QC Checks: Oglemi, Zephyr, Nails
GP Checks: New World Order
[Overview]
<p>Often labelled as "Noobvire" throughout most of DPP OU, Electivire is back for more. Although some players maintain that Electivire has a higher calling in OU, it now finds itself in the RU tier. This time around, no more Electivire jokes will pop up every time usage stats are updated, for Electivire has finally found itself a niche in this fifth generation exclusive metagame. Electivire's claim to fame is still its ability to hit much of the game for super effective damage with coverage moves such as Earthquake, Cross Chop, Ice Punch, and Flamethrower. However, fifth generation has finally brought Electivire something it would've died for (and did die a lot) in DPP OU: a strong physical STAB, Wild Charge, to use instead of ThunderPunch. Unfortunately, Electivire still does not get a good stat boosting move. Although Meditate sounds very cool, it just does not cut it for power. The infamous Gyaravire combo is now dead, but an artifact of that oh-so-dangerous combination, Motor Drive, was preserved. Electivire's Speed, while not terrible, isn't particularly impressive. Motor Drive allows Electivire to bolster its Speed simply by switching into an Electric-type move. Unfortunately, Electivire can very rarely abuse this since the only notable users of Electric moves in RU are Galvantula, Lanturn, and other Electivire, so it will more often than not be trying to catch a Thunder Wave. While Electivire will forever be known for its DPP OU exploits, BW RU has provided it with a much needed fresh start.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Fire Punch
item: Life Orb / Choice Band
ability: Motor Drive
nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Electivire's most famous set, for all the wrong reasons. Rather than relying on the weak ThunderPunch as the main STAB option, Electivire can now run Wild Charge instead. Like what propelled it to fame last generation, Electivire relies heavily on its ability to hit many Pokemon for super effective damage: if you opt to use Earthquake, 13 out of 17 types are hit for super effective damage; if you opt to use Fire Punch, 11 out of 17 types are hit for super effective damage. On paper, Ice Punch grants Electivire physical BoltBeam coverage. However, Electivire's lack of effective stat boosting moves, along with the low Base Powers of Wild Charge and Ice Punch, make this less effective in practice. Cross Chop, while unreliable, hits Normal-types such as Bouffalant and Munchlax, as well as Steel-types such as Aggron if Fire Punch is chosen over Earthquake. Earthquake gives Electivire better overall super effective coverage, and is more reliable than Cross Chop for dealing with Aggron. However, the presence of Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Galvantula make Fire Punch a viable option as well.</p>
<p>The given EV spread maximizes Attack and Speed. Although an Adamant nature would alleviate the power woes, Jolly is the preferred nature because this allows Electivire to outspeed Krookodile, who would otherwise OHKO with Earthquake. Life Orb is the preferred item, as it allows Electivire to abuse its offensive coverage. However, Wild Charge and Life Orb recoil could accumulate very quickly, so Choice Band is certainly a viable option. Although Choice Band requires much more prediction, it does give Electivire noticeably more power. Electivire's offensive prowess is significantly limited by its lack of a good Attack boosting move, so Electivire will often have to wait until late game to go for a sweep.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Although Electivire destroys frail Pokemon, it is incredibly incompetent when facing a strong physical wall. Strong Choice Band users and wallbreakers help significantly in this aspect, wearing down opposing walls so Electivire can break through them. Honchkrow and Choice Band Scyther are great teammates, as they can wear down walls and draw in Electric-type moves for Electivire to grab a Motor Drive Boost. In a similar vein, Omastar is a great teammate. Not only does it draw in Electric-type moves like Justin Beiber draws in pre-teen girls; it also can set up every existing entry hazard. Electivire forces a lot of switches with its outstanding coverage, and entry hazard damage can pile up quickly. It also appreciates Wish support to cure damage accumulated from Wild Charge. Alomomola in particular, can provide Wish support while scaring off the bulky Ground-types that laugh at Electivire all day long.</p>
<p>Electivire can choose to wield an Expert Belt due to its exceptional super effective coverage. It retains the ability to change moves, while also avoiding the gargantuan recoil from Life Orb and Wild Charge. Moreover, Expert Belt can be used to bluff a Choice Item, although most opponents will be cautious as Electivire is a notorious Expert Belt user. As well, the power of a Neutral Wild Charge is downright embarrassing. Electivire has more than enough trouble bringing down Pokemon it can't hit hit for super effective damage, so nerfing its STAB move is not going to help at all. If one finds Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil a turnoff, ThunderPunch can be used instead. But similar to the Expert Belt variant, ThunderPunch only makes Electivire's lack of power even more apparent.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Cross Chop / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Motor Drive
nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk / 20 SpA / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If there's any set out there that could potentially have slash-itis, this would be it. With access to numerous coverage options, as well as reasonable base 95 Special Attack, Electivire is more than capable of running a mixed set. Wild Charge is still the STAB move of choice; no longer is Electivire forced to rely on the horrendously weak ThunderPunch and Thunderbolt. Flamethrower allows Electivire to vaporize Steelix, who would otherwise be a major pain in Electivire's back socket. Ice Punch allows Electivire to hit Ground and Grass types which resist its STAB move, while also providing physical "Boltbeam" coverage. Cross Chop and Earthquake are the final options, allowing Electivire to hit Rock-types hard. While Cross Chop provides additional coverage against the more common Dark- and Normal-types, Earthquake is more reliable and provides additional coverage against Electric- and Poison-types.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is the preferred item, although Expert Belt can be used in attempt to fake a Choice item and prevent recoild damage. Naive Nature is preferred, ensuring Electivire's offensive capabilities are not hindered. The given Speed EVs allow Electivire to outspeed all Krookodile bar Choice Scarf variants, and if it's lucky enough to grab a Speed boost, Choice Scarf Krookodile as well. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to speed tie Primeape, and outspeed +1 Sharpedo should Motor Drive be activated. Attack EVs are maximized to get the most out of Wild Charge, while the rest is dumped into Special Attack. Hidden Power Grass can be used instead of Ice Punch to hit Quagsire and Rhydon harder, whereas Hidden Power Ice can be used to hit Eviolite Gligar. If Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil together is unappealing, ThunderPunch can be used instead. Finally, an alternative spread of 20 Atk / 252 SpA / 224 Spe can be used if opting for a more Specially oriented set, with Thunderbolt as the primary STAB.</p>
<p>Spikes and Stealth Rock support allow this set to function much more effectively. Not only does it allow Electivire to secure a number of additional KOs, Electivire's incredible super effective coverage allows it to force many switches. Omastar is a great teammate because it is capable of providing any form of entry hazard, and draws in Electric-type moves for Electivire to abuse. Because this set is so effective at wallbreaking, Archeops, Moltres, Scyther, and Moxie Honchrow can all prey on the opponent's weakened defensive core and can all bait Electric-type moves to activate Motor Drive.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Choice Scarf is an option to mitigate Electivire's middling Speed. With the general lack of Electric-type moves in RU, Motor Drive is not reliable for getting that Speed boost. Choice Scarf would also allow Electivire to revenge kill dangerous threats such as Honchrow and Archeops. Volt Switch can be used to escape from unfavorable matchups, although most Electivire switchins are Ground-types, and Volt Switch would not help one bit. A SubPunch, or "Electiboah" set can be used for wallbreaking. Substitute protects Electivire from status and eases prediction. Vital Spirit can be used to absorb Sleep moves. Finally, we have the main attraction: Ladies and Gentleman, introducing the one and only Meditate Electivire. DPP OU's most mocked set is back and ready to give BW RU a whirl.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Due to Electivire's offensive versatility, its checks and counters depend largely on the choice of coverage moves. Bulky Ground-types are typically the best switchins, as they are immune to Electivire's STAB moves. Claydol takes very little from any of Electivire's attacks, and is about as close as it gets to a hard counter. As Electivire has a severe case of four moveslot syndrome, how other Ground-types fare typically depends on Electivire's moveset. Steelix laughs at variants without Flamethrower. Rhydon and Sandslash dominate if Electivire neglects to carry Hidden Power Grass or Hidden Power Ice. Quagsire has a field day against variants without Hidden Power Grass, and Eviolite Gligar wins one on one against variants that lack Hidden Power Ice.</p>
<p>Electivire absolutely abhors status of all sorts. Toxic Spikes is a great way to neuter it, as poison damage combined with Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil makes Electivire a ticking time bomb. Burn has an even more detrimental effect, dramatically cutting Electivire's already underwhelming offenses. Bulky Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus, Dusknoir, and Rotom can all easily shrug off Electivire's attacks and retaliate with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom in particular, is a hard counter to Electivire. It boasts an Electric-type resistance, cannot be hit for super effective damage, and can take blows all day long. In general, a Pokemon Electivire cannot hit for super effective damage is a Pokemon Electivire cannot defeat.</p>
<p>Due to Electivire's unimpressive bulk and Speed, it can easily be revenge killed. Provided Electivire has not obtained a Motor Drive boost, any Pokemon with higher than base 95 Speed as well as just about any Choice Scarfers can easily outspeed it and KO. Dugtrio, in particular, is an absolute nightmare for Electivire. It is immune to Electric-type moves, and can trap and OHKO Electivire with Earthquake before Electivire can respond.</p>
GP Checks: New World Order
[Overview]
<p>Often labelled as "Noobvire" throughout most of DPP OU, Electivire is back for more. Although some players maintain that Electivire has a higher calling in OU, it now finds itself in the RU tier. This time around, no more Electivire jokes will pop up every time usage stats are updated, for Electivire has finally found itself a niche in this fifth generation exclusive metagame. Electivire's claim to fame is still its ability to hit much of the game for super effective damage with coverage moves such as Earthquake, Cross Chop, Ice Punch, and Flamethrower. However, fifth generation has finally brought Electivire something it would've died for (and did die a lot) in DPP OU: a strong physical STAB, Wild Charge, to use instead of ThunderPunch. Unfortunately, Electivire still does not get a good stat boosting move. Although Meditate sounds very cool, it just does not cut it for power. The infamous Gyaravire combo is now dead, but an artifact of that oh-so-dangerous combination, Motor Drive, was preserved. Electivire's Speed, while not terrible, isn't particularly impressive. Motor Drive allows Electivire to bolster its Speed simply by switching into an Electric-type move. Unfortunately, Electivire can very rarely abuse this since the only notable users of Electric moves in RU are Galvantula, Lanturn, and other Electivire, so it will more often than not be trying to catch a Thunder Wave. While Electivire will forever be known for its DPP OU exploits, BW RU has provided it with a much needed fresh start.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Fire Punch
item: Life Orb / Choice Band
ability: Motor Drive
nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Electivire's most famous set, for all the wrong reasons. Rather than relying on the weak ThunderPunch as the main STAB option, Electivire can now run Wild Charge instead. Like what propelled it to fame last generation, Electivire relies heavily on its ability to hit many Pokemon for super effective damage: if you opt to use Earthquake, 13 out of 17 types are hit for super effective damage; if you opt to use Fire Punch, 11 out of 17 types are hit for super effective damage. On paper, Ice Punch grants Electivire physical BoltBeam coverage. However, Electivire's lack of effective stat boosting moves, along with the low Base Powers of Wild Charge and Ice Punch, make this less effective in practice. Cross Chop, while unreliable, hits Normal-types such as Bouffalant and Munchlax, as well as Steel-types such as Aggron if Fire Punch is chosen over Earthquake. Earthquake gives Electivire better overall super effective coverage, and is more reliable than Cross Chop for dealing with Aggron. However, the presence of Pokemon such as Ferroseed and Galvantula make Fire Punch a viable option as well.</p>
<p>The given EV spread maximizes Attack and Speed. Although an Adamant nature would alleviate the power woes, Jolly is the preferred nature because this allows Electivire to outspeed Krookodile, who would otherwise OHKO with Earthquake. Life Orb is the preferred item, as it allows Electivire to abuse its offensive coverage. However, Wild Charge and Life Orb recoil could accumulate very quickly, so Choice Band is certainly a viable option. Although Choice Band requires much more prediction, it does give Electivire noticeably more power. Electivire's offensive prowess is significantly limited by its lack of a good Attack boosting move, so Electivire will often have to wait until late game to go for a sweep.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Although Electivire destroys frail Pokemon, it is incredibly incompetent when facing a strong physical wall. Strong Choice Band users and wallbreakers help significantly in this aspect, wearing down opposing walls so Electivire can break through them. Honchkrow and Choice Band Scyther are great teammates, as they can wear down walls and draw in Electric-type moves for Electivire to grab a Motor Drive Boost. In a similar vein, Omastar is a great teammate. Not only does it draw in Electric-type moves like Justin Beiber draws in pre-teen girls; it also can set up every existing entry hazard. Electivire forces a lot of switches with its outstanding coverage, and entry hazard damage can pile up quickly. It also appreciates Wish support to cure damage accumulated from Wild Charge. Alomomola in particular, can provide Wish support while scaring off the bulky Ground-types that laugh at Electivire all day long.</p>
<p>Electivire can choose to wield an Expert Belt due to its exceptional super effective coverage. It retains the ability to change moves, while also avoiding the gargantuan recoil from Life Orb and Wild Charge. Moreover, Expert Belt can be used to bluff a Choice Item, although most opponents will be cautious as Electivire is a notorious Expert Belt user. As well, the power of a Neutral Wild Charge is downright embarrassing. Electivire has more than enough trouble bringing down Pokemon it can't hit hit for super effective damage, so nerfing its STAB move is not going to help at all. If one finds Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil a turnoff, ThunderPunch can be used instead. But similar to the Expert Belt variant, ThunderPunch only makes Electivire's lack of power even more apparent.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Cross Chop / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Punch
item: Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Motor Drive
nature: Naive
EVs: 252 Atk / 20 SpA / 236 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>If there's any set out there that could potentially have slash-itis, this would be it. With access to numerous coverage options, as well as reasonable base 95 Special Attack, Electivire is more than capable of running a mixed set. Wild Charge is still the STAB move of choice; no longer is Electivire forced to rely on the horrendously weak ThunderPunch and Thunderbolt. Flamethrower allows Electivire to vaporize Steelix, who would otherwise be a major pain in Electivire's back socket. Ice Punch allows Electivire to hit Ground and Grass types which resist its STAB move, while also providing physical "Boltbeam" coverage. Cross Chop and Earthquake are the final options, allowing Electivire to hit Rock-types hard. While Cross Chop provides additional coverage against the more common Dark- and Normal-types, Earthquake is more reliable and provides additional coverage against Electric- and Poison-types.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is the preferred item, although Expert Belt can be used in attempt to fake a Choice item and prevent recoild damage. Naive Nature is preferred, ensuring Electivire's offensive capabilities are not hindered. The given Speed EVs allow Electivire to outspeed all Krookodile bar Choice Scarf variants, and if it's lucky enough to grab a Speed boost, Choice Scarf Krookodile as well. Alternatively, maximum Speed investment can be used to speed tie Primeape, and outspeed +1 Sharpedo should Motor Drive be activated. Attack EVs are maximized to get the most out of Wild Charge, while the rest is dumped into Special Attack. Hidden Power Grass can be used instead of Ice Punch to hit Quagsire and Rhydon harder, whereas Hidden Power Ice can be used to hit Eviolite Gligar. If Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil together is unappealing, ThunderPunch can be used instead. Finally, an alternative spread of 20 Atk / 252 SpA / 224 Spe can be used if opting for a more Specially oriented set, with Thunderbolt as the primary STAB.</p>
<p>Spikes and Stealth Rock support allow this set to function much more effectively. Not only does it allow Electivire to secure a number of additional KOs, Electivire's incredible super effective coverage allows it to force many switches. Omastar is a great teammate because it is capable of providing any form of entry hazard, and draws in Electric-type moves for Electivire to abuse. Because this set is so effective at wallbreaking, Archeops, Moltres, Scyther, and Moxie Honchrow can all prey on the opponent's weakened defensive core and can all bait Electric-type moves to activate Motor Drive.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Choice Scarf is an option to mitigate Electivire's middling Speed. With the general lack of Electric-type moves in RU, Motor Drive is not reliable for getting that Speed boost. Choice Scarf would also allow Electivire to revenge kill dangerous threats such as Honchrow and Archeops. Volt Switch can be used to escape from unfavorable matchups, although most Electivire switchins are Ground-types, and Volt Switch would not help one bit. A SubPunch, or "Electiboah" set can be used for wallbreaking. Substitute protects Electivire from status and eases prediction. Vital Spirit can be used to absorb Sleep moves. Finally, we have the main attraction: Ladies and Gentleman, introducing the one and only Meditate Electivire. DPP OU's most mocked set is back and ready to give BW RU a whirl.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Due to Electivire's offensive versatility, its checks and counters depend largely on the choice of coverage moves. Bulky Ground-types are typically the best switchins, as they are immune to Electivire's STAB moves. Claydol takes very little from any of Electivire's attacks, and is about as close as it gets to a hard counter. As Electivire has a severe case of four moveslot syndrome, how other Ground-types fare typically depends on Electivire's moveset. Steelix laughs at variants without Flamethrower. Rhydon and Sandslash dominate if Electivire neglects to carry Hidden Power Grass or Hidden Power Ice. Quagsire has a field day against variants without Hidden Power Grass, and Eviolite Gligar wins one on one against variants that lack Hidden Power Ice.</p>
<p>Electivire absolutely abhors status of all sorts. Toxic Spikes is a great way to neuter it, as poison damage combined with Life Orb and Wild Charge recoil makes Electivire a ticking time bomb. Burn has an even more detrimental effect, dramatically cutting Electivire's already underwhelming offenses. Bulky Ghost-types such as Cofagrigus, Dusknoir, and Rotom can all easily shrug off Electivire's attacks and retaliate with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom in particular, is a hard counter to Electivire. It boasts an Electric-type resistance, cannot be hit for super effective damage, and can take blows all day long. In general, a Pokemon Electivire cannot hit for super effective damage is a Pokemon Electivire cannot defeat.</p>
<p>Due to Electivire's unimpressive bulk and Speed, it can easily be revenge killed. Provided Electivire has not obtained a Motor Drive boost, any Pokemon with higher than base 95 Speed as well as just about any Choice Scarfers can easily outspeed it and KO. Dugtrio, in particular, is an absolute nightmare for Electivire. It is immune to Electric-type moves, and can trap and OHKO Electivire with Earthquake before Electivire can respond.</p>
