Altaria [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

[Overview]

<p>Altaria is outclassed by other dragons in OU, but in RU it is in a class of its own. Unlike the other RU dragons, Altaria has a good supporting movepool, reliable recovery, and very high defensive stats. Altaria also possesses great defensive typing in the form of Dragon/Flying, which gives it aGround immunity and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, Grass-, and Water-type attacks. To top it all off, Altaria's access to Natural Cure means it will rarely have to worry about being crippled by status. However, While Altaria does have success defensively, its attacking capabilities are quite mediocre. It only has 70 / 70 offenses;a base 70 Attack and Special Attack stat and even after using Dragon Dance, it will still struggle to pull off a sweep. On the bright side, Altaria has perfect coverage with just two moves and strong STAB attacks so it has potential to sweep unprepared teams. (Here I don't understand what you're trying to say. Altaria has strong STAB attacks or does Altaria have perfect coverage with just two moves, including its STAB attacks? Reword this bit.) Being a great defensive Pokemon and having offensive potentialmakes Altaria a versatile Pokemon. </p>

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost / Fire Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Altaria's main focus is its bulk, the Dragon Dance set is designed to takes advantage of its perfect coverage in RU. Outrage is the Dragon-type move of choice so Altaria can overcome its measly 70 base Attack stat. Earthquake will hit incoming Steel-type pokemon that will attempt to resist Outrage. Dragon Dance is the primary stat boosting move. After one Dragon Dance, Altaria will reach 393 Attack and 388 in Speed, making it very hard to deal with. It will outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in RU besides Accelgor after a Dragon Dance. assuming the opposing pokemon doesn't have a scarf or stat boosts. The last move depends on whether you want to take advantage of Altaria's natural bulk or cleave through teams faster. Fire Blast, even with an Adamant nature, will often do more damage to certain Steel-type Pokemon than Earthquake. However, Roost is more suitable as the first option due to Altaria's natural bulk which will allow you to get off a couple more Dragon Dances.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Anyone who can take out physical walls will partner well with Altaria. Bulk Up Gallade can take out physical walls and take Rock-type moves that are aimed at Altaria. Aggron can also make a good partner since it can tank Dragon moves and Rock moves while Altaria can switch into Water-, Ground-, and Fighting-type moves targeted at Aggron. This partnership with Aggron works better with a bulkier version of the Dragon Dance set since an offensive Dragon Dance Altaria can't repeated hits. An alternative EV spread of 252 Atk / 140 SpD / 116 Spe can be used for a Bulky Dragon Dance set with Leftovers and Roost. 116 Speed EVs let Altaria outspeed +1 neutral nature base 100 Speed pokemon after two Dragon Dances. assuming they don't have a Speed beneficial nature. This gives you some bulk to tank special moves and set up, but the lack of immediate power is the main drawback. (252 Atk is what you currently have written. I assume you mean 252 HP.) Magneton would make a great partner with the bulky set since Altaria will need help in dealing with its counters and they cover each other's weaknesses. Spinners are also appreciated since Altaria is Stealth Rock weak and with Life Orb damage, Altaria will die quite quickly without Rapid Spin support. Claydol and Sandslash can both set up Stealth Rock, Rapid spin, and take on Rock-type moves. Cryogonal is also a good spinner that covers Altaria's Ice weakness.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 3: Power Swap
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like the Dragon Dance set, Altaria's Special Attacker set has amazing coverage as well. Strong STAB Dragon moves are very powerful in the RU metagame with a just a because only few Pokemon that switch into Altaria's perfect coverage. Draco Meteor is the STAB move of choice due to its 140 Base Power, which Altaria definitely needs that kind of power since it only has a base 70 Special Attack. The second move depends on your preference. Fire Blast has the higher base power to compensate Altaria's mediocre Special Attack, but Flamethrower is more reliable. Power Swap passes the -2 Special Attack drop from Draco Meteor to the opponent and possibly steal your opponent's offensive stat boosts. This helps prevent constant switching and deters your opponent from setting up on you. Roost helps heal off the Life Orb recoil and goes well with Altaria's natural bulk.</p>

[ADDITIOnAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb once again is a necessity to make up for Altaria's lackluster Special Attack. The EVs allow Altaria to maximize its power and maintain its bulk. 56 Speed EVs allow Altaria to outspeed Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and bulky Gallade while the rest of the EVs are invested into HP. Out of those three Pokemon, Altaria can only OHKO Omastar, but it can clean up in the late game after the other two Pokemon have taken prior damage. If you invest 184 Speed EVs, you can outspeed Timid Omastar and Adamant Honchkrow, OHKOing the latter with Draco Meteor before it uses Substitute. However, placing more EVs in HP is generally better so Altaria can absorb Special Attacks more effectively. Fire Blast nets a few KOs that Flamethrower can't. Ferroseed and Sceptile are OHKOed at full health whereas Flamethrower will barely miss the KO. Other than those damage calculations, Flamethrower is generally better because the combination of Fire Blast and Draco Meteor is a combination that relies on low PP and shaky accuracy. since having Fire Blast and Draco Meteor, two low PP moves, might be problematic at times. Once again spinners will make great partners with Altaria since most of the spinners can cover one of Altaria's weaknesses and help with Altaria's Stealth Rock weakness. Fighting Pokemon will also make great partners since they resist Rock-type moves aimed at Altaria and can break through Special walls. Hariyama deserves a special mention due to its abilities to tank Ice moves with Thick Fat, resist Rock moves, and rack up hazard damage with Whirlwind, allowing Altaria to sweep in the late game.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Perish Song / Haze / Roar / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd



[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Altaria is one of the best clerics in RU. It resists Ground-type attacks and resists Fire-, Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks. It also has reliable recovery, allowing it to repeatedly come back to support the team. Status doesn't bother Altaria due to its ability, Natural Cure. Roost is the recovery method of choice as it also turns Altaria's quadruple weakness to Ice type moves into a double weakness. Heal Bell supports the entire team by removing all status effects on your team. In order to maximize Altaria's supporting capabilities, Dragon Claw is your sole attack since it has good neutral coverage and prevents Taunt from completely stopping you. The last move slot is for the user's perferred phazing option. Haze most reliably removes your opponent's stat boosts, but Roar and Perish Song force more switches to rack up hazard damage. Perish Song is great when facing your opponent's last Pokemon, but Roar offers immediately phazes so each of these options has its advantages. Another option would be making Altaria a Toxic staller, but it will need a good supporting cast since it has no way of touching Steel-type Pokemon.</p>


[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Instead of running a physical STAB, Altaria can also use Dragon Pulse for a strong special STAB or Dragon Breath for paralysis with a Calm nature. Once again spinners are necessaryfor Altaria to do its job effectively. Hitmonchan, Sandslash, and Claydol are all good canidates for the job. All of them resist Rock-type moves and Sandslash and Claydol can set up Stealth Rocks. Most Steel-type Pokemon in general, such as Aggron, have access to Stealth Rock and Steel-type Pokemon in general would make great partners since Altaria can rack up hazard damage with Roar and they cover each others weaknesses. Steel-type Pokemon must be removed first if you choose to run a Toxic stall set. Entei and Magneton are great Steel killers and Altaria covers their Fighting, Ground, Water, and Fire weaknesses.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Rest
item: Choice Specs
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe



[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even though Altaria has a mediocre Special Attack stat, its access to the powerful STAB move Draco Meteor with a boost from Choice Specs makes Altaria much more threatening. STAB Dragon-type moves are very powerful for their amazing neutral coverage so only dedicated special walls and some Steel-type Pokemons can switch into Altaria's Choice Specs Draco Meteor. Dragon Pulse is the second move shouldAltaria needs to stay in to deal consistent damage. Fire Blast is there to maim predicted Steel-type switch-ins. The surprise factor of having a specially based Altaria often catches Steel-type Pokemons off guard since most people assume you abuse either Altaria's bulk or use Dragon Dance. set. Rest takes advantage of Altaria's Natural Cure ability. Even though this is a Choice Specs set, Altaria can switch in solely to Rest then switch out retaining full health and no sleep condition. Due to its natural bulk, Altaria can survive pretty long in the battlefield so it isn't that hard to find a moment to use Rest.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs Altaria makes a great lure for physical walls since most believe Altaria will run a Dragon Dance set or doesn't pose much of an immediate threat. Strong physical attackers such as Swords Dance Scyther and Feraligator who can take advantage of a severly damaged physical wall will make good partners. Not only will those physical threats have an easier time sweeping your opponent's team, they will also help Altaria by dealing with special walls. Notable threats thatAltaria outspeeds with the given EVs are Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and Bulk Up Gallade. The rest are placed in HP to make Altaria bulkier.</p>


[Other Options]

<p>Altaria does have the unique move Cotton Guard which is an immediate +3 boost to Defense which could work in a gimmicky Toxic stall set or bulky Dragon Dance set. However, this will force Altaria to run only one attacking move and have a hard time touching Steel-type Pokemons. Altaria could run a Choice Band set in a similar fashion to the Choice Specs set with Outrage, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and Rest but Druddigon definitely outclasses Altaria by virtue of its much higher Attack stat. A mono-attacking Dragon Dance set could work with Rest, Sleep Talk, Dragon Claw, and Dragon Dance or Safeguard / Heal Bell, Roost, Dragon Dance, and Dragon Claw. Unfortunately Altaria can be easily phazed out and would need a lot of support to take out Steel-type Pokemons.</p>


[Checks and Counters]

<p>Altaria, assuming unboosted, is weak enough so that most walls that don't take a super-effective hit can wall it pretty effectively. Mandibuzz, Hariyama, and Munchlax can easily phaze it out without taking that much damage from any of the offensive sets. Depending on what set Altaria has, it will have its own specific counters. If the Dragon Dance set doesn't have Fire Blast, then Steelix and Tangrowth can wall Altaria easily. Even with Fire Blast it will fail to OHKO Steelix and Tangrowth. Quagsire walls any Dragon Dance Altaria set thanks to Unaware. Lanturn and Slowking can easily tank a Draco Meteor from any Specially offensive set and threaten to KO Altaria with Ice Beam. Even offensive Pokemon with some bulk will threaten Altaria immediately. Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee both have good defensive stats, can outspeed Altaria, and threatens it with Ice Punch and Stone Edge respectively.</p>


[Dream World]
<p>Cloud Nine would be useful against the occasional weather abusing team, but most rain and sun abusers usually outrun Altaria outside of weather, making the ability completely pointless.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Altaria is outclassed by other dragons in OU, but in RU it is in a class of its own. Unlike the other RU dragons, Altaria has a good supporting movepool, reliable recovery, and very high defensive stats. Altaria also possesses great defensive typing in the form of Dragon/Flying, which gives it a Ground immunity and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, Grass-, and Water-type attacks. To top it off, Altaria's access to Natural Cure means it will rarely have to worry about being crippled by status. While Altaria does have defensive prowess, its attacking capabilities are mediocre. It only has 70 / 70 offenses; even after using Dragon Dance, it will still struggle to pull off a sweep. On the bright side, Altaria has perfect coverage with just two moves and a strong STAB attack so it has potential to sweep unprepared teams. Being a great defensive Pokemon and having offensive potential makes Altaria a versatile Pokemon.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost / Fire Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Altaria is known for its bulk, the Dragon Dance set takes advantage of its perfect coverage in RU. Outrage is the Dragon-type move of choice to overcome Altaria's measly 70 base Attack stat. Earthquake hits incoming Steel-type pokemon that will attempt to resist Outrage. Dragon Dance is the primary stat boosting move. After one Dragon Dance, Altaria reaches 393 Attack and 388 Speed, outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in RU, save Accelgor, and making it very hard to deal with. It will outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in RU besides Accelgor after a Dragon Dance. The last move depends on whether you want to take advantage of Altaria's natural bulk or cleave through teams faster. Fire Blast, even with an Adamant nature, will often do more damage to certain Steel-type Pokemon than Earthquake. However, Roost is more suitable as the first option due to Altaria's natural bulk which will allow you to get off a couple more Dragon Dances.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Anyone who can take out physical walls will partners well with Altaria. Bulk Up Gallade can take out physical walls and take Rock-type moves that are aimed at Altaria. Aggron can also make a good partner since it can tank Dragon- moves and Rock-type moves while Altaria can switch into Water-, Ground-, and Fighting-type moves targeted at Aggron. This partnership with Aggron works better with a bulkier version of the Dragon Dance set since an offensive Dragon Dance Altaria can't repeated hits. An alternative EV spread of 252 Atk / 140 SpD / 116 Spe can be used for a Bulky Dragon Dance set with Leftovers and Roost. 116 Speed EVs let Altaria outspeed +1 neutral nature base 100 Speed pokemon after two Dragon Dances. This gives you some bulk to tank special moves and set up, but the lack of immediate power is the main drawback. Magneton would make a great partner with the bulky set since Altaria will need help in dealing with its counters and they cover each other's weaknesses. Spinners are also appreciated since Altaria is Stealth Rock weak and with Life Orb damage, Altaria will die quite quickly without Rapid Spin support. Claydol and Sandslash can both set up Stealth Rock, Rapid spin, and take on Rock-type moves. Cryogonal is also a good spinner that covers Altaria's Ice weakness.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 3: Power Swap
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like the Dragon Dance set, Altaria's Special Attacker set has amazing coverage as well. Strong STAB Dragon moves are very powerful in the RU metagame because only few Pokemon can switch into Altaria and not be decimated bt its perfect coverage. Draco Meteor is the STAB move of choice due to its 140 Base Power, which Altaria definitely needs since it only has a base 70 Special Attack. The second move depends on your preference. Fire Blast has the higher base power to compensate Altaria's mediocre Special Attack, but Flamethrower is more reliable. Power Swap passes the -2 Special Attack drop from Draco Meteor to the opponent and possibly steals your opponent's offensive stat boosts. This helps prevent constant switching and deters your opponent from setting up on you. Roost helps heal off the Life Orb recoil and goes well with Altaria's natural bulk.</p>

[ADDITIOnAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb once again is necessary to make up for Altaria's lackluster Special Attack. The EVs allow Altaria to maximize its power and maintain its bulk. 56 Speed EVs allow Altaria to outspeed Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and bulky Gallade while the rest of the EVs are invested into HP. Out of those three Pokemon, Altaria can only OHKO Omastar, but it can clean up in the late game after the other two Pokemon have taken prior damage. If you invest 184 Speed EVs, you can outspeed Timid Omastar and Adamant Honchkrow, OHKOing the latter with Draco Meteor before it uses Substitute. However, placing more EVs in HP is generally better so Altaria can absorb Special Attacks more effectively. Fire Blast nets a few KOs that Flamethrower can't. Ferroseed and Sceptile are OHKOed at full health whereas Flamethrower will barely misses the KO. Other than those damage calculations, Flamethrower is generally better because the combination of Fire Blast and Draco Meteor is a combination that relies on low PP and shaky accuracy. Once again spinners will make great partners with Altaria since most of the spinners can cover one of Altaria's weaknesses and alleviate Altaria's Stealth Rock weakness. Fighting Pokemon will also make great partners since they resist Rock-type moves aimed at Altaria and can break through Special walls. Hariyama deserves a special mention due to its ability to tank Ice moves with Thick Fat, resist Rock moves, and rack up hazard damage with Whirlwind, allowing Altaria to sweep in the late game.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Perish Song / Haze / Roar / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd



[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Altaria is one of the best clerics in RU. It is immune toGround-type attacks and resists Fire-, Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks. It also has reliable recovery, allowing it to repeatedly support the team. Status doesn't bother Altaria due to its ability, Natural Cure. Roost is the recovery method of choice as it also turns Altaria's quadruple weakness to Ice type moves into a double weakness. Heal Bell supports the entire team by removing all status effects on your team. In order to maximize Altaria's supporting capabilities, Dragon Claw is your sole attack since it has good neutral coverage and prevents Taunt from completely stopping you. The last move slot is for your perferred phazing option. Haze most reliably removes your opponent's stat boosts, but Roar and Perish Song force more switches to rack up hazard damage. Perish Song is great when facing your opponent's last Pokemon, but Roar immediately phazes so each of these options has its advantages. Another option would be making Altaria a Toxic staller, but it will need a good supporting cast since it has no way of touching Steel-type Pokemon.</p>


[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Instead of running a physical STAB, Altaria can also use Dragon Pulse for a strong special STAB or Dragon Breath for paralysis with a Calm nature. Once again spinners are necessary for Altaria to do its job effectively. Hitmonchan, Sandslash, and Claydol are all good canidates for the job. All of them resist Rock-type moves and Sandslash and Claydol can set up Stealth Rock. Most Steel-type Pokemon in general, such as Aggron, have access to Stealth Rock and would make great partners since Altaria can rack up hazard damage with Roar and they cover each others weaknesses. Steel-type Pokemon must be removed first if you choose to run a Toxic stall set. Entei and Magneton are great Steel killers and Altaria covers their Fighting, Ground, Water, and Fire weaknesses.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Rest
item: Choice Specs
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe



[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even though Altaria has a mediocre Special Attack stat, its access to the powerful STAB move Draco Meteor with a boost from Choice Specs makes Altaria much more threatening. STAB Dragon-type moves are very powerful for their amazing neutral coverage so only dedicated special walls and some Steel-type Pokemon can switch into Altaria's Choice Specs Draco Meteor. Dragon Pulse is the second move to deal consistent damage should Altaria need to stay in . Fire Blast maims predicted Steel-type switch-ins. The surprise factor of having a specially based Altaria often catches Steel-type Pokemon off guard since most people assume you abuse either Altaria's bulk or use Dragon Dance. Rest takes advantage of Altaria's Natural Cure ability. Even though this is a Choice Specs set, Altaria can switch in solely to Rest then switch out retaining full health and no sleep condition. Due to its natural bulk, Altaria can survive pretty long in the battlefield so it isn't that hard to find a moment to use Rest.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs Altaria makes a great lure for physical walls since most believe Altaria will run a Dragon Dance set or doesn't pose much of an immediate threat. Strong physical attackers such as Swords Dance Scyther and Feraligatr who can take advantage of a severly damaged physical wall will make good partners. Not only will those physical threats have an easier time sweeping your opponent's team, they will also help Altaria by dealing with special walls. Notable threats that Altaria outspeeds with the given EVs are Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and Bulk Up Gallade. The rest are placed in HP to make Altaria bulkier.</p>


[Other Options]

<p>Altaria does have the unique move Cotton Guard which is an immediate +3 boost to Defense which could work in a gimmicky Toxic stall set or bulky Dragon Dance set. However, this will force Altaria to run only one attacking move and have a hard time touching Steel-type Pokemons. Altaria could run a Choice Band set in a similar fashion to the Choice Specs set with Outrage, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and Rest but Druddigon definitely outclasses Altaria by virtue of its much higher Attack stat. A mono-attacking Dragon Dance set could work with Rest, Sleep Talk, Dragon Claw, and Dragon Dance or Safeguard / Heal Bell, Roost, Dragon Dance, and Dragon Claw. Unfortunately Altaria can be easily phazed out and would need a lot of support to take out Steel-type Pokemons.</p>


[Check and Counters]

<p>Altaria, assuming unboosted, is weak enough so that most walls that don't take a super-effective unboosted hit can wall it pretty effectively. Mandibuzz, Hariyama, and Munchlax can easily phaze it out without taking much damage from any of the offensive sets. Depending on what set Altaria has, it will have its own specific counters. If the Dragon Dance set doesn't have Fire Blast, then Steelix and Tangrowth wall Altaria easily. Even with Fire Blast it will fail to OHKO Steelix and Tangrowth. Quagsire walls any Dragon Dance Altaria set thanks to Unaware. Lanturn and Slowking can easily tank a Draco Meteor from any specially offensive set and threaten to KO Altaria with Ice Beam. Even offensive Pokemon with some bulk will threaten Altaria immediately. Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee both have good defensive stats, can outspeed Altaria, and threatens it with Ice Punch and Stone Edge respectively.</p>


[Dream World]

<p>Cloud Nine would be useful against the occasional weather abusing team, but most rain and sun abusers usually outrun Altaria outside of weather, making the ability completely pointless.</p>

Overview]

<p>Altaria is outclassed by other dragons in OU, but in RU it is in a class of its own. Unlike the other RU dragons, Altaria has a good supporting movepool, reliable recovery, and very high defensive stats. Altaria also possesses great defensive typing in the form of Dragon/(space)/(space)Flying, which gives it a Ground immunity and resistances to Fighting-, Fire-, Grass-, and Water-type attacks. To top it all off, Altaria's access to Natural Cure means it will rarely have to worry about being crippled by status. While Altaria does have good defensive prowess, its attacking capabilities are mediocre. It only has 70 / 70 offenses; even after using Dragon Dance, it will still struggle to pull off a sweep. On the bright side, Altaria has perfect coverage with just two moves and a strong STAB attack so, (comma) meaning that it has potential to sweep unprepared teams. Being a great defensive Pokemon and havingthat also has offensive potential makes Altaria a versatile Pokemon.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost / Fire Blast
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Although Altaria is known for its bulk, the Dragon Dance set takes advantage of its perfect coverage in RU. Outrage is the Dragon-type move of choice to overcome Altaria's measly 70 base Attack stat. Earthquake hits incoming Steel-type pokemon that attempt to resist Outrage. Dragon Dance is the primary stat boosting move. After one Dragon Dance, Altaria reaches 393 Attack and 388 Speed, outspeeding all unboosted Pokemon in RU, save Accelgor, and tAerodactyl. (period) The last move depends on whether you want to take advantage of Altaria's natural bulk or cleave through teams faster. Fire Blast, even with an Adamant nature, will often do more damage to certain Steel-type Pokemon than Earthquake. However, Roost is more suitable as the first option due to Altaria's natural bulk, (comma) which will allow youit to get off a couple more Dragon Dances.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Anyone who can take out physical walls partners well with Altaria. Bulk Up Gallade can take out physical walls and take Rock-type moves aimed at Altariait. Aggron can also make a good partner since it can tank Dragon- and Rock-type moves while Altaria can switch into Water-, Ground-, and Fighting-type moves targeted at Aggron. This partnership with Aggron works better with a bulkier version of the Dragon Dance set since an offensive Dragon Dance Altaria can't take repeated hits. An alternative EV spread of 252 Atk / 140 SpD / 116 Spe can be used for a Bulky Dragon Dance set with Leftovers and Roost. 116 Speed EVs let Altaria outspeed +1 neutral -(hyphen)natured base 100 Speed pokemon after two Dragon Dances. This gives youAltaria some bulk to tank special moves and set up, but the lack of immediate power is the main drawback. Magneton would make a great partner with the bulky set since Altaria will need help in dealing with its counters and they cover each other's weaknesses very well. Spinners are also appreciated since Altaria is Stealth Rock weak and in combination with Life Orb damage, Altaria will die quite quickly without Rapid Spin support. Claydol and Sandslash can both set up Stealth Rock, use Rapid spin, and take on Rock-type moves. Cryogonal is also a good spinner that covers Altaria's Ice weakness.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 3: Power Swap
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Just like the Dragon Dance set, Altaria's Special Attacker set has amazing coverage as well. Strong STAB Dragon-(hyphen)type moves are very powerful in the RU metagame because few Pokemon can switch into Altaria and not be decimated bty its perfect coverage. Draco Meteor is the STAB move of choice due to its 140 Base Power, which Altaria definitely needs since it only has a base 70 Special Attack stat. The second move depends on your preference. Fire Blast has the higher bBase pPower to compensate Altaria's mediocre Special Attack, but Flamethrower is more reliable. Power Swap passes the -2 Special Attack drop from Draco Meteor to the opponent and can possibly steals your opponent's offensive stat boosts. This helps prevent constant switching and deters your opponent from setting up on youAltaria. Roost helps heal off the Life Orb recoil and goeworks well with Altaria's natural bulk.</p>

[ADDITIOnAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb once again is necessary to make up for Altaria's lackluster Special Attack stat. The EVs allow Altaria to maximize its power and maintain its bulk. 56 Speed EVs allow Altaria to outspeed Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and bulky Gallade while the rest of the EVs are invested into HP. Out of those three Pokemon, Altaria can only OHKO Omastar, but it can clean up in the late late-(hyphen)game after the other two Pokemon have taken prior damage. If you invest 184 Speed EVs, you can outspeed Timid Omastar and Adamant Honchkrow, OHKOing the latter with Draco Meteor before it uses Substitute. However, placing more EVs in HP is generally better so Altaria can absorb Sspecial Aattacks more effectively. Fire Blast nets a few KOs that Flamethrower can't.; (semicolon) Ferroseed and Sceptile are OHKOed at full health whereas Flamethrower barely misses the KO. Other than those damage calculations, Flamethrower is generally better because the combination of Fire Blast and Draco Meteor relies on low PP and shaky accuracy. Once again, (comma) spinners will make great partners with Altaria since most of the spinners in the tier can cover one of Altaria's weaknesses and alleviate Altaria's Stealth Rock weakness. Fighting-(hyphen)type Pokemon will also make great partners since they resist the Rock-type moves aimed at Altaria and can break through Sspecial walls. Hariyama deserves a special mention due to its ability to tank Ice-(hyphen)type moves with Thick Fat, resist Rock-(hyphen)type moves, and rack up hazard damage with Whirlwind, allowing Altaria to sweep in the late late-(hyphen)game.</p>

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Roost
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Perish Song / Haze / Roar / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Altaria is one of the best clerics in RU. It is immune to Ground-type attacks and resists Fire-, Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks. It also has reliable recovery, allowing it to repeatedly support the team. Status doesn't bother Altaria due to its ability, Natural Cure. Roost is the recovery method of choice assince it also turns Altaria's quadruple weakness to Ice -(hyphen)type moves into a double weakness instead. Heal Bell supports the entire team by removing all status effects on your team. In order to maximize Altaria's supporting capabilities, Dragon Claw is yourits sole attack since it has good neutral coverage and prevents Taunt from completely stopping youAltaria. The last move slot is for your perreferred phazing option. Haze most reliably removes your opponent's stat boosts, but Roar and Perish Song force more switches to rack up hazard damage. Perish Song is great when facing your opponent's last Pokemon, but Roar immediately phazes the opposition, (comma) so each of these options has its advantages. Another option would be making Altaria a Toxic staller, but it will need a good supporting cast since it has no way of touching Steel-type Pokemon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Instead of running a physical STAB, Altaria can also use Dragon Pulse for a strong special STAB move or Dragon Breath for paralysis with a Calm nature. Once again spinners are(space)necessary for Altaria to do its job effectively. Hitmonchan, Sandslash, and Claydol are all good candidates for the job. All of them resist Rock-type moves, (comma) and Sandslash and Claydol can set up Stealth Rock. Most Steel-type Pokemon in general, such as Aggron, have access to Stealth Rock and would make great partners sinceto Altaria can rack up hazard damage with Roar and they cover each others weaknesses, (comma) as they cover each others weaknesses and Altaria can rack up hazard damage with Roar. Steel-type Pokemon must be removed first if you choose to run a Toxic stall set. Entei and Magneton are great Steel killers and Altaria covers their Fighting, Ground, Water, and Fire weaknesses.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Rest
item: Choice Specs
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Even though Altaria has a mediocre Special Attack stat, its access to the powerful STAB move Draco Meteorone of the most powerful STAB moves in the game, (comma) Draco Meteor, (comma) in tandem with a boost from Choice Specs makes Altaria much more threatening. STAB Dragon-type moves are very powerful for their amazing neutral coverage, (comma) so only dedicated special walls and some Steel-type Pokemon can switch into Altaria's Choice Specs-(hyphen) boosted Draco Meteor. Dragon Pulse is the second move to, (comma) dealing consistent damage should Altaria need to stay in . Fire Blast maims predicted Steel-type switch-ins. The surprise factor of having a specially -(hyphen)based Altaria often catches Steel-type Pokemon off guard since most people assume you abuse either Altaria's bulk or useits access to Dragon Dance. Rest takes advantage of Altaria's Natural Cure ability. Even though this is a Choice Specs set, Altaria can switch in solely to Rest and then switch out, (comma) retaining full health and no sleep condition. Due to its natural bulk, Altaria can survive pretty long in the battlefield, (comma) so it isn't that hard to find a moment to use Rest.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs Altaria makes a great lure for physical walls since most believe Altaria will run a Dragon Dance set or doesn't pose much of an immediate threat. Strong physical attackers, (comma( such as Swords Dance Scyther and Feraligatr, (comma) who can take advantage of a severely damaged physical wall will make good partners. Not only will those physical threats have an easier time sweeping your opponent's team, but they will also help Altaria by dealing with special walls. Notable threats that Altaria outspeeds with the given EVs spread are Modest Omastar, Adamant Bouffalant, and Bulk Up Gallade. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP to make Altaria bulkier.</p>


[Other Options]

<p>Altaria does have thea unique move in Cotton Guard, (comma) which is an immediate +3 boost to Defense which, (comma) and could work in a gimmicky Toxic stall set or bulky Dragon Dance set. However, this will force Altaria to run only one attacking move and, (comma) meaning that it will have a hard time touching Steel-type Pokemon. Altaria could run a Choice Band set in a similar fashion to the Choice Specs set with Outrage, Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and Rest, (comma) but Druddigon definitely outclasses Altaria by virtue of its much higher Attack stat. A mono-attacking Dragon Dance set could work with Rest, Sleep Talk, Dragon Claw, and Dragon Dance or Safeguard / Heal Bell, Roost, Dragon Dance, and Dragon Claw. Unfortunately Altaria can be easily phazed out and would need a lot of support to take out Steel-type Pokemon.</p>

[Check and Counters]

<p>Altaria is weak enough so that most walls that don't take a super-effective unboosted hit can wall it pretty effectively. Mandibuzz, Hariyama, and Munchlax can easily phaze it out without taking much damage from any of the offensive sets. Depending on what set Altaria has, it will have its own specific counters. If the Dragon Dance set doesn't have Fire Blast, then Steelix and Tangrowth wall Altaria easily. Even with Fire Blast it will fail to OHKO Steelix and Tangrowththese threats. Quagsire walls any Dragon Dance Altaria set thanks to Unaware. Lanturn and Slowking can easily tank a Draco Meteor from any specially offensive-(hyphen)oriented set and threaten to KO Altaria with Ice Beam. Even offensive Pokemon with some bulk will threaten Altaria immediately. Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee both have good defensive stats, can outspeed Altaria, and can threatens it with Ice Punch and Stone Edge, (comma) respectively.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Cloud Nine would be useful against the occasional weather abusing team, but most rain and sun abusers usually outrun Altaria outside of weather, making the ability completely pointless.</p>