Raikou [full revamp] (Stage 1) [GP 2/2]

Editing and Revamping the current Analysis. I'm rewriting a lot of it or just writing completely fresh, but some of the old stuff is reusable.

[Overview]

<p>Being one of the best special sweepers in the game, Raikou is one of the Pokemon that forces people to use standards. It's fast, has a great STAB, and can set up on many Pokemon in OU.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind Sweeper
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is the most common Raikou set and by far the most immediately dangerous one. After a Calm Mind, Raikou can severely dent almost anything switching in. Substitute is the usual option, allowing Raikou to set up on the face of special attackers that can't break its Substitute. It also blocks status and provides a buffer against critical hits. Roar is a decent option as well though, allowing Raikou to beat any opposing Calm Minder, scout, and rack up Spikes damage on Raikou's most common counters: Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi. Hidden Power Grass gives Raikou an edge against Swampert, while Hidden Power Ice deals with the less common Flygon and gives Raikou an attack that hits Celebi for good damage.</p>

<p>Maximum Speed investment gives Raikou the jump on Adamant Aerodactyl and lets Raikou at worst Speed tie other Raikou and Starmie. When using Roar, being able to Roar out opposing Raikou first can be devastating. Maximized Special Attack increases Raikou's power.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed base 100 Pokemon and only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Adamant Aerodactyl, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid fails to ever accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax and Dugtrio more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar is too significant to make this a recommended option, though.</p>

[SET]
name: Rest + Calm Mind
move 1: Rest
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rest grants Raikou recovery and allows it to take hits much more comfortably. The goal of this set is for Raikou to set up Calm Minds in the face of any special attacker and then Rest to repeat the process. This Raikou works much like a special version of Snorlax in that it can take hits and dish out damage right back.</p>

<p>With RestTalk, Raikou no longer has to worry about switching into Milotic's Hypnosis, becomes quite possibly the best Gengar counter in the game, and can even stall out Blissey with Pressure; however, it is unable to touch Dugtrio and other Ground-types. Consider Porygon2 as a partner and play cautiously. This Raikou acts as a superb special wall and attacker, but it is not able to force itself through Ground-types without assistance.</p>

<p>This set should run 300 Speed for neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 HP EVs grant maximum bulk; the rest is put in Special Attack for a bit more punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Pure RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Roar / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although similar to the last set, this one doesn't bother setting up Calm Minds, as the threat of Dugtrio and other Ground-types continues to increase. Instead, it plays the role of a pure special wall, absorbing sleep while countering the most common special attackers in the tier. Roar takes advantage of Spikes and can force out common answers to Raikou. Even better, if Raikou is asleep, Roar chosen by Sleep Talk will hit with normal priority, allowing most threats to be phazed out before they can even hit Raikou. If the threat of Ground-types is still too great to ignore, you can choose to run a Hidden Power, such as Ice or Ground, to keep them at bay.</p>

<p>The EVs are the same as the previous set, but this set plays fairly differently. Rather than setting up alongside special sweepers and being able to sweep by itself, this Raikou acts as a quick check to most special attackers, able to force the foe out and keep healing itself as needed. If you decide to use Hidden Power Ice, consider running 330 Speed on Raikou in order to check Flygon more efficiently.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Protect works well alongside Pressure to quickly stall out Blissey's PP. Thunder Wave is viable because paralysis is always nice, but it isn't the best choice for Raikou. With Psych Up, Raikou can copy Calm Mind boosts from Suicune. Crunch can be used over Hidden Power for better all-around neutral coverage and to hit Celebi a little harder, but this usually just renders Raikou unable to KO both Swampert and Flygon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Dugtrio has difficulties switching in, but it can trap and OHKO Raikou. Furthermore, with 44 Special Defense EVs (48 with Hidden Power Bug), Dugtrio can survive a super effective Hidden Power from Timid Raikou. Adamant Dugtrio can therefore switch into Thunderbolt and not be KOed next turn, while Jolly Dugtrio can safely switch into any of Timid Raikou's attacks and proceed to OHKO with Earthquake. Of course, if there are Spikes on Dugtrio's side of the field, it will have a bit more trouble.</p>

<p>Blissey and Snorlax can take repeated hits from Raikou and KO it with ease. With Psych Up or Seismic Toss, Regice beats Raikou that lack Rest one-on-one by virtue of its high Special Defense. If it lacks those two moves, however, Raikou can set up with Calm Mind to the point where its Substitutes are unbreakable. Celebi with Perish Song can easily force out Raikou and can set up Calm Mind alongside Raikou while taking very little from Raikou's common attacks. Venusaur that pack physical moves, such as Sludge Bomb, can beat Hidden Power Grass variants, as can Flygon. Swampert is OHKOed by +1 Hidden Power Grass and 2HKOed otherwise, but it can switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO Raikou with Earthquake, as well as easily beat the less common Hidden Power Ice variants. Steelix and Camerupt are immune to Thunderbolt and take neutral damage from both Hidden Power Ice and Grass and can hit Raikou back with STAB Earthquake. Claydol also packs an Electric immunity and a high Special Defense stat, but it's 2HKOed by +1 Timid Raikou.</p>

<p>Although Marowak is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice or Grass, it can come in on Substitute and KO Raikou with Bonemerang. Similarly to Dugtrio, Marowak can be EVed to always survive +1 Raikou's Hidden Power (156/0 for Timid and 252/12 for Modest). While it is not the best counter, Marowak is a very important threat to be wary of; do not assume your Raikou is safe behind a Substitute or that your set-up Raikou can OHKO it. Finally, Jolteon matches up well against Raikou if it packs Roar or Thunder Wave.</p>
 

dekzeh

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<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed Base 100 Pokemon, only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid will fail to accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar are too significant to make this a recommended option though.</p>
Add Adamant Aerodactyl to the list of pokemon Modest Raikou fails to outspeed and when mentioning Reflect say how it prevents Dugtrio from revenging so easily. I'm very partial as I love Reflect, you can switch Raikou into for example +1 Tyranitar and Reflect to stop a sweep, etc. It's just a great move :o. Also say that if using Roar you should max speed to guarantee you at least speed tie with other Roar Raikou for the Roar as Roar Raikou is a good Raikou check o.o
 

Pocket

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To add onto what Dezkah said, I would mention to run 330 Speed on the Resttalk set(s) if Raikou chooses HP Ice - this way it can check Flygon.
 
I would like to see some more information on synergies. You already touch on it (porygon2 to revengekill dugtrio), but Smeargle is a nice partner as well. The reason for this is that Raikou will usually draw out their special wall, notably Blissey (if they have it and aren't using something like Snorlax), and Blissey has natural cure (or, well, 99% of them). If you let Raikou die, you can swap in Smeargle. Then you use substitute and Blissey either swaps out or breaks your sub. Staying in is dangerous because natural cure allows for double spore. Unless they have something like banette/hypno (unlikely), cb heracross with sleep talk or something with Lum berry you're gonna get the substitute -> belly drum into salac boost -> baton pass off. I personally feel like this is not a gimmicky strategy and worth mentioning.

EDIT: I assume you have the hp ice IVs that allow for max speed, many programs will give you 30 speed IVs if you don't do them manually and you select 'ice'.
 

Jorgen

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This was probably discussed on IRC, but just to make sure: does anyone actually use Rest Raikou? Let alone the non-CM RestTalk Raikou?
 
Timid Raikou with 252 speed EVs outpaces Adamant Aero which actually is pretty common, so at least it should be mentioned in AC I suppose.
 
Timid Raikou with 252 speed EVs outpaces Adamant Aero which actually is pretty common, so at least it should be mentioned in AC I suppose.
i've actually changed raikou to the 252 spe spread with the backing of dekzeh, danilo, floppy, and jabba. outspeeding adamant aero is too huge to ignore and the extra HP is not needed. we can discuss this further on IRC 216 speed supporters
 

Pocket

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Good catch guys - don't forget to add IVs for the main set, since HP Grass is the primary slash.

Also in a similar vein, I'd like to reiterate that the more defensive RestTalk Raikou should run 330 Speed if they are running HP Ice, since checking Flygon would be too good to pass up. This should be included in Set Comments / AC of those sets.
 

Jukain

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[Overview]

<p>OBeing one of the best special sweepers in the game;, (AC) Raikou is one of the Pokemon that forces people to use standards. It's fast, has a great STAB, and can set up on many Pokemon found in OU.</p> [you might not need to, but I'd seriously expand here; surely there's more to say in the overview of a top-tier Pokemon]

[SET]
name: Calm Mind Sweeper
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is both the most common Raikou set and by far the most immediately dangerous one. After a Calm Mind, Raikou can threaten to severely dent almost anything switching in. Substitute is the usual option, allowing Raikou to set up on the face of special attackers that can't break its subSubstitute. It also blocks status and the chance to lose to aprovides a buffer against critical hits. [odd wording] Roar is a decent option as well though, allowing Raikou to beat any opposing Calm Minder with ease, while providing(AC) scouting, (AC) and can rack up Spikes damage on Raikou's most common counters: &mdash;Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi,. [wrong etc.etera usage] Hidden Power Grass gives Raikou's an edge overagainst Swampert. Hidden Power Ice deals with the less common Flygon, but also gives Raikou an attack that hitouches Celebi for good damage.</p>

<p>The mMax Speed gives Raikou the jump on Adamant Aerodactyl, and lets Raikou at worst Speed tie versus other Raikou and Starmie. When using Roar, being able to Roar out opposing Raikou first can be devastating. Max Special Attack increases Raikou's power, which sounds like common sense but Raikou is such a good attacker that you'll want as much of it as you can get.. [unnecessary fluff]</p>

[Additional CommentsDDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed Bbase 100 Pokemon,(RC) and only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Adamant Aerodactyl, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid will fails to ever accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax and Dugtrio more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar areis too significant to make this a recommended option though.</p>

[SET]
name: Rest + Calm Mind
move 1: Rest
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rest grants Raikou recovery and allows it to take hits much more comfortably. The goal of this set is for Raikou to set up Calm Minds in the face of any special attacker and then Rest to repeat the process.(add space)This Raikou works much like a special version of Snorlax,(RC) in that it can take hits and dish damage right back.</p>

<p>With RestTalk, Raikou no longer has to worry about switching into Milotic's Hypnosis, becomes quite possibly the best Gengar counter in the game, and can even stall out Blissey with Pressure; however, it will beis unable to touch Dugtrio orand other Ground-types. Consider Porygon2 as a partner and play cautiously. This Raikou acts as a superb special wall and attacker, but willit is not be able to force itself through Ground-types without assistance.</p>

<p>This set should run 300 Speed for neutral Bbase 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 HP EVs grant maximum bulk; put the rest is put in Special Attack for a bit more punch. [sudden change to an imperative structure makes this awkward]</p>

[SET]
name: Pure RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Roar / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although similar to the last set, this one doesn't bother setting up Calm Minds, (AC) as the threat of Dugtrio and other Ground-types continues to increase. Instead, it plays the role of a pure special wall, absorbing sleep while countering the most common special attackers in the tier. Roar abustakes advantage of Spikes and can force out common answers to Raikou. Even better, if Raikou is asleep, Roar chosen by Sleep Talk will be able to outspeedhit with normal priority, allowing most threats andto be phazed out before them out as y can even hit Raikou. [needed. clarification] If the threat of Ground-types is still too great to ignore, you can choose to run a Hidden Power, (AC) such as Ice or Ground, (AC) to keep them at bay. [needs specification]</p>

<p>The EVs are the same as the previous set, but this set plays fairly differently. Rather than setting up alongside special sweepers and being able to sweep by youritself, this Raikou acts as a quick check to almost any special attackers, able to force ithe foe out and keep healing itself as needed. If you decide to use Hidden Power Ice, consider running 330 Speed on Raikou [specify the needed Speed EVs] in order to check Flygon more efficiently.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Protect works well alongside Pressure to severequickly staxll out Blissey's PP. Thunder Wave is viable because paralysis is always nice, but it isn't the best choice for Raikou. With Psych Up, Raikou can snatchcopy Calm Mind boosts from Suicune. [misleading term used] Crunch can be used over Hidden Power for better all-around neutral coverage and to hit Celebi a little harder, but this usually just renders Raikou unable to KO both Swampert and Flygon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Dugtrio has difficulties switching in, but it can trap and OHKO Raikou. Furthermore, with 44 Special Defense EVs (48 with Hidden Power Bug), Dugtrio can survive a super effective Hidden Power from Timid Raikou. Adamant Dugtrio can therefore switch into Thunderbolt and not be KOed next turn, while Jolly Dugtrio can safely switch into any of Timid Raikou's attacks, then and proceed to OHKO with Earthquake. Of course, if there are Spikes on Dugtrio's side of the field, it will have a bit more trouble.</p>

<p>Blissey and Snorlax can take repeated hits from Raikou and KO it with ease. With Psych Up or Seismic Toss, Regice beats Raikou that lack Rest one-on-one by virtue of its high Special Defense. If it lacks those two moves, however, Raikou can set up with Calm Mind to the point where its Substitutes are unbreakable. Celebi with Perish Song can easily force out Raikou, and can set up Calm Mind alongside Raikou andwhile taking very little from Raikou's most common attacks. Venusaur that pack physical moves, such as Sludge Bomb, willcan beat Hidden Power Grass variants, as can Flygon. Swampert is OHKOed by +1 Hidden Power Grass and 2HKOed otherwise, but it can switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO Raikou with Earthquake, ands well as easily beats the less common Hidden Power Ice variants. Steelix and Camerupt are immune to Thunderbolt and take neutral damage from both Hidden Power Ice and Grass, and can attackhit Raikou back with STAB Earthquake. Claydol also packs an Electric immunity and a high Special Defense stat, but it's 2HKOed by +1 Timid Raikou.</p>

<p>Although Marowak is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice or Grass, it can come in on Substitute and KO Raikou with Bonemerang. Similarly to Dugtrio, Marowak can be EVed to always survive +1 Raikou's Hidden Power (156/0 for Timid and 252/12 for Modest). While it is not the best counter, Marowak is a very important threat to be wary of; do not assume your Raikou is safe behind a Substitute,(RC) or that your set-up Raikou can OHKO it. Finally, Jolteon matches up well against Raikou if it packs Roar or Thunder Wave.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Being one of the best special sweepers in the game, Raikou is one of the Pokemon that forces people to use standards. It's fast, has a great STAB, and can set up on many Pokemon found in OU.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind Sweeper
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is the most common Raikou set and by far the most immediately dangerous one. After a Calm Mind, Raikou can threaten to severely dent almost anything switching in. Substitute is the usual option, allowing Raikou to set up on the face of special attackers that can't break its Substitute. It also blocks status and provides a buffer against critical hits. Roar is a decent option as well though, allowing Raikou to beat any opposing Calm Minder, scout, and rack up Spikes damage on Raikou's most common counters&mdash;Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi. Hidden Power Grass gives Raikou an edge against Swampert. Hidden Power Ice deals with the less common Flygon but also gives Raikou an attack that hits Celebi for good damage.</p>

<p>Max Speed gives Raikou the jump on Adamant Aerodactyl and lets Raikou at worst Speed tie other Raikou and Starmie. When using Roar, being able to Roar out opposing Raikou first can be devastating. Max Special Attack increases Raikou's power.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed base 100 Pokemon and only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Adamant Aerodactyl, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid fails to ever accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax and Dugtrio more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar is too significant to make this a recommended option though.</p>

[SET]
name: Rest + Calm Mind
move 1: Rest
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rest grants Raikou recovery and allows it to take hits much more comfortably. The goal of this set is for Raikou to set up Calm Minds in the face of any special attacker and then Rest to repeat the process. This Raikou works much like a special version of Snorlax in that it can take hits and dish damage right back.</p>

<p>With RestTalk, Raikou no longer has to worry about switching into Milotic's Hypnosis, becomes quite possibly the best Gengar counter in the game, and can even stall out Blissey with Pressure; however, it is unable to touch Dugtrio and other Ground-types. Consider Porygon2 as a partner and play cautiously. This Raikou acts as a superb special wall and attacker, but it is not able to force itself through Ground-types without assistance.</p>

<p>This set should run 300 Speed for neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 HP EVs grant maximum bulk; the rest is put in Special Attack for a bit more punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Pure RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Roar / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although similar to the last set, this one doesn't bother setting up Calm Minds, as the threat of Dugtrio and other Ground-types continues to increase. Instead, it plays the role of a pure special wall, absorbing sleep while countering the most common special attackers in the tier. Roar takes advantage of Spikes and can force out common answers to Raikou. Even better, if Raikou is asleep, Roar chosen by Sleep Talk will hit with normal priority, allowing most threats to be phazed out before they can even hit Raikou. If the threat of Ground-types is still too great to ignore, you can choose to run a Hidden Power, such as Ice or Ground, to keep them at bay.</p>

<p>The EVs are the same as the previous set, but this set plays fairly differently. Rather than setting up alongside special sweepers and being able to sweep by itself, this Raikou acts as a quick check to most special attackers, able to force the foe out and keep healing itself as needed. If you decide to use Hidden Power Ice, consider running 330 Speed on Raikou in order to check Flygon more efficiently.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Protect works well alongside Pressure to quickly stall out Blissey's PP. Thunder Wave is viable because paralysis is always nice, but it isn't the best choice for Raikou. With Psych Up, Raikou can copy Calm Mind boosts from Suicune. Crunch can be used over Hidden Power for better all-around neutral coverage and to hit Celebi a little harder, but this usually just renders Raikou unable to KO both Swampert and Flygon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Dugtrio has difficulties switching in, but it can trap and OHKO Raikou. Furthermore, with 44 Special Defense EVs (48 with Hidden Power Bug), Dugtrio can survive a super effective Hidden Power from Timid Raikou. Adamant Dugtrio can therefore switch into Thunderbolt and not be KOed next turn, while Jolly Dugtrio can safely switch into any of Timid Raikou's attacks and proceed to OHKO with Earthquake. Of course, if there are Spikes on Dugtrio's side of the field, it will have a bit more trouble.</p>

<p>Blissey and Snorlax can take repeated hits from Raikou and KO it with ease. With Psych Up or Seismic Toss, Regice beats Raikou that lack Rest one-on-one by virtue of its high Special Defense. If it lacks those two moves, however, Raikou can set up with Calm Mind to the point where its Substitutes are unbreakable. Celebi with Perish Song can easily force out Raikou and can set up Calm Mind alongside Raikou while taking very little from Raikou's common attacks. Venusaur that pack physical moves, such as Sludge Bomb, can beat Hidden Power Grass variants, as can Flygon. Swampert is OHKOed by +1 Hidden Power Grass and 2HKOed otherwise, but it can switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO Raikou with Earthquake, as well as easily beat the less common Hidden Power Ice variants. Steelix and Camerupt are immune to Thunderbolt and take neutral damage from both Hidden Power Ice and Grass and can hit Raikou back with STAB Earthquake. Claydol also packs an Electric immunity and a high Special Defense stat, but it's 2HKOed by +1 Timid Raikou.</p>

<p>Although Marowak is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice or Grass, it can come in on Substitute and KO Raikou with Bonemerang. Similarly to Dugtrio, Marowak can be EVed to always survive +1 Raikou's Hidden Power (156/0 for Timid and 252/12 for Modest). While it is not the best counter, Marowak is a very important threat to be wary of; do not assume your Raikou is safe behind a Substitute or that your set-up Raikou can OHKO it. Finally, Jolteon matches up well against Raikou if it packs Roar or Thunder Wave.</p>

I've included a lot of comments in brackets, so check those out or ask me if you question any changes. Also, two italicized comments need to be addressed. Nice job!
 

GatoDelFuego

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REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[Overview]

<p>Being one of the best special sweepers in the game, Raikou is one of the Pokemon that forces people to use standards. It's fast, has a great STAB, and can set up on many Pokemon found in OU.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind Sweeper
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is the most common Raikou set and by far the most immediately dangerous one. After a Calm Mind, Raikou can threaten to severely dent almost anything switching in. Substitute is the usual option, allowing Raikou to set up on the face of special attackers that can't break its Substitute. It also blocks status and provides a buffer against critical hits. Roar is a decent option as well though, allowing Raikou to beat any opposing Calm Minder, scout, and rack up Spikes damage on Raikou's most common counters: Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi. Hidden Power Grass gives Raikou an edge against Swampert, while Hidden Power Ice deals with the less common Flygon and gives Raikou an attack that hits Celebi for good damage.</p>

<p>Maximum Speed investment gives Raikou the jump on Adamant Aerodactyl and lets Raikou at worst Speed tie other Raikou and Starmie. When using Roar, being able to Roar out opposing Raikou first can be devastating. Maximized Special Attack increases Raikou's power.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed base 100 Pokemon and only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Adamant Aerodactyl, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid fails to ever accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax and Dugtrio more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar is too significant to make this a recommended option, (AC) though.</p>

[SET]
name: Rest + Calm Mind
move 1: Rest
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rest grants Raikou recovery and allows it to take hits much more comfortably. The goal of this set is for Raikou to set up Calm Minds in the face of any special attacker and then Rest to repeat the process. This Raikou works much like a special version of Snorlax in that it can take hits and dish out damage right back.</p>

<p>With RestTalk, Raikou no longer has to worry about switching into Milotic's Hypnosis, becomes quite possibly the best Gengar counter in the game, and can even stall out Blissey with Pressure; however, it is unable to touch Dugtrio and other Ground-types. Consider Porygon2 as a partner and play cautiously. This Raikou acts as a superb special wall and attacker, but it is not able to force itself through Ground-types without assistance.</p>

<p>This set should run 300 Speed for neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 HP EVs grant maximum bulk; the rest is put in Special Attack for a bit more punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Pure RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Roar / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although similar to the last set, this one doesn't bother setting up Calm Minds, as the threat of Dugtrio and other Ground-types continues to increase. Instead, it plays the role of a pure special wall, absorbing sleep while countering the most common special attackers in the tier. Roar takes advantage of Spikes and can force out common answers to Raikou. Even better, if Raikou is asleep, Roar chosen by Sleep Talk will hit with normal priority, allowing most threats to be phazed out before they can even hit Raikou. If the threat of Ground-types is still too great to ignore, you can choose to run a Hidden Power, such as Ice or Ground, to keep them at bay.</p>

<p>The EVs are the same as the previous set, but this set plays fairly differently. Rather than setting up alongside special sweepers and being able to sweep by itself, this Raikou acts as a quick check to most special attackers, able to force the foe out and keep healing itself as needed. If you decide to use Hidden Power Ice, consider running 330 Speed on Raikou in order to check Flygon more efficiently.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Protect works well alongside Pressure to quickly stall out Blissey's PP. Thunder Wave is viable because paralysis is always nice, but it isn't the best choice for Raikou. With Psych Up, Raikou can copy Calm Mind boosts from Suicune. Crunch can be used over Hidden Power for better all-around neutral coverage and to hit Celebi a little harder, but this usually just renders Raikou unable to KO both Swampert and Flygon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Dugtrio has difficulties switching in, but it can trap and OHKO Raikou. Furthermore, with 44 Special Defense EVs (48 with Hidden Power Bug), Dugtrio can survive a super effective Hidden Power from Timid Raikou. Adamant Dugtrio can therefore switch into Thunderbolt and not be KOed next turn, while Jolly Dugtrio can safely switch into any of Timid Raikou's attacks and proceed to OHKO with Earthquake. Of course, if there are Spikes on Dugtrio's side of the field, it will have a bit more trouble.</p>

<p>Blissey and Snorlax can take repeated hits from Raikou and KO it with ease. With Psych Up or Seismic Toss, Regice beats Raikou that lack Rest one-on-one by virtue of its high Special Defense. If it lacks those two moves, however, Raikou can set up with Calm Mind to the point where its Substitutes are unbreakable. Celebi with Perish Song can easily force out Raikou and can set up Calm Mind alongside Raikou while taking very little from Raikou's common attacks. Venusaur that pack physical moves, such as Sludge Bomb, can beat Hidden Power Grass variants, as can Flygon. Swampert is OHKOed by +1 Hidden Power Grass and 2HKOed otherwise, but it can switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO Raikou with Earthquake, as well as easily beat the less common Hidden Power Ice variants. Steelix and Camerupt are immune to Thunderbolt and take neutral damage from both Hidden Power Ice and Grass and can hit Raikou back with STAB Earthquake. Claydol also packs an Electric immunity and a high Special Defense stat, but it's 2HKOed by +1 Timid Raikou.</p>

<p>Although Marowak is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice or Grass, it can come in on Substitute and KO Raikou with Bonemerang. Similarly to Dugtrio, Marowak can be EVed to always survive +1 Raikou's Hidden Power (156/0 for Timid and 252/12 for Modest). While it is not the best counter, Marowak is a very important threat to be wary of; do not assume your Raikou is safe behind a Substitute or that your set-up Raikou can OHKO it. Finally, Jolteon matches up well against Raikou if it packs Roar or Thunder Wave.</p>


[Overview]

<p>Being one of the best special sweepers in the game, Raikou is one of the Pokemon that forces people to use standards. It's fast, has a great STAB, and can set up on many Pokemon in OU.</p>

[SET]
name: Calm Mind Sweeper
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is the most common Raikou set and by far the most immediately dangerous one. After a Calm Mind, Raikou can severely dent almost anything switching in. Substitute is the usual option, allowing Raikou to set up on the face of special attackers that can't break its Substitute. It also blocks status and provides a buffer against critical hits. Roar is a decent option as well though, allowing Raikou to beat any opposing Calm Minder, scout, and rack up Spikes damage on Raikou's most common counters: Blissey, Snorlax, and Celebi. Hidden Power Grass gives Raikou an edge against Swampert, while Hidden Power Ice deals with the less common Flygon and gives Raikou an attack that hits Celebi for good damage.</p>

<p>Maximum Speed investment gives Raikou the jump on Adamant Aerodactyl and lets Raikou at worst Speed tie other Raikou and Starmie. When using Roar, being able to Roar out opposing Raikou first can be devastating. Maximized Special Attack increases Raikou's power.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Modest with 252 Speed EVs is a viable alternative to Timid, still outspeeding max Speed base 100 Pokemon and only losing out to Adamant Dugtrio, Adamant Aerodactyl, Gengar, and +1 Tyranitar. A major selling point is that Modest Raikou has a 56% chance to OHKO standard Dugtrio, something Timid fails to ever accomplish. Reflect is an option in the last slot, boosting up Raikou's defenses in order to take on Pokemon like Snorlax and Dugtrio more efficiently. The loss of Substitute or Roar is too significant to make this a recommended option, though.</p>

[SET]
name: Rest + Calm Mind
move 1: Rest
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Sleep Talk / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rest grants Raikou recovery and allows it to take hits much more comfortably. The goal of this set is for Raikou to set up Calm Minds in the face of any special attacker and then Rest to repeat the process. This Raikou works much like a special version of Snorlax in that it can take hits and dish out damage right back.</p>

<p>With RestTalk, Raikou no longer has to worry about switching into Milotic's Hypnosis, becomes quite possibly the best Gengar counter in the game, and can even stall out Blissey with Pressure; however, it is unable to touch Dugtrio and other Ground-types. Consider Porygon2 as a partner and play cautiously. This Raikou acts as a superb special wall and attacker, but it is not able to force itself through Ground-types without assistance.</p>

<p>This set should run 300 Speed for neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon. 252 HP EVs grant maximum bulk; the rest is put in Special Attack for a bit more punch.</p>

[SET]
name: Pure RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Roar / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 228 SpA / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although similar to the last set, this one doesn't bother setting up Calm Minds, as the threat of Dugtrio and other Ground-types continues to increase. Instead, it plays the role of a pure special wall, absorbing sleep while countering the most common special attackers in the tier. Roar takes advantage of Spikes and can force out common answers to Raikou. Even better, if Raikou is asleep, Roar chosen by Sleep Talk will hit with normal priority, allowing most threats to be phazed out before they can even hit Raikou. If the threat of Ground-types is still too great to ignore, you can choose to run a Hidden Power, such as Ice or Ground, to keep them at bay.</p>

<p>The EVs are the same as the previous set, but this set plays fairly differently. Rather than setting up alongside special sweepers and being able to sweep by itself, this Raikou acts as a quick check to most special attackers, able to force the foe out and keep healing itself as needed. If you decide to use Hidden Power Ice, consider running 330 Speed on Raikou in order to check Flygon more efficiently.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Protect works well alongside Pressure to quickly stall out Blissey's PP. Thunder Wave is viable because paralysis is always nice, but it isn't the best choice for Raikou. With Psych Up, Raikou can copy Calm Mind boosts from Suicune. Crunch can be used over Hidden Power for better all-around neutral coverage and to hit Celebi a little harder, but this usually just renders Raikou unable to KO both Swampert and Flygon.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Dugtrio has difficulties switching in, but it can trap and OHKO Raikou. Furthermore, with 44 Special Defense EVs (48 with Hidden Power Bug), Dugtrio can survive a super effective Hidden Power from Timid Raikou. Adamant Dugtrio can therefore switch into Thunderbolt and not be KOed next turn, while Jolly Dugtrio can safely switch into any of Timid Raikou's attacks and proceed to OHKO with Earthquake. Of course, if there are Spikes on Dugtrio's side of the field, it will have a bit more trouble.</p>

<p>Blissey and Snorlax can take repeated hits from Raikou and KO it with ease. With Psych Up or Seismic Toss, Regice beats Raikou that lack Rest one-on-one by virtue of its high Special Defense. If it lacks those two moves, however, Raikou can set up with Calm Mind to the point where its Substitutes are unbreakable. Celebi with Perish Song can easily force out Raikou and can set up Calm Mind alongside Raikou while taking very little from Raikou's common attacks. Venusaur that pack physical moves, such as Sludge Bomb, can beat Hidden Power Grass variants, as can Flygon. Swampert is OHKOed by +1 Hidden Power Grass and 2HKOed otherwise, but it can switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO Raikou with Earthquake, as well as easily beat the less common Hidden Power Ice variants. Steelix and Camerupt are immune to Thunderbolt and take neutral damage from both Hidden Power Ice and Grass and can hit Raikou back with STAB Earthquake. Claydol also packs an Electric immunity and a high Special Defense stat, but it's 2HKOed by +1 Timid Raikou.</p>

<p>Although Marowak is 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice or Grass, it can come in on Substitute and KO Raikou with Bonemerang. Similarly to Dugtrio, Marowak can be EVed to always survive +1 Raikou's Hidden Power (156/0 for Timid and 252/12 for Modest). While it is not the best counter, Marowak is a very important threat to be wary of; do not assume your Raikou is safe behind a Substitute or that your set-up Raikou can OHKO it. Finally, Jolteon matches up well against Raikou if it packs Roar or Thunder Wave.</p>


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