Offensive:
Abomasnow
Typing: Grass / Ice
Base Stats: 90 HP / 92 Atk / 75 Def / 92 SpA / 85 SpD / 60 Spe
Ability: Snow Warning
Abomasnow is quite unique in standard play, as it is the only fully evolved Pokemon which can summon permanent hail. However, it is somewhat limited due to its only decent offenses and mediocre Speed. Therefore, it will often seen holding a Choice Scarf to make up for the latter, donning the role of a very capable revenge killer. It almost always carries Blizzard and a Grass-type attack, usually either Grass Knot or Wood Hammer. Its coverage options include Hidden Power Fire and Earthquake to deal with the Steel-types which resist its STAB attacks. Abomasnow also makes a pretty annoying SubSeed user, as it can slowly chip away at the opponent's health with Leech Seed and damage from hail while carrying Blizzard to punish any Grass-type trying to make this strategy void. The last move on this set is usually a choice between Focus Punch to smash Rock- and Steel-types, and Wood Hammer for bulky Water-types.
Arcanine
Typing: Fire
Base Stats: 90 HP / 110 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Flash Fire / Justified
Arcanine received a notable boost this generation in the form of Close Combat and Wild Bolt, as well as a now +2 priority ExtremeSpeed. Its most common uses are as a Life Orb or Choice Band attacker, particularly under the sun, which gives it a deadly boost to its STAB attacks and a 66% recovery move in Morning Sun to heal off recoil from Flare Blitz. Close Combat deals with Rock-type checks such as Tyranitar and finishes off any meddling Heatran, while Wild Bolt or Crunch may be used for added coverage. ExtremeSpeed also makes Arcanine a great check to fast, frail sweepers. Balanced stats and abilities which give it good utility by absorbing Fire-type attacks or a cushion for physical hits mean Arcanine can also be seen in a defensive role, with access to support options such as Will-O-Wisp, Toxic, and Roar, though these sets are in general much less threatening than its offensive ones.
Azumarill
Typing: Water
Base Stats: 100 HP / 50 Atk / 80 Def / 50 SpA / 80 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Huge Power / Thick Fat / Sap Sipper (Unreleased)
Although BW might not have brought anything new for Azumarill to play with, it still has a niche role to play in the metagame. With the onslaught of so many fast, powerful attackers and setup sweepers, powerful priority is a must in this metagame, and Azumarill certainly provides that. With the combination of Huge Power and Choice Band, Azumarill can OHKO many of the top threats in the metagame with STAB Aqua Jet, as well as smacking defensive threats such as Ferrothorn and Blissey with Superpower. The advent of Drizzle Politoed in OU makes it all the more difficult to deal with Azumarill, as few can stand up to boosted Waterfall and Aqua Jet in the rain. Azumarill also has coverage options such as Ice Punch to fall back on, and its great Water typing and above average defenses allows it to take the odd hit or two with ease. Overall, Azumarill is a great choice for any team lacking a solid revenge killer, and should always be played carefully.
Bisharp
Typing: Dark / Steel
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Competitive Spirit / Inner Focus
With a unique typing which gives it excellent dual STAB moves, a high base 125 Attack stat, and a good movepool, Bisharp has all the tools required to be a powerful physical attacker. Access to Swords Dance and a powerful STAB priority attack in Sucker Punch makes Bisharp a dangerous setup sweeper. As a boosting sweeper, Bisharp can utilize its Steel typing to switch in on walls such as Ferrothorn, set up a Substitute and then start boosting its Attack with Swords Dance. Between its STAB attacks and Brick Break, Bisharp gets great neutral coverage as well. However, Bisharp is not without its faults. It is held back by its poor base 70 Speed, which allows faster Substitute users to dispose of Bisharp easily. Moreover, due to the compulsion of running both Substitute and Swords Dance, Bisharp will find itself limited to running only 2 offensive moves. The Steel typing also gives Bisharp unwanted weaknesses to common Fighting- and Ground-type attacks. Despite these flaws, Bisharp is not to be underestimated - if given the chance to set up, it can easily tear entire teams apart.
Bouffalant
Typing: Normal
Base Stats: 95 HP / 110 Atk / 95 Def / 40 SpA / 95 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Reckless / Sap Sipper / Soundproof (Unreleased)
Bouffalant is a somewhat underrated threat in OU, but can surprise many foes with its powerful afro of steel. A high base 110 Attack stat allows Bouffalant to dish out quite some hurt, with Sap Sipper, Swords Dance, and Choice Band being options to boost its impressive Attack. Bouffalant also sports a great physical movepool, with moves such as Afro Break, Megahorn, Wild Charge, Stone Edge, and Earthquake. Bouffalant isn't frail either, as it packs great bulk with 95 / 95 / 95 defenses, meaning it can take neutral hits when needed; even some super effective hits at times. Reckless and Sap Sipper are both great abilities for an offensive Pokemon like Bouffalant, with the former boosting the power of Afro Break and Wild Charge to huge levels and the latter allowing Bouffalant to gain a free Attack boost by switching into any Grass-type attack, even support moves such as Spore! Thus, even with its low Speed and predictability, Bouffalant can be a thorn in the flesh for unprepared teams.
Breloom
Typing: Grass / Fighting
Base Stats: 60 HP / 130 Atk / 80 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Effect Spore / Poison Heal / (Unreleased) Technician
A top tier threat in DPP OU, Breloom returns for another round in the fifth generation. With access to Swords Dance, Poison Heal, a fantastic status move in Spore that eases setup, and two powerful STAB moves in Focus Punch and Seed Bomb, it is no wonder that Breloom is such a dangerous threat. The new sleep mechanics make Breloom all the more difficult to deal with, as Spore will more often than not take out a Pokemon for the rest of the match. Our mushroom friend has a number of effective sets it can run, ranging from an all-out offensive set with Substitute, Spore, Focus Punch, and a coverage option, to a highly annoying SubSeed set. Breloom also has coverage options such as Stone Edge and a useful priority move in Mach Punch to surprise unsuspecting opponents. Though Breloom sports a nasty 4x weakness to Flying-type moves, dare not underestimate it - it can be a massive threat to any unprepared team.
Chandelure
Typing: Ghost / Fire
Base Stats: 60 HP / 55 Atk / 90 Def / 145 SpA / 90 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Flash Fire / Flame Body / Shadow Tag (Unreleased)
One of the newest Ghost-types to grace the scene, Chandelure has more than enough to set it apart from its ghostly brethren. A gigantic base 145 Special Attack, two very powerful STAB attacks in Shadow Ball, and decent defensive stats make Chandelure a massive threat and a fantastic Choice Scarf user. Though unreleased, Chandelure's Dream World ability - Shadow Tag - makes it a fantastic revenge killer as well. Its movepool also grants it useful coverage options such as Energy Ball to deal with troublesome Water-types, as well as boosting moves such as Calm Mind and Flame Charge. It is not bereft of support options either, having access to useful moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Haze. Though Chandelure has a sub-par base 80 Speed and sports weaknesses to Stealth Rock and common Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type attacks, handle it with care - one wrong step will spell doom for your chances of victory.
Cloyster
Type: Water / Ice
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 180 Def / 85 SpA / 45 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Shell Armor / Skill Link / (Unreleased) Overcoat
Cloyster has always leaned on its massive Defense stat and solid support movepool consisting of Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Rapid Spin to function as a reasonable choice in DPP UU. However, it hit the jackpot in the fifth generation, getting one of the the best boosting moves in the game - Shell Break. This makes Cloyster a very dangerous mixed attacker, capable of tearing through entire teams without breaking a sweat. With just a single turn of setup, Cloyster's attacking stats skyrocket to massive levels, and it can thus OHKO or 2HKO most of the metagame while still outspeeding many threats. Skill Link also essentially gives Icicle Spear and Rock Blast maximum Base Power, meaning even users of Focus Sash and Substitute will rarely be stopping Cloyster's rampage. However, Shell Break lowers Cloyster's defenses by one stage each. While Cloyster's Special Defense is awful as it is, Fighting-type priority users such as Conkeldurr can prey on Cloyster's lowered Defense and weakness to their attacks, checking it pretty well. Overall though, Cloyster is definitely a Pokemon to watch out for, as it can rip unprepared teams to shreds if not met with a check.
Conkeldurr
Typing: Fighting
Base Stats: 105 HP / 140 Atk / 95 Def / 55 SpA / 65 SpD / 45 Spe
Abilities: Guts / Sheer Force / Iron Fist (Unreleased)
Another slow, bulky, and very powerful Fighting type, Conkeldurr is not a clown to joke about. Conkeldurr packs a massive 140 base Attack, a great ability in Guts, and a fantastic boosting move in Bulk Up, making it one of the biggest threats in the metagame. Its physical movepool isn't half bad either, giving it coverage options such as Stone Edge and Payback to go with STAB Drain Punch and Mach Punch. Conkeldurr is also very bulky, sporting good HP and Defense stats which allow it to take the odd hit or two when setting up. Though common Psychic-types such as Latios and Reuniclus can dispose of Conkeldurr without too much trouble, dare not fool around with it, or its powerful fists will be the last thing you will ever see.
Darmanitan
Typing: Fire
Base Stats: 105 HP / 140 Atk / 55 Def / 30 SpA / 55 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Sheer Force / Zen Mode
With a colossal Attack stat, a devastating STAB move in Flare Blitz, and a great ability in Sheer Force, Darmanitan has the power to blast its way through its opponents, even those who resist its attacks. With a Sheer Force-boosted Flare Blitz, Darmanitan can break through most Pokemon who aren't outright immune to Fire-type attacks. For those who are, it can take advantage of a encourage-boosted Rock Slide and even use U-turn to escape sticky situations. Although Darmanitan excels at dealing large amounts of damage in short periods of time, its biggest fault is its vulnerability to residual damage, which will ultimately be its downfall. Its poor defenses and low Speed also mean that faster threats can revenge kill it easily should it not be using a Choice Scarf, and even if it does, the ubiquity of faster Choice Scarf users ensures that Darmanitan won't be too hard to bring down. Still, Darmanitan is a dangerous threat, and its raw power will help it score at least one KO every game.
Deoxys-S
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 90 Def / 95 SpA / 90 SpD / 180 Spe
Abilities: Pressure
At first glance, the most striking feature of Deoxys-S is its blistering base 180 Speed stat. It is thanks to this Speed that Deoxys-S manages to find a home even in the most rapidly changing OU metagame. As the fastest non-Scarfed lead, Deoxys-S can only be stopped cold by Prankster leads such as Thundurus and Whimsicott. That, coupled with its access to a variety of supporting moves such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, Light Screen, and Reflect, makes Deoxys-S a very useful lead on more or less any offensively-oriented teams. Deoxys-S, along with being an excellent support Pokemon, can also surprise its opponents and run an offensive set courtesy of its decent base 95 offenses and wonderful mixed movepool which allows it to check an astonishly wide range of threats pretty well.
Dragonite
Typing: Dragon / Flying
Base Stats: 91 HP / 134 Atk / 95 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Multiscale
In past generations, Dragonite was shunned in favour of its fellow Dragon-types Salamence and Garchomp due to their higher offensive stats. However, Dragonite's new ability Multiscale makes it a fantastic mixed tank and bulky sweeper. With support moves such as Thunder Wave, Dragon Tail, and Heal Bell, Dragonite can not only wall dangerous threats such as Virizion, but also support the rest of the team. Dragonite can also run a more offensive bulky Dragon Dance set as with Multiscale, Dragonite can set up multiple times whilst healing off the damage with Roost. Dragonite also fits into rain teams very well, as it can abuse a 100% accurate STAB Hurricane which will devastate anything that doesn't resist it. Finally, Dragonite can run a highly efficient wallbreaking set with moves such as Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, and Superpower, allowing it to tear gaping holes in defensively-oriented teams. Though Dragonite does have its flaws, namely a huge weakness to Ice-type moves, it makes a great choice for any team that needs a sturdy wallbreaker or bulky sweeper.
Espeon
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 65 HP / 65 Atk / 60 Def / 130 SpA / 95 SpD / 110 Spd
Abilities: Synchronize / Magic Mirror
At first glance, Espeon might appear to be mostly outclassed by other Psychic-types, most notably Alakazam, who has higher Special Attack and Speed stats, as well as Focus Blast to beat Tyranitar. However, Espeon's saving grace comes not in the form of typing or stats, but in its Dream World ability: Magic Mirror. Magic Mirror acts as an auto-Magic Coat, reflecting status moves back at the opponent. This gives Espeon a unique niche on standard teams as a entry hazard stopper and status switch-in. Its ability to deflect entry hazards, phazing moves, status moves, and Taunt allows it to set up on many defensive Pokemon, including Jellicent, Blissey without Seismic Toss, and Skarmory. Despite this incredible ability, Espeon's Psychic typing and poor Defense limit its ability to set up. Tyranitar and Scizor can come in and threaten Espeon with super effective STAB moves, forcing Espeon to switch or be KOed. Still, with the ability to pass Wish and Calm Mind (although Baton Pass is illegal with Magic Mirror), as well as being able to set up and sweep in some scenarios, Espeon makes a great choice for any team that needs a way to prevent entry hazards from going up.
Excadrill
Typing: Ground / Steel
Base Stats: 110 HP / 135 Atk / 60 Def / 50 SpA / 65 SpD / 88 Spe
Abilities: Sand Rush / Sand Force / Mold Breaker
Looking at Excadrill's stats and Sand Rush, one immediately realizes why this bad-ass looking mole is one of the biggest threats in OU. Its unmatched Speed under a sandstorm and amazing Attack stat allow it to outspeed the whole metagame and hit hard off the bat. As if this wasn't enough, Excadrill can also boost its Attack to massive levels with Swords Dance, allowing it to overcome the bulkier Pokemon in OU, such as Ferrothorn and Jellicent. However, Excadrill has a few problems. The first one is that it is pretty much limited to run a Swords Dance set with Earthquake and Rock Slide being mandatory for both STAB and coverage. The final move is a choice between Return, X-Scissor, and Brick Break to further enhance its coverage, or Rapid Spin to support its team. It also has weaknesses to common Ground-, Fire-, and Fighting-type attacks. The latter is compounded by the fact that Conkeldurr and Lucario usually pack Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave, respectively, to make sure the mole doesn't sweep. Finally, its only decent Speed means it can't work properly without sand support. All in all, one should always have Excadrill in mind when building a team, since getting swept by it will otherwise occur with depressing regularity.
Gengar
Typing: Ghost / Poison
Base Stats: 60 HP / 65 Atk / 60 Def / 130 SpA / 75 SpD / 110 Spe
Ability: Levitate
With its Ghost typing, high base 110 Speed, and massive base 130 Special Attack, Gengar remains a dangerous threat even in the fifth generation. Wonderful immunities to common Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks make Gengar a great pivot, giving it a lot of opportunities to switch in. Along with a powerful STAB Shadow Ball, Gengar has some wonderful coverage options in Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power, not to mention the fact that Shadow Ball and Focus Blast together hand Gengar perfect neutral coverage. It also has some amazing support options in Substitute, Disable, and Pain Split, making it an effective check to threats such as Conkeldurr, and walls such as Blissey, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent. Despite these amazing perks, the fact remains that Gengar has poor defensive stats and can be revenge killed by faster threats such as Thundurus and Starmie as well as priority unless it is safely tucked away behind a Substitute. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Scizor wreck Gengar too, and have the bulk to take a Focus Blast most of the time. Still, tread carefully, else Gengar will be truly frightening to deal with.
Gliscor
Typing: Ground / Flying
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 125 Def / 45 SpA / 75 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Sand Veil / Poison Heal
Despite being thought of as a primarily defensive threat, Gliscor's stats, movepool, and typing lend themselves to effective offensive sets as well. With its bulk and decent Speed, it is easily able to switch into top threats such as Tyranitar and Lucario and threaten them with its STAB Earthquake. It can then use Swords Dance to boost its Attack as they switch out, activating its Poison Heal ability at the same time. Such a setup allows Gliscor to protect itself from status, gradually restore its health, and threaten the opposing team at the same time. Along with Swords Dance, Gliscor will typically use Earthquake as a powerful STAB attack while supplementing it with some combination of Stone Edge, Taunt, Ice Fang, and even Protect. An alternative is to run Fling on the set, allowing Gliscor to effectively use a full-power Acrobatics alongside Earthquake and, in doing so, score super effective hits on 8 of the 17 types with its STAB attacks alone. In this metagame, a check to offensive Gliscor is mandatory for any successful team, as any unprepared teams will quickly be decimated by it.
Gorebyss
Typing: Water
Base Stats: 55 HP / 84 Atk / 105 Def / 114 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Hydration
Since its appearance, Gorebyss has always been in the depths of NU. This generation, however, it received a wonderful gift: Shell Smash. Being one of the best boosting moves, it can allow Gorebyss to sweep despite its otherwise average stats. While attempting to sweep, it will hold either a Lum Berry or a Life Orb. However, sweeping isn't the most dangerous thing Gorebyss can do; it and Huntail are the only Pokemon that can Baton Pass Shell Smash boosts. Therefore, Gorebyss is an amazing support Pokemon that, in only one turn, can set up a sweep for one of its more dangerous teammates, such as Haxorus, Garchomp, and mixed Jirachi. Gorebyss does have some problems: its defenses are average at best, thus reducing its opportunities to set up, and Prankster users can prevent it from passing the boosts. To solve the first problem, Gorebyss is almost always paired with dual screens Deoxys-S, which means it'll survive all but the most powerful hits, and runs White Herb to nullify the drop to its defenses. The second is easier to fix, since all both Prankster users are weak to Ice Beam, so Gorebyss can OHKO them while they Taunt, and attempt to finish its job later. All in all, if Gorebyss can successfully pass Shell Smash, you will certainly be in huge trouble.
Gyarados
Type: Water / Flying
Base Stats: 95 HP / 125 Atk / 79 Def / 60 SpA / 100 SpD / 81 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie
Gyarados has been a fearsome threat for generations due to its large base 125 Attack and above-average bulk. A noteworthy boost this generation has been in the form of Moxie, an ability that increases its Attack by one stage every time it KOs an opponent. Gyarados is thus a very versatile threat. First, it can be a very bulky RestTalk user with a strong STAB Waterfall. This set usually runs Roar to deal with switch-ins who try to set up while it sleeps. Another option is a bulky Dragon Dance set running Intimidate, usually with STAB Waterfall and two of Bounce, Ice Fang, and Earthquake. It is not unlikely that Stone Edge will be run over Bounce on a bulky variant, too. An offensively oriented Dragon Dance set with Moxie, though rare, is much more frightening, having the ability to hit 391 Speed after just a single turn of setup. Offensively oriented Dragon Dance sets will usually run Stone Edge, Waterfall, and either Earthquake or Bounce. Gyarados can also run Choice Band to hit very hard without setting up first. Leftovers is a clear indicator of either a bulky Dragon Dance set or a defensive set, whereas Life Orb is more often used on the offensive Dragon Dance set. Though Gyarados sports a nasty weakness to Electric-type attacks and finds itself outsped by faster threats unless it has set up already, do not commit the mistake of underestimating its offensive capabilities, as its versatility will always keep opponents guessing.
Haxorus
Typing: Dragon
Base Stats: 76 HP / 147 Atk / 90 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 97 Spe
Abilities: Mold Breaker / Rivalry / Unnerve (Unreleased)
Haxorus was a vastly over-hyped threat in the early stages of the fifth generation, and is not quite the terror that its massive 147 base Attack might declare it to be. It is a pretty dangerous threat, however. Outside of its powerful STAB Outrage, Haxorus has coverage options in Earthquake, Fire Fang, Rock Slide, and Brick Break, allowing it to surprise unsuspecting opponents which switch in expecting Outrage. Access to boosting moves such as Dragon Dance and Swords Dance makes Haxorus a dangerous setup sweeper too, as it can be hard to stop after just a single turn of setup. It is also one of the few Dragon-types with access to Taunt, meaning phazing walls such as Skarmory won't be stopping Haxorus in a hurry. It can also utilize Choice Band to smash its way through teams with just the raw power of its STAB Outrage, which can dish out massive damage to Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory! What does keep our axe-faced dragon from being a top-tier threat, however, is its weird base 97 Speed, which means it is outsped by a huge number of threats who can exploit its average defenses and weakness to common Ice-type attacks. Still, make sure you pack a Steel-type or two, or Haxorus will be a massive pain for your team.
Heatran
Typing: Fire / Steel
Base Stats: 91 HP / 90 Atk / 106 Def / 130 SpA / 106 SpD / 77 Spe
Abilities: Flash Fire / Flame Body (Unreleased)
Heatran is a very versatile Pokemon that can run a variety of sets ranging from all-out offensive ones to defensive ones. With great balanced stats and a unique and effective typing, Heatran can run a very effective offensive set which, when backed by a Life Orb or a Choice Specs, has the power to rip through whole teams. Slapping a Choice Scarf on Heatran makes it a great revenge killer too, as it outspeeds many popular unboosted sweepers such as Thundurus while being able to finish off most threats with a powerful STAB Fire Blast. It also has the ability to clean up weakened teams late-game with a Flame Charge set. Heatran also has a variety of support options, and its respectable defenses allow it to sponge most neutral attacks. With great support options such as Stealth Rock, Roar, Taunt, Toxic, Protect, and Torment, the only thing that stops Heatran from being a top mixed wall is its lack of reliable recovery, which is somewhat remedied by Protect and Leftovers though. Despite having a nasty weakness to common Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, Heatran is still quite the threat, and makes a great addition to any team looking for a bulky, powerful attacker.
Hydreigon
Typing: Dark / Dragon
Base Stats: 92 HP / 105 Atk / 90 Def / 125 SpA / 90 Def / 98 Spe
Ability: Levitate
A high base 125 Special Attack and decent defensive stats, along with a massive movepool and a wonderful ability in Levitate, give Hydreigon a unique niche in the metagame, making it a very dangerous threat indeed. Hydreigon's wide movepool, which includes Fire Blast, Surf, Dark Pulse, Draco Meteor, and Focus Blast, allows it to check a large range of threats. Levitate and its decent defenses also give Hydreigon the ability to switch in with ease and take the odd hit or two. Hydreigon can also surprise its normal counters by running physical moves such as Earthquake and Outrage, which it is more than capable of thanks to its good base 105 Attack . Unfortunately, Hydreigon's odd base 98 Speed leaves it outsped by a large number of threats who can hit it hard with their STAB attacks, Dragon-types in particular. While Hydreigon's defenses are decent, they are not spectacular, and it can't stomach powerful attacks from the likes of Conkeldurr and Latios. It also has unfortunate weaknesses to common Fighting- and Bug-type attacks. As if those flaws weren't enough, special walls such as Blissey wall Hydreigon unless it runs Outrage. Still, Hydreigon is a dangerous threat who can raze unprepared teams easily if given the chance, thanks to its sheer offensive power and movepool.
Infernape
Typing: Fire / Fighting
Base Stats: 76 HP / 104 Atk / 71 Def / 104 SpA / 71 Def / 108 Spe
Ability: Blaze / Iron Fist
Although Infernape received a massive amount of competition with all the new Fighting-types introduced in the fifth generation, one can't do any worse than take its offensive prowess for granted. Sporting great offensive stats and a high base 108 Speed, Infernape can effectively function as a wonderful mixed attacker. Infernape also has a good movepool to back it up, having powerful physical and special STAB moves to go with coverage options such as Earthquake, Stone Edge, Grass Knot, and Hidden Power, and priority in the form of Mach Punch and Vaccuum Wave. This allows it to deal with threats ranging from the ubiquitous Blissey and Ferrothorn to even the dangerous Garchomp. Infernape also has access to boosting moves such as Nasty Plot, Swords Dance, and Work Up, making it a wonderful setup sweeper as well. Unfortunately, our fiery ape has its fair share of problems. Although fast, offensive threats such as Thundurus and Gengar outspeed it. This is compounded by the fact that Infernape has poor defensive stats, meaning it can rarely take more than one hit. Despite these flaws, Infernape is a dangerous offensive threat that can run away with the game if you are not careful.
Jirachi
Typing: Steel / Psychic
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Serene Grace
It's not a stretch to say that Jirachi is one of the most extremely useful, versatile Pokemon in the fifth generation. With the number of classic and new threats thriving in OU, including but not limited to Ferrothorn, Latios, Latias, Reuniclus, and Tyranitar, Jirachi's offensive capabilities are sorely needed on many teams. Jirachi has many things going for it; in addition to its Steel / Psychic typing, which grants Jirachi a whopping eight resistances and only two weaknesses, it is also gifted with Serene Grace, along with many options to make use of it. Jirachi is quite the force to be reckoned with, as its versatility allows it to play physically or specially, and each set has different checks from the other. On the special side, Jirachi can utilize its infamous Calm Mind sets to lure and eliminate a number of defensive threats with ease. Physically, Jirachi poses a massive threat with the notorious Iron Head, which has a 60% chance to flinch the opponent thanks to Serene Grace, complemented with coverage options to check the likes of Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor. More often than not, Jirachi simply requires minimal support to function, as its wonderful bulk and typing allow it to set up easily on various types of teams. Once its counters and checks have been eliminated, Jirachi can break through most teams in a metagame heavily reliant on defensive Pokemon with that ever-serene smile on its face.
Kingdra
Typing: Water / Dragon
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 95 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim / Sniper / Damp (Unreleased)
Kingdra is often compared with other Dragon-types for a team slot. While its stats may indicate mediocrity, Kingdra does have a number of traits that allow it to destroy various types of teams in OU. One thing to consider is its unique Water / Dragon typing; with resistances to three common attacking types, only one weakness to Dragon-type moves, and decent defensive stats, Kingdra can find itself setting up easily on a regular basis. This typing also grants Kingdra good offensive dual STAB coverage, being resisted only by the common Ferrothorn and the less popular Empoleon and Shedinja. Kingdra may also threaten teams in numerous, unexpected ways. While Dragon Dance can be used in multiple ways for an imminent sweep, Rain Dance sets have the power to immediately break through teams; especially the very popular weather-oriented ones. In rain conditions, Kingdra can take advantage of its ability, Swift Swim, to outrun the whole metagame, making it especially difficult to revenge kill. It may be a good idea to pair Kingdra with a Drizzle Politoed; however, since the combination of Swift Swim and Drizzle is banned, Kingdra will have to resort to the classic methods it used last generation, which doesn’t stop it from being a significant offensive threat.
Kyurem
Typing: Dragon / Ice
Base Stats: 125 HP / 130 Atk / 90 Def / 130 SpA / 90 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Pressure
At a first glance, Kyurem appears to be an enormously powerful mixed attacker capable of tearing through even the bulkiest of walls. Excellent base stats along with powerful mixed dual STAB attacks in Outrage, Draco Meteor, and Blizzard also back up this claim. However, Kyurem is almost completely let down by an average base 95 Speed, a small movepool with no boosting moves outside of Hone Claws, and a bad Dragon / Ice typing which gives it weaknesses to common Fighting- and Steel-type priority attacks in addition to a Stealth Rock weakness. Still, Kyurem is not to be underestimated. With just Focus Blast and its dual STAB attacks, Kyurem achieves perfect neutral coverage, and this can be put to good use with its mixed attacking stats, allowing it to function as an effective mixed stallbreaker. Kyurem also has a unique move in Glaciate to slow down the opponent and force switches. With excellent 125 / 90 / 90 defenses, Kyurem is certainly durable enough to take the odd neutral hit or two, allowing it to hang around for long. Despite having several crippling disadvantages, Kyurem cannot be taken lightly, and is an offensive threat which every team should be prepared to deal with.
Landorus
Typing: Ground / Flying
Base Stats: 89 HP / 125 Atk / 90 Def / 115 SpA / 80 SpD / 101 Spe
Ability: Sand Force / Sheer Force
Under sandstorm, Landorus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. Access to Swords Dance and Rock Polish and above average defensive stats allow Landorus to set up and demolish both defensive and offensive teams with ease. Its mixed offensive stats make it all the more harder to wall, as physical walls such as Gliscor are destroyed by Hidden Power Ice. As if this weren't enough, Sand Force boosts the power of Earthquake and Stone Edge in a sandstorm, giving Landorus the ability to run both Swords Dance and Rock Polish on the same set and rip apart most teams to shreds. Unfortunately, Landorus's weird base 101 Speed leaves it outsped by threats such as Thundurus, Starmie, and Gengar, who can all send it to the grave by exploiting its 4x Ice-type weakness. Despite this glaring weakness, Landorus cannot be taken lightly; the raw power of its attacks in sandstorm makes it a top-tier offensive threat.
Latias
Typing: Dragon / Psychic
Base Stats: 80 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 110 SpA / 130 SpD / 110 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
The transition to Black and White has seen Latias once again allowed into standard play, with the sole stipulation that it may not hold its signature item, the Soul Dew. Nonetheless, Latias is capable of using its high Speed, power, access to instant recovery, and formidable bulk to merit use. While Choice Scarf, Life Orb, and Choice Specs sets are viable, it is generally outclassed by its counterpart, Latios, and as such finds itself using sets that emphasize its higher bulk. These include the mono-attacking Calm Mind set, dual screen sets that utilize Wish, and various other incarnations of the aforementioned Calm Mind set. By running these sets, Latias provides an excellent answer to various sweepers, such as Heatran and Zapdos, and can easily heal off any damage with Recover. With the metagame centered largely around Fighting- and Dragon-type threats, both of which Latias handles well thanks to its resistance to the former and ability to outspeed nearly all of the latter, it can be both a great choice for and a grave threat to any team.
Latios
Typing: Dragon / Psychic
Base Stats: 80 HP / 90 Atk / 80 Def / 130 SpA / 110 SpD / 110 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
It's no mystery as to why Latios is one of the most powerful, and feared, Pokemon in the OU tier; with its massive base 130 Special Attack and base 110 Speed stats, coupled up with a passable amount of bulk, Latios is one of the most effective sweepers on the ladder - its ‘signature’ attack, Draco Meteor, has enough power to heavily dent even the likes of Ferrothorn! Latios is able to run a variety of sets ranging from Choice Specs to Calm Mind, and even to Dragon Dance (the latter being a special variant). However, it's not all sunshine for Latios, as its secondary typing, Psychic, cripples it in many ways; now, Steel-types which resist Draco Meteor, such as Scizor, can come in almost unscathed (especially if Latios has already used Draco Meteor and lowered its Special Attack stat) and trap Latios with Pursuit; specially defensive Tyranitar also works magnificently at doing this. Overall, Latios is a massive offensive threat, but like all others, it is not without its weaknesses.
Magnezone
Typing: Steel / Electric
Base Stats: 70 HP / 70 Atk / 115 Def / 130 SpA / 95 SpD / 60 Spe
Ability: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic
With the abundance of Steel-types in the metagame, it is no small wonder that Magnezone is such a common threat. Magnet Pull affords Magnezone the ability to trap any pesky Steel-type, and either KO it straightaway with its powerful STAB attacks, or set up on it with Charge Beam thanks to its wonderful physical bulk. Even though Magnezone might lack a large movepool, Hidden Power Fire and its STAB moves give it near-perfect coverage. Its huge base 130 Special Attack also makes up for its lack of coverage options. Magnezone can also deal with the common Ferrothorn + Jellicent defensive core, making it a great choice for just about any team that needs the removal of walls, Steel-types in particular, for a Pokemon to sweep. Ironically, Magnezone itself is also a Steel-type, meaning it suffers from the same flaws that its Steel-type brethren have to deal with. A painful 4x weakness to common Ground-type attacks is probably the biggest, as Magnezone is not handling these attacks anytime despite its respectable 115 base Defense. Magnezone is also slow, meaning that speedy Fighting- and Fire-type Pokemon can KO it with ease. Despite these flaws, Magnezone can make unprepared teams pay, since it can remove entire defensive cores without blinking an eye.
Mew
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Ability: Synchronize
Mew is one of the few Pokemon with base 100 stats across the board, helping it immensely offensively. With access to every TM and non-exclusive tutor move in the game, Mew is an extremely versatile threat that can run an incredible amount of sets, many of which capitalizing on its fantastic ability to Baton Pass boosts. Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, Calm Mind, and Amnesia are literally the tip of the iceberg when it comes to boosting moves that can be passed to more dangerous threats. However, it can just as easily sweep on its own with Nasty Plot, using its great Special Attack and Speed, and STAB Psyshock to take down even special walls such as Blissey and Jellicent. It can also run a more defensive Calm Mind set which still packs quite a punch, capitalizing more on its bulk and access to an instant recovery move in Roost. Additionally, a stallbreaker set exploiting Will-O-Wisp, Taunt, and Recover can beget great results, if given the proper support. Overall, be very wary of Mew, as no matter how you decide to deal with it, you are facing a big offensive presence.
Mienshao
Type: Fighting
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 60 Def / 95 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Reckless (Unreleased)
One of the many new Fighting-types introduced in BW, Mienshao stands out of the pack in several unique ways. First off, it is one of the fastest Fighting-types in the game with base 105 Speed, allowing it to outrun Pokemon sitting in the base 100 Speed benchmark. Its offenses aren't bad either, as Mienshao sports a high 125 base Attack and a usable base 95 Special Attack, giving it a fair amount of versatility. It has a relatively shallow movepool, but this does contain lots of useful moves such as U-turn, Hi Jump Kick, Fake Out, Calm Mind, Swords Dance, and Work Up to toy with. Access to Regenerator is the icing on the cake, as with it Mienshao worries less about residual damage from Life Orb, sandstorm, entry hazards, and status, enhancing its longevity by leaps and bounds. However, Mienshao is frail and won't take too many hits anytime soon, struggling against Ghost-types due to a lack of any decent Dark- or Ghost-type moves. Even with these flaws, Mienshao is still a solid Pokemon to use, and can run diverse sets even with its small movepool.
Nidoking
Typing: Poison / Ground
Base Stats: 81 HP / 92 Atk / 77 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry / Sheer Force
Overlooked in past generations due to its middling stats, Nidoking received a blessing in the form of its Dream World ability, Sheer Force. This allows Nidoking to abuse its fantastic movepool with a very efficient Life Orb set. Nidoking's useful typing protects it from paralysis and poison, also allowing it to remove Toxic Spikes when switched in. It has access to powerful STAB moves such as Earth Power and Sludge Bomb, which are buffed up thanks to Sheer Force, as well as the trio of Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam. And while the amount of Sheer Force-boosted physical moves is lacking, Nidoking received Hone Claws, a way to boost its decent Attack and raise its accuracy, making moves such as Stone Edge, Fire Blast, Thunder, and Blizzard feasible on a mixed set. Though middling Speed and so-so defenses may hold Nidoking back, being an able check (or even counter) to the threatening Conkledurr speaks volumes of Nidoking's newfound truck-hitting abilities.
Ninetales
Typing: Fire
Base Stats: 73 HP / 76 Atk / 75 Def / 81 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spd
Abilities: Flash Fire / Drought
Ninetales, in previous generations, was a rather unassuming Fire-type. It shared Flash Fire with Heatran and Arcanine, Nasty Plot with Infernape, and had less Special Attack than even Magmortar and Charizard. In the fifth generation, things looked even worse for Ninetales with the introduction of Chandelure, who had Flash Fire and much higher Special Attack. However, Ninetales has advanced from the depths of NU to a secure spot in OU due to one thing: its Dream World ability, Drought. Drought, previously exclusive to Groudon, allows Ninetales to set up permanent sun when it enters battle, making Sunny Day teams a force to be reckoned with in OU. Ninetales's mere presence is enough to pull several other lowly Pokemon, like Lilligant, up to a usable level, and make top-tier threats such as Heatran and Chandelure even more effective. Ninetales must be used carefully, however. Tyranitar can switch in on any of Ninetales's attacks, set up sandstorm, and force Ninetales to either switch or get KOed. Politoed, with its Drizzle ability, also makes an excellent counter to this flaming fox, as it can replace the sunlight with rain instantly and destroy Nintales with its STAB attacks. Still, Ninetales is what has kept sun thriving in BW OU, and that's not going to change any time soon.
Politoed
Typing: Water
Base Stats: 90 HP / 75 Atk / 75 Def / 90 SpA / 100 SpD / 70 Spd
Abilities: Water Absorb / Damp / Drizzle
Though one of the most outclassed Water-types in the previous generations, Politoed has shot to instant stardom with the arrival of the fifth generation. It received Drizzle from the Dream World, turning the OU metagame on its head. In fact, Politoed's infinite rain provided such a boost to Swift Swim that the two were banned together on the same team. Although its primary use is gone, Politoed's rain contributes to rain stall teams and teams that need other weathers removed. Politoed functions well both as a bulky Water-type and a Choice Scarf user, as thanks to its reasonable bulk and moderate speed, it can revenge kill many unboosted sweepers while checking threats such as non-Choice Scarf Jirachi amongst others. Politoed isn't perfect, though, as its low Defense and Speed make it easy to wear down. Ferrothorn and Jellicent make excellent counters too, as neither take much damage from any of Politoed's attacks and are both able to cripple it with a status move. Despite these flaws, Politoed should be your number one choice when looking for a defensive Pokemon to set up rain and check sandstorm.
Reuniclus
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 110 HP / 65 Atk / 75 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Overcoat / Magic Guard
Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame, being one of the best users of Calm Mind. Its ability Magic Guard, along with Recover, helps it in no small way. A complete immunity to all forms of passive damage, including Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, and access to a reliable recovery move are two of the biggest boons a sweeper can get. It is no small wonder thus that Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. It can also function very effectively in Trick Room, and cripple physical attackers with Psycho Shift, making it all the more harder to take down. Reuniclus's bulk allows it take the odd hit or two while setting up, and heal off the damage later. Despite seeming to be invincible, Reuniclus has some problems - namely its typing, average physical bulk, and dreadful Speed. Scizor and Tyranitar are the bane of Reuniclus's existence, as they can OHKO it with their powerful STAB attacks with ease. Taunt also ruins Reuniclus, forcing it to switch unless it has already set up. Despite these flaws, Reuniclus remains one of the most dangerous Pokemon to have as an adversary. If given the chance to set up, it will be very difficult to stop.
Rotom-W
Typing: Water / Electric
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpA / 107 SpD / 86 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
With only one weakness in total, and two great STAB attacks, Rotom-W makes a great tank in today's metagame. This, in conjunction with good base defenses and a solid Special Attack stat, allows Rotom-W to both dish out damage and take hits in return. STAB Thunderbolt and Hydro Pump hit hard when backed by Choice Specs, and Rotom-W can thus act as a great counter to the rain and sand teams which are very common in the current metagame. Our affable washing machine also has Hidden Power to fall back on when faced by walls such as Ferrothorn that resist its STAB moves, and it thus gets great coverage. Rotom-W also has access to a semi-reliable recovery move in Pain Split that also allows it to hurt walls such as Blissey at the same time. Though Rotom-W is not game-breaking as an offesive force, its ability to both take hits and return them back hard is what makes it a Pokemon to look out for.
Salamence
Typing: Dragon / Flying
Base Stats: 95 HP / 135 Atk / 80 Def / 110 SpA / 80 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie (Unreleased)
Salamence has continued to be a major threat in the OU metagame. Its high Base Stats are one reason for this - 135 base Attack and 110 base Special Attack are nothing to scoff at, even with the power creep that occurred this generation. Dragon Dance also allows it to run roughshod over entire teams with just a single turn of setup. Salamence's large movepool also makes it quite unpredictable, as it can run many different sets ranging from a classic Dragon Dance set to even a defensive set with Wish and Dragon Tail. However, Salamence is no longer secure as the best Dragon-type in OU, as Latias and Latios dropped down from Ubers this generation, while other threats, new and old, threaten to take over Salamence's place at the top of OU. Both Latios and Latias outspeed Salamence and can easily OHKO it with their STAB Dragon-type attacks, Dragonite has a valuable niche on rain teams as a bulky wallbreaker, while Haxorus boasts a higher base Attack stat that makes it great with a Choice Scarf or Choice Band. There are few true counters to Salamence, however, making it a great choice as a physical or mixed sweeper on a team in need of its services. Even walls such as Ferrothorn only check it at best, and only the rarely-used Cresselia counters it fully. Despite the presence of other powerful Dragon-types and new threats looking to steal its role, Salamence is still a solid contender and should never be overlooked as a threat when building a team.
Sawsbuck
Type: Normal / Grass
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 70 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll, Sap Sipper, Serene Grace (Unreleased)
Though a rarer sight than the omnipresent Venusaur as a resident Chlorophyll user on sun teams, Sawsbuck is nonetheless a deadly offensive threat, as it can run a very dangerous Swords Dance set. With its dual STAB attacks and Jump Kick or Nature Power (Earthquake in WiFi battles) for coverage, Sawsbuck can hit a large range of threats very hard while being walled by few Ghost-types. It is able to sweep entire teams who lack the Fighting-type priority it hates if given the opportunity to set up. A little less threatening is the four attacks set, which is an excellent revenge killer available to sun teams, as it outspeeds almost the entire metagame while still being able to switch moves. It should be noted, however, that this set lacks the power to carry out a clean sweep. Megahorn will typically be used in the fourth slot in order to better revenge kill Latios and Latias, as well as hitting opposing Grass-types harder, though Synthesis may (rarely) be present for recovery instead.
Scizor
Typing: Bug / Steel
Base Stats: 70 HP / 130 Atk / 100 Def / 55 SpA / 80 SpD / 65 Spe
Abilities: Swarm / Technician / Light Metal (Unreleased)
Despite the presence of many new threats in Generation 5, especially Chandelure, Scizor continues to be a powerhouse and staple on many teams. Its standard set back in DPP, the Choice Band set, has largely given way to its Swords Dance set, but both pack quite the punch and can blow holes in the opposing team regardless of the situation. U-turn coming off of Scizor's base 130 Attack deals plenty of damage while also allowing Scizor to be an effective scout and pivot. With Swords Dance and a Life Orb, there isn't much that can handle Scizor's priority Bullet Punch. However, as with all Pokemon, the metal bug has its drawbacks. The aforementioned Chandelure resists all of Scizor's common moves barring Pursuit, and can easily dispose of Scizor with its STAB Fire-type attacks. Volcarona is also an excellent Scizor slayer, sporting STAB Fire-type moves, a resistance to most of Scizor's moves, and Flame Body to burn Scizor when it attacks. Although it has fallen a little in usage since last generation, Scizor is still a strong threat in the OU metagame, and will likely remain there for generations to come.
Scrafty
Typing: Dark / Fighting
Base Stats: 65 HP / 90 Atk / 115 Def / 45 SpA / 115 SpD / 58 Spe
Ability: Shed Skin / Moxie / Intimidate
With wonderful defensive stats, a usable base 90 Attack, and access to fantastic boosting moves in Bulk Up and Dragon Dance, Scrafty makes an excellent setup sweeper. STAB Drain Punch and Crunch also get near-perfect neutral coverage, allowing Scrafty to hit a large range of theats hard with just the two moves. Scrafty also has two wonderful abilities in Shed Skin and Moxie. The former allows it to abuse Rest effectively, giving it a form of recovery to go with Drain Punch, while the latter makes it harder to stop each time it scores a KO. Scrafty's offensive movepool is not small, either, as it has options such as Ice Punch to hit switch-ins such as Gliscor hard, and Dragon Tail to phaze the opponent and rack up residual damage. It also has support options such as Taunt and Counter to stop opposing setup and surprise physical attackers, respectively. Unfortunately, Scrafty is let down by its poor base 58 Speed, allowing fast Fighting-types such as Infernape to outspeed and pummel Scrafty with their STAB Fighting-type attacks. Trick also shuts down Scrafty, forcing it to switch. Still, Scrafty can take away the game in a matter of a few turns, and is a threat which every team should be prepared for.
Starmie
Typing: Water / Psychic
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 85 Def / 100 SpA / 85 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Illuminate / Natural Cure / Analyze
Starmie has a great combination of blistering Speed, great coverage, and fantastic Special Attack. With Hydro Pump, Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam in its arsenal, Starmie can rip apart unprepared teams easily with a Life Orb set. Recover makes it even harder to take down, allowing it to hang around for a long time. Starmie is also blessed with the fairly exclusive Rapid Spin, which can make life for more defensive teams a lot more difficult. Although Starmie is equipped with the perfect tools for a special sweeper, it misses the utility given with a boosting move, and it is also horribly walled by Ferrothorn unless wielding Hidden Power Fire. Just make sure that you have a check to Starmie in your team, or it will sweep unhindered.
Terrakion
Typing: Rock / Fighting
Base Stats: 91 HP / 129 Atk / 90 Def / 72 SpA / 90 SpD / 108 Spe
Ability: Justice Heart
Terrakion's good bulk, incredible base 129 Attack, a base 108 Speed which allows it to outspeed a significant proportion of the metagame even before boosts, and access to both Swords Dance and Rock Polish makes it a fantastic setup sweeper. Its STAB moves are also resisted only by a handful of uncommon Pokemon such as Claydol, Toxicroak, and Golurk, enabling it to run a double-boosting set with both Rock Polish and Swords Dance to tailor its boosts to the kind of team it is up against. Terrakion can also run a Choice set very well with its high Attack and Speed, making it a versatile threat. Justice Heart also allows it to snatch an Attack boost by switching in on Dark-type boosts. Though Terrakion sports weaknesses to common Ground-, Water-, and Fighting-type attacks, and is outsped by common threats such as Starmie and Gengar, underestimate it at your own peril - it can
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Thundurus
Typing: Electric / Flying
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Competitive Spirit (Unreleased)
Thundurus boasts incredible offensive stats, as well as access to the holy grail for any special attacker: Nasty Plot. STAB Thunderbolt after a Nasty Plot destroys anything that does not resist it, while Hidden Power Ice and Focus Blast will clean up everything else. Access to the fairly exclusive Prankster ability also allows Thundurus to cripple any meddling threats with Thunder Wave before they even get to attack! Thundurus is also one of the few special attackers that aren't walled by the pink blobs, Chansey and Blissey, as it can cripple them with Taunt and go for the KO with Hammer Arm, coming from a very respectable 115 base Attack. Fortunately, Thundurus is very frail, and can be revenge killed by anything that doesn't mind getting paralyzed or sports an immunity to Electric-type attacks. Its typing also gives it weaknesses to common Rock- and Ice-type attacks. All in all, ensure that you have a fast attacker or something else to guard against Thundurus, or you will be blown to bits once it sets up.
Tornadus
Typing: Flying
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Defiant (Unreleased)
Tornadus is one of the most threatening sweepers on rain teams. The one trait that really separates it from Thundurus is its powerful Flying-type STAB, Hurricane, which rivals Latios's Draco Meteor in power without any drawback in the rain. This allows Tornadus to run an extremely threatening Choice Specs set and just spam Hurricane, which generally only Tyranitar and defensive Steel- and Electric-types like Jirachi and Raikou can check reliably, and even then the 30% probability of confusion may give them trouble, too. Tornadus can also run an effective mixed set, try its hand at a Bulk Up set with Taunt, or even attempt a Rain Dance support set to bypass the ban of the Drizzle + Swift Swim combination. However, a vulnerability to priority moves and over-reliance on rain let Tornadus down, as it is almost useless outside of rain. Still, Tornadus makes a great addition to any rain team, and should always be handled carefully, as one wrong switch can result in an irreparable loss.
Toxicroak
Typing: Poison / Fighting
Base Stats: 83 HP / 106 Atk / 65 Def / 86 SpA / 65 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Dry Skin / Anticipation / Poison Touch (Unreleased)
Toxicroak has always been an odd Pokemon. With middling stats all across the board, it may, at first glance, seem like nothing more than a mediocre Pokemon at best. However, Toxicroak’s viability in OU comes from its highly coveted ability, Dry Skin, which restores 12.5% of its health in rain, and recovers health when hit by Water-type attacks. This, along with Toxicroak’s Poison typing, allows it to completely wall nearly every bulky Water-type and set up in their face. Toxicroak also has an interestingly wide physical and special movepool, as well as access to both Swords Dance and Nasty Plot to increase its clout as a setup sweeper significantly. Its large movepool includes useful priotiy options such as Fake Out and Sucker Punch, and gives it great coverage. It goes without saying that Toxicroak is a great fit on rain teams, as it can also deal with Ferrothorn, a huge pain for any rain team. Overall, Toxicroak is a seriously underrated threat and should not be taken lightly.
Tyranitar
Type: Rock / Dark
Base Stats: 100 HP / 134 Atk / 110 Def / 95 SpA / 100 SpD / 61 Spe
Abilities: Sand Stream / Unnerve (Unreleased)
The mighty Tyranitar storms through the metagame in Gen V with a thunderous roar. Tyranitar sports many worthwhile traits such as fantastically balanced stats overall, great Dark and Rock STABs, the amazing Sand Stream ability, and a very diverse movepool. Tyranitar can effectively run various roles and sets such as Choice Band, Mix, Choice Scarf, Curse, and Dragon Dance, or support any team with Sandstorm support and niche support moves like Roar, Dragon Tail, Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Thunder Wave. Probably the biggest thing about Tyranitar though is that it's a great partner for Sandstorm-reliant Pokemon, notable ones being Excadrill and Landorus, which benefit from Tyranitar's support. However, Tyranitar is not perfect. Tyranitar packs many weakness to common types such as Ground, Water, Bug, Steel, and Fighting, a somewhat underwhelming speed stat, and suffers somewhat from four-moveslot syndrome; it can do a lot but not everything at once. Tyranitar also has many threats that exist to stop Tyranitars fun, such as Drizzle Politoad, various new fighting types like Terrakion and Conkeldurr, Water-types Pokemon, Scizor, and ironically opposing Excadrill and Landorus. Even with these set backs, Tyranitar is still a solid and diverse threat that you should watch out for at all costs.
Venusaur
Typing: Grass/Poison
Base Stats: 80 / 82 / 83 / 100 / 100 / 80
Abilities: Overgrow / Chlorophyll
Venusaur was often known as "The King of UU" in 4th Generation as it's balanced stats, amazing movepool, and decent typing in a tier infested with Fighting-types really made it one of the best Pokemon in the tier. You might be wondering "If it's so good, why wasn't it in OU?", well that's because the power shift from 3rd Gen to 4th Gen made sure that even Venusaur's great defensive stats would have trouble taking hits. But 1 Generation later, Venusaur got one of the best abilities in the form of Chlorophyll, along with Drought Ninetales and the boost that Growth got made Venusaur one of the best Chlorophyll sweepers around as no other Chlorophyll sweeper had a good defensive stats as Venusaur, as well as a large movepool. Sadly, Venusaur with Chlorophyll is only obtainable through Dream World, where the Bulbasaur is only level 10 and Male, which means that Venusaur misses out on moves like Power Whip and Giga Drain obtainable from Breeding. Still, with these drawbacks Venusaur still remains a staple on most Sun teams and should always be considered when thinking Sun.
Victini
Typing: Psychic / Fire
Base Stats: 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100 / 100
Ability: Victory Star
Victini is the new 600 BST pixie with a unique Psychic-Fire typing that is both a blessing and a curse. With its Psychic typing comes a rather annoying Pursuit weakness, along with a Stealth Rock weakness due to its secondary Fire typing. However, do not let Victini's mediocre typing fool you. Its stat spread makes it extremely bulky on both ends of the spectrum even without investment. Victini's movepool is immense both special and physical, and it has access to several signature moves including the ridiculously powerful V-create with 180 base power even before STAB, Fusion Bolt, Fusion Flare, and Searing Shot. Victini also gets powerful coverage moves including Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, Energy Ball, Brick Break, and even Thunder. In addition, Victini has an interestingly varied support movepool consisting of Thunder Wave, Will-o-wisp, Taunt, and Trick Room. Perhaps Victini's most devastating set is the Choice Band set with V-create. Under the sun, a Choice Banded V-create can 2HKO Kingdra, a 4x resist. Anything without Flash Fire will be decimated by a Choice Banded, Sun-boosted, V-create. Victini can also run an effective Choice Scarf set to revenge faster threats. As a final note, Victini is also one of the select few Pokemon that received the move, Final Gambit, a move which sacrifices the user and does damage based on the HP of the user, a useful move in last-ditch endeavors. Underestimate this cute little Pokemon mascot at your peril and suffer the consequences.
Virizion
Typing: Grass / Fighting
Base Stats: 91 HP / 90 Atk / 72 Def / 90 SpA / 128 SpD / 108 Spe
Abilities: Justified
Being a member of the musketeer trio, Virizion certainly packs a punch. Although its Attack and Special Attack stats appear to be meager, Virizion can boost effectively with both Swords Dance and Calm Mind, respectively, giving it a fair amount of versatility. However, what sets Virizion apart from the average Fighting-type is its fantastic base 128 Special Defense and wonderful Grass / Fighting typing, making it an excellent check to sandstorm teams. Virizion is no slow customer either, as it boasts a high 108 base Speed that allows it to outspeed threats such as Garchomp. Though Virizion has a small movepool with only Hidden Power to rely upon outside of its STAB attacks, it still gets the job done very well. Access to Taunt also allows it to check slower setup sweepers and set up on walls with ease, strengthening its clout as a top-tier threat. However, Virizion's poor base 72 Defense won't allow it to take powerful physical attacks anytime soon. 108 base Speed, while fast, leaves Virizion outsped by Pokemon such as Latios and Tornadus. Opposing Calm Mind users with Psyshock, such as Jirachi and Reuniclus, can set up alongside it and ultimately come out victorious. Virizion's typing also grants it weaknesses to common Fire- and Ice-type attacks in addition to a nasty 4x Flying-type weakness. Still, Virizion is always a dangerous threat, and can make unprepared teams pay heavily.
Volcarona
Typing: Bug / Fire
Base Stats: 85 / 60 / 65 / 135 / 105 / 100
Abilities: Flame Body / Swarm (Unreleased)
Volcarona was perhaps one of the most underrated threats in the new metagame. However, people quickly realized that with just one turn of set up, Volcarona was set to wreak havoc on those unprepared. With an excellent stat distribution and unique typing, Volcarona can destroy most threats with its STAB Bug Buzz and Fire Blast alone. The remaining Pokemon who resist this formidable combination can be taken care of with a coverage move of choice, ranging from Psychic to Hurricane to Hidden Power. Along with Shell Smash, Quiver Dance is one of the most dangerous set up moves in the game, boosting Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed in one turn. In addition, Volcarona's below average Defense stat can be remedied by its ability, Flame Body, which gives it a nice 30% chance to burn the user of a contact move. Despite Volcarona's crippling weakness to Stealth Rock, if used with the proper support, Volcarona can sweep nearly any team.
Whimsicott
Typing: Grass
Base Stats: 60 HP / 67 Atk / 85 Def / 77 SpA / 75 SpD / 116 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Infiltrator / Chlorophyll (Dream World)
Whimsicott is a very different Pokemon, but it fully deserves to be featured in everyone's threat list. It's rather lackluster stats are made up for thanks to its immense support movepool, along with its ability: Prankster. With all of its support moves given priority, it can effectively be one of the best SubSeeders in existence, as it is guaranteed to get a Substitute up first. When combined with other support moves such as Taunt and Stun Spore, Whimsicott can be a great check to a variety of offensive threat too, being able to paralyze fast threats, meaning that they can easily be taken down by a teammate. Whimsicott is also able to give many teams an effective resistance to Ground- and Water-type attacks, which are omnipresent in the metagame thanks to Tyranitar and Politoed. Whimsicott's life is not all good however, as it can be easily taken down by good prediction and a any moderately powerful attack. Be ready for Whimsicott, or you will surely have a burden to deal with.
Zoroark
Typing: Dark
Base Stats: 60 HP / 105 Atk / 60 Def / 120 SpA / 60 SpD / 105 Spe
Abilities: Illusion
Zoroark is well-known as one of the earliest revealed pokemon in Black and White, and for good reason. With its exclusive Illusion ability, Zoroark is able to copy the sprite, gender, and nickname of the pokemon in the sixth team slot, which allows it to play serious mind games with an opponent who is already wary of the fox thanks to team preview. Zoroark often uses the ability to lure in the checks of a particular pokemon and strike them with a super-effective move, both giving its trainer the upper hand and providing excellent support to whichever pokemon Zoroark is masquerading as. However, this is not all there is to Zoroark - it has excellent offensive stats that allow it to serve as a viable user of Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, or Life Orb, and it accentuates its sweeping potential with access to both Swords Dance and Nasty Plot even if the Illusion should fail. Furthermore, it has access to powerful coverage moves such as Flamethrower and Focus Blast to compliment its Dark-type STAB. Not to be overlooked is its key speed tier, which manages to outpace the heavily populated Base 100 Speed tier and various other pokemon such as Landorus and Garchomp. Underestimate it at your peril, as it is capable of inflicting serious damage at a moment's notice, Illusion or not.
Defensive:
Blissey
Typing: Normal
Base Stats: 255 HP / 10 Atk / 10 Def / 75 SpA / 135 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Natural cure / Serene Grace
Even while receiving nothing from this new generation, as well as the huge buff to Chansey, the original Pink Blob, with her massive HP, always seems to come back. With the near-unmatched ability to wall nearly any special attacker in the game, Blissey can find a place in any team fearing special sweepers. Also, with her wide array of support moves, including Toxic, Thunder Wave, Heal Bell, and the newly buffed Wish that allows her to heal almost any pokemon in the game to near full health, Blissey can be a fantastic team supporter or status-spreader on a stall or offensive team, and despite it being somewhat outclassed in defenses by Eviolite Chansey, Blissey maintains some distinct advantages over her pre-evolution that allow it to take precedence in many team slots. With a usable base 75 special attack stat, Blissey can use moves such as Ice Beam or Flamethrower to take advantage of her surprising physical bulk, a side effect of her fantastic HP stat, and with the ability to use Leftovers, Blissey can prevent herself from taking residual damage from weather, and help offset whatever more damage she would take than Chansey. With massive special defense, workable physical defense, a usable special attack and a useful movepool, Blissey once again proves that if something isn't broken, you need not fix it.
Bronzong
Typing: Steel / Psychic
Base Stats: 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SpA / 116 SpD / 33 Spe
Abilities: Levitate / Heatproof / Heavy Metal (Dream World)
With fantastic mixed defenses, and a typing that gives it only one weakness in conjunction with either of its non Dream World abilities, Bronzong is a fantastic wall that can take on a multitude of threats without breaking a sweat. Thanks to its Steel / Psychic typing, Bronzong makes one of the few reliable checks to the ferocious Dragon-types that roam OU, including Garchomp and the Lati twins. Bronzong is also able to provide a great support role, as it can reliably set up Stealth Rock, along with being able to provide Dual Screen and Trick Room support. Bronzong also has the ability to go offensive by taking up a more tanking role, where it sports Earthquake, Gyro Ball, and a Hidden Power of choice to help to take on as many different Pokemon as possible. However Bronzong isn't completely invunerable, as its low HP stat, and lack of reliable recover mean that it can be worn down without difficulty, and KOed after receiving a lot of residual damage. All in all, Bronzong is a competent Pokemon, that when used to its advantages, makes a very effective use of a teamslot.
Chansey
Typing: Normal
Base Stats: 250 HP / 5 Atk / 5 Def / 35 SpA / 105 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Natural Cure / Serene Grace / Healing Heart
In the previous generations, Chansey was overshadowed by its evolution, Blissey, who had better stats both offensively and defensively. However, the 5th Generation brought about a new item called the Eviolite which increases the defenses of NFE Pokemon by 50%. This has transformed Chansey into an enormously bulky Pokemon who can wall a huge number of threats with its enormous HP stat and large base 105 Special Defense (which are further enlarged by the Pre-Evolution Stone), and reliable recovery in the form of Softboiled. The new generation also brought about a change in the mechanics associated with Wish - Chansey can now pass enormous 352 HP Wishes to its teammates. It can thus perform several different roles in teams. It can be a team supporter, with Wish and status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, or it can be a pure wall, focussing on walling threats with its huge defensive stats and chipping away at the opponent's health through residual damage and an attacking option (usually Seismic Toss). However, Chansey is still completely outclassed by Blissey when it comes to offense. Despite having a fantastic special movepool, Chansey cannot put it to good use with its deplorable base 35 Special Attack and thus has to resort to Seismic Toss as its only form of offense. This leaves Chansey without any form of offense against Ghost-types. The compulsion of having to use the Pre-Evolution Stone as a hold item means that Chansey also cannot avail of the constant recovery which Leftovers provides. Despite these flaws, Chansey shines as one of the best Special walls in the metagame and is one defensive threat which every team should be capable of dealing with.
Deoxys-D
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 50 HP / 70 Atk / 160 Def / 70 SpA / 160 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Pressure
With enormous base 160 defenses apiece, a gigantic support movepool which includes a reliable recovery move in Recover, and the ability Pressure, Deoxys-D appears to be tailor-made for stalling. Along with Cosmic Power and Recover, and a wide variety of support moves such as Toxic, Taunt, Magic Coat and Protect, Deoxys-D can stall out a large number of threats. It is not limited to stalling, though. It can utilise its fantastic defensive stats to lay entry hazards such as Spikes, or be a team supporter by setting up Reflect and Light Screen. However, Deoxys-D's stalling capabilities are undermined by its poor base 50 HP stat and a weakness to Pursuit courtesy its Psychic typing, which also gives Deoxys-D weaknesses to common Ghost-and Dark-type attacks. This means that Pokemon such as Chandelure and Hydreigon can easily break through Deocys-D's defenses with their powerful STAB attacks. Deoxys-D is also prone to being Taunt bait for Pokemon with Mischievous Heart such as Thundurus, Whimsicott and Sableye unless it carries Magic Coat. Despite these middling flaws, Deoxys-D stands out as one of the most potent stallers in the metagame, and is a defensive threat that can stall out entire teams unless they are prepared to deal with it.
Ferrothorn
Typing: Grass / Steel
Base Stats: 74 HP / 94 Atk / 131 Def / 54 SpA / 116 SpD / 20 Spe
Abilities: Iron Barbs
With 74 / 131 / 116 defenses and a typing which gives it useful resistances to common Dragon-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks, it is little wonder that Ferrothorn is one of the best walls in the game. In a metagame dominated by weather, Ferrothorn can be a very useful check to rain-based teams, since it can counter threats such as Kabutops and Starmie. Ferrothorn also has a very interesting ability- Iron Barbs, which allows it to bring down powerful Dragon-type threats such as Salamence, Garchomp, and Dragonite locked into Outrage. It is a great way to kill weak Pokémon by just switching in. Thanks to this, Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave and Toxic, and even set up with Curse easily. Ferrothorn is not invincible, though. Powerful Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape can easily turn Ferrothorn to scrap metal with their STAB attacks. Despite this, Ferrothorn is an amazing wall that can fit itself on almost any team.
Forretress
Typing: Bug / Steel
Base Stats: 75 HP / 90 Atk / 140 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 40 Spe
Abilities: Sturdy / Overcoat
Forretress, the premier spinner of the fourth generation, may have gained little this generation outside of a buffed Sturdy, but he still retains a very useful niche that he shares with no other pokemon. An impressive physical defense and workable special defense (with EV investmment), as well as access to all hazards and the ability to Rapid Spin, go a long way toward making Forretress a near must-have for any stall team. With the ability to set up all hazards, Forretress can be used easily to cover up holes in a stall team's hazard repertoire, and with Rapid Spinning capability, makes him even more useful as an add-on. Yet hazards work is not all Forretress can do. With its colossal defense, Forretress can tank most physical sweepers and take advantage of his surprisingly usable 90 base attack stat. Using Gyro Ball along with his dismal speed allows Forretress to counter many speedy sweepers, and with a buffed Sturdy, can abuse Custap Berry if need be to ensure two hits on a frightening sweeper. So whether one needs a stalling master, a rapid spinner, a clutch counter, or a catch-all defensive giant, Forretress is always there.
Gliscor
Type: Flying / Ground
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 125 Def / 45 SpA / 75 SpD / 95 Spe
Ability: Hyper Cutter / Sand Veil / Poison Heal
Gliscor is one of the most common threats in the metagame, because it is able to put a full stop to some of the most common Pokemon in it. Excadrill, spouted at the launch of BW as the most broken new Pokemon in OU is completely countered by it, and Landlos is also beaten unless it has Hidden Power Ice. For healing, it runs either Roost or Toxic Orb + Poison Heal, both of which are enough for it to last much of the game. It uses Taunt, Knock Off and Toxic or Fling to beat Stall teams and its passable attacking stats to launch strong STAB Earthquakes and Acrobats at teams, and can support the team using Stealth Rock or Baton Pass with Agility and Swords Dance as well. If you are playing with an offensive (or defensive) Sandstorm team, you will need at least one way to get around Defensive Gliscor, because it will be one of your biggest problems.
Hippowdon
Typing: Ground
Base Stats: 108 HP / 112 Atk / 118 Def / 68 SpA / 72 SpD / 47 Spe
Abilities: Sand Stream, Sand Force (Dreamworld: Unreleased)
Although Hippowdon gained practically nothing this generation, with the plethora of new physical attackers running around, it became a valuable wall in today's metagame, having the ability to check many dangerous physical threats such as Excadrill and Landorus. With huge HP and Defense stats, Hippowdon is nigh on impossible to take down with a physical attack, and its respectable Special Defense coupled with its great HP allow it to wall some special attackers with the right investment. Hippowdon still sports a decent support movepool, with options such as Stealth Rock, Roar and Slack Off available to him, and can help out his teammates with ease. Hippowdon's ability, Sand Stream, allows it to add more residual damage to the table, whilst making him the perfect partner to both Excadrill and Landorus. Finally, Hippowdon can surprise many of it's usual checks and counters with a Choice Band set that allows him to utilise his respectable Attack stat and STAB Earthquake to do heaps of damage.
Jellicent
Type: Water/Ghost
Base Stats: 100 HP / 60 Atk / 70 Def / 85 SpA / 105 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Water Absorb / Cursed Body / Damp (Unreleased)
Generation 5 introduced its answer to a Bulky Water type and Spin Blocker in the form of Jellicent. Jellicent supports a unique Water/Ghost typing with plenty of key resistances and immunities, its usable abilities Water Absorb and Cursed Body, solid 100/70/105 defenses, instant recovery, surprisingly decent offensive movepool, and niche support moves like Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and Trick Room. Jellicent's primary role on a team is to tank hits and render Rapid Spin useless, which is why its often pared up with a entry hazard using Pokemon; most notably Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn and Jellicent form a partnership similar to SkarmBliss, where Ferrothorn sets up hazards while Jellicent Spin Blocks with the bonus of covering each others weaknesses and counters to an extent. Thanks to it's traits, Jellicent can go toe to toe with some of the metagame's biggest threats like Heatran, Mienshao, Swords Dance Lucario lacking Crunch, Volcarona, Terrakion, Choice Band Scizor, opposing Bulky water types ranging from Vaporeon to Slowbro, Latios, Latias, and even Chansey or Blissey to an extent. Jellicent does suffer from being set up bait for some Pokemon like Suicune, taunt users like Whimsicott, and general power houses like Garchomp, but if you need a solid tank to use that can block Rapid Spin then Jellicent could be your jellyfish.
Jirachi
Typing: Steel / Psychic
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Serene Grace
Thanks to its balanced HP and defensive stats, which are some of the bulkiest in the standard tier, Jirachi is highly adept at taking advantage of its excellent defensive typing to serve as a roadblock to an impending sweep, and it has the movepool to support this as well. Jirachi is often seen spreading paralysis to the opposing team, using either Thunder Wave or Body Slam, which has a 60% chance of paralysis thanks to Serene Grace. Being a normal-type attack, it gives Jirachi an exploitable niche in paralyzing ground-types, though it is unable to paralyze ghosts should it be chosen. Jirachi is also capable of setting up Reflect and Light Screen, and serves as a great check to dragon-types, particularly Latios, due to its typing. However, the main draw of using defensive Jirachi is Wish. Having so many resistances, great bulk, and being faster than a variety of offensive threats even without speed investment, the Pokemon can easily use the attack to replenish its own health or that of a teammate, and does so reliably throughout the match. As it often carries maximum EV investment in HP, defensive Jirachi finds itself restoring up to 202 HP on any recipient of its Wish, which can often revitalize a teammate worn down by hazards, Life Orb recoil, or an untimely misprediction. Thus, Jirachi is a defensive threat that, if left unchecked, will render damage to the rest of the team null and void. Be sure to pack Fire- or Ground-type attacks to deal with the star - it is notoriously difficult to 2HKO otherwise.
Mew
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Ability: Synchronize
While Mew is often seen packing a punch offensively using Nasty Plot or Calm Mind, it can also go in the completely opposite direction and become a very defensive Pokemon. With Base 100 defenses and access to an instant recovery move, it will not be taken down too easily. It is an ideal supporter, being able to pass any type of boost, defensive or offensive, such as Amnesia, Calm Mind, and Bulk Up. It literally can pass any boost to anything. If you face a Baton Pass variant, it will often be carrying a +2 move for an attacking stat and Speed, ready to make the recipient a true juggernaut. While Baton Pass is a main selling point on Mew, it can also run a nice support set that can just as easily spread status while stalling the opponent with a mix of Taunt, Roost, Will-o-wisp, and a filler move. In short, be wary of Mew, and the almost limitless options it brings to the table.
Porygon2
Typing: Normal
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 105 SpA / 95 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Trace / Download / (Unreleased) Analyze
With the advent of the Eviolite, what was once a niche OU counter has become a very intimidating tank that can come in on some of the top threats of OU and force them out or KO them. With Eviolite equipped, the range of attacks that can reliably KO Porygon2 shrink immensely, leaving only powerful STAB Fighting attacks in most cases. With this powerful bulk, a fantastic ability in Trace, and reliable recovery, Porygon2 can easily come in on many threats and use their abilities against them, taking advantage of great coverage in Ice Beam and Thunderbolt, paralyzing with Thunder Wave, and using Recover to offset the loss of leftovers. All in all, Porygon2 is an incredibly bulky tank capable of halting your sweeps and crippling your team.
Quagsire
Typing: Water / Ground
Base Stats: 95 HP / 85 Atk / 85 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SpD / 35 Spe
Abilities: Damp / Water Absorb / Unaware
After spending three entire generations being overshadowed by Swampert, Quagsire finally got its chance to shine in the OU metagame because of the magnificent gift he got from Dream World: Unaware. With Unaware, respectable amount of bulk, and Recover, Quagsire can be easily considered as a check to some of the most dangerous physical sweepers such as Excadrill, Cloyster and Blaziken. Quagsire can even run Curse to attempt to sweep. However, as any Pokemon, Quagsire isn't flawless. He's unable to touch Ferrothorn, often being setup fodder for Spikes and Stealth Rock. He also fears Toxic and, although he's able to handle physical sweepers, special ones give him trouble. Well, as six Pokemon can be in a team, those reasons aren't enough to not use Quagsire, because that cute face can spoil your opponent's fun without impunity, if given the chance.
Gyarados
Type: Water / Flying
Base Stats: 95 HP / 125 Atk / 79 Def / 60 SpA / 100 SpD / 81 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie
While Gyarados is commonly seen as a heavily offensive physical sweeper, it can also use its defensive prowess to become an excellent wall. With Rest and Sleep Talk, it becomes fairly hard to take down, especially since anything that might try could possibly be phazed out by Roar or Dragon Tail. Even when it is awake, it can still threaten with STAB Waterfall off of its great base 125 Attack. It can also abuse its Attack stat further by running a defensive version of the bread-and-butter Dragon Dance set, capitalizing on its good HP, base 100 Special Defense, and Intimidate to gather more boosts. It can run either of these sets with equal effectiveness, so make sure to watch out for this sea serpent.
Latias
Typing: Dragon / Psychic
Base Stats: 80 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 110 SpA / 130 SpD / 110 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
Despite the loss of Soul Dew in the generation shift, Latias can still function very well as a special wall with her massive base 130 Special Defense, as well as neat resistances to Electric-, Water-, and Fighting-type attacks. She can easily run a set of Wish, Dragon Pulse, and two filler moves, usually a status move or Roar. Wish Latias also partners up very well with Nattorei, each covering each other's resistances almost flawlessly. Besides being able to pass Wish, Latias also has Recover, allowing it to recover in a single turn rather than two. She also learns Refresh, which can be used with a high level of effectiveness. Latias can also run a good Dual Screener set, using her great bulk to come in repeatedly during the match and set up screens. An added bonus is that she can also run a good Calm Mind set, boosting her Special Defense to outstanding levels, while being able to hit the opponent very hard back with STAB Dragon Pulse. Whatever set Latias is running, make sure to be on your toes!
Slowbro
Type: Water/Psychic
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 110 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Ability: Regeneration / Oblivious / Own Tempo
Slowbro has been a superb physical bulky water since he was released in the RBY generation. This generation has given Slowbro a palpable boost with the ability Regeneration, restoring 1/3 of his HP when switching out. With good defenses and special attack, Slowbro can serve many roles--though he is a physical wall first and foremost. With his natural bulkiness and the ability to run STAB moves such as Surf and Psychic, he is a great counter for Conkeldurr and Doryuuzu. This makes Slowbro one of the best anti-metagame Pokemon available this generation, as both of these offensive threats are very common. Slowbro has a large support movepool, containing such moves as Yawn, Thunder Wave, and Toxic, while having Slack Off for instant recovery. He can also support his team by setting up dual screens. Sets running Calm Mind increase Slowbro's walling prowess, making him not only a physical wall, but a special wall as well. After a few boosts, he may also be able to put quite a large dent in teams with his STAB Surf, Scald, or Psychic. Slowbro can also run Flamethrower and Ice Beam, two great coverage options. Due to Slowbro's terrible base Speed he is a prime user of Trick Room. There are also Choice Specs Slowbro sets, which are hard to counter due to their impressive coverage and good base Special Attack.
Skarmory
Typing: Steel / Flying
Base Stats: 65 HP / 80 Atk / 140 Def / 40 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Keen Eye / Sturdy / Broken Armor
In a metagame dominated by powerful physical attackers such as Excadrill and Conkeldurr, Skarmory stands out as a fantastic physical wall, courtesy its unique Steel / Flying typing and huge base Defense stat. The generation shift also brought Skarmory a useful buff to its ability Sturdy, which now acts as a Focus Sash for Skarmory whenever it is at full health. Reliable recovery in the form of Roost, and its Steel typing, which lends Skarmory neutrality to a wide range of attacking types in addition to a valuable Ground-type immunity, help Skarmory wall a large number of threats including but not limited to Excadrill, Garchomp, Landorus, Haxorus and Conkeldurr. Skarmory can also utilise its physical bulk and typing well to lay entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock. It also has Whirlwind and Taunt in its arsenal to cause further grief to the opponent by phazing stat boosts, causing residual damage and shutting down slower walls such as Ferrothorn and Hippowdon. As far as attacking goes, Skarmory also has a powerful STAB attack in Brave Bird to dent weak opponents. Despite all these positive characteristics, Skarmory's defensive capabilities are undermined by its poor Special Defense and a weakness to common Electric- and Fire-type attacks, which means that Skarmory can easily be brought down by powerful special attackers such as Thundurus, Starmie, Magnezone, Zapdos and Heatran. Still, its physical bulk and typing make Skarmory a very handy physical wall who can be a great asset to any team.
Spiritomb
Typing: Ghost / Dark
Stats: 50 HP / 92 Atk / 108 Def / 92 SpA / 108 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Pressure / (Unreleased) Slip Trough
Spiritomb's interesting Ghost / Dark typing, and decent defenses coupled with Pressure and acceptable offensive stats make him an odd and excellent Pokemon in a metagame infested with Fighting-type Pokemon and moves. Spiritomb has a precise support movepool that can usually get the job done, including Will-O-Wisp, Taunt and Hypnosis. Being neutral to Dark is also a reason to use him over other Ghosts such as Jellicent and Dusclops. This is not the end, as with respectable 92 in both offensive stats, Spiritomb can act as a great special sweeper with Calm Mind, physical attacker with Choice Band, or even a mixed wallbreaker! Even though Spiritomb has problems with extremely strong attackers such as Darmanitan and Haxorus, and the lack of a reliable recovery move outside Rest and Pain Split really hurts, Spiritomb is still a good Pokemon if played correctly, no matter if used as a wall, a sweeper, or a staller, and should not be underestimated by any circumstances.
Starmie
Typing: Water / Psychic
Base Stats: 60 HP / 75 Atk / 85 Def / 100 SpA / 85 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Illuminate / Natural Cure / (Unreleased) Analyze
While Starmie may be famous for its fantastic Life Orb set of the fourth generation, one of its new most dominant uses is no doubt it ability to function as a Rapid Spinner and all in all highly useful defensive pokemon. As the 3rd-fastest Rapid Spinner (only only outsped by Sandslash and Doryuuzu in a sandstorm), and the only one with reliable recovery, Starmie functions very well as a rapid spinner. Also as an advantage of its great speed, Starmie can use its great coverage and and good special attack stat to common many prominent and common spinblockers, such as Jellicent or to a lesser extent, Dusclops.These advantages, as well as a great ability in Natural Cure, which makes it near immune to status moves outside of Toxic Spikes, makes Starmie a very useful defensive pokemon, and well worth a mention outside of its many offensive sets.
Tentacruel
Typing: Water / Poison
Base Stats: 80 HP / 70 Atk / 65 Def / 80 SpA / 120 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Clear Body / Liquid Ooze / (Unreleased) Rain Dish
While at first glance Tentacruel may appear to be just another run-of-the-mill bulky pokemon, it possesses a few distinctive qualities that elevate it high above that position. With the interesting typing of Water, and Poison, Tentacruel possesses many resistances to common attacking types, as well as the ability to absorb Toxic Spikes. This, along with its ability to use Rapid Spin, as well as set up its own Toxic Spikes goes a long way towards earning it a spot on most stall, or defensively-orientated teams; it's formidable bulk and overall defenses also contribute heavily towards this. In short, Tentacrual, although an uncommon Pokemon, is capable of of doing many things, if used correctly.
Wobbuffet
Type: Psychic
Base Stats: 190 HP / 33 Atk / 58 Def / 33 SpA / 58 SpD / 33 Spe
Abilities: Shadow Tag / Telepathy
Most Pokemon can be classed into a few broad categories: Physical Sweeper, Special Wall and others. Wobbuffet can not, because it is completely unique in what it does, which is because of its ability, Shadow Tag. With the opponent unable to switch, Wobbuffet can use Counter and Mirror Coat together with its colossal HP stat to KO almost anything, especially if it is choiced. It can also use Encore against Pokemon which try to setup against it and Tickle against Pokemon like Blissey, who can then be Pursuited for an easy KO. Its tiny movepool also contains Safeguard, which can stop Encored status moves from harming switching in sweepers, and Destiny Bond, which can hopefully help Wobbuffet take down one more Pokemon with it, or at least after the Custap Berry is released. Unfortunately, these last two are not used much because of Wobbuffet's poor speed, and it has no other moves available but Splash, but it does not need anything more to become the ultimate anti-metagame Pokemon which it is. Unfortunately, you can not really prepare for Wobbuffet, it is a definite threat in the OU tier and above.
Xatu
Typing: Psychic / Flying
Base Stats: 65 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 95 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spd
Abilities: Synchronize / Early Bird / Magic Mirror
Xatu is the perfect example of a Pokemon that needed a boost in Generation 5 and got exactly what it needed to compete: Magic Mirror. This ability works as an automatic Magic Coat, allowing Xatu to reflect entry hazards, status moves, and phazing moves. Couple this with a 4x resistance to Fighting, as well as a Ground immunity and resistances to Grass and Psychic, and you have the makings of a good defensive switch-in to Blissey, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and some Jellicent. However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows for this mystical bird. It faces stiff competition in its niche role from Espeon, who boasts Baton Pass, as well as higher Special Attack and Speed. Xatu also has a crippling Stealth Rock weakness, meaning that it will have difficulty switching in if it can't stop the setup. Tyranitar also walks all over Xatu, clobbering it with Dark and Rock STAB, especially in the form of Pursuit. Still, if your team needs something to stop setup or a somewhat bulky Fighting resist, Xatu should be one of the first Pokemon you look at.
