Zneon
uh oh
[Overview]
Zeraora is one of the best offensive pivots in the OU metagame thanks to its blistering Speed tier combined with access to Knock Off and Close Combat, which allows it to threaten a majority of the metagame while forcing progress. Furthermore, because of its unparalleled Speed tier, it can revenge kill the likes of Dragapult, Latios, and Tornadus-T. Zeraora can also act as a Volt Switch absorber thanks to its ability Volt Absorb; because of this, it can easily deter other Volt Switch users such as Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and opposing Zeraora from using the move and take advantage of them to generate momentum or force progress. Unfortunately, Zeraora is pretty frail, meaning that it can't afford to switch into most attacks unlike other Electric-types like Tapu Koko, which can check Pokemon like Tornadus-T more consistently due to its reliable recovery. Zeraora also has to rely on crippling and wearing down Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp, as it cannot bypass them itself; this hurts its pivoting ability in the process.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Plasma Fists
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Close Combat / Toxic
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Knock Off allows Zeraora to cripple the likes of Landorus-T, Garchomp, Swampert, and Ferrothorn by removing their much needed item, especially Leftovers, making it easier for them to be worn down due to their lack of reliable recovery. Volt Switch gives Zeraora the option to pivot out from an unfavorable matchup versus Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth. Close Combat hits Pokemon that resist all of its other moves such as Hydreigon, Kartana, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. However, Close Combat can be replaced with Toxic, which allows Zeraora to wear down Pokemon such as the aforementioned Landorus-T and Garchomp as well as Tangrowth that can reliably switch into its STAB move.
Zeraora commonly fits best on offensive and balance teams, as its consistency with providing offensive momentum while also being able to revenge kill and clean late-game thanks to its amazing Speed and primary STAB move makes it fit onto these teams well. Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Scizor are great teammates, as they form a potent VoltTurn core with it; the former two in particular are able to wear down Ground-types that Zeraora struggles with with Hurricane and Toxic, respectively. On the other hand, Zeraora can pivot against Grass-types to bring in Tornadus-T and Scizor and provide an Electric immunity for Tornadus-T. Pokemon that can cover Zeraora's disadvantageous matchup versus Ground-types such as Slowbro, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn while providing utility in Future Sight, slow pivoting, and Spikes respectively make for great teammates. Zeraora's ability to consistently take advantage of Pokemon such as Corviknight, Slowking, and Toxapex due to their fear of being OHKOed by its STAB move makes it a great partner for Pokemon like Rillaboom, Nidoking, and Tornadus-T that generally struggle with these foes. Pokemon that appreciate Zeraora's ability to provide offensive momentum against Grass-types via Volt Switch such as Kyurem and Tapu Lele are very useful teammates, as they can heavily threaten them out. Future Sight support from Slowking and Slowbro is very beneficial, as Ground-types will be more pressured and easily worn down.
[SET]
name: Bulk Up
move 1: Bulk Up
move 2: Plasma Fist
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Close Combat
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Bulk Up Zeraora is a very dangerous wincon. Its unparalleled Speed tier allowing it to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame alongside its amazing coverage make Zeraora extremely hard to deal with and revenge kill once it has enough boosts, and its ability to force out common Pokemon such as Slowking, Corviknight, and Tornadus-T gives it many setup opportunities. Knock Off is important for hitting Dragapult super effectively. Close Combat is great for hitting targets such as Hydreigon, Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem for super effective damage, as they would otherwise resist or take very little damage from both its aforementioned moves.
Bulk Up Zeraora mainly fits on offensive teams, as the support offensive teams provide for Zeraora such as entry hazards and pivoting can give it more setup opportunities. Dual screens Tapu Koko is a great partner for it, as not only does the dual screens and pivoting support give Zeraora more setup opportunities, but the Electric Terrain increases the power of Plasma Fists, making it harder to wall. Suicide leads such as Landorus-T and Mew are very useful partners for Zeraora, as the entry hazards they provide can allow Zeraora to apply more pressure to the opposing team. Rillaboom is an excellent partner for Bulk Up Zeraora, as Grassy Terrain halves the power of Earthquake from the likes of Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon; furthermore, Rillaboom can revenge kill Excadrill in sand, while Zeraora can heavily pressure Pokemon that Rillaboom may struggle with, such as Corviknight, Dragapult, and Skarmory.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Blaze Kick can be used over Close Combat to hit Scizor super effectively and easily 2HKO Ferrothorn; however, with this move Zeraora loses its ability to pressure Hydreigon. Grass Knot can be used in order to hit Ground-types such as Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon for super effective damage, though it has little use elsewhere.
Checks and Counters
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**Ground-types**: Landorus-T, Garchomp, Hippowdon, and to a lesser extent Swampert can be very threatening to Zeraora, as they can block Volt Switch and proceed to KO it with their STAB moves; however, they all lack reliable recovery other than Hippowdon, meaning Knock Off and Toxic can wear them down quickly.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Rillaboom, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss can easily switch into Zeraora's STAB move and either take it out or consistently wall it, respectively.
**Chip Damage**: Chip damage from Iron Barbs, Rocky Helmet, and Rough Skin can be detrimental for Zeraora, as it is worn down very quickly due to its lack of longevity.
**Revenge Killers**: Rillaboom can switch into Zeraora's Plasma Fists and has a chance to OHKO it from full health with a Choice Band-boosted Grassy Glide. However, it dislikes Knock Off and Toxic. Urshifu-R and Weavile cannot switch into Zeraora but can revenge kill it if it is weakened sufficiently with Aqua Jet and Ice Shard, respectively. Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Landorus-T and to a lesser extent Kartana can be dangerous for Zeraora as well. However, none them can switch safely into Zeraora, as they can be heavily crippled or taken out by it.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Zneon, 487629]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [airfare, 513717]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Milak, 262594], [Estronic, 240732]]
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