taking this over from chillarmy!
Porygon2
Status: done and ready for upload
[Overview]
<p>Even though Porygon2 is a NFE Pokemon, it can still shine in the OU tier due to its ability to check common threats. Its Trace ability allows it to copy the ability of any Pokemon it switches into; this is extremely useful, as it gives the defensive duck a unique niche in the OU metagame. Porygon2 can also be employed as an excellent support Pokemon on a dedicated Trick Room team, as it is able to both set up Trick Room and take advantage of its effects. Even though Porygon2's defensive stats are good, they are by no means great, so Porygon2 will often struggle with powerful STAB attacks from threats such as Shaymin. Additionally, while Porygon2's Normal typing affords only one weakness, Fighting-type attacks, any Pokemon who utilizes Fighting-type attacks will often be able to deal significant damage to it. Despite these drawbacks, Porygon2's unique abilities make it a solid choice on any OU team in need of its specific services.</p>
[SET]
name: OU Utility Counter
move 1: Recover
move 2: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Thunder Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Trace
evs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Don't let Porygon2's NFE status fool you; with its decent defensive stats and rare ability, Trace, Porygon2 can be an effective check to a multitude of common OU threats. Examples of such threats include, but are not limited to, Heatran, Gyarados, and Jolteon. However, the aforementioned Pokemon aren't the only Pokemon whom Porygon2 can check, as the defensive duck's Normal typing only comes with one weakness: Fighting-type attacks.</p>
<p>Recover allows Porygon2 to regenerate 50% of its HP in one turn and, as such, is its most reliable means of recovery. Thunderbolt is the primary option in the second moveslot as it is more powerful than its counterpart, Discharge. However, Discharge has a neat 30% paralysis rate and only slightly less Base Power than Thunderbolt, so it is still a viable option. Ice Beam allows Porygon2 to deal solid damage to Dragon- and Ground-types, such as Dragonite or Hippowdon. It also gives Porygon2 a means of harming Jolteon, who is immune to Thunderbolt (and Discharge). In the final moveslot, Porygon2 has your preferred status move. Thunder Wave is great for paralyzing fast switch-ins like Lucario and Jirachi, while Toxic is useful as it enables Porygon2 to bring down more defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Swampert.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set's EV spread is fairly simple: 252 HP EVs let Porygon2 take both physical and special hits well, while 216 Defense EVs and a Bold nature give it plenty of physical bulk. 40 Special Attack EVs are used as they secure the OHKO on Gyarados with Discharge (after Stealth Rock damage). Leftovers is by far the best item choice as it grants Porygon2 constant HP recovery, which will often mean the difference between a 2HKO and a 3HKO.</p>
<p>Even though Porygon2 is a defensive Pokemon, it is best used as a defensive pivot on offensive teams that have a weakness to Pokemon like Gyarados and Heatran. Teams that carry Choice Band Scizor will greatly appreciate Porygon2's ability to check two of Choice Band Scizor's most common switch-ins; teams with Breloom are in a similar position. Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Lucario, have a relatively easy time with Porygon2, as they are able to OHKO it with their STAB attacks. With their Fighting typing and immunity to status due to Guts, Machamp and Heracross are able to easily obliterate Porygon2. As such, teammates who can absorb the STAB Fighting-type attacks of the aforementioned Pokemon make excellent partners for this set. Gyarados is probably Porygon2's best teammate, as he can easily switch in on Fighting-type attacks and set up with Dragon Dance. Gengar is also an excellent choice, being immune to Fighting-type attacks and able to wear down the opposition with his powerful special attacks. In general, this Porygon2 variant doesn't require a lot of team support, as it mainly supports its team instead. However, make sure that you aren't just randomly throwing Porygon2 onto your team; it must be used on a team with weaknesses to Pokemon like Heatran, Gyarados, and Jolteon if you are to use Porygon2 to its full potential.</p>
[SET]
name: OU Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Recover
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
nature: Quiet
ability: Trace
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to its excellent defensive capabilities and access to Recover, Porygon2 is a wonderful support Pokemon on a dedicated Trick Room team. Trace allows Porygon2 to switch in on a multitude of threats, such as Heatran and Jolteon, with total impunity. It can then proceed to set up Trick Room and take advantage of its effects. While common Pokemon like Lucario and Infernape can immediately threaten this Porygon2 variant, Porygon2 only needs one turn to set up Trick Room; after it has done this, you can simply switch to a teammate who can take advantage of Trick Room. Aside from its defensive capabilities, the main reason that one would use Porygon2 over another Trick Room supporter is that Porygon2 lacks Ghost- and Dark-type weaknesses, something that several common Trick Room users are plagued by.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There are a few unique options that Porygon2 can take advantage of if you would like to use it in a more offensive light. Download can be used instead of Trace as Porygon2's ability, as this will allow Porygon2 to obtain potential Special Attack boosts. Additionally, Life Orb can be utilized to give Porygon2's attacks more of a kick. While an offensive Porygon2 isn't as powerful as other notable Trick Room sweepers like the deadly Rampardos, Porygon2's bulk and ability to be both a Trick Room supporter and sweeper grants an offensive set its own niche on a Trick Room team.</p>
<p>The EV spread may look complicated, but it is really quite simple. 252 HP EVs allow for good overall bulk, while 120 Defense EVs let Porygon2 take powerful physical hits while it sets up Trick Room. 136 Special Attack EVs are used to give Porygon2 a bigger offensive boost, and a Quiet nature is used to raise Porygon2's Special Attack while simultaneously lowering its Speed, granting it a higher chance of moving first in Trick Room. 0 Speed IVs are used to ensure that Porygon2 will outspeed almost every Pokemon once Trick Room is up. While the aforementioned EV spread is the most versatile, an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpA with a Relaxed nature is quite useable if your team happens to need a more reliable check to Gyarados.</p>
<p>Two of the most common Trick Room Porygon2 switch-ins are Blissey and Tyranitar. Both Pokemon threaten Porygon2 in their own way; Blissey sponges all of Porygon2's moves with ease, while Tyranitar takes a pittance from all of Porygon2's attacks and can set up with Dragon Dance or spam STAB Stone Edge. In order to deal with the aforementioned Pokemon, specific teammates should be utilized. Rhyperior is an excellent choice, capable of threatening both Tyranitar and Blissey with his STAB attacks. Additionally, Rhyperior is extraordinarily slow and, as such, can easily take advantage of Trick Room. For similar reasons, Machamp is also an excellent choice. Seeing as Porygon2's chief role is to set up Trick Room, it only makes sense to pack teammates who can take advantage of it. Examples of such teammates include, but are not limited to: Rhyperior, Machamp, Rampardos, and Snorlax. However, any moderately slow Pokemon can take advantage of Trick Room just as the previously mentioned powerhouses do, so potential teammates for this Porygon2 variant are as endless as the horizon.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>While Porygon2 doesn't require a lot of team support to be effective, its job can be made easier with a little help from its teammates. Toxic Spikes are a gigantic thorn in Porygon2's side, so having a teammate who can get rid of them is extremely helpful. Rapid Spinners, such as Starmie and Forretress, can easily dispose of the hazard; grounded Poison-types like Roserade and Tentacruel can also absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry. Additionally, Roserade and Tentacruel can set up Toxic Spikes of their own, allowing Porygon2 to break past bulkier Pokemon such as Swampert, Suicune, and Blissey. Porygon2 also has good defensive synergy with the aforementioned Poison-types, as they pack a resistance to Fighting-type attacks, Porygon2's only weakness.</p>
<p>Gyarados and Rotom-A are great teammates, as Porygon2 has a tendency to lure Fighting-type attacks, which the aforementioned Pokemon can switch in on with the utmost ease. Gengar can also come in on Fighting-type attacks well, but doesn't possess the exceptional bulk that Gyarados and Rotom-A have, which can make it more difficult to switch him into other attacks in the long run.</p>
<p>Porygon2 also tends to bring in Pokemon like Blissey and Tyranitar, so having teammates who can take advantage of these Pokemon will help make the battle easier for you. Breloom can switch in on Blissey and Tyranitar with relative ease, use Spore, and then set up a Substitute and wreak havoc. Machamp makes a solid switch-in to both Blissey and Tyranitar, and can abuse his STAB DynamicPunch without much risk. When using Porygon2, keep in mind that it's meant to be the defensive glue of a team, covering weaknesses to common threats like Heatran and Gyarados; do not attempt to utilize Porygon2 as your team's core member, as it is meant to support the team, not be the focus of it.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>For a NFE Pokemon, Porygon2 has an incredible movepool; therefore, there are a multitude of other options that it can utilize. Recycle is an interesting move that can allow Porygon2 to reuse any Berry, whether it is the HP-restoring Sitrus Berry, the PP-replenishing Leppa Berry, or the always-useful Lum Berry. A Choice Specs + Trick set can be used to take advantage of Porygon2's good Special Attack stat while being able to cripple Blissey. In a similar manner, Pain Split can be utilized to let Porygon2 get past Blissey much more easily. Tri Attack is a reliable STAB move that may see some use, but Porygon2 is often better off using specialized moves like Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Ground and Fire can hurt Steel-types, who will otherwise have no difficulty switching in. Psychic and Shadow Ball are alternative attacking options that provide coverage on Fighting- and Ghost-types, respectively, but Porygon2 is usually better off with its other moves. Porygon2 also has a few uncommon support moves that it can use, most notably Psych Up and Magic Coat. Psych Up allows Porygon2 to copy opposing sweepers' stat boosts, and Magic Coat lets it bounce harmful status moves back at the users. While Porygon2 isn't much of a sweeper, Charge Beam, Agility, and Sharpen can be used as boosting moves if you want to try to utilize it in a more offensive role. Finally, a specially defensive EV spread may see use on sets that focus more on countering Heatran and Jolteon than physical attackers. Keep in mind that if you do use a specially defensive spread, Porygon2 will not be able to check physical sweepers like Gyarados as easily, so you must be much more careful when switching in on them.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Porygon2 is somewhat difficult to switch into, as it has a habit of spreading crippling status conditions. Despite this, there are a few Pokemon who, once in, can really hurt it. Heracross, Machamp, and Lucario can smack Porygon2 around with their STAB Fighting-type attacks. Tyranitar isn't hurt badly by any of Porygon2's attacking options thanks to his sandstorm-boosted Special Defense stat, and can smash Porygon2 with Superpower (or STAB Stone Edge). Keep in mind that all of the aforementioned Pokemon risk being crippled by a potential Thunder Wave on the switch-in (with the exception of Heracross and Machamp, who can abuse status with their Guts ability), so tread carefully. Blissey can sponge all of Porygon2's attacks with total impunity thanks to her massive Special Defense and HP stats. Jirachi can cause major problems, as the most that Porygon2 can attempt to do is paralyze it (which won't even affect Substitute variants). Finally, while Porygon2 is a sturdy check to Pokemon such as Heatran, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, keep in mind that it is vulnerable to their assaults if it does not Trace their abilities first.</p>
Porygon2
Status: done and ready for upload
[Overview]
<p>Even though Porygon2 is a NFE Pokemon, it can still shine in the OU tier due to its ability to check common threats. Its Trace ability allows it to copy the ability of any Pokemon it switches into; this is extremely useful, as it gives the defensive duck a unique niche in the OU metagame. Porygon2 can also be employed as an excellent support Pokemon on a dedicated Trick Room team, as it is able to both set up Trick Room and take advantage of its effects. Even though Porygon2's defensive stats are good, they are by no means great, so Porygon2 will often struggle with powerful STAB attacks from threats such as Shaymin. Additionally, while Porygon2's Normal typing affords only one weakness, Fighting-type attacks, any Pokemon who utilizes Fighting-type attacks will often be able to deal significant damage to it. Despite these drawbacks, Porygon2's unique abilities make it a solid choice on any OU team in need of its specific services.</p>
[SET]
name: OU Utility Counter
move 1: Recover
move 2: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Thunder Wave / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ability: Trace
evs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Don't let Porygon2's NFE status fool you; with its decent defensive stats and rare ability, Trace, Porygon2 can be an effective check to a multitude of common OU threats. Examples of such threats include, but are not limited to, Heatran, Gyarados, and Jolteon. However, the aforementioned Pokemon aren't the only Pokemon whom Porygon2 can check, as the defensive duck's Normal typing only comes with one weakness: Fighting-type attacks.</p>
<p>Recover allows Porygon2 to regenerate 50% of its HP in one turn and, as such, is its most reliable means of recovery. Thunderbolt is the primary option in the second moveslot as it is more powerful than its counterpart, Discharge. However, Discharge has a neat 30% paralysis rate and only slightly less Base Power than Thunderbolt, so it is still a viable option. Ice Beam allows Porygon2 to deal solid damage to Dragon- and Ground-types, such as Dragonite or Hippowdon. It also gives Porygon2 a means of harming Jolteon, who is immune to Thunderbolt (and Discharge). In the final moveslot, Porygon2 has your preferred status move. Thunder Wave is great for paralyzing fast switch-ins like Lucario and Jirachi, while Toxic is useful as it enables Porygon2 to bring down more defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Swampert.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This set's EV spread is fairly simple: 252 HP EVs let Porygon2 take both physical and special hits well, while 216 Defense EVs and a Bold nature give it plenty of physical bulk. 40 Special Attack EVs are used as they secure the OHKO on Gyarados with Discharge (after Stealth Rock damage). Leftovers is by far the best item choice as it grants Porygon2 constant HP recovery, which will often mean the difference between a 2HKO and a 3HKO.</p>
<p>Even though Porygon2 is a defensive Pokemon, it is best used as a defensive pivot on offensive teams that have a weakness to Pokemon like Gyarados and Heatran. Teams that carry Choice Band Scizor will greatly appreciate Porygon2's ability to check two of Choice Band Scizor's most common switch-ins; teams with Breloom are in a similar position. Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Lucario, have a relatively easy time with Porygon2, as they are able to OHKO it with their STAB attacks. With their Fighting typing and immunity to status due to Guts, Machamp and Heracross are able to easily obliterate Porygon2. As such, teammates who can absorb the STAB Fighting-type attacks of the aforementioned Pokemon make excellent partners for this set. Gyarados is probably Porygon2's best teammate, as he can easily switch in on Fighting-type attacks and set up with Dragon Dance. Gengar is also an excellent choice, being immune to Fighting-type attacks and able to wear down the opposition with his powerful special attacks. In general, this Porygon2 variant doesn't require a lot of team support, as it mainly supports its team instead. However, make sure that you aren't just randomly throwing Porygon2 onto your team; it must be used on a team with weaknesses to Pokemon like Heatran, Gyarados, and Jolteon if you are to use Porygon2 to its full potential.</p>
[SET]
name: OU Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Recover
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Leftovers
nature: Quiet
ability: Trace
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to its excellent defensive capabilities and access to Recover, Porygon2 is a wonderful support Pokemon on a dedicated Trick Room team. Trace allows Porygon2 to switch in on a multitude of threats, such as Heatran and Jolteon, with total impunity. It can then proceed to set up Trick Room and take advantage of its effects. While common Pokemon like Lucario and Infernape can immediately threaten this Porygon2 variant, Porygon2 only needs one turn to set up Trick Room; after it has done this, you can simply switch to a teammate who can take advantage of Trick Room. Aside from its defensive capabilities, the main reason that one would use Porygon2 over another Trick Room supporter is that Porygon2 lacks Ghost- and Dark-type weaknesses, something that several common Trick Room users are plagued by.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There are a few unique options that Porygon2 can take advantage of if you would like to use it in a more offensive light. Download can be used instead of Trace as Porygon2's ability, as this will allow Porygon2 to obtain potential Special Attack boosts. Additionally, Life Orb can be utilized to give Porygon2's attacks more of a kick. While an offensive Porygon2 isn't as powerful as other notable Trick Room sweepers like the deadly Rampardos, Porygon2's bulk and ability to be both a Trick Room supporter and sweeper grants an offensive set its own niche on a Trick Room team.</p>
<p>The EV spread may look complicated, but it is really quite simple. 252 HP EVs allow for good overall bulk, while 120 Defense EVs let Porygon2 take powerful physical hits while it sets up Trick Room. 136 Special Attack EVs are used to give Porygon2 a bigger offensive boost, and a Quiet nature is used to raise Porygon2's Special Attack while simultaneously lowering its Speed, granting it a higher chance of moving first in Trick Room. 0 Speed IVs are used to ensure that Porygon2 will outspeed almost every Pokemon once Trick Room is up. While the aforementioned EV spread is the most versatile, an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 216 Def / 40 SpA with a Relaxed nature is quite useable if your team happens to need a more reliable check to Gyarados.</p>
<p>Two of the most common Trick Room Porygon2 switch-ins are Blissey and Tyranitar. Both Pokemon threaten Porygon2 in their own way; Blissey sponges all of Porygon2's moves with ease, while Tyranitar takes a pittance from all of Porygon2's attacks and can set up with Dragon Dance or spam STAB Stone Edge. In order to deal with the aforementioned Pokemon, specific teammates should be utilized. Rhyperior is an excellent choice, capable of threatening both Tyranitar and Blissey with his STAB attacks. Additionally, Rhyperior is extraordinarily slow and, as such, can easily take advantage of Trick Room. For similar reasons, Machamp is also an excellent choice. Seeing as Porygon2's chief role is to set up Trick Room, it only makes sense to pack teammates who can take advantage of it. Examples of such teammates include, but are not limited to: Rhyperior, Machamp, Rampardos, and Snorlax. However, any moderately slow Pokemon can take advantage of Trick Room just as the previously mentioned powerhouses do, so potential teammates for this Porygon2 variant are as endless as the horizon.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>While Porygon2 doesn't require a lot of team support to be effective, its job can be made easier with a little help from its teammates. Toxic Spikes are a gigantic thorn in Porygon2's side, so having a teammate who can get rid of them is extremely helpful. Rapid Spinners, such as Starmie and Forretress, can easily dispose of the hazard; grounded Poison-types like Roserade and Tentacruel can also absorb Toxic Spikes upon entry. Additionally, Roserade and Tentacruel can set up Toxic Spikes of their own, allowing Porygon2 to break past bulkier Pokemon such as Swampert, Suicune, and Blissey. Porygon2 also has good defensive synergy with the aforementioned Poison-types, as they pack a resistance to Fighting-type attacks, Porygon2's only weakness.</p>
<p>Gyarados and Rotom-A are great teammates, as Porygon2 has a tendency to lure Fighting-type attacks, which the aforementioned Pokemon can switch in on with the utmost ease. Gengar can also come in on Fighting-type attacks well, but doesn't possess the exceptional bulk that Gyarados and Rotom-A have, which can make it more difficult to switch him into other attacks in the long run.</p>
<p>Porygon2 also tends to bring in Pokemon like Blissey and Tyranitar, so having teammates who can take advantage of these Pokemon will help make the battle easier for you. Breloom can switch in on Blissey and Tyranitar with relative ease, use Spore, and then set up a Substitute and wreak havoc. Machamp makes a solid switch-in to both Blissey and Tyranitar, and can abuse his STAB DynamicPunch without much risk. When using Porygon2, keep in mind that it's meant to be the defensive glue of a team, covering weaknesses to common threats like Heatran and Gyarados; do not attempt to utilize Porygon2 as your team's core member, as it is meant to support the team, not be the focus of it.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>For a NFE Pokemon, Porygon2 has an incredible movepool; therefore, there are a multitude of other options that it can utilize. Recycle is an interesting move that can allow Porygon2 to reuse any Berry, whether it is the HP-restoring Sitrus Berry, the PP-replenishing Leppa Berry, or the always-useful Lum Berry. A Choice Specs + Trick set can be used to take advantage of Porygon2's good Special Attack stat while being able to cripple Blissey. In a similar manner, Pain Split can be utilized to let Porygon2 get past Blissey much more easily. Tri Attack is a reliable STAB move that may see some use, but Porygon2 is often better off using specialized moves like Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. Hidden Power Ground and Fire can hurt Steel-types, who will otherwise have no difficulty switching in. Psychic and Shadow Ball are alternative attacking options that provide coverage on Fighting- and Ghost-types, respectively, but Porygon2 is usually better off with its other moves. Porygon2 also has a few uncommon support moves that it can use, most notably Psych Up and Magic Coat. Psych Up allows Porygon2 to copy opposing sweepers' stat boosts, and Magic Coat lets it bounce harmful status moves back at the users. While Porygon2 isn't much of a sweeper, Charge Beam, Agility, and Sharpen can be used as boosting moves if you want to try to utilize it in a more offensive role. Finally, a specially defensive EV spread may see use on sets that focus more on countering Heatran and Jolteon than physical attackers. Keep in mind that if you do use a specially defensive spread, Porygon2 will not be able to check physical sweepers like Gyarados as easily, so you must be much more careful when switching in on them.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Porygon2 is somewhat difficult to switch into, as it has a habit of spreading crippling status conditions. Despite this, there are a few Pokemon who, once in, can really hurt it. Heracross, Machamp, and Lucario can smack Porygon2 around with their STAB Fighting-type attacks. Tyranitar isn't hurt badly by any of Porygon2's attacking options thanks to his sandstorm-boosted Special Defense stat, and can smash Porygon2 with Superpower (or STAB Stone Edge). Keep in mind that all of the aforementioned Pokemon risk being crippled by a potential Thunder Wave on the switch-in (with the exception of Heracross and Machamp, who can abuse status with their Guts ability), so tread carefully. Blissey can sponge all of Porygon2's attacks with total impunity thanks to her massive Special Defense and HP stats. Jirachi can cause major problems, as the most that Porygon2 can attempt to do is paralyze it (which won't even affect Substitute variants). Finally, while Porygon2 is a sturdy check to Pokemon such as Heatran, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, keep in mind that it is vulnerable to their assaults if it does not Trace their abilities first.</p>
