Z.docx

Zangoose

Immunity The wielder cannot be poisoned. Toxic Boost Attack is increased by 50% when poisoned.

Type

Normal Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100) Min-

Min

Max

Max+

73

-

287

350

-

Atk

115

239

266

329

361

Def

60

140

156

219

240

SpA

60

140

156

219

240

SpD

60

140

156

219

240

194

216

279

306

HP

 

Spe 90 Neverused Rarelyused

Overview Zangoose is a fearsome wallbreaker thanks to its perfect coverage and its ability, Toxic Boost. It has access to Swords Dance, and it's known for being able to nearly OHKO the entire tier after one turn of setup. Priority is also a highlighted trait on Zangoose; its Quick Attack can OHKO Jynx after Stealth Rock and can nearly KO -1 Primeape. Unfortunately, Zangoose is quite frail, and it does not like to take even neutral hits, so it can be difficult to set up Swords Dance and activate Toxic Orb unscathed. Zangoose is hindered not only by Toxic Orb putting it on a timer, but also by the prevalence of priority in the tier, such as from Kangaskhan, Carracosta, Gurdurr, and Skuntank. It also faces competition from fellow status Orb sweepers, specifically Swellow and Ursaring; the former is faster but has poorer coverage, and the latter can be faster or stronger than Zangoose with its abilities, but Zangoose possesses a mixture of both.

Name

Item

Ability

All-Out Attacker

Toxic Orb

Toxic Boost

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 Atk / 4 SpD / 2

Facade Close Combat Night Slash Quick Attack

This set acts as a wallbreaker, as it's able to break down NU's most sturdiest walls. Facade becomes a powerful move after Toxic Orb is activated, reaching a Base Power of 210 when STAB is factored in. Close Combat grants additional coverage on Rockand Steel-types that resist Facade, such as Golem, Regirock, and Probopass. Night Slash completes Zangoose's coverage, as it is able to hit Ghost-types, specifically Golurk and Misdreavus, which would otherwise be able to switch freely into any other move Zangoose has. Finally, Zangoose has access to Quick Attack, which allows it to defeat weakened, faster opponents, such as Jynx and Primeape. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Ability

Swords Dance

Toxic Orb

Toxic Boost

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 Atk / 4 SpD / 2

Swords Dance Facade Close Combat Quick Attack / Night Slash

This set, if used properly, can nearly OHKO the entire tier after a boost. Factoring in Swords Dance, Zangoose hits 658 Attack with a Jolly nature. A +2 Toxic-boosted Facade will OHKO Alomomola and can possibly OHKO Tangela. However, due to its frailty, Zangoose struggles to set up Swords Dance; in the long run, it might not even be worth the hassle to set it up. Close Combat will demolish Rock- and Steel-types, such as Bastiodon, Carracosta, and Gigalith. The fourth move depends on what Pokemon Zangoose wants to defeat. Quick Attack allows Zangoose to bypass faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it, but it is then walled by Ghost-types. Night Slash permits Zangoose to hit Ghost-types, but it is then checked by faster Pokemon such as Primeape, Jynx, and Scolipede. Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options

Zangoose has a few other options, but it should generally be running its standard moveset. Pursuit allows Zangoose to trap fleeing Ghost- and Psychic-types, although it's ideally better to just run Night Slash. Zangoose has access to all of the elemental punches, but they don't add additional coverage. The only notable one is Ice Punch, which allows it to OHKO Torterra. Zangoose has access to a wonderful specially offensive movepool with powerful moves such as Fire Blast, Ice Beam, and Thunderbolt, but they're unusable because of Zangoose's low base 60 Special Attack. Final Gambit with max HP will generally allow Zangoose to take down one Pokemon, but that wastes its potential. Taunt is interesting, as it'll stop walls such as Alomomola and Musharna from recovering health. Finally, other items, such as Choice Band, Life Orb, Choice Scarf, and Silk Scarf, can replace Toxic Orb if you can predict a Toxic, but it is an unwise decision; predicting a Toxic that Zangoose can switch into is very difficult and unlikely, making it not worth the risk to run another item.

Checks and Counters Very few Pokemon can outright counter Zangoose. With that being said, Metang is a perfect counter, as it isn't weak to Close Combat and can take down Zangoose with Meteor Mash. Any relatively bulky Pokemon, such as Gurdurr, Golurk, and Piloswine, can take an unboosted hit and strike back with their STAB moves. Furthermore, faster Pokemon that can take a Quick Attack can check Zangoose; Tauros, Scolipede, and Haunter are good examples. Priority users such as Carracosta, Kangaskhan, Swellow, and Golem can take down a weakened Zangoose. Walls such as Tangela and Alomomola can take on Zangoose one-on-one, with the former being able to take any of Zangoose's hits while striking back with Giga Drain, and the latter is able to Toxic stall Zangoose; however, they must be wary of a Swords Dance-boosted attack. Before Zangoose activates its Toxic Orb, many Pokemon can easily tank a hit and KO it, as Zangoose lacks the power from Toxic Boost as well as a double-powered Facade.

Zapdos

Pressure Enemy attacks lose one extra PP. Increases wild encounter rate.

Lightningrod When hit with an Electric-type move, Special Attack is boosted b Pokemon.

Type

Electric / Flying Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100) Min-

Min

Max

Max+

HP

90

-

321

384

-

Atk

90

194

216

279

306

Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)

   

Min-

Min

Max

Max+

Def

85

185

206

269

295

SpA

125

257

286

349

383

SpD

90

194

216

279

306

212

236

299

328

Spe 100 Underused Overused VGC '12 Doubles

Overview Zapdos is one of the strongest special attackers in the UU tier, and one glance at its stats should tell you why. An enormous base 125 Special Attack makes Zapdos hit like a truck, and base 100 Speed allows it to outspeed many of the common attackers in the UU tier such as Darmanitan, Heracross, and Nidoking. Furthermore, Zapdos has outstanding versatility, being able to run solid offensive, defensive, and Choice sets. Very few Pokemon are safe from Zapdos's wrath since the electric fury can attack with nearly perfect coverage in just Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, and a Hidden Power of choice. Unfortunately, Zapdos has its limitations. For starters, the dedicated special walls of UU, such as Umbreon and Snorlax, have no problem shrugging off even Zapdos's most powerful attacks and recovering away the damage. Also, even with Hidden Power, Zapdos will still be walled by certain Ground-type Pokemon. UU's other Electric-type powerhouse, Raikou, defeats Zapdos one-on-one and often uses Zapdos as a set-up opportunity. Finally, Zapdos loses 25% of its health just by switching into Stealth Rock, but at least has the benefit of being immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Despite its shortcomings, Zapdos is a very powerful special attacker in the UU tier and a threat that every team needs to prepare for.

Name

Item

Nature

Offensive

Life Orb

Timid

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

4 HP / 252 SpA / 25

Thunderbolt Heat Wave Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice Roost

Offensive Zapdos is a textbook Life Orb attacker. The purpose of this set is to use powerful STAB, decent coverage moves, and the power boost granted by Life Orb to

cause as much damage to the opponent as possible. Thunderbolt is Zapdos's most reliable Electric attack and hits hard off of Zapdos's great Special Attack. Heat Wave is a great complement to Thunderbolt since it destroys the Grass-types that would normally want to switch into Thunderbolt. Heat Wave also gives Zapdos an extra punch against Steel-type Pokemon, such as Bronzong and Registeel, and also gets an unconditional OHKO against Weavile. Hidden Power rounds out the set, and the type you choose determines which Pokemon Zapdos beats and which ones it falls short against. If Hidden Power Ice is used, then Zapdos can fell Flygon and Gligar in a single hit. However, beware that Hidden Power Ice fails to OHKO Rhyperior and leaves you helpless against Swampert. On the flip side, Hidden Power Grass defeats all but the most specially defensive Rhyperior and Swampert in a single blow but leaves Zapdos walled by Gligar and requires three hits to defeat Flygon. Roost is what separates Zapdos from other Life Orb attackers by giving Zapdos a way to recover damage from attacks and Life Orb recoil. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

SubRoost

Leftovers

Timid

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

248 HP / 84 Def / 1

Substitute Roost Thunderbolt Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying

With this set, Zapdos can both take a lot of hits and immediately pressure your opponent offensively. It can avoid a 2HKO from a majority of attackers and threaten them with high-powered attacks, forcing many switches, and leaving you opportunities to get free Substitutes, which are great for easing prediction and facilitating Pressure stalls. These things in conjunction with Roost make Zapdos an absolute terror to remove the game once it has hit the battlefield. The most common answers to Zapdos are Ice- and Rock-type attacks, however but with Pressure and its good bulk, Zapdos can easily outlast the PP of common moves like Ice Beam and Stone Edge, leaving your opponent few options to break it. Substitute also provides a dual purpose in that it staves off the one thing this Zapdos hates more than anything: status. Because of these attributes, SubRoost Zapdos makes a great candidate for use on balanced and stall teams as a defensive pivot. Thunderbolt is a staple on any Zapdos set, hitting everything but Ground-types for respectable damage, even without any Special Attack investment. Hidden Power Ice is an excellent coverage move alongside Thunderbolt, nailing many common Ground-type switch-ins, like such as Flygon and Nidoqueen, for super effective damage. On the other hand, Hidden Power Flying allows Zapdos to easily dispatch Swords Dance Heracross and 2HKO offensive Shaymin and Roserade, both things that Hidden Power Ice fails to do (though you'll need 252 SpA EVs in order to 2HKO specially defensive Roserade with Hidden Power Flying with Stealth Rock). Additionally, it hits all Groundtype Pokemon (outside of Rhyperior) in the UU tier for neutral damage and is only

marginally weaker than a super effective Hidden Power Ice. Lastly, if Swampert or Rhyperior are exceptionally large threats to your team, Hidden Power Grass can be used to good effect. However, Electric and Grass do not have great type synergy, so this is an extremely niche option. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Physically Defensive

Leftovers

Bold

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

248 HP / 236 Def /

Discharge / Thunderbolt Roost Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Flying Heat Wave / Toxic

A cursory glance at Zapdos's stats wouldn't suggest "physical wall" at all, but one glance at Zapdos's great defensive typing and ability shows why this set works. Zapdos possesses just two weaknesses, only one of which (Rock) is a common physical type in UU. However, Rock-type attacks (read: Stone Edge) do not give Zapdos much trouble because of a great ability in Pressure. Pressure doubles the opponent's PP usage, giving Stone Edge a pitiful four uses against Zapdos. Furthermore, using Roost on an anticipated Stone Edge reduces the attack from super effective to merely neutral. However, be warned that Roost removes Zapdos's Ground immunity and replaces it with a weakness, so a savvy opponent using both Stone Edge and Earthquake will more often than not beat this set. Regardless, Zapdos can still utilize its decent physical bulk, wonderful Special Attack, and Fighting-type resistance to wall many of UU's physical attackers. Discharge and Thunderbolt are both great moves, and the choice between the two comes down to whether or not Discharge's 30% paralysis rate benefits your team more than Thunderbolt's added power does. If Zapdos is on a team that uses burn- and poison-inducing moves such as Toxic, Toxic Spikes, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald, then Thunderbolt is the better choice. Otherwise, Discharge is normally preferable. Roost is a very obvious choice since it nullifies Zapdos's weakness to Stone Edge and provides instant recovery in conjunction with Leftovers. The Hidden Power choice comes down to Grass vs Flying. Ice isn't a recommended option since Zapdos walls Flygon anyway, but it deserves a mention because Gligar's Immunity prevents Zapdos from wearing it down with Toxic. Grass shreds Swampert and Rhyperior, while Flying defeats Fightingtypes such as Mienshao, Scrafty, and Machamp. The final slot comes down to Heat Wave versus Toxic. Heat Wave is preferable for its ability to hit Bronzong and Registeel harder, but Toxic is great for bulky Pokemon that can't be defeated with Hidden Power. If Zapdos is using Hidden Power Flying, then Toxic is your best bet for Swampert and Rhyperior. Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Name

Item

Nature

Choice Specs

Choice Specs

Timid

Moveset

IVs

~ ~ ~ ~

30 HP / 30 Atk / 30

Thunderbolt Hidden Power Flying Heat Wave Volt Switch

EVs

4 HP / 252 SpA / 25 So, Zapdos isn't hitting hard enough for you? Well, this set is the answer. Choice Specs Zapdos hits harder than the Life Orb set and maintains the same Speed that makes Zapdos great. Thunderbolt is for obvious reasons; it's Zapdos's strongest reliable attack. However, the real focal point of this set is Hidden Power Flying which, thanks to Choice Specs, finally has the power to 2HKO almost every Ground-type, making Ice and Grass obsolete. After Ground-types are eliminated, Zapdos is free to fire off Thunderbolts without much fear of being walled, though Grass-types can still sponge Thunderbolts if they have enough Special Defense investment. Grass-type Pokemon and bulky Steel-type Pokemon cannot stand up to Heat Wave though, so even Grasstypes can be defeated with proper prediction. The final move on Zapdos is Volt Switch, which allows Zapdos to build momentum, especially in a VoltTurn core. A Choice Specs Volt Switch will damage special walls greatly and allow Zapdos to switch to a teammate better equipped to defeat special walls. The EVs and nature are a nobrainer, Zapdos needs to maximize Speed and Special Attack. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Specially Defensive

Leftovers

Calm

Moveset

EVs

~ Discharge / Thunderbolt ~ Roost ~ Heat Wave / Toxic

248 HP / 236 SpD /

~ Hidden Power Grass / Roar / Hidden Power Ice Zapdos can run a specially defensive set thanks to its fantastic defensive typing. Even though its defensive stats might be a little lackluster, it has the bulk to take just about any reasonably powered special attack in the game when invested. This set's effectiveness hinges on whether or not Zapdos resists many of the opponent's attacks. If Zapdos can switch in on resisted special attacks or weak neutral hits, it can fire off a powerful Thunderbolt, recover its health with Roost, or spread the ever-annoying Toxic upon its foes. Roost is the cornerstone of this set for obvious reasons: it preserves Zapdos's health. Thunderbolt is a generic attacking option, but Discharge is usually better because it can spread paralysis and facilitate a sweep by a partner. Heat Wave and Toxic are great moves on Zapdos, but only one of them should be used since Zapdos absolutely needs Hidden Power (either Ice or Grass, whichever fits Zapdos's team better) or it risks being walled by Swampert, Rhyperior, Flygon, and Gligar. Roar is a fantastic choice for a move since it deals with Calm Mind users, such as Suicune, who laugh at Zapdos's uninvested Thunderbolts. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Agility

Life Orb

Modest

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

180 HP / 252 SpA /

Thunderbolt Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying Agility Roost

This is a unique set which is quite effective against the popular Fire / Water / Grass cores, using Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice to form a pseudo-BoltBeam combination. Save for Swampert, this set usually comes out on top against most Pokemon commonly found in such cores. Thunderbolt is this set's generic STAB move, and Hidden Power Ice is usually the best coverage move to use alongside it. However, Hidden Power Flying is also a good option because it receives STAB and retains good neutral coverage; for example, Spikes Roserade is always 2HKOed by Hidden Power Flying. This set can be used in two different ways: a bulkier variant with access to Roost and decent coverage, or a purely offensive variant that sacrifices recovery for even better coverage in the form of Heat Wave; Roost is superior most of the time, though. This set must be played in different ways throughout the match. Early-game, Zapdos should use its great 383 Special Attack in tandem with Life Orb to wear down the opponent and wreak havoc on unprepared teams. Roost must then be used to increase Zapdos's longevity. Finally, late-game, Zapdos can use Agility to avoid being revenge killed by a Choice Scarf users such as Flygon or Darmanitan, easily OHKOing them with Hidden Power Ice and Thunderbolt, respectively.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options Zapdos has very few viable options that are not listed in the above sets. Zapdos's above average (by special sweeper standards) base 90 Attack may look appealing, but in reality any attempt at a mixed attacking set leaves Zapdos too weak to break any walls that the special sweeper set can't break. The only way Zapdos can boost its Special Attack is through the move Charge Beam, which is technically viable. However, Raikou is a better boosting sweeper and Charge Beam consumes a moveslot that can be used on a coverage move or Roost. Choice Scarf with Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, a Hidden Power of your choosing, and Volt Switch can be used, but that really stretches the limits of viability.

Checks and Counters Zapdos has many checks but few counters, as with Zapdos's power and versatility (not to mention its durability!), the electric bird can be tough to take down. Swampert and Rhyperior defeat any set that doesn't include Hidden Power Grass, and Gligar and Flygon beat any Zapdos without Hidden Power Ice. Zapdos's partner in crime, Raikou, can switch in on just about any attack and begin setting up Calm Mind, but a weakened Raikou will not enjoy Heat Wave or Hidden Power. The three special walls of UU, Snorlax, Umbreon, and Porygon2, all take on standard Zapdos very well but have trouble with Choice Specs-boosted Thunderbolts. Stealth Rock and status conditions make Zapdos sad as it wants to preserve its health in order to stave off Life Orb recoil and any status problem severely hinders its effectiveness. Rotom-H resists Thunderbolt, Heat Wave, and any Hidden Power Zapdos uses, but it's weak to Stealth Rock and has questionable bulk. Nidoqueen and Nidoking don't take any damage from Thunderbolt and can shoot Zapdos out of the sky with a Sheer Force-boosted Ice Beam. Zapdos, since it's not blindingly fast and doesn't commonly boost its Speed, can be revenge killed rather easily by Choice Scarf users, such as Chandelure, Heracross, and Darmanitan, as well.

Unreleased Zapdos receives the ability Lightningrod from the Dream World. This is a fantastic addition to Zapdos's repertoire, as it gives it an immunity to Electric-type moves, and hence more switch in opportunities.

Lightningrod When hit with an Electric-type move, Special Attack is boos Pokemon.

Zebstrika

Motor Drive Grants immunity to Electric-type moves and boosts Speed b

Sap Sipper Grants immunity to Grass-type moves and boosts Attack by

Type

Electric Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100) Min-

Min

Max

Max+

75

-

291

354

-

Atk

100

212

236

299

328

Def

63

145

162

225

247

SpA

80

176

196

259

284

SpD

63

145

162

225

247

241

268

331

364

HP

  

Spe 116 Neverused VGC '11 VGC '12

Overview Zebstrika stands out from most its its Electric-type brethren due to its particularly amazing Speed tier; it can outspeed Scolipede even without the aid of a Choice Scarf. It also has a great ability in Lightningrod and STAB Volt Switch to build momentum. Unfortunately, the good news ends here. Zebstrika's horrible physical movepool forces it to utilize its mediocre Special Attack to deal damage, so it is not very powerful. Zebstrika also faces stiff competition from various Electric-types in NU—Electabuzz, Raichu, Electrode, and Rotom-A all give it a major run for its money as a fast Electrictype scout. Nonetheless, focusing on Zebstrika's decent coverage and making use of its fantastic Speed will let it truly shine.

Name

Item

Ability

Special Attacker

Life Orb

Lightningrod

Moveset

EVs

~ Thunderbolt ~ Volt Switch ~ Overheat

252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

~ Hidden Power Grass Zebstrika functions best as an all-out attacker; it makes the most out of its high Speed and scouting ability, while Life Orb helps to patch up its lack of initial power. With its high Base Power and perfect accuracy, Thunderbolt is a great main STAB and cleaning tool. Volt Switch is great early- to mid-game and is perfect for revenge killing and predicting switches. Overheat is a handy tool that suits Zebstrika's great Speed extremely well, netting an OHKO on Scolipede, Jynx, and most Grass-types. Finally, Hidden Power Grass nails Seismitoad and Golem, two common Pokemon that would otherwise take Zebstrika's attacks with ease. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Ability

Choice Scarf

Choice Scarf

Lightningrod

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

Volt Switch Thunderbolt Overheat Hidden Power Grass

Choice Scarf lets Zebstrika take on the role of a dedicated revenge killer. It gives up the useful power boost granted by Life Orb for the ability to check a wider variety of threats. While it might seem like a waste to put a Choice Scarf on something as fast as Zebstrika, its ridiculously high Speed when equipped with said item is actually its main selling point. Zebstrika can now outspeed and quickly dispose of Swellow, Choice Scarf Charizard, and even Scolipede at +1. Volt Switch is the main STAB on this set and is most likely the move you'll be using when you bring it in; due to Zebstrika being locked into one move and lacking power overall, Volt Switch is great for both revenge killing and getting it out in a pinch. That being said, Thunderbolt is another good Electric STAB when Volt Switch's power just doesn't cut it. Overheat and Hidden Power Grass provide the best coverage alongside Zebstrika's STABs, but be extremely cautious when using them, as they are both terrible moves to be locked into and should only be used in dire situations. Keep in mind that this set can't clean up as efficiently as the Life Orb set because of its measly unboosted Special Attack stat. Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options Like most Electric-types, Zebstrika has a really barren movepool. Its Attack stat is higher than its Special Attack stat, but it has an absolutely horrible physical movepool to use it with. Likewise, Zebstrika can go mixed using Wild Charge over Thunderbolt, but this doesn't accomplish anything in the long run and splitting offenses is a bad idea

on a Pokemon that's so offensively weak. Zebstrika can utilize Choice Specs over Life Orb, but it really likes being able to switch moves and hit hard at the same time. Pursuit can catch Haunter and Jynx on the switch, but it doesn't do much else and forces Zebstrika to forgo another move in lieu of it. Agility and Flame Charge can boost Zebstrika's Speed and attempt a sweep, but it is too easily walled to make this effective and to free up the moveslot must give up the utility of Volt Switch, one of its biggest selling points. Charge Beam can help patch up Zebstrika's mediocre Special Attack, but it is too frail to set up multiple Charge Beams and, again, must forgo Volt Switch. Zebstrika can better utilize Thunder with Rain Dance, and it can support rain sweepers with a fast Volt Switch, but rain weakens the power of Overheat and ends up doing more harm than good. Signal Beam can hurt Grass-types without lowering Zebstrika's Special Attack, but Overheat's greater power and ability to seriously damage Grass / Poison types is generally superior. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats, but Zebstrika is too frail to use it effectively. Finally, Toxic does a number to most walls, but the most common special wall in the tier, Lickilicky, can heal it off with Heal Bell.

Checks and Counters Zebstrika is pretty easy to counter due to its relatively low attacking power. Pretty much any special wall can force it out; Regice and Bastiodon are two examples of such. Lickilicky and Audino also perform very well against Zebstrika; they can take any attack with ease, Wish off the damage, and wear it down. Most Ground-types, such as Golurk and Piloswine, can comfortably tank one Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Grass and OHKO with Earthquake. Camerupt is a particularly adept counter, as its typing allows it to take any of its attacks with ease. Bulky Dragon-types, such as Altaria, Dragonair, and Zweilous, can wall Zebstrika and either set up or phaze it out, though Altaria must watch out for Hidden Power Ice. Priority can also efficiently take down a weakened Zebstrika, examples being Kangaskhan's Fake Out and Sucker Punch combination and Gurdurr's Mach Punch. Overall, as long as you have something that can both take a hit and fire one back, you should be good to go against Zebstrika.

Zekrom

Teravolt Abilities that hinder attacks are nullified.

Type

Dragon / Electric Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100) Min-

Min

Max

Max+

Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)



Min-

Min

Max

Max+

HP

100

-

341

404

-

Atk

150

302

336

399

438

Def

120

248

276

339

372

SpA

120

248

276

339

372

SpD

100

212

236

299

328

194

216

279

306

Spe 90 Uber

Overview With a monstrously high base 150 Attack stat, combined with powerful and complementary Electric- and Dragon-type STAB moves, Zekrom has the power to devastate many teams. Zekrom's signature move, Bolt Strike, will leave enormous dents in even those who resist it, and forces people to run a Ground-type Pokemon or a very bulky Electric-type resistor in their teams. Even then, they will have to tread carefully against its extremely powerful Dragon-type STAB moves. While Zekrom does not have much to offer defensively, it is an excellent check to Ho-Oh and defensive Kyogre due to its resistances to Fire-, Flying-, and Water-type moves. However, Zekrom does have notable flaws in its rather middling Speed, common weaknesses, an almost useless ability, and a very limited movepool. Regardless, Zekrom's incredible strength is definitely something to watch out for.

Name

Item

Nature

Mixed Attacker

Life Orb

Lonely / N

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

104 HP / 148 Atk /

Bolt Strike Draco Meteor Dragon Claw / Outrage Focus Blast / Volt Switch

Zekrom is quite a formidable mixed attacker, sporting a great base 120 Special Attack in addition to its obscenely high base 150 Attack. STAB Draco Meteor, bolstered by Life Orb and 339 Special Attack, is a frightening move to switch into. Even 252/4 Groudon, an otherwise easy safe switch-in to Zekrom, takes a painful 75%-88% from it. Bolt Strike complements Draco Meteor very well, providing almost unresisted coverage, as well as striking extremely hard on the physical side. Its immense strength and excellent type coverage allow Zekrom to blast through Kyogre, Blissey, Chansey,

Lugia, Ho-Oh, and most Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to giving most Arceus formes a very tough time stalling and setting up. Dragon Claw is Zekrom's most reliable attack, but Outrage can be used if the extra power is needed, such as against Grass or Electric Arceus. Focus Blast allows Zekrom to hit the few Pokemon that resist its STABs, most notably Ferrothorn, but Volt Switch can be used to break Shaymin-S's Substitute and to escape from Wobbuffet. The Attack EVs allow Zekrom to OHKO the standard Giratina-O with Dragon Claw after Stealth Rock damage. They also allow Bolt Strike to have a high chance of KOing Chansey after two Stealth Rock switch-ins, and to always OHKO 248 HP Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. Furthermore, assuming neutrality, 4/0 Arceus will take 71% minimum. The Special Attack EVs maximize the amount of damage Draco Meteor and Focus Blast can do. The rest are thrown into HP to give Zekrom a bit of bulk, and 4 Speed EVs allow it to outrun other base 90 Speed Pokemon that lack any investment. You may find it insufficient, however, so feel free to invest more in Speed until you feel comfortable. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Choice Band

Choice Band

Adamant /

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 HP / 252 Atk /

Bolt Strike Dragon Claw Outrage Fusion Bolt / Volt Switch

Tremble in fear of Zekrom's Choice Band-boosted and powerful, complementary STAB attacks, bolstered by a maximum Attack stat of 438. Its Bolt Strike is powerful enough to terrorize even most of the Pokemon that resist it, dealing a solid 41%-49% to max HP Dialga and 44%-52% to the standard Naughty Giratina-O. With that in mind, Bolt Strike will absolutely murder those who do not resist it. However, as tempting as it is to spam Bolt Strikes, it is unwise if any Ground-types are present, as they will absorb the blow and leave Zekrom helpless. Dragon Claw is a safe move to throw out to damage the Ground-type switch ins, and is a safe move to spam in general. However, it is somewhat weak and doesn't do a lot of damage against defensive Groudon. Outrage provides Zekrom with the ability to easily 2HKO even 252/252+ Groudon after Stealth Rock damage, and allows it to clean up slower teams, but can leave it very vulnerable to revenge killing. The sole reason Fusion Bolt takes up the fourth slot is for reliability, because Bolt Strike can miss at the worst times. Volt Switch can be used to break Shaymin-S's Substitute so a faster Pokemon can switch in safely. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Choice Scarf

Choice Scarf

Jolly / Adam

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

4 HP / 252 Atk / 25

Bolt Strike Outrage Dragon Claw Volt Switch / Fusion Bolt

Zekrom's middling Speed can be patched up with a Choice Scarf, allowing it to act as a revenge killer. Zekrom possesses a couple of traits that separate it from its fellow Choice Scarf users Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp. For one, its high Attack and Bolt Strike allow it to take down Mewtwo from 80% health down (73% with Jolly) and to murder Kyogre, Ho-Oh, and Lugia, all of whom can give Choice Scarf Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp issues. With Adamant nature, it can also 2HKO maximum HP Arceus (assuming neutrality, of course), while Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp are turned into setup bait. Finally, it has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to keep up the momentum against the opponent so long as a Ground-type doesn't switch in. Bolt Strike and Outrage are the bread and butter moves of this set, both possessing immense power and STAB, hitting nearly everything for neutral damage. As a matter of fact, Zekrom's Outrage is strong enough to 2HKO offensive Groudon, something Garchomp is incapable of doing. Dragon Claw is a safe move to use should locking into Outrage or Electric-type moves be risky, but it is rather weak. Finally, Fusion Bolt can be used over Volt Switch if you find Volt Switch's utility to be too little for you, and is 100% accurate, unlike Bolt Strike. Adamant and Jolly are equally viable on Zekrom. With Adamant, Zekrom gains the ability to 2HKO maximum HP Arceus and to OHKO Mewtwo after Stealth Rock damage and one round of Life Orb recoil. However, it loses the Speed tie against other base 90 Choice Scarf users and +1 Speed Ho-Oh and Reshiram (due to Flame Charge). Adamant also means Deoxys-A will outrun Zekrom. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Substitute + Hone Claws

Leftovers / Life Orb

Adamant

Moveset

EVs

~ Substitute ~ Hone Claws

252 HP / 252 Atk /

~ Bolt Strike ~ Outrage / Dragon Claw Zekrom's average Speed stat makes it a mediocre sweeper on its own, so Hone Claws seems like the perfect choice to make Zekrom an even better sweeper by increasing its already ridiculously high Attack stat. However, this set's main purpose is not to use Hone Claws and Substitute to improve its attacking prowess. Instead, it aims to take advantage of one of Zekrom's most common switch-ins, Ferrothorn, while still maintaining the superb coverage granted by Dragon- and Electric-type attacks. Substitute allows Zekrom to set up on Ferrothorn—probably Zekrom's most common switch-in—and scout other switch-ins. Outrage and Bolt Strike are amazing STAB moves, as both are extremely powerful and have wide coverage in conjunction with each other. The choice between Dragon Claw and Outrage is up to the user. Outrage's undeniable power—it OHKOes Giratina-O and 2HKOes Max HP Dialga after Stealth Rock damage—makes it the superior option. However, if you don't want to be locked into Outrage and risk hitting yourself in confusion, feel free to use Dragon Claw. It should be noted, however, that doing so will cost you some crucial OHKOs and 2HKOs, such as the ones that have been mentioned above. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Tailwind

Life Orb

Naughty

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 Atk / 80 SpA /

Tailwind Draco Meteor Bolt Strike Outrage / Volt Switch / Focus Blast

Zekrom's mediocre base 90 Speed makes it nearly impossible for the poor Dragon to sweep, so this set attempts to remedy this by utilizing Tailwind. Under the effects of Tailwind, Zekrom can outspeed a majority of the tier, even when running mixed offensive EVs. Draco Meteor, despite lacking full investment, packs a huge punch, allowing Zekrom to heavily dent any troublesome Groudon and support Arceus that might try to halt its sweep. Bolt Strike is extremely strong with maximum Attack investment, and can do heavy damage to Pokemon, such as OHKO 0 HP Arceus after Stealth Rock and Spikes damage. The last moveslot is based on the team's needs. Outrage gives Zekrom a strong STAB move to spam after it has used Draco Meteor, but beware, as it may leave Zekrom locked in after Tailwind has ended. Volt Switch allows Zekrom to keep momentum by scouting for any potential double switches and can give Tailwind's Speed boost to another teammate. Lastly, Focus Blast allows Zekrom to kill weakened Ferrothorn, as the move always 2HKOes after Stealth Rock damage. Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options As stated before, Zekrom's movepool is lackluster, and there aren't a lot of options for it to play around with. Thunder Wave can be used to slow down Lugia so it cannot stall Zekrom's Bolt Strikes with Reflect and Roost. Imprison can be used to block Draco Meteor and Outrage, but will still leave it vulnerable to Spacial Rend and Earthquake. Zekrom learns Reflect and Light Screen, and can use Volt Switch to aid in safely sending in its target teammate, but its rather low Speed and common weaknesses hinder it from setting them up easily. Finally, Zekrom learns Dragon Tail for phazing. Haban Berry is an interesting option to use over Life Orb on the mixed set, which allows Zekrom to take a hit from opposing Dragons and OHKO them back with its own attacks. Air Balloon can be used to avoid Earthquake and escape Dugtrio, but will pop after getting hit by a single attack. Groudon can simply Dragon Tail Zekrom away while Garchomp can penetrate Zekrom with Outrage or Dragon Claw. Dragon Fang is an option over Life Orb for the mixed attacker if you despise taking 10% each turn due to Life Orb, but should only be used with the slower variants, as it requires investment in both Attack and Special Attack to deal a good amount of damage in the absence of Life Orb.

Checks and Counters Zekrom is difficult to counter due to its immense strength and coverage, but there are several Pokemon in the game that can annoy it. Ferrothorn resists both Electric- and Dragon-type moves, but needs to be wary of Focus Blast from the mixed set. Also be aware that Choice Band Outrage or Bolt Strike 3HKOes specially defensive Ferrothorn. Although Groudon needs to be wary of Draco Meteor and Outrage, it can take on Zekrom's other physical attacks and retaliate with Earthquake. The best counter to Zekrom, however, is Ground Arceus, as it can take a hit and outrun Zekrom to KO it with Earthquake or Judgment. Zekrom is fairly easy to revenge kill due to its low Speed and weaknesses to Ground-, Ice-, and Dragon-type attacks. Garchomp can switch into a predicted Bolt Strike and KO Zekrom back with Earthquake or Outrage. Keep in mind, however, that maximum HP Zekrom takes only 81% maximum from Garchomp's Earthquake. Palkia, Rayquaza, Dragon Arceus, and Choice Scarf Dialga are all faster than Zekrom and OHKO it with their Dragon-type attacks. Mewtwo is much faster than Zekrom and can knock it out with Ice Beam, provided Zekrom has taken a bit of residual damage. Wobbuffet can to an extent pose problems for Zekrom, as it revenge kills the Choice Scarf set, and the Choice Band set if Zekrom is not locked into Bolt Strike or Outrage. Dugtrio, though rare, can trap and revenge kill Zekrom. Choice Zekrom in particular needs to be wary of this, as Dugtrio can set up Hone Claws on a Choice-locked Electric-type move. Although practically nonexistent in the Uber metagame, Steelix is the best Choice Zekrom counter in the game, sporting a base 200 Defense to go along with its resistance to Dragon and immunity to Electric. There are other ways to play around Zekrom. Against the mixed attacker, you can attempt to lure out its Draco Meteor and send in a Steel-type Pokemon to take the hit and weaken Zekrom's Special Attack, then send in Groudon to wall it. Zekrom in general hates Toxic Spikes, so laying it down will cut its rampage short. This especially applies to the mixed attacker, as it would take at least 22.5% every time it launches a successful hit.

Zoroark

Illusion The wielder appears as the last Pokemon in the party to the op

Type

Tier

Dark

UU Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100) Min-

Min

Max

Max+

60

-

261

324

-

Atk

105

221

246

309

339

Def

60

140

156

219

240

SpA

120

248

276

339

372

SpD

60

140

156

219

240

221

246

309

339

HP

   

Spe 105 Underused Overused VGC '11 VGC '12

Overview Zoroark is a very unique Pokemon; its signature ability, Illusion, allows it to masquerade as the last Pokemon in the player's party. Although Team Preview theoretically hurts this strategy, it does not say when or even if Zoroark will be used in the battle. Zoroark is also very powerful in terms of offense, wielding a base 105 Attack and a base 120 Special Attack. In addition, Zoroark learns both Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, allowing it to boost either of its offensive stats. With 105 base Speed, it outspeeds positive natured base 100s, while also forcing a Speed tie with Mienshao and Mismagius. However, Zoroark's biggest downfall is its very poor bulk; it can barely switch in on neutral hits, and has trouble facing down priority moves such as Aqua Jet and Mach Punch. As such, Zoroark is a difficult Pokemon to use effectively. Although it may be viewed as a gimmicky Pokemon, it is very deadly when used properly.

Name

Item

Nature

Choice

Choice Specs

Timid

Specs Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

Dark Pulse / Night Daze Flamethrower Focus Blast Trick

Because Zoroark learns Trick through the BW2 move tutors, Choice Specs Zoroark has increased in effectiveness tremendously. Not only does it hit 508 Special Attack with the boost from Choice Specs, it can now also cripple the likes of Gligar and Hitmontop, making these Pokemon significantly easier to handle. Although both Dark Pulse and Night Daze will hit anything that doesn't resist it very hard, it is generally better to use the former over the latter due to having perfect accuracy. However, Night Daze has slightly more power, and the accuracy drop it may inflict could be useful. With threats like Snorlax, Empoleon, Scrafty, and Umbreon weak to Fighting, Focus Blast grants Zoroark the ability to hit them for massive damage. Although Flamethrower generally provides redundant coverage alongside Focus Blast, it is Zoroark's strongest option against common UU Pokemon such as Bronzong and Roserade. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

All-Out Attacker

Life Orb

Naive

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

4 Atk / 252 SpA / 2

Dark Pulse / Night Daze Focus Blast Flamethrower / Grass Knot Sucker Punch

With great coverage and access to Sucker Punch, Zoroark can run an all-out attacker set capable of a late-game sweep. Many players will attempt to check Zoroark by using a faster Pokemon. However, with Sucker Punch, Zoroark can pick off weakened revenge killers. Dark Pulse or Night Daze are used for STAB alongside Sucker Punch, due to the fact that Sucker Punch fails if the opponent does not attack. Focus Blast provides Zoroark with nearly unresisted coverage, giving it an option to hit Snorlax, Empoleon, and Umbreon; in addition, Focus Blast OHKOes any Scrafty that does not invest in its Special Defense. Flamethrower gives Zoroark an option for hitting Pokemon such as Heracross and Bronzong. However, if you have these threats covered already, Grass Knot is a solid option worth considering over Flamethrower in order to get a harder hit on Pokemon such as Suicune and Swampert.

Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Nasty Plot

Life Orb / Leftovers

Timid

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

Nasty Plot Dark Pulse Focus Blast Flamethrower / Substitute

Zoroark is one of few Pokemon with access to Nasty Plot, allowing it to also function as a powerful boosting sweeper. At +2, Zoroark reaches 678 Special Attack, which, when coupled with Life Orb, makes it incredibly difficult to wall; not even Snorlax can wall it, as it is OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast after Stealth Rock. Dark Pulse should be the only STAB move ever used on this set, as missing is undesirable. In addition, the extra power from Night Daze is not as relevant with Nasty Plot boosts. Focus Blast lets Zoroark hit everything bar Heracross at least neutrally when combined with Dark Pulse, while also allowing it to get past Pokemon such as Snorlax, Umbreon, and Scrafty. Flamethrower is Zoroark's strongest option against Bronzong, Roserade, and Heracross, while Substitute is another option worth considering due to the fact that Zoroark will force many switches thanks to Illusion. In addition, Substitute gives Zoroark a buffer against enemy attacks. Team Options & Additional Comments >>> Name

Item

Nature

Choice Scarf

Choice Scarf

Timid

Moveset

EVs

~ ~ ~ ~

252 SpA / 4 SpD / 2

Dark Pulse / Night Daze Flamethrower Focus Blast Trick / U-turn

By using a Choice Scarf, Zoroark becomes an effective revenge killer who can get surprise kills due to its signature ability. In addition, while many players may attempt to use Choice Scarf Heracross to revenge kill Zoroark, this strategy will backfire against Choice Scarf Zoroark. Night Daze is a little more valuable on this set than it is on other sets because the extra damage output may be incredibly useful when

attempting to revenge kill an opposing Pokemon, but it is still generally better to use Dark Pulse due to its perfect accuracy. However, Night Daze may drop the opponent's accuracy, which can come in handy if Zoroark cannot OHKO the opposing Pokemon. Focus Blast attains near-perfect coverage alongside its STAB, and allows Zoroark to revenge kill Scrafty. Although Flamethrower has redundant coverage alongside Focus Blast, it allows Zoroark to hit Heracross for super effective damage. In the last slot, Trick is generally more useful as it can cripple defensive Pokemon such as Cofagrigus, Dusclops, and Gligar; however, by using Trick, the opponent may be able to sweep more easily later. Because of this, U-turn can be used to gain momentum when the opposing Pokemon switches out. Team Options & Additional Comments >>>

Other Options Zoroark learns Pursuit, which may seem appealing to trap Pokemon such as Chandelure and Mismagius. However, Zoroark lacks the stats to effectively use Pursuit, making Weavile and Honchkrow better options for using Pursuit. By using Taunt, Zoroark prevents the opponent from going for non-attacking moves, making Sucker Punch much more effective. However, Zoroark is so frail that if the opponent does decide to attack the turn it uses Taunt, Zoroark is likely to get OHKOed. Calm Mind boosts both Zoroark's Special Attack and its Special Defense, but its poor defenses make Nasty Plot a better option. Zoroark does have the Attack stat to use a Swords Dance set, but it does not have the physical movepool to pull off an effective one. Although Zoroark has the coverage to pull off an Agility set, this set is weak and Zoroark is already fast enough without Agility. Extrasensory can hit Fighting-types, but it has poor coverage and doesn't hit much outside of Hitmontop, Machamp, and Mienshao.

Checks and Counters When Illusion is in effect, countering Zoroark is virtually impossible unless you see something like a Flygon taking Spikes damage. When disguised as Heracross, Cofagrigus and Dusclops get smashed by Dark Pulse or Night Daze on a switch in, while Gligar gets crippled by Trick. Even if the opponent predicts the Pokemon in question to be Zoroark in disguise, Hitmontop will be crippled by Trick. However, once its disguise has been discovered, beating Zoroark is very easy. Specially defensive Togekiss can take any attack from Zoroark and cripple it with Thunder Wave. Hitmontop is another great switch-in, safely taking any attack bar Extrasensory and OHKOing with Close Combat. Snorlax won't enjoy taking a Focus Blast, but it can switch in on any other attack and deal massive damage to Zoroark with its STAB; RestTalk variants of Snorlax 2HKO with Body Slam while offensive variants OHKO with Return after Stealth Rock. If you can't counter Zoroark, it can be checked by faster Pokemon. Cobalion outspeeds non-Choice Scarf Zoroark and OHKOes with Close Combat, allowing Cobalion to set up Swords Dance as Zoroark flees. In addition, if Cobalion switches in on Dark Pulse or Night Daze, it gets an Attack boost thanks to Justified. Be aware, however, that Cobalion cannot switch in on Focus Blast or Flamethrower. In addition, Zoroark is very easy to revenge kill with Choice Scarf users, particularly Heracross and Mienshao as they resist Sucker Punch.