Discord.

Remove this

 

[Cdijk16]

SF's Additions
SF's Removals
SF's Comments/silly nitpicks

My additions
My removals
My comments

(AC) = Add Comma
(RC) = Remove Comma
(AH) = Add Hyphen
(RH) = Remove Hyphen
(AS) = Add Space
(RA) = Remove Apostrophe
(RSL) = Remove Slash

GP 1/1

[OVERVIEW]
Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl, and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds more pokemon when rain is active and has more bulk, which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl. It also outspeeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi, and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi, and common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wallbreaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

[SET]
Standard Rain Sweeper (Kingdra) @ Lum Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 SpA
- Rain Dance
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric / Hydro Pump

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rain Dance, in conjuction with Swift Swim, makes Kingdra faster than all relevant unboosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-game . However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon, and Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes offensive Starmie. Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range, forcing it out to let Kingdra damage another Pokemon. This also means that your momentum doesn't come to dead stop upon Blissey coming in. Substitute lets Kingdra avoid status, especially from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory, and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar, and take advantage of opponents using Protect or sacrificing weakened Pokemon to stall out rain turns. 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, and 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading Speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain even with no investment.

Usage Tips
=========
Send Kingdra in late-game after special walls like Blissey and Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can set up on most Pokemon that don't have Explosion or a super effective attack on it that it can threaten back . If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, and Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options
=========
Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi, Celebi, and bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KOed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi, and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi, and its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon that set up on Kingdra's counters is comprised of Calm Mind users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set up on Blissey, Jirachi, and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi, and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi, and offensive Suicune (if running Hidden Power Grass or Electric). The pairing with Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire stall matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune or Milotic + Blissey cores, as they tend to come with flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Special Attack boost lets Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon, and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to outspeed maximum Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful, and the bulk drop required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters
=========
Blissey: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

Tyranitar: Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

Suicune: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic.

Milotic: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

Snorlax: Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

Celebi: Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

Jirachi: Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

Explosion Users: If healthy, Explosion users like bulky Metagross, Cloyster, and Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

Status: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with Protect.

Protect Users: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of Protect users.

Regice: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted Water-type moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice Beam, or Explosion.

GP Team done

[OVERVIEW]
Kingdra's Swift Swim gives it an unmatched Speed tier in rain, notably outspeeding Dugtrio, Aerodactyl, and Jolteon. Its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to consistently set up Rain Dance. This makes it a good cleaner, especially against frailer offensive teams. Compared to offensive Starmie, it outspeeds more pokemon when rain is active and has more bulk, which lets it offensively check physical sweepers like Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Salamence, and Aerodactyl. It also outspeeds many notable Pokemon that offensive Suicune does not like Zapdos and Gengar. Additionally, the threat of Kingdra can scare frailer offensive teams into sacrificing important special checks like Tyranitar, Metagross, and Snorlax to prevent it from sweeping, enabling specially offensive partners like Suicune, Zapdos, Jirachi, and Celebi.

Unfortunately, Kingdra cannot boost its power outside of Rain Dance and has poor coverage. As such, it struggles to deal with special walls and Pokemon that resist Water. Notably, it is completely walled by Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi and Celebi, and common bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Suicune. Explosion users such as Metagross, Gengar, and Forretress can also check it in a pinch if they are healthy. Finally, Kingdra's sweep can also be neutered by status and Tyranitar's Sand Stream. It also faces stiff competition from offensive Starmie and Suicune. The former naturally outspeeds most Pokemon, has better coverage, and has access to Rapid Spin. The latter has far more wallbreaking power thanks to Calm Mind. Kingdra isn't seen often due to the above reasons, but it is a formidable threat if given the right support.

[SET]
name: Standard Rain sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Surf
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric / Hydro Pump
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========
Rain Dance, in conjuction with Swift Swim, makes Kingdra faster than all relevant unboosted Pokemon and powers up your chosen Water-type move. Surf's perfect accuracy makes it more consistent at cleaning up late-game . However, Hydro Pump hits some notable benchmarks like OHKOing bulkless Tyranitar outside of rain and having a chance to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and Jolteon in rain. Ice Beam hits Salamence, Celebi, Flygon, and Venusaur. Hidden Power Grass cleanly 2HKOes defensive Swampert without risking a Hydro Pump miss and 2HKOes offensive Starmie. Hidden Power Electric hits Gyarados hard. Toxic cripples Suicune and is also useful for chipping Blissey into Dugtrio range, forcing it out to let Kingdra damage another Pokemon. This also means that your momentum doesn't come to dead stop upon Blissey coming in. Substitute lets Kingdra avoid status, especially from Zapdos, Jolteon, Skarmory, and Swampert. It can also be used to avoid Explosion, especially from Metagross and Gengar, and take advantage of opponents using Protect or sacrificing weakened Pokemon to stall out rain turns. 152 Speed EVs allow Kingdra to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, and 104 HP EVs let it survive Salamence's Dragon Claw. Trading Speed for additional bulk is perfectly fine as well, as Kingdra still outspeeds every relevant Pokemon in rain even with no investment.

Usage Tips
=========
Send Kingdra in late-game after special walls like Blissey and Snorlax have been removed or heavily chipped and preferably after Tyranitar has been KOed. Beware of paralysis or poison while setting up if lacking Lum Berry. Kingdra can set up on most Pokemon that don't have Explosion or a super effective attack on it that it can threaten back . If it's supporting Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune against a defensive team that Kingdra is unlikely to sweep against, it can be used to clear weather for Suicune's benefit with Rain Dance. Kingdra often forces in passive special walls like Blissey and bulky Water-types like Milotic. These can be taken advantage of by well-timed double switches to Dugtrio or Substitute + Calm Mind users against Blissey and special sweepers like Zapdos, Jirachi, and Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou against bulky Water-types.

Team Options
=========
Kingdra mostly fits on offensive teams with Dugtrio and multiple special attackers. Kingdra requires support against special walls like Blissey, specially defensive Jirachi, Celebi, and bulky Water-types like Milotic and Suicune, as these wall it endlessly. It also requires opposing Tyranitar to be KOed before attempting a sweep. There are two main categories of Pokemon that have good synergy with Kingdra: ones that can lure in and KO special walls and bulky Water-types and ones that can take advantage of the passivity of special walls and bulky Water-types to set up.

In the category of lures, Dugtrio is an excellent partner as it can trap and 2HKO Blissey, Jirachi, and Celebi. It can also trap and OHKO Tyranitar after some chip damage. Zapdos, especially with Substitute + Baton Pass, can bait special walls like Blissey and pass to Dugtrio to trap them. It can also threaten Milotic and Suicune. Gengar can lure in and use Explosion on Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi, and its Will-O-Wisp can also cripple Snorlax and Regice. Metagross can bait in and use Explosion on Suicune and Milotic. Regice can lure in Blissey and use Explosion on it. Note that weak Explosion users like Gengar and Regice may require Dugtrio to follow up by trapping and KOing Blissey. Offensive Snorlax can pressure Milotic and Blissey and use Self-Destruct to remove Suicune and Celebi. Curse + Self-Destruct sets can also lure in and take out Metagross and Tyranitar. On the rare occasion where Kingdra comes out before Snorlax does, it can also remove sand and enhance Snorlax's longevity.

The category of Pokemon that set up on Kingdra's counters is comprised of Calm Mind users. Substitute + Calm Mind (SubCM) Suicune can set up on Blissey, Jirachi, and Milotic. Kingdra's removal of sand allows Suicune to beat Blissey as long as it comes in first and at full HP. Offensive Suicune also pressures Snorlax, Celebi, Jirachi, and Regice in general. SubCM and Wish + Calm Mind Jirachi can also set up on Kingdra's counters, especially Milotic, Blissey, and Regice. Offensive Jirachi also lures in and chips Kingdra checks like Tyranitar and Snorlax.

As with any specially offensive Pokemon, Kingdra appreciates Calm Mind + Baton Pass support from Celebi, which allows it to secure crucial OHKOs on Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, and Skarmory with Hydro Pump in rain. This setup also helps Kingdra to break through some of its soft checks like Jirachi, Celebi, and offensive Suicune (if running Hidden Power Grass or Electric). The pairing with Calm Mind + Baton Pass Celebi is not wasted even in the presence of a sturdy wall like Blissey or Milotic, as Celebi can exploit their passivity to set up and pass to more appropriate targets like Jirachi and Zapdos. In conjunction with using partners that break special walls, one can also pair Kingdra with Pokemon that are strong against the entire stall matchup. Bulky Dragon Dance Tyranitar is very strong against Suicune or Milotic + Blissey cores, as they tend to come with flimsy Tyranitar checks like Claydol and Dugtrio. Claydol removes Spikes, which are commonly laid by Skarmory after a Dugtrio trap, keeping Kingdra's natural bulk intact. It also checks Zapdos and Tyranitar, which Kingdra teams typically struggle with, and can lure and remove bulky Water-types with Explosion as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=========
Substitute can be used in the last slot with Petaya Berry. The Special Attack boost lets Kingdra secure important OHKOs on Skarmory, Metagross, bulkless Zapdos, Jolteon, and Forretress with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. Mystic Water may be used to improve the odds to OHKO bulkless Zapdos and some Metagross sets with rain-boosted Hydro Pump. 188 Speed EVs may be used to outspeed maximum Speed Adamant Claydol and Timid Vaporeon. Maximum Speed EVs may be used to Speed tie with Heracross and offensive Suicune, although this is rarely ever useful, and the bulk drop required to meet these Speed benchmarks is noticeable.

Checks and Counters
=========
**Blissey**: Blissey can stomach any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Seismic Toss. However, it does have to beware Kingdra's frequent teammate Dugtrio, which can trap and 2HKO it.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can come in after Kingdra gets a KO and swap Kingdra's rain for sand, cutting its sweep short. However, it loses 1v1 to Kingdra.

**Suicune**: Suicune can come in on any of Kingdra's attacks and set up on it with Calm Mind. However, non-Rest variants are crippled by Toxic.

**Milotic**: Milotic can take any hit from Kingdra and retaliate with Toxic.

**Snorlax**: Snorlax can take two Hydro Pumps and threaten it with Body Slam or Self-Destruct.

**Celebi**: Specially defensive sets can take an Ice Beam and heal off damage with Leech Seed and Recover.

**Jirachi**: Specially defensive Jirachi walls Kingdra endlessly with Wish + Protect and can cripple it with Body Slam paralysis or Toxic. However, Subsitute + Petaya Berry variants can break through it.

**Explosion Users**: If healthy, Explosion users like bulky Metagross, Cloyster, and Forretress can take a hit and OHKO non-Substitute variants of Kingdra.

**Status**: Non Lum Berry Kingdra is vulnerable to Thunder Wave from Jolteon and Zapdos while setting up. This ruins its Speed and stops it from sweeping most of the time. Toxic from Skarmory, Swampert etc. can also cut a potential sweep short, especially in conjunction with Protect.

**Protect Users**: Protect can be used to stall out rain turns. Once rain runs out, Kingdra becomes far less threatening. However, Substitute Kingdra can take advantage of Protect users.

**Regice**: Similar to Snorlax, it can take multiple rain boosted Water-type moves and threaten back with Thunder Wave, Ice Beam, or Explosion.

Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/cdijk16.509123/
Quality checked by:
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https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/vapicuno.5454/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/stupidflandrs48.633500/

https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/

 

[Cdijk16]

GP changes are now fully implemented.