Doubles Keldeo

Totem said i could use nollans skeleton. Will write up over next 3 days.

Overview
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Keldeo's unique Water / Fighting typing allows it to check many common threats in the metagame. This includes, but is not limited to, Heatran, Landorus-T, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Mega Kangashkan. Keldeo also sports a very high base 108 Speed and strong base 129 Special Attack, allowing it to not only outspeed the aforementioned threats but OHKO them as well when holding a Life Orb, a rarity in this metagame. Keldeo's base 91 / 90 / 90 defenses aren't that bad either, helping it take a neutral hit or two and retaliate hard. It also has a few solid support options, including Icy Wind and Quick Guard. While all this makes Keldeo seem amazing, it does have its flaws. The Water typing which gives Keldeo such a large offensive presence also gives it a weakness to common Electric-types in the metagame, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus. While its bulk isn't bad, it is not amazing either, which, when coupled with Keldeo's reliance on its high Speed stat, leaves it vulnerable to speed control. Keldeo also has a very limited movepool, making it predictable and therefore easier to play around.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Icy Wind / Quick Guard
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
evs: 24 HP / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========
This is Keldeo's most viable set, and it uses it very well. Hydro Pump is the chosen Water-type STAB, and it deals a lot of damage to any non-resisting opponent, of which, due to the great neutral coverage of Water-type attacks, there are many. However, because of the shaky 80% accuracy of Hydro Pump, Scald is also a viable option. It is 100% accurate and also comes with a nice 30% chance to burn the target, which is good for crippling physical attackers. The power drop is noticeable, however, as 4 / 0 Heatran avoids the OHKO from Scald. Secret Sword is Keldeo's most reliable Fighting-type STAB attack, and it scores an OHKO on 4 / 0 Mega Kangaskhan. It can also hit opposing Water-types which resist Hydro Pump, like Rotom-W and Ludicolo, as well as hitting Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Icy Wind gives Keldeo a spread attack that slows the opposing Pokemon down, letting Keldeo's ally outspeed them. Quick Guard is another support option here, as it blocks incoming Fake Out and Talonflame's Brave Bird, which is super effective against Keldeo. Finally, Protect is a staple move in Doubles, as it can stall out weather conditions and Trick Room turns, as well as protect Keldeo from any attack while its partner takes its turn.

Set Details
========
The 24 HP EVs in minimize the amount of damage Keldeo takes from Life Orb recoil, and the 252 Speed EVs allow Keldeo to Speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo. The remaining 232 EVs are then invested in Special Attack for as much power as possible. A simpler EV spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe can be run as well. It doesn't get any more OHKOs or 2HKOs, but the extra power is nice if you aren't too worried about Life Orb recoil. Life Orb is the preferred item for this set, as it allows Keldeo to get several OHKOs it couldn't achieve otherwise. Focus Sash is also a plausible option here if you want Keldeo to survive at least one hit, though its defenses are high enough that it can usually survive most neutral hits and even weaker super effective hits without a Focus Sash. The power loss is also noticeable without a Life Orb.

Usage Tips
========
Keldeo should be brought in against Pokemon that it can threaten, such as Heatran, Landorus-T, Mega Kangaskhan, and Bisharp. However, Keldeo should not be played recklessly, and it must be brought in on an expected attack that it resists or after a teammate has fainted, or else Life Orb recoil and switch in damage will build up quickly. If Quick Guard is used over Icy Wind, then Keldeo should be mainly used against Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan so its partner can attack without fear of getting flinched. It can also be used to block powerful priority attacks such as Talonflame's Brave Bird, and can stop Prankster Thunder Wave, among other things. However, this often requires proper prediction, as the opponent might expect it and use an attack without priority instead, wasting your turn. If carried, Icy Wind can be used to slow down opposing threats for a partner or to hit both opponents when a Follow Me / Rage Powder supporter like Togekiss or Amoonguss, respectively, is on the field. It can also help Keldeo slow down a faster threat, such as Shaymin-S, and pick it off afterwards. Once Keldeo has defeated the opponents it was meant to check, it can then proceed to hit anything and everything as hard as possible. As long as its teammates can handle the remaining members of the opposing team, keeping Keldeo alive won't be a major issue.

Team Options
========
Because of its ability to counter multiple major Doubles threats, Keldeo can find a spot on almost any team. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Gourgeist-S make good teammates, as they can switch into common Electric- and Grass-type attacks that are super effective against Keldeo. In particular, they are great for being able to handle Rotom-W, which is probably the most common threat to Keldeo. Electric- and Rock-types are also good teammates, being useful for dealing with Talonflame and other Flying-types that Keldeo is weak to. A notable choice here is Mega Manectric. Before Mega Evolving, it has the ability Lightningrod to draw in super effective Electric-type attacks for Keldeo. Once it has Mega Evolved, it gains the useful ability Intimidate to weaken physical attackers. It also acts as a good Talonflame switch-in, resisting its priority Brave Bird. Dark-types, such as Bisharp, make good teammates as well, handling Psychic-types for Keldeo. Those with access to Sucker Punch are particularly helpful for dealing with Latios, a very common threat to Keldeo which resists both of its STAB attacks. Fire-types that beat Pokemon like Amoonguss and Venusaur are particularly helpful, as those two resist both of Keldeo's STAB attacks too. Heatran and Rotom-H are especially effective as they also wall Talonflame, though Chandelure, Talonflame, and others are also very effective. Rage Powder / Follow Me support from Amoonguss or Togekiss is a useful asset to Keldeo, redirecting particularly threatening attacks and helping it stay around for longer to check the Pokemon it needs to.

Other Options
########
A Substitute set with Leftovers, where Substitute is used over Icy Wind, is a solid option, making use of the switches Keldeo tends to force to protect itself from an incoming attack. Focus Blast can be used over Secret Sword due to its higher Base Power of 120, but usually the risk of it missing 30% of the time is not worth the increase in power, as Keldeo still gets the OHKOs it needs to with Secret Sword. Stone Edge is an incredibly surprising move that Keldeo can use to hit Mega Charizard Y. It OHKOes Charizard without any investment, something that Hydro Pump cannot do when Drought is active. Calm Mind can be used, because, if given the opportunity to use it, Keldeo can hit even harder while also finding it easier to take special attacks. Reflect is an option if your team has trouble with physical attackers. Taunt can shut down Trick Room and Tailwind among other support moves. Helping Hand can give an ally a 50% boost in power for their next attack, which is useful if Keldeo cannot do much damage to the opposing side or has removed all of the Pokemon it needed to, though these situations rarely occur. Safeguard can protect allies from status moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, and Spore. Mystic Water is also an item option because it gives Keldeo's Water-type moves of choice a 20% boost in power without the harmful recoil effect from a Life Orb. Coba Berry is a nifty item that Keldeo can make use of, as it helps it survive a Brave Bird from a 252+ Choice Band Talonflame, proceeding to OHKO it with a Water-type attack. Wacan Berry can help Keldeo live a Thunderbolt from Thundurus before hitting it hard with a Hydro Pump. However, this will not KO without a Life Orb, and so is not recommended. Lum Berry allows Keldeo to have a safety net against Thundurus's Thunder Wave, following it up with a Hydro Pump, but yet again, this won't KO. Choice Specs is another item Keldeo can use, as it hits much harder than Life Orb without its harmful recoil effect. However, as a result, Keldeo cannot switch moves, forcing it to switch out if an opponent that resists its attacks switches in.

Checks and Counters
########
**Speed Control**: Opposing speed control shuts down Keldeo, as its Speed is its most important trait and without it Keldeo becomes very easy to 2HKO, if not OHKO. Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room will all halt Keldeo's offensive capabilities.

**Speed**: Talonflame can come in on a Secret Sword or Icy Wind and OHKO Keldeo with a priority Brave Bird, ignoring any Speed drops. Fast Electric-types such as Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Raikou, and Mega Manectric can deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt / Volt Switch. However, these Pokemon must be wary of switching into a Hydro Pump, as this will always OHKO Talonflame and deal a lot of damage to the Electric-types as well, Raikou and Mega Manectric of which must also be careful of Secret Sword.

**Typing Advantage**: Latios can switch into Keldeo's STAB attacks and proceed to OHKO it with Psyshock. It must be wary of a super effective Icy Wind which makes it slower than Keldeo, though. Bulky Rotom-W can tank two Secret Swords when factoring in Sitrus Berry and deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt. Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Trevenant, Gourgeist-S, and Amoonguss can comfortably sit in front of Keldeo as they resist both of its STAB attacks, and because Icy Wind has a very low Base Power, it will be doing very little to them. These Grass-types can then proceed to hit Keldeo with their Grass-type STAB attacks or put it to sleep with Sleep Powder or Spore. Jellicent is a complete wall to Keldeo, as it is immune to both of Keldeo's STAB attacks and resists Icy Wind, and can chip away at it with Shadow Ball, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, or simply set up Trick Room for its teammates. Cresselia and other bulky Psychic-types are similar to Jellicent in that they can comfortably take multiple Hydro Pumps while hitting Keldeo with Psyshock, Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or simply setting up Trick Room to "slow it down" for 5 turns, crippling Keldeo.

Overview
########

I accidentally deleted this and saved the edit -.- But rest assured, I most definitely included everything in this section.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Icy Wind / Quick Guard
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
evs: 24 HP / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
########
  • Unique Water / Fighting typing allows Keldeo to check common metagame threats such as Heatran, Landorus-T, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Kangashkan-Mega among others; unfortunately the typing does give it weakness to common Electric-types in the metagame (Rotom-W, Thundurus)
  • Base 108 Speed along with base 129 Special Attack allow Keldeo to outspeed and OHKO aforementioned threats when holding a Life Orb, something no other Pokemon can boast doing
  • 91 / 90 / 90 defenses aren't too shabby either
  • It has a few solid support options including Icy Wind and Quick Guard
  • Relatively mediocre bulk and reliance on its high speed can leave it vulnerable to speed control
  • It has a very limited movepool ("one trick pony" :>)
All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Icy Wind / Quick Guard
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
evs: 24 HP / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========
  • Hydro Pump is Keldeo's Water-type STAB move of choice, and deals heavy damage to anything that does not resist it. Unfortunately, it has shaky 80% accuracy. As such, Scald is a viable alternative since it hits consistently and also comes with a useful 30% change to burn, though the loss in power is very great, notably missing out on a guaranteed OHKO on 252 HP Heatran.
  • Secret Sword is Keldeo's most reliable Fighting-type STAB attack, and with a LO it will net a guarenteed OHKO on 4 / 0 Mega Kangashkan-Mega. It is also your best option against bulky Water-types like Rotom-W and Ludicolo, as well as any Ferrothorn you may run into.
  • Icy Wind provides Keldeo with a spread move that also slows the opposition down, allowing Keldeo's partners to move first; Quick Guard is a viable alternative and can block slower Fake Outs as well as Talonflame's Brave Bird, an attack that would usually threaten Keldeo
  • Protect rounds off the set as a staple move in Doubles, stalling out weather, Trick Room, and allowing Keldeo to safely guard itself from harmful attacks while its partner does work
Set Details
========
  • 24 HP EVs minimize the amount of damage Keldeo takes from LO recoil; 252 Speed EVs allow Keldeo to speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo; remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack
  • Life Orb is the preferred item, allowing Keldeo to get several OHKOs it couldn't achieve otherwise
  • Focus Sash is also a plausible option if you want Keldeo to survive at least one hit, though its defenses are high enough that it can usually survive most neutral hits and even weaker Super-Effective hits without a Focus Sash
Usage Tips
========
  • This set is very simple: safely bring it in when you see Heatran, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan-Mega, Bisharp, and/or any other threats that it OHKOs, and proceed to knock out or force out said threats
  • "Safely" is emphasized here, as LO recoil and switch in damage will add on fast. Try to bring Keldeo in on expected attacks that it resists, or when a team member has fainted, though the later is usually not preferred
  • If Quick Guard is run, it is typically used against Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan so its partner can attack without having to worry about getting flinched. It can also be used to block powerful priority such as Talonflame's Brave Bird and can stop Prankster Thunder Waves among other things, though this will often require proper play since the opponent might expect it and use an attack without priority instead
  • If run, Icy Wind can be used when there are threats on the field that your partner needs slowed down, or when a Follow Me supporter like Togekiss is on the field and you need to hit said Follow Me supporter's partner.
  • Once the threats Keldeo checks have been knocked out, it can proceed to hit anything and everything as hard as possible, as so long as its teammates can handle the remaining members of the opposing team, keeping Keldeo alive won't be that big of an issue
Team Options
========
  • Teams that are weak and/or threatened by Kangashkan-Mega, Bisharp, Heatran, and Landorus-T will enjoy Keldeo's help. This, not surprisingly, tends to include the majority of Doubles teams, since the above Pokemon are all very potent threats in the metagame.
  • Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Gourgeist-S make good teammates, switching into common Electric-type attacks as well as Grass-type attacks. In particular they excel at handling Rotom-W, which is probably the most common threat to Keldeo.
  • Electric-types and Rock-types are also good teammates, being helpful in dealing with Talonflame and other Flying-types that Keldeo does not enjoy facing
  • Dark-types, such as Bisharp, make good teammates, handling Psychic-types for Keldeo. Those with access to Sucker Punch are particularly helpful for dealing with Latios, a very common threat to Keldeo.
  • Fire-types that beat things like Amoonguss or particularly helpful, Heatran and Rotom-H are especially effective since it also walls Talonflame, though Chandelure, Talonflame, and others are also very effective
  • Rage Powder/Follow Me support from Amoonguss or Togekiss is a useful asset to Keldeo, keeping it out of the line of fire and helping it stay around for longer to check what it needs to check
Other Options
########
  • A Substitute set with Leftovers (Substitute over Icy Wind) is a solid option, making use of the switches Keldeo tends to force
  • Focus Blast can be used over Secret Sword due to its higher base power, but usually the risk is not worth the reward
  • Calm Mind can be used, as if given the opportunity to use it, Keldeo can hit even harder
  • Reflect is an option if your team has trouble with physical attackers
  • Taunt can shut down Trick Room and Tailwind among other things
  • Helping Hand can give an ally a 50% boost in power, which is useful if Keldeo cannot do much damage to the opposing side, though this situation rarely occurs
  • Safeguard can protect allies from status moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, and Spore
  • Mystic Water because Audiosurfer likes weird items can boost Hydro Pump/Scald by 20% while not packing the harmful recoil effect of Life Orb
Checks and Counters
########
  • The big three are Rotom-W, Latios, and Talonflame. The later two can outspeed and OHKO Keldeo, while bulky Rotom-W can tank two Secret Swords when factoring in Sitrus Berry and deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt.
  • Bulky Grass-types such as Venusaur-Mega, Trevenant, Gourgeist-S, and Amoonguss can comfortably sit in front of Keldeo since Icy Wind has a very lower base power and proceed to hit it with their Grass-type STAB attacks or Sleep Powder/Spore
  • Speedy Electric-types such as Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Raikou, and Manectric-Mega can deal heavy damage with their respective Thunderbolts/Volt Switches
  • Jellicent walls Keldeo in and out and can chip away at it with Shadow Ball, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, or simply set up Trick Room for its teammates
  • Cresselia (and other bulky Psychic-types) is similar to Jellicent in that it can comfortably endure multiple Hydro Pumps while hitting Keldeo with Psyshock, Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or simply setting Trick Room to completely cripple it for 5 turns
  • Opposing speed control shuts down Keldeo, as its speed is its most important trait and without it Keldeo is basically an easy OHKO/2HKO waiting to happen. Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room will all put a stop to its schemes
 
Last edited:

BLOOD TOTEM

braine damaged
is a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Solid write up =]
Only a couple of minor changes to make.
  • Remove the line breaks between the ####### or ======= and the paragraph
Set Details
  • Might be worth mentioning a simple 252 / 252 spread, whilst it doesn't pick up any significant OHKOs 2HKOs the extra power can make a difference if the user isn't bothered by reducing LO recoil
Usage Tips
  • Icy Wind also helps Keldeo, with good prediction you can drop the speed of faster mons which may switch into Keldeo, maybe mention Skymin or somth.
Team Options
  • Mega Manectric is a cool partner. Pre mega, lightningrod draws attacks, post mega Intimidate + good talon switch in.
Other Options
  • Coba Berry beats 252+ CB Talonflame
  • Wacan Berry helps handle Thundurus (up to you whether you include this one)
  • Stone Edge could be clutch vs Zard Y which otherwise can't be OHKOd by keld if sun is up
  • Specs hits hella hard but is generally less useful since no move switching / protect
Checks and Counters
There's a new format for this stuff which can be found here. If you don't get it, take a look at some other analysis or ask on IRC.

Tag me in a post and I'll stamp once this is all done =]
 

BLOOD TOTEM

braine damaged
is a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Looks good now.

One final thought I had is Lum to OO since it can beat some TWave users that way =]

QC 3/3
 

Electrolyte

Wouldn't Wanna Know
is a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
ADD
REMOVE
Capitalization
(COMMENTS)

Overview
########
Keldeo didn't see much usage in Doubles last generation. However, XY Doubles gave our little pony a new lease of life. It Keldeo's unique Water / Fighting typing allows Keldeo it to check many common threats in the metagame. This includes, but is not limited to, Heatran, Landorus-T, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Kangashkan-Mega. Keldeo also sports a very fast high base 108 Speed, as well as and a strong base 129 Special Attack, allowing Keldeo it to not only to outspeed the aforementioned threats,(AC) but OHKO them as well when holding a Life Orb,(AC) -(-Hyph.) a rarity among many of the common Pokemon of in this metagame. Keldeo'(+Apos)s base 91 / 90 / 90 defenses aren't that bad either, meaning it can helping it take a neutral hit or two and retaliate hard. It also has a few solid support options, which include including Icy Wind and Quick Guard. While all this all makes a Keldeo seem amazing, it does have has its flaws. The Water-(-Hyph)typing which gives Keldeo such a large offensive presence also gives it a weakness to common Electric-types in the metagame, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus-I. While its bulk isn't bad, it is not amazing either, which, when paired coupled with Keldeo'(+Apos)s reliance on its high Speed stat, leaves it vulnerable to speed control. Keldeo also has a very limited movepool, meaning it is making it predictable and therefore easier to play around. However, one would be foolish to underestimate this cute,(RC) but dangerous pony.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Icy Wind / Quick Guard
move 4: Protect
ability: Justified
item: Life Orb
evs: 24 HP / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========
This is Keldeo'(-Apos)s most viable set, and it uses it very well. (You don't really need this first line but if you want to keep it, I guess you can) Hydro Pump is the chosen Water(noSpace)-type STAB, and it deals a lot of damage to any non-resisting opponent, of which, due to the great neutral coverage of Water-types great neutral coverage attacks, there are many. However, because of the shaky 80% accuracy of Hydro Pumps shaky 80% accuracy, and its chance to miss in crucial situations, Scald is also a viable option. It is 100% accurate,(RC) and it also comes with a nice 30% chance to burn the target, which is good for crippling physical attackers. The power drop is noticeable, however, though, as 4 / 0 Heatran avoids the OHKO from Scald. Secret Sword is Keldeo'(+Apos)s most reliable Fighting-type STAB attack, and it scores an OHKO on 4 / 0 Kangaskhan-Mega. It can also hit opposing Water-types which resist Hydro Pump, like Rotom-W and Ludicolo, which resist Hydro Pump, as well as hitting Ferrothorn for super-(-Hyph)effective damage. Icy Wind gives Keldeo a spread attack that slows the opposing Pokemon down, letting Keldeo'(+Apos)s ally outspeed them. Quick Guard is another support option here, as it blocks incoming Fake Outs and Talonflame's Brave Bird, which would otherwise be Super-Effective super effective against Keldeo. Finally, a Protect is a staple move in Doubles, as it can stall out weather conditions and Trick Room turns, as well as protect Keldeo itself from any attack while Keldeoits partner takes its turn.

Set Details
========
The 24 HP EVs in Keldeos spread minimize the amount of damage it Keldeo takes from Life Orb recoil, while the 252 Speed EVs allow Keldeo to speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo. The remaining 232 EVs are then invested in Special Attack for as much power as possible. A simpler EV spread of 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed can be run as well. It doesn't get any more OHKOs or 2HKOs, but the extra power is nice if you aren't too worried about Life Orb recoil. Life Orb is the preferred item for this set, as it allows Keldeo to get several OHKOs it couldn't achieve otherwise. Focus Sash is also a plausible option here if you want Keldeo to survive at least one hit, though its defenses are high enough that it can usually survive most neutral hits and even weaker Super-Effective super effective hits without a Focus Sash. The power loss is also noticeable without a Life Orb.

Usage Tips
========
Using this set is not very hard. All you have to do is safely bring it in when you see Heatran, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan-Mega, Bisharp, as well as any other threats that Keldeo can get an OHKO on, and proceed to knock out or force out these Pokemon. Keldeo should be brought in against Pokemon that it can threaten, such as Heatran, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan-Mega, and Bisharp. However, you cannot play Keldeo it should not be played recklessly, and it must be brought in on an expected attack that it resists or when after a teammate has fainted, or else as Life Orb recoil and switch in damage will build up quickly. If Quick Guard is used over Icy Wind, then it is should be mainly used against Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan so its partner can attack without fear of getting flinched. It can also be used to block powerful priority attacks such as Talonflame'(+Apos)s Brave Bird, and can stop Prankster Thunder Waves,(AC) among other things. However, this often requires proper play since prediction, as the opponent might expect it and use an attack without priority instead, wasting your a turn. If run carried, Icy Wind can be used to slow down opposing threats for a partner or to hit both opponents when there are threats on the field that your partner needs slowed down, or when a Follow Me / Rage Powder supporter like Togekiss or Amoonguss, respectively, is on the field and you need to hit this Pokemons partner. It can also help Keldeo itself as it can slow down a faster threat to it, such as Shaymin-Sky, and pick it off afterwards its speed has been dropped. Once the threats that Keldeo checks have been knocked out, Once Keldeo has defeated the opponents it was meant to check, it can then proceed to hit anything and everything as hard as possible. As So long as its teammates can handle the remaining members of the opposing team, keeping Keldeo alive won't be a major issue.

Team Options
========
Teams that are weak to or threatened by Kangashkan-Mega, Bisharp, Heatran, and Landorus-T will enjoy Keldeo's help. This usually includes the majority of Doubles teams, since these Pokemon are all very potent and common threats in the metagame. Because of its ability to counter multiple major Doubles threats, Keldeo can find a spot on almost any team. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Gourgeist-S also make good teammates, as they can switch into common Electric-type attacks as well as and Grass-type attacks that are Super-Effective super effective against Keldeo. In particular,(AC) they are great for being able to handle Rotom-W, which is probably the most common threat to Keldeo. Electric-types and Rock-types are also good teammates, being useful for dealing with Talonflame and other Flying-types that Keldeo is weak to. A notable choice here is Manectric-Mega. Before Mega-(-Hyph)Evolving, it has the ability Lightningrod to draw in Super-Effective super effective Electric-type attacks for Keldeo. Once it has evolved, it gains has the useful ability Intimidate to weaken physical attackers, as well as providing and act as a good Talonflame switch-in, resisting its priority Brave Bird. Dark-types, like Bisharp for example, make good teammates as well, handling Psychic-types for Keldeo. Those with access to Sucker Punch are particularly helpful for dealing with Latios, a very common threat to Keldeo which resists both of its STAB attacks. Fire-types that beat Pokemon like Amoonguss or and Venusaur are particularly helpful, as those two resist both of Keldeos STAB attacks too. Heatran and Rotom-H are especially effective since as they also wall Talonflame, though Chandelure, Talonflame, and others are also very effective. Rage Powder(+Space)/(+Space)Follow Me support from Amoonguss or Togekiss is a useful asset to Keldeo, redirecting particularly threatening attacks to it and helping it stay around for longer to check the Pokemon it needs to.

Other Options
########
A Substitute set with Leftovers, where Substitute is used over Icy Wind, is a solid option, making use of the switches Keldeo tends to force to protect itself from an incoming attack. Focus Blast can be used over Secret Sword due to its higher base power of 120, but usually the risk of it only hitting 70% missing 30% of the time is not worth the increase in power, as Keldeo still gets the OHKOs it needs to with Secret Sword. Stone Edge is an incredibly unexpected surprising move that Keldeo can use to hit Charizard-Mega-Y Mega Charizard Y. It OHKOes Charizard without any investment, something that Hydro Pump cannot do when Sun Drought is up active. Calm Mind can be used, because,(AC) if given the opportunity to use it, Keldeo can hit even harder while also finding it easier to take special attacks. Reflect is an option if your team has trouble with physical attackers. Taunt can shut down Trick Room and Tailwind among other support moves. Helping Hand can give an ally a 50% boost in power for their next attack, which is useful if Keldeo cannot do much damage to the opposing side or has removed all of the Pokemon it needed to, though these situations rarely occur. Safeguard can protect allies from status moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, and Spore. Mystic Water is also an item option because it gives Keldeo'(+Apos)s Water-type moves of choice a 20% boost in power without the harmful recoil effect from a Life Orb. Coba Berry is a nifty item that Keldeo can make use of, as it helps it survives a Brave Bird from a 252+ Attack Adamant Nature Choice Banded Talonflame, proceeding to OHKO it with a Water-type attack. Wacan Berry can help Keldeo live a Thunderbolt from Thundurus-I, before hitting it hard with a Hydro Pump. However, this will not KO without a Life Orb, and so is not recommended. Lum Berry allows Keldeo to have a safety net against Thundurus-I'(+Apos)s Thunder Wave, following it up with a Hydro Pump, but yet again, this won't KO. Choice Specs is also another item Keldeo can use, as it hits much harder than Life Orb without its harmful recoil effect. However, as a result, Keldeo cannot switch moves, forcing it to switch out a lot as if a resist switches in.

Checks and Counters
########
**Speed Control**(noBold):(+Colon) (noEnter)Opposing speed control also shuts down Keldeo, as its Speed is its most important trait and without it Keldeo becomes very easy to 2HKO, if not OHKO. Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room will all halt Keldeo'(+Apos)s offensive capabilities.

**Speed**:(same as above) Talonflame can come in on a Secret Sword or Icy Wind and OHKO Keldeo with a priority Brave Bird, ignoring any Speed drops. Fast Electric-types such as Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Raikou, and Manectric-Mega can deal heavy damage with their respective Thunderbolts(+Space) / (+Space)Volt Switches. However, these Pokemon Talonflame must be wary of switching into a Hydro Pump, as this will always OHKO it Talonflame and deal a lot of damage to the Electric-types as well, Raikou and Mega Manectric of which must also be careful of , while Electric-types must be careful of Hydro Pump as well as Secret Sword, in Raikous and Manectric-Megas cases.

**Typing Advantage**:(same as above) Latios can switch into Keldeo'(+Apos)s STAB attacks and proceed to OHKO it with a Psyshock, though. Although it must be wary of a Super-Effective super effective Icy Wind which makes it slower than Keldeo. Bulky Rotom-W can tank two Secret Swords when factoring in Sitrus Berry and deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt. Bulky Grass-types such as Venusaur-Mega, Trevenant, Gourgeist-S, and Amoonguss can comfortably sit in front of Keldeo as they resist both of its STAB attacks, and since because Icy Wind has a very lower base power,(AC) it will be doing very little to them. These Grass-types can then proceed to hit Keldeo with their Grass-type STAB attacks or put it to sleep with Sleep Powder or Spore. Jellicent is a complete wall to Keldeo, as it is immune to both of Keldeo'(+Apos)s STAB attacks and resists Icy Wind, while chipping and can chip away at it with Shadow Ball, burning it with Will-O-Wisp, or simply set up Trick Room for its teammates. Cresselia,(RC) and other bulky Psychic-types,(RC) are similar to Jellicent in that they can comfortably take multiple Hydro Pumps while hitting Keldeo with Psyshock, Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or simply setting Trick Room to 'slow it down' for 5 turns, crippling Keldeo.


Nice work AuraRayquaza

GP 1/2

 
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Thanks electro! I assume that from team options was all fine? Will make changes now.

Oops didn't see the WIP.
 
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GatoDelFuego

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AuraRayquaza

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Overview
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Keldeo's unique Water / Fighting typing allows it to check many common threats in the metagame. This includes, but is not limited to, Heatran, Landorus-T, Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Mega Kangashkan-Mega. Keldeo also sports a very high base 108 Speed and strong base 129 Special Attack, allowing it to not only outspeed the aforementioned threats but OHKO them as well when holding a Life Orb, a rarity in this metagame. Keldeo's base 91 / 90 / 90 defenses aren't that bad either, helping it take a neutral hit or two and retaliate hard. It also has a few solid support options, including Icy Wind and Quick Guard. While all this makes Keldeo seem amazing, it does have its flaws. The Water typing which gives Keldeo such a large offensive presence also gives it a weakness to common Electric-types in the metagame, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus. While its bulk isn't bad, it is not amazing either, which, when coupled with Keldeo's reliance on its high Speed stat, leaves it vulnerable to speed control. Keldeo also has a very limited movepool, making it predictable and therefore easier to play around. However, one would be foolish to underestimate this cute but dangerous pony.

All-Out Attacker
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name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump / Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Icy Wind / Quick Guard
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Justified
evs: 24 HP / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========
This is Keldeo's most viable set, and it uses it very well. This is Keldeo'(-Apos)s most viable set, and it uses it very well. Hydro Pump is the chosen Water-type STAB, and it deals a lot of damage to any non-resisting opponent, of which, due to the great neutral coverage of Water-type attacks, there are many. However, because of the shaky 80% accuracy of Hydro Pump, Scald is also a viable option. It is 100% accurate and also comes with a nice 30% chance to burn the target, which is good for crippling physical attackers. The power drop is noticeable, however, as 4 / 0 Heatran avoids the OHKO from Scald. Secret Sword is Keldeo's most reliable Fighting-type STAB attack, and it scores an OHKO on 4 / 0 Mega Kangaskhan-Mega. It can also hit opposing Water-types which resist Hydro Pump, like Rotom-W and Ludicolo, as well as hitting Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Icy Wind gives Keldeo a spread attack that slows the opposing Pokemon down, letting Keldeo's ally outspeed them. Quick Guard is another support option here, as it blocks incoming Fake Out and Talonflame's Brave Bird, which would otherwise be is super effective against Keldeo. Finally, Protect is a staple move in Doubles, as it can stall out weather conditions and Trick Room turns, as well as protect Keldeo from any attack while its partner takes its turn.

Set Details
========
The 24 HP EVs in minimize the amount of damage Keldeo takes from Life Orb recoil, while and the 252 Speed EVs allow Keldeo to Speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo. The remaining 232 EVs are then invested in Special Attack for as much power as possible. A simpler EV spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA ecial Attack / 252 Speed can be run as well. It doesn't get any more OHKOs or 2HKOs, but the extra power is nice if you aren't too worried about Life Orb recoil. Life Orb is the preferred item for this set, as it allows Keldeo to get several OHKOs it couldn't achieve otherwise. Focus Sash is also a plausible option here if you want Keldeo to survive at least one hit, though its defenses are high enough that it can usually survive most neutral hits and even weaker super effective hits without a Focus Sash. The power loss is also noticeable without a Life Orb.

Usage Tips
========
Keldeo should be brought in against Pokemon that it can threaten, such as Heatran, Landorus-T, Mega Kangaskhan-Mega, and Bisharp. However, it Keldeo should not be played recklessly, and it must be brought in on an expected attack that it resists or after a teammate has fainted, or else Life Orb recoil and switch in damage will build up quickly. If Quick Guard is used over Icy Wind, then it Keldeo should be mainly used against Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan so its partner can attack without fear of getting flinched. It can also be used to block powerful priority attacks such as Talonflame's Brave Bird, and can stop Prankster Thunder Wave, among other things. However, this often requires proper prediction, as the opponent might expect it and use an attack without priority instead, wasting your turn. If carried, Icy Wind can be used to slow down opposing threats for a partner or to hit both opponents when a Follow Me / Rage Powder supporter like Togekiss or Amoonguss, respectively, is on the field. It can also help Keldeo slow down a faster threat, such as Shaymin-Sky, and pick it off afterwards. Once Keldeo has defeated the opponents it was meant to check, it can then proceed to hit anything and everything as hard as possible. As long as its teammates can handle the remaining members of the opposing team, keeping Keldeo alive won't be a major issue.

Team Options
========
Because of its ability to counter multiple major Doubles threats, Keldeo can find a spot on almost any team. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Gourgeist-S make good teammates, as they can switch into common Electric- and Grass-type attacks that are super effective against Keldeo. In particular, they are great for being able to handle Rotom-W, which is probably the most common threat to Keldeo. Electric- and Rock-types are also good teammates, being useful for dealing with Talonflame and other Flying-types that Keldeo is weak to. A notable choice here is Mega Manectric. Before Mega Evolving, it has the ability Lightningrod to draw in super effective Electric-type attacks for Keldeo. Once it has Mega Evolved, it gains the useful ability Intimidate to weaken physical attackers. It also and acts as a good Talonflame switch-in, resisting its priority Brave Bird. Dark-types, like such as Bisharp for example, make good teammates as well, handling Psychic-types for Keldeo. Those with access to Sucker Punch are particularly helpful for dealing with Latios, a very common threat to Keldeo which resists both of its STAB attacks. Fire-types that beat Pokemon like Amoonguss and Venusaur are particularly helpful, as those two resist both of Keldeo's STAB attacks too. Heatran and Rotom-H are especially effective as they also wall Talonflame, though Chandelure, Talonflame, and others are also very effective. Rage Powder / Follow Me support from Amoonguss or Togekiss is a useful asset to Keldeo, redirecting particularly threatening attacks and helping it stay around for longer to check the Pokemon it needs to.

Other Options
########
A Substitute set with Leftovers, where Substitute is used over Icy Wind, is a solid option, making use of the switches Keldeo tends to force to protect itself from an incoming attack. Focus Blast can be used over Secret Sword due to its higher Base Power of 120, but usually the risk of it missing 30% of the time is not worth the increase in power, as Keldeo still gets the OHKOs it needs to with Secret Sword. Stone Edge is an incredibly surprising move that Keldeo can use to hit Mega Charizard Y. It OHKOes Charizard without any investment, something that Hydro Pump cannot do when Drought is active. Calm Mind can be used, because, if given the opportunity to use it, Keldeo can hit even harder while also finding it easier to take special attacks. Reflect is an option if your team has trouble with physical attackers. Taunt can shut down Trick Room and Tailwind among other support moves. Helping Hand can give an ally a 50% boost in power for their next attack, which is useful if Keldeo cannot do much damage to the opposing side or has removed all of the Pokemon it needed to, though these situations rarely occur. Safeguard can protect allies from status moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, and Spore. Mystic Water is also an item option because it gives Keldeo's Water-type moves of choice a 20% boost in power without the harmful recoil effect from a Life Orb. Coba Berry is a nifty item that Keldeo can make use of, as it helps it survive a Brave Bird from a 252+ Choice Banded Talonflame, proceeding to OHKO it with a Water-type attack. Wacan Berry can help Keldeo live a Thunderbolt from Thundurus, (RC) before hitting it hard with a Hydro Pump. However, this will not KO without a Life Orb, and so is not recommended. Lum Berry allows Keldeo to have a safety net against Thundurus's Thunder Wave, following it up with a Hydro Pump, but yet again, this won't KO. Choice Specs is another item Keldeo can use, as it hits much harder than Life Orb without its harmful recoil effect. However, as a result, Keldeo cannot switch moves, forcing it to switch out if an opponent that resists its attacks switches in.

Checks and Counters
########
**Speed Control**: Opposing speed control shuts down Keldeo, as its Speed is its most important trait and without it Keldeo becomes very easy to 2HKO, if not OHKO. Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room will all halt Keldeo's offensive capabilities.

**Speed**: Talonflame can come in on a Secret Sword or Icy Wind and OHKO Keldeo with a priority Brave Bird, ignoring any Speed drops. Fast Electric-types such as Thundurus, Thundurus-T, Raikou, and Mega Manectric can deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt / Volt Switch. However, these Pokemon must be wary of switching into a Hydro Pump, as this will always OHKO Talonflame and deal a lot of damage to the Electric-types as well, Raikou and Mega Manectric of which must also be careful of Secret Sword.

**Typing Advantage**: Latios can switch into Keldeo's STAB attacks and proceed to OHKO it with Psyshock, though. It must be wary of a super effective Icy Wind which makes it slower than Keldeo, though. Bulky Rotom-W can tank two Secret Swords when factoring in Sitrus Berry and deal heavy damage with Thunderbolt. Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Trevenant, Gourgeist-S, and Amoonguss can comfortably sit in front of Keldeo as they resist both of its STAB attacks, and because Icy Wind has a very low Base Power, it will be doing very little to them. These Grass-types can then proceed to hit Keldeo with their Grass-type STAB attacks or put it to sleep with Sleep Powder or Spore. Jellicent is a complete wall to Keldeo, as it is immune to both of Keldeo's STAB attacks and resists Icy Wind, and can chip away at it with Shadow Ball, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, or simply set up Trick Room for its teammates. Cresselia and other bulky Psychic-types are similar to Jellicent in that they can comfortably take multiple Hydro Pumps while hitting Keldeo with Psyshock, Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or simply setting up Trick Room to "slow it down" for 5 turns, crippling Keldeo.

2/2
 
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