Raikou (Update)

[Overview]

<p>Once upon a time, Raikou was viewed as one of the most dominant special attackers in the entire game, and ignoring it would be foolhardy. Unfortunately, that time was Generation 3. With the addition of Choice Scarf, Toxic Spikes, and monstrously powerful attackers such as Heatran, Raikou has been largely left in the dust in Generation 4. However, it's not all grim for Raikou. While Raikou faces stiff competition both as an Electric-type attacker and as a Calm Mind user, it's still more than adept at both, and with the addition of coverage moves such as the now-special Shadow Ball and Aura Sphere, Raikou still has all the tools it needs to be a top threat in Generation 4.</p>

[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is a pretty straightforward set, and still one of Raikou's most lethal. After a Calm Mind, Raikou's looking at 493 Special Attack, which becomes even scarier when backed by a Life Orb and STAB Thunderbolt. There are very few Pokemon that can come in on this beast once it's gotten a Calm Mind up, and with Calm Mind's boost to Raikou's already solid 100 base Special Defense, the opponent is essentially limited to checking Raikou with physical Pokemon, allowing it to sweep unprepared or worn down teams with impunity.</p>

<p>The choice of Thunderbolt here is obvious, as after STAB, Life Orb, and a Calm Mind, it's pretty hard to survive it unless you resist it or your name is Blissey. Shadow Ball provides important type coverage, hitting Rotom-A and Celebi hard, as well as dealing significant damage to neutral targets. Hidden Power Grass is mainly used for smacking Swampert around, though it's also effective against other Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine. Hidden Power Fighting is also an alternative if you're not afraid of Swampert, as it hits Tyranitar extremely hard. The standard Choice Band Tyranitar is OHKOed 100% of the time after Stealth Rock by Hidden Power Fighting, and with solid prediction, Raikou can also nail Scarf variants hard on the switch.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Aura Sphere is an alternative for the last slot, as it allows you to hit Blissey extremely hard, and also guarantees an OHKO on all variants of Tyranitar. However, using it requires a Rash nature, which lowers Raikou's Speed from 361 to 329. This isn't all bad, though; you lose the ability to Speed tie with Azelf and Starmie, and you are also outsped by Infernape and Gengar, but with Calm Mind, the only threat posed by these Pokemon are physical attacks from Azelf and Infernape. On top of that, the Rash nature guarantees some notable KOs, such as an OHKO on Celebi and Rotom-A with Shadow Ball. Hidden Power Ice is also an option, as it hits Dragonite and Gliscor and allows Raikou to threaten Flygon on the switch, but it also leaves Raikou completely walled by Swampert.</p>

<p>There's really no reason to get fancy with the EVs here. Simply maximizing Speed and Special Attack with the leftovers in HP should suffice. Timid nature allows you to outspeed Gengar and Infernape, and also tie with Azelf and Starmie. However, when using Aura Sphere, a Rash nature is required. This does guarantee a couple notable KOs, and also still allows Raikou to outspeed positively natured base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Jirachi and Celebi. Life Orb is the obvious item, as Raikou needs all the power that it can get on this set.</p>

<p>Stealth Rock is absolutely necessary for the success of this Raikou set in order to net OHKOs on some notable Pokemon, such as Tyranitar, Celebi, and Rotom-A. This set also benefits a lot from Rapid Spin support, as Raikou tends to get worn down fairly quickly between Stealth Rock, Sandstorm, and Life Orb. Forretress can lay down Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, and Starmie can Rapid Spin while benefitting from Raikou's ability to switch into Electric attacks. Raikou also needs a teammate that can get rid of Blissey, as it walls Raikou until the ends of the earth. Heatran can lure in Blissey and kill it with Explosion. Scizor and Tyranitar can Pursuit it, but Scizor is preferred since the Sandstorm Tyranitar brings tends to have a significant negative effect on this set's performance.</p>

[SET]
name: SubCM
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 128 HP / 76 Def / 52 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With the combination of Substitute and Calm Mind, Raikou can set up on the bulky Water- and Grass-types that are commonly found on many teams, such as Vaporeon, Milotic, Celebi, and Shaymin that lack Earth Power. Substitute also allows Raikou to avoid status ailments and Trick, which can give it even more chances to set up.</p>

<p>With Substitute and Calm Mind, this set only has room for a single coverage move. The most effective choices for this slot are Hidden Power Ice and Hidden Power Grass. Electric and Ice provide excellent two-move coverage, and Hidden Power Ice's poor Base Power is supplemented by this set's ability to set up multiple Calm Minds. Hidden Power Ice also easily defeats Flygon, who is a common Raikou switch-in, and Substitute guarantees that Raikou can KO Flygon before it gets hit by Earthquake. However, Hidden Power Grass is an effective option and hits Swampert, who effectively walls Hidden Power Ice variants.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>128 HP EVs means that defensive variants of Celebi cannot break Raikou's Substitutes after a single Calm Mind. Pairing the HP EVs with 76 Defense EVs means that Jolly Flygon cannot break Raikou's Substitutes with U-turn. Speed is maximized with a Timid nature to beat Gengar and Infernape as well as tie with Starmie and Azelf, and the remainder is dropped into Special Attack. Leftovers are used to replenish the HP lost by using Substitute, and prove especially effective against Pokemon who cannot break Raikou's Substitute in one hit.</p>

<p>Toxic Spikes are simultaneously this set's best friend and greatest enemy (depending on which side of the field they're on), as Toxic Spikes can limit Raikou's lifespan significantly, but they also allow Raikou to outstall Blissey, Celebi, Swampert, Hippowdon, and Tyranitar, as well as other Pokemon that can threaten this set. As a result, Forretress is one of the most effective teammates for this set, due to its ability to set up Toxic Spikes and then spin away entry hazards on your side of the field. Roserade is also an excellent teammate, as it can set up Toxic Spikes and absorb opposing Toxic Spikes simply by switching in. This set also works extremely well with Gyarados for multiple reasons. Gyarados can switch in on opponents packing Earthquake, which is the most common effective attack against Raikou. Gyarados is also especially effective against Metagross, who can be extremely hazardous for this set. As an added bonus, Gyarados tends to lure in bulky Water- and Grass-types for Raikou to set up on, which significantly improves its ability to threaten opposing teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Attacking Lead
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Extrasensory / Shadow Ball / Aura Sphere
move 4: ExtremeSpeed
nature: Rash
item: Lum Berry
ability: Pressure
eVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With its excellent Special Attack, solid type coverage, and priority in the form of ExtremeSpeed, Raikou can serve as an extremely effective attacking lead. This lead is designed to pose a significant offensive threat from turn 1, forcing opponents to decide whether entry hazards are worth facing a 100% Raikou. Thunderbolt serves as the primary STAB move, and with maxed Special Attack and a Rash nature, it hits like a truck. Thunderbolt easily puts most faster leads into KO range for ExtremeSpeed, while many slower leads, such as Heatran and Metagross, are simply 2HKOed. Hidden Power Ice covers most notable Electric resists and neutral Pokemon, including Celebi, Shaymin, Gliscor, Dragonite, and Flygon. The last slot is up to personal preference. Extrasensory is the preferred option, as while it provides largely redundant coverage, it guarantees a 2HKO on Lead Machamp and Roserade, as well as OHKOing Breloom. The flinch chance can also prove interesting, as getting an Extrasensory flinch on either Roserade or Machamp lets you beat them without taking any damage at all. Shadow Ball is your best option against Rotom-A, and also guarantees victory against bulkier Azelf leads. Finally, Aura Sphere hits Tyranitar and Mamoswine, and also gives Raikou a more powerful option against Heatran.</p>

<p>One of the big advantages of this set is that despite the need to run a Special Defense reducing nature, Raikou is still incredibly bulky. Its 90/75/100 defenses allow it to take almost any attack that an opposing lead would throw at it. For example: Heatran needs a Life Orb in order to OHKO Raikou with Earth Power or Fire Blast; even with a Rash nature, Timid Heatran still does only 80.1% damage maximum to Raikou with Fire Blast or Earth Power. Roserade's Leaf Storm maxes out at 90.7% damage. Even Starmie's Hydro Pump only does 87% damage max. Meanwhile, on the physical side, Machamp's DynamicPunch can't deal more than 83.2% damage, and even Lead Aerodactyl's Earthquake fails to OHKO. The only lead that can reliably OHKO Raikou is Metagross, which in turn is 2HKOed by Thunderbolt, meaning that its user has to choose between killing Raikou and getting Stealth Rock up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is simple: just maximize Special Attack and Speed. The inability to run a Timid nature on ExtremeSpeed Raikou may seem like an issue, but few leads sit between Rash and Timid's speed tiers. Rash Raikou has 329 Speed, which is extremely fortuitous, as positively natured base 100 Speed Pokemon sit at 328, meaning Raikou can outspeed all non-Scarfed base 100 Speed Pokemon 100% of the time. The only Pokemon that it would be able to outspeed with a Timid nature are Infernape and Gengar, and Infernape needs to be running maximum Attack and a Life Orb in order to OHKO Raikou with Close Combat. Gengar is rarely if ever seen as a lead nowadays, and it also has issues killing Raikou, who can OHKO it easily with Extrasensory or deal significant damage with Thunderbolt. You do lose out on the speed tie with Pokemon such as Azelf and Starmie, but neither is truly significant, and the increased power from the Rash nature allows you to score a number of important OHKOs and 2HKOs. Lum Berry is used as a way to guarantee victory against Machamp and Roserade, as well as less common leads such as Smeargle and Scarf Breloom. Shuca Berry is an option that can be used to guarantee the win against Metagross, and also allows Raikou to serve as a Flygon lure in a pinch. However, losing 50% of the time to Machamp is an unwelcome consequence, and allowing Roserade to hit Raikou with Sleep Powder also significantly decreases its effectiveness in that matchup.</p>

<p>Hidden Power Grass is usable if you're truly terrified of Swampert, but in return Raikou gives up significant coverage against top threats such as Flygon, Celebi, Shaymin, and Dragonite, so it is generally not worth running. Hidden Power Fire is also recommended against, as it requires a 30 Speed IV, which forces Raikou to simply tie in Speed with base 100 Pokemon. In addition, Thunderbolt is stronger than Hidden Power Fire against all but 4 of the Steel-types in the game: Scizor, Forretress, Magnezone, and Steelix- the latter is never seen, Magnezone can't reliably damage Raikou, and the first two are easily 2HKOed by Thunderbolt anyway.</p>

<p>Optimally, Raikou's teammates should be able to deal with the few leads that Raikou performs badly against: Swampert and Metagross. For offensive teams, Gyarados works extremely well alongside Raikou, as it is immune to Earthquakes aimed at Raikou, and can also soften physical blows with Intimidate; it is also neutral to Ice Beam from Swampert, and resists Metagross' Meteor Mash. Skarmory can be useful on balanced teams, as it can use Raikou's few poor matchups to set up free Spikes against many teams, which complements Raikou's excellent offensive power. Rotom-A provides some redundant coverage, but is immune to Earthquake and can threaten the two aforementioned Pokemon with a burn. This lead also performs poorly against Blissey, so it benefits greatly from Pokemon that are effective against Blissey, such as Scizor and Tyranitar. Scizor is a good choice, as Raikou can support it by threatening Gyarados, who is commonly paired with Blissey on defensive teams. Raikou is also very effective against Skarmory, who is another common Scizor counter on defensive teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Aura Sphere / Extrasensory
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
nature: Rash / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Raikou becomes an extremely effective revenge killer. With a Rash nature, Scarf Raikou is capable of outspeeding top threats such as +1 Dragonite, +1 Gyarados, +1 Tyranitar, and +2 Adamant Metagross, and with its 361 Special Attack, it is more than capable of taking out all of these targets. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more "hit-and-run"-oriented attacker, Specs Raikou can come in on many defensive Pokemon, such as Skarmory, Zapdos, Vaporeon, as well as nearly every variant of Jirachi, and unleash an extremely powerful Specs Thunderbolt, capable of 2HKOing even Tyranitar.</p>

<p>Thunderbolt remains as the most effective STAB attack. Hidden Power Ice completes the infamous "BoltBeam" coverage and allows Raikou to hit Dragonite, Gliscor, and Flygon, all of whom can otherwise deal with Thunderbolt. Shadow Ball hits Rotom-A hard, and also deals the most damage to Pokemon such as Gengar and Celebi. Finally, Aura Sphere puts a beatdown on Tyranitar while still allowing Raikou to use Hidden Power Ice. Extrasensory is also an option, as it hits Machamp, Breloom, Roserade, and Heracross harder than any other attack that Raikou can muster.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Again, this set uses a pretty simple EV spread: maximized Special Attack and Speed with the leftovers in HP. Aura Sphere requires the use of a Rash nature, but if Raikou is using Extrasensory instead, it can use a Modest or even a Timid nautre. Modest is preferred for its power, but Timid can be used to outspeed Scarf Infernape and Gengar, as well as +2 Jolly Metagross.</p>

<p>Gyarados makes an excellent offensive partner for Raikou for a number of reasons. It can switch in for free on Earthquakes aimed at Raikou, while Raikou can switch in on Thunderbolts and other Electric attacks that threaten Gyarados. Choice Band Gyarados can also lure in common checks for Raikou, such as Shaymin and Celebi, and hit them hard enough that they are unable to come in on Raikou later in the game. Choiced Raikou also benefits significantly from Pokemon that can pass Wish to it, such as Vaporeon and Jirachi. Vaporeon is the preferred choice, as Jirachi's shared weakness to Ground can make it hard for Raikou to switch in and benefit from Jirachi's Wish.</p>

[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Calm Mind / Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set makes use of Raikou's significant bulk to allow it to play a more supporting role. While mono-Electric coverage is fairly poor, this Raikou is an extremely potent counter to most special attackers, and can easily sweep once the opponent's Ground-types are removed. The combination of Rest and Sleep Talk allows Raikou to absorb status for the team, and also to outstall most defensive Pokemon that give other Raikou sets trouble, such as Celebi and Blissey.</p>

<p>This set comes in two main flavors: Calm Mind and Roar. Calm Mind makes Raikou a hard counter to many special attackers, including Suicune, Vaporeon, Zapdos, and Gengar. However, it leaves Raikou extremely weak to Ground-types, which can switch in with absolute impunity and force out Raikou for free. Roar reduces this set's offensive prowess, but brings with it a number of advantages. Raikou's excellent Speed allows it to activate Roar through Sleep Talk and shuffle out many opponents before they can act, and it can also wear down opposing teams through entry hazard damage. Roar Raikou also acts as an ironclad counter to Pokemon like SubCM or WishCM Jirachi, as Raikou can come in, absorb a weak attack, and Roar it out with ease.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs on this set are less offensively-minded, as this is a more support-oriented set. HP is maximized to provide bulk, while Speed is maximized to outrun Infernape and Gengar. Leftovers are used to keep Raikou healthy while it's asleep, and also increase its survivability.</p>

<p>Entry hazards are especially effective on this set for multiple reasons. First, it's an effective counter for a ton of special attackers, and can force a lot of Pokemon out with ease. Second, if Raikou is using Roar, it can shuffle or even speed-shuffle opponents around with Sleep Talk and Roar, racking up incredible entry hazard damage. Skarmory is the best Spiker to pair with Raikou, as it counters many Ground-types, and Raikou can switch in on many of the special attackers that threaten it. Forretress also does well, as it can lay down both Spikes and Toxic Spikes, and it can also Rapid Spin away hazards that can cause problems for Raikou. It's also a good idea to carry a Pokemon that can absorb Trick, as many special attackers are capable of crippling Raikou by Tricking it a Choice item. Flygon makes an excellent candidate, as it is immune to Earthquake, and can also scout switches for Raikou to come in on with U-turn.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Raikou has a couple of neat toys that aren't viable enough for full sets but can still provide some niche usefulness. Raikou gets Reflect and Light Screen, making it a decent user of dual screens, and it can also combine Reflect and Calm Mind to reduce both physical and special damage significantly. Charge Beam can be used over Calm Mind on the offensive set for a more offensive feel. If Raikou can hit an opponent on the switch with Charge Beam and pick up a Special Attack boost, it can allow for some KOs that it wouldn't normally be able to achieve. Finally, Event Raikou can use Weather Ball on a Rain Dance set, giving it perfect accuracy Thunder as well as a Rain-boosted 100 Base Power Water-type attack to use against Ground-types.</p>

[Checks and Counters]
<p>Blissey is the number 1 counter to pretty much every single Raikou set. As long as Toxic Spikes aren't up, Raikou effectively has no chance against a healthy Blissey. The only thing that can cause problems for Blissey is either a RestTalk Calm Mind set or 2 layers of Toxic Spikes, but other than that, Blissey can wall Raikou, Thunder Wave or Toxic it, and then Seismic Toss it away. Tyranitar is also a solid counter to Raikou, though Hidden Power Fighting and Aura Sphere deal significant damage to it. However, Scarfed Tyranitar outspeeds Raikou and can easily KO it with either Earthquake or Stone Edge. Swampert walls all variants of Raikou that lack Hidden Power Grass, while Flygon and Gliscor wall variants without Hidden Power Ice, and all three can eliminate Raikou with Earthquake. Snorlax can have issues switching into Life Orb or Choice Specs Thunderbolt, but it does threaten a KO with Earthquake. Hippowdon can KO Raikou with Earthquake and isn't KOed by a super effective Hidden Power. Finally, Electivire can serve as a situational counter to Raikou, as it can pick up a Motor Drive boost from Thunderbolt and hit Raikou with Earthquake.</p>

<p>Toxic Spikes get their own mention here, as they absolutely demolish every single set other than RestTalk. Even a single layer of Toxic Spikes can cripple Raikou to the point that it can no longer sweep. Offensive Raikou doesn't last very long when it's taking 22% damage per turn, and SubCM can't stall Pokemon out with Substitute when it's losing HP instead of gaining it. Roserade is an excellent source of Toxic Spikes, as its significant Special Defense and resistance to Electric can allow it to come in on Raikou later in the match as well. Forretress can also lay down Toxic Spikes, as well as spin away Toxic Spikes on its owner's side of the field.</p>

Regarding the RestTalk CM EVs, I generally had the most luck with this spread:

Timid
EVs: 192 HP/64 Def/252 Spe

Note that Max HP makes Raikou more vulnerable to residual damage, as it is divisible by 8. 192 HP is Leftovers+1 and 64 Defense is especially helpful when Raikou needs to survive things like priority and scarf Physical moves. I don't think that this much Special Defense is necessary (252/40), considering you are already boosting it with Calm Mind. Also, max speed can potentially be helpful if Raikou wants to speed tie Pokemon like opposing Raikou and Starmie. If max speed is unappealing, then Timid 192 HP/100 Def/216 Spe allows Raikou to take physical hits even better.

Choice Specs gives you a ton of power but is outclassed by Jolteon for the most part although isn't as weak to Pursuit]

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Ehh, its not outclassed per say since it hits harder and takes hits better. Jolteon is just easier to fit into a team because of Volt Absorb. And Jolteon isn't weak to Pursuit, since no pursuiter can actually take two Specs Thunderbolts.

On offensive CM, put those 4 EVs in SpDef instead of HP. You always want HP to be odd when using LO.

128 HP/72 Def/252 Spd/56 SAtk

This EV spread on the conservative Sub CM Booster will never have Substitutes broken by Jolly Flygon's U-turn. Gives you a leftovers number, and also always survives Lukes +2 Extremespeed, which is pretty cool. Also, HP Ice should be the first slash instead of HP Grass.

RaikouLover said:

128 HP/72 Def/252 Spd/56 SAtk

Click to expand...

Move 4 HP EVs over to Def otherwise you make 88 HP Subs and Flygon does 88 HP max. Alternatively, move 4 EVs from SpA to Def if you want the Leftovers number + 1.

Choice Specs is not outclassed in any way by Jolteon, please remove that.

That's true. Raikou is bulkier and has access to Extrasensory FWIW, but Jolteon is faster, has the immunity to Electric, and can dry Baton Pass if need be.

Is 40 s.def EVs really worth not having a chance to speed tie with starmie (on the resttalk set).

I don't think calling this Raikou an Empoleon counter seems very fitting. It can be OHKOed by a +1 Torrent-boosted Surf without Stealth Rock. Ideally, you will be coming in on Substitute or Agility and phazing / CMing alongside it so you will probably never have to deal with a +1 Torrent-boosted Surf. Either way, I just think it seems a bit precarious.

Personally I would agree with pana on the spe EVs. Tying with Starmie is very important.

Why isn't Charge Beam getting any mention here?

Okay so I removed mention of the Choice Specs set being outclassed by Jolteon, although I think I should still mention somewhere the advantages Jolteon has over Raikou. There really isn't a reason for not tieing with Starmie but even an Ice Beam + Hydro Pump will kill Raikou so you only "win" 50% of the time. Moved the 40 SpD EVs back into Spe. Removed mention of countering Empoleon. I will put Charge Beam in optional changes but it doesn't have merit when Calm Mind is available. You could boost your Special Attack most of the time, or you could boost your Special Attack and Special Defense ALL the time. I think I will change the SubCM EVs to 128 HP / 76 Def / 252 Spd / 52 SAtk. Does this sound good with everybody?

Don't add everything that every random says, please. Charge Beam is awful, and the only reason Jolteon uses it is because it's the only boosting move it has. I don't even think it's OC material on a Pokemon with access to Calm Mind.

Agreeing with SDS. Charge Beam is NEVER the better option for Raikou - it's weak as hell and doesn't provide the bulk that Calm Mind does. And it's not even guaranteed to raise your special attack!

What...

How is charge beam not worth mentioning considering you can finish off pokemon and grab a boost in the same turn as opposed to having to let them attack you to get that boost. Calm Mind is usually better but I think Charge beam definitely should get some mention.

On the CM set, is it worth considering making it Rash and changing HP Fighting to Aura Sphere?

Venser has somewhat of a point. Considering Raikou's going sky-high levels with Calm Mind in addition to re-mediating his Special Defense with boosts, it's worth mentioning that Raikou can employ Aura Sphere along with the coverage of Electric + Ghost + a respective Hidden Power.

Of course, losing Speed in Rash Nature hurts, but Aura Sphere and Rash nature is worth mentioning. Base 100's such as Jirachi and Zapdos do just fine, so Raikou is still relatively threatening.

EDIT: Shit. Looks like Extremespeed Entei's gotta wait, too.

AccidentalGreed said:

Venser has somewhat of a point. Considering Raikou's going sky-high levels with Calm Mind in addition to re-mediating his Special Defense with boosts, it's worth mentioning that Raikou can employ Aura Sphere along with the coverage of Electric + Ghost + a respective Hidden Power.
ature hurts, but Aura Sphere and Rash nature is worth mentioning. Bas

Of course, losing Speed in Rash Ne 100's such as Jirachi and Zapdos do just fine, so Raikou is still relatively threatening.

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It's not implemented on Shoddy yet. I think that that's why it isn't here.

Please Please Please Please Pleassssseee make HP Ice the first option on Sub CM.. Gliscor and Flygon??? you can run Grass Knot anything to lure and kill Pert if you HAVE to.

MetaNite said:

[SET]
name: Offensive CM
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

​

Click to expand...

I know it's not on-site yet, but Raikou can learn Aura Sphere.

I would also like to see Charge Beam on the offensive set at least in AC. Otherwise, this looks good, so I'll approve.

RaikouLover said:

Please Please Please Please Pleassssseee make HP Ice the first option on Sub CM.. Gliscor and Flygon??? you can run Grass Knot anything to lure and kill Pert if you HAVE to.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

Other than that, I'd say this looks good.

what about hp water > hp grass, hear me out.

Neutral against steels, hits ground hard, hits ttar hard, hits heatran hard on the switch.

3 resistances on the switch instead of grasses 7 and fightings 4 + immunity.

"pert"

Thunderbolt hits Tyranitar harder, same with Heatran. It's not an interesting choice, and it doesn't allow Raikou to beat anything that it would otherwise.

well in that case run hp fighting, how often do you see pert outside of the lead slot, if it is a lead it should be weak enough to die from a calm mind shadow ball, if not you should be switching if you have no boosts.
Or better yet update shoddy with aura sphere so it can be OU again!

The idea is HP water hurts switch in's more reliable so you can finish them off with a calm mind Shadow ball. Does Grass do anything other than kill swampert?

Is electric really one of the "most potent attacking types in the game"? I highly doubt it, or I'm extremely skeptical of that.

The one thing that Gen 4 has taught me, is that with the higher base power (of moves) and base offensive stats now presented by true offensive powerhouses of this generation, what really matters in a STAB move is not super effective hits, but:

a) Wide Neutral Coverage
b) A lack of enemy Immunities
c) Powerful Secondary Coverage Moves (or a good second STAB).

Electric has ok neutral coverage with Grass Types few and far between and (relevant) Electric types pretty much being limited to Jolteon, Magnezone and Rotom, but Ground's immunity is a serious thorn in its side.

Further more, Ice is really the only type that makes for a particularly good secondary attacking type for Electric-- Unless you happen to get STAB on your ghost moves (geh, rotom . . .). If you don't get STAB on your secondary attacking type, you pretty much want a lot of super effective hits and great base power to compensate, which pretty much means you need Ice Beam . . . which most electric types don't get (all dealing with the fact that unless 4x super effective, HP is generally too weak to accomplish much).

I dunno, overall, I'd say electric as an attacking type is far from "most potent," and somewhere around "mediocre." As a STAB type, maybe better than Fire, but arguably worse than Ground (who has Rock to partner with), definitely worse than Fighting way WAY worse than Water or Dragon (Water and Dragon are what I would define as "potent" STAB types).

All of this is pertinent because looking at this set (and pretty much every Raikou set), it's obvious we're kind of squirming around trying to figure out just what to do when Thunderbolt doesn't work-- which is just too often in this metagame.

I also insist upon Hidden Power Ice as the first option. Grass serves no purpose other than *surprise-kill* Swampert, if it could be called that. Ice on the hand makes sure you're not immediately dead when you're facing foes such as Dragonite unboosted. Plus, it's pseudo BoltBeam, so to any advantage Magnezone walls this set without HP fighting.

Seriously, consider it. Swampert more or less is going to Earthquake you, so you can switch in Shaymin or Breloom or a levitating guy with Grass Knot.