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Threats in the OU Metagame
By Anti Pop Culture Warrior
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Introduction
The release of Black and White introduced many new Pokémon and a few mechanics changes, many of them being of assistance to sweepers rather than walls. With more Pokemon than ever before and more movesets being discovered, more threats than ever loom in every corner on almost every team in today's fast-paced metagame. This guide gives a complete list of what Pokémon you might run into and how to reliably defeat them.
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Threat List
Here are the sweepers that you have to be able to defeat when battling in the Standard/OU Metagame. There will be a moveset listed, a description of it, and how to counter that particular moveset. It will descend roughly in the order of the popularity of both the Pokémon and the combined popularity of the movesets listed. Only offensive threats are listed, defensive Pokémon will be farther down on the list because their one attacking set isn't as common as their defensive one. It's not supposed to be exact though, especially given how much things can change.
---Scizor---
Scizor is still a huge threat in Black and White with Technician, STAB-boosted Bullet Punch which keeps many threat in check as well as Swords Dance and Superpower at its disposal. Scizor is very bulky with pretty decent defensive typing, which makes it a very resilient sweeper. It also has very high Attack and threatens to pass stat-up boosts with Baton Pass, though it is most threatening as a CBer or SD sweeper. Not only that, but Scizor also can make great use of Pursuit and can Roost off Life Orb recoil if it wants to. Scizor can also scout with a Choice Banded U-Turn while doing a lot of damage in the process. Scizor has many things going for it that make it into a powerful Pokémon that cannot be ignored.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd or 200 HP / 56 Atk / 252 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-Turn
- Superpower / Brick Break
- Pursuit
Choice Band Scizor is more of an immediate threat than SD Scizor, and it has some very interesting uses and is by far Scizors most common set. Pursuit (which is boosted by Technician) will decimate ScarfGar and Lati@s (which Scizor sometimes uses special defense evs for) on the revenge kill assuming they aren't using an attack that will knock out Scizor such as HP Fire. U-Turn provides a solid STAB attack that is very useful for scouting on top of doing damage, and Bullet Punch (also boosted by Technician, obviously) gives Scizor some revenge killing capabilities. Superpower wastes Heatran and Blissey in one hit. Choice Band Scizor is generally powerful and is a force that any team should be prepared for.
Defensive Zapdos is a good choice thanks to Heat Wave and Gyarados is another solid choice for countering it thanks to Intimidate, bulk and flying typing. Skarmory can Whirlwind it away, though it can't do any real damage to Scizor but it can set up Spikes which make it so Scizor cannot spam U-Turn all match. As long as it avoids Brick Break and can outspeed Scizor (and it usually can), Heatran is a decent switch-in. Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor every time with a Choice Scarf, but it can't switch in risk-free. Rotom-H can beat it easily via burning it and has the added bonus of destroying it with Overheat. Bulky Ghosts like Dusknoir, Chandeure, Dusclops, Cofagrigus and Jellicent wall Scizor with ease and can all burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Nidoqueen walls it rather well too and can hit it with Flamethrower as can defensive Salamence. Remember though, CB Scizor may be easy to check but you will find Stealth Rock + U-Turn wears down even the most solid counters so 4X resists to U-Turn are usually better.
Scizor @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Trait: Technician
EVs: 232 HP / 96 Atk / 180 SpD
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- Bug Bite / SuperPower
Bulky Roost SD Scizor is a threat not many people are prepared for in the B/W ou metagame. This version of Scizor is tailor made to counter and check many top threats such as Lati@s, Gengar and Reuniclus. It also sets up on would be checks to the CBer such as Gliscor and other bulky walls and tanks thanks to Roost. Swords Dance and Bullet Punch are still here and even with only 96 Attack evs will do massive amounts of damage. For example it OHKO's Gengar after Stealth Rock damage even without the SD boost. Bug Bite joins it for coverage and the Technician boost which makes it even more powerful. SuperPower is here for problem Steel and Fire Pokemon. This Scizor is an even bigger threat on Rain Dance teams thanks to the rain halving the power of fire-type attacks that so often hold Scizor back.
The same things that counter the CBer will generally counter the SDer. Steel types are at the top of the list, most notably Heatran. Magnezone works well too beware of SuperPower and Hidden Power Fire also may not OHKO this ev spread from ScarfZone. Zapdos walls bulky Roost Scizor with ease and has Heat Wave to OHKO. Impish Roar Gyarados takes little damage from everything and can force it out and racking up Spikes damage as can Skarmory, however as last Pokemon (meaning they cannot PHaze) Scizor will destroy both. Defensive Salamence can hit it with Flamethrower and can take its hits. Chandelure can take all of Scizors hits and KO back. Rotom-W and H make nice checks with HP Fire and Overheat respectively, possibly with Will-O-Wisp too. Bulky ghosts with Will-o-Wisp, Flamethrower Nidoqueen, Fire Punch Jirachi and Drought Ninetales are massive obstacles for this set so make good checks too. Walls and offensive Pokemon which cannot do sufficent damage will be set up on though, things like Gliscor, Metagross, Haxorus and non LO or Specs Starmie etc.
Scizor @ Life Orb
Trait: Technician
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Brick Break / Superpower
Offensive Swords Dance Scizor is a very potent threat and takes a more offensive approach on the previous set. After a Swords Dance, Bullet Punch does incredible amounts of damage to all kinds of Pokémon, including a few that actually resist the attack. Bug Bite is Scizor's way of destroying waters letting it OHKO many of them such as Vapoeon after a boost, while Brick Break/Superpower deals with steel-types. The latter is able to OHKO Heatran and Magnezone switch ins even unboosted and also 2hkoing Skarmory after a Swords Dance boost. Technician is what really helps Scizor shine, as the power boost to Bullet Punch is always welcome in addition to making Bug Bite Scarily powerful especial with max attack evs.
Heatran and Zapdos destroy it with their respective fire moves and bulky ghosts are excellent checks still as they can tank its moves and Will-O-Wisp Scizor. HP Fire Mangezone shuts SD Scizors sweep down completely and traps it. Hidden Power Fire Rotom-W 4x resists Bullet Punch and can OHKO the bug with ease, the same can be said about Rotom-H who can use Overheat. Both have the option of burning it too. Gyarados works thanks to Intimidate and its typing as can defensive Salamence with a fire move. Fire Punch Jirachi and Flamethrower Nidoqueen can stop its sweep. Once again walls which cannot do much to it must beware though as SD Scizor will easily overwhelm things like Skarmory, Gliscor and Hippowdon.
---Heatran---
Heatran is one of the most common Pokémon in the OU metagame, and for a good reason. Gen 5 is a mixed bag for Heatran on one hand it got alot more counters and checks with things like Jellicent, Mach Punch becoming common and Drizzle Politoed but on the other hand Drought makes it even better. It has a long list of resistances thanks to its great defensive typing and the defenses to abuse them. It also has an astounding 130 base Special Attack and the Flash Fire ability, which makes Heatran a sturdy and powerful attacking force or a strong and resilient defensive Pokémon depending on what set Heatran is running. No matter what it's running, Heatran is a Pokémon that has a huge impact on the metagame.
Heatran @ Balloon / Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Stealth Rock / Nitro Charge
Non Choice Heatran is Heatrans most popular set. Fire Blast is its main STAB move and often stings even when resisted. Hidden Power Ice or Dragon Pulse deals with ScarfTran's Dragon counters while Earth Power deals with opposing Heatran and Tentacruel. Heatran boasts a decent bit of power and excellent coverage with this set, which makes it a potent threat. It can also come in on many popular Pokémon such as Ferrothorn and Scizor and set up Stealth Rock thanks to its many resistances and solid defenses. It even has the option of Nitro Charge sweep late game with the speed boost. Thanks to the Balloon this Heatran can even check boosting Dragons like Garchomp and Salamence in a pinch.
Countering Heatrans non choice set is not very difficult, as its moves will not be boosted unless it gets a Flash Fire boost or is on the same team as Drought Ninetales. Though Nitro Charges speed boost may cause issues especially to non scarf dragon checks. Bulky waters like Suicune, Politoed, Swampert, and Vaporeon all combat Heatran effectively, and standard special walls like Blissey and Snorlax also get the job done. Evo Porygon2 is a smart choice thanks to Trace, which allows it to absorb Heatran's STAB attack. Other than that basically the other counters to the Scarf set mentioned still apply here. Tyranitar can check decently. Revenge killing by Excadrill and faster Scarfers like Landlorus, Garchomp, Hydreigon and Terakion still work. The later 3 can switch into its STAB move too. Though one must be careful of using ground moves, if it has a Air Balloon, you will lose. Once again Heatran really despises STAB fighting priority too from Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Lucario.
Heatran @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Dark Pulse
With a Choice Scarf equipped, Heatran makes a great revenge killer, taking out threats like SD Lucario, Scizor, Heracross, and Outraging dragons with ease. Heatran still hits fairly hard as well, so frail teams can really take a beating if they are too careless, but against bulkier things its rather weak. Fire Blast and Earth Power are its main moves and give great coverage. The 3rd slot takes out dragons with ease whilst the last slot is to hit bulky waters counters decently, with HP Grass for Swampert, Suicune etc and Dark Pulse being specifically for Jellicent, Slowbro and Starmie.
Blissey, Evo Stone Chansey and Snorlax work very well, especially the latter with access to Earthquake and its Thick Fat ability. Porygon2 remains a solid choice. Bulky waters remain good switch-ins such as Vaporeon, as is Tyranitar. Gyarados works but has to worry about Stealth Rock damage piling up, so they aren't good long-term solutions. Rest Talk Gyarados is a fine answer though without HP Electric. Politoed also can switch in and bring Drizzle making its fire moves pathetic for the rest of the match and even more useless against Rain Dance teams. Jellicent also walls it with relative ease. Garchomp, Hydreigon and Lati@s also serve as excellent checks as they can Earthquake or Surf respectively and resist fire. Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Lucario can pick it off at low health with their fighting priority.
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Trait : Flash Fire
Evs: 40 HP / 252 SAtk / 216 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Earth Power
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Choice Specs Heatran isn't as common as its other sets, but this one has the potential to be the scariest. With a Flash Fire boost or on a Drought team there is hardly anything that wants to take hits from this, even water moves are halved so countering it could prove to be hard. Its even capable of 2hkoing the special defensive goddess that is Blissey with Fire Blast and 2hkoing Swampert who resists the move under sunlight which just shows its power. Dragon Pulse OHKO's every dragon in OU now with its boost in power and bulky waters don't even stand a chance against Hidden Power Grass as it 2hko's every one apart from Tentacruel and Gyarados.
Politoed gets a mention as the best thing to switch into Specs Fire Blast because of its Drizzle ability, not only killing Fire Blasts power but cancelling possible sun support too. 4X Fire resists like Kingdra are also excellent against this set. Snorlax works and so do specially defensive bulky waters. Blissey works granted it isn't in the sun or gets a Flash Fire Boost. Tyranitar can also cancel out the sun and has boosted sp.def in the sand to cushion everything but Earth Powers. Most of the other mentioned checks and counters work too such as bulky waters, granted they avoid HP Grass. Faster things as mentioned in the other sets are great as they prey on Heatrans lower speed on this set, like Garchomp and Terakion. Other Heatran make interesting checks as they can get their own Flash Fire boost and resist everything apart from Earth Power, which if they hold a Balloon will be a non issue.
---Tyranitar---
Tyranitar is one of the best Pokémon in the OU tier, hands-down. Its STAB Stone Edge rips apart everything that doesn't resist it, including bulky physical walls like Skarmory. It can use Dragon Dance to boost its mediocre Speed as well, though that isnt as useful in gen 5 as it was in past gens due to its list of weaknesses and faster things even after a DD and also Mach Punch being common. Tyranitar is very bulky however thanks to 100 base HP, 110 base Defense, and 100 base Special Defense which is boosted by 150% by Sandstorm. This allows Tyranitar to come in on several Pokémon despite its long list of weaknesses. There isn't much that can stop Tyranitar from rampaging through a team. With gen 5 Sandstorm is also a fantastic supporting tool, it helps horribly powerful sweepers like Landlorus and Excadrill by activate their abilities which makes Tyranitar a great team player too.
Tyranitar @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 180 SAtk / 76 SpD or 56 Atk / 252 SAtk / 200 Spd
Sassy Nature (+SpD, -Spd) / Hasty Nature (+Spd, -Def) / Naive Nature (+Spd, -SpD)
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock / Stone Edge / SuperPower
This is Tyranitars mix attacking set, capable of putting dents into nearly everything with its wonderful mixed offensive stats. It is usually seen as a tank with Stealth Rock, Sassy and the bulkier spread or as a faster wall breaker with an attack move over Stealth Rock. The faster variant is also EV'd to outspeed minimum speed Gliscor with a +speed nature. Crunch is the stab move of choice accompanied by Ice Beam to shred though ground types and Fire Blast to maul steel checks and counters. Stone Edge is for secondary STAB whilst SuperPower is for other Tyranitar and Heatran.
Not alot counters this set well due to its phenomenal coverage. Swampert is probably the #1 counter taking hardly anything from the moves. Closely behind Swampert are bulky fighting types like Conkeldurr, Machamp, Hitmontop, Hariyama and the like. Scrafty works too but fears SuperPower greatly. Kerudio and Poliwrath stop this set totally and resist everything thanks to their typing. This Tyranitar struggles with bulky waters in general like Vaporeon and Milotic too and can do very little damage to them.
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Aqua Tail / Earthquake
"CBTar" uses its two high-powered Rock and Dark STAB attacks coming of a ridiculous 604 attack to punish the OU metagame, while Pursuit will trap and kill Pokémon like Lati@s and Rapid Spin Starmie. In the last slot, Aqua Tail decimates would-be counters like Hippowdon and Gliscor while doing a number on Lucario and bulky fighting-types. Earthquake is sometimes used instead of Aqua Tail to better deal with said bulky fighting-types a little better and the dangerous Lucario. Though Balloons presence in the standard metagame on ground weak Pokemon makes it a lesser option.
With Aqua Tail, the only safe counters to CBTar are Machamp, Hariyama and Hitmontop. Zuruzukin, Virizion, Poliwrath, Kerudio and Conkeldurr also wall everything it does. Everything else is at least 2HKOed by something Tyranitar can throw at them. If Scizor can avoid Stone Edge, it can force out Tyranitar with the threat of U-Turn and Bullet Punch. Garchomp in addition makes a good check and so does Breloom. Another check is Excadrill. Terakion is an switch in resisting 3/4 of its moves and will get a +1 attack boost from its Heart Of Justice ability if it comes in on a dark move, but watch out for moves in the last slot as they will hurt. Ferrothorn makes a rather good counter too resisting the whole set. Although it cannot switch in, Dugtrio can revenge kill and trap this set quite easily. Swampert is a good counter too, but is 3hko'd by Crunch. Hippowdon can come in on anything not called Aqua Tail as can Gliscor. Faster Skarmory makes a good counter too, being able to Roost on Stone Edges and thus PP stall.
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- SuperPower / Earthquake
Choice Scarf Tyranitar is an anti metagame tool, a good revenge killer and makes a great fast Pursuit user. Many sweepers are at risk from its revenge killing powers including but not limited to non SD Lucario, Starmie, MixMence, Gengar, Laiti@S and a whole host of others that cant outspeed its remarkably good 364 speed stat. Crunch and Pursuit put fragile sweepers into a trap. If they switch they get Pursuited and if they stay in they take a Crunch. Stone Edge lets ScarfTar dispose of threats like Gyarados aswell as being the most powerful move on this set. The last slot is to enable ScarfTar to hit specific targets; SuperPower covers other Tyranitar and also hits most other steel types incredibly hard, Scrafty too whilst Earthquake is your best option against Metagross and Jirachi.
Scarf Tyranitar really isnt too hard to wall, all of the previously mentioned counters work basically. The aforementioned Bulky Fighting types are the best counters, for example Conkeldurr who can also bypass its speed with Mach Punch. Bulky Ground types such as Gliscor, Hippowdon, Swampert etc shut down ScarfTar well. Steel types do fantastically if you don't switch them into one of the moves in the 4th slot. Skarmory walls this set easily too and can set up Spikes on it and Roost of any damage. Ferrothorn is a problem once again for Tyranitar if it gets in on anything not called SuperPower. Dugtrio outspeeds ScarfTar when Jolly and can trap it once again.
Tyranitar @ Air Balloon / Life Orb / Lum Berry
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
"DDTar" attempts to fix Tyranitar's only low stat, which is its Speed. After a Dragon Dance, it will outpace base 110 Speed Pokémon like Gengar and Lati@s. It is normally sent out in the later stages of the match when its counters are weakened and its combination of bulk and power will allow it to overpower the opponent. This set isnt as useful in gen 5 as alot of things still outspeed it after a DD though it can catch a few unprepared teams off guard. It has that scary dual STAB rock and dark combo accompanied by Fire Punch to beat problematic steels such as Ferrothorn.
As with the other sets Fighting types such as Scrafty wall everything this set does, however Virizion and Breloom much watch out for Fire Punch as it will OHKO both of them after a boost. Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Infernape can even bypass DD Tar's speed boost and hit it with Mach Punch. Ground types also work without Air Balloon but lose horribly if Tyranitar does hold it. Scizor can Bullet Punch to bypass its Dragon Dance boosts.
---Dragonite---
Dragonite has the best movepool of any dragon-type in OUs and the stats to abuse it. Dragonite is really scary in the late game when it can Dragon Dance or Agility once and sweep a team. It also has the ability to break stall with its high-powerful mixed sweeper set. Its defensive typing helps it out a lot, but the weakness to Stealth Rock is a thorn in Dragonite's side. In gen 5 Stealth Rock though has been easier to prevent than ever before with Magic Coat's new rebounding effects, the same with Magic Mirror, not to mention Mischievous Heart Taunt and a horribly powerful spinner in Excadrill. This all means Dragonite can fully abuse new toys like Multi Scale and Hurricane easily, something Salamence can never hope to do.
Dragonite @ Leftovers / Lum Berry
Trait: Multi Scale
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch
- Roost
Bulky DD Dragonite has the ability to set up on would-be counters thanks to bulk, Roost and new Multi Scale ability (which multiplies its already good defences by 150% at full health) laughing off Ice Beams and even STAB super effective moves while Dragon Dancing up, this lets it find a niche that Salamence would never dream to accomplish. Dragon Claw is its main STAB though Outrage is an option for STAB with Earthquake for steels. This type of set comes at the expense of Dragonite's coverage though, as certain steel-types like Heatran can easily take even boosted Outrages easily, and without a Lum Berry, status will be a problem.
Heatran totally walls this set. Bulky Waters are the next best counters, especially those with Toxic. Milotic can even PHaze it with Dragon Tail. Pre Evo Stone Porygon2 with Toxic and Ice Beam is great to stop this set. Mamoswine and Weavile still threaten Dragonite with Ice Shard at less that 100% health. Scarf Terakion and other Scarfers like Garchomp and Hydreigon can also revenge kill and check with ease, bear in mind though if Dragonite is at 100% health, hardly anything will OHKO, no matter how strong due to the ridiculous defensive boost Multi Scale grants. Dragon Tail/Roar Impish Gyara can keep PHazing it and checking it with Intimidate. Hippowdon and Swampert can keep PHazing it too. Whimsicottis also a problem with its priority Encore. Icicle Spear Cloyster is a 100% counter as it breaks Multi Scale and OHKO's.
Dragonite @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SpA / 6 Spe
Rash Nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Superpower
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Roost / Extremespeed
"MixNite" follows in the footsteps of MixMence as a powerful mixed sweeper capable of breaking stall wide open. Unlike MixMence's Brick Break, MixNite's Superpower will OHKO Heatran, Blissey, and Tyranitar. It has perfect coverage with Draco Meteor as well, and Fire Blast deals with Metagross, Bronzong, and Skarmory. Roost helps with Life Orb recoil and especially Stealth Rock damage. Extremespeed is useful to pick of low health faster Pokemon and helps with Sash leads should you lead with this set.
Pre Evolution Stone Chansey and Porygon2 are a rather good counters as even SuperPower wont OHKO. Pre Evo Stone Dusclops can work in a similar manner too. Deoxys-D, Milotic, Cresselia, Suicune, and Vaporeon all make good checks with Ice Beam. Burungeru takes a lot of damage from Draco Meteor, but it can work too. Revenge killing and checking is alot easier though. ScarfTar is a good check and can outspeed and hit it with Stone Edge. Steels like Scizor and Heatran can come in on Draco Meteor and do heavy damage. Mamoswine and Weavile can revenge as can Garchomp and Lati@s and basically any scarfer like Terakion.
Dragonite @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly Nature (+Sp, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Extremespeed / Earthquake
- Fire Punch
Dragonite can sweep anything in the late stages of a battle with this set, and sometimes it doesn't even have to wait that long. Outrage's side effects are avoided with Speed boosts (preventing most revenge kills) and Lum Berry (blocking out confusion). Earthquake and Fire Punch hits all the steels who are likely to cause issues. Extremespeed is sometimes seen on this set to decimate faster Scarfers, it also takes out Weavile who can no longer Ice Shard you. Extremespeed also helps differentiate itself from Salamence who is otherwise a superior Dragon Dancer.
Pre Evo Stone P2 and Dusclops stop this set. Cresselia, Skarmory and Bronzong are great counters, and bulky waters do the trick though they take a lot from Outrage the only ones who can really stand up to that power is Suicine and a full health Swampert. Hippowdon with Ice Fang or Roar (with with Stealth Rock and SS and LO recoil Nite will be worn down) is a counter. Scarf Jirachi and Scizor are also decent ways in "checking" it, especially after Stealth Rock damage. Porygon2 with Evo Stone beats this set and so can Dusclops. Gyarados (the bulkier the better) serves a good check again. Scarfers like Garchomp and Terakion can outspeed and OHKO even after a DD. Mamoswine can KO with Ice Shard and is bulky enough to take an Extremespeed, the same with Cloyster.
Dragonite @ Leftovers
Trait: Multi Scale
EVs: 224 HP / 252 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) / Quiet Nature (+SAtk, - Spd)
- Hurricane
- Thunder
- Surf / Brick Break
- Roost
This is Dragonites rain tank set and serves a great niche on rain teams. On said rain teams all of its moves gain a significant boost and with can serve as a bulky wall breaker of sorts. Hurricane is the STAB move of choice and becomes 100% accurate in the rain, ripping into almost anthing with its 120 base power and confusion rate. Thunder and Surf are for coverage. Thunder also has 120 power and maims bulky water types and Skarmory. Surf gains psuedo STAB in the rain and hits steel types very hard whilst Brick Break KO's Tyranitar. Roost on the other hand lets it heal off the damage.
Chansey and Blissey are this sets best counter. Rotom-W can take a hit at full health and retaliate with HP Ice. Bronzong can take a hit due to its good bulk and ko with Gyro Ball, as can Metagross. Ice Shard users are also not kinda to this set, infact most priority in general isn't. Revenge killing is viable if Multi Scale isn't activated. Specially Defensive Tyranitar is also rather annoying to this set, not only does it cancel out rain but it removes the power from Surf, can easily take an unboosted one and OHKO back with Ice Beam or Stone Edge but Brick Break will hurt. Sp.Def Jirachi shuts down this Dragonite totally.
Dragonite @ Choice Band
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Outrage
- Extremespeed
- Fire Punch
- Waterfall / SuperPower
Choice Band Dragonite is nothing to laugh at and its definitely up there with the most threatening Choice Banders in the game, its a very powerful threat not only for its sheer power but for coverage and the ability to revenge kill alot of threats solely with Extremespeed too. Extremespeed on this set is 90% as strong as CB Scizor Bullet Punch with better neutrality so has fantastic revenge killing utility and compensates somewhat for its lower speed than that of other top threats. Outrage 2hko's every non steel wall in the entire game which Waterfall, SuperPower and Fire Punch easily take care of.
Countering Choice Band Dragonite is very difficult. Skarmory makes a good switch in along with Suicune, Swampert and Hippowdon. All the latter 3 Pokemon should avoid Outrage however but that shouldn't be a problem as Dragonite will hate locking itself in early game. For that same reason things like Cresselia and again Gyarados work. Scizor and Bronzong are also effective and can come in on anything not named Fire Punch. Revenge killing is far easier though as things like ScarfTran, Scarf Tar, Scarf Garchomp and Scarf Rachi all snap up to opportunity to dispose of Dragonite the same with other fast Ice/Dragon/Rock users. Basically, predict accordingly depending on the situation, get Stealth Rock up and prey on its mediocre speed and this set shouldn't cause too many issues.
---Gyarados---
Gyarados might be easier to stop in gen 5 with Rotom-W becoming part water and also counters like Ferrothorn and checks like Scarf Chomp being quite common, but its great list of resistances and even greater movepool more than make up for this. Gyarados can set up and sweep thanks to Dragon Dance and good attacking options in Waterfall, Earthquake, Stone Edge, and Ice Fang. Gyarados also has the ability to Taunt status and PHazing attempts, though it often doesn't try to anymore given the fast-paced nature of the metagame and the lack of Pokémon that can hurt Gyarados with those strategies. Gyarados is also one of the best RestTalkers in the game thanks to Intimidate and PHazing ability.
Gyarados @ Life Orb
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake / Ice Fang / Bounce
- Stone Edge / Ice Fang / Bounce
Gyarados makes for one powerful sweeper thanks to Dragon Dance. With only one Dragon Dance under its belt, almost nothing can withstand two attacks from Gyarados. Gyarados also has very good coverage with this set, which allows it to hit everything in the OU metagame for at least neutral damage. Waterfall's flinch chance can spell doom for slow walls that would otherwise stop Gyarados as well, which makes it an even bigger threat. Luckily, its 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks makes Gyarados less of a pain to handle.
Rotom-W is the best Gyarados counter period and destroys Gyarados as it can absorb Waterfalls and anything else with ease and can Thunderbolt it OHKOing it. Vaporeon and Suicune that have heavy EV investments in Defense and Hidden Power Electric will do the trick, but they will take a lot of damage in the process. Porygon2 is probably the most reliable counter thanks to Trace throwing Intimidate back at Gyarados and its access to Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave. Tangrowth makes a decent counter, but Ice Fang will do a lot of damage and Bounce does even more. Scarfers like said Rotom, Scarf Stone Edge Garchomp and Scarf ThunderPunch Jirachi easily beat Gyarados too along with Ditto. Scarf Voltolos is also an issue who can Volt Switch which gives the upper hand even if Gyarados switches. Ferrothorn also walls everything Gyarados can do and can Leech Seed and Power Whip for heavy damage or even Thunderwave it. If you lack Ice Fang or Bounce or just flat out DD early game you will regret it as things Whimsicottcome in and destroy you with priority Encore.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 156 HP / 72 Atk / 96 Def / 184 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge / Bounce
- Taunt
"BulkyGyara" is a more sturdy version of the previous set, and while it is significantly less potent as a sweeper, it can still pose a huge threat to teams and is much more difficult to defeat without directly attacking it. This is due to Taunt, which lets it stop Celebi's Thunder Wave and Skarmory's Whirlwind and can totally shut down checks like Eruufun. The EV spread not only allows Gyarados to come in on all kinds of attacks, but it also makes taking assaults like a Skarmory's Brave Bird, Heatans, Scizor and Lucario's assaults much easier.
Again Rotom-W is the best counter in the game to this set as Gyarados cat do anything to it and it can retaliate with T-Bolt. Cresselia with Hidden Power Electric or Charge Beam will always win, and the same bulky Waters that deal with the previous set also do well against BulkyGyara. Porygon2 is one of the best counters for any kind of Gyarados thanks to Trace, its new Evo Stone boost and Thunderbolt. Scarfers with electric moves are also annoying for Bulky Gyarados and Ditto. Then there is Ferrothorn who Gyarados literally cannot do any significant damage to.
---Lucario---
Lucario is a huge threat in today's metagame, and a common one at that. It can hit hard from both ends of the attacking spectrum, meaning that there is almost nothing that can safely switch into Lucario the first time it's out. Even when you know its set, Lucario is powerful enough to sweep your team anyway. Lucario also has many resistances it can come in on, thanks to its good defensive typing, which makes Lucario an even bigger threat. Gen 5 also gave Nasty Plot to the arsenal of Lucario which means Lucario is more unpredictable than ever before.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge / Ice Punch / Crunch
- Extremespeed / Bullet Punch
"SDLuke" is Lucario's most popular moveset, and easily one of its most deadly. After a Swords Dance, Close Combat runs over most physical walls given Stealth Rock support. The third slot takes care of either flying-types or psychic-types that resist Close combat, depending on what move is chosen. the last slot helps patch up Lucario's rather average Speed by giving it a priority move powerful enough to outspeed and OHKO most frail sweepers. SDLuke is commonly seen in the later stages of the game when it can clean up a battle with almost no problems, making it a force to be reckoned with and one of the most powerful physical sweepers in the game.
Assuming it has a significant EV investment in Speed, Gliscor is the number one SDLuke counter and any kind of Gliscor will wall SDLuke as long as it isn't carrying Ice Punch.. Weezing also works with access to Will-O-Wisp and Fire Blast. Without Crunch, Thunder Wave Celebi and Cresselia can come in and rain on SDLuke's parade. If Lucario is running Crunch or Ice Punch, Gyarados make a solid counter especially the Rest Talker. Salamence also can Intimidate and outspeed and also KO with fire or ground moves, it can also heal with Roost so makes an awesome overall Lucario check. Gengar also checks Lucario well, as does Scarf Fire Punch Jirachi. Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Terakion can also revenge kill the aforementioned should be scared of Bullet Punch as it will OHKO all 3 of them after a boost. Excadrill and Landlos can both check it an then there is ScarfChomp who you cant OHKO with SD LO Extremespeed so is a big issue. Conkeldurr can also take an Extremespeed with its immense physical bulk and Mach Punch for the KO.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -SAtk) / Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Shadow Ball
- Vacuum Wave
The Nasty Plotter. Lucario's second most popular set and for good reason and it hits just as hard but from the polar opposite attacking spectrum. Nasty Plot Lucario can quickly shred through even through the best stall teams and it even OHKO's Calm Blissey after a boost, it even causes problems for offense and people who rely on scarfers and Pokemon not resistant to Vacuum Wave to deal with it like ScarfTran. Aura Sphere and Shadow Ball have un-resisted coverage with Vacuum Wave to pick of frail faster Pokemon and backed up by Nasty Plot boosting its spacial attack to scary levels this should be a thought to every team builder.
Nothing particularly likes dealing with this set. Defensive Gyarados and any Salamence are at the top of the list as fas as counters and checks go. Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, Gliscor and Zapdos are shortly behind those. Conkeldurr remains a huge issue as always with its Mach Punch. Lati@s can check and revenge kill, as can Gengar. Both KO with HP Fire or Focus Blast respsectively. Chandelure also beats Modest versions and the scarfer beats all versions and in Dream World even has Shadow Tag so Lucario cant evens switch. Ulgamoth can also check this set quite easily with its great special bulk.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 6 HP
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Agility
- Close Combat
- Crunch
- Ice Punch
"AgiliLuke" uses Agility to boost its average Speed to allow it to sweep without requiring the use of priority moves. Close Combat deals with Heatran, Blissey, and Snorlax, while the second slot deals with ghost-types and psychic-types. Ice Punch beats Gliscor. AgiliLuke is very tough to revenge kill and has excellent coverage, making it a huge threat to many offensive teams that rely on resistances for overall team defenses. Resisting almost every priority move in the game also works in AgiliLuke's favor.
<Counters>
Lucario @ Choice Specs
Trait: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Aura Sphere
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Shadow Ball
- Vacuum Wave
"SpecsLuke" is another common special attacking Lucario set, working off of Lucario's strongest stat, which maxes out at 361. Aura Sphere is a very reliable STAB attack thanks to its perfect accuracy and good base power. Focus Blast can be used to 2HKO Calm Blissey, but its accuracy and PP are far lower. Vacuum Wave is useful for Tyranitar and faster Pokémon in general, while Shadow Ball beats the likes of Cresselia, Celebi, and Gengar. Hidden Power beats either Gliscor or the dragons respectively.
Tentacruel is a solid choice to counter SpecsLuke, resisting its STAB attack and taking little damage from anything else. Spiritomb is equally effective in taking SpecsLuke's hits. Blissey is only 3HKOed by Aura Sphere, so she can work as a counter when she is at full health. While Stealth Rock damage hurts it, Gyarados is a good choice with its 100 base Special Defense and resistance to Aura Sphere.
---Gengar---
Gengar is very unpredictable, and it can abuse many different strategies. Gengar is one of the fastest sleep inducers in the game, and it gets tremendous coverage with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast (which sometimes can even be Focus Punch). Gengar also has a good ability along with good defensive typing, allowing it to come in on many attacks. Gengar can also use status moves like Will-O-Wisp to hamper any sweeper that is daring enough to come in on it, and TrickScarf can cause all kinds of problems. Gengar may be Pursuit weak but that isnt as common in practise as it easily destroys them with ways around its downfalls. Even in gen 5 Gengar is still a massive threat.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
- Pain Split
Substitute Life Orb Gengar is Gengars most threatening and most common sets because it easily beats its its #1 counter in Blissey and its #1 checks in Scizor and Scarfers. Substitute is a great scouting move and gives Gengar the heads up on its switch in which it can then nail them with the un-flawed coverage of Shadow Ball and Focus Blast. As Substitute and Life Orb damage along with residual damage really adds up, Gengar can utilize Pain Split fantastically stripping HP from would be counters such as Blissey and Snorlax of their HP whilst healing itself almost fully which also puts them into KO range more often than not.
Substitute Life Orb Gengar is notoriously hard to counter and check. Calm Blissey with a special attack can go head to head with it sometimes but Toxic Spikes are commonly used on the same team as Gengar so she must be very careful, but otherwise she is a fine check as she can PP stall Focus Blast. Scizor, Sp.Def Forretress and Skarmory are 1 time checks as they can break the Sub but Focus Blast deals heavy damage. Scarfers such as Jirachi also serve as a 1 time check. Spiritomb is probably the best counter around though and can rest off the damage, including Toxic Spikes damage. Sp.Def Rest Talk Gyarados is a fine check as its never 2hko'd by Shadow Ball and can heal off the damage and either Roar Gengar or hit it with Waterfall, Rest Suicune in a similar vein works and can Calm Mind up on Gengar. Other things like Togekiss with Special Defense evs can counter this set as it doesn't care about anything Gengar is packing. Really though not letting Gengar get in a Substitute is an ok way to deal with it, but this can sometimes be hard thanks to Gengars resistances and immunities. Mandibuzz gets a shout out as a 100% surefire counter taking 33% maximum from Focus Blast and resisting Shadow Ball.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Hypnosis
With this set, Gengar hits every Pokémon in the game for neutral damage, and hits everything hard in general. What makes Gengar so dangerous is its ability to put its counter asleep and then continue sweeping. This set has lost a little bit of its effectiveness due to the accuracy drop of Hypnosis and losing to Pursuit which the first set doesn't do. However it still has that awesome unflawed coverage of ghost and fighting with an two extra slots which can help in some situations namely against flying types and steels.
Blissey and Snorlax are both good choices for walling Gengar's attacks. A Calm RestTalk Zapdos can take Gengar's attacks and laugh off Hypnosis, and a RestTalk Spiritomb can do the same. Sometimes, it is a good idea to bring in a status absorber to take Hypnosis and then something else to take Gengar's attacks. Without Hidden Power Fire, neutral steels like Scizor are a big problem for Gengar.
Gengar @ Leftovers / Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Substitute / Protect
- Hidden Power [Fire]
With Scizor usage on the rise this in turn killed Gengars usage due to Bullet Punch and Pursuit decimating it, it wasn't long though before Gengar made a fight back to overcome it. By placing Protect (Life Orb) or Substitute (Leftovers) over Thunderbolt, this gives Gengar a heads up against its biggest counter and allows it to easily dispatch of it with Hidden Power Fire. Hidden power Fire also hurts Sp.Def Payback Forretress who would otherwise be a good check. Otherwise though this plays like the standard Gengar with the un-resisted combo of stab Shadow Ball and Focus Blast.
As this has the same coverage and power as the standard Gengar the same counters will work against it, except Pursuit isnt going to work well because Gengar will stay in if you use that and nail your Pursuiter badly. Blissey with a special attack always beats this version of Gengar 1 vs 1. Revenge killing also works as Gengar is very frail. Scarfers like Hydreigon and the like can also check it well.
Gengar @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Trick / Hidden Power [Ice]
"ScarfGar" has been one of Gengar's most popular movesets for a long time, and it is still an effective revenge killer. While Pursuit users are a hindrance to Gengar and the rise of Bullet Punch Scizor as not helped in any way, Gengar is still one of the best revenge killers around, effectively beating sweepers like DD Gyarados and DDMence. Trick makes life hard for standard special walls as well, which makes ScarfGar an attractive option. Choice Specs can be used in favor of Choice Scarf to turn Gengar into an attacker rather than a revenge killer with its amazing coverage.
The same Pokémon that can beat the Life Orber will beat ScarfGar and SpecsGar, but Trick can cause problems for walls and tanks like Blissey and Snorlax. Pokémon with Pursuit that come in on the right move will trap and kill Gengar, and ScarfGar isn't very hard to outpredict.
---Infernape---
Infernape is fast and can pick apart opposing teams with its many attacking options. Infernape can't switch in on much but it can do a ton of damage if it gets in. Its offensive typing is really good and its movepool is nothing short of outstanding. Despite being very frail, Infernape also makes a good counter to Weavile. Almost nothing can stop a well-played Infernape. It does have to compete with Blaziken in gen 5 now though who got Speed Boost, but still Infernape gets things Blaziken doesnt, such as Grass Knot. Infernape also got the cool move Cheer Up which lets it further its mix sweeping role.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Close Combat
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Nasty Plot / Work Up
"MixApe" can easily demolish most walls in the OU metagame in the blink of an eye. Infernape is a great stall breaker, and if the counter for it goes down, Infernape is going to sweep. After a Nasty Plot, Grass Knot is a OHKO on most common bulky waters and all bulky grounds outside of Gliscor, who is OHKOed by a boosted Flamethrower. Close Combat takes care of Blissey and Snorlax, of course. Hidden Power Ice is a common sight on Mixape and is used over Nasty Plot to net a guaranteed kill on Dragonite. Work Up is also a fantastic option in the last slot as it boosts both of Infernapes attacking stats by +1 thus powering up Close Combat too.
Countering MixApe usually requires a bulky Pokémon. Tentacruel and Vaporeon are the most common counters, though the latter takes a lot of damage from Grass Knot and Close Combats. Starmie is a popular counter and Cresselia is always a good choice as well. Specially Defensive Gyarados is also a fantastic counter to this set, less bulky versions have to be careful of Nasty Plotted Grass Knots though. Lati@s also walls MixApe with ease. Generally, faster Pokémon with a Ground- or Psychic-type move do in Infernape if they can switch in safely or revenge kill it.
Infernape @ Choice Band
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Stone Edge / ThunderPunch
- U-Turn / ThunderPunch
Choice Band Infernape can scout any team with U-Turn or do enormous amounts of damage with its two 120 base power STAB attacks. Stone Edge beats Gyarados, while ThunderPunch does a lot to water-typed MixApe counters like Tentacruel and Slowbro while still hurting Gyarados, but the powerful Salamence will be a problem without Stone Edge.
The most defensive Hippowdon, Slowbro, Swampert, and Suicune are very effective at countering this set. All four will still take heavy damage in the process, which shows how powerful this set is. U-Turn also helps remedy the Lati@s and Starmie issue, but both still can check it. Burungeru was it without ThunderPunch. Otherwise just outpredict it. If all else fails revenge killing is useful.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 64 SAtk / 192 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Stone Edge
- U-Turn / Mach Punch / Grass Knot
Physical Mixape is the same as the first set as its made to break down walls, however this Infernape hits ALOT harder on the physical side which makes a mockery of its usual counters. Stone Edge also gives Infernape a powerful weapon to destroy Gyarados, Salamence and Zapdos potentially OHKOing all of them if they have no defensive investments and also 2HKO's Tentacruel with Stealth Rock support. The last slot is to fit the team Infernape is on. U-Turn hurts counters like Starmie badly and also escapes them in the process which wears them down greatly. Mach Punch gives utility as a revenge killer nabbing kills on Sub Petaya Empoleon, Tyranitar, Lucario whilst Grass Knot allows Infernape to take on Swampert and other Bulky water, but it will usually invest more into special attack (~80 taken from Attack) if it does so be careful of that.
This set in general is alot harder to deal with than most Infernape sets as it can hit all of its counters hard. Suicune would be one of the best counters to this set though and a VERY bulky Gyarados. Other water types such as Starmie, Tentacruel and Vaporeon serve as excellent checks as always. Revenge killing obviously works too, as long as the Pokemon isnt weak to Mach Punch. Burungeru also walls this set rather easily. This set again struggles with Lati@s, though U-Turn helps a little.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz / Fire Punch.
- Mach Punch / Stone Edge
Swords Dance Infernape is one of the best wall breakers in the entire game. Hardly anything can wall this after a boost. To put this in perspective this set can KO even Hippowdons with a boosted +2 LO Iron Fist Close Combat which is a frightening prospect indeed. Gyarados and Salamence dont even stand a chance as both are OHKO'd after a boost even factoring Intimidate by a boosted Stone Edge or Close Combat after SR damage with a Swords Dance. The powerful fighting and fire attacks rip into everything else too. A Swords Danced Mach Punch also can OHKO a Scarf Heatran which makes even revenge killing this set hard sometimes with Iron Fist. Tentacruel and Vaporeon dont wall this set either as both are OHKO'd by a boosted Stone Edge and Close Combat respectively.
Nothing particularly likes taking hits from this due to the power and coverage. Starmie is a fantastic counter to this set as it outspeeds and quickly dispatches with Surf. but that is still powerful with Iron Fist so be careful. Burungeru is a good counter as ever though and so are the Lati twins. Faster resists are usually your best bet if all else fails or bulky Scarfers like Garchomp. Luckily Infernape is frail so priory and LO recoil can undo it easily.
---Metagross---
Metagross is an incredible sweeper, lead, wall, and supporter. Metagross can do it all, and with great typing, great Attack and Defense, and a great movepool, it's easy to see why. Metagross can set up Stealth Rock, take all kinds of attacks thanks to its long list of resistances. Explosions nerf did harm Metagross alot though as it can no longer OHKO Skarmory or anything physically defensive with a CB boom, but it still makes up for that. Metagross also gained a few new cool toys like Hone Claws in gen 5. It's almost like there's nothing Metagross can't do, which makes it versatile and unpredictable despite carrying rather similar movesets all the time. Its role is always changing, which makes it a unique and truly useful Pokémon and a very dangerous threat for those fighting against it.
Metagross @ Choice Band
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 12 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt / Bullet Punch
- Trick / Pursuit
"CBGross" can break through even the sturdiest walls in OUs. With an Attack boost, Meteor Mash 2HKOs Hippowdon, the sturdiest physical wall in the tier. Earthquake is here for steels like Heatran and Magnezone, both are huge threats to Metagross. Bullet Punch gives Metagross a priority move, which is useful for netting quick kills on weakened Azelf and Gengar. Zen Headbutt on the other hand massacres Rotom-W and Swampert and also covers Gyarados and fliers like Zapdos. Trick cripples any wall looking to stop Metagross. Pursuit takes out things like Latios.
Defensive Zapdos is a good counter, as is Swampert. Hippowdon and Gliscor both work, though Meteor Mash can really sting. Bronzong is effective at walling Metagross as well. Bulky waters are all good counters as long as they stay out of the way of Zen Headbutt, though Earthquake can do a fair amount of damage to most of them too. Rotom-W and H cause issues most of the time as they resist everything apart from Zen Headbutt. Ferrothorn also walls everything is can do bar EQ and it doesnt take much from those. Skarmory works too as long as it avoids Trick which will be annoying. Forretress can set up on Metagross too. Faster ground and Fire types types like Garchomp, Infernape and Heatran will cause pain for Metagross too on the revenge kill.
Metagross @ Air Balloon / Life Orb / Leftovers
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Agility
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt / Ice Punch / ThunderPunch
"Agiligross" takes advantage of Agility to boost Metagross's poor Speed stat to allow it to sweep. While AgiliGross isn't very difficult to wall, a lot of offensive teams don't have an answer for AgiliGross, and it can easily sweep unprepared offensive teams with its powerful steel STAB and good coverage. Earthquake is one again your best bet against grounded steels. Zen Headbutt is here as Explosion was nerfed and helps with Swampert and Gyarados and Zapdos again. Ice Punch on the other hand crushes Garchomp and Gliscor switch ins and can beat them thanks to Air Balloon. ThunderPunch is for waters and Skarmory.
Countering AgiliGross is much easier than countering CBGross. Bulky waters and grounds work and Zapdos still does too. Skarmory, Ferrothorn and Bronzong can wall AgiliGross as well. Most of the previous counters work even better here as this set is much weaker. Balloon Heatran is resists the whole set here and can KO with Fire Blast. Excadrill, Scarf Landlorus and ScarfChomp outspeed even after an Agility and can OHKO with Earthquake should Air Balloon not be present.
Metagross @ Air Balloon / Leftovers / Life Orb
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Hone Claws
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- ThunderPunch / Bullet Punch
Hone Claws can be a blessing to Metagross as it is often unable to muscle its way past bulkier checks and counter. Hone Claws increases Metagross's already awesome attack by +1 and also increases Meteor Mash's accuracy which misses at vital times sometimes. Earthquake covers steels as before whilst the last slot is up to what it wants to hit. ThunderPunch nails Skarmory and waters whilst Bullet Punch can pick off faster pokemon at low health.
Swampert and other ground types like Hippowdon and Gliscor are probably the best bests here but +1 Meteor Mash will hurt the latter 2 alot. Faster fire types and ground types will obviously be annoying. Things such as Infenape and Garchomp for example. Rotom-W walls this set and can outspeed and burn Metagross to make it useless. Bronzong resists the whole set and can retaliate with Earthquake. Ferrothorn is cares about nothing this set can thow out and can just Leech Seed Metagross all day long and beat it with ease.
By Anti Pop Culture Warrior
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Introduction
The release of Black and White introduced many new Pokémon and a few mechanics changes, many of them being of assistance to sweepers rather than walls. With more Pokemon than ever before and more movesets being discovered, more threats than ever loom in every corner on almost every team in today's fast-paced metagame. This guide gives a complete list of what Pokémon you might run into and how to reliably defeat them.
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Threat List
Here are the sweepers that you have to be able to defeat when battling in the Standard/OU Metagame. There will be a moveset listed, a description of it, and how to counter that particular moveset. It will descend roughly in the order of the popularity of both the Pokémon and the combined popularity of the movesets listed. Only offensive threats are listed, defensive Pokémon will be farther down on the list because their one attacking set isn't as common as their defensive one. It's not supposed to be exact though, especially given how much things can change.
---Scizor---
Scizor is still a huge threat in Black and White with Technician, STAB-boosted Bullet Punch which keeps many threat in check as well as Swords Dance and Superpower at its disposal. Scizor is very bulky with pretty decent defensive typing, which makes it a very resilient sweeper. It also has very high Attack and threatens to pass stat-up boosts with Baton Pass, though it is most threatening as a CBer or SD sweeper. Not only that, but Scizor also can make great use of Pursuit and can Roost off Life Orb recoil if it wants to. Scizor can also scout with a Choice Banded U-Turn while doing a lot of damage in the process. Scizor has many things going for it that make it into a powerful Pokémon that cannot be ignored.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd or 200 HP / 56 Atk / 252 SDef
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Bullet Punch
- U-Turn
- Superpower / Brick Break
- Pursuit
Choice Band Scizor is more of an immediate threat than SD Scizor, and it has some very interesting uses and is by far Scizors most common set. Pursuit (which is boosted by Technician) will decimate ScarfGar and Lati@s (which Scizor sometimes uses special defense evs for) on the revenge kill assuming they aren't using an attack that will knock out Scizor such as HP Fire. U-Turn provides a solid STAB attack that is very useful for scouting on top of doing damage, and Bullet Punch (also boosted by Technician, obviously) gives Scizor some revenge killing capabilities. Superpower wastes Heatran and Blissey in one hit. Choice Band Scizor is generally powerful and is a force that any team should be prepared for.
Defensive Zapdos is a good choice thanks to Heat Wave and Gyarados is another solid choice for countering it thanks to Intimidate, bulk and flying typing. Skarmory can Whirlwind it away, though it can't do any real damage to Scizor but it can set up Spikes which make it so Scizor cannot spam U-Turn all match. As long as it avoids Brick Break and can outspeed Scizor (and it usually can), Heatran is a decent switch-in. Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor every time with a Choice Scarf, but it can't switch in risk-free. Rotom-H can beat it easily via burning it and has the added bonus of destroying it with Overheat. Bulky Ghosts like Dusknoir, Chandeure, Dusclops, Cofagrigus and Jellicent wall Scizor with ease and can all burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Nidoqueen walls it rather well too and can hit it with Flamethrower as can defensive Salamence. Remember though, CB Scizor may be easy to check but you will find Stealth Rock + U-Turn wears down even the most solid counters so 4X resists to U-Turn are usually better.
Scizor @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Trait: Technician
EVs: 232 HP / 96 Atk / 180 SpD
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- Bug Bite / SuperPower
Bulky Roost SD Scizor is a threat not many people are prepared for in the B/W ou metagame. This version of Scizor is tailor made to counter and check many top threats such as Lati@s, Gengar and Reuniclus. It also sets up on would be checks to the CBer such as Gliscor and other bulky walls and tanks thanks to Roost. Swords Dance and Bullet Punch are still here and even with only 96 Attack evs will do massive amounts of damage. For example it OHKO's Gengar after Stealth Rock damage even without the SD boost. Bug Bite joins it for coverage and the Technician boost which makes it even more powerful. SuperPower is here for problem Steel and Fire Pokemon. This Scizor is an even bigger threat on Rain Dance teams thanks to the rain halving the power of fire-type attacks that so often hold Scizor back.
The same things that counter the CBer will generally counter the SDer. Steel types are at the top of the list, most notably Heatran. Magnezone works well too beware of SuperPower and Hidden Power Fire also may not OHKO this ev spread from ScarfZone. Zapdos walls bulky Roost Scizor with ease and has Heat Wave to OHKO. Impish Roar Gyarados takes little damage from everything and can force it out and racking up Spikes damage as can Skarmory, however as last Pokemon (meaning they cannot PHaze) Scizor will destroy both. Defensive Salamence can hit it with Flamethrower and can take its hits. Chandelure can take all of Scizors hits and KO back. Rotom-W and H make nice checks with HP Fire and Overheat respectively, possibly with Will-O-Wisp too. Bulky ghosts with Will-o-Wisp, Flamethrower Nidoqueen, Fire Punch Jirachi and Drought Ninetales are massive obstacles for this set so make good checks too. Walls and offensive Pokemon which cannot do sufficent damage will be set up on though, things like Gliscor, Metagross, Haxorus and non LO or Specs Starmie etc.
Scizor @ Life Orb
Trait: Technician
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Brick Break / Superpower
Offensive Swords Dance Scizor is a very potent threat and takes a more offensive approach on the previous set. After a Swords Dance, Bullet Punch does incredible amounts of damage to all kinds of Pokémon, including a few that actually resist the attack. Bug Bite is Scizor's way of destroying waters letting it OHKO many of them such as Vapoeon after a boost, while Brick Break/Superpower deals with steel-types. The latter is able to OHKO Heatran and Magnezone switch ins even unboosted and also 2hkoing Skarmory after a Swords Dance boost. Technician is what really helps Scizor shine, as the power boost to Bullet Punch is always welcome in addition to making Bug Bite Scarily powerful especial with max attack evs.
Heatran and Zapdos destroy it with their respective fire moves and bulky ghosts are excellent checks still as they can tank its moves and Will-O-Wisp Scizor. HP Fire Mangezone shuts SD Scizors sweep down completely and traps it. Hidden Power Fire Rotom-W 4x resists Bullet Punch and can OHKO the bug with ease, the same can be said about Rotom-H who can use Overheat. Both have the option of burning it too. Gyarados works thanks to Intimidate and its typing as can defensive Salamence with a fire move. Fire Punch Jirachi and Flamethrower Nidoqueen can stop its sweep. Once again walls which cannot do much to it must beware though as SD Scizor will easily overwhelm things like Skarmory, Gliscor and Hippowdon.
---Heatran---
Heatran is one of the most common Pokémon in the OU metagame, and for a good reason. Gen 5 is a mixed bag for Heatran on one hand it got alot more counters and checks with things like Jellicent, Mach Punch becoming common and Drizzle Politoed but on the other hand Drought makes it even better. It has a long list of resistances thanks to its great defensive typing and the defenses to abuse them. It also has an astounding 130 base Special Attack and the Flash Fire ability, which makes Heatran a sturdy and powerful attacking force or a strong and resilient defensive Pokémon depending on what set Heatran is running. No matter what it's running, Heatran is a Pokémon that has a huge impact on the metagame.
Heatran @ Balloon / Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Stealth Rock / Nitro Charge
Non Choice Heatran is Heatrans most popular set. Fire Blast is its main STAB move and often stings even when resisted. Hidden Power Ice or Dragon Pulse deals with ScarfTran's Dragon counters while Earth Power deals with opposing Heatran and Tentacruel. Heatran boasts a decent bit of power and excellent coverage with this set, which makes it a potent threat. It can also come in on many popular Pokémon such as Ferrothorn and Scizor and set up Stealth Rock thanks to its many resistances and solid defenses. It even has the option of Nitro Charge sweep late game with the speed boost. Thanks to the Balloon this Heatran can even check boosting Dragons like Garchomp and Salamence in a pinch.
Countering Heatrans non choice set is not very difficult, as its moves will not be boosted unless it gets a Flash Fire boost or is on the same team as Drought Ninetales. Though Nitro Charges speed boost may cause issues especially to non scarf dragon checks. Bulky waters like Suicune, Politoed, Swampert, and Vaporeon all combat Heatran effectively, and standard special walls like Blissey and Snorlax also get the job done. Evo Porygon2 is a smart choice thanks to Trace, which allows it to absorb Heatran's STAB attack. Other than that basically the other counters to the Scarf set mentioned still apply here. Tyranitar can check decently. Revenge killing by Excadrill and faster Scarfers like Landlorus, Garchomp, Hydreigon and Terakion still work. The later 3 can switch into its STAB move too. Though one must be careful of using ground moves, if it has a Air Balloon, you will lose. Once again Heatran really despises STAB fighting priority too from Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Lucario.
Heatran @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Dark Pulse
With a Choice Scarf equipped, Heatran makes a great revenge killer, taking out threats like SD Lucario, Scizor, Heracross, and Outraging dragons with ease. Heatran still hits fairly hard as well, so frail teams can really take a beating if they are too careless, but against bulkier things its rather weak. Fire Blast and Earth Power are its main moves and give great coverage. The 3rd slot takes out dragons with ease whilst the last slot is to hit bulky waters counters decently, with HP Grass for Swampert, Suicune etc and Dark Pulse being specifically for Jellicent, Slowbro and Starmie.
Blissey, Evo Stone Chansey and Snorlax work very well, especially the latter with access to Earthquake and its Thick Fat ability. Porygon2 remains a solid choice. Bulky waters remain good switch-ins such as Vaporeon, as is Tyranitar. Gyarados works but has to worry about Stealth Rock damage piling up, so they aren't good long-term solutions. Rest Talk Gyarados is a fine answer though without HP Electric. Politoed also can switch in and bring Drizzle making its fire moves pathetic for the rest of the match and even more useless against Rain Dance teams. Jellicent also walls it with relative ease. Garchomp, Hydreigon and Lati@s also serve as excellent checks as they can Earthquake or Surf respectively and resist fire. Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Lucario can pick it off at low health with their fighting priority.
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Trait : Flash Fire
Evs: 40 HP / 252 SAtk / 216 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Earth Power
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Choice Specs Heatran isn't as common as its other sets, but this one has the potential to be the scariest. With a Flash Fire boost or on a Drought team there is hardly anything that wants to take hits from this, even water moves are halved so countering it could prove to be hard. Its even capable of 2hkoing the special defensive goddess that is Blissey with Fire Blast and 2hkoing Swampert who resists the move under sunlight which just shows its power. Dragon Pulse OHKO's every dragon in OU now with its boost in power and bulky waters don't even stand a chance against Hidden Power Grass as it 2hko's every one apart from Tentacruel and Gyarados.
Politoed gets a mention as the best thing to switch into Specs Fire Blast because of its Drizzle ability, not only killing Fire Blasts power but cancelling possible sun support too. 4X Fire resists like Kingdra are also excellent against this set. Snorlax works and so do specially defensive bulky waters. Blissey works granted it isn't in the sun or gets a Flash Fire Boost. Tyranitar can also cancel out the sun and has boosted sp.def in the sand to cushion everything but Earth Powers. Most of the other mentioned checks and counters work too such as bulky waters, granted they avoid HP Grass. Faster things as mentioned in the other sets are great as they prey on Heatrans lower speed on this set, like Garchomp and Terakion. Other Heatran make interesting checks as they can get their own Flash Fire boost and resist everything apart from Earth Power, which if they hold a Balloon will be a non issue.
---Tyranitar---
Tyranitar is one of the best Pokémon in the OU tier, hands-down. Its STAB Stone Edge rips apart everything that doesn't resist it, including bulky physical walls like Skarmory. It can use Dragon Dance to boost its mediocre Speed as well, though that isnt as useful in gen 5 as it was in past gens due to its list of weaknesses and faster things even after a DD and also Mach Punch being common. Tyranitar is very bulky however thanks to 100 base HP, 110 base Defense, and 100 base Special Defense which is boosted by 150% by Sandstorm. This allows Tyranitar to come in on several Pokémon despite its long list of weaknesses. There isn't much that can stop Tyranitar from rampaging through a team. With gen 5 Sandstorm is also a fantastic supporting tool, it helps horribly powerful sweepers like Landlorus and Excadrill by activate their abilities which makes Tyranitar a great team player too.
Tyranitar @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 180 SAtk / 76 SpD or 56 Atk / 252 SAtk / 200 Spd
Sassy Nature (+SpD, -Spd) / Hasty Nature (+Spd, -Def) / Naive Nature (+Spd, -SpD)
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock / Stone Edge / SuperPower
This is Tyranitars mix attacking set, capable of putting dents into nearly everything with its wonderful mixed offensive stats. It is usually seen as a tank with Stealth Rock, Sassy and the bulkier spread or as a faster wall breaker with an attack move over Stealth Rock. The faster variant is also EV'd to outspeed minimum speed Gliscor with a +speed nature. Crunch is the stab move of choice accompanied by Ice Beam to shred though ground types and Fire Blast to maul steel checks and counters. Stone Edge is for secondary STAB whilst SuperPower is for other Tyranitar and Heatran.
Not alot counters this set well due to its phenomenal coverage. Swampert is probably the #1 counter taking hardly anything from the moves. Closely behind Swampert are bulky fighting types like Conkeldurr, Machamp, Hitmontop, Hariyama and the like. Scrafty works too but fears SuperPower greatly. Kerudio and Poliwrath stop this set totally and resist everything thanks to their typing. This Tyranitar struggles with bulky waters in general like Vaporeon and Milotic too and can do very little damage to them.
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Aqua Tail / Earthquake
"CBTar" uses its two high-powered Rock and Dark STAB attacks coming of a ridiculous 604 attack to punish the OU metagame, while Pursuit will trap and kill Pokémon like Lati@s and Rapid Spin Starmie. In the last slot, Aqua Tail decimates would-be counters like Hippowdon and Gliscor while doing a number on Lucario and bulky fighting-types. Earthquake is sometimes used instead of Aqua Tail to better deal with said bulky fighting-types a little better and the dangerous Lucario. Though Balloons presence in the standard metagame on ground weak Pokemon makes it a lesser option.
With Aqua Tail, the only safe counters to CBTar are Machamp, Hariyama and Hitmontop. Zuruzukin, Virizion, Poliwrath, Kerudio and Conkeldurr also wall everything it does. Everything else is at least 2HKOed by something Tyranitar can throw at them. If Scizor can avoid Stone Edge, it can force out Tyranitar with the threat of U-Turn and Bullet Punch. Garchomp in addition makes a good check and so does Breloom. Another check is Excadrill. Terakion is an switch in resisting 3/4 of its moves and will get a +1 attack boost from its Heart Of Justice ability if it comes in on a dark move, but watch out for moves in the last slot as they will hurt. Ferrothorn makes a rather good counter too resisting the whole set. Although it cannot switch in, Dugtrio can revenge kill and trap this set quite easily. Swampert is a good counter too, but is 3hko'd by Crunch. Hippowdon can come in on anything not called Aqua Tail as can Gliscor. Faster Skarmory makes a good counter too, being able to Roost on Stone Edges and thus PP stall.
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- SuperPower / Earthquake
Choice Scarf Tyranitar is an anti metagame tool, a good revenge killer and makes a great fast Pursuit user. Many sweepers are at risk from its revenge killing powers including but not limited to non SD Lucario, Starmie, MixMence, Gengar, Laiti@S and a whole host of others that cant outspeed its remarkably good 364 speed stat. Crunch and Pursuit put fragile sweepers into a trap. If they switch they get Pursuited and if they stay in they take a Crunch. Stone Edge lets ScarfTar dispose of threats like Gyarados aswell as being the most powerful move on this set. The last slot is to enable ScarfTar to hit specific targets; SuperPower covers other Tyranitar and also hits most other steel types incredibly hard, Scrafty too whilst Earthquake is your best option against Metagross and Jirachi.
Scarf Tyranitar really isnt too hard to wall, all of the previously mentioned counters work basically. The aforementioned Bulky Fighting types are the best counters, for example Conkeldurr who can also bypass its speed with Mach Punch. Bulky Ground types such as Gliscor, Hippowdon, Swampert etc shut down ScarfTar well. Steel types do fantastically if you don't switch them into one of the moves in the 4th slot. Skarmory walls this set easily too and can set up Spikes on it and Roost of any damage. Ferrothorn is a problem once again for Tyranitar if it gets in on anything not called SuperPower. Dugtrio outspeeds ScarfTar when Jolly and can trap it once again.
Tyranitar @ Air Balloon / Life Orb / Lum Berry
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
"DDTar" attempts to fix Tyranitar's only low stat, which is its Speed. After a Dragon Dance, it will outpace base 110 Speed Pokémon like Gengar and Lati@s. It is normally sent out in the later stages of the match when its counters are weakened and its combination of bulk and power will allow it to overpower the opponent. This set isnt as useful in gen 5 as alot of things still outspeed it after a DD though it can catch a few unprepared teams off guard. It has that scary dual STAB rock and dark combo accompanied by Fire Punch to beat problematic steels such as Ferrothorn.
As with the other sets Fighting types such as Scrafty wall everything this set does, however Virizion and Breloom much watch out for Fire Punch as it will OHKO both of them after a boost. Conkeldurr, Hitmontop and Infernape can even bypass DD Tar's speed boost and hit it with Mach Punch. Ground types also work without Air Balloon but lose horribly if Tyranitar does hold it. Scizor can Bullet Punch to bypass its Dragon Dance boosts.
---Dragonite---
Dragonite has the best movepool of any dragon-type in OUs and the stats to abuse it. Dragonite is really scary in the late game when it can Dragon Dance or Agility once and sweep a team. It also has the ability to break stall with its high-powerful mixed sweeper set. Its defensive typing helps it out a lot, but the weakness to Stealth Rock is a thorn in Dragonite's side. In gen 5 Stealth Rock though has been easier to prevent than ever before with Magic Coat's new rebounding effects, the same with Magic Mirror, not to mention Mischievous Heart Taunt and a horribly powerful spinner in Excadrill. This all means Dragonite can fully abuse new toys like Multi Scale and Hurricane easily, something Salamence can never hope to do.
Dragonite @ Leftovers / Lum Berry
Trait: Multi Scale
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Fire Punch
- Roost
Bulky DD Dragonite has the ability to set up on would-be counters thanks to bulk, Roost and new Multi Scale ability (which multiplies its already good defences by 150% at full health) laughing off Ice Beams and even STAB super effective moves while Dragon Dancing up, this lets it find a niche that Salamence would never dream to accomplish. Dragon Claw is its main STAB though Outrage is an option for STAB with Earthquake for steels. This type of set comes at the expense of Dragonite's coverage though, as certain steel-types like Heatran can easily take even boosted Outrages easily, and without a Lum Berry, status will be a problem.
Heatran totally walls this set. Bulky Waters are the next best counters, especially those with Toxic. Milotic can even PHaze it with Dragon Tail. Pre Evo Stone Porygon2 with Toxic and Ice Beam is great to stop this set. Mamoswine and Weavile still threaten Dragonite with Ice Shard at less that 100% health. Scarf Terakion and other Scarfers like Garchomp and Hydreigon can also revenge kill and check with ease, bear in mind though if Dragonite is at 100% health, hardly anything will OHKO, no matter how strong due to the ridiculous defensive boost Multi Scale grants. Dragon Tail/Roar Impish Gyara can keep PHazing it and checking it with Intimidate. Hippowdon and Swampert can keep PHazing it too. Whimsicottis also a problem with its priority Encore. Icicle Spear Cloyster is a 100% counter as it breaks Multi Scale and OHKO's.
Dragonite @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SpA / 6 Spe
Rash Nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Superpower
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Roost / Extremespeed
"MixNite" follows in the footsteps of MixMence as a powerful mixed sweeper capable of breaking stall wide open. Unlike MixMence's Brick Break, MixNite's Superpower will OHKO Heatran, Blissey, and Tyranitar. It has perfect coverage with Draco Meteor as well, and Fire Blast deals with Metagross, Bronzong, and Skarmory. Roost helps with Life Orb recoil and especially Stealth Rock damage. Extremespeed is useful to pick of low health faster Pokemon and helps with Sash leads should you lead with this set.
Pre Evolution Stone Chansey and Porygon2 are a rather good counters as even SuperPower wont OHKO. Pre Evo Stone Dusclops can work in a similar manner too. Deoxys-D, Milotic, Cresselia, Suicune, and Vaporeon all make good checks with Ice Beam. Burungeru takes a lot of damage from Draco Meteor, but it can work too. Revenge killing and checking is alot easier though. ScarfTar is a good check and can outspeed and hit it with Stone Edge. Steels like Scizor and Heatran can come in on Draco Meteor and do heavy damage. Mamoswine and Weavile can revenge as can Garchomp and Lati@s and basically any scarfer like Terakion.
Dragonite @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant (+Atk, -SAtk) / Jolly Nature (+Sp, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Extremespeed / Earthquake
- Fire Punch
Dragonite can sweep anything in the late stages of a battle with this set, and sometimes it doesn't even have to wait that long. Outrage's side effects are avoided with Speed boosts (preventing most revenge kills) and Lum Berry (blocking out confusion). Earthquake and Fire Punch hits all the steels who are likely to cause issues. Extremespeed is sometimes seen on this set to decimate faster Scarfers, it also takes out Weavile who can no longer Ice Shard you. Extremespeed also helps differentiate itself from Salamence who is otherwise a superior Dragon Dancer.
Pre Evo Stone P2 and Dusclops stop this set. Cresselia, Skarmory and Bronzong are great counters, and bulky waters do the trick though they take a lot from Outrage the only ones who can really stand up to that power is Suicine and a full health Swampert. Hippowdon with Ice Fang or Roar (with with Stealth Rock and SS and LO recoil Nite will be worn down) is a counter. Scarf Jirachi and Scizor are also decent ways in "checking" it, especially after Stealth Rock damage. Porygon2 with Evo Stone beats this set and so can Dusclops. Gyarados (the bulkier the better) serves a good check again. Scarfers like Garchomp and Terakion can outspeed and OHKO even after a DD. Mamoswine can KO with Ice Shard and is bulky enough to take an Extremespeed, the same with Cloyster.
Dragonite @ Leftovers
Trait: Multi Scale
EVs: 224 HP / 252 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) / Quiet Nature (+SAtk, - Spd)
- Hurricane
- Thunder
- Surf / Brick Break
- Roost
This is Dragonites rain tank set and serves a great niche on rain teams. On said rain teams all of its moves gain a significant boost and with can serve as a bulky wall breaker of sorts. Hurricane is the STAB move of choice and becomes 100% accurate in the rain, ripping into almost anthing with its 120 base power and confusion rate. Thunder and Surf are for coverage. Thunder also has 120 power and maims bulky water types and Skarmory. Surf gains psuedo STAB in the rain and hits steel types very hard whilst Brick Break KO's Tyranitar. Roost on the other hand lets it heal off the damage.
Chansey and Blissey are this sets best counter. Rotom-W can take a hit at full health and retaliate with HP Ice. Bronzong can take a hit due to its good bulk and ko with Gyro Ball, as can Metagross. Ice Shard users are also not kinda to this set, infact most priority in general isn't. Revenge killing is viable if Multi Scale isn't activated. Specially Defensive Tyranitar is also rather annoying to this set, not only does it cancel out rain but it removes the power from Surf, can easily take an unboosted one and OHKO back with Ice Beam or Stone Edge but Brick Break will hurt. Sp.Def Jirachi shuts down this Dragonite totally.
Dragonite @ Choice Band
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Outrage
- Extremespeed
- Fire Punch
- Waterfall / SuperPower
Choice Band Dragonite is nothing to laugh at and its definitely up there with the most threatening Choice Banders in the game, its a very powerful threat not only for its sheer power but for coverage and the ability to revenge kill alot of threats solely with Extremespeed too. Extremespeed on this set is 90% as strong as CB Scizor Bullet Punch with better neutrality so has fantastic revenge killing utility and compensates somewhat for its lower speed than that of other top threats. Outrage 2hko's every non steel wall in the entire game which Waterfall, SuperPower and Fire Punch easily take care of.
Countering Choice Band Dragonite is very difficult. Skarmory makes a good switch in along with Suicune, Swampert and Hippowdon. All the latter 3 Pokemon should avoid Outrage however but that shouldn't be a problem as Dragonite will hate locking itself in early game. For that same reason things like Cresselia and again Gyarados work. Scizor and Bronzong are also effective and can come in on anything not named Fire Punch. Revenge killing is far easier though as things like ScarfTran, Scarf Tar, Scarf Garchomp and Scarf Rachi all snap up to opportunity to dispose of Dragonite the same with other fast Ice/Dragon/Rock users. Basically, predict accordingly depending on the situation, get Stealth Rock up and prey on its mediocre speed and this set shouldn't cause too many issues.
---Gyarados---
Gyarados might be easier to stop in gen 5 with Rotom-W becoming part water and also counters like Ferrothorn and checks like Scarf Chomp being quite common, but its great list of resistances and even greater movepool more than make up for this. Gyarados can set up and sweep thanks to Dragon Dance and good attacking options in Waterfall, Earthquake, Stone Edge, and Ice Fang. Gyarados also has the ability to Taunt status and PHazing attempts, though it often doesn't try to anymore given the fast-paced nature of the metagame and the lack of Pokémon that can hurt Gyarados with those strategies. Gyarados is also one of the best RestTalkers in the game thanks to Intimidate and PHazing ability.
Gyarados @ Life Orb
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake / Ice Fang / Bounce
- Stone Edge / Ice Fang / Bounce
Gyarados makes for one powerful sweeper thanks to Dragon Dance. With only one Dragon Dance under its belt, almost nothing can withstand two attacks from Gyarados. Gyarados also has very good coverage with this set, which allows it to hit everything in the OU metagame for at least neutral damage. Waterfall's flinch chance can spell doom for slow walls that would otherwise stop Gyarados as well, which makes it an even bigger threat. Luckily, its 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks makes Gyarados less of a pain to handle.
Rotom-W is the best Gyarados counter period and destroys Gyarados as it can absorb Waterfalls and anything else with ease and can Thunderbolt it OHKOing it. Vaporeon and Suicune that have heavy EV investments in Defense and Hidden Power Electric will do the trick, but they will take a lot of damage in the process. Porygon2 is probably the most reliable counter thanks to Trace throwing Intimidate back at Gyarados and its access to Thunderbolt and Thunder Wave. Tangrowth makes a decent counter, but Ice Fang will do a lot of damage and Bounce does even more. Scarfers like said Rotom, Scarf Stone Edge Garchomp and Scarf ThunderPunch Jirachi easily beat Gyarados too along with Ditto. Scarf Voltolos is also an issue who can Volt Switch which gives the upper hand even if Gyarados switches. Ferrothorn also walls everything Gyarados can do and can Leech Seed and Power Whip for heavy damage or even Thunderwave it. If you lack Ice Fang or Bounce or just flat out DD early game you will regret it as things Whimsicottcome in and destroy you with priority Encore.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 156 HP / 72 Atk / 96 Def / 184 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge / Bounce
- Taunt
"BulkyGyara" is a more sturdy version of the previous set, and while it is significantly less potent as a sweeper, it can still pose a huge threat to teams and is much more difficult to defeat without directly attacking it. This is due to Taunt, which lets it stop Celebi's Thunder Wave and Skarmory's Whirlwind and can totally shut down checks like Eruufun. The EV spread not only allows Gyarados to come in on all kinds of attacks, but it also makes taking assaults like a Skarmory's Brave Bird, Heatans, Scizor and Lucario's assaults much easier.
Again Rotom-W is the best counter in the game to this set as Gyarados cat do anything to it and it can retaliate with T-Bolt. Cresselia with Hidden Power Electric or Charge Beam will always win, and the same bulky Waters that deal with the previous set also do well against BulkyGyara. Porygon2 is one of the best counters for any kind of Gyarados thanks to Trace, its new Evo Stone boost and Thunderbolt. Scarfers with electric moves are also annoying for Bulky Gyarados and Ditto. Then there is Ferrothorn who Gyarados literally cannot do any significant damage to.
---Lucario---
Lucario is a huge threat in today's metagame, and a common one at that. It can hit hard from both ends of the attacking spectrum, meaning that there is almost nothing that can safely switch into Lucario the first time it's out. Even when you know its set, Lucario is powerful enough to sweep your team anyway. Lucario also has many resistances it can come in on, thanks to its good defensive typing, which makes Lucario an even bigger threat. Gen 5 also gave Nasty Plot to the arsenal of Lucario which means Lucario is more unpredictable than ever before.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge / Ice Punch / Crunch
- Extremespeed / Bullet Punch
"SDLuke" is Lucario's most popular moveset, and easily one of its most deadly. After a Swords Dance, Close Combat runs over most physical walls given Stealth Rock support. The third slot takes care of either flying-types or psychic-types that resist Close combat, depending on what move is chosen. the last slot helps patch up Lucario's rather average Speed by giving it a priority move powerful enough to outspeed and OHKO most frail sweepers. SDLuke is commonly seen in the later stages of the game when it can clean up a battle with almost no problems, making it a force to be reckoned with and one of the most powerful physical sweepers in the game.
Assuming it has a significant EV investment in Speed, Gliscor is the number one SDLuke counter and any kind of Gliscor will wall SDLuke as long as it isn't carrying Ice Punch.. Weezing also works with access to Will-O-Wisp and Fire Blast. Without Crunch, Thunder Wave Celebi and Cresselia can come in and rain on SDLuke's parade. If Lucario is running Crunch or Ice Punch, Gyarados make a solid counter especially the Rest Talker. Salamence also can Intimidate and outspeed and also KO with fire or ground moves, it can also heal with Roost so makes an awesome overall Lucario check. Gengar also checks Lucario well, as does Scarf Fire Punch Jirachi. Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Terakion can also revenge kill the aforementioned should be scared of Bullet Punch as it will OHKO all 3 of them after a boost. Excadrill and Landlos can both check it an then there is ScarfChomp who you cant OHKO with SD LO Extremespeed so is a big issue. Conkeldurr can also take an Extremespeed with its immense physical bulk and Mach Punch for the KO.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -SAtk) / Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Aura Sphere
- Shadow Ball
- Vacuum Wave
The Nasty Plotter. Lucario's second most popular set and for good reason and it hits just as hard but from the polar opposite attacking spectrum. Nasty Plot Lucario can quickly shred through even through the best stall teams and it even OHKO's Calm Blissey after a boost, it even causes problems for offense and people who rely on scarfers and Pokemon not resistant to Vacuum Wave to deal with it like ScarfTran. Aura Sphere and Shadow Ball have un-resisted coverage with Vacuum Wave to pick of frail faster Pokemon and backed up by Nasty Plot boosting its spacial attack to scary levels this should be a thought to every team builder.
Nothing particularly likes dealing with this set. Defensive Gyarados and any Salamence are at the top of the list as fas as counters and checks go. Nidoqueen, Tentacruel, Gliscor and Zapdos are shortly behind those. Conkeldurr remains a huge issue as always with its Mach Punch. Lati@s can check and revenge kill, as can Gengar. Both KO with HP Fire or Focus Blast respsectively. Chandelure also beats Modest versions and the scarfer beats all versions and in Dream World even has Shadow Tag so Lucario cant evens switch. Ulgamoth can also check this set quite easily with its great special bulk.
Lucario @ Life Orb
Trait: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 6 HP
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Agility
- Close Combat
- Crunch
- Ice Punch
"AgiliLuke" uses Agility to boost its average Speed to allow it to sweep without requiring the use of priority moves. Close Combat deals with Heatran, Blissey, and Snorlax, while the second slot deals with ghost-types and psychic-types. Ice Punch beats Gliscor. AgiliLuke is very tough to revenge kill and has excellent coverage, making it a huge threat to many offensive teams that rely on resistances for overall team defenses. Resisting almost every priority move in the game also works in AgiliLuke's favor.
<Counters>
Lucario @ Choice Specs
Trait: Steadfast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Aura Sphere
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Dragon Pulse
- Shadow Ball
- Vacuum Wave
"SpecsLuke" is another common special attacking Lucario set, working off of Lucario's strongest stat, which maxes out at 361. Aura Sphere is a very reliable STAB attack thanks to its perfect accuracy and good base power. Focus Blast can be used to 2HKO Calm Blissey, but its accuracy and PP are far lower. Vacuum Wave is useful for Tyranitar and faster Pokémon in general, while Shadow Ball beats the likes of Cresselia, Celebi, and Gengar. Hidden Power beats either Gliscor or the dragons respectively.
Tentacruel is a solid choice to counter SpecsLuke, resisting its STAB attack and taking little damage from anything else. Spiritomb is equally effective in taking SpecsLuke's hits. Blissey is only 3HKOed by Aura Sphere, so she can work as a counter when she is at full health. While Stealth Rock damage hurts it, Gyarados is a good choice with its 100 base Special Defense and resistance to Aura Sphere.
---Gengar---
Gengar is very unpredictable, and it can abuse many different strategies. Gengar is one of the fastest sleep inducers in the game, and it gets tremendous coverage with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast (which sometimes can even be Focus Punch). Gengar also has a good ability along with good defensive typing, allowing it to come in on many attacks. Gengar can also use status moves like Will-O-Wisp to hamper any sweeper that is daring enough to come in on it, and TrickScarf can cause all kinds of problems. Gengar may be Pursuit weak but that isnt as common in practise as it easily destroys them with ways around its downfalls. Even in gen 5 Gengar is still a massive threat.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
- Pain Split
Substitute Life Orb Gengar is Gengars most threatening and most common sets because it easily beats its its #1 counter in Blissey and its #1 checks in Scizor and Scarfers. Substitute is a great scouting move and gives Gengar the heads up on its switch in which it can then nail them with the un-flawed coverage of Shadow Ball and Focus Blast. As Substitute and Life Orb damage along with residual damage really adds up, Gengar can utilize Pain Split fantastically stripping HP from would be counters such as Blissey and Snorlax of their HP whilst healing itself almost fully which also puts them into KO range more often than not.
Substitute Life Orb Gengar is notoriously hard to counter and check. Calm Blissey with a special attack can go head to head with it sometimes but Toxic Spikes are commonly used on the same team as Gengar so she must be very careful, but otherwise she is a fine check as she can PP stall Focus Blast. Scizor, Sp.Def Forretress and Skarmory are 1 time checks as they can break the Sub but Focus Blast deals heavy damage. Scarfers such as Jirachi also serve as a 1 time check. Spiritomb is probably the best counter around though and can rest off the damage, including Toxic Spikes damage. Sp.Def Rest Talk Gyarados is a fine check as its never 2hko'd by Shadow Ball and can heal off the damage and either Roar Gengar or hit it with Waterfall, Rest Suicune in a similar vein works and can Calm Mind up on Gengar. Other things like Togekiss with Special Defense evs can counter this set as it doesn't care about anything Gengar is packing. Really though not letting Gengar get in a Substitute is an ok way to deal with it, but this can sometimes be hard thanks to Gengars resistances and immunities. Mandibuzz gets a shout out as a 100% surefire counter taking 33% maximum from Focus Blast and resisting Shadow Ball.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Hypnosis
With this set, Gengar hits every Pokémon in the game for neutral damage, and hits everything hard in general. What makes Gengar so dangerous is its ability to put its counter asleep and then continue sweeping. This set has lost a little bit of its effectiveness due to the accuracy drop of Hypnosis and losing to Pursuit which the first set doesn't do. However it still has that awesome unflawed coverage of ghost and fighting with an two extra slots which can help in some situations namely against flying types and steels.
Blissey and Snorlax are both good choices for walling Gengar's attacks. A Calm RestTalk Zapdos can take Gengar's attacks and laugh off Hypnosis, and a RestTalk Spiritomb can do the same. Sometimes, it is a good idea to bring in a status absorber to take Hypnosis and then something else to take Gengar's attacks. Without Hidden Power Fire, neutral steels like Scizor are a big problem for Gengar.
Gengar @ Leftovers / Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Substitute / Protect
- Hidden Power [Fire]
With Scizor usage on the rise this in turn killed Gengars usage due to Bullet Punch and Pursuit decimating it, it wasn't long though before Gengar made a fight back to overcome it. By placing Protect (Life Orb) or Substitute (Leftovers) over Thunderbolt, this gives Gengar a heads up against its biggest counter and allows it to easily dispatch of it with Hidden Power Fire. Hidden power Fire also hurts Sp.Def Payback Forretress who would otherwise be a good check. Otherwise though this plays like the standard Gengar with the un-resisted combo of stab Shadow Ball and Focus Blast.
As this has the same coverage and power as the standard Gengar the same counters will work against it, except Pursuit isnt going to work well because Gengar will stay in if you use that and nail your Pursuiter badly. Blissey with a special attack always beats this version of Gengar 1 vs 1. Revenge killing also works as Gengar is very frail. Scarfers like Hydreigon and the like can also check it well.
Gengar @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Spd / 252 SAtk
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Trick / Hidden Power [Ice]
"ScarfGar" has been one of Gengar's most popular movesets for a long time, and it is still an effective revenge killer. While Pursuit users are a hindrance to Gengar and the rise of Bullet Punch Scizor as not helped in any way, Gengar is still one of the best revenge killers around, effectively beating sweepers like DD Gyarados and DDMence. Trick makes life hard for standard special walls as well, which makes ScarfGar an attractive option. Choice Specs can be used in favor of Choice Scarf to turn Gengar into an attacker rather than a revenge killer with its amazing coverage.
The same Pokémon that can beat the Life Orber will beat ScarfGar and SpecsGar, but Trick can cause problems for walls and tanks like Blissey and Snorlax. Pokémon with Pursuit that come in on the right move will trap and kill Gengar, and ScarfGar isn't very hard to outpredict.
---Infernape---
Infernape is fast and can pick apart opposing teams with its many attacking options. Infernape can't switch in on much but it can do a ton of damage if it gets in. Its offensive typing is really good and its movepool is nothing short of outstanding. Despite being very frail, Infernape also makes a good counter to Weavile. Almost nothing can stop a well-played Infernape. It does have to compete with Blaziken in gen 5 now though who got Speed Boost, but still Infernape gets things Blaziken doesnt, such as Grass Knot. Infernape also got the cool move Cheer Up which lets it further its mix sweeping role.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Close Combat
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Nasty Plot / Work Up
"MixApe" can easily demolish most walls in the OU metagame in the blink of an eye. Infernape is a great stall breaker, and if the counter for it goes down, Infernape is going to sweep. After a Nasty Plot, Grass Knot is a OHKO on most common bulky waters and all bulky grounds outside of Gliscor, who is OHKOed by a boosted Flamethrower. Close Combat takes care of Blissey and Snorlax, of course. Hidden Power Ice is a common sight on Mixape and is used over Nasty Plot to net a guaranteed kill on Dragonite. Work Up is also a fantastic option in the last slot as it boosts both of Infernapes attacking stats by +1 thus powering up Close Combat too.
Countering MixApe usually requires a bulky Pokémon. Tentacruel and Vaporeon are the most common counters, though the latter takes a lot of damage from Grass Knot and Close Combats. Starmie is a popular counter and Cresselia is always a good choice as well. Specially Defensive Gyarados is also a fantastic counter to this set, less bulky versions have to be careful of Nasty Plotted Grass Knots though. Lati@s also walls MixApe with ease. Generally, faster Pokémon with a Ground- or Psychic-type move do in Infernape if they can switch in safely or revenge kill it.
Infernape @ Choice Band
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Stone Edge / ThunderPunch
- U-Turn / ThunderPunch
Choice Band Infernape can scout any team with U-Turn or do enormous amounts of damage with its two 120 base power STAB attacks. Stone Edge beats Gyarados, while ThunderPunch does a lot to water-typed MixApe counters like Tentacruel and Slowbro while still hurting Gyarados, but the powerful Salamence will be a problem without Stone Edge.
The most defensive Hippowdon, Slowbro, Swampert, and Suicune are very effective at countering this set. All four will still take heavy damage in the process, which shows how powerful this set is. U-Turn also helps remedy the Lati@s and Starmie issue, but both still can check it. Burungeru was it without ThunderPunch. Otherwise just outpredict it. If all else fails revenge killing is useful.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 64 SAtk / 192 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Stone Edge
- U-Turn / Mach Punch / Grass Knot
Physical Mixape is the same as the first set as its made to break down walls, however this Infernape hits ALOT harder on the physical side which makes a mockery of its usual counters. Stone Edge also gives Infernape a powerful weapon to destroy Gyarados, Salamence and Zapdos potentially OHKOing all of them if they have no defensive investments and also 2HKO's Tentacruel with Stealth Rock support. The last slot is to fit the team Infernape is on. U-Turn hurts counters like Starmie badly and also escapes them in the process which wears them down greatly. Mach Punch gives utility as a revenge killer nabbing kills on Sub Petaya Empoleon, Tyranitar, Lucario whilst Grass Knot allows Infernape to take on Swampert and other Bulky water, but it will usually invest more into special attack (~80 taken from Attack) if it does so be careful of that.
This set in general is alot harder to deal with than most Infernape sets as it can hit all of its counters hard. Suicune would be one of the best counters to this set though and a VERY bulky Gyarados. Other water types such as Starmie, Tentacruel and Vaporeon serve as excellent checks as always. Revenge killing obviously works too, as long as the Pokemon isnt weak to Mach Punch. Burungeru also walls this set rather easily. This set again struggles with Lati@s, though U-Turn helps a little.
Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz / Fire Punch.
- Mach Punch / Stone Edge
Swords Dance Infernape is one of the best wall breakers in the entire game. Hardly anything can wall this after a boost. To put this in perspective this set can KO even Hippowdons with a boosted +2 LO Iron Fist Close Combat which is a frightening prospect indeed. Gyarados and Salamence dont even stand a chance as both are OHKO'd after a boost even factoring Intimidate by a boosted Stone Edge or Close Combat after SR damage with a Swords Dance. The powerful fighting and fire attacks rip into everything else too. A Swords Danced Mach Punch also can OHKO a Scarf Heatran which makes even revenge killing this set hard sometimes with Iron Fist. Tentacruel and Vaporeon dont wall this set either as both are OHKO'd by a boosted Stone Edge and Close Combat respectively.
Nothing particularly likes taking hits from this due to the power and coverage. Starmie is a fantastic counter to this set as it outspeeds and quickly dispatches with Surf. but that is still powerful with Iron Fist so be careful. Burungeru is a good counter as ever though and so are the Lati twins. Faster resists are usually your best bet if all else fails or bulky Scarfers like Garchomp. Luckily Infernape is frail so priory and LO recoil can undo it easily.
---Metagross---
Metagross is an incredible sweeper, lead, wall, and supporter. Metagross can do it all, and with great typing, great Attack and Defense, and a great movepool, it's easy to see why. Metagross can set up Stealth Rock, take all kinds of attacks thanks to its long list of resistances. Explosions nerf did harm Metagross alot though as it can no longer OHKO Skarmory or anything physically defensive with a CB boom, but it still makes up for that. Metagross also gained a few new cool toys like Hone Claws in gen 5. It's almost like there's nothing Metagross can't do, which makes it versatile and unpredictable despite carrying rather similar movesets all the time. Its role is always changing, which makes it a unique and truly useful Pokémon and a very dangerous threat for those fighting against it.
Metagross @ Choice Band
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 12 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt / Bullet Punch
- Trick / Pursuit
"CBGross" can break through even the sturdiest walls in OUs. With an Attack boost, Meteor Mash 2HKOs Hippowdon, the sturdiest physical wall in the tier. Earthquake is here for steels like Heatran and Magnezone, both are huge threats to Metagross. Bullet Punch gives Metagross a priority move, which is useful for netting quick kills on weakened Azelf and Gengar. Zen Headbutt on the other hand massacres Rotom-W and Swampert and also covers Gyarados and fliers like Zapdos. Trick cripples any wall looking to stop Metagross. Pursuit takes out things like Latios.
Defensive Zapdos is a good counter, as is Swampert. Hippowdon and Gliscor both work, though Meteor Mash can really sting. Bronzong is effective at walling Metagross as well. Bulky waters are all good counters as long as they stay out of the way of Zen Headbutt, though Earthquake can do a fair amount of damage to most of them too. Rotom-W and H cause issues most of the time as they resist everything apart from Zen Headbutt. Ferrothorn also walls everything is can do bar EQ and it doesnt take much from those. Skarmory works too as long as it avoids Trick which will be annoying. Forretress can set up on Metagross too. Faster ground and Fire types types like Garchomp, Infernape and Heatran will cause pain for Metagross too on the revenge kill.
Metagross @ Air Balloon / Life Orb / Leftovers
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Agility
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt / Ice Punch / ThunderPunch
"Agiligross" takes advantage of Agility to boost Metagross's poor Speed stat to allow it to sweep. While AgiliGross isn't very difficult to wall, a lot of offensive teams don't have an answer for AgiliGross, and it can easily sweep unprepared offensive teams with its powerful steel STAB and good coverage. Earthquake is one again your best bet against grounded steels. Zen Headbutt is here as Explosion was nerfed and helps with Swampert and Gyarados and Zapdos again. Ice Punch on the other hand crushes Garchomp and Gliscor switch ins and can beat them thanks to Air Balloon. ThunderPunch is for waters and Skarmory.
Countering AgiliGross is much easier than countering CBGross. Bulky waters and grounds work and Zapdos still does too. Skarmory, Ferrothorn and Bronzong can wall AgiliGross as well. Most of the previous counters work even better here as this set is much weaker. Balloon Heatran is resists the whole set here and can KO with Fire Blast. Excadrill, Scarf Landlorus and ScarfChomp outspeed even after an Agility and can OHKO with Earthquake should Air Balloon not be present.
Metagross @ Air Balloon / Leftovers / Life Orb
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Hone Claws
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- ThunderPunch / Bullet Punch
Hone Claws can be a blessing to Metagross as it is often unable to muscle its way past bulkier checks and counter. Hone Claws increases Metagross's already awesome attack by +1 and also increases Meteor Mash's accuracy which misses at vital times sometimes. Earthquake covers steels as before whilst the last slot is up to what it wants to hit. ThunderPunch nails Skarmory and waters whilst Bullet Punch can pick off faster pokemon at low health.
Swampert and other ground types like Hippowdon and Gliscor are probably the best bests here but +1 Meteor Mash will hurt the latter 2 alot. Faster fire types and ground types will obviously be annoying. Things such as Infenape and Garchomp for example. Rotom-W walls this set and can outspeed and burn Metagross to make it useless. Bronzong resists the whole set and can retaliate with Earthquake. Ferrothorn is cares about nothing this set can thow out and can just Leech Seed Metagross all day long and beat it with ease.
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