Kingdra (Analysis)

[Overview]

<p>Despite consistent performance in previous generations, Kingdra has experienced extreme swells of high and low tides in BW. It started the generation as one of the most dominant offensive threats of OU, and probably would have held that position indefinitely if not for the complex ban against using Swift Swim users with Drizzle Politoed. Despite this permanent separation from its beloved Drizzle support, Kingdra can truly shine in UU, where it finds itself as one of the few fully evolved Dragon-types, and unmolested by its nemesis, Ferrothorn.</p>

<p>Despite the difficulties it faces in OU, Kingdra certainly has a lot going for it on paper. Water / Dragon is incredible typing, both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Kingdra has almost flawless neutral coverage, its STAB combination resisted only by Empoleon and the very rarely seen Ferroseed and Shedinja. Defensively, it has only a single weakness to Dragon-type attacks, which are extremely few and far between in the Dragon-starved UU metagame. Speaking of Dragon-starved, Kingdra almost deserves consideration simply by being a fully evolved Dragon-type in the UU tier. While it has no exceptional stats, its respectable bulk, Speed, and power are more than sufficient to make it a vicious offensive force with its terrific STAB attacks, movepool, and boosting options.</p>

[SET]
Name:name: Dragon Dance
Movemove 1: Dragon Dance
Movemove 2: Waterfall
Movemove 3: Outrage
Movemove 4: Substitute
Item:item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability:ability: Swift Swim
Nature:nature: Adamant
EVs:evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Dragon Dance has always been an incredible stat-boosting attack, and Kingdra makes terrific use of it. Kingdra's respectable bulk and lack of weaknesses makesmake it easy to successfully set up a Dragon Dance,Dance successfully, while its Speed and 4x resistances to Water- and Fire-type attacks givesgive it ample opportunity to switch in and set up. Furthermore, while other set-up sweepers have difficulty incorporating boosting attacks and coverage attacks in the same set, Kingdra can easily fall back on the power and coverage of its STAB attacks alone. Kingdra's power, bulk, Speed, and STAB coverage make it a perfect candidate for a set-up sweeping strategy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The set is simple sweeper fare, with setup, STAB and coverage attacks fittedfit neatly together with full investment in power and Speed. Adamant is the preferred nature, because Jolly will not outspeed any of the tier's notable Choice Scarf users at +1 Speed, while Adamant will outrun the fastest common Choice Scarf users at +2 Speed. Outrage provides incrediblyincredible power, and can be hard to handle in a metagame also starved of usable Steel-types. Waterfall also has good neutral coverage, hits hard all Steel-type foes not named Empoleon or Ferroseed, and comes with a nifty 20% chance to Flinch the foes—aopponent—a perk that has great synergy with Dragon Dance's Speed boosts. Finally, Substitute is always a great move on offensive Pokemon that can make room for it, whichand Kingdra can docan, thanks to its great Dragon / Water coverage. SubstituteIt is a great move for scouting and blocking status.</p>

<p>A<p>Kingdra can use a Life Orb could be used to enhance Kingdra'sits power, but Kingdrait has the stats and typing to pull off multiple Dragon Dances and pull offfor a more stable sweep—a capacity that will be greatly aided by Leftovers's recovery or Lum Berry's status healing. Kingdra is fortunate to have few enemies that resist its STAB attacks, and even more fortunate that both Empoleon and Ferroseed can be caught and destroyed by Magneton. A weakened Empoleon can even be picked off by Dugtrio. Now, if you don't feel like taking the obvious trap-and-kill route, you could always pack a Fighting-type such as Cobalion or Hitmontop to dispose of them. An offensive Shaymin with HPHidden Power Fire and Earth Power will also handle both of those foes, and can punish the bulky Water-types that might try to be cute and Haze or phaze Kingdra. Dual Screens could also make Kingdra even more lethal, so screen users likesuch as Uxie, Cresselia, orand Deoxys-D are worth consideration as well.</p>

[SET]
Name:name: Rain Dance Sweeper
Movemove 1: Rain Dance
Movemove 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
Movemove 3: Draco Meteor
Movemove 4: Dragon Pulse
Item:item: Life Orb
Ability:ability: Swift Swim
Nature:nature: Modest
EVs:evs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>There is a reason why Swift Swim on the same team as Drizzle is illegal in OU—Swift Swim sweepers are incredibly powerful, and Kingdra is at the top of the pack. Setting up rain is certainly shaky, as it sacrifices a turn to set up, provides a very short window of opportunity due to its limited turns, and is vulnerable to being removed by Abomasnow and Hippopotas. Despite these flaws, the sheer power of Kingdra in rain can justify taking the risks of relying on Rain Dance. Doubled Speed is incredible, and will put Kingdra in a class of Speed above any unboosted foe, while thesefoe—these EVs are set to outrun Choice Scarf Jolly Flygon. Furthermore, Rainrain gives a 50% power boost to Water-type attacks, allowing Kingdra's Hydro Pump to rip through enemy teams. Rain might only hold up for a few turns, but Kingdra has the power to make those turns count, andas well as the bulk and typing to set rain up rain multiple times if need be.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The fourth move, Dragon Pulse, has some room for substitutionmoveslot is flexible, thanks to the Kingdra's excellent STAB coverage. Dragon Pulse is the main option to provide reliable Dragon-type STAB without relying on Draco Meteor, but Surf could be used to similarly to avoid relying on Hydro Pump's shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Electric could also be used to deal with Empoleon,Empoleon and hit other bulky Water-types for slightly more damage than Dragon Pulse would. Ice Beam is an interesting option whenoption, considering the many Grass-types of UU, but most can be handled with the combination of Dragon Pulse and Draco Meteor. For instance, a 252 HP / 252 SpD Calm Roserade is always 2HKOed by Dragon Pulse + Draco Meteor with just Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes—and still has a fair chance of being KOed without hazards. Generally speaking, Dragon Pulse is the most effective and efficient move.</p>

<p>On a more dedicated rain team, you could use a different Pokemon to set up rain for Kingdra (and free up space for Hidden Power Electric), or have Kingdra carry Damp Rock to support other rain abusers and extend the turnsrain's duration for its own sweep. Generally speakingBy and large, though, dedicated Rain Dance teams face a lotplenty of risk in a metagame focused heavily on Abomasnow, with its Water-type resistance and Snow Warning. Rain Dance Kingdra also lacks the power to be really effective without a Life Orb, especially sincebecause there will be times where it will have to attack outside of its ideal weather. Generally speaking, packing teammates that can deal with bulky enemy Water- and Grass-types is a good idea. Roserade is a notable standout, since its STAB attacks are super effective against both Grass- and Water-typesWater-types, and its Toxic Spikes can be a nasty problem tofor Slowbro and Milotic. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes, a valuable support for Kingdra. Uxie is a notable teammate that can set up Rainrain and Screens.dual screens. Finally, Magneton would always be welcome to bring down Empoleon.</p>

[SET]
Name:name: Choice Specs
Movemove 1: Draco Meteor
Movemove 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
Movemove 3: Dragon Pulse
Movemove 4: Hidden Power Electric / Surf
Item:item: Choice Specs
Ability:ability: Swift Swim / Sniper
Nature:nature: Timid / Modest
EVs:evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Popularized in only in the last leg of DPP's OU metagame, Choice Specs Kingdra is an often underestimated wallbreaker, and an awesomea fantastic set for anyone looking to use Kingdra without setup. Even without the ability to switch between moves, the pressure applied by the dual threat of Kingdra's STAB attacks is enhanced with the awesome power boost of Choice Specs. Thanks to its excellent STAB coverage and a lack of setup moves, Kingdra can even pack multiple STAB attacks to properly equip itself to use power or reliability depending on the situation, withfor different situations. When you need power, Draco Meteor /and Hydro Pump poundingpound the enemy into the pavement,pavement; when you need accuracy, Surf and Surf / Dragon Pulse dishingdish out a reliable andrelible, constant beating. This versatility gives Kingdra a flexible andflexible, dangerous quality not to be found in other Choice item users. Underestimate this seahorse at your own peril.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Generally speaking, Timid will be your go-to nature, as it lets you get ahead of all the faster tanks and walls that you are looking to break, like Rotom formes, Roserade, and Zapdos using bulky tank sets. There is something to be said about raw powerpower, though, especially with Sniper. Generally speaking,For the most part, this set is to be used on non-rain teams, and enemy rain teams in UU are so rare, you would rarely get a greater benefit from Swift Swim. A Modest Sniper critical hit Draco Meteor or Hydro Pump will destroy almost anything, even foes that resist them. As an example, a Sniper Modest Sniper critical hit Hydro Pump will do 97.7% minimum damage to a 232 HP Celebi. The same Kingdra using Draco Meteor will do 67.6% - 79.7%67.6%–79.7% damage to a Registeel and 87.1% - 102.7%87.1%–102.7% to Empoleon with 252 HP / 252 SpD +Special Defense nature. [COMMENT: Numerical ranges are separated by [endash], not [space][hyphen][space].] Registeel and Chansey are the only two Pokemon who can reliably survive a Modest Sniper critical hit Draco Meteor in UU, and even those twothey will go belly up if they have just a bit of prior damage. Of coursecourse, a critical hit is nothing to rely on, but one should keep in mind that Sniper's sheer power on this set can single-handedly turn a game around. KeepAlso keep in mindmind, though, that on the off chance that you do run into an enemy rain team, Timid Swift Swim Kingdra is almost an instant win.</p>

<p>As previously noted, because of Kingdra's ability to cover the metagame with just its STAB attacks, and thereforeit can double-up on STAB moves with Dragon Pulse and Surf, allows it to respond to situations with power or consistency,moves, giving it more situational flexibility than most Choice item users. That said, there are some targets in the metagame that warrant the use of a Hidden Power. Empoleon is the most notable enemy that blocksresists both of Kingdra's STAB attacks, beingand is a common threat andthreat, able to set up Stealth Rock or Roar against Kingdra. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire could be used to beat Ferroseed, though it is a relatively uncommon foe in UU because of its pathetic offensive abilities. That said, its ability to set up Spikes is a bigger threat to Choice Specs Kingdra than anything Empoleon could throw out, seeing as this Kingdra cares little about Scald.</p>

<p>Both threats could be eliminated by Magneton, but sincebecause this Kingdra is a wallbreaker with no means of boosting its Speed, you might not want to invest an entire team slotteamslot simply to remove its counters. Instead, you should use Kingdra to support other offensive teammates, and bring Pokemon that can take advantage of the holes it will inevitably punch in the opponent's team. Cobalion is a good example of an offensive powerhouse that would benefit from Kingdra's presence. Cobalion would welcome Kingdra's ability to switch into and destroy physically bulky Water-type foes likesuch as Slowbro and Suicune. On the other hand, Cobalion's FightingFighting-type STAB lets it crush foes likesuch as Chansey, Empoleon, Snorlax, and Registeel, the main special walls orof UU that would impede Kingdra. Cobalion's ability to set up and sweep with Swords Dance or Calm Mind and sweep would also be a fantastic complimentcomplement to Kingdra's wallbreaking abilities. Other major offensive threats likethreats, such as Mamoswine, Victini, Flygon, and HeracrossHeracross, would benefit similarly from being paired with Choice Specs Kingdra.</p>

[SET]
Name:name: ChestoRest
Movemove 1: Dragon Dance
Movemove 2: Rest
Movemove 3: Waterfall
Movemove 4: Outrage
Item:item: Chesto Berry
Ability:ability: Swift Swim
Nature:nature: Adamant
EVs:evs: 184 HP / 160 Atk / 164 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes full advantage of all of Kingdra's strong traits—its respectable bulk, its lack of weaknesses, and its excellent dual STAB coverage—to set up a unique and incredible sweep. Thanks to Kingdra's two moveits two-move STAB coverage, Kingdra is able to fit Rest intoin its moveset and revive the "Chesto-Rest" strategy that had largely died out since ADV. With its respectable bulk and lack of resistances,weaknesses, Kingdra can find many opportunities to start setting up Dragon Dances, especially on bulky Water- and Fire-types thanksthanks, to its 4x resistances to their STAB attacks. Kingdra willYou should set up Dragon Dances until itsKingdra's health becomes desperately low, at which point it willyou use Rest—recovering all itsof Kingdra's health and curing any status in one fell swoop—awaken with Chesto Berry, and be set to start a fantastic sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This strategy relies on a pretty specific, detailed formula that you probably don't want to mess with. The EVs give you the minimum Attack and Speed investments you will need to be a ferocious sweeper with two Dragon Dances, and the rest of the EVs are invested in bulk needed to set up. A purely offensive EV spread could be used, but will still be ineffectual if itKingdra can't survive long enough to get the second Dragon Dance—which is why you should probably just stick to what is outlined above. Similarly, there is no point in using JollyJolly, as you need two Dragon Dances to reach your target Speed with either nature, and Adamant does this just fine, and nets youalso gives Kingdra more Attack.</p>

<p>Unlike the first Dragon Dance set, which is a more flexible offensive threat that can also be used to wallbreakbreak walls, thanks to its superior Speed and Attack, this set is much more dedicated to the sweep, and will have little use outside of sweeping in the late game.late-game. Your team should be built with the ultimate goal in mind of sweeping with Kingdra in mind.Kingdra. Removing potential counters likecounters, such as bulky Steel- and Water-typesWater-types, is of a greater imperative. Magneton and Dugtrio are even more valuable for their trapping abilities, as are Roserade's powerful Grass-type attacks and Toxic Spikes. It can also be useful to bring teammates that can lure out potential setup bait. For instance, if you bring a Victini, the threat of isits awesome V-CreateV-create will almost guarantee your opponent is forced to bring out his Arcanine or bulky Water-type, creating a golden opportunity to set up Kingdra (especially if you double switch to predict their switch-in).</p>

<p>Above all else, be aware that because this Kingdra is dedicated to the late-game sweep, it will be almost useless in the early- and mid-game skirmishes. Your other five Pokemon should be selected with this added burden in mind. They should be able to cover each other's weaknesses and function likeas a cohesive team even without Kingdra's help, while slowly paving the way for the Kingdra sweep.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra has few options outside what has been outlined above, and it really needs little else. It doesdoes, though, have a few options that are at least noteworthy. Yawn is an interesting status/phazing attackmove Kingdra has, but it is cumbersome to make effective use of it. Kingdra has no business trying to phaze in a defensive role, as it is outclassed by UU's many fantastic, bulkier, Water-type tanks. In an offensive role, Yawn could be used with Dragon Dance to net some free setup turns by forcing switches with good prediction, but the set is rather gimmicky, and you will get more use out of Substitute in the long run. Sleep Talk is another interesting option alongside Rest, but againagain, is difficult to incorporate. Without Dragon Dance, you will be outclassed by Suicune orand Milotic as a Water-type tank. With Dragon Dance, you will have room for only one STAB attack. While both Dragon- and Water- are decent singular attack types, Kingdra lacks the raw bulk that would be required to effectively mono-sweep effectively in the highly offensive UU metagame.</p>

<p>Looking at more offensive options, Ice Beam has been mentioned as a decent coverage move that could be used to hit bulky Grass-types, but it is generally outclassed by STAB Dragon-type attacks. Agility could be used to boost Kingdra's Speed to a sweeping threshold in one turn, but Rain Dance can do this as well, and without any boost to its offensive abilities, Kingdra will be helpless to break through even the frailest UU teams. Finally, Mixed Rain Dance with Life Orb and "Double Dance" (using both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance in combination) are sets that saw some success in bygone OU metagames. Generally speakingspeaking, though, they are much less reliable than the sets that have been outlined above.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Kingdra has terrific coverage and great boosting options, but when checking Kingdra, one must always remember its greatest weakness: it just doesn't hit very hard. Kingdra's initial offensive stats are decidedly subpar, and most bulky foes will have little trouble holding up to its unboosted (or sometimes even boosted) attacks. Even the hardest hitting set,set off the bat, the Choice Specs set, only hits so hard in part because of the surprise factor, and the fact that when an opponent sees Kingdra, the first of his worries is preventing a set-up sweep. Throw out a specially bulky Pokemon likesuch as Chansey, Snorlax, or Registeel, and Choice Specs Kingdra would be completely stuck unless it gets lucky with Sniper. Lesser tanks liketanks, such as Escavalier, Milotic, Roserade, and CelebiCelebi, should have no problems eithereither, as long as they don't have to take repeated neutral hits.</p>

<p>When facing the set-up sets likesets, such as Dragon Dance or Rain Dance, you want to use Pokemon that have fair bulk and power. Do not try to stop Kingdra with status, as doing so in the face of Substitute or Rest could easily mean game over. An offensive Grass-type like Shaymin orand Rotom-C is well equippedare examples of offensive Grass-types with the bulk and power necessary to deal with Kingdra. Rotom-C's timidTimid Choice Scarf set will also outrun Kingdra at +1 Speed, and it can Trick or attack Kingdra. Alternatively, you could Haze or phaze Kingdra with a bulky Water-type. Milotic and Suicune are good examples, possessing the bulk and movepools to thwart any Kingdra sweep. Intimidate Qwilfish is an epic counter to the Dragon Dance sets, cutting through Kingdra's Attack boosts with intimidate,Intimidate, setting up Spikes, and Hazing away any Dragon Dance boosts. Keep in mind that it will be destroyed by any Kingdra carrying Draco Meteor. Gastrodon is also worth a mention, as Storm Drain will suck up Kingdra's Water-type attacks, and it can retaliate with powerful STAB Earth Powers. In the worst situation, a faster Choice Scarf user can still revenge kill a Kingdra as long as it is only at +1 Speed. Flygon is the most notably fornotable, being fast and carrying super effective STAB Dragon-type attacks.</p>

<p>Of course, there's always Empoleon and Ferroseed, the two competitive Pokemon able to resist the Dragon / Water attack combination. They both are very reliable checks to Kingdra, losing under only the most extreme circumstances. Empoleon switches into Kingdra and sets up Stealth Rock or phazes it with ease using Roar. The only thing to keep in mind with Empoleon is that it can't really do anything to Kingdra outside orof Roar. If Kingdra is your opponent's last Pokemon, Empoleon could be used as setup bait. Otherwise, Empoleon only fears repeated Hidden Power Electric hits, Rain boostedrain-boosted Choice Specs Hydro Pump, or getting hit by a critical hit Choice Specs Sniper attack. Ferroseed needs to be more wary thatwary, as it can be turned into Setup bait by the Dragon Dance sets, but it does extremely well against Rain Dance and Choice Specs,Specs sets, shrugging off their attacks and setting up Spikes. Just look out for Hidden Power Fire outside of rain.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Despite consistent performance in previous generations, Kingdra has experienced extreme swells of high and low tides in BW. It started the generation as one of the most dominant offensive threats of OU, and probably would have held that position indefinitely if not for the complex ban against using Swift Swim users with Drizzle Politoed. Despite this permanent separation from its beloved Drizzle support, Kingdra can truly shine in UU, where it finds itself as one of the few fully evolved Dragon-types, and unmolested by its nemesis, Ferrothorn.</p>

<p>Despite the difficulties it faces in OU, Kingdra certainly has a lot going for it on paper. Water / Dragon is incredible typing, both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Kingdra has almost flawless neutral coverage, its STAB combination resisted only by Empoleon and the very rarely seen Ferroseed and Shedinja. Defensively, it has only a single weakness to Dragon-type attacks, which are extremely few and far between in the Dragon-starved UU metagame. Speaking of Dragon-starved, Kingdra almost deserves consideration simply by being a fully evolved Dragon-type in the UU tier. While it has no exceptional stats, its respectable bulk, Speed, and power are more than sufficient to make it a vicious offensive force with its terrific STAB attacks, movepool, and boosting options.</p>

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Substitute
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Dragon Dance has always been an incredible stat-boosting attack, move, and Kingdra makes terrific use of it. Kingdra's respectable bulk and lack of weaknesses make it easy to set up a Dragon Dance successfully, while its Speed and 4x resistances to Water- and Fire-type attacks give it ample opportunity to switch in and set up. Furthermore, while other set-up sweepers have difficulty incorporating boosting attacks and coverage attacks in the same set, Kingdra can easily fall back on the power and coverage of its STAB attacks alone. Kingdra's power, bulk, Speed, and STAB coverage make it a perfect candidate for a set-up sweeping strategy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The set is simple sweeper fare, with setup, STAB STAB,[/s] and coverage attacks fit neatly together with full investment in power and Speed. Adamant is the preferred nature, because Jolly will not outspeed any of the tier's notable Choice Scarf users at +1 Speed, while Adamant will outrun the fastest common Choice Scarf users at +2 Speed. Outrage provides incredible power, and can be hard to handle in a metagame also starved of usable Steel-types. Waterfall also has good neutral coverage, hits hard all Steel-type foes not named Empoleon or Ferroseed, and comes with a nifty 20% chance to Flinch the opponent—a perk that has great synergy with Dragon Dance's Speed boosts. Finally, Substitute is always a great move on offensive Pokemon that can make room for it, and Kingdra can, thanks to its great Dragon / Water coverage. It is a great move for scouting and blocking status.</p>

<p>Kingdra can use a Life Orb to enhance its power, but it has the stats and typing to pull off multiple Dragon Dances for a more stable sweep—a capacity that will be greatly aided by Leftovers's recovery or Lum Berry's status healing. Kingdra is fortunate to have few enemies that resist its STAB attacks, and even more fortunate that both Empoleon and Ferroseed can be caught and destroyed by Magneton. A weakened Empoleon can even be picked off by Dugtrio. Now, if you don't feel like taking the obvious trap-and-kill route, you could always pack a Fighting-type such as Cobalion or Hitmontop to dispose of them. An offensive Shaymin with Hidden Power Fire and Earth Power will also handle both of those foes, and can punish the bulky Water-types that might try to be cute and Haze or phaze Kingdra. Dual Screens could also make Kingdra even more lethal, sousers so users such as Uxie, Cresselia, and Deoxys-D are worth consideration as well.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>There is a reason why Swift Swim on the same team as Drizzle is illegal in OU—Swift Swim sweepers are incredibly powerful, and Kingdra is at the top of the pack. Setting up rain is certainly shaky, as it sacrifices a turn to set up, provides a very short window of opportunity due to its limited turns, and is vulnerable to being removed by Abomasnow and Hippopotas. Despite these flaws, the sheer power of Kingdra in rain can justify taking the risks of relying on Rain Dance. Doubled Speed is incredible, and will put Kingdra in a class of Speed above any unboosted foe—these EVs are set to outrun Choice Scarf Jolly Flygon. Furthermore, rain gives a 50% power boost to Water-type attacks, allowing Kingdra's Hydro Pump to rip through enemy teams. Rain might only hold up for a few turns, but Kingdra has the power to make those turns count, as well as the bulk and typing to set up rain multiple times if need be.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The fourth moveslot is flexible, thanks to the Kingdra's excellent STAB coverage. Dragon Pulse is the main option to provide reliable Dragon-type STAB without relying on Draco Meteor, but Surf could be used similarly to avoid relying on Hydro Pump's shaky accuracy. Hidden Power Electric could also be used to deal with Empoleon and hit other bulky Water-types for slightly more damage than Dragon Pulse would. Ice Beam is an interesting option, considering the many Grass-types of UU, but most can be handled with the combination of Dragon Pulse and Draco Meteor. For instance, a 252 HP / 252 SpD Calm Roserade is always 2HKOed by Dragon Pulse + Draco Meteor with just Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes—and still has a fair chance of being KOed without hazards. Generally speaking, Dragon Pulse is the most effective and efficient move.

<p>On a more dedicated rain team, you could use a different Pokemon to set up rain for Kingdra (and free up space for Hidden Power Electric), or have Kingdra carry Damp Rock to support other rain abusers and extend Calm Roserade is always 2HKOed by Dragon Pulse + Draco Meteor with just Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes—and still has a fair chance of being KOed without hazards. Generally speaking, Dragon Pulse is the most effective and efficient move.</p> rain's duration for its own sweep. By and large, though, dedicated Rain Dance teams face ample risk in a metagame focused heavily on Abomasnow, with its Water-type resistance and Snow Warning. Rain Dance Kingdra also lacks the power to be really effective without a Life Orb, especially because there will be times where it will have to attack outside of its ideal weather. Generally speaking, packing teammates that can deal with bulky enemy Water- and Grass-types is a good idea. Roserade is a notable standout, since its STAB attacks are super effective against both Grass- and Water-types, and its Toxic Spikes can be a nasty problem for Slowbro and Milotic. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes, a valuable support for Kingdra. Uxie is a notable teammate that can set up rain and dual screens. Finally, Magneton would always be welcome to bring down Empoleon.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Surf
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim / Sniper
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Popularized only in the last leg of DPP's OU metagame, Choice Specs Kingdra is an often underestimated wallbreaker, and a fantastic set for anyone looking to use Kingdra without setup. Even without the ability to switch between moves, the pressure applied by the dual threat of Kingdra's STAB attacks is enhanced with the awesome power boost of Choice Specs. Thanks to its excellent STAB coverage and lack of setup moves, Kingdra can even pack multiple STAB attacks for different situations. When you need power, Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump pound the enemy into the pavement; when you need accuracy, Surf and Dragon Pulse dish out a relible, constant beating. This versatility gives Kingdra a flexible, dangerous quality not found in other Choice item users. Underestimate this seahorse at your own peril.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Generally speaking, Timid will be your go-to nature, as it lets you get ahead of all the faster tanks and walls that you are looking to break, like such as Rotom formes, Roserade, and Zapdos using bulky bulky Zapdos sets. There is something to be said about raw power, though, especially with Sniper. For the most part, this set is to be used on non-rain teams, and enemy rain teams in UU are so rare, you would rarely get a greater benefit from Swift Swim. A Modest Sniper critical hit Draco Meteor or Hydro Pump will destroy almost anything, even foes that resist them. As an For example, a Modest Sniper critical hit Hydro Pump will do 97.7% minimum damage to a 232 HP Celebi. The same Kingdra using Draco Meteor will do 67.6%–79.7% damage to Registeel and 87.1%–102.7% to Empoleon with 252 HP / 252 SpD +Special Defense nature. Registeel and Chansey are the only two Pokemon who can reliably survive a Modest Sniper critical hit Draco Meteor in UU, and even they will go belly up if they have just a bit of prior damage. Of course, a critical hit is nothing to rely on, but keep in mind that Sniper's sheer power on this set can single-handedly turn a game around. Also keep Keep in mind, though, that on the off chance that you do run into an enemy rain team, Timid Swift Swim Kingdra is almost an instant win.</p>

<p>As previously noted, because of Kingdra's ability to cover the metagame with just its STAB attacks, it can double-up on STAB moves, giving it more situational flexibility than most Choice item users. That said, there are some targets in the metagame that warrant the use of Hidden Power. Empoleon is the most notable enemy that resists both of Kingdra's STAB attacks, and is a common threat,
able to set up Stealth Rock or Roar against Kingdra. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire could be used to beat Ferroseed, though it is a relatively uncommon foe in UU because of its pathetic offensive abilities. That said, its ability to set up Spikes is a bigger threat to Choice Specs Kingdra than anything Empoleon could throw out, seeing as this Kingdra cares little about Scald.</p>
<p>Both threats could be eliminated by Magneton, but because this Kingdra is a wallbreaker with no means of boosting its Speed, you might not want to invest an entire teamslot simply to remove its counters. Instead, you should use Kingdra to support other offensive teammates, and bring Pokemon that can take advantage of the holes it will inevitably punch in the opponent's team. Cobalion is a good example of an offensive powerhouse that would benefit from Kingdra's presence. Cobalion would welcome Kingdra's ability to switch into and destroy physically bulky Water-type foes such as Slowbro and Suicune. On the other hand, Cobalion's Fighting-type STAB lets it crush foes such as Chansey, Empoleon, Snorlax, and Registeel, the main special walls of UU that would impede Kingdra. Cobalion's ability to set up and sweep with Swords Dance or Calm Mind would also be a fantastic complement to Kingdra's wallbreaking abilities. Other major offensive threats, such as Mamoswine, Victini, Flygon, and Heracross, would benefit similarly from being paired with Choice Specs Kingdra.</p>

[SET]

name: ChestoRest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 184 HP / 160 Atk / 164 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set takes full advantage of all of Kingdra's strong traits—its respectable bulk, its lack of weaknesses, and its excellent dual STAB coverage—to set up a unique and incredible sweep. Thanks to its two-move STAB coverage, Kingdra is able to fit Rest in its moveset and revive the "Chesto-Rest" strategy that had largely died out since ADV. With its respectable bulk and lack of weaknesses, Kingdra can find many opportunities to start setting up Dragon Dances, especially on bulky Water- and Fire-types thanks, thanks to its 4x resistances to their STAB attacks. You should set up Dragon Dances until Kingdra's health becomes desperately low, at which point you use Rest—recovering all of Kingdra's health and curing any status in one fell swoop—awaken with Chesto Berry, and be set to start a fantastic sweep.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This strategy relies on a pretty specific, detailed formula that you probably don't want to mess with. The EVs give you the minimum Attack and Speed investments you will need to be a ferocious sweeper with two Dragon Dances, and the rest of the EVs are invested in bulk needed to set up. A purely offensive EV spread could be used, but will be ineffectual if Kingdra can't survive long enough to get the second Dragon Dance—which is why you should probably just stick to what is outlined above. Similarly, there is no point in using Jolly, as you need two Dragon Dances to reach your target Speed with either nature, and Adamant does this just fine, and also gives Kingdra more Attack.</p>

<p>Unlike the first Dragon Dance set, which is a more flexible offensive threat that can also be used to break walls, thanks to its superior Speed and Attack, this set is much more dedicated to the sweep, and will have little use outside of sweeping in the late-game. Your team should be built with the ultimate goal in mind of sweeping with Kingdra. Removing potentialcounters, potential counters, such as bulky Steel- and Water-types, is of a greater imperative. Magneton and Dugtrio are even more valuable for their trapping abilities, as are Roserade's powerful Grass-type attacks and Toxic Spikes. It can also be useful to bring teammates that can lure out potential setup bait. For instance, if you bring Victini, the threat of its awesomeV-create awesome V-create will almost guarantee your opponent is forced to bring out his Arcanine or bulky Water-type, creating a golden opportunity to set up Kingdra (especially if you double switch to predict their switch-in).</p>

<p>Above all else, be aware that because this Kingdra is dedicated to the late-game sweep, it will be almost useless in the early- and mid-game skirmishes. Your other five Pokemon should be selected with this added burden in mind. They should be able to cover each other's weaknesses and function as a cohesive team even without Kingdra's help, while slowly paving the way for the Kingdra sweep.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra has few options outside what has been outlined above, and it really needs little else. It does, though, have a few options that are at least noteworthy. Yawn is an interesting status/phazing status / phazing move Kingdra has, but it is too cumbersome to make effective use of it. Kingdra has no business trying to phaze in a defensive role, as it is outclassed by UU's many fantastic, bulkier, Water-type tanks. In an offensive role, Yawn could be used with Dragon Dance to net some free setup turns by forcing switches with good prediction, but the set is rather gimmicky, and you will get more use out of Substitute in the long run. Sleep Talk is another interesting option alongside Rest, but again, is difficult to incorporate. Without Dragon Dance, you will be outclassed by Suicuneand Suicune and Milotic as a Water-type tank. With Dragon Dance, you will have room for only one STAB attack. While both Dragon- and Water- Dragon and Water are decent singular attack types, Kingdra lacks the raw bulk that would be required to mono-sweep effectively in the highly offensive UU metagame.</p>

<p>Looking at more offensive options, Ice Beam has been mentioned as a decent coverage move that could be used to hit bulky Grass-types, but it is generally outclassed by STAB Dragon-type attacks. Agility could be used to boost Kingdra's Speed to a sweeping threshold in one turn, but Rain Dance can do this as well, and without any boost to its offensive abilities, Kingdra will be helpless to break through even the frailest UU teams. Finally, Mixed Rain Dance with Life Orb and "Double Dance" (using both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance in combination) are sets that saw some success in bygone OU metagames. Generally speaking, though, they are much less reliable than the sets that have been outlined above.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Kingdra has terrific coverage and great boosting options, but when checking Kingdra, one must always remember its greatest weakness: it just doesn't hit very hard. Kingdra's initial offensive stats are decidedly subpar, and most bulky foes will have little trouble holding up to its unboosted (or sometimes even boosted) attacks. Even the hardest hitting set off the bat, the Choice Specs set, only hits so hard in part because of the surprise factor, and the fact that when an opponent sees Kingdra, the first of his worries is preventing a set-up sweep. Throw out a specially bulky Pokemon such as Chansey, Snorlax, or Registeel, and Choice Specs Kingdra would be completely stuck unless it gets lucky with Sniper. Lesser tanks, such as Escavalier, Milotic, Roserade, and Celebi, should have no problems either, as long as they don't have to take repeated neutral hits.</p>

<p>When facing the set-up sets, such as Dragon Dance or Rain Dance, you want to use Pokemon that have fair bulk and power. Do not try to stop Kingdra with status, as doing so in the face of Substitute or Rest could easily mean game over. Shaymin and Rotom-C are examples of offensive Grass-types with the bulk and power necessary to deal with Kingdra. Rotom-C's Timid Choice Scarf set will also outrun Kingdra at +1 Speed, and it can Trick or attack Kingdra. Alternatively, you could Haze or phaze Kingdra with a bulky Water-type. Milotic and Suicune are good examples, possessing the bulk and movepools to thwart any Kingdra sweep. Intimidate Qwilfish is an epic counter to the Dragon Dance sets, cutting through Kingdra's Attack boosts with Intimidate, setting up Spikes, and Hazing away any Dragon Dance boosts. Keep in mind that it will be destroyed by any Kingdra carrying Draco Meteor. Gastrodon is also worth a mention, as Storm Drain will suck up Kingdra's Water-type attacks, and it can retaliate with powerful STAB Earth Powers. In the worst situation, a faster Choice Scarf user can still revenge kill Kingdra as long as it is only at +1 Speed. Flygon is the most notable, being fast and carrying super effective STAB Dragon-type attacks.</p>

<p>Of course, there's always Empoleon and Ferroseed, the two competitive Pokemon able to resist the Dragon / Water attack combination. They both are very reliable checks to Kingdra, losing under only the most extreme circumstances. Empoleon switches into Kingdra and sets up Stealth Rock or phazes it with ease using Roar. The only thing to keep in mind with Empoleon is that it can't really do anything to Kingdra outside of Roar. If Kingdra is your opponent's last Pokemon, Empoleon could be used as setup bait. Otherwise, Empoleon only fears repeated Hidden Power Electric hits, rain-boosted Choice Specs Hydro Pump, or getting hit by a critical hit Choice Specs Sniper attack. Ferroseed needs to be more wary, as it can be turned into Setup bait by the Dragon Dance sets, but it does extremely well against Rain Dance and Choice Specs sets, shrugging off their attacks and setting up Spikes. Just look out for Hidden Power Fire outside of rain.</p>