[OVERVIEW]
Thundurus has many qualities that make it a huge offensive threat in the OU metagame. It outspeeds a majority of the OU tier given that it lies just above the crucial base 110 Speed tier. It has good mixed offensive stats, which makes it hard to fully counter, especially given its fantastic offensive movepool. It also has access to a great boosting move in Nasty Plot, giving it the ability to considerably threaten defensive teams. Prankster gives it priority on Thunder Wave; this lets it act as an emergency check to sweepers and faster threats, giving it valuable utility for a lot of teams. It also has another good ability in Defiant, which enhances the effectiveness of mixed sets by its ability to negate Intimidate's effect and gives it a place on entry hazard-reliant teams as a Defog deterrent. Thundurus's good typing enables it to check huge threats such as Mega Metagross, Mega Scizor, and Tornadus-T, and its Ground immunity enables it to switch in on the likes of Gliscor and Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake, which sets it apart from other offensive Electric-types. Unfortunately, Thundurus is frail, and it is also very prone to being worn down because of its Stealth Rock weakness. It only has access to good Electric-type STAB moves with its most powerful reliable Flying-type move being Hidden Power Flying. This makes it very reliant on coverage moves to break past Pokemon that resist Electric. Despite its many coverage options, Thundurus also has a hard time fitting all that it needs to in one moveset, and while Thundurus's Speed tier is very good, it still leaves it outsped by a good number of threats such as Mega Lopunny, Talonflame, Weavile, and Mega Manectric.
[SET]
name: Thunder Wave + 3 Attacks
move 1: Thunder Wave
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 4: Focus Blast / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Thunder Wave enables Thundurus to paralyze faster attackers and sweepers, preventing them from sweeping and enabling Thundurus to act as a one-time emergency check. Thunderbolt is Thundurus's main offensive move; it acts as a powerful, reliable, and accurate STAB move. Hidden Power Ice gets perfect coverage alongside Thunderbolt; specifically, it hits Ground-types such as Gliscor and Landorus-T, Dragon-types such as Latios and Garchomp, and certain Grass-types such as Serperior and Chesnaught. Focus Blast provides powerful coverage on Pokemon that resist Electric such as Ferrothorn, Mega Charizard X, Raikou, Mega Manectric, Kyurem-B, Magnezone, and Quagsire, as well as certain specially bulky Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Heatran. Grass Knot is also a good option on Thundurus because it 2HKOes Hippowdon, a very common Thundurus check, 2HKOes Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad, and OHKOes Quagsire. Psychic and Hidden Power Flying are both options that enable Thundurus to lure Mega Venusaur and KO it. Hidden Power Flying should be used if Hidden Power Ice is not used, as it also targets Celebi and Serperior; otherwise, Psychic should be used. Taunt can be used to shut down defensive Pokemon such as Celebi, but it comes at the cost of important coverage. Knock Off enables Thundurus to hit Latios and Latias very hard while serving as a useful utility move. Sludge Wave 2HKOes Clefable, Celebi, and Mega Altaria, all of which wall this set otherwise.
Set Details
========
Prankster gives Thundurus priority on Thunder Wave, allowing it to cripple sweepers and faster attackers. Life Orb increases Thundurus's power while still giving it the freedom to switch moves, enabling it to use Thunder Wave without being locked into it. Leftovers can be used for more longevity, but Thundurus loses out on a lot of power. A spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe gives Thundurus as much speed and power as possible while giving it an odd HP number, reducing the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Timid nature increases Thundurus's Speed, enabling it to outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon. However, a Naive nature should be used if Knock Off is chosen as a coverage move.
Usage Tips
========
Thundurus should be used just as with any other attacker, using Thunderbolt most of the time and switching out of its checks and counters. When using Thundurus, try to predict around certain Pokemon that resist Electric, especially if it's carrying a lure move such as Grass Knot or Psychic. Thunder Wave should be used against sweepers that can otherwise sweep your team, such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Altaria, and Mega Lopunny. However, you should avoid directly sending Thundurus into these sweepers because they might KO it; instead, use VoltTurn support or sacrifice something else to get a free switch into them. There are a few situations where paralyzing a slower Pokemon can be beneficial. For example, if Thundurus is facing a Pokemon that it cannot OHKO and outspeeds and beats everything else on your team, paralyzing it is the best course of action.
Team Options
========
Thundurus fits well on offensive teams in need of an emergency check with offensive presence to multiple sweepers. It also fits on teams that need an offensive check to Steel-types such as Scizor and Mega Metagross. If Thundurus is used as the team's primary stop to sweepers, make sure your team also has checks to sweepers that are not crippled by paralysis, such as Azumarill to cover Sand Rush Excadrill and Lum Berry Dragonite. Thundurus is checked by Psychic-types such as Latios, Mew, Jirachi, and Reuniclus; therefore, it appreciates Pursuit support from the likes of Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Weavile. Thundurus benefits from being paired up with Pokemon that can beat or weaken its checks. For example, Swords Dance Bisharp serves as a good partner for its ability to check Clefable, Latios, and Latias and severely weaken Hippowdon. Clefable deals with most Dragon-, Electric-, and Ground-types and really enjoys Thundurus's ability to check Steel-types and paralyze Pokemon such as Venusaur and Mega Charizard X. If Thundurus is running Grass Knot or Psychic, it can support certain teammates by eliminating their checks. For instance, it can get rid of Hippowdon and Quagsire for Mega Charizard X and Talonflame via Grass Knot or remove Mega Venusaur for Azumarill thanks to Psychic. Thundurus appreciates support from an entry hazard remover, but one isn't required if you're using a very offensive team, which doesn't require Thundurus to switch in often and can keep Stealth Rock off by pressuring the opponent's setter. Wallbreakers benefit from Thundurus's ability to paralyze Pokemon and in return pose a big threat to balanced and stall teams, which Thundurus struggles against.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Focus Blast / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot serves as a powerful boosting move that helps Thundurus break past defensive Pokemon such as Celebi and Jirachi. Thunderbolt is Thundurus's best STAB move, hitting anything that doesn't resist it) for good damage. Hidden Power Ice gives Thundurus excellent coverage alongside Thunderbolt, hitting Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp for 4x supereffective damage. Focus Blast gets very good neutral coverage and hits Ferrothorn and Chansey super effectively. Grass Knot is Thundurus's best option against Hippowdon and Water / Ground types. Thunder Wave can be used if you need Thundurus to act as an emergency check to certain sweepers; however, it compromises Thundurus's coverage. Hidden Power Flying and Psychic are both good options for KOing Mega Venusaur, while Sludge Wave enables Thundurus to hit Unaware Clefable, which otherwise completely walls this set.
Set Details
========
Prankster is the preffered ability on this set even if Thundurus does not carry Thunder Wave since, if it is revealed to the opponent though Trace or Skill Swap, they will refrain from setting up due to the risk of Priority Thunder Wave. Leftovers enables Thundurus to set up Nasty Plots more easily and gives it more longevity; however, Life Orb can also be used for much higher initial power. A fully offensive spread is chosen in order to maximize Thundurus's offensive prowess, while a Timid nature lets it outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Against offensive teams, Thundurus should not attempt to set up; instead, it should focus on attacking. However, against more defensive teams, which rely on Pokemon such as Magic Guard Clefable, Celebi, and Jirachi to check Thundurus, try to set up Nasty Plot against Pokemon that cannot threaten Thundurus, such as Skarmory, Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Nasty Plot should not be used when the opponent has a Pokemon that forces Thundurus out even after a boost, such as Unaware Clefable or Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Instead, it should just attack and attempt to get chip damage on the counter as it switches in. Don't be afraid to sacrifice Thundurus if it means dealing a large amount of damage to something that checks another one of your Pokemon. For instance, if the opponent's only check to Mega Charizard X is Hippowdon, you can afford to hit it with a +2 Hidden Power Ice and have Thundurus be KOed by Stone Edge, thus putting Hippowdon at a range where Mega Charizard X can KO it after a boost.
Team Options
========
Thundurus fits mainly on offense teams, which appreciate both Thundurus's ability to check Steel- and Flying-types and its ability to act as a late-game cleaner and weaken defensive Pokemon. A lot of Pokemon that rely on recovery as opposed to damage to deal with Thundurus, such as Magic Guard Clefable, Celebi, and Jirachi, can be disposed of with this set. Thus, Pokemon that are stopped by them can benefit from Thundurus's support. For example, Mega Gardevoir is a great partner for Thundurus because it baits out Jirachi, Gardevoir's best counter. Nasty Plot Thundurus is prone to being revenge killed, so a Pokemon that can handle offensive checks to Thundurus serves as a good partner to it. For example, Hippowdon can handle most Choice Scarf users as well as Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Keldeo can check Weavile and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It also benefits from Thundurus's ability to lure and KO Magic Guard Clefable and Celebi, as well as weaken Latios and Latias, making it a particularly good partner. Thundurus enjoys support from an entry hazard remover, as Stealth Rock can severely limit its ability to set up Nasty Plot. It can also benefit from dual screens or Memento support, as both enable it to set up much more easily. Given that Thundurus beats most Steel-types anyway and most of its checks are grounded, it enjoys support from Toxic Spikes, especially if running Psychic or Hidden Power Flying to lure and KO Mega Venusaur, the most common grounded Poison-type.
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Defiant
nature: Naive
evs: 68 Atk / 188 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is a powerful, accurate STAB move with no drawbacks and serves as the main offensive move Thundurus will be using. However, Wild Charge can be used over Thunderbolt if Thundurus wants to truly take advantage of Defiant and OHKO Mega Gardevoir. However, the recoil damage combined with Life Orb recoil is detrimental. Knock Off enables Thundurus to hit Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Jirachi, and Celebi and remove Chansey's and Porygon2's Eviolite. It also heavily cripples Assault Vest users such as Raikou, Conkeldurr, and Goodra, as well as Pokemon that commonly carry Leftovers such as Clefable and Hippowdon. Superpower gives Thundurus super effective coverage against Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Excadrill, Chansey, Heatran, and Kyurem-B and targets specially bulky Pokemon such as Raikou and Goodra. Hidden Power Ice enables Thundurus to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor, Garchomp and Landorus-T, while Grass Knot targets Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, Quagsire, and Gastrodon. Sludge Wave can be used to hit Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Altaria, which can easily handle this set, and Hidden Power Flying can be used to 2HKO Mega Venusaur, which walls Thundurus otherwise.
Set Details
========
Defiant enables Thundurus to get an Attack boost from switching into Defog and having an Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T or Mega Manectric switch into it. Life Orb gives Thundurus a much-needed power boost on both its physical and its special attacks. The given spread gives Thundurus enough Attack to OHKO Latios with Knock Off after Stealth Rock damage, with the rest placed in Special Attack. If Psychic is run, using 196 Special Attack EVs enables Thundurus to 2HKO defensive Mega Venusaur. If Wild Charge is used, a more physically offensive spread is appropriate: using 84 Special Attack EVs is enough to OHKO offensive Garchomp with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock, while 36 are enough to OHKO physically defensive Landorus-T and physically defensive Gliscor with the move after Stealth Rock. Finally, if both Wild Charge and Grass Knot are used, no Special Attack investment is necessary because Thundurus already 2HKOes Hippowdon and Gastrodon and OHKOes Quagsire without any investment. Maximum Speed with a Speed-increasing nature enables Thundurus to outspeed Latios and Latias and Speed tie with opposing Thundurus, and a Naive nature is chosen over a Hasty nature to take priority moves such as Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack better, as well as switch into Knock Off from Tornadus-T and Scizor more easily. However, a Hasty nature enables Thundurus to switch into Keldeo's Scald more comfortably.
Usage Tips
========
Thundurus should use Thunderbolt most of the time and use the appropriate coverage moves against Pokemon that resist Electric and special walls. Thundurus should mainly be used early-game, where it can punch holes in the opposing team by baiting out Pokemon such as Latios and Chansey and remove the items from certain Pokemon to compromise their offensive or defensive capabilities throughout the battle. This set thrives on the element of surprise, so try not to reveal the fact that it's a mixed set too early on. Don't predict too with this set: a lot of Pokemon that are sent in on Thundurus can't beat this set, and you don't want to mispredict and reveal the fact that it's mixed too early. However, if the opponent's answer to Thundurus is something it cannot beat, such as Clefable or Hippowdon if Thundurus is not running Grass Knot, hitting it with Knock Off as it switches in is the best course of action, unless said Pokemon is a Mega Evolution. If you think the opposing Pokemon will use Defog, you should switch Thundurus into it. Be wary, though, as the most common Defoggers, Latios and Latias, can both OHKO Thundurus with Draco Meteor.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams that benefit from Thundurus's ability to lure certain Pokemon as well as break balance and stall cores without needing to set up, which still leaves it effective against offensive teams. Thundurus should be paired up with Pokemon that can switch into and beat its counters, particularly bulky Fairy-types. Examples include Jirachi, which handles Mega Venusaur and Clefable and counters Mega Gardevoir, and Talonflame, which deals with Mega Altaria in addition to checking the other Pokemon mentioned. Pokemon that benefit from Latios, Latias, and Chansey being removed, such as Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y, also pair well with Thundurus. Keldeo can also effortlessly set up on Tyranitar and Weavile, both of which can easily Pursuit trap Thundurus. Mega Charizard Y, on the other hand, deals with Clefable and Venusaur, two big threats to Thundurus. This set works very well on entry hazard-reliant teams, not only for its ability to take advantage of opposing Defogs but also because most of Thundurus's checks are heavily worn down by Spikes. Conversely, Thundurus is easily worn down by Stealth Rock and therefore benefits from an entry hazard remover. Latios and Latias can Defog while checking Mega Venusaur and also benefit from the removal of Chansey, Excadrill can provide Rapid Spin support while checking Fairies, and Starmie acts as a reliable spinner and really appreciates special walls being crippled by Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Thundurus to wear down Pokemon that resist Electric and enables it to generate momentum by letting a teammate come in for free. Hidden Power Ice enables Thundurus to hit Ground-types, which can absorb Volt Switch, such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. However, Grass Knot targets other Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, Quagsire, and Gastrodon. Taunt shuts down the opposing Pokemon's recovery move, enabling Thundurus to act as a stallbreaker and chip away at its checks even further. In particular, it completely shuts down certain checks such as Jirachi, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon lacking Stone Edge. Thunder Wave provides excellent utility, allowing Thundurus to check setup sweepers in a pinch. Focus Blast can be used to deal massive damage to Excadrill, but it is generally a far inferior option compared to Hidden Power Ice and Grass Knot.
Set Details
========
Prankster grants Thundurus priority on both Taunt and Thunder Wave. Leftovers increases Thundurus's longevity, giving it a higher chance to outlast its checks. Full Special Attack investment gives Thundurus a powerful Volt Switch and lets it deal much more damage to Ground-types with its coverage move. However, a bulkier spread of 136 HP / 120 SpA / 252 Spe is enough to OHKO Landorus-T and 2HKO Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock Damage, while a spread of 104 HP / 152 SpA / 252 Spe is enough to 2HKO specially defensive Hippowdon with Grass Knot after Stealth Rock damage. Maximum Speed enables Thundurus to outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon, particularly Latios and Latias.
Usage Tips
========
Send Thundurus in against Pokemon that cannot threaten it, such as Scizor and Ferrothorn, or via VoltTurn or Baton Pass support. If the opponent has no Ground-types, use Volt Switch liberally to weaken Thundurus's switch-ins. On the other hand, if the opponent has Ground-types, try to hit them with Thundurus's coverage move. Avoid sending Thundurus out when a healthy Ground-type that walls it is still active so as not to lose momentum against it. Use Taunt when facing a defensive Pokemon that will probably try to cripple Thundurus with status or recover damage in front of it, such as Clefable or Celebi. Thundurus can also use Taunt to prevent Defoggers from removing entry hazards, but this is risky because the most common Defoggers, Latios and Latias, both deal massive damage to it. Thunder Wave should be used against Speed-boosting setup sweepers that threaten to sweep your team. However, avoid sending Thundurus in on these Pokemon directly unless you have to, as it will probably take a lot of damage from their attacks. Taunt can also be used against setup sweepers to prevent them from setting up, but it requires a bit of prediction. Always try to remove entry hazards before sending Thundurus out, as they considerably weaken Thundurus and compromise its longevity.
Team Options
========
This set fits on bulky offense and balanced teams that require a fast, offensive Volt Switch user but want it to be able to threaten defensive teams and have a Ground immunity. Thundurus works very well in a VoltTurn core with a U-turn user such as Gliscor or Landorus-T that can help it find more opportunities to switch in. Baton Pass users such as Celebi also work quite well with Thundurus, but unlike U-turn users, they cannot chip away at the opposing team. Thundurus also appreciates Pokemon that can remove or weaken Ground-types for it. For example, if Thundurus is running Hidden Power Ice, Adamant Life Orb Terrakion can bait in Hippowdon and Quagsire, and if Thundurus is running Grass Knot, Icy Wind Gengar can lure Gliscor for it. Thundurus pairs well with Pokemon that can set up on its common non-Ground-type checks, as it can Volt Switch out of said checks and give a free turn for its teammate to set up. For example, Swords Dance Bisharp can set up on Latios, Latias, Celebi, and Jirachi, while Mega Charizard X easily sets up on Mega Manectric and Raikou. This set requires support from an entry hazard remover, as otherwise, Thundurus cannot survive long enough to wear down defensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute lets Thundurus scout for switches and dodge Sucker Punch, and it gets priority thanks to Prankster; however, it is rarely worth the loss of coverage. Bulk Up is Thundurus's only option for a physical boosting move and can be used on purely physical sets as a way to overwhelm certain defensive Pokemon such as Celebi. Thunder should be used on rain teams because it cannot miss in rain and has more Base Power and a higher paralysis chance than Thunderbolt. U-turn can act as a pivoting move that isn't blocked by Ground-types, but it is rarely worth the moveslot. Instead of Life Orb or Leftovers, damage-reducing Berries can be used: Charti Berry reduces damage from Tyranitar and Landorus-T's Stone Edge, while Yache Berry lets Thundurus survive Ice Shard from Mamoswine and Weavile more easily. Incinerate is Thundurus's best option against Ferrothorn and Scizor, but it is very weak and vastly inferior to Focus Blast otherwise, despite the much higher accuracy. Flash Cannon hits Fairy-types super effectively and, unlike Sludge Wave, OHKOes Mega Diancie, but it is weaker than Sludge Wave against other targets. Similarly, Iron Tail acts as a way for physical Thundurus to bypass Fairies.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune Thundurus's STAB moves, making them good natural checks to Thundurus. Mixed defensive Hippowdon with Stone Edge is one of the best answers to Thundurus as long as it does not carry Grass Knot. Water / Ground types such as Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad are immune to Thunderbolt and take very little damage from Hidden Power Ice; however, they cannot handle Grass Knot variants either. Mamoswine can switch into both Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice and check Thundurus with Ice Shard, but it fears Focus Blast and Grass Knot.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types can serve as good checks to Thundurus due to their Electric resistance as long as they do not take too much damage from Hidden Power Ice. Latios and Latias can both take Thunderbolt followed by Hidden Power Ice (particularly Latias due to its added bulk) and OHKO back with Draco Meteor; however, neither can switch into Hidden Power Ice, and both fear Knock Off. Mega Latias is a much better Thundurus counter; its additional bulk and the fact that it carries a Mega Stone prevent Hidden Power Ice and Knock Off from 2HKOing it. Bulky Mega Altaria can handle most Thundurus sets quite well and can even remove paralysis via Heal Bell, but it can be overpowered by a Nasty Plot set. Mega Charizard X can switch into Thundurus rather well, especially with a specially defensive set; however, it fears Focus Blast. Kyurem-B can easily handle any set without Fighting-type coverage, but it loses to those that do carry it. Dragalge has enough special bulk to survive Thundurus's attacks and enough power to OHKO Thundurus with Draco Meteor. Goodra is quite a good check to special Thundurus, but it struggles against physical sets due to its lackluster physical bulk.
**Grass-types** : Grass-types, much like Dragon-types, resist Thundurus's Electric-type STAB moves and often have enough bulk to take Hidden Power Ice quite well. Mega Venusaur is one of the best Thundurus counters, only fearing Hidden Power Ice before it Mega Evolves, as well as the rare Psychic and Hidden Power Flying. Celebi deals with most of Thundurus's sets quite well, having enough mixed bulk to avoid the 2HKO from both Hidden Power Ice and Knock Off, but it can be overwhelmed by Nasty Plot or Taunt sets due to its lack of offensive presence. Amoonguss is bulky enough not to be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice and can put Thundurus to sleep, but, much like Venusaur, it struggles against Psychic and Hidden Power Flying. It also falls prey to Taunt sets and cannot reliably beat Thundurus if Sleep Clause is broken unless it runs Synthesis. Assault Vest Tangrowth can take Hidden Power Ice quite well and Knock Off Thundurus's item, but it dislikes Knock Off itself.
**Special Walls**: Most special walls can handle Thundurus very well as long as it runs a special set and does not carry Taunt. Specifically, specially bulky Fairy-types resist both of mixed Thundurus's physical moves and can therefore take it on quite well. Clefable is a very reliable Thundurus counter; it can even counter Nasty Plot sets due to Unaware. The same applies to Sylveon, whose additional power enables it to 2HKO Thundurus, which Clefable cannot do without a boost. Chansey is a surefire counter to any special Thundurus set, even being able to shrug off two +2 Life Orb-boosted Focus Blasts. Mew and Jirachi are both solid special walls that can handle Thundurus quite well; however, both can be overpowered by Nasty Plot sets or crippled by Knock Off. Cresselia has a massive amount of mixed bulk as well as Ice Beam, giving it the ability to take on any Thundurus set very well. Heatran can handle any Thundurus set that does not carry Focus Blast or Superpower, but it's prone to being worn down. Despite being an offensive Pokemon, Mega Gardevoir has enough special bulk to act as a solid Thundurus check, avoiding the 2HKO from any move other than Life Orb Thunderbolt and easily OHKOing back.
**Electric-types**: Fast Electric-types serve as very good checks to Thundurus, not only resisting its main STAB moves and taking neutral damage from all of its coverage moves but also being immune to Thunder Wave. Raikou is a solid Thundurus check, only fearing Knock Off and Superpower from the mixed set. Mega Manectric is also a good check, though it struggles to switch into Focus Blast and cannot take Superpower from the mixed set either because Intimidate triggers Defiant. Thundurus-T is immune to Thundurus's Electric-type STAB moves, but it takes solid damage from Hidden Power Ice. Mega Ampharos is a good Thundurus check, taking almost no damage from Thunderbolt and having enough special bulk to take Hidden Power Ice quite well; however, its lack of reliable recovery prevents it from checking it consistently, unless it runs a specially defensive RestTalk set, which can be overwhelmed by Nasty Plot.
**Choice Scarf Users and Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that outspeed Thundurus can usually revenge kill it, especially if they are immune to Thunder Wave. Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Garchomp, and Sand Rush Excadrill in sand can all freely switch into Thundurus's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Rock-type coverage; however, they are all KOed by one of Thundurus's common coverage moves. Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can both switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO back with their Rock-type STAB moves, but both are crippled by Thunder Wave and neither can take a Focus Blast. Mega Sceptile serves as quite a good Thundurus check because Lightningrod gives it an immunity to and a power boost from switching into Thunderbolt or Thunder Wave, but it cannot take Hidden Power Ice. Weavile cannot switch into any of Thundurus's moves bar Hidden Power Ice, but it can bypass Thunder Wave with Ice Shard. Starmie can switch into Hidden Power Ice or a Fighting-type move and can hit Thundurus with Ice Beam without fearing paralysis too much due to Natural Cure, but it isn't guaranteed to OHKO from full health, and Thundurus OHKOes back with Thunderbolt. Mega Lopunny can revenge kill a slightly weakened Thundurus, but it fears both Thunder Wave and the Electric- and Fighting-type moves Thundurus usually carries. Mega Aerodactyl beats Thundurus one-on-one with Stone Edge, while Mega Alakazam can deal massive damage to Thundurus with Psychic and, if it runs Taunt and Traces Prankster, can prevent Thundurus from paralyzing it if it predicts correctly; however, this is very risky.
Thundurus has many qualities that make it a huge offensive threat in the OU metagame. It outspeeds a majority of the OU tier given that it lies just above the crucial base 110 Speed tier. It has good mixed offensive stats, which makes it hard to fully counter, especially given its fantastic offensive movepool. It also has access to a great boosting move in Nasty Plot, giving it the ability to considerably threaten defensive teams. Prankster gives it priority on Thunder Wave; this lets it act as an emergency check to sweepers and faster threats, giving it valuable utility for a lot of teams. It also has another good ability in Defiant, which enhances the effectiveness of mixed sets by its ability to negate Intimidate's effect and gives it a place on entry hazard-reliant teams as a Defog deterrent. Thundurus's good typing enables it to check huge threats such as Mega Metagross, Mega Scizor, and Tornadus-T, and its Ground immunity enables it to switch in on the likes of Gliscor and Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake, which sets it apart from other offensive Electric-types. Unfortunately, Thundurus is frail, and it is also very prone to being worn down because of its Stealth Rock weakness. It only has access to good Electric-type STAB moves with its most powerful reliable Flying-type move being Hidden Power Flying. This makes it very reliant on coverage moves to break past Pokemon that resist Electric. Despite its many coverage options, Thundurus also has a hard time fitting all that it needs to in one moveset, and while Thundurus's Speed tier is very good, it still leaves it outsped by a good number of threats such as Mega Lopunny, Talonflame, Weavile, and Mega Manectric.
[SET]
name: Thunder Wave + 3 Attacks
move 1: Thunder Wave
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 4: Focus Blast / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=====
Thunder Wave enables Thundurus to paralyze faster attackers and sweepers, preventing them from sweeping and enabling Thundurus to act as a one-time emergency check. Thunderbolt is Thundurus's main offensive move; it acts as a powerful, reliable, and accurate STAB move. Hidden Power Ice gets perfect coverage alongside Thunderbolt; specifically, it hits Ground-types such as Gliscor and Landorus-T, Dragon-types such as Latios and Garchomp, and certain Grass-types such as Serperior and Chesnaught. Focus Blast provides powerful coverage on Pokemon that resist Electric such as Ferrothorn, Mega Charizard X, Raikou, Mega Manectric, Kyurem-B, Magnezone, and Quagsire, as well as certain specially bulky Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Heatran. Grass Knot is also a good option on Thundurus because it 2HKOes Hippowdon, a very common Thundurus check, 2HKOes Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad, and OHKOes Quagsire. Psychic and Hidden Power Flying are both options that enable Thundurus to lure Mega Venusaur and KO it. Hidden Power Flying should be used if Hidden Power Ice is not used, as it also targets Celebi and Serperior; otherwise, Psychic should be used. Taunt can be used to shut down defensive Pokemon such as Celebi, but it comes at the cost of important coverage. Knock Off enables Thundurus to hit Latios and Latias very hard while serving as a useful utility move. Sludge Wave 2HKOes Clefable, Celebi, and Mega Altaria, all of which wall this set otherwise.
Set Details
========
Prankster gives Thundurus priority on Thunder Wave, allowing it to cripple sweepers and faster attackers. Life Orb increases Thundurus's power while still giving it the freedom to switch moves, enabling it to use Thunder Wave without being locked into it. Leftovers can be used for more longevity, but Thundurus loses out on a lot of power. A spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe gives Thundurus as much speed and power as possible while giving it an odd HP number, reducing the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Timid nature increases Thundurus's Speed, enabling it to outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon. However, a Naive nature should be used if Knock Off is chosen as a coverage move.
Usage Tips
========
Thundurus should be used just as with any other attacker, using Thunderbolt most of the time and switching out of its checks and counters. When using Thundurus, try to predict around certain Pokemon that resist Electric, especially if it's carrying a lure move such as Grass Knot or Psychic. Thunder Wave should be used against sweepers that can otherwise sweep your team, such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Altaria, and Mega Lopunny. However, you should avoid directly sending Thundurus into these sweepers because they might KO it; instead, use VoltTurn support or sacrifice something else to get a free switch into them. There are a few situations where paralyzing a slower Pokemon can be beneficial. For example, if Thundurus is facing a Pokemon that it cannot OHKO and outspeeds and beats everything else on your team, paralyzing it is the best course of action.
Team Options
========
Thundurus fits well on offensive teams in need of an emergency check with offensive presence to multiple sweepers. It also fits on teams that need an offensive check to Steel-types such as Scizor and Mega Metagross. If Thundurus is used as the team's primary stop to sweepers, make sure your team also has checks to sweepers that are not crippled by paralysis, such as Azumarill to cover Sand Rush Excadrill and Lum Berry Dragonite. Thundurus is checked by Psychic-types such as Latios, Mew, Jirachi, and Reuniclus; therefore, it appreciates Pursuit support from the likes of Tyranitar, Bisharp, and Weavile. Thundurus benefits from being paired up with Pokemon that can beat or weaken its checks. For example, Swords Dance Bisharp serves as a good partner for its ability to check Clefable, Latios, and Latias and severely weaken Hippowdon. Clefable deals with most Dragon-, Electric-, and Ground-types and really enjoys Thundurus's ability to check Steel-types and paralyze Pokemon such as Venusaur and Mega Charizard X. If Thundurus is running Grass Knot or Psychic, it can support certain teammates by eliminating their checks. For instance, it can get rid of Hippowdon and Quagsire for Mega Charizard X and Talonflame via Grass Knot or remove Mega Venusaur for Azumarill thanks to Psychic. Thundurus appreciates support from an entry hazard remover, but one isn't required if you're using a very offensive team, which doesn't require Thundurus to switch in often and can keep Stealth Rock off by pressuring the opponent's setter. Wallbreakers benefit from Thundurus's ability to paralyze Pokemon and in return pose a big threat to balanced and stall teams, which Thundurus struggles against.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Focus Blast / Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot serves as a powerful boosting move that helps Thundurus break past defensive Pokemon such as Celebi and Jirachi. Thunderbolt is Thundurus's best STAB move, hitting anything that doesn't resist it) for good damage. Hidden Power Ice gives Thundurus excellent coverage alongside Thunderbolt, hitting Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp for 4x supereffective damage. Focus Blast gets very good neutral coverage and hits Ferrothorn and Chansey super effectively. Grass Knot is Thundurus's best option against Hippowdon and Water / Ground types. Thunder Wave can be used if you need Thundurus to act as an emergency check to certain sweepers; however, it compromises Thundurus's coverage. Hidden Power Flying and Psychic are both good options for KOing Mega Venusaur, while Sludge Wave enables Thundurus to hit Unaware Clefable, which otherwise completely walls this set.
Set Details
========
Prankster is the preffered ability on this set even if Thundurus does not carry Thunder Wave since, if it is revealed to the opponent though Trace or Skill Swap, they will refrain from setting up due to the risk of Priority Thunder Wave. Leftovers enables Thundurus to set up Nasty Plots more easily and gives it more longevity; however, Life Orb can also be used for much higher initial power. A fully offensive spread is chosen in order to maximize Thundurus's offensive prowess, while a Timid nature lets it outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Against offensive teams, Thundurus should not attempt to set up; instead, it should focus on attacking. However, against more defensive teams, which rely on Pokemon such as Magic Guard Clefable, Celebi, and Jirachi to check Thundurus, try to set up Nasty Plot against Pokemon that cannot threaten Thundurus, such as Skarmory, Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Nasty Plot should not be used when the opponent has a Pokemon that forces Thundurus out even after a boost, such as Unaware Clefable or Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Instead, it should just attack and attempt to get chip damage on the counter as it switches in. Don't be afraid to sacrifice Thundurus if it means dealing a large amount of damage to something that checks another one of your Pokemon. For instance, if the opponent's only check to Mega Charizard X is Hippowdon, you can afford to hit it with a +2 Hidden Power Ice and have Thundurus be KOed by Stone Edge, thus putting Hippowdon at a range where Mega Charizard X can KO it after a boost.
Team Options
========
Thundurus fits mainly on offense teams, which appreciate both Thundurus's ability to check Steel- and Flying-types and its ability to act as a late-game cleaner and weaken defensive Pokemon. A lot of Pokemon that rely on recovery as opposed to damage to deal with Thundurus, such as Magic Guard Clefable, Celebi, and Jirachi, can be disposed of with this set. Thus, Pokemon that are stopped by them can benefit from Thundurus's support. For example, Mega Gardevoir is a great partner for Thundurus because it baits out Jirachi, Gardevoir's best counter. Nasty Plot Thundurus is prone to being revenge killed, so a Pokemon that can handle offensive checks to Thundurus serves as a good partner to it. For example, Hippowdon can handle most Choice Scarf users as well as Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Keldeo can check Weavile and Choice Scarf Tyranitar. It also benefits from Thundurus's ability to lure and KO Magic Guard Clefable and Celebi, as well as weaken Latios and Latias, making it a particularly good partner. Thundurus enjoys support from an entry hazard remover, as Stealth Rock can severely limit its ability to set up Nasty Plot. It can also benefit from dual screens or Memento support, as both enable it to set up much more easily. Given that Thundurus beats most Steel-types anyway and most of its checks are grounded, it enjoys support from Toxic Spikes, especially if running Psychic or Hidden Power Flying to lure and KO Mega Venusaur, the most common grounded Poison-type.
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Defiant
nature: Naive
evs: 68 Atk / 188 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is a powerful, accurate STAB move with no drawbacks and serves as the main offensive move Thundurus will be using. However, Wild Charge can be used over Thunderbolt if Thundurus wants to truly take advantage of Defiant and OHKO Mega Gardevoir. However, the recoil damage combined with Life Orb recoil is detrimental. Knock Off enables Thundurus to hit Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Jirachi, and Celebi and remove Chansey's and Porygon2's Eviolite. It also heavily cripples Assault Vest users such as Raikou, Conkeldurr, and Goodra, as well as Pokemon that commonly carry Leftovers such as Clefable and Hippowdon. Superpower gives Thundurus super effective coverage against Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Excadrill, Chansey, Heatran, and Kyurem-B and targets specially bulky Pokemon such as Raikou and Goodra. Hidden Power Ice enables Thundurus to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor, Garchomp and Landorus-T, while Grass Knot targets Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, Quagsire, and Gastrodon. Sludge Wave can be used to hit Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Altaria, which can easily handle this set, and Hidden Power Flying can be used to 2HKO Mega Venusaur, which walls Thundurus otherwise.
Set Details
========
Defiant enables Thundurus to get an Attack boost from switching into Defog and having an Intimidate Pokemon such as Landorus-T or Mega Manectric switch into it. Life Orb gives Thundurus a much-needed power boost on both its physical and its special attacks. The given spread gives Thundurus enough Attack to OHKO Latios with Knock Off after Stealth Rock damage, with the rest placed in Special Attack. If Psychic is run, using 196 Special Attack EVs enables Thundurus to 2HKO defensive Mega Venusaur. If Wild Charge is used, a more physically offensive spread is appropriate: using 84 Special Attack EVs is enough to OHKO offensive Garchomp with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock, while 36 are enough to OHKO physically defensive Landorus-T and physically defensive Gliscor with the move after Stealth Rock. Finally, if both Wild Charge and Grass Knot are used, no Special Attack investment is necessary because Thundurus already 2HKOes Hippowdon and Gastrodon and OHKOes Quagsire without any investment. Maximum Speed with a Speed-increasing nature enables Thundurus to outspeed Latios and Latias and Speed tie with opposing Thundurus, and a Naive nature is chosen over a Hasty nature to take priority moves such as Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack better, as well as switch into Knock Off from Tornadus-T and Scizor more easily. However, a Hasty nature enables Thundurus to switch into Keldeo's Scald more comfortably.
Usage Tips
========
Thundurus should use Thunderbolt most of the time and use the appropriate coverage moves against Pokemon that resist Electric and special walls. Thundurus should mainly be used early-game, where it can punch holes in the opposing team by baiting out Pokemon such as Latios and Chansey and remove the items from certain Pokemon to compromise their offensive or defensive capabilities throughout the battle. This set thrives on the element of surprise, so try not to reveal the fact that it's a mixed set too early on. Don't predict too with this set: a lot of Pokemon that are sent in on Thundurus can't beat this set, and you don't want to mispredict and reveal the fact that it's mixed too early. However, if the opponent's answer to Thundurus is something it cannot beat, such as Clefable or Hippowdon if Thundurus is not running Grass Knot, hitting it with Knock Off as it switches in is the best course of action, unless said Pokemon is a Mega Evolution. If you think the opposing Pokemon will use Defog, you should switch Thundurus into it. Be wary, though, as the most common Defoggers, Latios and Latias, can both OHKO Thundurus with Draco Meteor.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams that benefit from Thundurus's ability to lure certain Pokemon as well as break balance and stall cores without needing to set up, which still leaves it effective against offensive teams. Thundurus should be paired up with Pokemon that can switch into and beat its counters, particularly bulky Fairy-types. Examples include Jirachi, which handles Mega Venusaur and Clefable and counters Mega Gardevoir, and Talonflame, which deals with Mega Altaria in addition to checking the other Pokemon mentioned. Pokemon that benefit from Latios, Latias, and Chansey being removed, such as Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y, also pair well with Thundurus. Keldeo can also effortlessly set up on Tyranitar and Weavile, both of which can easily Pursuit trap Thundurus. Mega Charizard Y, on the other hand, deals with Clefable and Venusaur, two big threats to Thundurus. This set works very well on entry hazard-reliant teams, not only for its ability to take advantage of opposing Defogs but also because most of Thundurus's checks are heavily worn down by Spikes. Conversely, Thundurus is easily worn down by Stealth Rock and therefore benefits from an entry hazard remover. Latios and Latias can Defog while checking Mega Venusaur and also benefit from the removal of Chansey, Excadrill can provide Rapid Spin support while checking Fairies, and Starmie acts as a reliable spinner and really appreciates special walls being crippled by Knock Off.
[SET]
name: Stallbreaker
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Grass Knot
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Thundurus to wear down Pokemon that resist Electric and enables it to generate momentum by letting a teammate come in for free. Hidden Power Ice enables Thundurus to hit Ground-types, which can absorb Volt Switch, such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. However, Grass Knot targets other Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, Quagsire, and Gastrodon. Taunt shuts down the opposing Pokemon's recovery move, enabling Thundurus to act as a stallbreaker and chip away at its checks even further. In particular, it completely shuts down certain checks such as Jirachi, Celebi, Ferrothorn, and Hippowdon lacking Stone Edge. Thunder Wave provides excellent utility, allowing Thundurus to check setup sweepers in a pinch. Focus Blast can be used to deal massive damage to Excadrill, but it is generally a far inferior option compared to Hidden Power Ice and Grass Knot.
Set Details
========
Prankster grants Thundurus priority on both Taunt and Thunder Wave. Leftovers increases Thundurus's longevity, giving it a higher chance to outlast its checks. Full Special Attack investment gives Thundurus a powerful Volt Switch and lets it deal much more damage to Ground-types with its coverage move. However, a bulkier spread of 136 HP / 120 SpA / 252 Spe is enough to OHKO Landorus-T and 2HKO Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock Damage, while a spread of 104 HP / 152 SpA / 252 Spe is enough to 2HKO specially defensive Hippowdon with Grass Knot after Stealth Rock damage. Maximum Speed enables Thundurus to outspeed base 110 Speed Pokemon, particularly Latios and Latias.
Usage Tips
========
Send Thundurus in against Pokemon that cannot threaten it, such as Scizor and Ferrothorn, or via VoltTurn or Baton Pass support. If the opponent has no Ground-types, use Volt Switch liberally to weaken Thundurus's switch-ins. On the other hand, if the opponent has Ground-types, try to hit them with Thundurus's coverage move. Avoid sending Thundurus out when a healthy Ground-type that walls it is still active so as not to lose momentum against it. Use Taunt when facing a defensive Pokemon that will probably try to cripple Thundurus with status or recover damage in front of it, such as Clefable or Celebi. Thundurus can also use Taunt to prevent Defoggers from removing entry hazards, but this is risky because the most common Defoggers, Latios and Latias, both deal massive damage to it. Thunder Wave should be used against Speed-boosting setup sweepers that threaten to sweep your team. However, avoid sending Thundurus in on these Pokemon directly unless you have to, as it will probably take a lot of damage from their attacks. Taunt can also be used against setup sweepers to prevent them from setting up, but it requires a bit of prediction. Always try to remove entry hazards before sending Thundurus out, as they considerably weaken Thundurus and compromise its longevity.
Team Options
========
This set fits on bulky offense and balanced teams that require a fast, offensive Volt Switch user but want it to be able to threaten defensive teams and have a Ground immunity. Thundurus works very well in a VoltTurn core with a U-turn user such as Gliscor or Landorus-T that can help it find more opportunities to switch in. Baton Pass users such as Celebi also work quite well with Thundurus, but unlike U-turn users, they cannot chip away at the opposing team. Thundurus also appreciates Pokemon that can remove or weaken Ground-types for it. For example, if Thundurus is running Hidden Power Ice, Adamant Life Orb Terrakion can bait in Hippowdon and Quagsire, and if Thundurus is running Grass Knot, Icy Wind Gengar can lure Gliscor for it. Thundurus pairs well with Pokemon that can set up on its common non-Ground-type checks, as it can Volt Switch out of said checks and give a free turn for its teammate to set up. For example, Swords Dance Bisharp can set up on Latios, Latias, Celebi, and Jirachi, while Mega Charizard X easily sets up on Mega Manectric and Raikou. This set requires support from an entry hazard remover, as otherwise, Thundurus cannot survive long enough to wear down defensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute lets Thundurus scout for switches and dodge Sucker Punch, and it gets priority thanks to Prankster; however, it is rarely worth the loss of coverage. Bulk Up is Thundurus's only option for a physical boosting move and can be used on purely physical sets as a way to overwhelm certain defensive Pokemon such as Celebi. Thunder should be used on rain teams because it cannot miss in rain and has more Base Power and a higher paralysis chance than Thunderbolt. U-turn can act as a pivoting move that isn't blocked by Ground-types, but it is rarely worth the moveslot. Instead of Life Orb or Leftovers, damage-reducing Berries can be used: Charti Berry reduces damage from Tyranitar and Landorus-T's Stone Edge, while Yache Berry lets Thundurus survive Ice Shard from Mamoswine and Weavile more easily. Incinerate is Thundurus's best option against Ferrothorn and Scizor, but it is very weak and vastly inferior to Focus Blast otherwise, despite the much higher accuracy. Flash Cannon hits Fairy-types super effectively and, unlike Sludge Wave, OHKOes Mega Diancie, but it is weaker than Sludge Wave against other targets. Similarly, Iron Tail acts as a way for physical Thundurus to bypass Fairies.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune Thundurus's STAB moves, making them good natural checks to Thundurus. Mixed defensive Hippowdon with Stone Edge is one of the best answers to Thundurus as long as it does not carry Grass Knot. Water / Ground types such as Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad are immune to Thunderbolt and take very little damage from Hidden Power Ice; however, they cannot handle Grass Knot variants either. Mamoswine can switch into both Thunderbolt and Hidden Power Ice and check Thundurus with Ice Shard, but it fears Focus Blast and Grass Knot.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types can serve as good checks to Thundurus due to their Electric resistance as long as they do not take too much damage from Hidden Power Ice. Latios and Latias can both take Thunderbolt followed by Hidden Power Ice (particularly Latias due to its added bulk) and OHKO back with Draco Meteor; however, neither can switch into Hidden Power Ice, and both fear Knock Off. Mega Latias is a much better Thundurus counter; its additional bulk and the fact that it carries a Mega Stone prevent Hidden Power Ice and Knock Off from 2HKOing it. Bulky Mega Altaria can handle most Thundurus sets quite well and can even remove paralysis via Heal Bell, but it can be overpowered by a Nasty Plot set. Mega Charizard X can switch into Thundurus rather well, especially with a specially defensive set; however, it fears Focus Blast. Kyurem-B can easily handle any set without Fighting-type coverage, but it loses to those that do carry it. Dragalge has enough special bulk to survive Thundurus's attacks and enough power to OHKO Thundurus with Draco Meteor. Goodra is quite a good check to special Thundurus, but it struggles against physical sets due to its lackluster physical bulk.
**Grass-types** : Grass-types, much like Dragon-types, resist Thundurus's Electric-type STAB moves and often have enough bulk to take Hidden Power Ice quite well. Mega Venusaur is one of the best Thundurus counters, only fearing Hidden Power Ice before it Mega Evolves, as well as the rare Psychic and Hidden Power Flying. Celebi deals with most of Thundurus's sets quite well, having enough mixed bulk to avoid the 2HKO from both Hidden Power Ice and Knock Off, but it can be overwhelmed by Nasty Plot or Taunt sets due to its lack of offensive presence. Amoonguss is bulky enough not to be 2HKOed by Hidden Power Ice and can put Thundurus to sleep, but, much like Venusaur, it struggles against Psychic and Hidden Power Flying. It also falls prey to Taunt sets and cannot reliably beat Thundurus if Sleep Clause is broken unless it runs Synthesis. Assault Vest Tangrowth can take Hidden Power Ice quite well and Knock Off Thundurus's item, but it dislikes Knock Off itself.
**Special Walls**: Most special walls can handle Thundurus very well as long as it runs a special set and does not carry Taunt. Specifically, specially bulky Fairy-types resist both of mixed Thundurus's physical moves and can therefore take it on quite well. Clefable is a very reliable Thundurus counter; it can even counter Nasty Plot sets due to Unaware. The same applies to Sylveon, whose additional power enables it to 2HKO Thundurus, which Clefable cannot do without a boost. Chansey is a surefire counter to any special Thundurus set, even being able to shrug off two +2 Life Orb-boosted Focus Blasts. Mew and Jirachi are both solid special walls that can handle Thundurus quite well; however, both can be overpowered by Nasty Plot sets or crippled by Knock Off. Cresselia has a massive amount of mixed bulk as well as Ice Beam, giving it the ability to take on any Thundurus set very well. Heatran can handle any Thundurus set that does not carry Focus Blast or Superpower, but it's prone to being worn down. Despite being an offensive Pokemon, Mega Gardevoir has enough special bulk to act as a solid Thundurus check, avoiding the 2HKO from any move other than Life Orb Thunderbolt and easily OHKOing back.
**Electric-types**: Fast Electric-types serve as very good checks to Thundurus, not only resisting its main STAB moves and taking neutral damage from all of its coverage moves but also being immune to Thunder Wave. Raikou is a solid Thundurus check, only fearing Knock Off and Superpower from the mixed set. Mega Manectric is also a good check, though it struggles to switch into Focus Blast and cannot take Superpower from the mixed set either because Intimidate triggers Defiant. Thundurus-T is immune to Thundurus's Electric-type STAB moves, but it takes solid damage from Hidden Power Ice. Mega Ampharos is a good Thundurus check, taking almost no damage from Thunderbolt and having enough special bulk to take Hidden Power Ice quite well; however, its lack of reliable recovery prevents it from checking it consistently, unless it runs a specially defensive RestTalk set, which can be overwhelmed by Nasty Plot.
**Choice Scarf Users and Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that outspeed Thundurus can usually revenge kill it, especially if they are immune to Thunder Wave. Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Garchomp, and Sand Rush Excadrill in sand can all freely switch into Thundurus's STAB moves and can OHKO it with Rock-type coverage; however, they are all KOed by one of Thundurus's common coverage moves. Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum can both switch into Thunderbolt and OHKO back with their Rock-type STAB moves, but both are crippled by Thunder Wave and neither can take a Focus Blast. Mega Sceptile serves as quite a good Thundurus check because Lightningrod gives it an immunity to and a power boost from switching into Thunderbolt or Thunder Wave, but it cannot take Hidden Power Ice. Weavile cannot switch into any of Thundurus's moves bar Hidden Power Ice, but it can bypass Thunder Wave with Ice Shard. Starmie can switch into Hidden Power Ice or a Fighting-type move and can hit Thundurus with Ice Beam without fearing paralysis too much due to Natural Cure, but it isn't guaranteed to OHKO from full health, and Thundurus OHKOes back with Thunderbolt. Mega Lopunny can revenge kill a slightly weakened Thundurus, but it fears both Thunder Wave and the Electric- and Fighting-type moves Thundurus usually carries. Mega Aerodactyl beats Thundurus one-on-one with Stone Edge, while Mega Alakazam can deal massive damage to Thundurus with Psychic and, if it runs Taunt and Traces Prankster, can prevent Thundurus from paralyzing it if it predicts correctly; however, this is very risky.
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