QC: dodmen / GrilledClawitzer / Kreme
GP: CyroGyro
[OVERVIEW]
*Keldeo's valuable typing allows offensive and balanced teams to check Pokemon such as Scizor and Bisharp.
*Excellent Special Attack and relatively good Speed allow it to function as a good wallbreaker or revenge killer depending on its set.
*It has extremely good STAB moves in Hydro Pump, Scald, Secret Sword, and Focus Blast. Secret Sword gives Keldeo a big leg up over other special attackers, as it allows Keldeo to break past special walls such as Blissey. It also helps Keldeo stand out amongst other Water-types such as Suicune and Primarina.
*Due to it only utilizing a special movepool, its ability is entirely useless.
*It has extremely limited coverage options outside of Hidden Power. It does, however, have access to a boosting move in Calm Mind.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Specs
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Hydro Pump is Keldeo's primary Water-type STAB option, used for maximum damage output to net KOs that Scald doesn't. An example of this is specially defensive Hippowdon.
*Secret Sword is a unique option that Keldeo uses to get past special walls such as Blissey; its damage is calculated based on the target's Defense.
*Scald is Keldeo's secondary STAB option and is utilized for its reliable accuracy and ability to burn, which aids wallbreaking.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Mantine and Primarina.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to threaten Grass- and Dragon-types that attempt to switch into it, such as Amoonguss and Latias.
*Hidden Power Bug allows Keldeo to target Psychic-types that may switch in on it such as Slowbro and, more notably, Celebi.
*Focus Blast is an alternative for the last slot in order to punish physically defensive Water-resistant Pokemon such as Alomomola.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Special Attack and Speed is utilized to allow Keldeo to function efficiently.
*A Timid nature is required to outspeed Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Kyurem.
*Choice Specs equips Keldeo with the wallbreaking power needed to perform its role effectively.
*Expert Belt is an item that can be used instead of Choice Specs; if this is the case, then Keldeo forgoes Scald and runs a moveset of Hydro Pump / Secret Sword / Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind in order to make best use of its coverage to make up for the power drop.
Usage Tips
========
*While Keldeo serves as a good check to Bisharp and Scizor, try to avoid bringing it on a Knock Off, as losing Choice Specs effectively neuters it.
*Keldeo serves as a good early- or mid-game wallbreaker and should be brought in as many times during that period as possible in order to dent the opposing team with powerful attacks.
*If you are expecting one of Keldeo's checks to switch in and Keldeo carries the appropriate coverage for said check, try hitting it with that coverage.
*Keldeo appreciates U-turn and Volt Switch support in order to enter the battle safely.
Team Options
========
*Keldeo fits best on offensive teams where it's needed as a wallbreaker.
*Dark-types are extremely effective partners for Keldeo, as they threaten popular answers to it such as Slowbro and Latias.
*Pursuit users such as Scizor and Mega Aerodactyl trap Pokemon such as Latias, leaving holes in the opposition for Keldeo to exploit.
*Entry hazard setters such as Klefki help Keldeo break past switch-ins much more easily with said entry hazards' residual damage.
*Pokemon with access to U-turn and Volt Switch make for good partners, as they are able to get Keldeo in safely. Examples of this would be Scizor, Gliscor, and Raikou.
*Steel- and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types such as Clefable, which are able to check Keldeo.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Secret Sword
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Scald is the primary Water-type STAB move because it can burn potential checks, which is more important in the long run than immediate power.
*Hydro Pump provides more power than Scald, allowing Keldeo to net KOs against the likes of Gengar.
*Secret Sword is a unique option that Keldeo has to get past special walls such as Blissey; its damage is calculated based on the target's Defense.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Mantine and Primarina.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to threaten Grass- and Dragon-types that attempt to switch into it such as Chesnaught and Latias.
*Hidden Power Bug allows Keldeo to target Psychic-types that may switch in on it such as Slowbro and, more notably, Celebi.
*Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon like Slowbro, Alomomola, and Gastrodon, which helps Keldeo in the long run.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Speed with a Choice Scarf and a Timid nature is essential in order for Keldeo to outspeed other Choice Scarf users. This allows it to revenge kill normally faster checks such as Gengar.
*Special Attack is also maximized in order to ensure it hits as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
*This set functions best as a revenge killer, so Keldeo is generally brought in to finish off the opposing Pokemon after a Pokemon of yours has fainted.
*Against bulkier teams, you'll want to use Scald more often in order to spread burns.
*Avoid switching Keldeo into Knock Off, as it will miss out on the ability to outpace the Pokemon you may need it to. However, it may be beneficial to lose the item against bulkier teams so that Keldeo can threaten them with coverage.
Team Options
========
*Due to this set being primarily a revenge killer, it pairs very well with wallbreakers like Bisharp and Nidoqueen that can break through typical balance and stall teams.
*It pairs well with Pursuit users such as Assault Vest Metagross that help remove Latias and the like.
*Pokemon that punish Water- and Grass-types such as Raikou and Decidueye work well.
*Spikes support is appreciated, so Pokemon such as Roserade and Klefki make good partners.
*Steel- and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Scald
move 4: Secret Sword
item: Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Substitute allows Keldeo to set up safely against bulky Pokemon that can threaten it with Toxic such as Alomomola.
*Calm Mind ensures that Keldeo's substitute becomes increasingly harder to break in addition to giving Keldeo the ability to threaten the opposition.
*Scald is used over Hydro Pump due to its ability to burn, which whittles down Keldeo's checks, in addition to having perfect accuracy and high PP.
*Secret Sword ensures that Keldeo is able to easily break past Pokemon such as Blissey and those that are immune to Water-type moves such as Seismitoad.
Set Details
========
*The given EV spread maximises Keldeo's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible.
*Maximum Speed with a Timid nature is important, as it allows Keldeo to outspeed the likes of Hydreigon.
*Maximum HP investment can be used instead of maximum Special Attack, as it prevents Keldeo's +2 substitute from being broken by Amoonguss's Giga Drain. However, this significantly decreases Keldeo's offensive presence.
*Leftovers are essential to this set, as they aid Keldeo in setting up Substitute throughout the game.
Usage Tips
========
*One must play a lot more carefully with this Keldeo set, as it aims to sweep the opponent as opposed to revenge killing or breaking.
*Keldeo should not be recklessly brought in against Pokemon such as Alomomola, as it runs the risk of being burned, poisoned, or getting its item removed, all of which are extremely detrimental to the success of this set.
*Keldeo should use Substitute against Pokemon that it is able to force out such as Bisharp.
*Only start setting up Calm Minds once Keldeo's checks have been weakened.
*Substitute should be used infrequently, as the repeated use of it wears down Keldeo too quickly because of its lack of recovery.
Team Options
========
*Pursuit support is mandatory with this set. Without it, Keldeo is unable to break through practically any team with a Psychic-type like Latias or Slowbro. Pursuit also helps trap Jellicent, which completely walls this set. Strong Pursuit users such as Bisharp and Krookodile function well.
*Pokemon such as Swords Dance Talonflame and Swords Dance Decidueye are excellent partners, as they are able to take on common Keldeo answers such as Amoongus and soften up other checks to Keldeo such as Slowbro.
*Pokemon that are able to lure in Keldeo's answers also function well as partners. Stored Power Clefable and Extrasensory Raikou are examples of this, as they are able to lure common checks such as Amoonguss.
*Ground-types like Hippowdon make for good defensive partners, as they are able to take on Pokemon such as Raikou.
*Steel-and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Secret Sword
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Hyper Beam / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Calm Mind allows Keldeo to boost its already excellent Special Attack, making it extremely difficult to switch into.
*Hydro Pump is the Water-type STAB move of choice because it provides the highest amount of damage, which is essential for this set.
*Secret Sword allows it to muscle past special walls such as Blissey by taking advantage of their lower Defense stats.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Primarina and Mantine.
*Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows it to break past Amoonguss at +1 after a little bit of chip damage.
*Rain Dance is used in conjunction with Waterium Z because Z-Rain Dance increases Keldeo's Speed by 1 stage, allowing it function as a sweeper in addition to receiving a boost to its already powerful Water-type moves.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to hit Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Dragon-types such as Latias.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Special Attack and Speed are required in order to ensure this set hits as hard as possible and outpaces as many Pokemon as possible.
*Life Orb allows Keldeo to switch up moves while retaining high damage output.
*Waterium Z is provides Keldeo with a one-time nuke or the ability to use Z-Rain Dance to make it a threatening sweeper.
*Normalium Z is used with Hyper Beam for a 200-Base Power Breaknck Blitz without any drawbacks.
Usage Tips
========
*Non-Rain Dance variants are best used early- or mid-game in order to punish typical balance teams it finds itself having a favourable match up against.
*It utilises its additional coverage option in order to break down Pokemon that would usually switch into it such as Latias and Mantine.
*If Keldeo is using Normalium Z, it should attempt to lure one of its usual checks early-game.
*The Rain Dance set is best used late-game once Keldeo's checks are either eliminated or weakened. This paves the way for it to be able to make the most out of its limited rain turns; without rain, it doesn't hit quite as hard as it would like to.
*With a Z-Crystal, Keldeo has a bit more leeway when it comes to switching into Knock Off users such as Bisharp.
Team Options
========
*Spikes and Toxic Spikes support is greatly appreciated for this set, as it aids in wearing down Keldeo's checks. As a result,Pokemon such as Roserade and Tentacruel can make for decent partners.
*This set also appreciates Pursuit support, making Bisharp, Scizor, Krookdile, and Metagross all examples of good partners.
*The Rain Dance set appreciates wallbreakers that can dent Water- and Psychic-types. Raikou and Hydreigon perform this function well.
*Pokemon that are able to pressure Grass-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus make good partners.
*This set doesn't appreciate being worn down, especially the Rain Dance set as hazards such as Spikes make it harder to safely set up. Hence, entry hazard removers, such as Starmie and Latias are good teammates.
*Steel-and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
*Taunt can be used in order to prevent Pokemon such as Gastrodon from using recovery moves.
*Rest + Sleep Talk can be used in conjunction with Life Orb, Mystic Water, or Rocky Helmet if a more reliable answer to Scizor and Bisharp is required.
*Icium Z + Icy Wind in conjunction with Calm Mind is an option if Keldeo wishes to KO Latias and Amoonguss.
Checks and Counters
===================
*Psychic-types*: Psychic-types such as Latias and Slowbro are especially effective at shutting down Keldeo, as they also resist Water and have access to Calm Mind. However, Latias must be cautious of a Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind, and Slowbro of Hidden Power Electric or Bug. Starmie is also able to switch into Keldeo's STAB moves and recover off the damage, but it must be wary of Hidden Power Electric or Bug, which Keldeo can use to threaten it. Alakazam is able to revenge kill Keldeo if it isn't using Choice Scarf or behind a Substitute.
*Grass-types*: Grass-types such as Amoonguss are generally bulky enough to be able to switch into any of Keldeo's attacks without fear, especailly Amoonguss because of Regenerator. Even Pokemon such as Decidueye and Chesnaught are able to check it but must be wary of burns and coverage moves. Celebi is a sturdier answer than the former two but must fear Hidden Power Bug.
*Water-types*: Water-types such as Suicune and Alomomola are capable of switching into Keldeo; however, the mentioned two must be wary of Substitute sets. Water-types generally take a passive approach to deal with Keldeo, such as with Scald burns or Toxic, so they have to be a little more cautious. Tentacruel is able to switch into most Keldeo sets comfortably barring Choice Specs Hidden Power Electric and can proceed to use Rapid Spin, Haze or Toxic Spikes.
*Water-immune Pokemon*: Pokemon such as Toxicroak and Jellicent are able to check Keldeo, although they have to be cautious of its coverage. Toxicroak in particular doesn't take Secret Sword very well. Mantine walls all Keldeo sets that do not carry Hidden Power Electric. Gastrodon is unable to switch into Choice Specs Secret Sword but is able to beat it otherwise. Heliolisk is immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves and can KO it when provided a free switch but fears its Fighting-type STAB moves.
*Fairy-types*: Fairy-types such as Clefable and Primarina are able to switch into Keldeo's attacks, but they are much less reliable than Water-and Psychic-types. Primarina in particular doesn't take much from even coverage moves because of its high special bulk. However, it cannot switch into Secret Sword comfortably because it is 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage. Clefable must be cautious when it comes to switching into Hydro Pump and needs to be extremely healthy to take 2 Scalds. Whimsicott is able to check Keldeo but doesn't enjoy taking repeated strong attacks.
*Electric-types*: Electric-types such as Raikou and Choice Scarf Magneton are able to threaten Keldeo with STAB Thunderbolt and Volt Switch. They must, however, be cautious of Choice Scarf sets. Neither are able to switch into an attack safely.
*Flying-types*: Flying-types like Talonflame, Crobat, and Tornadus are able to revenge kill Keldeo, but they are unable to switch in safely because of Keldeo's powerful Water-type moves. They also run the risk of being outpaced by Keldeo's Choice Scarf set, which would result in them taking a lot of damage.
GP: CyroGyro
[OVERVIEW]
*Keldeo's valuable typing allows offensive and balanced teams to check Pokemon such as Scizor and Bisharp.
*Excellent Special Attack and relatively good Speed allow it to function as a good wallbreaker or revenge killer depending on its set.
*It has extremely good STAB moves in Hydro Pump, Scald, Secret Sword, and Focus Blast. Secret Sword gives Keldeo a big leg up over other special attackers, as it allows Keldeo to break past special walls such as Blissey. It also helps Keldeo stand out amongst other Water-types such as Suicune and Primarina.
*Due to it only utilizing a special movepool, its ability is entirely useless.
*It has extremely limited coverage options outside of Hidden Power. It does, however, have access to a boosting move in Calm Mind.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Specs
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Hydro Pump is Keldeo's primary Water-type STAB option, used for maximum damage output to net KOs that Scald doesn't. An example of this is specially defensive Hippowdon.
*Secret Sword is a unique option that Keldeo uses to get past special walls such as Blissey; its damage is calculated based on the target's Defense.
*Scald is Keldeo's secondary STAB option and is utilized for its reliable accuracy and ability to burn, which aids wallbreaking.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Mantine and Primarina.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to threaten Grass- and Dragon-types that attempt to switch into it, such as Amoonguss and Latias.
*Hidden Power Bug allows Keldeo to target Psychic-types that may switch in on it such as Slowbro and, more notably, Celebi.
*Focus Blast is an alternative for the last slot in order to punish physically defensive Water-resistant Pokemon such as Alomomola.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Special Attack and Speed is utilized to allow Keldeo to function efficiently.
*A Timid nature is required to outspeed Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Kyurem.
*Choice Specs equips Keldeo with the wallbreaking power needed to perform its role effectively.
*Expert Belt is an item that can be used instead of Choice Specs; if this is the case, then Keldeo forgoes Scald and runs a moveset of Hydro Pump / Secret Sword / Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind in order to make best use of its coverage to make up for the power drop.
Usage Tips
========
*While Keldeo serves as a good check to Bisharp and Scizor, try to avoid bringing it on a Knock Off, as losing Choice Specs effectively neuters it.
*Keldeo serves as a good early- or mid-game wallbreaker and should be brought in as many times during that period as possible in order to dent the opposing team with powerful attacks.
*If you are expecting one of Keldeo's checks to switch in and Keldeo carries the appropriate coverage for said check, try hitting it with that coverage.
*Keldeo appreciates U-turn and Volt Switch support in order to enter the battle safely.
Team Options
========
*Keldeo fits best on offensive teams where it's needed as a wallbreaker.
*Dark-types are extremely effective partners for Keldeo, as they threaten popular answers to it such as Slowbro and Latias.
*Pursuit users such as Scizor and Mega Aerodactyl trap Pokemon such as Latias, leaving holes in the opposition for Keldeo to exploit.
*Entry hazard setters such as Klefki help Keldeo break past switch-ins much more easily with said entry hazards' residual damage.
*Pokemon with access to U-turn and Volt Switch make for good partners, as they are able to get Keldeo in safely. Examples of this would be Scizor, Gliscor, and Raikou.
*Steel- and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types such as Clefable, which are able to check Keldeo.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Secret Sword
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Icy Wind / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Scald is the primary Water-type STAB move because it can burn potential checks, which is more important in the long run than immediate power.
*Hydro Pump provides more power than Scald, allowing Keldeo to net KOs against the likes of Gengar.
*Secret Sword is a unique option that Keldeo has to get past special walls such as Blissey; its damage is calculated based on the target's Defense.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Mantine and Primarina.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to threaten Grass- and Dragon-types that attempt to switch into it such as Chesnaught and Latias.
*Hidden Power Bug allows Keldeo to target Psychic-types that may switch in on it such as Slowbro and, more notably, Celebi.
*Toxic can be used to cripple Pokemon like Slowbro, Alomomola, and Gastrodon, which helps Keldeo in the long run.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Speed with a Choice Scarf and a Timid nature is essential in order for Keldeo to outspeed other Choice Scarf users. This allows it to revenge kill normally faster checks such as Gengar.
*Special Attack is also maximized in order to ensure it hits as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
*This set functions best as a revenge killer, so Keldeo is generally brought in to finish off the opposing Pokemon after a Pokemon of yours has fainted.
*Against bulkier teams, you'll want to use Scald more often in order to spread burns.
*Avoid switching Keldeo into Knock Off, as it will miss out on the ability to outpace the Pokemon you may need it to. However, it may be beneficial to lose the item against bulkier teams so that Keldeo can threaten them with coverage.
Team Options
========
*Due to this set being primarily a revenge killer, it pairs very well with wallbreakers like Bisharp and Nidoqueen that can break through typical balance and stall teams.
*It pairs well with Pursuit users such as Assault Vest Metagross that help remove Latias and the like.
*Pokemon that punish Water- and Grass-types such as Raikou and Decidueye work well.
*Spikes support is appreciated, so Pokemon such as Roserade and Klefki make good partners.
*Steel- and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Scald
move 4: Secret Sword
item: Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Substitute allows Keldeo to set up safely against bulky Pokemon that can threaten it with Toxic such as Alomomola.
*Calm Mind ensures that Keldeo's substitute becomes increasingly harder to break in addition to giving Keldeo the ability to threaten the opposition.
*Scald is used over Hydro Pump due to its ability to burn, which whittles down Keldeo's checks, in addition to having perfect accuracy and high PP.
*Secret Sword ensures that Keldeo is able to easily break past Pokemon such as Blissey and those that are immune to Water-type moves such as Seismitoad.
Set Details
========
*The given EV spread maximises Keldeo's Special Attack, allowing it to hit as hard as possible.
*Maximum Speed with a Timid nature is important, as it allows Keldeo to outspeed the likes of Hydreigon.
*Maximum HP investment can be used instead of maximum Special Attack, as it prevents Keldeo's +2 substitute from being broken by Amoonguss's Giga Drain. However, this significantly decreases Keldeo's offensive presence.
*Leftovers are essential to this set, as they aid Keldeo in setting up Substitute throughout the game.
Usage Tips
========
*One must play a lot more carefully with this Keldeo set, as it aims to sweep the opponent as opposed to revenge killing or breaking.
*Keldeo should not be recklessly brought in against Pokemon such as Alomomola, as it runs the risk of being burned, poisoned, or getting its item removed, all of which are extremely detrimental to the success of this set.
*Keldeo should use Substitute against Pokemon that it is able to force out such as Bisharp.
*Only start setting up Calm Minds once Keldeo's checks have been weakened.
*Substitute should be used infrequently, as the repeated use of it wears down Keldeo too quickly because of its lack of recovery.
Team Options
========
*Pursuit support is mandatory with this set. Without it, Keldeo is unable to break through practically any team with a Psychic-type like Latias or Slowbro. Pursuit also helps trap Jellicent, which completely walls this set. Strong Pursuit users such as Bisharp and Krookodile function well.
*Pokemon such as Swords Dance Talonflame and Swords Dance Decidueye are excellent partners, as they are able to take on common Keldeo answers such as Amoongus and soften up other checks to Keldeo such as Slowbro.
*Pokemon that are able to lure in Keldeo's answers also function well as partners. Stored Power Clefable and Extrasensory Raikou are examples of this, as they are able to lure common checks such as Amoonguss.
*Ground-types like Hippowdon make for good defensive partners, as they are able to take on Pokemon such as Raikou.
*Steel-and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[SET]
name: Offensive Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Secret Sword
move 4: Hidden Power Electric / Hyper Beam / Rain Dance
item: Life Orb / Waterium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
*Calm Mind allows Keldeo to boost its already excellent Special Attack, making it extremely difficult to switch into.
*Hydro Pump is the Water-type STAB move of choice because it provides the highest amount of damage, which is essential for this set.
*Secret Sword allows it to muscle past special walls such as Blissey by taking advantage of their lower Defense stats.
*Hidden Power Electric allows Keldeo to hit Water-types such as Primarina and Mantine.
*Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows it to break past Amoonguss at +1 after a little bit of chip damage.
*Rain Dance is used in conjunction with Waterium Z because Z-Rain Dance increases Keldeo's Speed by 1 stage, allowing it function as a sweeper in addition to receiving a boost to its already powerful Water-type moves.
*Icy Wind allows Keldeo to hit Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Dragon-types such as Latias.
Set Details
========
*Maximum Special Attack and Speed are required in order to ensure this set hits as hard as possible and outpaces as many Pokemon as possible.
*Life Orb allows Keldeo to switch up moves while retaining high damage output.
*Waterium Z is provides Keldeo with a one-time nuke or the ability to use Z-Rain Dance to make it a threatening sweeper.
*Normalium Z is used with Hyper Beam for a 200-Base Power Breaknck Blitz without any drawbacks.
Usage Tips
========
*Non-Rain Dance variants are best used early- or mid-game in order to punish typical balance teams it finds itself having a favourable match up against.
*It utilises its additional coverage option in order to break down Pokemon that would usually switch into it such as Latias and Mantine.
*If Keldeo is using Normalium Z, it should attempt to lure one of its usual checks early-game.
*The Rain Dance set is best used late-game once Keldeo's checks are either eliminated or weakened. This paves the way for it to be able to make the most out of its limited rain turns; without rain, it doesn't hit quite as hard as it would like to.
*With a Z-Crystal, Keldeo has a bit more leeway when it comes to switching into Knock Off users such as Bisharp.
Team Options
========
*Spikes and Toxic Spikes support is greatly appreciated for this set, as it aids in wearing down Keldeo's checks. As a result,Pokemon such as Roserade and Tentacruel can make for decent partners.
*This set also appreciates Pursuit support, making Bisharp, Scizor, Krookdile, and Metagross all examples of good partners.
*The Rain Dance set appreciates wallbreakers that can dent Water- and Psychic-types. Raikou and Hydreigon perform this function well.
*Pokemon that are able to pressure Grass-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus make good partners.
*This set doesn't appreciate being worn down, especially the Rain Dance set as hazards such as Spikes make it harder to safely set up. Hence, entry hazard removers, such as Starmie and Latias are good teammates.
*Steel-and Poison-types such as Scizor and Nidoqueen are capable of handling Fairy-types that are able to check Keldeo such as Clefable.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
*Taunt can be used in order to prevent Pokemon such as Gastrodon from using recovery moves.
*Rest + Sleep Talk can be used in conjunction with Life Orb, Mystic Water, or Rocky Helmet if a more reliable answer to Scizor and Bisharp is required.
*Icium Z + Icy Wind in conjunction with Calm Mind is an option if Keldeo wishes to KO Latias and Amoonguss.
Checks and Counters
===================
*Psychic-types*: Psychic-types such as Latias and Slowbro are especially effective at shutting down Keldeo, as they also resist Water and have access to Calm Mind. However, Latias must be cautious of a Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind, and Slowbro of Hidden Power Electric or Bug. Starmie is also able to switch into Keldeo's STAB moves and recover off the damage, but it must be wary of Hidden Power Electric or Bug, which Keldeo can use to threaten it. Alakazam is able to revenge kill Keldeo if it isn't using Choice Scarf or behind a Substitute.
*Grass-types*: Grass-types such as Amoonguss are generally bulky enough to be able to switch into any of Keldeo's attacks without fear, especailly Amoonguss because of Regenerator. Even Pokemon such as Decidueye and Chesnaught are able to check it but must be wary of burns and coverage moves. Celebi is a sturdier answer than the former two but must fear Hidden Power Bug.
*Water-types*: Water-types such as Suicune and Alomomola are capable of switching into Keldeo; however, the mentioned two must be wary of Substitute sets. Water-types generally take a passive approach to deal with Keldeo, such as with Scald burns or Toxic, so they have to be a little more cautious. Tentacruel is able to switch into most Keldeo sets comfortably barring Choice Specs Hidden Power Electric and can proceed to use Rapid Spin, Haze or Toxic Spikes.
*Water-immune Pokemon*: Pokemon such as Toxicroak and Jellicent are able to check Keldeo, although they have to be cautious of its coverage. Toxicroak in particular doesn't take Secret Sword very well. Mantine walls all Keldeo sets that do not carry Hidden Power Electric. Gastrodon is unable to switch into Choice Specs Secret Sword but is able to beat it otherwise. Heliolisk is immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves and can KO it when provided a free switch but fears its Fighting-type STAB moves.
*Fairy-types*: Fairy-types such as Clefable and Primarina are able to switch into Keldeo's attacks, but they are much less reliable than Water-and Psychic-types. Primarina in particular doesn't take much from even coverage moves because of its high special bulk. However, it cannot switch into Secret Sword comfortably because it is 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage. Clefable must be cautious when it comes to switching into Hydro Pump and needs to be extremely healthy to take 2 Scalds. Whimsicott is able to check Keldeo but doesn't enjoy taking repeated strong attacks.
*Electric-types*: Electric-types such as Raikou and Choice Scarf Magneton are able to threaten Keldeo with STAB Thunderbolt and Volt Switch. They must, however, be cautious of Choice Scarf sets. Neither are able to switch into an attack safely.
*Flying-types*: Flying-types like Talonflame, Crobat, and Tornadus are able to revenge kill Keldeo, but they are unable to switch in safely because of Keldeo's powerful Water-type moves. They also run the risk of being outpaced by Keldeo's Choice Scarf set, which would result in them taking a lot of damage.
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