[OVERVIEW]
Capable of pulling off both offensive and defensive sets, Altaria is a very versatile Pokemon in the PU metagame. Useful resistances to Grass- and Fire-type attacks allow it to naturally check many threatening attackers; in particular, it is the best offensive check to Monferno available. Its unpredictability makes up for its somewhat lacking offensive stats, and Altaria is the only Dragon-type that can viably run a special attacking set. In addition, it is very easy to fit onto teams and doesn't face much competition; while Fraxure is a more powerful Dragon Dance sweeper, Altaria can make more use of its bulk, resistances, Natural Cure, and access to Roost.
However, Altaria's mediocre base 70 / 70 offenses prevent it from doing too much damage to many teams, and its below average Speed tier, when unboosted, leaves it outsped by common offensive threats such as Floatzel, Mr. Mime, and the elemental monkeys; in addition, most Choice Scarf users outspeed Altaria even after a Dragon Dance. Furthermore, its Stealth Rock weakness hinders its ability to check some foes, such as Monferno carrying U-turn.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic / Tailwind / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor, backed by STAB and Life Orb, is Altaria's strongest move and can severely dent a large portion of the tier. Fire Blast hits Steel-types hard, OHKOing Pawniard and 2HKOing Metang and Klang. It also lets Altaria 2HKO bulky Roselia after Stealth Rock damage and OHKO offensive Grass-types without dropping its Special Attack. Altaria needs Roost to stay healthy after taking Stealth Rock damage, Life Orb recoil, and hits from Pokemon such as Monferno that it can switch in on. Toxic is Altaria's most useful fourth move, wearing down bulkier Pokemon such as Audino, Misdreavus, and Stunfisk. Tailwind is a great offensive utility option to support slower teammates such as Machoke and Stoutland. Earthquake grants Altaria a notable 2HKO on Probopass; it also aids in wearing down Stunfisk after a Draco Meteor and 2HKOes Pawniard if Altaria is at -2. Finally, Dragon Pulse can be used a secondary STAB option.
Set Details
========
With the given EVs, Altaria's offensive capabilities are simply maximized by heightening its Special Attack and Speed. Life Orb boosts Altaria's power even further, granting it KOs on numerous offensive Pokemon with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. A Modest nature lets Altaria hit noticeably harder, securing an OHKO on offensive Arbok, for instance. A Timid nature allows Altaria to outspeed the likes of neutral-natured Stoutland, Monferno, and Gabite. With Natural Cure, Altaria doesn't need to worry much about switching into moves like Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Discharge. Cloud Nine is feasible to cancel out Swift Swim, Sand Rush, and Chlorophyll.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria should use its typing and bulk to switch into common Pokemon it can check, including Monferno, Rapidash, and Leafeon. Because Steel-types such as Metang are likely to switch directly into Altaria, it should attempt to hit them with Fire Blast on the switch, as the Special Attack drops from using Draco Meteor will render it unable to 2HKO them. Altaria can use Toxic on its checks early-game to wear them down and make it more difficult for them to safely switch into Draco Meteor. Avoid using Draco Meteor if sweepers such as Gorebyss and Regice can use -2 Altaria as setup fodder and sweep unchecked by the rest of Altaria's team.
Team Options
========
Roselia is an ideal teammate for Altaria; its Spikes support greatly helps wear down Altaria's checks, and it can handle the fast Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria. Pawniard is an excellent partner as well, pressuring the special walls that can switch into Altaria and threatening its offensive checks with Sucker Punch. While not completely necessary, entry hazard removal from Vullaby or Swanna helps Altaria switch in and out of the field more freely; however, these Pokemon may stack weaknesses to attackers like Zebstrika and Floatzel. Partners like Focus Sash Kadabra, Choice Scarf Rotom-F, and Sand Rush Stoutland can check sweepers that could potentially take advantage of Altaria after a Draco Meteor. Similarly, threatening Ice-types such as Rotom-F, Articuno, and Regice can come in for free after Altaria gets a kill, so teammates that can sponge their attacks, such as Grumpig and Audino, are needed.
[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw / Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost
item: Yache Berry / Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Adamant
evs: 68 HP / 252 Atk / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set focuses on Altaria's sweeping capabilities with Dragon Dance. Dragon Claw is a decently powerful, reliable STAB move that provides consistent damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types super effectively. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it switches into Stealth Rock and sets up. Outrage can be used for a much more powerful STAB move, but it locks Altaria in, which can be detrimental in the presence of Steel-types or if Altaria hasn't boosted enough to KO a certain foe.
Set Details
========
Running 188 Speed EVs lets Altaria outspeed Zebstrika after a Dragon Dance. Altaria's Attack is maximized with an Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs, with the rest of the investment being placed into HP to slightly increase its bulk. Natural Cure lets Altaria heal itself of status if it's inflicted with one by something like Stunfisk, Kadabra, or Gourgeist. Yache Berry helps Altaria take one Ice-type move to allow it to set up a necessary Dragon Dance against a foe like Floatzel or Zebstrika. On the other hand, Leftovers helps Altaria set up more comfortably against Pokemon that try to wear it down with weaker attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Because Altaria is relatively weak, it should be saved until the late-game to use Dragon Dance as many times as possible before attacking; Altaria usually needs at least two boosts to KO even frail Pokemon without significant prior damage. However, Altaria can also be utilized mid-game as a check to threats like Monferno and Leafeon, recovering off the damage taken as needed. Physically defensive walls, especially Clefairy and Hidden Power Ice Tangela, must be eliminated before Altaria attempts to set up.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Swords Dance Bouffalant and Choice Band Leafeon can help weaken or KO the defensive Pokemon that trouble Altaria. Spikes support from Roselia, Quilladin, or Venipede makes it significantly easier for Altaria to sweep; for example, with Stealth Rock and Spikes damage, Altaria only needs one boost to KO frailer offensive Pokemon such as Floatzel and Mr. Mime. Misdreavus also offers good support with Memento, granting Altaria easy setup opportunities, and Destiny Bond, potentially dealing with a check that it lures in such as Tangela. Healing Wish support from Mr. Mime is also appreciated.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Roost
move 4: Cotton Guard / Heal Bell / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 72 SpD / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance boosts Altaria's Attack and Speed, turning it into a bulky setup sweeper. Dragon Claw is a reliable STAB attack that has great neutral coverage with few foes resisting it. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it sets up and prevents it from being worn down too easily. Cotton Guard boosts Altaria's Defense, allowing it to set up easily on even the strongest of physical attackers. Heal Bell can be used to cure Altaria and its teammates of any status ailment without having to switch out; Refresh is also usable and comes with more PP. Substitute lets Altaria set up without fear against more passive foes such as Stunfisk, Tangela lacking Hidden Power Ice, and Hex Misdreavus.
Set Details
========
The EVs and nature allow Altaria to outspeed Zebstrika after one Dragon Dance while maximizing Altaria's special bulk in order for it to shrug off hits from foes such as Kadabra and Ninetales. Natural Cure is Altaria's most useful ability, providing it with some safety if it happens to be inflicted by status. Leftovers is the best option for this set to maximize Altaria's longevity. The investment can be placed into Defense if Altaria forgoes Cotton Guard.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria can be used primarily as a check to offensive threats such as Simisage and Leafeon. If Altaria is going for a sweep, it needs significant prior damage on both offensive and defensive Pokemon. Mr. Mime and Clefairy must be eliminated for Altaria to sweep. Steel-types, in addition to these uncommon Fairy-types, should be eliminated for Altaria to sweep more easily, although it can outlast Pawniard and Metang lacking Toxic with Cotton Guard. However, Altaria can use several defensive Pokemon as setup fodder, including Stunfisk.
Team Options
========
Altaria works well on balanced teams as a defensive pivot and check to many common threats that also doubles as a bulky setup sweeper. Magnet Pull Probopass can trap the Steel-types that trouble Altaria and can check Clefairy and Mr. Mime. Trapinch, while rather risky to use, can reliably trap Steel-types as well. Audino complements Altaria well, checking the Water-types and other wallbreakers that threaten Altaria while Altaria can switch into the likes of Monferno and Machoke. Entry hazard support, especially Spikes and Toxic Spikes, can aid in putting significant pressure on the opponent as Altaria sets up.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Dragon Pulse / Toxic
move 3: Heal Bell / Toxic
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flamethrower targets Pokemon such as Pawniard, Metang, and Leafeon, allowing Altaria to more easily check them. Dragon Pulse is a decently strong STAB move that has good coverage against most of the tier, including the Fire- and Fighting-types that Altaria can counter. Heal Bell lets Altaria act as a cleric for its team. Roost keeps Altaria healthy throughout the game. Toxic can be useful to wear down Pokemon such as Vullaby, Stunfisk, and Solrock, letting Altaria's teammates handle its switch-ins more easily and potentially allowing Altaria's team to outlast the opponent's entry hazard control. Perish Song can also be used to stop other sweepers such as Duosion and Clefairy, both of which negate Toxic thanks to Magic Guard.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Altaria's physical bulk while allowing it to outspeed base 60 Speed Pokemon, particularly Pawniard. Leftovers is used for passive recovery and decreasing reliance on Roost. With Natural Cure, Altaria can disregard status effects from Pokemon like Stunfisk upon switching out.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria should be used as a check or counter to Pokemon such as Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. It should use Roost frequently to keep itself healthy. Toxic can cripple most set up sweepers but be weary of Arbok and Magic Guard Duosion which don't mind Toxic.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Altaria should primarily be used on semi-stall or stall teams as a switch-in to the likes of Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. Altaria appreciates Defog support from Vullaby or Rapid Spin support from Avalugg. Audino works extremely well with Altaria, taking on many of the Water- and Electric types that can give Altaria trouble. Ice resists such as Grumpig and Politoed are also crucial teammates
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specially defensive set can be used to handle Ninetales and some other special attackers. Altaria can also use Agility on its special attacking set, though its lack of power means that it will likely not be able to fully sweep a team. Iron Tail can be used to surprise Clefairy, which Altaria lures in, but it isn't very common. Roar can be used on the physically defensive set if Heal Bell isn't needed. Rest can be used over on any set besides Dragon Dance, as with Natural Cure, Altaria will be fully healthy upon switching in again; however, this grants free turns to potentially dangerous foes. Choice Specs is a viable alternative to the specially attacking set, but without reliable recovery and with a weakness to Stealth Rock, it struggles to check the usual Pokemon. Power Swap can also be used with Draco Meteor to cancel out its negative effect.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-type Coverage**: Ice-types such as Articuno and Regice can take hits from Altaria thanks to their great special bulk and retaliate with an OHKO or set up, while Rotom-F can outspeed Altaria. Altaria's Water resistance is almost useless, as Water-types all carry Ice-type coverage to KO it. In addition, Hidden Power Ice from foes like Tangela can catch Altaria off guard.
**Fairy-types**: Clefairy hard counters Altaria, while Mr. Mime can stomach a +1 Earthquake and even commonly runs Choice Scarf to outspeed Altaria after a Dragon Dance.
**Steel-types**: While Fire Blast, Flamethrower, and Earthquake deal heavy damage to Pawniard and Metang, the two can potentially stop mono-attacking sets with Swords Dance and Toxic, respectively.
Capable of pulling off both offensive and defensive sets, Altaria is a very versatile Pokemon in the PU metagame. Useful resistances to Grass- and Fire-type attacks allow it to naturally check many threatening attackers; in particular, it is the best offensive check to Monferno available. Its unpredictability makes up for its somewhat lacking offensive stats, and Altaria is the only Dragon-type that can viably run a special attacking set. In addition, it is very easy to fit onto teams and doesn't face much competition; while Fraxure is a more powerful Dragon Dance sweeper, Altaria can make more use of its bulk, resistances, Natural Cure, and access to Roost.
However, Altaria's mediocre base 70 / 70 offenses prevent it from doing too much damage to many teams, and its below average Speed tier, when unboosted, leaves it outsped by common offensive threats such as Floatzel, Mr. Mime, and the elemental monkeys; in addition, most Choice Scarf users outspeed Altaria even after a Dragon Dance. Furthermore, its Stealth Rock weakness hinders its ability to check some foes, such as Monferno carrying U-turn.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic / Tailwind / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor, backed by STAB and Life Orb, is Altaria's strongest move and can severely dent a large portion of the tier. Fire Blast hits Steel-types hard, OHKOing Pawniard and 2HKOing Metang and Klang. It also lets Altaria 2HKO bulky Roselia after Stealth Rock damage and OHKO offensive Grass-types without dropping its Special Attack. Altaria needs Roost to stay healthy after taking Stealth Rock damage, Life Orb recoil, and hits from Pokemon such as Monferno that it can switch in on. Toxic is Altaria's most useful fourth move, wearing down bulkier Pokemon such as Audino, Misdreavus, and Stunfisk. Tailwind is a great offensive utility option to support slower teammates such as Machoke and Stoutland. Earthquake grants Altaria a notable 2HKO on Probopass; it also aids in wearing down Stunfisk after a Draco Meteor and 2HKOes Pawniard if Altaria is at -2. Finally, Dragon Pulse can be used a secondary STAB option.
Set Details
========
With the given EVs, Altaria's offensive capabilities are simply maximized by heightening its Special Attack and Speed. Life Orb boosts Altaria's power even further, granting it KOs on numerous offensive Pokemon with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. A Modest nature lets Altaria hit noticeably harder, securing an OHKO on offensive Arbok, for instance. A Timid nature allows Altaria to outspeed the likes of neutral-natured Stoutland, Monferno, and Gabite. With Natural Cure, Altaria doesn't need to worry much about switching into moves like Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Discharge. Cloud Nine is feasible to cancel out Swift Swim, Sand Rush, and Chlorophyll.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria should use its typing and bulk to switch into common Pokemon it can check, including Monferno, Rapidash, and Leafeon. Because Steel-types such as Metang are likely to switch directly into Altaria, it should attempt to hit them with Fire Blast on the switch, as the Special Attack drops from using Draco Meteor will render it unable to 2HKO them. Altaria can use Toxic on its checks early-game to wear them down and make it more difficult for them to safely switch into Draco Meteor. Avoid using Draco Meteor if sweepers such as Gorebyss and Regice can use -2 Altaria as setup fodder and sweep unchecked by the rest of Altaria's team.
Team Options
========
Roselia is an ideal teammate for Altaria; its Spikes support greatly helps wear down Altaria's checks, and it can handle the fast Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria. Pawniard is an excellent partner as well, pressuring the special walls that can switch into Altaria and threatening its offensive checks with Sucker Punch. While not completely necessary, entry hazard removal from Vullaby or Swanna helps Altaria switch in and out of the field more freely; however, these Pokemon may stack weaknesses to attackers like Zebstrika and Floatzel. Partners like Focus Sash Kadabra, Choice Scarf Rotom-F, and Sand Rush Stoutland can check sweepers that could potentially take advantage of Altaria after a Draco Meteor. Similarly, threatening Ice-types such as Rotom-F, Articuno, and Regice can come in for free after Altaria gets a kill, so teammates that can sponge their attacks, such as Grumpig and Audino, are needed.
[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw / Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost
item: Yache Berry / Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Adamant
evs: 68 HP / 252 Atk / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set focuses on Altaria's sweeping capabilities with Dragon Dance. Dragon Claw is a decently powerful, reliable STAB move that provides consistent damage. Earthquake hits Steel-types super effectively. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it switches into Stealth Rock and sets up. Outrage can be used for a much more powerful STAB move, but it locks Altaria in, which can be detrimental in the presence of Steel-types or if Altaria hasn't boosted enough to KO a certain foe.
Set Details
========
Running 188 Speed EVs lets Altaria outspeed Zebstrika after a Dragon Dance. Altaria's Attack is maximized with an Adamant nature and 252 Attack EVs, with the rest of the investment being placed into HP to slightly increase its bulk. Natural Cure lets Altaria heal itself of status if it's inflicted with one by something like Stunfisk, Kadabra, or Gourgeist. Yache Berry helps Altaria take one Ice-type move to allow it to set up a necessary Dragon Dance against a foe like Floatzel or Zebstrika. On the other hand, Leftovers helps Altaria set up more comfortably against Pokemon that try to wear it down with weaker attacks.
Usage Tips
========
Because Altaria is relatively weak, it should be saved until the late-game to use Dragon Dance as many times as possible before attacking; Altaria usually needs at least two boosts to KO even frail Pokemon without significant prior damage. However, Altaria can also be utilized mid-game as a check to threats like Monferno and Leafeon, recovering off the damage taken as needed. Physically defensive walls, especially Clefairy and Hidden Power Ice Tangela, must be eliminated before Altaria attempts to set up.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Swords Dance Bouffalant and Choice Band Leafeon can help weaken or KO the defensive Pokemon that trouble Altaria. Spikes support from Roselia, Quilladin, or Venipede makes it significantly easier for Altaria to sweep; for example, with Stealth Rock and Spikes damage, Altaria only needs one boost to KO frailer offensive Pokemon such as Floatzel and Mr. Mime. Misdreavus also offers good support with Memento, granting Altaria easy setup opportunities, and Destiny Bond, potentially dealing with a check that it lures in such as Tangela. Healing Wish support from Mr. Mime is also appreciated.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Roost
move 4: Cotton Guard / Heal Bell / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 72 SpD / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance boosts Altaria's Attack and Speed, turning it into a bulky setup sweeper. Dragon Claw is a reliable STAB attack that has great neutral coverage with few foes resisting it. Roost keeps Altaria healthy as it sets up and prevents it from being worn down too easily. Cotton Guard boosts Altaria's Defense, allowing it to set up easily on even the strongest of physical attackers. Heal Bell can be used to cure Altaria and its teammates of any status ailment without having to switch out; Refresh is also usable and comes with more PP. Substitute lets Altaria set up without fear against more passive foes such as Stunfisk, Tangela lacking Hidden Power Ice, and Hex Misdreavus.
Set Details
========
The EVs and nature allow Altaria to outspeed Zebstrika after one Dragon Dance while maximizing Altaria's special bulk in order for it to shrug off hits from foes such as Kadabra and Ninetales. Natural Cure is Altaria's most useful ability, providing it with some safety if it happens to be inflicted by status. Leftovers is the best option for this set to maximize Altaria's longevity. The investment can be placed into Defense if Altaria forgoes Cotton Guard.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria can be used primarily as a check to offensive threats such as Simisage and Leafeon. If Altaria is going for a sweep, it needs significant prior damage on both offensive and defensive Pokemon. Mr. Mime and Clefairy must be eliminated for Altaria to sweep. Steel-types, in addition to these uncommon Fairy-types, should be eliminated for Altaria to sweep more easily, although it can outlast Pawniard and Metang lacking Toxic with Cotton Guard. However, Altaria can use several defensive Pokemon as setup fodder, including Stunfisk.
Team Options
========
Altaria works well on balanced teams as a defensive pivot and check to many common threats that also doubles as a bulky setup sweeper. Magnet Pull Probopass can trap the Steel-types that trouble Altaria and can check Clefairy and Mr. Mime. Trapinch, while rather risky to use, can reliably trap Steel-types as well. Audino complements Altaria well, checking the Water-types and other wallbreakers that threaten Altaria while Altaria can switch into the likes of Monferno and Machoke. Entry hazard support, especially Spikes and Toxic Spikes, can aid in putting significant pressure on the opponent as Altaria sets up.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Dragon Pulse / Toxic
move 3: Heal Bell / Toxic
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flamethrower targets Pokemon such as Pawniard, Metang, and Leafeon, allowing Altaria to more easily check them. Dragon Pulse is a decently strong STAB move that has good coverage against most of the tier, including the Fire- and Fighting-types that Altaria can counter. Heal Bell lets Altaria act as a cleric for its team. Roost keeps Altaria healthy throughout the game. Toxic can be useful to wear down Pokemon such as Vullaby, Stunfisk, and Solrock, letting Altaria's teammates handle its switch-ins more easily and potentially allowing Altaria's team to outlast the opponent's entry hazard control. Perish Song can also be used to stop other sweepers such as Duosion and Clefairy, both of which negate Toxic thanks to Magic Guard.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Altaria's physical bulk while allowing it to outspeed base 60 Speed Pokemon, particularly Pawniard. Leftovers is used for passive recovery and decreasing reliance on Roost. With Natural Cure, Altaria can disregard status effects from Pokemon like Stunfisk upon switching out.
Usage Tips
========
Altaria should be used as a check or counter to Pokemon such as Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. It should use Roost frequently to keep itself healthy. Toxic can cripple most set up sweepers but be weary of Arbok and Magic Guard Duosion which don't mind Toxic.
Team Options
========
Physically defensive Altaria should primarily be used on semi-stall or stall teams as a switch-in to the likes of Jumpluff, Leafeon, Monferno, and Pawniard. Altaria appreciates Defog support from Vullaby or Rapid Spin support from Avalugg. Audino works extremely well with Altaria, taking on many of the Water- and Electric types that can give Altaria trouble. Ice resists such as Grumpig and Politoed are also crucial teammates
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A specially defensive set can be used to handle Ninetales and some other special attackers. Altaria can also use Agility on its special attacking set, though its lack of power means that it will likely not be able to fully sweep a team. Iron Tail can be used to surprise Clefairy, which Altaria lures in, but it isn't very common. Roar can be used on the physically defensive set if Heal Bell isn't needed. Rest can be used over on any set besides Dragon Dance, as with Natural Cure, Altaria will be fully healthy upon switching in again; however, this grants free turns to potentially dangerous foes. Choice Specs is a viable alternative to the specially attacking set, but without reliable recovery and with a weakness to Stealth Rock, it struggles to check the usual Pokemon. Power Swap can also be used with Draco Meteor to cancel out its negative effect.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ice-type Coverage**: Ice-types such as Articuno and Regice can take hits from Altaria thanks to their great special bulk and retaliate with an OHKO or set up, while Rotom-F can outspeed Altaria. Altaria's Water resistance is almost useless, as Water-types all carry Ice-type coverage to KO it. In addition, Hidden Power Ice from foes like Tangela can catch Altaria off guard.
**Fairy-types**: Clefairy hard counters Altaria, while Mr. Mime can stomach a +1 Earthquake and even commonly runs Choice Scarf to outspeed Altaria after a Dragon Dance.
**Steel-types**: While Fire Blast, Flamethrower, and Earthquake deal heavy damage to Pawniard and Metang, the two can potentially stop mono-attacking sets with Swords Dance and Toxic, respectively.
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