In the Choice Band Gyarados set, you should also mention that 136 HP / 156 Def Starmie (EVed to survive +1 LO Earthquake) is OHKOed by Payback assuming it switches in to it. This can easily be mentioned next to Rotom-A.
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DPP Gyarados (Update)*
- Thread starter EspyJoel
- Start date
Not exactly. If Gyarados is EV'd slower than Rotom-A, then it can safely Bounce on Rotom-A and then switch out after doing damage. As the standard Rotom-A uses 88 Speed EVs, you need 229 Speed max in order to safely Bounce on Rotom-A.for the choice band set, I think you should mention that one of the main disadvantages of bounce is that if your opponent switches to Rotom-A as you bounce, Gyarados is pretty screwed.
Black: General Edits
Blue: Omit
Red: Personal Comments
Blue: Omit
Red: Personal Comments
[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake / Bounce
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Pokemon's most celebrated Dragon Dancers returns to the fourth generation with the now physical Waterfall and some new tools in the form of Stone Edge, Bounce, and Ice Fang. With these potent attacking moves, solid all-around base stats, and Intimidate, a Gyarados sweep is not uncommon. Dragon Dance is the move that initiates this set; the EVs are designed such that Gyarados outruns Jolly Tyranitar before a Dragon Dance and Jolly Weavile after a Dragon Dance. Gyarados' STAB Waterfall cannot be neglected, as it fends off bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Gliscor should they attempt to phaze Gyarados out. Stone Edge works alongside Waterfall to provide extensive coverage, while eliminating Zapdos, Salamence, and opposing Gyarados.</p>
<p>Earthquake is the preferred move in the final slot for superior damage against Empoleon, Magnezone, and Metagross, while providing great coverage alongside the other moves. However, there are other solid options for this slot. Bounce is a great option since a +1 Life Orb Bounce will OHKO 136 HP / 156 Def Timid Starmie and 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Celebi most of the time with Stealth Rock in play, while also functioning as Gyarados' strongest move on this set. Finally, Ice Fang is a more reliable attack for use against Dragon-types; it hits most of them harder than Stone Edge, and also hits Breloom and Celebi hard. Whichever option you choose provides extremely broad type coverage and the process of selecting which move to use should depend on which foes you have problems with.</p>
<p>Life Orb is the recommended item when using a completely offensive EV spread, as it allows Gyarados to OHKO or 2HKO most Pokemon in OU (with the exception of the bulkiest walls like Skarmory and Forretress). Leftovers, however, is viable on alternative EV spreads such as 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe, designed to outrun positive base 115s, mainly Starmie, after a Dragon Dance. Leftovers is also favorable in situations where Life Orb, along with other forms of residual damage, would decrease Gyarados' health all too quickly. Finally, the difference between an Adamant or Jolly nature lies mainly in attacking power and the Speed that Gyarados reaches after a Dragon Dance or two. Two noteworthy opponents who Gyarados outpaces and OHKOes after a Dragon Dance if it is Jolly are its nemesis Jolteon and also Choice Scarf Heatran.(period) and this should be considered when deciding which nature to choose.</p>
<p>After a Dragon Dance, not many Pokemon can withstand Gyarados' obliterating power. However, it is during the set-up process that Gyarados encounters problems. Bulky Water-types that invest many EVs into Defense, including Suicune and Vaporeon, can stop Gyarados cold, especially if they wield HP Electric. The bulkiest of physical walls, such as Skarmory, Forretress, and Dusknoir, can phaze, Explode on, and burn it respectively, putting Gyarados' Dragon Dancing journey at peril. Celebi (should Bounce or Ice Fang be absent), Cresselia, bulky Rotom-A, and Swampert can also be problematic as they can either paralyze it, phaze it, or hit it with an Electric-type attack, while Gyarados fails to 2HKO in return without Dragon Dance boosts. Other Pokemon that can be problematic are Latias, Gengar, and Rotom-A, all when carrying a Choice Scarf, as they outpace Gyarados even after one Dragon Dance and possibly even two depending on how much Speed Gyarados runs.</p>
<p>Because Offensive Gyarados is typically found on, as its name may suggest, offensive teams, it will often appreciate powerful and hard-hitting partners. Life Orb Starmie can OHKO Skarmory and Forretress, while 2HKOing Vaporeon and Suicune, essentially getting rid of four of Gyarados' top counters. Choice Specs Rotom-A accomplishes tasks similar to Starmie, and can use Shadow Ball to scare Cresselia and Celebi away. Having Scizor in your party makes Choice Scarf Latias, Rotom-A, and Gengar think twice before switching in lest their lives be lost through Pursuit. The same applies to Tyranitar, whose presence signifies trouble for the three aforementioned foes, Dusknoir, Cresselia, and even some Celebi. Life Orb Gengar is also a stellar Gyarados partner, OHKOing Rotom-A and Latias with Shadow Ball, while denting Cresselia, Celebi, and Dusknoir in the process.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Stone Edge / Bounce
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 156 HP / 72 Atk / 96 Def / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Bulky Gyarados aims to maximize the advantages of Gyarados's unique typing, respectable defenses, and Intimidate to set up on and KO a variety of threats, including many variants of Heatran, Infernape, Lucario, and Scizor. Bulky Gyarados is great in the early-game; it can switch in easily on Hippowdon, Choice Scarf Jirachi, and Swampert leads for example, meaning Stealth Rock will not be in play. It can also easily lure out Celebi and bulky Water-types meaning you have more knowledge of your opponent's team for the late-game stage. The EVs balance out Gyarados' defensive and offensive capabilities. 156 HP EVs ensure that Gyarados is never 2HKOed by Timid Life Orb Heatran's Fire Blast, even after Stealth Rock damage with Leftovers. 96 Defense EVs ensure that Scizor will never 2HKO Gyarados with a Choice Band Quick Attack after sandstorm, Stealth Rock damage, and Leftovers. 184 Speed EVs outruns Jolly Tyranitar before a Dragon Dance and +Speed Starmie and Azelf after a Dragon Dance. The remaining EVs are placed in Attack to increase Gyarados' damage output.</p>
<p>Stone Edge is the preferred option for the secondary attack as it hits Gyarados and Salamence for super effective damage, as well as Zapdos. Water / Rock also has very good neutral coverage, only being resisted by Breloom and Empoleon in OU. Bounce has some merit for use over Stone Edge. First, it provides Gyarados with the best possible neutral coverage in two attacks, as only Empoleon and Lanturn resist the combination. The move can also come in useful for buying an extra turn of Leftovers recovery. Most importantly, it has a 30% chance of paralysis; this support can be extremely useful for most teams. Return is another option for this slot as it does consistent damage to almost everything that resists Water-type attacks, while enjoying 100% accuracy. Water- and Normal-type attacks are only resisted by Empoleon and the rare Shedinja. Earthquake is another attacking option, as it has consistent accuracy and does more damage to Magnezone and Empoleon, but makes Gyarados set-up bait for Pokemon such as Salamence, which is never a good thing.</p>
<p>Unlike most Gyarados sets, this takes on Skarmory and Celebi fairly well. Even without Intimidate, Skarmory still isn't doing too much with Brave Bird, and Taunt prevents Gyarados from being thwarted by Whirlwind. Intimidate also helps this set-up as it reduces the damage from Brave Bird. Celebi can only manage a Grass Knot at best, which does 34.86% - 41.35% to this Gyarados. This gives Gyarados the opportunity to Bounce, and when combined with the extra help of Leftovers on the Bounce turn, Grass Knot will not 2HKO even with Stealth Rock in play. Meanwhile, Bounce after one DD will do 71.29% - 84.65% to Celebi, enough damage to pick it off with Waterfall or kill Celebi weakened by residual damage.</p>
<p>This set will work significantly better by packing an anti-Stealth Rock lead on your team. Choice Scarf Jirachi is fairly reliable at stopping Aerodactyl, Azelf, and Mamoswine leads, making it a great partner for Bulky Gyarados. Gyarados also resists all of Jirachi's weaknesses. Other leads, such as Taunt / Stealth Rock Aerodactyl or Azelf, can accomplish the same task while supporting Gyarados with Stealth Rock. Aerodactyl's higher Speed can come in use though due to Azelf being the most common lead. A Rapid Spinner,(comma) such as Forretress or Starmie, can be useful, though most Rapid Spinners share the common counter of Rotom-A with Gyarados.</p>
<p>Bulky Gyarados is a great lure for Electric- and Rock-type attacks, as well as bulky status-inducing counters. Gyarados can beat the latter with Taunt, but not the former, so packing Pokémon that can set up on Rock- and Electric-type attacks is recommended. Ground-type attackers like Flygon and Dugtrio are ideal as they resist both, while Gliscor may not be immune to both, but it is immune to Electric-type attacks and has the Defense to take most Rock-type attacks. Electric-type attacks can often be set up on by Jolteon or Electivire (the latter forming the infamous "GyaraVire" combo), and Rock-type attacks by Lucario or Metagross.</p>
[SET]
name: Rest + Sleep Talk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Roar
item: Leftovers
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 248 Def / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Gyarados is excellent at filling a defensive role in balanced and stall teams alike. This is made possible due to its commendable defenses and Intimidate. With Rest and Sleep Talk, Gyarados is able to replenish any health that it might have lost from your opponents' attacks, the 1/4 damage it takes from Stealth Rock, or other forms of residual damage in general. Rest is particularly useful to free Gyarados of status effects, allowing it to have an easier time with the likes of Toxic Heatran and Will-O-Wisp Dusknoir. The reason for such heavy EV investment in HP and Defense is to allow Gyarados to become reliable check to a number of common OU threats, including Lucario, Infernape, and Heatran.</p>
<p>Waterfall provides Gyarados a reliable STAB to abuse while it is asleep. Finally, Roar allows gives Gyarados the ability to shuffle around the opponents’ team. This is especially useful to teams which lack a phazer or just want to abuse entry hazards, such as in stall teams. However, you can take a more offensive approach if you wish and run Dragon Dance over Roar. While you lose the ability to phaze, Gyarados can become a deadly threat to teams once their Water-resists are down or severly weakened, and you have disposed of any Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Latias and Gengar, who can easily stop its sweep with Thunderbolt. When using Dragon Dance, an EV spread of 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe is preferred as this allows Gyarados to hit 309 Speed after a Dragon Dance, outspeeding +nature base 90 Speed Pokémon, as well almost all defensive variants of Zapdos that you will see. Other minor options for this slot are Stone Edge and Avalanche. Stone Edge broadens type coverage, hitting most Dragon- and Flying-types for super effective damage, while Avalanche also hits most Dragon and Flying-types, as well as Celebi for more damage.</p>
<p>248 HP EVs caps Gyarados' HP off at 393, allowing it to switch into Stealth Rock five times. 12 Speed EVs outrun base 80 Speed Pokemon that linger around the 200 Speed mark. An other possible EV spread is 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD with a Careful nature, which lets Gyarados have an easier time against special offensive beasts, such as Heatran, and still do well against Infernape, Lucario, and Scizor.</p>
<p>This set has a lot of problems with Taunt users who either resist Waterfall or have the defences to take it. Opposing Gyarados with Taunt can take the opportunity to set up multiple Dragon Dances, while Taunt Skarmory can set up multiple layers of Spikes. While this set is great at shuffling the opponents’ team, it can not hope to do that against strong special attackers with Thunderbolt, such as Jolteon, Magnezone, Rotom-A, Zapdos, Gengar, and Latias. When not using Roar, a major problem this set faces is the lack of type coverage, and it can’t just shuffle around your opponents’ team. Choosing a moveset of Rest + Sleep Talk + Dragon Dance + Waterfall can be deadly, but is walled to death by Suicune, Vaporeon, and Celebi. All three can retaliate against Gyarados with their moves in some way. Choosing a moveset of Rest + Sleep Talk + Waterfall + Stone Edge solves this problem, but Gyarados often finds its attacks doing little-to-average damage. Pokemon like Suicune and Breloom can take advantage of Gyarados' weak attacks and set up on it via Calm Mind or Substitute. Waterfall + Avalanche doesn't exactly solve brings more problems to the picture; in this case, foes like Empoleon and Cresselia, in addition to the aforementioned Suicune, will gladly come in on Gyarados and set up right in its face.</p>
<p>To help Gyarados out, Blissey can stall out Suicune, Vaporeon, Cresselia, Empoleon, and even Celebi. In return, Gyarados fends off the Fighting-types that endanger Blissey's life. Rotom-A can check some of Gyarados' counters well, including Dusknoir and Celebi. Entry hazards support is very helpful, especially when using Roar as Gyarados can shuffle around the opponents’ team and slowly damage the opponents’ team along the way. Toxic Spikes support can help it stall out bulky Water-types that lack an Electric-type move; an essential partner to set Toxic Spikes up is Roserade, but Forretress can also set them up reliably. Forretress and Skarmory are the best options for setting up Spikes, especially since this Gyarados is commonly used on stall teams. They both have the Defense to set up Spikes on physically offensive Pokemon. There are many Pokemon which can set up Stealth Rock to aid Gyarados, such as Blissey, Forretress, Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Swampert. Just use whichever fits your team best and remember not to overload Pokemon with entry hazards as they may not always be able to get all of them up. In selecting a teammate, attempting to aid Gyarados from the special defensive spectrum helps it immensely.</p>
[SET]
name: SubBounce
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Bounce
item: Liechi Berry / Salac Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Gyarados has received a much needed replacement to its previous physical STAB Hidden Power Flying back in ADV in the form of Bounce. Despite suffering from low PP, Bounce's respectable base power after benefiting from STAB, along with its 30% paralysis rate, makes it a great addition to Gyarados' movepool, and an even better one at that when paired with Waterfall's 20% flinch rate. It is also worth mentioning that the Water- and Flying-type combo is resisted only by Empoleon and Lanturn outside of Ubers, so type coverage will rarely be an issue. Sadly it all comes with the price of being a 2 turn move, as such Bounce is awfully susceptible to Protect stalling and because of its limited PP it will be to your advantage to avoid such encounters as much as possible.</p>
<p>The given EVs allow for 332 HP, 383 Attack, and 261 Speed. 332 HP is divisible by 4 so you activate the pinch berry of your choice after your setting up your third Substitute. Max Attack is self-explanatory for a set such as this, where massive amounts of brute strength will undoubtedly come in handy. 261 Speed on the other hand allows Gyarados to outpace everything below neutral base 80s and, after a single Dragon Dance, outspeed all Pokémon who reside under the base 130 Speed group.</p>
<p>Liechi Berry is recommended for the power boost, but a Salac Berry should not be ignored, as the boost it grants in Speed allows Gyarados to keep up with all those Choice Scarf users going around. Due to the stallish nature of Substitute + Bounce, Leftovers can also be considered if one opts for a more defensive approach when setting up.</p>
<p>Bulky Water-types, namely Suicune and Vaporeon, return to repel Gyarados' attacks yet again. Toxic Spikes harms these Water-types, chipping off their health slowly, while Gyarados can simply Substitute down and wait for the poison to feast on their health. Tentacruel can be a nuisance by removing Toxic Spikes, but it will rarely switch into Gyarados due to the fear of Earthquake. Empoleon with defensive EV investment can take a few hits thanks to resisting the Water / Flying combo, and Roar Gyarados out, which especially hurts Gyarados if Stealth Rock is up. Lanturn is very uncommon but does resist the Water / Flying combo and can respond with STAB Electric-type attacks.</p>
<p>Magnezone is one of the best partners to this set. Gyarados not only resists all of Magnezone's weaknesses, but the reverse is true as well. In terms of offensive synergy, Magnezone traps those wretched Steel-types whose existence cripples Gyarados, including Skarmory, Forretress, and Empoleon. Magnezone is also a suitable partner to do away with Water-types who have less Special Defense than Defense. Life Orb Heatran can switch in on Ice Beams and Grass Knots aimed at Gyarados and use Fire Blast to scorch Steel-types, or Hidden Power Grass to dispose of unsuspecting Swampert, Milotic, and similar Water-types. The perfect partner to set up Toxic Spikes would be Roserade, who immediately threatens Water-types with Leaf Storm and Sleep Powder. Roserade also resists Gyarados' Electric-type weakness, and, in return, Gyarados resists Roserade's weakness to Fire-type attacks. Latias makes a nice partner as it resists Gyarados’ Electric-type weakness and can hurt bulky Water-types with a LO or Specs Thunderbolt, or even just Calm Mind up on Toxic-less Vaporeon, for example.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Payback
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake / Ice Fang
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although not as threatening as some of the sets listed above, the immediately effective source of power gives this an advantage over most walls right off the bat and can make even some of its best “counters” think twice before switching in. Waterfall boosted by Choice Band is not something to be underestimated and even 2HKOes the most defensive of Rotom-A on average with Stealth Rock support. Payback is the secondary option as it easily OHKOes 4 HP Choice Scarf Rotom-A on the switch-in, and even the bulkiest Rotom-A is almost always OHKOed with Stealth Rock support. Celebi is also hit very hard by Payback, always being 2HKOed with Stealth Rock support, assuming it switches into Gyarados on the first Payback. Two other important Pokemon that Payback hits hard that commonly switch into Gyarados are Latias and Starmie. Payback will always OHKO even 252 HP / 4 Def variations of the former and 136 HP / 156 Def variations of the latter as they switch in. Stone Edge is in the third slot as it hits Flying-types hard; it is especially useful for those who resist Waterfall, such as opposing Gyarados and Salamence. Earthquake is the preferred option in the last slot to hit Empoleon, Magnezone, and Metagross harder than any other move, OHKOing standard 12 HP / 12 Def SubPetaya Empoleon, all Magnezone, and doing 75.8% minimum to 252 HP / 236 Def Metagross. Ice Fang can be used over Earthquake though since otherwise Breloom resists all of your attacks and it provides a more powerful and reliable way of hitting Dragon- / Flying-types than using the less accurate Stone Edge.</p>
<p>Other options for this set include Aqua Tail for use over Waterfall as the lack of Speed can justify the use of a more powerful, albeit less accurate move. Bounce can also be used as it hits Breloom and Celebi, for example, harder than any other move, although the two turns it takes to hit has it's downsides as its vulnerable to Protect stalling and also it must watch out for slower Pokemon which either resist Bounce or have the Defense to take it, such as some Rotom-A, switching in as it Bounces up and then taking it out the next turn. 184 Speed EVs put you at 244 Speed, just ahead of Jolly Tyranitar, but running maximum Speed to Speed tie with opposing neutral natured Gyarados is perfectly acceptable.</p>
<p>Here are some damage calculations to show just how powerful Choice Band Gyarados is:</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations</h3>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Waterfall vs. 4 HP neutral nature Rotom-A: 81.8% - 96.7%</li>
<li>Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 120 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A: 52.6% - 62.5%</li>
<li>Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A: 47.4% - 56.3%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 4 HP neutral nature Rotom-A switching in: 100%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 252 HP / 120 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A switching in: 88.2% - 100%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 252 HP / 252 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A switching in: 78.9% - 93.4%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 252 HP / 220 Def +Defense nature Celebi switching in: 63.9% - 75.2%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 4 HP neutral nature Latias switching in: 100%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 252 HP / 4 Def neutral nature Latias switching in: 100%</li>
<li>Payback vs. 136 HP / 156 Def neutral nature Starmie switching in: 100%</li>
<li>Stone Edge vs. 188 HP / 252 Def +Defense nature Vaporeon: 38.2% - 45.1%</li>
<li>Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252 Def +Defense nature Vaporeon: 36.9% - 43.5%</li>
<li>Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 220 Def +Defense nature Celebi: 41.6% - 49%</li>
<li>Bounce vs. 252 HP / 220 Def + Defense nature Celebi: 81.7% - 96.5%</li>
<li>Aqua Tail vs. 4 HP neutral nature Rotom-A: 91.7% - 100%</li>
<li>Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 120 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A: 59.2% - 70.1%</li>
<li>Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 252 Def +Defense nature Rotom-A: 53.3% - 63.2%</li>
</ul>
(I would move the Aqua Tail calcs next to the Waterfall calcs so you can easily compare them to see the advantages of one over the other.)
<p>The removal or weakening of Rotom-A which this set provides by luring it in and then smacking it with Payback can facilitate a sweep for a number of Pokemon including Lucario, who fears any set that outruns it, Swords Dance Scizor, who fears Will-O-Wisp, Agility Metagross, and Jirachi. These pokemon therefore make ideal partners to Choice Band Gyarados. The removal of Latias, especially Choice Scarf variations, can make it easier for Pokemon such as Infernape, Kingdra, Salamence, and Zapdos among others to sweep so they all make effective partners to this. Since this set is also effective at taking out Starmie, Pokemon such as Infernape and also offensive teams in general will appreciate this.</p>
<p>While this set is very powerful, there are still some Pokemon which can cause it problems. Bulky Water-types, such as Suicune and Vaporeon, can take two hits from Stone Edge or Earthquake and hit back with Hidden Power Electric. Therefore, having someone on your team to deal with them is very useful. Celebi makes a great partner to Gyarados for this exact reason as it has high Special Defense to take hits from bulky Water-types and can hit back with STAB Grass-type attacks. Jolteon can make a solid partner as Gyarados lures in Electric-type attacks for it to recover health and it can also scare off bulky Water-types with STAB Electric-type attacks. Cresselia has high Defense to take hits from Gyarados and has Charge Beam to hurt it, so can be troublesome. Tyranitar and Scizor can therefore make a great partner to this set as they can both easily take hits from Cresselia, hit back with super effective STAB attacks or even Pursuit should Cresselia try to switch out. Choice Specs Rotom-A also makes an effective partner to Choice Band Gyarados as Thunderbolt deals with bulky Water-types that trouble Choice Band Gyarados while Shadow Ball deals with Cresselia. Rotom-A will also appreciate Latias being lured in and OHKOed by Choice Band Gyarados as this makes it easier for it to sweep.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>For support options, Stealth Rock from Pokemon such as Azelf, Heatran, Infernape, Metagross, and Swampert, is extremely useful for all sets because it helps Gyarados against Pokemon such as Celebi and Starmie. Toxic Spikes support is also useful for Gyarados as it has a lot of trouble with bulky Water-types and this helps weaken them. Forretress and Roserade are the best options for this. Spikes support can also help Gyarados out, being of particular use to Rest + Sleep Talk Gyarados who can shuffle your opponent’s team. Forretress, Roserade, Skarmory, and Smeargle are the most effective partners for setting up Spikes. Screen support is very helpful to Gyarados as it can take hits better and possibly get another Dragon Dance or two. Azelf, Bronzong, and Cresselia are the best options for this. Finally, Rapid Spin support from the likes of Forretress and Starmie is helpful since otherwise Gyarados will take 25% damage each time it switches in due to Stealth Rock, making it a lot harder for Gyarados to sweep.</p>
<p>There are many good offensive support partners to Gyarados. Electric- and Grass-types are the best offensive partners as they scare off the bulky Water-types which Gyarados hates. Celebi, Jolteon, Rotom-A, and Zapdos are the best options here. The first three can take Electric-type moves aimed at Gyarados as well. Tyranitar and Scizor with Pursuit are effective offensive partners to Gyarados to deal with Choice Scarf Gengar, Latias, and Rotom-A, which all trouble Dragon Dance Gyarados sets. Both Life Orb Gengar and Starmie are great offensive partners to Gyarados as they can deal with most of the Pokemon which trouble Gyarados. Lucario is also a nice offensive partner since it can often OHKO Celebi with a +2 Crunch with Stealth Rock support and also will appreciate a weakened Rotom-A.</p>
<p>Gyarados has many great defensive partners. Bulky Grass-types are good here as they can take the Electric-type attacks commonly aimed at Gyarados. Celebi and Roserade both have high Special Defense to take these attacks and can also deal with bulky Water-types that Gyarados hates. Breloom can’t take Ice Beams from Suicune, but is still an effective defensive partner thanks to resisting both of Gyarados’ weaknesses, having Substitute + Leech Seed, and STAB Grass-type attacks to hit bulky Water-types. Steel-types, such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Magnezone, and Metagross are good options for defensive partners as they resist the Rock-type moves which Gyarados hates. Gliscor is a solid defensive partner to Gyarados. It is immune to Electric-type attacks, has high Defense to take Rock-type attacks, and with Taunt + Toxic, it can beat most Rotom-A.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Two berries that weren't discussed but can be used if you think that they warrant use are Wacan Berry and Lum Berry. Wacan Berry helps soften an incoming Electric-type attack and could allow you to freely use Dragon Dance twice (once while the opponent switches in and the other after surviving the attack). This on an Offensive Gyarados with a Jolly nature poses more of a threat than with an Adamant nature, Life Orb, and one Dragon Dance. Lum Berry also gives you a free Dragon Dance except by removing status instead. As with any Pokémon, a Choice Scarf can be used over Choice Band as the extra Speed can give Gyarados an edge in some situations.</p>
<p>Bite is only listed because it's Gyarados's best attack against Slowbro. On the offensive Gyarados it can OHKO 252 HP / 0 Def Starmie 100% of the time assuming that Starmie switches into Stealth Rock while you Dragon Dance. Return is a good option, particularly on the Bulky Dragon Dance set, as it provides near-perfect neutral coverage with Waterfall; only Empoleon and the rare Shedinja resist the combination in OU. It has a higher base power than Earthquake and Stone Edge, but doesn't hit any Pokémon for super effective damage. (You already mentioned this in the Bulky set, so unless you meant it could be used in the other sets, it probably shouldn't be here.) Thunder Wave is a move that causes major problems for some of Gyarados' switch-ins as as many Pokémon will not enjoy the combination of the paralysis rate and Waterfall's chance of flinching and the immune bulky Ground-types are unlikely to switch in. Flail can be used as it provides great coverage with Waterfall while Substitute can help get Gyarados down to a suitable HP level for Flail to have high power, but the prevalence of sandstorm in the OU tier from Hippowdon and Tyranitar’s Sand Stream ability makes this very hard to pull off.</p>
<p>Gyarados has a myriad of special moves such as STAB Hydro Pump and Fire Blast. These can work under some conditions but require a boost from Life Orb in order to be effective. Hydro Pump can 2HKO Weezing while Fire Blast can 2HKO Skarmory and maims Forretress and Scizor. The main reason not to use them is because they're ineffective against almost anything other than the aforementioned threats, due to Gyarados's low Special Attack.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Offensive Gyarados should use the given spread of max Speed and Attack. This spread gives 383 Atk / 261 Spe with an Adamant nature. The given Speed EVs will outspeed max Speed Tyranitar before a Dragon Dance and Jolly Weavile after one. Max Attack is necessary with Life Orb. The rest is thrown into HP. Choice Band Gyarados can follow the same principle as Offensive Gyarados as 261 Speed is just enough to outpace base 80s with a neutral nature, but you can also opt for less Speed as beating Jolly Tyranitar is a decent minimum.</p>
<p>Bulky Gyarados has many different EV spreads. Other than what has been listed above in the original set there are two more possibilities that take different approaches. The first, 152 HP / 176 Atk / 36 Def / 144 Spe, gives Gyarados the potential to OHKO Zapdos with Stone Edge after switching into Stealth Rock as well as a Dragon Dance. It also gives just enough Defense to have a -1 Extremespeed from Lucario do around 25% damage. The second spread, 152 HP / 168 Def / 188 Spe, calls for a much more defensive spread for a sacrifice of power. You can drop the Speed EVs to 144 if you feel that outpacing Timid Gengar after a Dragon Dance is acceptable enough. You will still OHKO said Gengar after a Dragon Dance with Waterfall. On the other hand Choice Band Heracross is only doing 28-33% to Gyarados with a Choice Band Close Combat after Intimidate is factored in.</p>
<p>The RestTalk set is also quite viable with a specially defensive EV spread. A 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD spread with a Careful nature makes a handy switch-in to a myriad of threats, both special and physical. The SpD EVs make Gyarados an excellent counter to Heatran and a useful check against special threats such as Shaymin. Thanks to Intimidate, even with less physical defensive investment, Gyarados can still easily switch into neutral and resisted physical attacks, making it an excellent counter for commonly mixed and physical threats such as Lucario, Infernape, and Scizor.</p>
[Dragon Dance Numbers]
<p>This section provides a useful reference to Gyarados' key "Dragon Dance Numbers", or precise EV investment needed to reach a certain Speed stat. This Speed stat is used to outrun a specific base Speed threat group.</p>
<p>Notable opponents that should be taken into consideration include +Speed Starmie (maxing out at 361 Speed), +Speed Jolteon (maxing out at 394 Speed), and neutral Speed natured Choice Scarf Rotom-A (maxing out at 406 Speed).</p>
Code:<h3><a id="Dragon Dance Neutral Nature">Dragon Dance Numbers Neutral Nature</a></h3> <table class="sortable"> <thead> <tr> <th>EVs Used </th> <th>Speed Hit </th> <th>Speed Hit After Dragon Dance </th> <th>+1 Outspeeds </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>8 Spe </td> <td>200 Spe </td> <td>300 Spe </td> <td>Neutral Base 100s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>84 Spe </td> <td>219 Spe </td> <td>328 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 100s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>116 Spe</td> <td>227 Spe </td> <td>340 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 105s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>136 Spe </td> <td>232 Spe </td> <td>348 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 108s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>144 Spe </td> <td>234 Spe </td> <td>251 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 110s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>184 Spe </td> <td>244 Spe </td> <td>366 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 115s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>204 Spe </td> <td>249 Spe </td> <td>373 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 120s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>236 Spe </td> <td>257 Spe </td> <td>384 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 125s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>252 Spe </td> <td>261 Spe </td> <td>391 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 127s </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>[Opinion]Code:<h3><a id="Dragon Dance Positive Nature">Dragon Dance Numbers Positive Nature</a></h3> <table class="sortable"> <thead> <tr> <th>EVs Used </th> <th>Speed Hit </th> <th>Speed Hit After Dragon Dance </th> <th>+1 Outspeeds </th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>8 Spe </td> <td>220 Spe </td> <td>330 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 100's </td> </tr> <tr> <td>36 Spe </td> <td>227 Spe </td> <td>340 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 105s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>52 Spe </td> <td>232 Spe </td> <td>348 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 108s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>60 Spe </td> <td>234 Spe </td> <td>351 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 110s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>96 Spe </td> <td>244 Spe </td> <td>366 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 115s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>116 Spe </td> <td>248 Spe </td> <td>373 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 120s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>144 Spe </td> <td>257 Spe </td> <td>384 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 125s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>156 Spe </td> <td>260 Spe </td> <td>388 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 127s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>168 Spe </td> <td>264 Spe </td> <td>396 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 130s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>220 Spe </td> <td>278 Spe </td> <td>417 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 140s </td> </tr> <tr> <td>252 Spe </td> <td>287 Spe </td> <td>430 Spe </td> <td>Positive Base 140s </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
<p>Gyarados has become a top contender as far as being a huge threat goes. Its massive 125 Attack base stat, on top of its 95 base HP, its 100 base Special Defense, and its Intimidate ability, makes Gyarados more bulky than many Pokémon of his structure. The typing may be a thorn in Gyarados' side as being 4x weak to Electric-type moves and 2x weak to Rock-type moves isn't very amusing, but Gyarados can easily switch into many attacks thrown at him and set up with impunity. The improvements of a physical Waterfall, Stone Edge, Ice Fang, Taunt lasting longer, and Life Orb also give Gyarados a boost. Let's not forget that it also has some key resistances including those to Water-, Fighting-, Bug-, Fire-, and Steel-type moves while sporting an immunity to Ground-type attacks. This deadly combination makes Gyarados a top-tier threat in OU that should be handled with care. Any Pokémon that switches into Gyarados for the most part is going to leave either dead or extremely hurt.</p>
<p>On top of Electric- and Rock-type moves being a hindrance to Gyarados the addition of Stealth Rock has limited its ability to switch in, thanks to a nasty 25% cut in HP every time it switches in. The continuing threat of sandstorm has also given Gyarados a problem using Leftovers to its fullest effect, as well as problems using Life Orb because it will become quickly worn down. These are some of the very few shortcomings of Gyarados as there are not many safe switch-ins. He has definitely lived up to his name of being the "Atrocious" Pokémon.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Porygon2 with a defensive EV spread and Trace is the best counter to Gyarados. Thanks to Trace, Intimidate bounces back on Gyarados, and Porygon2 can unleash either Thunderbolt or Discharge to finish him off. Rotom-A can absorb a Waterfall, outpace most Gyarados, and retaliate with STAB Thunderbolt. Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp are also useful to cripple Gyarados. Timid Choice Scarf variants even outspeed +1 Jolly Gyarados and OHKO with Thunderbolt. Bold Cresselia can block most of Gyarados's attack for a while and use Charge Beam, while a combination of Thunder Wave and Reflect renders Gyarados without Taunt nearly useless.</p>
<p>Celebi's high HP and Defense lets it take on Ice Fang as well, and can hit Gyarados hard with a 120 Base Power Grass Knot. Recover prevents it from being worn down so it can switch in repeatedly. An Impish Tangrowth can shrug off Ice Fangs with its 125 base Defense and use a STAB Power Whip on Gyarados. Bounce does hurt them both badly though; 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Celebi for example is sometimes OHKOed by a +1 Adamant LO Bounce with Stealth Rock support. Metagross with ThunderPunch stands a fair chance against Gyarados provided Gyarados isn't using Earthquake. Forretress can always Explode on Gyarados if need be as its high Defense lets it take a few beatings.</p>
<p>Water-types that carry Hidden Power Electric pose a bigger threat to Gyarados. Though they risk being 2HKOed sometimes by a Dragon Danced Stone Edge, they can attempt to stop the sweep: Milotic, Slowbro, Suicune, and Vaporeon are perfect examples of this. Starmie can revenge kill some forms of Gyarados, but it must tread lightly, as a Life Orbed Stone Edge can nearly OHKO it if Gyarados has a Dragon Dance under his belt and a +1 Life Orb Bounce OHKOes 136 HP / 156 Def Timid Starmie most of the time with Stealth Rock support.</p>
<p>Skarmory has a chance to at least threaten Gyarados if it has Brave Bird. Due to the lack of Leftovers when running Shed Shell and the recoil from Brave Bird, this is a risky 3HKO to attempt, and bulky Gyarados can take some of the beating. Taunt prevents Skarmory from its usual strategies of using Roost and Whirlwind to counter Gyarados. Intimidate also becomes a deadly factor to Skarmory since after Gyarados switches in Skarmory is often forced to switch.</p>
