[OVERVIEW]
Keldeo is one of the most influential Pokemon in the ORAS metagame, being not only a complete powerhouse on its own, but also notorious for its ability to wear down a good majority of its checks through Scald burns, exerting an incredible amount of pressure in most games. Unlike most special attackers, Keldeo isn't walled by Chansey thanks to its signature STAB move in Secret Sword, which allows Keldeo to prey on its low Defense stat, giving it an inherent advantage versus stall. Additionally, good Speed and fantastic Special Attack, coupled with a fearsome STAB combination, ensure that it pulls its weight in just about every matchup. Keldeo also sports solid all-around bulk for an offensive Pokemon and great typing defensively, which allow it to check several threatening Pokemon such as Bisharp, Weavile, Tyranitar, Mega Scizor, and Heatran. All of these traits combined make Keldeo a very low-risk, high-reward Pokemon, capable of fulfilling a variety roles effectively on several types of teams. Due to a limited movepool, though, Keldeo will always be walled by something depending on what coverage it chooses. Some notable examples include Latios, Starmie, Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Mega Latias, and for the latter two in particular, it doesn't matter what coverage Keldeo may have regardless. Furthermore, while Keldeo's Speed tier is good, it still leaves it outpaced by quite a few common Pokemon such as Latios, Starmie, Serperior, Tornadus-T, and Mega Lopunny.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Focus Blast
item: Choice Specs
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Keldeo's most consistent and safest move to lock into, thanks to its decent Base Power, perfect accuracy, and, more importantly, ability to potentially burn its checks, making them much easier to handle in the long term. Secret Sword has decent neutral coverage with Keldeo's Water-type STAB moves, 2HKOing Pokemon such as Serperior, Ferrothorn, and Volcanion, and is important to have to ensure Keldeo is not stopped by Chansey. Hydro Pump is used for the extra firepower on bulkier targets such as Clefable, Mew, Mega Scizor, and Jirachi. Icy Wind is used in the last slot to 2HKO Latios and Latias on the switch and subsequently knock either out the following turn due to the Speed drop. It also has important coverage on other checks such as Amoonguss, Dragonite, and Mega Altaria. Alternatively, Focus Blast, while less consistent of a STAB attack than Secret Sword, is capable of OHKOing Rotom-W after Stealth Rock, as well as 2HKOing Suicune, Gastrodon, Alomomola, and Assault Vest Tangrowth. Hidden Power Electric is an option to deal heavy damage to the likes of Gyarados, Starmie, and Azumarill, as well as maintaining coverage on other Water-types, though it's quite a bit weaker than Focus Blast for several of them.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Keldeo's offensive potential, ensuring it hits as hard as possible while taking advantage of its good Speed tier, allowing it to outspeed key threats such as Mega Medicham, Mega Gardevoir, and offensive Garchomp. Choice Specs is used to turn Keldeo into a fearsome wallbreaker, at the expense of being able to switch between its moves.
Usage Tips
========
Generally, Scald is the safest move to use early-game to fish for burns on whatever checks the opponent may have. Don't hesitate to be aggressive, though, and predict incoming switch-ins with the appropriate STAB or coverage move; otherwise, Keldeo will get forced out more often. This is something that comes into play while Spikes are on Keldeo's side of the field, as repeated switches in will quickly put it in range to being knocked out by the likes of Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Likewise, try to avoid status as well because this causes a similar scenario. Toxic in particular means Keldeo will be likely stalled out or pivoted around until it's knocked out. Keldeo can also be brought in via double switches or VoltTurn support to keep up offensive momentum and give more chances to weaken the opposition. Once the enemy team is weakened enough, use Scald or Secret Sword to power through anything remaining. One particularly important thing to make note of is that while Keldeo is a solid check to Dark-types, you should try to avoid directly switching into them unless absolutely necessary, as Keldeo's wallbreaking prowess is cut into significantly if its Choice Specs gets Knocked Off. This is generally something to keep in mind more versus more balanced-inclined teams, where Keldeo will need the power.
Team Options
========
Dark-types, particularly those with Pursuit, pair incredibly with Keldeo. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is the most notable, because it outspeeds Latios and Starmie and traps both fairly easily. Support variants of Tyranitar also work, as they provide Stealth Rock support as well and, with a Chople Berry, can check Mega Alakazam. Weavile is a fantastic teammate as well because it handles not only Psychic-types but also common checks to Keldeo such as Serperior, Amoonguss, and Tornadus-T. Bisharp is also a fine option, though it tends to struggle a bit more versus faster threats due to its reliance on Sucker Punch. Keldeo complements them nicely by being able to check Mega Scizor, which can prove to very troublesome for all them. The latter two also appreciate teams being weakened to the point where they can clean with their high speed and powerful priority, respectively. Heatran is a valuable teammate for its ability to handle Serperior, Amoonguss, Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and non-Surf Latios in one slot. Additionally, it helps wear down bulky Water-types such as Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Alomomola with Toxic, making it easier for Keldeo to muscle through them, as well as provide Stealth Rock support, enabling Keldeo to achieve certain OHKOs or 2HKOs. It also gives Keldeo some extra leeway when facing Mega Scizor. In return, Keldeo helps deal with Ground-types for Heatran. Rotom-W acts as pivot towards a few of Keldeo's checks such as Tornadus, Azumarill, and Slowbro, gaining momentum off all of them with Volt Switch, thus letting Keldeo enter the field safely to get off an attack. Rotom-W also alleviates some pressure from the likes of Heatran, Bisharp, and Weavile.
Latios complements Keldeo nicely, being able to handle Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and various passive bulky Water-types while Keldeo deals with problematic Dark-types like Tyranitar and Weavile as well as Heatran. Stored Power Mega Latias also pairs well for similar reasons, but it particularly appreciates the removal of Dark-types and the offensive pressure Keldeo applies to Clefable. Calm Mind Clefable is also a nice sweeper to pair alongside Keldeo, as it handles Latios, Electric-types, and Mega Alakazam, using all of them as setup fodder and paralyzing any potential threats while Keldeo facilitates Clefable's sweep team by eliminating key threats such as Heatran and Mega Scizor. Mega Gardevoir and Keldeo form a fearsome wallbreaking duo that dismantles many balanced teams, being able to break past the likes of Amoonguss, Slowbro, and Clefable. Electric-types such as Thundurus, Zapdos, and Mega Manectric help Keldeo better deal with bulky Water-types, barring Gastrodon, and additionally help check the likes of Talonflame and Tornadus-T, both of which outspeed and OHKO Keldeo. Tornadus-T checks many problematic Pokemon for Keldeo such as Amoonguss, Serperior, Latios, and Alakazam while being able to gain momentum versus potential Heatran, Skarmory, and Jirachi with U-turn, which Keldeo can capitalize on.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Secret Sword
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is a decent move to lock into thanks to its consistent power and ability to burn potential checks, which is a bit more important on this set due to Keldeo struggling to deal meaningful damage to most of its checks otherwise. Hydro Pump provides sheer power over Scald, letting Keldeo revenge kill certain targets from full, such as Mega Manetric after two switches into Stealth Rock or one switch into Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, as well as Life Orb Tornadus, Thundurus, and Gengar after Stealth Rock. It's also capable of 2HKOing Assault Vest Tornadus-T after Stealth Rock. Secret Sword is mainly to 2HKO Chansey, which otherwise walls Keldeo. Additionally, it provides as a nice tool to revenge kill the likes of Mega Lopunny. Icy Wind ensures Keldeo isn't a free switch for Latios, Dragonite, and Mega Altaria, notably preventing the latter two from gaining any Speed boosts from Dragon Dance. It also has the ability to OHKO offensive Garchomp after Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. Hidden Power Electric is mainly used to revenge kill a +1 Gyarados, but it also has use in hitting Starmie and Azumarill. Toxic can be used to to cripple bulky Water-types such as Alomomola and Gastrodon in the long term, but it doesn't do much else.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs plus a Timid nature are crucial for letting Keldeo outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T, +1 Mega Charizard X, and Volcarona. Special Attack EVs are maximized to ensure it still hits hard, even without a boosting item. Choice Scarf is chosen to be able to revenge kill normally faster threats such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, and Mega Diancie.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best played as revenge killer: after a teammate has fainted, bring Keldeo in on the next turn to revenge kill a fast threat the opponent has on the field such as Diancie or +1 Mega Charizard X. Against bulkier teams, the best thing Keldeo can do is try to weaken its checks through Scald burns; otherwise, it cannot do as much in these matchups. An important thing to note is that Keldeo should avoid switching into Knock Off if it's needed to revenge kill certain faster threats such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Diancie, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Once the enemy team is weakened enough, Keldeo should be used to clean up late-game with whatever move is most appropriate. Just be aware that Hydro Pump should only be used if the extra power is necessary to take down a specific threat; otherwise, Scald is the better move to use due to its perfect accuracy.
Team Options
========
Due to this set's lacking matchup versus balance and stall, Pokemon such as Choice Band Tyranitar, Taunt Tornadus-T, and Mega Metagross all pair well with it. Choice Band Tyranitar and Mega Metagross in particular are good at beating down Latios and Mega Latias, with both of them also capable of Pursuit trapping them. Mega Metagross also helps with Fairy-types such as Clefable, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Altaria. Other Dark-types such as Weavile and Bisharp also work, as both appreciate Keldeo's ability to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Diancie, while both are powerful enough to deal heavy damage to most of Keldeo's checks such as Amoonguss, Clefable, and Latios. Mega Medicham breaks down the likes of Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Calm Clefable, and if running Thunder Punch, it helps with Slowking and Slowbro in particular. Offensive Swords Dance Mega Scizor is a decent partner, as it appreciates Keldeo’s ability to handle Heatran, as well as a +1 Volcarona if it used Scizor to get a free Quiver Dance. Mega Scizor in return handles the likes of Amoonguss, Tangrowth, Clefable, Latios, and Mega Altaria. Ferrothorn is notable for its ability to check Gyarados, Azumarill, Starmie, and non-Hidden Power Fire Latios as well as provide Spikes support, making it easier for the opponent's Pokemon to be put into range of Keldeo's attacks. Nasty Plot Thundurus breaks down Amoonguss, Latios, and various bulky Water-types that stop Keldeo from having much of an impact.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Scald
move 4: Secret Sword
item: Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute shields Keldeo from status, letting it prey on passive Pokemon that cannot break it such as Suicune, Alomomola, and standard Heatran, as well as keeping it from being revenge killed by faster Pokemon. It also scouts what the opponent's initial switch-in may be. Calm Mind lets Keldeo become increasingly threatening, giving its attacks more firepower and making its Substitutes harder to break with special attacks. Scald is used over any other Water-type STAB due to its consistent power, ability to potentially burn checks, perfect accuracy, and high PP. Secret Sword complements Scald nicely through its coverage and ensures this set isn't walled by Chansey in particular.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Keldeo's offensive potential, ensuring that it still hits for a decent amount without any Calm Mind boosts. Maximum HP EVs over Special Attack are also an option to allow Keldeo's Substitute to not be broken by Amoonguss's Giga Drain while at +2. Just note that doing so means Keldeo will miss out on a significant amount of power, notably against the likes of Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Clefable. A Timid nature is very important, letting Keldeo outspeed key threats such as offensive Garchomp, Mega Medicham, and Mega Charizard X. Leftovers is crucial for this set to work, helping Keldeo set up more Substitutes and alleviating chip damage like Stealth Rock or sandstorm damage.
Usage Tips
========
This set has a better matchup versus more balanced-inclined teams, so as such it should be played a bit more conservatively in order to ensure Keldeo can outlast the opposition and sweep. Keldeo should not be brought directly into Pokemon such as Heatran, Suicune, or Alomomola, as it risks getting crippled by burn, poison, or Knock Off in the case of the last, which ruins its chances of repeatedly setting up Substitute and Calm Mind. Use Substitute sparingly, as doing so too often weakens Keldeo to the point where it no longer is able to sweep and is easily picked off. Don't attempt to set up with Calm Mind while Keldeo's checks are still healthy; instead try to burn them as they switch in with Scald, increasing Keldeo's chances of breaking past them in the later stages of the match. Another thing to note is that you can use Keldeo behind a Substitute to bait a Pokemon such as Latios or Starmie to use Psyshock and subsequently bring in a Pursuit user in to trap them. Just keep in mind that the opponent can double switch into a Pokemon that can handle the Pursuit trapper, causing a loss in momentum.
Team Options
========
Pursuit support is a must, as without it, Keldeo has a very difficult time dealing with Latios, Latias, Starmie, and Slowking. Choice Band Tyranitar is a decent option, as it has the raw power to break through Mega Latias and Slowking. Choice Scarf also works to more reliably trap Starmie, but having Tyranitar simultaneously act as a breaker benefits Keldeo more, as this set is quite passive until it gets a couple Calm Mind boost under its belt. Mega Metagross also works well, as with the right coverage, it can weaken a good majority of Keldeo's checks and, if needed, can provide Pursuit support as well. It also helps deal with Clefable, Mega Diancie, and Mega Altaria. Lures to Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur are also very important, as Keldeo has a much easier time sweeping through the team once they're heavily weakened or eliminated. Such examples include Lansat Berry Natural Gift Breloom, Stored Power Clefable, and maximum Attack Mega Diancie. Tornadus-T is also a fine option as a more direct means of threatening Keldeo's checks. Tornadus-T can also gain switch initiative with U-turn off Heatran, giving Keldeo a free opportunity to set up a Substitute depending on the variant.
Heatran deals with Amoonguss, Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and non-Surf Latios, as well as cripple bulky Water-types that tend to switch into it such as Rotom-W, Alomomola, and Gastrodon, making it easier for Keldeo to break through the opposition. Talonflame is notable for its ability to break past Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Clefable. It also wears down Water-type switch-ins with Will-O-Wisp. In return, Keldeo threatens various Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Hippowdon. Keldeo also preys on bulky Water-types that don't mind status from Talonflame as much, most notably Suicune, which Keldeo can boost on and eventually break past with Secret Sword. Maximum Attack Mega Diancie applies pressure to Clefable and aids Keldeo in dealing with Flying-types such as Tornadus and Talonflame. Spikes help this Keldeo set a lot in the long term; Ferrothorn is the best option for this, as it deals with some problematic foes such as Azumarill, Latios, and Starmie, being able to set up Spikes easily on all of them. Keldeo in return threatens Heatran and sets up on Mega Sableye. Other breakers, such as Gengar, Excadrill, and Garchomp also aid Keldeo in dealing with some of its checks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Offensive Calm Mind is an option that can work, given that Keldeo benefits from an extra coverage move, but generally Choice Specs is better due to the immediate boost it gives, and the standard Calm Mind set really appreciates the extra longevity that Leftovers provides, in addition to the shield against status with Substitute. Expert Belt can be used to bluff Choice sets and catch certain counters off guard that think Keldeo is locked into a move. A RestTalk set using either Life Orb or Rocky Helmet lets Keldeo act as more reliable check to Mega Scizor, Bisharp, and Weavile due to being much harder to wear down. Taunt has use in shutting down passive Pokemon such as Alomomola, Suicune, and Gastrodon while also preventing Stealth Rock being set up by certain Pokemon. Endeavor can be a nice last-resort option on Keldeo's Choice Scarf set to break down an unsuspecting counter when low on HP. Endeavor can also be used in tandem with Substitute or a Focus Sash to force Keldeo down to low HP more reliably, thus taking the most advantage of it. Hidden Power Flying hits primarily Mega Venusaur and still maintains coverage on Amoonguss, but otherwise there are better coverage options.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types, in particular those that resist Water as well, are some of the consistent Keldeo checks. Latios and Mega Latias in particular both are not 2HKOed by Keldeo's STAB combination, naturally outspeed Keldeo, and OHKO it with Psyshock. Both are also capable of restoring lost HP with Recover but can find themselves pressured to do so more when burned by Scald. Latios also has to watch out for Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind, which will not only 2HKO it on the switch but also make Latios slower on the following turn. Other Pokemon such as Slowking and Slowbro are very troublesome, as they also resist Keldeo's STAB combination and can either cripple Keldeo with Thunder Wave, deal heavy damage with Psyshock, or set up Calm Mind against it. Keldeo also has harder time wearing them down with burns as well due to Regenerator, though it's worth noting that Slowbro is 2HKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump after Stealth Rock plus a burn. Starmie also outspeeds and promptly OHKOes or 2HKOes Keldeo depending on whether its offensive or defensive, but offensive variants do have a much harder time switching in. It's worth noting that Starmie also doesn't mind Scald burns due to Natural Cure. Offensive variants also risk being 2HKOed by Hidden Power Electric from Keldeo's Choice Scarf set. Defensive Starmie can also fail to check Substitute + Calm Mind Keldeo if it's already behind a Substitute and Starmie has opted for Thunder Wave or Toxic over Psyshock. (Mega) Alakazam is able to revenge kill Keldeo with Psychic, but it by no means can directly switch in and must be wary of Choice Scarf Keldeo.
**Grass-types**: Amoonguss is a thorn in Keldeo's side, taking little from even Choice Specs-boosted attacks and having Regenerator to alleviate the residual damage from Scald burns. To retaliate, Amoonguss can use Keldeo as a free opportunity to put something to sleep with Spore or just attack with Giga Drain. Mega Venusaur also hard walls Keldeo, not caring about any coverage move Keldeo carries, and being bulky enough that it can switch in to two Hydro Pumps, even when burned. Serperior, while by no means able to directly switch in, naturally outspeeds Keldeo and threatens to OHKO it with Leaf Storm. Serperior does have to watch out for its Choice Scarf set, though, as Secret Sword will 2HKO after Stealth Rock. Celebi, while certainly less common, is an incredibly consistent switch in to Keldeo thanks to its typing, bulk, access to Recover, and Natural Cure. Assault Vest Tangrowth is also a decent answer, but it does risk being 2HKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Focus Blast and in general hates being worn down by Scald burns due to a lack of recovery outside of Regenerator. Physically defensive Tangrowth is still capable of checking Keldeo, but only Choice Scarf or Substitute + Calm Mind variants.
**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Gastrodon, Alomomola, and Rotom-W can also give Keldeo a hard time, as Keldeo cannot do much back to them except catch them on the switch with Focus Blast. It's worth noting that Substitute + Calm Mind Keldeo can take advantage of the passive nature of most of these Pokemon by setting up freely, as Toxic or Scald burns is usually their most meaningful way of dealing with Keldeo. Suicune can be very difficult for Keldeo to face if Secret Sword is the best it can do back to it, as it has a small chance to 3HKO, meaning Suicune can, for the most part, continually use Rest and become even harder to break through as it sets up Calm Mind. Gastrodon also can break Keldeo's Substitutes with Earthquake and ensure it cannot be 2HKOed by setting up Curse alongside it. It's worth noting that Curse Gastrodon without any stat boosts risks getting 2HKOed by both Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword and Focus Blast.
**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T naturally outspeeds Keldeo and OHKOes it with Hurricane; the Assault Vest set in particular is generally more consistent, as it finds more opportunities to switch in, but regardless hates being burned by Scald. Tornadus-T also can come in a few times thanks to Regenerator. While Talonflame and Mega Pinsir cannot switch in by any means, both are able revenge kill Keldeo, regardless of whether its Choice Scarf or not with Gale Wings Brave Bird and Aerilate Quick Attack, respectively, though Mega Pinsir needs quite a bit more prior damage to do so. They also cannot revenge kill Keldeo if it is behind a Substitute.
**Fairy-types**: Mega Altaria is a really solid check to Keldeo thanks to its typing in combination with Heal Bell and Roost, ensuring that it will outlast Keldeo, regardless of burns. Offensive variants of Mega Altaria, particularly Dragon Dance, are crippled by burns, while special Mega Altaria is able to bypass Keldeo's Substitute with Pixilate Hyper Voice. Clefable can also serve as a decent check, but it is extremely shaky versus its Choice Specs set, as Hydro Pump easily 2HKOes, and Scald forces Clefable to use Softboiled as it switches in. After enough Calm Mind boosts, though, Keldeo fails to break past it barring critical hits and is OHKOed by a +1 Moonblast or neutered with Thunder Wave. Choice Scarf and Substitute + Calm Mind have a much harder time dealing with Clefable. Mega Gardevoir is by no means a good check to Choice Specs Keldeo, but it handles the other sets decently, especially Substitute + Calm Mind thanks to Pixilate Hyper Voice bypassing Substitute.
**Electric-types**: Thundurus, Raikou, and Mega Manectric outspeed Keldeo and OHKO it with Thunderbolt, but none of them are capable of switching in, and Mega Manectric has to be Mega Evolved prior to outspeed Keldeo; otherwise, Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump will OHKO it. All of them also fall flat to Keldeo's Choice Scarf set, as they're easily 2HKOed by the appropriate move.
**Shedinja**: While Shedinja isn't common by any means, it's noteworthy in that it's immune to all of the attacks on Keldeo's main movesets. To retaliate, Shedinja wears down Keldeo with Will-O-Wisp and gains momentum off of it with Baton Pass. The only way Keldeo can damage it is by using the rare Toxic or Hidden Power Flying, and even then, Shedinja is still able to scout for either of those moves by using Protect.
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