OU Keldeo

[craing ;_;]

uh taunt is slashed after hp elec bcs it is only effective w/ life orb, not specs which is slashed first. @ Vertex i would also slash salac berry on subcm keld, it gives it a better chance at sweeping offense, bluffs scarf since no lefties and is pretty helpful if you need to rkill something in a pinch. should be mentioned that timid on scarfdeo lets it outspeed kabutops in rain, +2 dnite, altaria and speed is useful in case you get knock offed. i would also mention nastypass celebi in team options for it's scarfset. mention tentacruel in checks and counters. overall this is pretty comprehensive gj 1/3

 

[Albacore]

btw HP Ice is mentioned simply because of this:

252 SpA Keldeo Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Garchomp: 336-396 (94.1 - 110.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Keldeo Icy Wind vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Garchomp: 308-364 (86.2 - 101.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

you also get a higher chance to KO Phys Def Lando after SR so HP Ice does actually get some KOs, it's not really a good option but it's at least somewhat viable.

 

[AM]

Remove Aqua Jet from OO. It's pretty sub-par and realistic not worth while at all in practice, even with Life Orb it'll provide you very little benefits over having something else. The fast attackers I would put in their respective categories in your checks and counters section, such as M-Gallade for Psychic and then another category that focuses on fast Electric types like the ones you have mentioned right now. Include Mega Slowbro in checks and counters as it beats non CM sets, and even CM sets depending on the M-Slowbro variant. Small mentions of stuff that aren't too common but still warrant a check and counter such as M-Alakazam and Seismitoad as well. General Water Absorb mons basically that can pivot into Keldeo.

 

[Tokyo Tom]

- ORAS was unkind to Keldeo, introducing new checks as well as certain amount of speed creep.
- In early XY its Choice Scarf set emerged as a great revenge killer and one of the best checks to very common Pokemon such as Greninja, Mega Lopunny and Scarf Landorus-T, and shortly after the Greninja ban, Sub CM gained a huge amount of popularity as well.

Just wanted to note that analyses shouldn't contain temporal shifts (by this I mean they're supposed to be "timeless") so when writing this up, don't mention other metas or use language such as "the current meta" or "early ORAS/XY" etc.

I'd also give a special mention somewhere in either the SubCM set (or you can elaborate under the "Fairies" portion of C&C) that Hyper Voice Pixilate Fairies really screw the set over.

I also second all of AM's stuff, but whatever you do DON'T mention Poliwrath, it's terrible and I remember people hyping this thing like it was a Keldeo counter but even other absorb 'Mons like Seismitoad have a much bigger niche

Other than that, looks good, 2/3

 

[Albacore]

Implemented the above check and wrote this up.

Also took the liberty of slashing HP Bug on the Specs set since I find it to be a really good move on Keldeo, hitting not just Celebi but also Slowbro, Starmie, Latios and Latias is really useful given how common these Pokemon are. I personally find it to be superior to HP Electric since Celebi is more common than regular Gyarados atm but I'd like some QC input as to whether or not I should do that.

 

[TheEnder]

looks good, 3/3

 

[Lumari]

remove
add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)

nothing puny about this pony

Overview
########

Keldeo is one of the biggest threats in the OU tier. Thanks to its solid Speed, good wallbreaking capabilities, and its notorious ability to wear down its checks thanks to that Scald burns, it excels offensively. It is also good defensively, thanks to its solid bulk and great defensive typing which that enables it to check many powerful threats such as Bisharp, Mega Gyarados, (remove hyphen; AC) and Heatran, which makes it very easy to fit on teams. Unfortunately, its lack of coverage moves and the fact that its dual STABs are resisted by a good number of Pokemon its commonly resisted STAB coverage gives it a rather large pool of checks. And while its Speed is good, it is still outsped by a good number of Pokemon such as Latios, Mega Lopunny (remove hyphen), and Mega Metagross. (remove hyphen) Even so, Keldeo's attributes enables enable it to often outlast its checks, and it is a threat every team needs to prepare for.

Substitute + Calm Mind
########
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Scald
move 4: Secret Sword
ability: Justified
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute enables Keldeo to protect itself from status and take advantage of defensive Pokemon that cannot deal enough damage to it to break the Substitute (no examples in the middle of the category description please) such as Heatran, Alomomola and non-Psyshock Slowbro who cannot deal enough damage to it to break the sub. It also eases prediction against offensive teams, (RC) and stops Bisharp from beating Keldeo if it is weakened to the point where a +2 has been brought into Sucker Punch's will KO range it. Calm Mind has excellent synergy with Substitute, not only increasing Keldeo's power but also giving it added its bulk, (AC) which helps it set up even further against defensive Pokemon and stops it from being revenge killed as easily by special attackers. Scald is an accurate, drawback-free, reliable STAB move with a great secondary effect, which that enables Keldeo to wear down checks like such as Latias, Slowbro, (AC) and Mega Venusaur (remove hyphen) over time. Secret Sword is your Keldeo's most accurate special Fighting STAB move and enables you it to hit special walls such as Chansey.

Set Details
========

Leftovers gives Keldeo some more longevity and enables it to set up more than just 4 four Substitutes in one game. However, Salac Berry may be used in order to give Keldeo a better chance at sweeping offensive teams, and while also enables enabling it to bluff a Choice item, (AC) which can help it set up Substitutes. Though it may seem odd to maximize offenses on a bulky setup sweeper, Keldeo need an offensive spread so as to not be too heavily reliant on Calm Mind and still be able to check slower attackers as well as tie with opposing Keldeo and Terrakion.

Usage Tips
========

This set acts as a good win condition against balanced and stall teams. Try to set up on Pokemon that are typically used as answers to Keldeo such as Alomomola and Tentacruel as well as Slowbro and Starmie lacking Psyshock. Don't attempt to sweep with Calm Mind until Keldeo's counters are gone. Substitute is good to use against status users or Pokemon you Keldeo can force out or status users, (AC) but be use it sparingly, since as otherwise you Keldeo may get yourself to too low on health to be able to switch into certain threats later. Do not use Substitute if the opponent has Pixilate Hyper Voice users such as Mega Gardevoir and Mega Altaria, since as they can break hit through said Substitute.

Team Options
========

This set really benefits from a way to remove the Lati twins Latios and Latias, be it through Pursuit support, a lure, or wearing them down with powerful attacks. It also requires a Lati switch-in (add hyphen) to them, more so than Keldeo's other sets since as (causal since is unexpectedly tricky to use properly so it's best to just avoid it and stick with because or as) it is much more especially vulnerable to them than these. You also want to remove Keldeo's other checks, (AC) namely Mega Venusaur, (AC) who which can easily win 1v1 one-on-one even after one Calm Mind boost; (SC) Celebi, (AC) who which can use Perish Song to phaze force (it doesn't quite phaze) Keldeo out; (SC) and any of Keldeo's offensive checks such as Talonflame and Thundurus. Mega Metagross is an excellent partner for Keldeo since because it can check Mega Venusaur, (remove hyphen) Mega Gardevoir, and Grass- types, Fairy-types, and Psychic-types (add hyphens, removed prior 'types' for readability) in general, and can while even being able to Pursuit trap Latis Latios and Latias and lure Mega Slowbro. In return, Keldeo deals with Pokemon such as Bisharp, Landorus-T and Hippowdon, (AC) who which threaten Mega Metagross. (remove hyphen)

All-Out-Attacker
########
name: All-Out-Attacker
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric / Hidden Power Bug / Taunt
ability: Justified
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Scald is you Keldeo's main STAB move. It is very spammable, has high PP, hits quite hard after the Choice Specs boost, and wears down usual switch-ins (add hyphen) such as Latios, Mega Venusaur, (AC) and Slowbro. Secret Sword is your Keldeo's best Fighting STAB move and lets you it break Chansey very easily and reliably. Hydro Pump is very powerful and is needed to break past bulky Pokemon such as Clefable, Jirachi, (AC) and Mew. Icy Wind hits Latios, Latias, (AC) and Dragonite, 2HKOing them after the Speed drop, and deals a good amount of damage to Amoonguss and Celebi. Hidden Power Electric is your Keldeo's best option against bulky Waters Water-types such as Gyarados, Slowbro, Suicune, Starmie, (AC) and Alomomola. Hidden Power Bug can be used to cleanly OHKO Celebi while also hitting Latios, Latias, Slowbro, (AC) and Starmie. Hidden Power Flying enables you Keldeo to hit Mega Venusaur (remove hyphen) while also hitting most Grass-types. (add hyphen) Hidden Power Grass is an option for hitting Gastrodon as well as most Hidden Power Electric targets, but it is generally inferor inferior to it since because Gyarados is more common than Gastrodon. If a Life Orb is used, Taunt helps Keldeo break down defensive Pokemon by denying their recovery and stops Pokemon like Alomomola, Slowbro, (AC) and Gastrodon from statusing it.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs gives Keldeo a huge amount of firepower and turns it into a great wallbreaker. A Life Orb can be used if you don't want to get locked into one move; (SC) however, Keldeo benefits from the extra power of Choice Specs and dislikes getting worn down by Life Orb recoil. Maximum Speed and max SpA Special Attack investment enables Keldeo to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature is important to outspeed base 100s as well as Garchomp, and to Speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Scald should be used a lot early-game in order to wear down switch-ins (add hyphen) such as Latios and Mega Venusaur (remove hyphen) with a potential burn, and it is the main move you'll Keldeo will be using against offensive teams. Hydro Pump is often need needed in order to to break past certain Pokemon and is therefore useful against defensive teams. However, if the opponent has something which that can take two Hydro Pumps and recover off the damage, such as Mega Venusaur, (remove hyphen) Scald is the better move since because the burn chance will potentailly potentially cripple the switch-in, (AC, add hyphen) which will pay off more in the long run. If everything on the opposing is has been weakened to the point where Hydro Pump 2HKOs 2HKOes, (similar to go -> goes) it should be used. Try not to get it Keldeo statused, since Keldeo as it relies on repeated opportunities to fire off its powerful STAB moves and can get stalled out more easily if it is poisoned or burnt burned.

Team Options
========

Since Because Keldeo is checked by bulky Water-types (add hyphen) such as Azumarill, Slowbro, and Alomomola, a Grass-type (add hyphen) like such as Celebi, Breloom, or Ferrothorn can make for a good partner. A Fire-type can help deal with Grass-types (add hyphen) such as Celebi, Amoonguss, and to a lesser extent Mega Venusaur. (remove hyphen) Hetaran Heatran specifically pairs very well with Keldeo very well since because it can also deal with Latios and Latias and switch into Talonflame. Latios and Latias are a solid partners for Keldeo given their ability to deal with most of Keldeo's Water- and Grass-type (add hyphens) checks. Keldeo likes support from something that can weaken its checks, particularly Latios, so that Keldeo it can attack more freely; (SC) Something like as such, Pokemon with similar checks such as (clarification, but feel free to adjust this if I misunderstood) Mega Charizard Y or and Life Orb Terrakion can therefore be make decent partners. However, make sure that you also pack something that can easily switch into the Keldeo check you're trying to wear down. Something which A teammate that can switch into fast Electric-types (add hyphen), like such as Hippowdon or and Raikou, (either give examples of electrics or their switch-ins, but not a blend of both n_n) is appreciated since because they easily outspeed Keldeo and can therefore check it. Pursuit support from Tyranitar, Bisharp, (AC) or Weavile can help trap Psychic-types (add hyphen) that wall Keldeo, (AC) such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresellia Cresselia, and Celebi, though the former latter can evade Pursuit trapping via Baton Pass

Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric
ability: Justified
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Scald is your Keldeo's safest STAB move, (RC) and the main move you it will be using to revenge kill weakened threats and clean up weakened teams. The burn chance can potentially (redundant) disable cripple some switch-ins (add hyphen) such as Azumarill and Chesnaught and wear down other others such as Latios and Mega Venusaur (remove hyphen). Secret Sword is by far your Keldeo's best Fighting STAB move since because its ability to hit on the physical side rather than on the special set deal physical rather than special damage enables Keldeo to get past special walls such as Chansey. Hydro Pump is your Keldeo's most powerful move, (RC) and allows you it to revenge kill healthy Pokemon which that can live survive a Scald. Icy Wind enables you Keldeo to hit Latios and Latias, and the Speed drop enables you Keldeo to somewhat neuter then them as well as or outspeed them next turn if hey they are Scarfed holding a Choice Scarf themselves.It also hits Dragonite quite hard. Hidden Power Ice may be used for the extra damage, but the 5 Base Power increase is insignificant compared to the Speed drop in most cases. However, it has a higher chance of OHKOing Naive Garchomp and guarantees the OHKO after Stealth Rock, so it may be used for that reason. Hidden Power Electric lets you Keldeo reliably revenge kill non-Mega Gyarados regardless of whether it Mega Evolves or not (clarification, assuming you're gonna use Secret Sword to revenge kill Mega Gyara; if you meant that HP Electric is used to revenge kill any Gyara ignore this change and just remove the hyphen in Mega Evolves) and also gives you it an option to hit Starmie and other bulky Water-types (add hyphen) such as Slowbro. Hidden Power Bug 2HKOs 2HKOes Celebi, which no other move can do, while also hitting Latios, Latias, and Starmie for decent damage. Hidden Power Flying is an option for hitting Mega Venusaur (remove hyphen) wile also hitting as well as other Grass types such as Celebi and Chesnaught; (SC) however, Venusaur isn't particularly common, (RC) and isn't hit hard without a SpA boosting item.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf enables Keldeo to outspeed most of the metagame, notably, it outspeeds outspeeding Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, (AC) and Latios. Maxed Maxing out offenses Special Attack and Speed (offenses=Atk+SpA) enables Keldeo to revenge kill better improves Keldeo's revenge killing capabilities. Justified is Keldeo's only ability. A Timid nature enables you Keldeo to outspeed opposing scarfers Choice Scarf users such as Garchomp, (RC) and Victini, Kabutops in rain, and Adamant Dragonite at +2, as well as Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf Keldeo and Terrakion. (comma to period) and Additionally, it enables Keldoe Keldeo to still outspeed a large portion of the metagame if it gets its Choice Scarf removed by Knock Off. A Modest nature still outspeeds most of the metagame and may be preferred to increase Keldeo's damage output. However, it fails to outspeed certain key threats, most notably Jolly Mega Charizard X (remove hyphens) after one Dragon Dance.

Usage Tips
========

This set should be saved for the mid- to late-game (add hyphens) to check a certain threat to your team. However, it can make for a decent lead for its ability to anti-lead Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mamosine Mamoswine, and Terrakion, all common leads. Although it is a good switch-in (add hyphen) to the likes of Heatran and Bisharp, be cautious when switching Keldeo in on these Pokemon since because you may need to keep it unscathed to better take on certain threats like Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar. In these cases, try not to get it worn down by status and other residual damage and attempt to keep its Scarf intact prevent its Choice Scarf from being Knocked Off. (assuming that's what you meant, because keeping the scarf intact doesn't really make sense) Use Hydro Pump only if you need the extra power to revenge kill something, since because Scald is more accurate and therefore more reliable.

Team Options
========

This set mostly fits on balanced and offensive teams as a check to the likes of Landorus-T, Bisharp and Mega Gyarados, (AC; remove hyphen) who which can be threatening to these types of teams, and act (parallelism, and you were missing a 'to' anyway) as a revenge killer in general. It should be paired up with a good answer to Latios and Latias, like such as Heatran or Clefable. Most bulky Steel-types (add hyphen) make for good partners since because they handle Fairy- and Dragon-types (add hyphens) that threaten Keldeo; (SC) particularly Ferrothorn is especially notable for its ability to deal with Azumarill and Dragon Dance Mega Altaria. (remove hyphen) Choice Scarf Tyranitar is an excellent partner given that it can for its ability to Pursuit trap Latis Latios and Latias, (comma) In return while Keldeo in return can revenge kill Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados (remove hyphen) and Mega Tyranitar, (remove hyphen, AC)who which easily use Scarf Tyranitar locked into Pursuit as setup fodder. Grass-types (add hyphen) make good partners for Keldeo since because they deal with Water-types (add hyphen) Keldeo can't break past such as Azumarill and Slowbro. Celebi in particular is a great partner for Keldeo since because the only Water-types (add hyphen) it loses to in (Mega Gyarados, Mega Sharpedo, and Crawdaunt) are very easily checked by Keldeo, and because it can potentially pass a Nasty Plot boost to it.

Other Options
########

Expert Belt enables Keldeo to bluff a Choice item. However, Life Orb or Salac Berry is generally better since because Keldeo's lack of coverage means it cannot hit many Pokemon super effectively. An offensive Calm Mind set with 3 three attacks and a Life Orb can turn Keldeo into a powerful setup sweeper; (SC) however the Sub Calm Mind Substitute + Calm Mind (or SubCM if you prefer, but I used this for consistency with the set name you used in the rest of the analysis) set is generally better due to the added bulk provided by Leftovers compared to Life Orb and Substitute's ability to dodge status. Endeavor combined with Substitute or a Focus Sash can enable Keldeo to severely weaken a threat, but it is quite gimmicky and unreliable. Focus Blast is an option for hitting certain physical walls that resist or are immune to Water such as physically defensive Gastrodon, Tangrowth, (AC) and Chesnaught (Bulletproof n_n pick something else please or remove outright); (SC) however, (AC) its bad accuracy and inability to hit Chansey for serious damage makes make it a far weaker option than Secret Sword for the most part.

Checks & Counters
########

**Psychic-types** (add hyphen): Psychic-types (add hyphen) which that have enough special bulk to take on Keldeo or also resist Water can handle it without too much difficulty. Latios and Latias are both very common checks that can take any move bar Choice Specs Icy Wind which results in a Speed drop (a bit technical+not really necessary) and OHKO back with Psyshock. Slowbro and Mega Slowbro can take a Hydro Pump and strike it with Psyshock; (SC) even without Psychock Psyshock, they can handle Choice sets by repeatedly recovering repeatedly, (or 'repeated recovering', but this sounds a lot better. 'repeatedly recovering' is wrong) although they lose to any set which that runs Substitute, Calm Mind, (AC) or Taunt. They are also unable to switch into Choice Specs Hidden Power Electric or Bug unless they are running full Special Defense investement investment. Slowking is a hard counter to Keldeo, not even fearing super effective (remove hyphen) Hidden Powers thanks to its special bulk. Starmie is a very good Keldeo counter, (RC) by virtue of not fearing Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure and outspeeding it. However it, much like Slowbro, it needs Psyshock to handle Substitute + Calm mind sets and also fears Hidden Power Electric and Bug. It also cannot switch in repeatedly if it is running an offensive set. Cresselia has enough bulk to take any hit and can retaliate with Psyshock. Gothitelle can trap Keldeo, live any hit, (AC) and KO it back with Psyshic Psychic or Psyshock. Wobbuffet can trap and check Choice Choiced sets, but it cannot handle sub CM sets Substitute + Calm Mind (again, SubCM is correct, but that wouldn't be consistent with the rest of the analysis) or Taunt sets. Mega Gallade and Mega Metagross, (RC) can take any of Keldeo's hits from full HP and OHKO back with Zen Headbutt. However, they need to be at full health to survive a Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump, are outsped and 2HKOed by Choice Scarf Hydro Pump from the Choice Scarf set, and hate betting burnt burned (better stick to the game's spelling for what's effectively a technical term) by Scald. Mega Alakazam can also outspeed and OHKO Keldeo, but it takes a huge amount of damage from the Choice Specs set, being OHKOed by Hydro Pump, and cannot handle the Choice Scarf set. Mew is a decent check to Choiced sets which that can use Synchronise Synchronize to its advantage by burning reflect Scald burns onto Keldeo if it ever gets burnt by Scald itself, but it is 2HKOed by Chocie Specs-boosted Hydro Pump, and unless it runs Psyshock, it loses to Sub CM sets

**Water-types** (add hyphen): Bulky Water-types (add hyphen) can check Keldoe witout Keldeo without too much difficulty. Gyarados switches into any move bar Hidden Power Electric and can set up a Substitute in front of it, and although it hates getting burnt burned by Scald, it can circumvent this thinks to by running Lum Berry. Alomomola can handle Chocied Choiced sets rather well but loses to both Substitute and Taunt sets. (comma to period) Gastrodon is immune to both Scald and Hydro Pump and can easily take a Secret Sword if it runs a physically defensive spread, and although it struggles against SubCM (remove space) sets, it can break Keldeo's Substitute thanks to with Earthquake. (period) However, it loses to Taunt sets regardless. (remove one period) Seismitoed Seismitoad can also handle Keldeo thanks to Water Absorb, (AC) but it lacks reliable recovery and therefore cannot beat it conistently consistently. Tentacruel is a loose (eh, I'm not familiar with this one... do you mean 'soft check'?) check to Chocied Choiced sets, but it cannot switch into them multiple times and loses to SubCM. (remove space)

**Fairy-types (add hyphen)**: Fairy-types (add hyphen) resist Secret Sword and are usually quite specially bulky, (AC) and can therefore enabling them to take Keldeo's Water hits Water-type moves rather well while resisting Secret Sword, (RC) and hit back super effectively. (remove hyphen) Clefable is a good Keldeo check thanks to Magic Guard enabling it to absorb ignore Scald burns, but it can be 2HKOed by Choice Specs-boosted (add hyphen) Hydro Pump and take takes a lot of damage from Chocie Choice Specs-boosted Scald if running a physically defensive spread. Azumarill can take any hit bar Choice Specs Hidden Power Electric from the Choice Specs set, which it even takes rather well if holding an Assault Vest, but is disabled crippled by Scald burns. Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can both take any hit and OHKO back with Hyper Voice, and they are particularly good checks to the Substitute + Calm Mind set since because Hyper Voice hits through Substitute. Mega Altaria is a very good answer to Keldeo, resisting its dual STABs and even taking Icy Wind quite well, being able to switch into Scald without being particularly troubled by burns thanks to Natural Cure and Heal Bell, and also having access to Hyper Voice which enables it to break hit though Keldeo's Substitutes. Togekiss is a decent check to Keldeo since because it has enough special bulk to take its Scalds and has acess as well as access to Heal Bell to remove any burns; (SC) however, (AC) it cannot switch into Keldeo properly after Stealth Rocks Rock and struggles with to beat the Choice Specs set.

**Grass-types** (add hyphen): Grass-types (add hyphen) are able to take Scalds very well and therefore serve as good answers to Keldeo, so as long as they are not Fighting-weak to Fighting. Celebi is one of the best Keldeo counters there is, as it resists Keldeo's STABs and can take even Choice Specs Icy Winds, only fearing Hidden Power Bug, and while it deals a lot of of damage back with Giga Drain. (period) Serperior can take any hit, outspeed Keldeo, and threaten it with a powerful Leaf Storm; (SC) however, (AC) it has more trouble against Choice Scarf sets. Tangrowth is a solid check who that can easily take Secret Swords thanks to its phsyical physical bulk; (SC) however, (AC) it is hit quite hard by Choice Specs Icy Wind and Hidden Power Bug from the Choice Specs set, though an Assault Vest set can take these hits better. Gourgeist fears Icy Wind but can take most other hits quite well. Mega Sceptile can take Scalds extremely well, but it is OHKOed by Icy Wind and takes a massive amount of damage from Secret Sword, even being OHKOed by the Choice Specs Secret Sword set after Stealth Rock damage. Chesnaught can deal with Keldeo decently, but it loathes both Scald burns and Icy Wind, and if it gets burnt, it can no longer break Keldeo's Substitutes with Drain Punch.

**Flying-types** (add hyphen): Flying-types (add hyphen) can take Keldeo's Sacred Sword very well and can usually outspeed and KO it with their super effective (remove hyphen) Flying STAB moves. Tornadus-T is a good chekc check to Keldeo, being able to switch into both of its man main STAB moves well, especially if carrying an Assault Vest, and OHKOing back with Hurricane. However, it has trouble with Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind, and the Life Orb set is OHKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump and takes a huge amount of damage from Chocie Choice Specs-boosted Scald as well. Talonflaem Talonflame and Mega Pinsir (remove hyphen) cannot switch into Scald or (or what?), but they can switch into Secret Sword very easily, with the former OHKOing bqck back with Brave Bird and the latter dealing a huge amount of damage with Quick Attack. Although it can neither outspeed Keldeo ot nor hit it super effectively, (remove hyphen) Dragonite resists Keldeo's dual STAB, which enables him it to switch into any move from Keldeo bar Icy Wind, and although it hates Scald burns, it usually carries a with Lum Berry to restore its status if it does get burnt curing a potential Scald burn. Zapdos can run a specially defensive spread to take on Keldeo decently, but it too fears Choice Specs-boosted Icy Winds and Hydro Pumps.

**Poison-types** (add hyphen): Poison-types (add hyphen) serve as good checks to Keldeo, especially since because most of them resist Water or are immune to it. Mega Venusaur is a good counter to Keldeo, taking any hit bar Choice Specs-boosted Hidden Power Flying, although it does get worn down by Scald burns rather fast. Amoonguss has access to Regenerator and can hold Black Sludge, (AC) which makes it less prone to getting worn down by Scald burns; (SC) however, (AC) it struggles against Icy Wind variants. Dragalge can take any hit bar Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind and hit back very hard with its Adaptability-boosted STAB moves. Toxicroak is immune to Water thanks to Dry Skin, making it a good Keldeo check, though it can be OHKOed by Hidden Power Flying.

**Faster Electric-types** (add hyphen): Although they cannot switch in too well, fast Electric-types (add hyphen) like such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, (RC) serve as decent checks to Keldeo for because of their ability to outspeed it and hit back for super effective (remove hyphen) damage. However, (AC) they all struggle against can't reliably switch in on (clarification, feel free to ignore if this isn't what you meant) the Choice Scarf variant, (AC) which can outspeed and 2HKO them.

GP 1/2

 

[Albacore]

Check implemented. The Dutch Plumberjack just to clarify, Raikou was mentioned as a check to electric types since it's one of the best switchins to Thundurus and can pivot into Volt Switches

 

[Lumari]

Check implemented. The Dutch Plumberjack just to clarify, Raikou was mentioned as a check to electric types since it's one of the best switchins to Thundurus and can pivot into Volt Switches

ah ok, didn't catch that, sorry. (In that case it should also be 'such as Hippowdon or Raikou', hehe)

 

[P Squared]

GP 2/2 \o/

Hide

Overview
########

Keldeo is one of the biggest threats in the OU tier. Thanks to its solid Speed, good wallbreaking capabilities, and notorious ability to wear down its checks that with Scald burns, it excels offensively. It is also good defensively, thanks to its solid bulk and great defensive typing that enables it to check many powerful threats such as Bisharp, Mega Gyarados, and Heatran, which makes it very easy to fit on teams. Unfortunately, its lack of coverage moves and its commonly resisted STAB coverage gives give it a rather large pool of checks. And while its Speed is good, it is still outsped by a good number of Pokemon such as Latios, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Metagross. Even so, Keldeo's attributes enable it to often outlast its checks, and it is a threat every team needs to prepare for.

Substitute + Calm Mind
########
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Scald
move 4: Secret Sword
ability: Justified
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute enables Keldeo to protect itself from status and take advantage of defensive Pokemon that cannot deal enough damage to it to break the Substitute, (comma) such as Heatran, Alomomola and non-Psyshock Slowbro. It also eases prediction against offensive teams, (remove comma) and stops Bisharp from beating Keldeo if it has been brought into Sucker (space in between) Punch's KO range. Calm Mind has excellent synergy with Substitute, not only increasing not only Keldeo's power but also its bulk, which helps it set up even further against defensive Pokemon and stops it from being revenge killed as easily by special attackers. Scald is an accurate, drawback-free, reliable STAB move with a great secondary effect that enables Keldeo to wear down checks such as Latias, Slowbro, and Mega Venusaur. Secret Sword is Keldeo's most accurate special Fighting STAB move and enables it to hit special walls such as Chansey.

Set Details
========

Leftovers gives Keldeo some more longevity and enables it to set up more than just four Substitutes in one game. However, Salac Berry may be used in order to give Keldeo a better chance at sweeping offensive teams, while also enabling it to bluff a Choice item, which can help it set up Substitutes. Though it may seem odd to maximize offenses on a bulky setup sweeper, Keldeo needs an offensive spread so as to not be too heavily reliant on Calm Mind and still be able to check slower attackers as well as Speed tie with opposing Keldeo and Terrakion.

Usage Tips
========

This set acts as a good win condition against balanced and stall teams. Try to set up on Pokemon that are typically used as answers to Keldeo, (comma) such as Alomomola and Tentacruel as well as Slowbro and Starmie lacking Psyshock. Don't attempt to sweep with Calm Mind until Keldeo's counters are gone. Substitute is good to use against status users or Pokemon Keldeo can force out, but use it sparingly, as otherwise Keldeo may get too low on health to be able to switch into certain threats later. Do not use Substitute if the opponent has Pixilate Hyper Voice users such as Mega Gardevoir and Mega Altaria, as they can hit through said Substitute.

Team Options
========

This set really benefits from a way to remove Latios and Latias, be it through Pursuit support, a lure, or wearing them down with powerful attacks. It also requires a switch-in to them, as it is especially vulnerable to them. You also want to remove Keldeo's other checks, namely Mega Venusaur, which can easily win one-on-one even after one Calm Mind boost; Celebi, which can use Perish Song to force Keldeo out; and any of Keldeo's offensive checks, such as Talonflame and Thundurus. Mega Metagross is an excellent partner for Keldeo because it can check Mega Venusaur, Mega Gardevoir, and Grass-, Fairy-, and Psychic-types in general, while even being able to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias and lure Mega Slowbro. In return, Keldeo deals with Pokemon such as Bisharp, Landorus-T, (comma) and Hippowdon, which threaten Mega Metagross.

All-Out Attacker (remove second dash)
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name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric / Hidden Power Bug / Taunt
ability: Justified
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Scald is Keldeo's main STAB move. It is very spammable, has high PP, hits quite hard after the Choice Specs boost, and wears down usual switch-ins such as Latios, Mega Venusaur, and Slowbro. Secret Sword is Keldeo's best Fighting STAB move and lets it break through Chansey very easily and reliably. Hydro Pump is very powerful and is needed to break past bulky Pokemon such as Clefable, Jirachi, and Mew. Icy Wind hits Latios, Latias, and Dragonite, 2HKOing them after the Speed drop, and deals a good amount of damage to Amoonguss and Celebi. Hidden Power Electric is Keldeo's best option against bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Slowbro, Suicune, Starmie, and Alomomola. Hidden Power Bug can be used to cleanly OHKO Celebi while also hitting Latios, Latias, Slowbro, and Starmie. Hidden Power Flying enables Keldeo to hit Mega Venusaur while also hitting most Grass-types. Hidden Power Grass is an option for hitting Gastrodon as well as most Hidden Power Electric targets, but it is generally inferior to it because Gyarados is more common than Gastrodon. If a Life Orb is used, Taunt helps Keldeo break down defensive Pokemon by denying their recovery and stops Pokemon like Alomomola, Slowbro, and Gastrodon from statusing it.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs gives Keldeo a huge amount of firepower and turns it into a great wallbreaker. A Life Orb can be used if you don't want to lock Keldeo get locked into one move; however, Keldeo benefits from the extra power of Choice Specs and dislikes getting worn down by Life Orb recoil. Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment enables Keldeo to be as fast and powerful as possible. A Timid nature is important to outspeed base 100s 100 Speed Pokemon as well as Garchomp, and to Speed tie with Terrakion and opposing Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Scald should be used a lot early-game in order to wear down switch-ins such as Latios and Mega Venusaur with a potential burn, and it is the main move Keldeo will be using against offensive teams. Hydro Pump is often needed in order to to break past certain Pokemon and is therefore useful against defensive teams. However, if the opponent has something a Pokemon that can take two Hydro Pumps and recover off the damage, such as Mega Venusaur, Scald is the better move because the burn chance will potentially cripple the switch-in, which will pay off more in the long run. If everything on the opposing team has been weakened to the point where Hydro Pump 2HKOes, it should be used. Try not to get Keldeo statused, as it relies on repeated opportunities to fire off its powerful STAB moves and can get stalled out more easily if it is poisoned or burned.

Team Options
========

Because Keldeo is checked by bulky Water-types such as Azumarill, Slowbro, and Alomomola, a Grass-type such as Celebi, Breloom, or Ferrothorn can make for a good partner. A Fire-type can help deal with Grass-types such as Celebi, Amoonguss, and to a lesser extent Mega Venusaur. Heatran specifically pairs very well with Keldeo because it can also deal with Latios and Latias and switch into Talonflame. Latios and Latias are solid partners for Keldeo given their ability to deal with most of Keldeo's Water- and Grass-type checks. Keldeo likes support from something that can weaken its checks, particularly Latios, so that it can attack more freely; as such, Pokemon with similar checks, (comma) such as Mega Charizard Y and Life Orb Terrakion make for decent partners. However, make sure that you also pack something that can easily switch into the Keldeo check you're trying to wear down. A teammate that can switch into fast Electric-types, such as Latias, Hippowdon, (comma) or Raikou, is appreciated because they easily outspeed and OHKO Keldeo. Pursuit support from Tyranitar, Bisharp, or Weavile can help trap Psychic-types that wall Keldeo, such as Latios, Latias, Slowbro, Cresselia, and Celebi, though the latter can evade Pursuit trapping via Baton Pass. (period)

Choice Scarf
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name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric
ability: Justified
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Scald is Keldeo's safest STAB move, (remove comma) and the main move it will be using to revenge kill weakened threats and clean up weakened teams. The burn chance can cripple some switch-ins such as Azumarill and Chesnaught and wear down others such as Latios and Mega Venusaur. Secret Sword is by far Keldeo's best Fighting STAB move because its ability to deal physical rather than special damage enables Keldeo to get past special walls such as Chansey. Hydro Pump is Keldeo's most powerful move, (remove comma) and allows it to revenge kill healthy Pokemon that can survive a Scald. Icy Wind enables Keldeo to hit Latios and Latias, and the Speed drop enables Keldeo to somewhat neuter them or outspeed them next turn if they are holding a Choice Scarf themselves. It (space in between) also hits Dragonite quite hard. Hidden Power Ice may be used for the extra damage, but the 5 Base Power increase is insignificant compared to the Speed drop in most cases. However, it has a higher chance of OHKOing Naive Garchomp and guarantees the OHKO after Stealth Rock, so it may be used for that reason. Hidden Power Electric lets Keldeo reliably revenge kill non-Mega Gyarados and also gives it an option with which to hit Starmie and other bulky Water-types such as Slowbro. Hidden Power Bug 2HKOes Celebi, which no other move can do, while also hitting Latios, Latias, and Starmie for decent damage. Hidden Power Flying is an option for hitting Mega Venusaur as well as other Grass-types (dash) such as Celebi and Chesnaught; however, Venusaur isn't particularly common, (remove comma) and isn't hit hard without a boosting item.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf enables Keldeo to outspeed most of the metagame, notably outspeeding Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Latios. Maxing out Maximizing Special Attack and Speed improves Keldeo's revenge killing capabilities. Justified is Keldeo's only ability. A Timid nature enables Keldeo to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf users such as Garchomp, (remove comma if Victini is an example of a Choice Scarf user) and Victini, Kabutops in rain, and Adamant Dragonite at +2, as well as Speed tie with opposing Choice Scarf Keldeo and Terrakion. Additionally, it enables Keldeo to still outspeed a large portion of the metagame if it gets its Choice Scarf removed by Knock Off. A Modest nature still lets Keldeo outspeed outspeeds most of the metagame and may be preferred to increase Keldeo's damage output. However, it fails to outspeed certain key threats, most notably Jolly Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance.

Usage Tips
========

This set should be saved for the mid- to or (avoid "to" here, according to Spelling and Grammar Standards) late-game to check a certain threat to your team. However, it can make for a decent lead for its ability to (word missing here..."defeat"?) anti-lead Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mamoswine, and Terrakion. Although it is a good switch-in to the likes of Heatran and Bisharp, be cautious when switching Keldeo in on these Pokemon because you may need to keep it unscathed to better take on certain threats like such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar. In these cases, try not to get it worn down by status and other residual damage and attempt to prevent its Choice Scarf from being Knocked Off. Use Hydro Pump only if you need the extra power to revenge kill something, because Scald is more reliable.

Team Options
========

This set mostly fits on balanced and offensive teams as a check to the likes of Landorus-T, Bisharp, (comma) and Mega Gyarados, which can be threatening to these types of teams, and as a revenge killer in general. It should be paired up with a good answer to Latios and Latias, such as Heatran or Clefable. Most bulky Steel-types make for good partners because they handle Fairy- and Dragon-types that threaten Keldeo; Ferrothorn is especially notable for its ability to deal with Azumarill and Dragon Dance Mega Altaria. Choice Scarf Tyranitar is an excellent partner for its ability to Pursuit trap Latios and Latias, while Keldeo in return can revenge kill Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar, which easily use Choice Scarf Tyranitar locked into Pursuit as setup fodder. Grass-types make good partners for Keldeo because they deal with Water-types Keldeo can't break past, such as Azumarill and Slowbro. Celebi in particular is a great partner because the only Water-types it loses to in are Mega Gyarados, Mega Sharpedo, and (space in between) Crawdaunt, which are very easily checked by Keldeo, and because it can pass a Nasty Plot boost to it.

Other Options
########

Expert Belt enables Keldeo to bluff a Choice item. However, Life Orb or Salac Berry is generally better because Keldeo's lack of coverage means it cannot hit many Pokemon super effectively. An offensive Calm Mind set with three attacks and a Life Orb can turn Keldeo into a powerful setup sweeper; (SC) however, (comma) the Substitute + Calm Mind set is generally better due to the added bulk provided by Leftovers and Substitute's ability to dodge status. Endeavor combined with Substitute or a Focus Sash can enable Keldeo to severely weaken a threat, but it is quite gimmicky and unreliable. Focus Blast is an option for hitting certain physical walls that resist or are immune to Water such as physically defensive Gastrodon, Tangrowth, and Suicune; however, its bad accuracy and inability to hit Chansey for serious damage make it a far weaker option than Secret Sword.

Checks & Counters
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**Psychic-types**: (remove space before colon) Psychic-types that resist Water or have enough special bulk to take on Keldeo or resist Water (flows better imo) can handle it without too much difficulty. Latios and Latias are both very common checks that can take any move bar Choice Specs Icy Wind and OHKO back with Psyshock. Slowbro and Mega Slowbro can take a Hydro Pump and strike it Keldeo with Psyshock; even without Psyshock, they can handle Choice sets by recovering repeatedly, although they lose to any set that runs Substitute, Calm Mind, or Taunt. They are also unable to switch into Choice Specs Hidden Power Electric or Bug unless they are running full Special Defense investment. Slowking is a hard counter to Keldeo, not even fearing super effective Hidden Powers thanks to its special bulk. Starmie is a very good Keldeo counter, by virtue of not fearing Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure and outspeeding it (is this outspeeding thing part of why it doesn't fear Scald burns? if not, I'd change this to "by virtue of outspeeding it and not fearing Scald burns thanks to Natural Cure"). However, much like Slowbro, it needs Psyshock to handle Substitute + Calm Mind sets and fears Hidden Power Electric and Bug. It also cannot switch in repeatedly if it is running an offensive set. Cresselia has enough bulk to take any hit and can retaliate with Psyshock. Gothitelle can trap Keldeo, live survive any hit, and KO it back with Psychic or Psyshock. Wobbuffet can trap and check Choiced (not feeling this "d" personally, but up to you) sets, but it cannot handle Substitute + Calm Mind or Taunt sets. Mega Gallade and Mega Metagross, (remove comma) can take any of Keldeo's hits from full HP and OHKO back with Zen Headbutt. However, they need to be at full health to survive a Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump, are outsped and 2HKOed by Hydro Pump from the Choice Scarf set, and hate betting burned by Scald. Mega Alakazam can also outspeed and OHKO Keldeo, but it takes a huge amount of damage from the Choice Specs set, being OHKOed by Hydro Pump, and cannot handle the Choice Scarf set. Mew is a decent check to Choiced sets that and can use Synchronize to reflect Scald burns onto Keldeo, but it is 2HKOed by Chocie Specs-boosted Hydro Pump, and unless it runs Psyshock, it loses to Substitute + Calm Mind sets. Sub CM sets

**Water-types**: (remove space before colon) Bulky Water-types can check Keldeo without too much difficulty. Gyarados switches into any move bar Hidden Power Electric and can set up a Substitute in front of Keldeo it, (removes potential confusion about "it"s) and although it hates getting burned by Scald, it can circumvent this by running Lum Berry. Alomomola can handle Choiced sets rather well but loses to both Substitute and Taunt sets. Gastrodon is immune to both Scald and Hydro Pump and can easily take a Secret Sword if it runs a physically defensive spread, and although it struggles against Substitute + Calm Mind SubCM sets, it can break Keldeo's Substitute with Earthquake. However, it loses to Taunt sets regardless. Seismitoad can also handle Keldeo thanks to Water Absorb, but it lacks reliable recovery and therefore cannot beat it consistently. Tentacruel is a soft check to Choiced sets, but it cannot switch into them multiple times and loses to Substitute + Calm Mind sets SubCM.

**Fairy-types**: (remove space before colon) Fairy-types resist Secret Sword and are usually quite specially bulky, enabling them to take Keldeo's Water-type moves rather well and hit back super effectively. Clefable is a good Keldeo check thanks to Magic Guard enabling it to ignore Scald burns, but it can be 2HKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump and takes a lot of damage from Choice Specs-boosted Scald if running a physically defensive spread. Azumarill can take any hit bar Hidden Power Electric from the Choice Specs set, which it even takes rather well if holding an Assault Vest, but is crippled by Scald burns. Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can both take any hit and OHKO back with Hyper Voice, and they are particularly good checks to the Substitute + Calm Mind set because Hyper Voice hits through Substitute. Mega Altaria is a very good answer to Keldeo, resisting its dual STABs and even taking Icy Wind quite well, being able to switch into Scald without being particularly troubled by burns thanks to Natural Cure and Heal Bell, and also having access to Hyper Voice to hit though Keldeo's Substitutes. Togekiss is a decent check to Keldeo because it has enough special bulk to take its Scalds as well as access to Heal Bell to remove any burns; however, it cannot switch into Keldeo properly after Stealth Rock and struggles to beat the Choice Specs set. (period)

**Grass-types**: (remove space before colon) Grass-types are able to take Scalds very well and therefore serve as good answers to Keldeo, as long as they are not weak to Fighting. Celebi is one of the best Keldeo counters, as it resists Keldeo's STABs and can take even Choice Specs Icy Winds, only fearing Hidden Power Bug, while it deals a lot of of damage back with Giga Drain. Serperior can take any hit, outspeed Keldeo, and threaten it with a powerful Leaf Storm; however, it has more trouble against Choice Scarf sets. Tangrowth is a solid check that can easily take Secret Swords thanks to its physical bulk; however, it is hit quite hard by Icy Wind and Hidden Power Bug from the Choice Specs set, though an Assault Vest set can take these hits better. Gourgeist fears Icy Wind but can take most other hits quite well. Mega Sceptile can take Scalds extremely well, but it is OHKOed by Icy Wind and takes a massive amount of damage from Secret Sword, even being OHKOed by the Choice Specs set after Stealth Rock damage. Chesnaught can deal with Keldeo decently, but it loathes both Scald burns and Icy Wind, and if it gets burnt, it can no longer break Keldeo's Substitutes with Drain Punch.

**Flying-types**: (remove space before colon) Flying-types can take Keldeo's Sacred Sword very well and can usually outspeed and KO it with their super effective STAB (space in between) moves. Tornadus-T is a good check to Keldeo, being able to switch into both of its main STAB moves well, especially if carrying an Assault Vest, and OHKOing back with Hurricane. However, it has trouble with Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind, and the Life Orb set is OHKOed by Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump and takes a huge amount of damage from Choice Specs-boosted Scald as well. Talonflame and Mega Pinsir cannot switch into Scald or Hydro Pump, but they can switch into Secret Sword very easily, with the former OHKOing back with Brave Bird and the latter dealing a huge amount of damage with Quick Attack. Although it can neither outspeed Keldeo nor hit it super effectively, Dragonite resists Keldeo's dual STAB, which enables it to switch into any move from Keldeo bar Icy Wind, with Lum Berry curing (add space) a potential Scald burn. Zapdos can run a specially defensive spread to take on Keldeo decently, but it too fears Choice Specs-boosted Icy Winds and Hydro Pumps.

**Poison-types**: (remove space before colon) Poison-types serve as good checks to Keldeo, especially because most of them resist Water or are immune to it. Mega Venusaur is a good counter to Keldeo, taking any hit bar Choice Specs-boosted Hidden Power Flying, although it does get worn down by Scald burns rather fast. Amoonguss has access to Regenerator and can hold Black Sludge, which makes it less prone to getting worn down by Scald burns; however, it struggles against Icy Wind variants. Dragalge can take any hit bar Choice Specs-boosted Icy Wind and hit back very hard with its Adaptability-boosted STAB moves. Toxicroak is immune to Water thanks to Dry Skin, making it a good Keldeo check, though it can be OHKOed by Hidden Power Flying.

**Faster Electric-types**: (remove space before colon) Although they cannot switch in too well, fast Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, (remove comma) serve as decent checks to Keldeo because of their ability to outspeed it and hit back for super effective damage. However, none of them can reliably check the Choice Scarf variant, which can outspeed and 2HKO them.

 

[Albacore]

Thanks, this is now done!

 

[aim]

uploaded