Pokemon of the day: #7 - Reuniclus

We will talk today about a Pokemon requested by XUnknownX, called Reuniclus.


Again, another uninspired Pokemon. It looks like a green tedy bear.

But anyways, at first glance, upon looking on its stats and typing, one may wonder why to even use Reuniclus. Thanks to its abysmal Speed and crap typing, it may look like a gimmick Pokemon. But, after looking at its movepool... that's another story. Reuniclus has the bulk and power to set up Calm Minds or Trick Room, and with a combination of Psychic/Psyshock and Focus Blast, little can stand in Reuniclus's way. Once Trick Room is set up, only Ferrothorn is faster than Reuniclus(but even then it cannot hurt the latter badly). There's also Magic Guard. This ability prevents Reuniclus from taking passive damag(like Stealth Rock). It also has Regenerator, but it's not worth losing an immunity to Toxic/Stealth Rock/whatever. 

Reuniclus's problems are obviously its crap speed, bad typing, and the fact that Jirachi and Scizor stop it cold.

Reuniclus's stats are as follows:

HP: 110
Attack: 65
Defense: 75
Sp. Attack: 125
Sp. Defense: 85
Speed: 30

Now... let's have a look at what it has to offer.

#1. Best sets

#1.1 Trick Room

Reuniclus @ Life Orb
EVs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SpA
Nature: Quiet
Ability: Magic Guard

- Trick Room
- Psyshock / Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Fire

This set was the reason of Reuniclus's suspect test back at the  beggining of Gen 5. Trick Room plays right into Reuniclus's hands, thanks to its bad Speed and good bulk, as well as good Special Attack. Choose Psyshock if you are weak to Blissey, else go with Psychic. Focus Blast pairs up nicely with the psychic-type move and KOes a lot of Pokemon that laugh at Psychic/Psyshock(like Tyranitar). It also gains perfect coverage with Shadow Ball. The latter one smashes ghosts like Cofagrigus, 2HKOing them.
The idea of this set is to come in on a non-threatening Pokemon, such as Conkeldurr, set up a Trick Room, and attempt a sweep. With a Quiet nature and an IV of 0, Reuniclus reaches a Speed stat of 58, allowing it to outpace every common Pokemon bar minimum Speed Ferrothorn after it sets up Trick Room.
Hidden Power Fire can be used over Shadow Ball if you really, really hate Scizor and want to KO it in one shot, but Choice Band U-turn actually OHKOes.

#1.2 Calm Mind

Reuniclus @ Life Orb / Flame Orb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD or 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Nature: Modest/Bold
Ability: Magic Guard

- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Focus Blast / Trick
- Recover


The definition of a bulky sweeper is a Pokemon that can boost its defenses and has access to recovery. Reuniclus is one of those Pokemon that can come on a Fighting-type and start setting up (unless the fighting-type is named Machamp or Scrafty). After one or two Calm Minds, Psychic will destroy anything that does not resist it, while Focus Blast hurts Dark- and Steel-types. Recover is absolutely necessary, and when combined with Magic Guard, it can also make Reuniclus a sturdy special wall. There is also Trick + Flame Orb. With this combination, Reuniclus aims to lure and cripple some of its most common counters by utilizing Trick and Flame Orb as a pseudo, albeit 100% accurate, Will-O-Wisp. In addition to Tyranitar and Scizor, most of Reuniclus's counters are physically-inclined, such as Metagross and Jirachi. As such, crippling them with a burn will not only allow Reuniclus to do more damage to the opponent's team, it can also effectively facilitate a sweep for a teammate who shares a common counter with Reuniclus.


#2. Other options

1. Choice Specs - can be used, but IMO there's no reason to use it over Life Orb.


Yeah, Reuniclus doesn't really have options.


Counters

Reuniclus has few counters because of its good movepool, access to Trick Room and Trick, as well as Psyshock. Chansey is Reuniclus's public enemy: it laughs at all of his attacks, doesn't care about burn thanks to Natural Cure and can wear down Reuniclus with Seismic Toss. Blissey also comes to mind, except it can also use Flamethrower to damage Trick Room Reuniclus. Tyranitar and Scizor don't care about the amount of Calm Minds, are not OHKOed by Focus Blast(with a little investment in the former's special defense), and can destroy Reuniclus with Crunch, U-turn or Pursuit. Latias takes little from Psychic or Focus Blast, but it needs to avoid Shadow Ball. It can, however, use a Calm Mind + Roost combination against Reuniclus. The rare Cofagrigus can 2HKO Reuniclus with Shadow Ball and actually speed ties with it in Trick Room(as long as it uses a Quiet or a Sassy nature). Spiritomb walls the Calm Mind set and can set up its own or simply hurt Reuniclus with Pursuit.

US20's advices #2: Cinccino vs Ambipom (UU)

Right here we have two Pokemon that can fill the same role. At first glance, both may look generic Normal-types, but just a few tools can make Ambipom UU and Cincinno very close to becoming RU. However, what Normal-type should you really use?

Ambipom                                 vs                                Cinccino

HP:                    75                  vs            75
Attack:              100                vs            95
Defense:           66                  vs             60
Sp. Attack:       60                   vs            65
Sp. Defense      66                  vs             60
Speed                115                vs             115


As you can see, Ambipom has slightly higher Attack and better defenses, while Cinccino has better special attack(not that it's useful anyway). So why are we comparing these two? Both of them have Technician, and both have good attacks to use. Ambipom has Fake Out and Low Sweep, as well as Switcheroo, while Cinccino has Tail Slap, Bullet Seed and Rock Blast. However, Cinccino also has access to a more useful ability: Skill Link. (Ambipom also gets it, but it doesn't have the moves to abuse it.) Cinccino can therefore use 3 moves with 125 base power. 

Both of them also have access to U-turn, a very useful move.

Both can use effectively a Choice Band or a Life Orb. Ambipom can also use a Normal Gem to boost Fake Out's power and has access to the elemental punches, while Cinccino can effectively use Aqua Tail, as well as Wake-up Slap(which should be used with Technician).
Both of them are hard-walled by Steel-types, and due to their pathetic defenses, they are easily revenge-killed.

So, which one should you use?

A fast, hard-hitter Normal-type:
- Cinccino is what you normally should use, because it has a 125 base power compared to Ambipom's Return(102 power). It also has good coverage.


A scouter:
- You can use both here, though Ambipom is somewhat better here due to Fake Out.

A "screw-over walls" attacker:
- Definitely Ambipom, it has access to Switcheroo to destroy Milotic, Registeel, and even some sweepers, by giving them a Choice Band.

What nature should you use?

- Definitely Jolly, there is no excuse to run an Adamant nature. If running Adamant, they will find themselves outsped by base 100 speed Pokemon.

What ability should you use?

Ambipom: Go on Technician, it only has DoubleSlap(lol) to abuse Skill Link. Technician boosts Fake Out, Low Sweep and Beat Up.
Cinccino: Even though Technician is also viable(Tail Slap, Bullet Seed and Rock Blast have 75 base power at worst) as it boosts Wake-up Slap, Skill Link is what Cinccino should use, because its moves will always have 125 base power.



Finally, who of these two is recommended?

- Cinccino is recommended if you want a fast Normal-type attacker that also has access to powerful coverage moves.
- Ambipom is recommended if you want to use a Normal-type scouter.

Pokemon of the day: #6: Cinccino(RU)

Hrmmmm.... well, where to start. This one was requested by.... OMG, it's very hard for me to tell you. It was requested by sonriopoby123. This Pokemon is special for outclassing one of the most retarded Pokemon from UU(Ambipom), yet the latter one is overrated. We'll focus on analyzing Cinccino in RU.


It doesn't  look that different from Minccino, huh?

This thing is absurdly fast and has about the same offensive power as Ambipom(seriously that thing is NU worthy), but it has the Skill Link ability to make up for Tail Slap's inconsistency, bringing it to a good 125 base power, further boosted by STAB and Life Orb/Choice Band(Cinccino has no reason to use a defensive set). Not only that, but it also has Bullet Seed and Rock Blast for coverage(also having 125 base power), as well as U-turn to keep momentum.
Cinccino, however, suffers from the same problem Ambipom suffers in UU: it has to run a Jolly nature, else it will find itself outsped and KOed by Pokemon such as Galvantula. It is also predictable, as an offensive set is the only one that really should be used.

Its stats are as follows:

HP    75
Atk    95
Def    60
SpA    65
SpD    60
Spe    115

Now, let's see the one and only set that is viable:

#1. Physical Attacker

Cinccino @ Life Orb / Choice Band
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Skill Link

- Tail Slap
- Bullet Seed
- Rock Blast
- U-turn / Wake-up Slap

Cinccino is the only fast Pokemon in the game that can use Skill Link at its maximum potential. Tail Slap is very strong when boosted by STAB and the item, even with Cinccino's average 95 attack, reaching a great 243.75 base power with Life Orb and 281.25 with Choice Band. Bullet Seed deals a large amount of damage to all Rock-types that think they can wall Cinccino, such as Rhydon. Rock Blast is Cinccino's main coverage move, hitting Magmortar, Entei and Cryogonal for super effective damage. U-turn is the attack that should be used if Cinccino opts to use a Choice Band, while Wake-up Slap is Cinccino's only means of hitting Steel-types.

#2. Other options

1 - Sing + Wake-up Slap + Zoom Lens = a gimmicky pair of options that can be used to damage Choice Scarfers, but Cinccino should normally just switch out, and it's already too fast to utilize Zoom Lens.
2 - Knock Off - normally seen on defensive Pokemon, it can be used to screw over some sweepers, but Cinccino prefers having as many coverage moves as possible.
3 - Endure + Flail = another gimmicky option that can be used to inflict massive damage to all things that do not resist it, but Cinccino doesn't like having low health, as it will beg for priority moves to hit it.

Counters

Tangrowth is a very good counter to Cinccino, taking minimal damage from Tail Slap and can put it to sleep or simply 2HKO it with Power Whip. Ferroseed laughs at all of its attacks(even Wake-up Slap) and can set up on it or simply hit hard with Gyro Ball. The rare Probopass gets a comedy mention for shrugging off all of Cinccino's attacks, and can paralyze it or KO it with Power Gem. Rhydon can take a Bullet Seed and OHKO Cinccino with Earthquake. Steelix can also 2HKO Cinccino with Gyro Ball, and takes minimal damage from Wake-up Slap.

Pokemon of the day: #5 - Porygon2 (UU)

Merry Christmas everyone! Today we will talk about a Pokemon that did not appear in the anime, but it does appear competitively very often: Porygon2, requested by Dragonite.


Yeah, it doesn't even look like a Pokemon. It's actually robotic.

Nevertheless, this thing is very annoying in the UU metagame solely because of Eviolite. Porygon2 is bulkier than Porygon-Z and Eviolite only boosts this further. It also has awesome abilities in Trace and Download, as well as Analytic from the Dream World(Porygon2 is already very slow). Its 105 Special Attack is very good, allowing it to be the definition of a bulky attacker.
Porygon2, like all Pokemon that require an Eviolite to function, absolutely hates Knock Off and Trick, and its low base speed does not help either.


So, let's see its stats(I'm not gonna bother to rate them from now on.):

HP: 85
Atk: 80
Def: 90
SpA: 105
SpD: 95
Spe: 60

Now, time for its sets... Muhahaha.

#1. Best sets

#1.1 Bulky attacker

 Porygon2 @ Eviolite
 EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpA
 Ability: Download / Analytic
 Nature: Modest / Quiet

- Tri Attack / Return
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Recover

This Porygon2 is extremely bulky thanks to Eviolite and Recover, but it can still pose an offensive threat. Use Tri Attack if running a Modest nature. If it gets the Special Attack boost, it will put a dent in all things that do not resist it. Return, while weaker thanks to Porygon2's lower Attack stat, can still hurt if boosted by Download, sending its power to levels like 252 Atk Snorlax's Return. Ice Beam and Thunderbolt are absolutely necessary for Porygon2 not to get walled by ghosts, and togheter they form the BoltBeam combination, something only Magneton can claim of laughing at. Finally Recover is used to maintain Porygon2's survability.

#2. Viable sets

#2.1 Defensive Duck

Porygon2 @ Eviolite
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Ability: Trace
Nature: Bold

- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Toxic / Thunder Wave
- Recover


 This set is definitely not a sitting duck thanks to Eviolite, and its made for supporting the team. Toxic and Thunder Wave can cripple walls or sweepers, depending on which move do you want Porygon2 to go. The rest of the slots are occupied by Recover and BoltBeam, offering walling capability and great coverage. With the EV spread I listed, Porygon2 will never be 2HKOed by Choice Band Zen Headbutt from Azelf after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes.

#3. Other options

1. Offensive Trick Room - useful if you are running a Trick Room team.
2. Shadow Ball - if Ghosts are a problem, then you can use this to KO them with little trouble.


Counters

Porygon2 is setup bait for a handful of specially bulky sweepers. Mismagius is the most notable, as it is immune to Tri Attack and can set up on Porygon2 with both Substitute and Calm Mind. Cobalion also resists Tri Attack and can set up Swords Dance or Calm Mind boosts. Hitmontop can destroy Porygon2 in two hits with Choice Band Close Combat, while Ferroseed walls it and can set up free entry hazards. Houndoom and Chandelure can deal large amounts of damage with Overheat and Fire Blast, but if Porygon2 has Trace, use Hidden Power Fighting  to KO it. Finally, Knock Off, Trick and Switcheroo all ruin Porygon2's day.

Pokemon of the day: Tangrowth(OU)

Now, after having a sneak peak at how not to use some Pokemon, let's have a look at one of the most underrated Pokemon in the game, Tangrowth.


Yeah, let's face it, Tangrowth is ugly. I mean, LOOK AT THOSE EYES!! And the arms are pretty uninspired. This is probably the second ugliest Pokemon in the 4th gen, next to Probopass.

There are a ton of other grass-types, such as Celebi, Virizion, Roserade, Breloom, Ferrothorn, Abomasnow, Venusaur, Victrebeel, Shaymin, Shiftry... I can go on and on. HOWEVER, there is something Tangrowth has and all the above grass-types can only dream of: Regenerator and extreme physical bulk. With 100/125 physical defense, Tangrowth is bulkier than Skarmory and Kyurem-B. Also, Tangrowth has good attacking power, with 100 Attack and 110 Special Attack. Another godsend to Tangrowth is Knock Off. With this move, he can either tone down the firepower that some sweepers have(getting rid of the Life Orb), limit the survability of walls(especially Chansey), and shutting down Lum Berry users so he can put them to sleep.
Tangrowth can also go on the offensive as a Chlorophyll sweeper with Growth, shutting down Volcarona with Rock Slide, something Venusaur wishes it could do.

Tangrowth's problems are his poor speed and only mediocre special defense.

Let's have a look at Tangrowth's stats:

HP: 100              Good
Attack: 100         Okay
Defense: 125       Excellent
Sp.Attack: 110    Good
Sp. Defense: 50   Poor
Speed: 50            Poor

Now for Tangrowth's sets:

#1. Best sets

#1.1 Physically defensive tank

Tangrowth @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def or 224 HP / 28 Atk / 252 Def
Nature: Lax
Ability: Regenerator

- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice / Earthquake
- Power Whip
- Knock Off / Leech Seed

This set is probably one of the most infurriating you will see in a OU battle. Sleep Powder is the crux of this set, crippling many sweepers(especially the physical ones) and rendering them near useless. On the second slot, it is all up to you. Hidden Power Fire and Ice hurt other grass-types, with the former beating Steel-types(including the omnipresent Scizor) and Ice-types, while the latter beats Dragonite and the rest of the dragons, as well as hurting Flying-types badly. Earthquake can be used for hitting Steel-types badly, and unlike HP Fire it can also beat physical Fire-types and hurt the special ones if the player predicts correctly. If using Earthquake, put 28 EVs into Attack to KO Heatran. Power Whip is the main STAB of Tangrowth, and backed by 100 Attack, it will dish out good damage to anything that does not resist it. On the final slot I prefer Knock Off, so that Tangrowth can cripple other Pokemon by getting rid of their items, but Leech Seed can be used if you want Tangrowth to restore more HP.

#1.2 Sun Sweeper
Tangrowth @ Life Orb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Naughty
Ability: Chlorophyll (hopefully I'm spelling it right)

- Growth
- Power Whip
- Hidden Power Fire
- Earthquake / Rock Slide

Tangrowth can also work efficiently as a Chlorophyll mixed sweeper. Venusaur offers him competition, but Tangrowth has some qualities that set it apart, namely better attacking stats and great physical bulk, even uninvested. Growth boosts Tangrowth's attacking stats to horrifying levels in the sun, and Power Whip is a representation of Tangrowth's power. Hidden Power Fire works perfectly in the sun, destroying all steel-types that think they can switch in for free. Earthquake is preffered in the last slot to beat Heatran(who would otherwise wall this set to hell and back) and Fire-types, as well as Jolteon and Electivire. Rock Slide can be used instead of Earthquake if you need to eliminate Volcarona and Flying-types.

#2. Viable sets

#2.1 Choice Specs

Tangrowth @ Choice Specs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Def or 224 HP / 28 Atk / 252 SpA / 4 Def
Nature: Modest / Rash
Ability: Regenerator

- Leaf Storm
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
- Focus Blast / Earthquake

Use the first EV spread if using Focus Blast, and the second EV spread if using Earthquake. Choice Specs Leaf Storm is very powerful, OHKOing many threats such as Politoed, Jellicent and Hippowdon. Giga Drain restores Tangrowth's HP even more and is to be used if your opponent's team is weakened. Hidden Power Fire if you are in sunlight or you need to kill some pesky steel-types as well as ice-types, else use Hidden Power Ice. The final move is interesting to choose. Always use Focus Blast with Hidden Power Ice. However, if you absolutely hate Heatran, then you can pick Earthquake and move 28 EVs from the HP stat to the Attack stat to guarantee the OHKO.

#3. Other options

1 - a Choice Band set can be used, but it is outclassed by Choice Specs.
2 - Stun Spore can be used to cripple sweepers, but Sleep Powder normally outclasses it.
3 - a Swords Dance set can be used to wallbreak, but Tangrowth does not have the neccesary Speed, and the poor special bulk keeps him from being a bulky sweeper.

Counters

The physically defensive tank is actually ridiculously hard to counter. Due to Regenerator, Tangrowth can always switch out and regain health when a counter comes in, not to mention Tangrowth has good coverage.
It also has, and will not be afraid to use, Sleep Powder.

That said, Latias can wall Tangrowth's attacks and set up Calm Minds, but Sleep Powder can get in the way, not to mention Knock Off can get rid of her Leftovers. Ferrothorn can set up for free if Tangrowth lacks Hidden Power Fire. Heatran laughs at Tangrowth's grass-type attacks and can smash Tangrowth with Fire Blast, but needs to watch out for Earthquake. Volcarona can set up free Quiver Dances, but only if Tangrowth does not have Rock Slide.

Counters for the Chlorophyll set in the sun include any positive-natured Choice Scarf user with a base Speed of 85 or higher and a super effective move. Notably, Choice Scarf Latios and Latias with Hidden Power Fire or Ice are great counters. Politoed and Tyranitar can change the weather, but only Tyranitar can beat it.

US20's advices #1: Pokemon sets you should avoid(1)

Hey guys, what's up? Today we will talk about Tangrowth and Porygon2, but first, I have a small present for you: an article containing a few sets you should not use, either because they do not work or because they are outclassed.

#1: Choice Specs Salamence



Salamence @ Choice Specs
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid  / Naive
Ability: Intimidate

- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse
- Hydro Pump
- Fire Blast / Earthquake

Yeah, this set may appear dangerous at first glance, and it actually IS dangerous. 110 Special Attack is nothing to scoff at, and Choice Specs only raises it further. Draco Meteor is absurdly powerful, and Dragon Pulse is a consistent attack to use when the opponent's team is weakened. Hydro Pump may look hilarious but it can strike Rock-types such as Terrakion hard(and with a little prediction, Terrakion thinks it can come in for free only to get OHKOed by Hydro Pump). Finally, Fire Blast and Earthquake both hit Steel-types very hard, with the former also mangling grass-types.

So what went wrong? There is no reason to use SpecsMence over Hydreigon. The latter has higher Special Attack, access to U-turn to keep momentum, and most of all, Focus Blast. Yes, it is inaccurate, but so is Hydro Pump, and the former actually has a lot of coverage. SpecsMence also gets a lot of competition from Latios, and some of you can say that the former is outclassed by the latter, too.

Salamence is used for his ability to sweep with Scarf Moxie or DD Moxie, or wallbreak by using his mixed set, so basically his Specs set becomes obsolete.

#2: Choice Band Weavile(OU)


Weavile @ Choice Band
EVs: 252 Atk / 32 Def / 224 Spe
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Pressure

- Pursuit
- Ice Shard
- Ice Punch / Night Slash
- Low Kick

Weavile is the fastest Pursuiter in the game. Pursuit is unique, punishing predicted switches and OHKOing frail Ghosts and Psychics even if they stay in. Ice Shard and Ice Punch turn Weavile into a perfect dragon slayer, outclassing Mamoswine in this regard due to it outspeeding most dragons, while KOing Choice Scarfers such as Salamence with Ice Shard. Low Kick rounds Weavile's coverage, OHKOing Tyranitar, 2HKOing Ferrothorn and most other steel-types, and almost 2HKOing Scizor. With all these assets, most battlers think the Choice Band set is amazing.

However, I will tell you the truth: Choice Band Weavile sucks. There is no reason not to use Life Orb. If it uses the wrong move, CB Weavile becomes setup fodder, while Life Orb Weavile can stay in and strike most sweepers for good damage. CB Weavile also faces a lot of competition from Scizor, who also has access to priority, is bulkier on the physical side, and can also checkmate things that run away with Pursuit.

Weavile with a Life Orb is awesome, because it appreciates the freedom to switch attacks. Choice Band Weavile is crap.

#3. Swords Dance Heracross (OU/Uber)


Heracross @ Life Orb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Guts

- Swords Dance
- Megahorn
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge

This set may appear to be amazing at first glance, since Heracross has a great base 125 Attack, access to two powerful STABs, and Stone Edge to hurt Flying-types. Swords Dance only boosts Heracross's attack to horrifying levels, and it is supposed to allow it to sweep easily. Additionally, if Heracross is burned or poisoned, it becomes even stronger. Heracross also has decent bulk. All these facts may lead battlers into thinking that Swords Dance is a godsend  to Heracross.

However, Swords Dance Heracross sucks only because it is too slow. 85 Speed is no longer good in OU, where the average speed is around 100. Most Flying-types, Heracross's greatest fear, are faster than it and can OHKO it unless it is holding something stupid like a Coba Berry. More than that, Heracross's bulk, while decent, is not enough for it to go for a sweep. A bulky sweeper needs to have at least 100 HP and 100 defenses(Mew is an example) and to have a recovery move.
Things only get worse in the Uber tier, where Heracross is slower than all Ubers other than Blaziken, who can simply Protect to get the speed boost. SubSD can be used, but not all Pokemon are feared of Heracross.

 Heracross needs to be used as a Choice Scarfer to act in a similar way to Salamence, or as a Choice Bander for wallbreaking. Swords Dance Cross absolutely sucks and has no reason to be used.


#4. Wall Dusknoir(OU)



Dusknoir @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Atk / 228 Def
Nature: Impish
Ability: Pressure

- Will-o-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Earthquake
- Shadow Sneak / Ice Punch / Fire Punch / ThunderPunch / Rock Slide

Yeah... Dusknoir, the most unnecessary evolution of DPP, returns in BW RU. It can still function in OU, though, but as a tank? Hmmm. It looks great on paper, with enormous defenses, Pain Split(that works perfectly with Dusknoir's low HP stat), and actually decent Attack stat, something most other walls can only dream of. It also has Earthquake to remove Heatran(the 28 Attack EVs are necessary to OHKO it) and a lot of physical moves available to it. In fact, you can use any physical move on the fourth slot to gain coverage or to finish off weakened Pokemon. Shadow Sneak is the rarest priority move in the game, and Dusknoir is one of the few viable users of it, 2HKOing most Starmie and Gengar. Dusknoir becomes therefore the only spinblocker in the game that can beat Starmie reliably(Life Orb Hydro Pump does not OHKO in rain). If you don't need priority, then you can use Ice Punch to destroy Gliscor and Dragonite, Fire Punch to eliminate Ferrothorn and Scizor, ThunderPunch to KO Gyarados and deal with water-types, and Rock Slide to eliminate the likes of Tornadus-T.

However, as a wall, why use Dusknoir when there are Cofagrigus and Jellicent? Cofagrigus has better HP stat, also has access to Pain Split, and can use its 95 special attack and STAB Shadow Ball to deal damage to Taunt users. Jellicent has Recover, Water STAB, and can actually shut down some of its counters with Taunt. As a wall, Dusknoir finds itself outclassed, and there is nothing it can do about it.

Dusknoir has, however, a great set in the form of SubPunch. With this set, it can destroy Blissey and gain superb coverage, while still having Shadow Sneak for priority and Will-o-Wisp to cripple physical sweepers.

#5: Classic Wallbreaker Dragonite(OU)




Dragonite @ Life Orb 
EVs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Nature: Mild
Ability: Inner Focus (Yes, I realize that Dragonite received Multiscale from the Dream World, but it may as well simply use Inner Focus, because of Life Orb)

 - Draco Meteor
 - Fire Blast
 - Superpower
 - ExtremeSpeed / Roost


        
         Now, the set above was Dragonite's best set in Generation 4, and when gen 5 came out, people thought it will be great even when Terrakion and other choice scarf abusers are everywhere. Draco Meteor is Dragonite's main STAB and hurts everything that doesn't resist it and is not named Blissey, while Fire Blast can KO steel-types, especially with sunlight support. Superpower is here to plow through Blissey (the EV spread let it OHKO the standard one) and Tyranitar, who would otherwise laugh at this set. Finally ExtremeSpeed normally occupies the 4th slot because of this Dragonite's low Speed, but Roost can enhance Dragonite's survability.
        So why does this set fail? While I've used this set to decent effect, I have to say that Hydreigon and Salamence exist. Dragonite is outclassed by the latter two in terms of mixed attacking, thanks to them having higher Special Attack and Speed. This set ruins the point of Multiscale (without Life Orb, this Dragonite simply doesn't hit hard enough), which would be the main difference between Dragonite and the other two dragons. While the other two do suffer from Outrage lock, Dragonite in turn suffers from Draco Meteor's and Superpower's stat drops.
        If it really wants to use a mixed set, Dragonite should be used on a rain team. Otherwise, simply use a Dragon Dance or a ParaShuffler set. Classic Mixed Nite has finally come to an end.

Pokemon of the day 2: #3 - Ninetales

 Yup, two Pokemon analyzed in one day. After Lapras, I will talk today about a Pokemon called Ninetales, something requested by the user Kyuubi from the SS forums.

It may look beautiful, but I don't think it's all that pretty tbh. Anywho, how does this thing have a place in OU?

The answer is simple: Drought. Before gen 5 there was no excuse to use Ninetales as it was outclassed and it had poor stats. Let's face it, Ninetales still doesn't have the greatest stats in the world, but just a Dream World ability can change everything. It has decent Speed stat, but that actually hampers it when put against Politoed and Tyranitar, and sun teams absolutely need something to take care of them. Thundurus-Therian can work, but it cannot OHKO Tyranitar with Focus Blast unless it holds Choice Specs.

Now, let's see Ninetales' stats:

HP: 73           Bad
Attack: 76      Bad
Defense: 75    Bad
Special Attack: 81   Mediocre
Special Defense: 100  Good
Speed: 100 Good

Now, let's have a look at the sets Ninetales can run effectively.

#1. Best sets

#1.1 Fast Special Attacker

Ninetales @ Leftovers / Air Balloon
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid / Modest
Ability: Drought

- Fire Blast
- SolarBeam
- Sunny Day
- Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Ice / Nasty Plot

Yeah, this set is dangerous because of sunlight boosting Fire Blast's power. Due to Ninetales's decent bulk, Leftovers is the item preferred to raise its survability, but Air Balloon can actually protect Ninetales from random Earthquakes. Fire Blast is very strong and is backed by SolarBeam, which can hurt bulky water-types such as Jellicent. If Politoed switches in, as you always outspeed it(watch out for the Choice Scarf set), you can simply use Sunny Day to ruin its plans. Finally, Hidden Power Ground can KO Heatran, who would otherwise wall it, while Hidden Power Ice takes care of Salamence and some Dragons. If neither of these is a problem, then Nasty Plot can be used to raise Ninetales's Special Attack.


#1.2 Defensive

Ninetales @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 Spe
Nature: Timid
Ability: Drought

- Flamethrower
- Will-o-Wisp
- Sunny Day
- Roar / Substitute / Hypnosis / Hidden Power Ground

This Ninetales is made for support, so it can work more efficiently in sun stall. If running the suggested EVs, Dugtrio will never OHKO Ninetales with Earthquake, unless it is running an Adamant nature. Will-o-Wisp is a godsend to Ninetales, enabling it to cripple Dragonite, Scizor, and other physical threats. Sunny Day is also necessary to ruin Politoed and Tyranitar(but, again, watch out for the Choice Scarf sets). Flamethrower prevents Ninetales from becoming Taunt bait. The final move is a toss-up: use Roar if you need to rack up damage quickly with the help of the entry hazards, Substitute if you need to scout switches, and Hypnosis if you wish to cripple some setup sweepers, particularly the special variants. If you don't need those, then Hidden Power Ground can go in the last slot to beat Heatran(if it doesn't have Air Balloon), as well as dealing decent damage to Terrakion.

#2 Viable sets

#2.1 Choice Specs

Ninetales @ Choice Specs
EVs: 252 SpA/4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
Ability: Drought

- Fire Blast
- SolarBeam / Energy Ball
- Hidden Power Ground
- Sunny Day / Will-o-Wisp

If you need a counterpart to Choice Specs Politoed, this is the set you are looking for. Fire Blast, when backed by Choice Specs, becomes absurdly powerful in the sun, and Ninetales can smash all things that do not resist it or are not named Blissey with this attack. SolarBeam can be replaced here by Energy Ball, since a Politoed or a Tyranitar switch-in will destroy Ninetales, while Hidden Power Ground is still here to KO Heatran. On the last slot, Ninetales can still provide support in the form of Sunny Day and Will-o-Wisp, though it doesn't like being locked into a support move as it can become setup bait.

#3 Other options

1 - Calm Mind - can replace Nasty Plot on the offensive set, but it's not worth it.
2 - Toxic can replace Will-o-Wisp on any set so that Ninetales can wear down bulky water-types.

Counters

Lum Berry Tyranitar is Ninetales's biggest nightmare. It laughs at all of its attacks, even Hidden Power Ground and Energy Ball, and can destroy Ninetales with Stone Edge. It needs however to watch out if Ninetales predicts the switch-in and uses Sunny Day. Choice Scarf Politoed can also make Ninetales's life hell if it happens to switch into anything other than Sunny Day. 
Dugtrio can beat the offensive and Choice Specs sets with Earthquake, while also KOing the defensive set after Stealth Rock. Blissey can sponge all of its hits and wear it down with Seismic Toss. Terrakion can come in for free on Fire Blast and can punish Ninetales with Close Combat or Stone Edge. Darmanitan takes nothing from Fire Blast, so it makes for another great counter to Ninetales. Lum Berry Kyurem-B can KO Ninetales with Outrage provided Stealth Rock is on the field. Priority also ruins Ninetales as it is physically frail, ExtremeSpeed from the likes of Dragonite being just an example. 

Pokemon of the day: #2 - Lapras(RU)

OK, now it's time to bring up the first requested analysis. We're talking about Lapras, the extreme tank of NU that can also work in RU. Isn't its shell confortable? I mean, look at it.




Yeah, and on the battlefield, it doesn't even look like it's an Ice-type. oh well

Anywho, this thing is absurdly bulky for NU and it also works efficiently in RU. In a tier full of Electric-type mons, though, you would ask yourself: "Why should  I use a bulky water in RU?" The reason for that is Lapras also has decent offensive stats, as well as good moves. Dragon Dance stands out, because it also raises Lapras's pathetic speed while cushioning its attack. It can also run a special set, considering it also has decent special attack. The main problems with Lapras are that it's Stealth Rock weak and it has no means of reliable recovery.

Now, at first glance, let's see his stats.

HP: 130              Excellent
Attack: 85           Mediocre
Defense: 80         Okay
Sp. Attack: 85     Mediocre
Sp. Defense: 95   Good
Speed: 60            Low

After looking at its stats, you may wonder yourself "Why should I use Lapras as a late-game sweeper?" The answer is to be found in the following set:

#1. Best sets

#1.1 Substitute + Dragon Dance (LapDance)

Lapras @ Leftovers
EVs: 20 HP/252 Atk/236 Spe
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
Ability : Water Absorb

- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Return / Ice Shard
- Substitute

 This Lapras works best as a late-game sweeper, once Electric-types, mainly Galvantula, and some grasses are gone. Dragon Dance patches up its low speed and raises its Attack to 404(with a Jolly nature), which rivals the power of a 135 base Attack 'mon with an adamant nature. Due to Lapras's impressive bulk, it will most likely get to set up at least two Dragon Dances, before starting the sweep. With 236 Speed EVs it will always outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon after one Dragon Dance. Waterfall is obviously Lapras's main attack, and when paired with Return, it forms a combination that is almost unresisted. Substitute is absolutely necessary to scout switches, and it is best used before setting up Dragon Dances. 
  Although there is another Dragon Dance user in the tier which is named Feraligatr, it wishes it had the bulk of Lapras, not to mention Feraligatr is better off using a Swords Dance set(IT'S GATR TIME!!). Also, Ice Shard can be used instead of Return if Lapras needs to take care of priority users.

#2. Viable sets

#2.1 Bulky Special Attacker

Lapras @ Chesto Berry/Leftovers/Choice Specs
EVs: 248 HP/252 SpA/8 SpD
Nature: Modest
Ability: Water Absorb/Hydration

- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Rest

 Lapras can use a purely special set, having access to BoltBeam and receiving STAB on the latter. 248 HP EVs are used instead of 252 because its HP will become divisible by 4 and it will take more damage from Stealth Rock. If you do not have a Heal Bell/Aromatherapy user, then Chesto Berry is the recommended item so that Lapras can recover its HP and wake up at the same time. If you have a Heal Bell user like Uxie, though, feel free to use Leftovers or Choice Specs. Leftovers is usually recommended, though, because Lapras really appreciates the opportunity of switching attacks, not to mention if locked into Rest, Lapras becomes setup fodder. Hydration can also be used instead of Water Absorb if you are using Lapras in a rain team, so that it can recover HP and wake up at the same time.

 #2.2 Curse you!(Curse set)

Lapras @ Leftovers
EVs: 248 HP/8 Atk/252 SpD
Nature: Careful
Ability: Water Absorb / Hydration

- Curse
- Waterfall
- Avalanche / Return / Rain Dance
- Toxic / Rest / Substitute

This Lapras is more defensively minded. After one Curse, it becomes an almost unbreakable wall while still having the power of a 100 base Attack Pokemon. As Curse lowers Lapras' speed, Avalanche becomes very useful here, hitting many Pokemon for a large amount of damage. Return can still be used to form the Water + Normal combination, or you can go on a more weird set formed of Curse / Waterfall / Rain Dance / Rest with the Hydration ability. This set grants Lapras access to instant recovery as well as great bulk, but it will be walled to hell and back by bulky Grass-types, Tangrowth in particular. 

#3. Other options

1 - Perish Trapper - This set can be used if you want to remove certain threats by simply being annoying.
2 - Roar - can be used as Lapras is already very bulky, but it is not really worth it.
3 - Heal Bell - can be used on the Curse set instead of Toxic or Rest, but Lapras should leave this job to Uxie.
4 - Hidden Power Fire - can be used to take care of Ferroseed, but otherwise it is the very definition of worthless, especially on Rain Dance sets.

Counters

Most fighting-types can easily put a halt to Lapras' plans. Choice Scarf Hitmonlee can destroy Dragon Dance Lapras with a swift Hi Jump Kick, while Hariyama laughs at all of his attacks and can punish Lapras with Close Combat. Galvantula can KO all but Curse Lapras with Thunder, but it needs to watch out for Choice Specs Surf. Sceptile can also deliver an easy 2HKO with Leaf Blade or Grass Knot, though it needs to watch out for Avalanche. Ferroseed walls it to hell and back(unless it is carrying the extremely rare Hidden Power Fire) and can set up for free entry hazards. Ferroseed cannot really do much damage back to Lapras, and if Lapras has Sub + Curse, it can proceed to boost up to +6, at which point it can do severe damage to Ferroseed with Avalanche. Lanturn needs to avoid Toxic and boosted Return, but otherwise it can do well in countering Lapras. Finally, if Lapras lacks Rest, Toxic is probably the greatest threat to it.

















            

Pokemon of the day: #1 - Thundurus-Therian

Ah yes, I'm so lazy to post... but from now, I will give you guys some thoughts about Pokemon competitively. We're starting with Thundurus-Therian, my favorite of the three therian forms.



Yeah, doesn't it look cooler than the Incarnate form? The latter is stupid looking and it is Uber, and as my name suggests, I hate ubers. xD

But, let's go back to our stories. Thundurus-Therian has a great 145 Special Attack, so nothing really likes taking Thunders from it, if it's not named Chansey. Oh yeah, it also has a decent 105 Attack stat, so a mixed set becomes a real possibility, not to mention it also has Bulk Up. It also has a good ability in the form of Volt Absorb. Thundurus-T's minuses are its below average defenses and average Speed. His Stealth Rock weakness does it no favors, either. 

So, let's see his stats:

HP: 79                         Mediocre
Attack: 105                  Decent
Defense: 70                  Bad
Special Attack: 145      Amazing
Special Defense: 80      Below average
Speed: 101                  Okay

Now, let's go and see his sets:


#1: Best sets

#1.1 - Choice Scarf

Thundurus-T @ Choice Scarf
Nature: Naive/Hasty/Timid
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Volt Absorb

- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt/Thunder
- Superpower / Focus Blast / Grass Knot
- Hidden Power Ice


Yeah... it's a great replacement for Rotom-W if you don't want to use the latter. Now, please DO NOT USE A MODEST NATURE. Choice Scarf Salamence will else wipe the floor with your poor Thundurus-T, and if it has Moxie, it may as well sweep your team. Volt Switch is necessary to gain momentum as well as dealing solid damage to things like Politoed and Salamence. Once the team of your opponent is weakened, waltz back in and destroy the opponent with Thunderbolt, or Thunder if you are on a rain team. Superpower is used to 2HKO all Blissey that think they can wall you, as well as destroying Tyranitar and smacking Ferrothorn, but note that if you don't like having your speed reduced, Focus Blast and Grass Knot are options. Focus Blast's innacurate, and Grass Knot is inconsistent, but if you have problems with physical walls, you are okay to use these attacks. Lastly, Hidden Power Ice is extremely important on this set for forming the BoltBeam combination and smashing things that laugh at Thundurus-T's electric attacks.

#1.2 - Agility

Thundurus-T @ Life Orb
Nature: Naive/Hasty/Timid
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Volt Absorb


- Agility
- Thunderbolt/Thunder
- Superpower / Focus Blast / Grass Knot
- Hidden Power Ice

This set is best used as a late-game sweeper because it is necessary to get rid of stupid walls such as Blissey before Thundurus-T can show its power. It can also come onto Choice-locked electric attacks and set up for free. Agility plays right into Thundurus-T's hands, raising his mediocre Speed and preparing him for a sweep or at least for punching holes into your opponent's team. Again, use Thunderbolt if you are on a neutral or a sun-based team, and Thunder if you are on a rain team. Superpower can still leave its mark on Blissey, but again, Focus Blast and Grass Knot are options. I don't need to explain Hidden Power Ice's usefulness.

#2. Viable sets

#2.1 - Choice Specs

Thundurus-T @ Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 Def/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Volt Absorb

- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt/Thunder
- Focus Blast/Grass Knot
- Hidden Power Ice

This set is extremely powerful and I'm pretty sure it comes close to 2HKOing Blissey with Thunder after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. However, this set is not as viable as the other two due to it having only decent Speed, plus it faces competition from Jolteon, who is faster. Volt Switch hurts all but ground-types and gives the player momentum. Like the Choice Scarf set, destroy your opponent with Thunderbolt or Thunder once his team is weakened. This set appreciates Thunder Wave support, and Ferrothorn can provide it while also setting up Stealth Rock and Spikes. Focus Blast OHKOes Tyranitar this time, so Thundurus-T no longer has to resort on Hammer Arm. Grass Knot can still be used though for KOing ground-types. Finally, no explanation on Hidden Power Ice.



#2.2 - Nasty Plot
Thundurus-T @ Lum Berry/Leftovers
Nature: Timid/Hasty
EVs: 4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Ability: Volt Absorb

- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt / Thunder
- Focus Blast / Substitute / Superpower
- Hidden Power Ice

Again, this set really likes having Thunder Wave support, because Thundurus-T is pretty slow for a sweeper and has no priority moves. Lum Berry is necessary, because  After a Nasty Plot, Thunder 2HKOes Blissey after Stealth Rock. Focus Blast is preffered here for OHKOing Tyranitar after a Nasty Plot. However, Substitute actually becomes viable here for protecting Thundurus-T from nasty status, but Substitute should only be used with Leftovers, else his health will deplete quickly. If you really, really hate Focus Blast's imperfect accuracy and the fact that it cannot OHKO Tyranitar without any boosts, feel free to use Superpower. Finally, Hidden Power Ice destroys Dragonite and all dragons that think they can stop Thundurus-T from going on its way to victory.



#3. Other options

1. Bulk Up - it can be used if you want to surprise your opponent, but it is outclassed by Tornadus, who gets Prankster
2. Sub+3 Attacks with Life Orb - a decent set that can be used as a wallbreaker, but it needs much support in order to be effective
3. Discharge - can be used on the Choice Specs and Nasty Plot sets if you want Thundurus-T to go for paralysis. The problem is, Thunderbolt is often more useful.
4. Taunt - it is effective if you want Thundurus-T to stop Ferrothorn from setting up for free.

Counters

Thundurus-T has no true counters because of its extreme special attack and good versatility. Latias is the closest thing to meeting the requirements to be a counter, but it is 2HKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Hidden Power Ice. Blissey and Chansey wall the special attacks to hell and back, but fall miserably against Superpower. Tyranitar can also beat Thundurus-T if it lacks Fighting-type attacks. Ferrothorn can set up for free against Thundurus-T if it lacks Superpower or Focus Blast, or the rare Taunt.

Checks

The non-Choice Scarf sets are easy to check. Quagsire doesn't care about the Agility or Nasty Plot boosts Thundurus-T got, is immune to Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, and can wear it down with Ice Punch. However, it needs to look out for Grass Knot. Latios can survive one Hidden Power Ice and destroy Thundurus-T with Draco Meteor. Choice Band Dragonite needs to watch out for Choice Scarf sets, but it can survive one Hidden Power Ice thanks to Multiscale and proceed to KO Thundurus-T with ExtremeSpeed after Stealth Rock. Weavile can pick off the Choice Scarf set with Ice Shard, while beating the other sets with Ice Punch. Mamoswine can do the same, but it is slower and thus at risk of being OHKOed by Thundurus-T if it survives the Ice Shard.