So damn long for one set, I know.
[OVERVIEW]
<p> Ahh, Azelf. With 125 in each attacking stat, along with a diverse movepool that it can abuse those stats, it is quite the offensive threat. Having 115 Speed isn't bad either, as it gives it a niche to be one of the few pokemon that can naturally outspeed both Thundurus and Tornadus, plus having an immunity to Earthquake as a bonus, courtesy of Levitate.
However, the fun pretty much ends there. Being a pure Psychic-type leaves it with weaknesses to some common Dark-, Bug- and Ghost-type attacks. This is worsened by the fact that Azelf is quite frail and won't survive long in the first place. And on top of this, Azelf doesn't have any multi target moves outside of Explosion, meaning it can't hit two foes at the same time (without killing itself), something that is almost a necessity in VGC. But that shouldn't deter you from using Azelf at all. Like all Pokemon, it should be played to it's strengths, and when done so correctly with proper support, it won't dissapoint.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psychic / Psyschock
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Grass Knot / Shadow Ball
move 4: Detect
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
nature: Timid
ev's: 4 HP / 252 Sp Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Azelf, shining both in the movepool and stats department, is more then capable of running a Special Attacking set. EV's are pretty standard for all attacking sets. Special Attack and Speed get full EV investment, while the remaining four are just dumped somewhere. Psychic is there for STAB and dents everything not resisting it, while Psyschock takes care of Special walls. Fire Blast is for Scizor, Ferrothorn and other Steel-type Pokemon, but in case accuracy is preferred, Flamethrower can be used instead. Grass Knot massacres Swampert, dents Gastrodon and gives Tyranitar a reason to stay out. Otherwise, should the mentioned Pokemon not be much concern for you, Shadow Ball is a fine alternative to hit the Lati twins, who would wall this set otherwise. Finally, Detect helps staying alive while Azelf's partner takes down the threat to it. It also is handy when Azelf has to stay in and its partner needs to use a move such as Discharge or Lava Plume.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Azelf hates foes that have either a strong STAB or a Super Effective move, in particular Tyranitar and Scizor, who both resist it's STAB and can use Crunch and Bullet Punch to OHKO and 2HKO it, respectively. Thus, pairing Azelf up with Infernape is a smart idea. Infernape can take out both Tyranitar and Scizor with a STAB Close Combat and Flare Blitz, respectively. In addition, due to Azelf not having to worry about Tyranitar and Scizor anymore, it can run a set with the same EV's, but with the moveset Psychic / Thunderbolt / Shadow Ball / Protect|Hidden Power Ice to aid Infernape against his checks, such as Thundurus and Tornadus, who both can outspeed and KO Infernape, and Gyarados, who Infernape more often not has difficulty with, so in other words, they form a pretty effective offensive duo.
If Tailwind support is available, Modest becomes an option to increase damage output even further. If you prefer survivability over strength, a Colbur Berry is a nice addition. With it, not even a Max Attack, positive natured Tyranitar's Crunch can KO at full health or near it. Speaking of other item options, Focus Sash is another one to make sure you always survive an attack, but you need to be at full health for it to work and keeping health full is hard to do in a sandstorm, considering Tyranitar's popularity, so if using it make sure to take him out first and then bringing in your own non damaging weather. Finally, Azelf can use Flamethrower instead of Fire Blast if you hate missing, but the drop in power is quite noticeable.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: U-turn / Explosion
move 4: Detect
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
ev's: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>(will rewrite this up tomorrow, as I got to see the comments now late in the night.)</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>(same goes here)</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Explosion is an option, as it is Azelf's only multi target move, but comes at the cost of Azelf's life and isn't really worth it due the nerf it got this Generation.
It could run a support set, as it has access to Light Screen, Reflect, Thunder Wave and quite some other support moves, though it should only be used for it's speed or else it will be outclassed by Uxie and Cresselia and even then it will be outclassed in terms of speed by Whimiscott, thanks to it's Prankster ability. Azelf also has access to Imprison, making Imprison + Protect/Detect a nasty surprise for opponents, though after that, your opponent will probably try to get rid of Azelf as soon as possible after using Imprison.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Pokemon with high natural special bulk can easily take an attack from Azelf and retaliate with an attack of their own, though they should watch out for Psyshock or physical sets should their physical bulk be lacking. Latios and Latias can both come in with little fear of Azelf's attacks and use Draco Meteor to annihilate Azelf, but they shouldn't come in if it's a Physical version of Azelf. A Scarfed pokemon can also pick off Azelf with a strong attack. As mentioned, Tyranitar and Scizor make quick work out of Azelf, though Scizor can't take a Fire Blast. Scizor can take it out with a swift Bullet Punch when weakened, while Tyranitar can tank a hit and strike back hard with a Crunch.
In general, any attack with decent power will do a good chunk of damage to it. Just keep hitting away with strong, preferably priority attacks and Azelf will fall quickly.</p>
[Dreamworld]
<p> Azelf doesn't get a Dreamworld ability.</p>
