[OVERVIEW]
Articuno is a very interesting Pokemon in the Never Used tier for one main reason, its typing which acts as a double edge sword. On one hand its typing is amazing offensively being able to hit the majority of the Never Used tier neutrally with its STAB moves except for Steel-types. Articuno also has access to a semi unique move called Freeze Dry which allows it to hit Water-types super effectively making its coverage even harder to switch into. Articuno's natural special bulk along with access to the move Roost also allows it to act as a decent pivot switching into weak special hits and then threatening them out. On the other hand its typing is not good defensively as it has a variety of weaknesses and loses half of its health if it switches into Stealth Rock. On top of this Articuno's speed is somewhere in the middle which means that it is outpaced by faster offensive threats.
[SET]
name: Burd
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Roost / Ice Beam
move 4: U-turn / Hidden Power Ground
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Freeze-Dry is one of the main draws of Articuno as it allows for perfect neutral coverage hitting Water-types Super Effectively. Hurricane is for power as well as hitting things like Thick Fat Hariyama and other Ice resist Pokemon. Roost is used for recovery on sets that utilize a Life Orb, while Ice Beam is used only with Specs in place of Roost as an alternate to Freeze-Dry that offers more immediate power. U-turn is used to gain momentum early game, pivoting out of Pokemon Articuno can't break. Hidden Power Ground is used for Steel-types as they are the only type that Articuno can't hit for neutral damage with its STAB moves.
Set Details
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Standard offensive spread to maximize speed and power. Life Orb is used to increase damage and allow for the ability to switch moves. Choice Specs can be used to increase damage output.
Usage Tips
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Articuno should be used to force switches as its STAB moves threaten out the majority of the tier, however early game it usually can't OHKO all the things. So the way to play it is to bring it in on things that can't do to much back or that Articuno threatens out such as Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Vileplume. You then have two options either click a powerful STAB move such as Hurricane or Freeze Dry or if the opponent has a specially bulky Pokemon like Regirock you can click U-turn to gain momentum. After the opponent's Specially bulky Pokemon have been weakened enough just click your STAB moves accordingly. Roosting is another option on predicted switches to gain back health, you can also use Roost on relatively weak special attacks due to Articuno's good bulk. Since Articuno has relatively good special bulk you can use it as a pivot switching in on specially based Pokemon and then Uturning for momentum. Having Stealth Rock off the field is pretty much mandatory before bringing Articuno in as one Life Orb hit means it can't switch back in after rocks, if you need to bring it in to force a switch you can Roost instead of attacking to save Articuno for late game.
Team Options
========
Xatu is pretty much a required teammate when using a Pokemon quad weak to Stealth Rock like Articuno is. Xatu provides a much needed deterrent against Pokemon using Stealth Rock, unfortunately Articuno and Xatu's typings clash so having a electric immunity such as Lanturn or Rhydon is a good idea. Pokemon such as Lanturn and Rhydon also provide nice switch ins to Fire-type moves. Another option is to use Articuno on a Rain team as you get a 100% accurate Hurricane and have a decent matchup against other Rain teams, Pokemon such as Ludicolo, Kabutops, Liepard, and Uxie are good on Rain-teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
============
Substitute along with Roost is another option to take advantage of switches. Toxic is another option to use alongside Roost and Substitute to wear down bulky walls. Agility can be used for late game cleaning. Specially Defensive with Defog is another option.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock is incredibly destructive to Articuno's well being, it takes off 50% of its HP and effectively neutralizes all of the switching that Articuno wants to do. When it is up on the field the players main objective should be to try to remove them. Common setters of this move include Rhydon, Golurk, and Mawile.
**Offensive Pressure**: Offensive Pressure from Pokemon such as Pyroar, Magmortar, Archeops, and Rotom can force Articuno out. However most of these Pokemon can't switch directly into Articuno as they will risk taking a lot of damage.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon such as Regirock, Musharna, and Lanturn can all switch into Articuno's attacks and take little in return. However they have to be careful of switching in on the Uturn and losing momentum.
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