Updated QC: Theorymon / cant say
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
Hydreigon is an incredibly powerful special attacker in Battle Spot Singles, capable of running numerous different sets both as a wallbreaker and a revenge killer. Its Dark / Dragon typing grants it fantastic neutral coverage that hits every type bar Fairy for neutral damage, allowing it to threaten many popular threats such as Aegislash, Cresselia, and Rotom-W. Between Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse, few Pokemon beyond Chansey and Fairy-types have an easy time switching into Hydreigon, and a very diverse movepool with coverage options including Fire Blast, Earth Power, and Focus Blast also complements Hydreigon's powerful offensive presence. Hydreigon's ability to run both Choice Specs and Choice Scarf effectively also allows it to threaten both offensive and defensive teams and adds an element of surprise that can throw an unsuspecting opponent off guard. Defensively, Hydreigon's typing alongside Levitate grants it a wide range of resistances and immunities, which helps it find numerous opportunities to switch in and start punching holes in the opponent's team. However, while base 98 Speed places Hydreigon in a decent Speed tier, it leaves it just short of the important base 100 range, which in turn leaves it outsped by many threats when it's not holding a Choice Scarf, including Mega Kangaskhan and Garchomp. Hydreigon is often reliant on Choice items as well, which makes it more predictable and can risk giving an opponent a free turn. Fairy-type Pokemon also ruin Hydreigon's day, so it always needs a teammate that can help deal with threats such as Azumarill and Sylveon before it can start breaking teams with Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse. However, despite these shortcomings, Hydreigon still stands as one of the most effective special wallbreakers in the format.[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 4: Earth Power / Focus Blast
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is incredibly strong with a boost from Choice Specs, and it will often OHKO or 2HKO Pokemon that don't resist it. This will generally be used when you need to remove a threat as soon as possible, and it puts incredible pressure on teams that lack many sturdy switch-ins for a Dragon-type move. However, Draco Meteor can't be used recklessly due to the Special Attack drops, so Dark Pulse gives Hydreigon another powerful STAB move that doesn't lower Special Attack and can be used more easily due to the lack of Pokemon that resist Dark-type moves. Fire Blast complements Hydreigon's Dark / Dragon STAB combination and is used to hit Steel-types such as Mawile, Klefki, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory, all of which threaten Hydreigon or force it out otherwise. However, the risk of missing Fire Blast can be critical in a fast-paced format, so Flamethrower is an acceptable option as well despite the power drop. Earth Power can be used to hit Heatran and Tyranitar harder, which Fire Blast can't do, and also has a chance to 2HKO Choice Band Azumarill in an emergency. However, it can leave you open to a Flying-type or Levitate switch-in, so it's not always safe to be locked into. Alternatively, Focus Blast can be used to break through Tyranitar more effectively than Earth Power can, although the accuracy can prove problematic. It also lets Hydreigon threaten Porygon2, but it has few other uses and is ineffective against Fairies.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs maximize damage output, and 252 Speed EVs help make the most of Hydreigon's Speed tier. The final 4 EVs are put into Special Defense specifically so that a Porygon2 with Download will get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost. Modest is generally the preferred nature because Hydreigon wants all the power it can get, but Timid is an option to get the jump on Adamant Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Charizard X. Choice Specs is also necessary to let Hydreigon punch holes into the opposing team effectively, as it allows Hydreigon to OHKO Rotom-A with Draco Meteor and Aegislash with Dark Pulse, even in Shield forme.
Usage Tips
========
This set is primarily a wallbreaker, so it excels against defensive teams and slower bulky offensive teams. Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse grant incredible neutral coverage that is only resisted by Fairy-types, so these two moves are the ones Hydreigon should be using most often. Draco Meteor OHKOes most Pokemon that don't resist it, so if your opponent lacks a Steel-type or Fairy-type, this is a fairly safe choice. Dark Pulse is the safest option otherwise and doesn't force Hydreigon to switch out as often, and it can be used very freely due to the lack of Dark-resistant Pokemon. All of Hydreigon's coverage moves should be used carefully, as they put Hydreigon at a much greater risk of being used as setup fodder. If there is significant risk of an opponent switching in something that can take advantage of Hydreigon being locked into Fire Blast, Earth Power, or Focus Blast, it may be a better idea to use Dark Pulse for a safe hit or simply switch Hydreigon out. Focus Blast in particular presents this risk, as there is very little reason to use it if the opponent lacks a Porygon2 or Tyranitar.
Team Options
========
Aegislash has perfect type synergy with Hydreigon and can deal with Fairies comfortably. They also form an effective wallbreaking core that can be very difficult for slower teams to deal with. Much like Aegislash, Mega Metagross and Mega Mawile have fantastic type synergy with Hydreigon and appreciate its ability to threaten Heatran, Rotom-A, and Cresselia. Azumarill and Talonflame also like having defensive threats such as Rotom-A removed. Mega Venusaur is a good partner for Hydreigon, as it handles the Fairy-types that give Hydreigon trouble while appreciating its ability to threaten Psychic-types; it is also generally a sturdy switch-in that can ease the risks of Hydreigon locking itself into a bad move. Hydreigon's ability to break down sturdy walls makes it a great partner for Mega Kangaskhan as well, which can more easily overwhelm teams with threats like Slowbro and Sableye out of the way. Hydreigon itself appreciates paralysis support to help it outspeed faster threats, as many Pokemon rely on its awkward Speed tier to revenge kill it. Pokemon such as Serperior, Ferrothorn, Rotom-A, and Cresselia are great partners for this, with Serperior in particular being able to paralyze Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T with Glare.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Earth Power / Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Focus Blast
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse are the two main STAB moves, and with a Choice Scarf they'll be used to clean up threats. Earth Power provides great coverage for hitting Steel-types such as Heatran, Klefki, and Mawile while also letting Hydreigon hit Tyranitar harder. Fire Blast and Flamethrower cover the Steel-types that don't mind Earth Power such as Ferrothorn and Skarmory, but otherwise they cover most of the same threats as Earth Power. Running both Earth Power and a Fire-type move is viable as well. Dragon Pulse lets Hydreigon clean up a weakened team late-game without having to worry about Draco Meteor's stat drops, at the cost of reduced type coverage. Despite the redundancy with Draco Meteor, it's a useful option to have due to the fantastic neutral coverage when Fighting-types and Dark-types are a danger late-game. Focus Blast is an option almost exclusively for Porygon2 and Tyranitar and is pretty weak on a Choice Scarf set, but Hydreigon has a difficult time breaking through either of these two without it.
Set Details
========
The EVs maximize Speed and Special Attack to take full advantage of the Choice Scarf boost. The Choice Scarf set has a significantly lower damage output than Hydreigon's other sets, so a Modest nature is used to avoid sacrificing too much power. However, Timid is equally viable to capitalize on its role as a revenge killer, managing to outspeed Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Adamant Mega Charizard X at +1. The final 4 EVs are placed in Special Defense to stop Download Porygon2 from getting a Special Attack boost.
Usage Tips
========
As Choice Scarf Hydreigon is a revenge killer, avoid leading with it and attempt to bring it in primarily after a partner has been KOed to revenge kill something. Hydreigon's Dark typing grants it a resistance to Sucker Punch, which makes it an effective check to Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Mawile, and Bisharp. Finding safe opportunities to switch in is important, as this Hydreigon's increased Speed tier allows it to threaten many faster and frailer threats, giving it the opportunity to dent something with Draco Meteor. However, don't use Draco Meteor too often early in the game because it can be a huge momentum killer, and because this Hydreigon is not a wallbreaker it lacks the power to OHKO many threats. Due to its lack of a power-boosting item, this set is also far less effective against bulkier teams with threats like Tyranitar and Chansey. However, bluffing a Choice Specs by bringing it in against a bulky threat can force a switch, as there are many threats that can't afford to stay in if Hydreigon's item has not been revealed, which can be just enough to take advantage of the game. Likewise, this set can surprise faster threats that expect a Choice Specs set, so try to keep your opponent guessing with Hydreigon's item whenever it's possible.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Hydreigon generally fits primarily on teams in need of a strong revenge killer, so teams are not often built around it. Aegislash stands out as the most prominent teammate, capable of handling the Fairy-types that give Hydreigon trouble. Aegislash also makes up for this set's lack of wallbreaking power and boasts perfect defensive synergy with Hydreigon. Blaziken and Mega Metagross have great type synergy with Hydreigon as well and appreciate its ability to threaten Slowbro and Rotom-A while functioning as a switch-in to Ground-type moves. Wallbreakers and sweepers that like having fast Pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan and Garchomp out of the way make for great partners, such as Belly Drum Azumarill and Mega Heracross. Checking Azumarill is especially important for this set, so Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Serperior are great partners for that. Pokemon that can take care of defensive teams, such as Mega Gengar and Mega Mawile, make up for Hydreigon's inability to break through them by itself.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Fire Blast / Flamethrower / Focus Blast / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Life Orb Hydreigon trades the speed and power of Choice sets for the ability to wallbreak with the freedom to change moves. Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse are the primary STAB moves, and the ability to switch between moves makes it easier to choose a move. Hydreigon isn't punished as harshly for choosing the wrong STAB move, so it's much more difficult to play around it through effective switching, though Dark Pulse will still generally be the safer option due to the lack of drops. As for coverage moves, Earth Power is great on the Life Orb set because the ability to switch moves eliminates the risk of being forced out against Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate. Fire-type moves are strong choices for hitting Ferrothorn and Scizor, and the risk of Heatran coming in isn't as problematic due to the ability to freely choose Earth Power on the next turn. Focus Blast hits Porygon2 and Tyranitar, although it has few other targets and has a significant risk of missing. Alternatively, Roost can be used to increase Hydreigon's longevity amidst Life Orb recoil and any other damage that might add up. However, this set thrives on its ability to choose coverage moves more freely, so the reduced coverage that comes with running Roost is not without drawbacks.
Set Details
========
Life Orb grants Hydreigon a nice power boost and the ability to switch moves freely at the cost of recoil. Hydreigon wants to maximize its wallbreaking ability, so maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allows it to hit as fast and hard as possible. The leftover EVs are placed in Special Defense to prevent Porygon2 from getting a Special Attack boost with Download. A Modest nature is preferred over Timid, as this set is more likely to be worn down due to recoil and is not likely to last long enough to pull off a sweep even with the Speed boost from a Timid nature.
Usage Tips
========
This set functions as a wallbreaker. The draw to this set is the ability to switch moves, as oftentimes an opponent will try to take advantage of the Choice lock to beat Hydreigon. Draco Meteor hits insanely hard, but you must be careful when using it early because the Special Attack drop will quickly force Hydreigon out, which ruins the staying power that Life Orb provides over Choice Specs. Clicking coverage moves doesn't sacrifice as much momentum, so less prediction is required when clicking Earth Power. This also applies to the other coverage moves, so the risk of locking Hydreigon into a move and giving a foe a free setup opportunity is not as crippling. Roost can keep Hydreigon healthy and should be used to punish forced switches or against something that can't hurt Hydreigon much. It also prevents the opponent from stalling until Life Orb recoil brings Hydreigon down.
Team Options
========
Paralysis support is incredibly helpful for letting Hydreigon break through teams, so Serperior, Cresselia, and Rotom-W make for strong partners. This set is more crippled by status itself and hates the residual damage from burns, so Lunar Dance Cresselia is an especially effective partner here. Cresselia also beats Blaziken, which otherwise has an easy time beating Hydreigon. Aegislash has perfect type synergy with Hydreigon, can deal with Fairy-types, and forms a less restricted wallbreaking core between the two that's more difficult to play around without a Choice-locked Hydreigon. Mega Metagross functions similarly alongside Hydreigon, trading Aegislash's superior defensive typing for the ability to threaten faster Pokemon. Blaziken also appreciates Hydreigon's ability to break common defensive threats such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Gliscor, while Blaziken threatens Chansey in return. Additionally, Hydreigon appreciates Stealth Rock to help it secure KOs. Garchomp in particular can wear down a threat with Rough Skin and Rocky Helmet while setting up Stealth Rock, while Ferrothorn can use Leech Seed to mitigate Life Orb recoil a bit if a foe does not switch out. Ferrothorn can also provide paralysis support and checks Fairy-types, so it makes for a particularly effective partner.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragon Pulse is an option on Choice Specs sets for a Dragon-type STAB move that doesn't lower Special Attack, but Dark Pulse gets enough coverage for the most part, and it's hard to replace another move. Flash Cannon is effective for punishing repeated Fairy-type switch-ins but is otherwise not very useful. Most Fairy-types boast a respectable Special Defense stat anyway, and it's not a good move to be locked into either. U-turn can also be used on Choice sets to gain momentum and scout a potential Fairy-type switching into Hydreigon, though it comes at the cost of a valuable coverage move.
On the Life Orb set, Taunt is an effective option for dealing with defensive Pokemon such as Suicune and Porygon2, preventing them from setting up or crippling Hydreigon with status moves. Thunder Wave is an option that can surprise Hydreigon's usual faster switch-ins, letting it support its team a bit while also letting it handle these faster switch-ins by itself. While Hydreigon's ability to force many switches gives this nice utility, giving up an attacking move for it is difficult. A more unconventional physically defensive Rocky Helmet set utilizes both Taunt and Thunder Wave alongside Roost and Dark Pulse. While this gives up Hydreigon's more impressive offensive prowess, this set threatens stall teams more effectively and can prevent Pokemon like Hippowdon from setting Stealth Rock or using Yawn. It can also muscle through Chansey, a Pokemon that most stall teams rely on to beat Hydreigon, with Dark Pulse flinches in conjunction with Thunder Wave.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Hydreigon can't touch most Fairy-types with either of its STAB moves, so they are huge threats to it. Azumarill in particular doesn't mind any of Hydreigon's moves and can threaten setting up with Belly Drum or OHKOing it with Play Rough. Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir threaten Hydreigon with Hyper Voice, but they must be careful of switching into the occasional Choice Specs-boosted Flash Cannon. Klefki does not appreciate Fire Blast or Earth Power, but it can switch into either STAB move and paralyze it.
**Fighting-types**: While Draco Meteor threatens most Fighting-types, many of them have some way to get around Hydreigon. Mega Blaziken is incredibly difficult for Hydreigon to beat because even Choice Scarf variants lose out due to Speed Boost. Mach Punch from Assault Vest Conkeldurr and Breloom can also revenge kill Hydreigon. The former can also hit Hydreigon with Drain Punch to recover most damage that Hydreigon might do, whereas the latter can put switch-ins to sleep with Spore. Mega Lopunny threatens with High Jump Kick, though Choice Scarf variants can still threaten it with Draco Meteor. Mega Lucario resists both STAB moves and can threaten Hydreigon with Vacuum Wave, though it doesn't want to switch into Fire Blast or Earth Power.
**Ice-type Move Users**: Weavile and Mamoswine can both KO Hydreigon with Ice-type moves, with Ice Shard to revenge kill a weakened Choice Scarf Hydreigon. Both of these also often run Focus Sash, so Hydreigon has trouble winning against these two. Greninja threatens Hydreigon as well with Ice Beam, though it doesn't have Ice Shard to deal with Choice Scarf variants if it lacks Focus Sash.
**Special Walls**: While it's difficult to check Hydreigon defensively, Chansey can switch into any of Hydreigon's common moves and threaten to paralyze or Toxic stall. However, it must be careful with Taunt and Roost variants. Goodra can also switch into any of Hydreigon's moves bar Draco Meteor and threatens to KO back, though the lack of recovery can be difficult.
**Faster Pokemon**: While Choice Scarf Hydreigon can revenge kill many fast threats, anything that can surpass Hydreigon's awkward base 98 Speed is very problematic for it. Choice Scarf Garchomp and Jolly Mega Charizard X at +1 threaten even Choice Scarf variants and OHKO Hydreigon with Outrage; Garchomp in general is particularly problematic, as Focus Sash is a another dangerous possibility. Jolly Mega Kangaskhan can threaten Choice Specs and Life Orb sets with Double-Edge or Low Kick, and it can even use a weakened Hydreigon as a setup point for Power-Up Punch.
**Playing Around the Choice Lock**: Hydreigon will often run Choice Specs or Choice Scarf, so taking advantage of the fact that it will lock itself into a move and need to switch out will often put Hydreigon at a disadvantage. This can create an opening for a Pokemon to set up if the Hydreigon player doesn't switch out, so a setup sweeper can put heavy pressure on a Choice-locked Hydreigon.
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