[Overview]
<p>Since G/S/C Xatu has been nothing but a sub-par UU Pokemon. That all changed when it got its new ability via Dream World: Magic Bounce. This ability allows Xatu to come in on many of the game's premier walls and reflect back any hazards or status that could otherwise plague your team. His stats seem a bit lack-luster, but with decent speed, passable bulk, and an excellent move pool, Xatu will be sure to put in a lot of work on almost any style of team.</p>
<p>As well, with access, to reliable recovery, a slightly higher defense stat, u-turn, and a flying typing that is both a blessing and a curse, Xatu fills a different role than its more used brother; Espeon. With that said, it is important to look at specific team needs when deciding between Xatu and Espeon.</p>
[SET]
name: Standard
move 1: Roost
move 2: Psychic / Night Shade
move 3: Toxic / Thunder Wave
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / U-Turn
item: Shed Shell / Leftovers
nature: Bold / Impish
ability: Magic Bounce
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[Set Comments]
<p>This set is a very standard and reliable way to allow Xatu to come in on the likes of Ferrothorn, Skarmory, etc, reflect back any hazards or status, and then proceed to either heal off the damage, or dish out damage with your attacking move of choice. You can also inflict status on anything trying to switch in on Xatu. Xatu can turn the momentum of a match in the opposite direction if it comes in and reflects Stealth Rocks back against an opponent. Just make sure to be careful that the foe doesn't out-predict you and hammer Xatu on the switch, abusing its low special defense or common weaknesses.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>The ev spread is to give Xatu maximum physical bulk so that it has as easy a time as possible switching into what it counters. This is especially useful when switching into Breloom as a +2 Bullet Seed does a lot of damage if it gets several hits. This also prevents defensive Ferrothorn from 2HKOing with Gyro Ball. Roost gives Xatu a way of healing off damage which it will undoubtedly take through the course of a match. Psychic can be used to hit things that do not have much special defense, or things such as Tentacruel that are hit super effectively. Night Shade however does more consistent damage and ignores resistances.
<p>Your choice of status boils down to what your team needs the most. Thunder Wave is a good choice for offensive teams as many times it can cripple the like of incoming Genesect or Chandelure. This is incredibly useful. However Toxic gives Xatu a way to deal with bulkier Pokemon. In the final move-slot, HP Fire Hits incoming Scizor and Genesect very hard. It also lets you deal significantly more damage to Skarmory and Ferrothorn. U-Turn can be used for scouting switches, as well as escaping incoming Chandelure. This is especially useful should you choose not to run Shed Shell.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Since Xatu has weaknesses to common attacking types, and a very low special defense stat, there are a plethora of Pokemon that can OHKO Xatu. Using this Xatu requires you to be pretty good at predicting switches, otherwise it can end up being more of a liability than a benefit. Heatran is an excellent teammate for Xatu as it resits Ice, Ghost, and Dark type attacks, and can easily switch into a lot of Xatu's checks and counters such as Genesect, or Chandelure (should Xatu choose to run Shed Shell). In return, Xatu is immune to ground, and reists fighting 4x, Alleviating heatran's weaknesses. On rain or sun teams, Xatu makes an excellent lure for Dugtrio against Tyranitar. Xatu can flat-out beat non-choice band Tyranitar that lack Crunch or Ice Beam by toxic stalling with roost. But the best part comes if Tyranitar does kill Xatu, Dugtrio can freely come in and KO. If Tyranitar doesn't want to be revenged by Dugtrio, then it poses no threat to Xatu.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Roost / Wish
move 4: U-Turn / Psychic / Night Shade
item: Light Clay / Shed Shell
nature: Impish / Bold
ability: Magic Bounce
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[Set Comments]
<p>Dual Screens Xatu has the unique ability to switch into many premiere threats such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Breloom and proceed to set up Screens that aid its team in a significant way. It can also, in the process, reflect back entry hazards and status which gives sweepers an even easier time. Pair this with Xatu's access to reliable recovery, and the ability to U-Turn out of a potential incoming counter is a huge bonus. In fact, Xatu can even provide additional support in the form of wish if you need it to.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>The EV spread is, again, chose to give Xatu the best chance of switching into physical attacks, and provides it with immense physical bulk after a reflect is up. Light Clay is the primary choice as it significantly increases the duration of Dual Screens. However Shed Shell can be chosen if you do not wish to be trapped by Chandelure. Your choice of Roost or Wish boils down to what you want to do. Roost increases Xatu's longevity as a whole, but Wish aids potential sweepers further by healing some of their HP. The final move-slot can allow Xatu to deal out damage with either Psychic or Night Shade, or U-Turn out once screens have been set up.</p>
<p>Dual screens Xatu is again plagued by its weaknesses to common attacks. Even with light screen up, it is still hit very hard by super effective special attacks, and is more vulnerable to Pursuit from the likes of CB Scizor as it lacks HP Fire. However the boost that dual screens provides is more than worth it to sweepers. Terrakion deserves a special mention as it resits many of Xatu's weaknesses and vica-verca. Dual Dance Terrakion becomes a scary thought with screens up, and if sandstorm is up as well, its a virtual Blissey with regards to special defense.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Calm Mind deserves a mention as Xatu can pull it off decently well with its access to reliable recovery and multiplicity of Pokemon to set up on. Confuse Ray is another support option, albeit an unreliable one. A trick set isn't a terrible idea either. Xatu can also set up Trick Room. Finally, Psyshock can be used over Psychic on either set, but you will miss the power. However it is the best choice if you do run Calm Mind.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Chandelure is an excellent counter to non-Shed Shell varients. Choice Band Tyranitar, or standard Tyranitar with Ice Beam or Crunch gives Xatu a really hard time. If you run a set which lacks HP Fire, Xatu will struggle against incoming steels such as Scizor or Genesect. The former can OHKO a switching Xatu with pursuit, or do large damage with U-Turn. The latter can OHKO with the appropriate coverage move, or U-Turn for momentum. The Dual Screens set is also helpless against most things should it fail to set up the correct screen in time. And Xatu still takes large damage from strong special hits even under light screen. It is also important to note that on a non Dual Screens set, it is highly advisable to run either HP Fire or Night Shade, as if you do not, you cannot really touch Ferrothorn or Skarmory who you otherwise beat completely. Finally, Xatu is total set-up-fodder for CM Jirachi, or Manaphy in the rain.</p>
