QC: Limitless, Calloflochie, radianthehero156
GP: GatoDelFuego
Save it for a rainy day
Overview
########
Back in Generation V, Kingdra was, as its name suggested, one of the kings of UU. With the transition to the XY era, Kingdra lost a bit of its luster, but it is still a powerful and versatile threat, with its few weaknesses and ability to double its Speed. Kingdra also received a couple of new toys, such as the ability to, after one turn of setup, produce a Sniper-boosted critical hit. This combined with the already existing Dragon Dance and rain sweeper sets makes Kingdra a very diverse Pokemon, and one that is difficult to counter. Unfortunately, Kingdra is far from perfect, as even at +1 Speed it is revenge killed by every other Choice Scarf Dragon-type in the tier, meaning setting up can be difficult. Also, because of the Fairy type, Kingdra's Dragon STAB is not nearly as safe as it was, and using Outrage is very dangerous. Nevertheless, Kingdra is still a powerful threat that can fill many different roles on a team.
Critdra
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name: Critdra
move 1: Focus Energy
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Agility
ability: Sniper
item: Scope Lens
evs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spe
nature: Modest
Moves
=========
Ever since XY changed the critical hit mechanics, this has been Kingdra's new flagship set. While it lacks the Speed and sweeping capabilities of Kingdra's rain and Dragon Dance sets, it more than makes up for this with its wallbreaking ability. The reason for this is Focus Energy, the key move of this set. The reason for this is because after Kingdra sets up a Focus Energy, that boost to critical hit percentage combined with the Scope Lens produces a guaranteed critical hit on every attack. This boost, in combination with Sniper, will make Draco Meteor an absolutely devastating attack, easily 2HKOing the likes of Umbreon and specially defensive Forretress. Hydro Pump is the best choice for a secondary STAB, as it can hit Florges the hardest out of Kingdra's entire special movepool. However, if the odds of missing Hydro Pump are too great, then Surf is a workable alternative, just be aware that Surf does not 2HKO 252+ Florges with critical hits. The last move is given to Agility, as a Pokemon this powerful has no need for coverage moves. So, if you ever get two turns to set up, a Focus Energy + an Agility can lead to an easy sweep if your opponent lacks a special wall.
Set Details
=========
With the 1.5x boost it gives to critical hits, Sniper is the obvious choice for an ability here, as without it the set is much less functional and pretty much unviable. Alongside this boost, 252 EVs are put into Special Attack, to further boost the power of Draco Meteor. The rest are put into Speed, to Speed tie with neutral base 85s, such as opposing Critdra, Nidoking, and Heracross. And while a Timid nature would help with outrunning these threats, Modest is simply necessary, as that is what gives Hydro Pump and Draco Meteor that extra push that they need to finish off threats.
Usage Tips
=========
This Kingdra set places a lot of emphasis on proper prediction, because firing off a Draco Meteor into a Fairy-type and getting forced out is exactly what you don't want, as you just wasted two perfectly good turns. This is also true with Dragon resists, albeit less so because Kingdra 2HKOes most of them. Another thing you have to keep in mind when you use Critdra is that, even though you invested 252 EVs and the nature into SAtk, Kingdra still only has a base of 95 in that stat, meaning that Draco Meteors and Hydro Pumps that are not criticals will do fairly middling damage. For example, without a critical, a Hydro Pump will do a paltry ~25% to max HP/max SDef Florges, an amount that can be easily wished off. Also, before Agility, Kingdra's base speed of 85 is outsped by many things, including every single Dragon-type in the tier.
Team Options
==========
SubCM Jirachi is an excellent partner for Kingdra, as it can come in and get a free sub on the fairy-types that Kingdra lures in. Other steel-types such as Cobalion or Metagross can come in for free, and attempt to threaten the remainder of the opponent's team. Entry hazards are also a big help for something like Critdra, which gives it the extra help it needs to take down dedicated special walls such as Umbreon, Slowking or Florges. Therefore, Forretress and Froslass are good as they not only cover the Fairy weakness but also have the ability to lay down Spikes (and SR in Forretress's case).
Mixed Rain Sweeper
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name: Mixed Rain Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Waterfall
ability: Swift Swim
item: Life Orb
evs: 60 Atk / 252 SAtk / 196 Spe
nature: Mild
Moves
=========
This is the set that made Kingdra a top tier threat in Generations IV and V. The main move on this set is Rain Dance, which in combination with Swift Swim will double Kingdra's speed. This means that one move turns Kingdra from a slow-ish attacker into an extremely threatening sweeper. And now in the rain, STAB Hydro Pumps will absolutely tear everything up, doing immense damage even to dedicated walls. Draco Meteor is a good choice for secondary STAB, hitting the water resists for strong 130 Base Power STAB. The last slot goes to Waterfall, providing a 100% accurate STAB attack, along with the rain boost and the ability to hit special walls on the physical side.
Set Details
=========
The EVs are chosen to outpace Scarf Mienshao in rain, along with the other base 105 Scarfers. The remainder are poured into SAtk, with the leftovers put into Atk to boost the power of Waterfall. A Mild Nature is also chosen, because Kingdra has no need for more speed and the special attacking side is more important than the physical side.
Usage Tips
=========
While setting up rain is usually Kingdra's first priority when running this set, preserving health is often very important, so taking out a weakened slower threat with an attacking move is usually preferable to setting up rain, because taking the hit in return is often worse, especially considering Kingdra has no Leftovers. You always have the choice to predict the opponent's switch and set up rain, but this can be dangerous. Also, when in rain, Hydro Pump is your most damaging attack, but also your least accurate, so Waterfall is recommended if the power is not needed.
Team Options
==========
Grass and Electric-types are good partners, because this Kingdra's biggest threat is bulky Waters which are specially defensive enough to take Draco Meteors. Therefore, strong threats that hit those for super effective like Mega Manectric are effective teammates. Also, specially defensive Florges is coaxed out as well, so things like Sub+SD Cobalion can come in and start setting up and attempt to take over the game. Sub+CM Jirachi also works just as well. Also, just like the last set, good team utility from entry hazards is very helpful, but even more so for a dedicated sweeper like this Kingdra. Team utility can also come in the form of rain setters, as this can save the turn of setting up.
Dragon Dance
############
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Substitute / Iron Head
ability: Sniper
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
=========
Unlike the last two sets which were focused on hitting on the special side, this one is fully physical. The reason for this is Dragon Dance, a boosting move that not only buffs Kingdra's speed, but also its physical attack. If a Dragon Dance is able to be set up on the switch, Kingdra has the possibility to tear through the enemy team. STAB Waterfall after a Dragon Dance is a very powerful move, and it also has the added benefit of flinch odds. Outrage is also a strong STAB move, with greater power at the cost of locking yourself in. The last move is a toss-up- Substitute is the most common choice, as it provides security and is a great move to use on a predicted switch. However, Iron Head is another very viable choice, as it 2HKOes Kingdra's old nemesis, Florges and also sports the good 30% flinch odds.
Set Details
=========
Leftovers are generally the best item for this set, as they not only recover off health lost from Substitutes, but they give much more survivability in general. However, Lum Berry is also a good choice on the DD + 3 Attacks set, as it gives Kingdra more setup opportunities and makes Outrage confusion less of a problem. Unless you are using a rain team, Sniper is given the nod over Swift Swim to boost the potential rogue critical hit.The EVs are chosen to maximize attack, with an Adamant nature used to boost the attack further. Speed is boosted to the point where you can outspeed Base 130s at +1, with the rest dumped in HP.
Usage Tips
=========
Substitute, if you have it, is usually the best choice if you are predicting a switch, or if you don’t think the opponent can break it, as it gives a free opportunity to setup without fear of crits, statuses or super effective hits. Behind a substitute, choosing whether or not to DD can be difficult. For example, if they have a scarfed Flygon waiting in the wings, DDing is pretty futile because you'll still be forced out/killed. So, in a situation like this, 2 Waterfalls is better than DD + Waterfall. Also, killing off something slower while behind a Substitute is preferable to letting your Substitute die for a DD, as you can either set up or threaten the following switch-in while behind a Sub.
Team Options
==========
Just like most Kingdra sets, this benefits greatly from entry hazards, as it often lacks the power, even with STAB and +1, to break through bulky attackers or walls. Sticky web is also a big asset, as this slows down grounded Scarfers to the point where they can be outsped at +1, which is a huge help if going for a sweep. Another helpful team option is to have something like Calm Mind Jirachi or Nasty Plot Celebi to set up on and threaten out physical walls DD Kingdra will certainly bait in, such as Tangrowth. Also, a steel-type is a good defensive partner, as they resist both of Kingdra's two weaknesses in Fairy and Dragon.
Other Options
############
A Choice Specs set can be quite a powerful cleaner, but it requires Rain Support to be at all effective. Rest with a Chesto berry can be put on the DD set, but this can be risky as you lose the safety provided by a Substitute or the coverage of Iron Head. An offensive Dragon Dance set with 3 Attacks and LO is possible, and can hit much harder than the Sub + DD set at the cost of survivability. An all-special Rain Dance set is possible, but the extra coverage move is not worth being walled by any specially bulky pokemon like Umbreon. Finally, a support set is possible, with Scald to cripple physical attackers. However, low base HP and defenses are problematic, even with investment.
Checks & Counters
#############
**Florges**: As stated many times, Florges is a full stop for many of Kingdra's sets, being able to live any special hit or unboosted physical hit and OHKO back with Moonblast. The Dragon immunity also helps out Florges heavily.
**Bulky Waters**: Bulky Water types such as Suicune can take hits and phaze out Kingdra, even though Dragon STAB still can put a dent into these walls.
**Dedicated Special Walls**: Special-based sets are shut down by AV Snorlax, Umbreon and Porygon2, as even Rain-boosted Hydro Pump cannot kill these pokes easily.
**Scarfed Dragons**: Choice Scarf Flygon or Hydreigon can also act as checks, as they outspeed all Kingdra sets under +2 Speed, so they can easily force out or kill Kingdra.
GP: GatoDelFuego
Save it for a rainy day
Overview
########
Back in Generation V, Kingdra was, as its name suggested, one of the kings of UU. With the transition to the XY era, Kingdra lost a bit of its luster, but it is still a powerful and versatile threat, with its few weaknesses and ability to double its Speed. Kingdra also received a couple of new toys, such as the ability to, after one turn of setup, produce a Sniper-boosted critical hit. This combined with the already existing Dragon Dance and rain sweeper sets makes Kingdra a very diverse Pokemon, and one that is difficult to counter. Unfortunately, Kingdra is far from perfect, as even at +1 Speed it is revenge killed by every other Choice Scarf Dragon-type in the tier, meaning setting up can be difficult. Also, because of the Fairy type, Kingdra's Dragon STAB is not nearly as safe as it was, and using Outrage is very dangerous. Nevertheless, Kingdra is still a powerful threat that can fill many different roles on a team.
Critdra
############
name: Critdra
move 1: Focus Energy
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Agility
ability: Sniper
item: Scope Lens
evs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spe
nature: Modest
Moves
=========
Ever since XY changed the critical hit mechanics, this has been Kingdra's new flagship set. While it lacks the Speed and sweeping capabilities of Kingdra's rain and Dragon Dance sets, it more than makes up for this with its wallbreaking ability. The reason for this is Focus Energy, the key move of this set. The reason for this is because after Kingdra sets up a Focus Energy, that boost to critical hit percentage combined with the Scope Lens produces a guaranteed critical hit on every attack. This boost, in combination with Sniper, will make Draco Meteor an absolutely devastating attack, easily 2HKOing the likes of Umbreon and specially defensive Forretress. Hydro Pump is the best choice for a secondary STAB, as it can hit Florges the hardest out of Kingdra's entire special movepool. However, if the odds of missing Hydro Pump are too great, then Surf is a workable alternative, just be aware that Surf does not 2HKO 252+ Florges with critical hits. The last move is given to Agility, as a Pokemon this powerful has no need for coverage moves. So, if you ever get two turns to set up, a Focus Energy + an Agility can lead to an easy sweep if your opponent lacks a special wall.
Set Details
=========
With the 1.5x boost it gives to critical hits, Sniper is the obvious choice for an ability here, as without it the set is much less functional and pretty much unviable. Alongside this boost, 252 EVs are put into Special Attack, to further boost the power of Draco Meteor. The rest are put into Speed, to Speed tie with neutral base 85s, such as opposing Critdra, Nidoking, and Heracross. And while a Timid nature would help with outrunning these threats, Modest is simply necessary, as that is what gives Hydro Pump and Draco Meteor that extra push that they need to finish off threats.
Usage Tips
=========
This Kingdra set places a lot of emphasis on proper prediction, because firing off a Draco Meteor into a Fairy-type and getting forced out is exactly what you don't want, as you just wasted two perfectly good turns. This is also true with Dragon resists, albeit less so because Kingdra 2HKOes most of them. Another thing you have to keep in mind when you use Critdra is that, even though you invested 252 EVs and the nature into SAtk, Kingdra still only has a base of 95 in that stat, meaning that Draco Meteors and Hydro Pumps that are not criticals will do fairly middling damage. For example, without a critical, a Hydro Pump will do a paltry ~25% to max HP/max SDef Florges, an amount that can be easily wished off. Also, before Agility, Kingdra's base speed of 85 is outsped by many things, including every single Dragon-type in the tier.
Team Options
==========
SubCM Jirachi is an excellent partner for Kingdra, as it can come in and get a free sub on the fairy-types that Kingdra lures in. Other steel-types such as Cobalion or Metagross can come in for free, and attempt to threaten the remainder of the opponent's team. Entry hazards are also a big help for something like Critdra, which gives it the extra help it needs to take down dedicated special walls such as Umbreon, Slowking or Florges. Therefore, Forretress and Froslass are good as they not only cover the Fairy weakness but also have the ability to lay down Spikes (and SR in Forretress's case).
Mixed Rain Sweeper
############
name: Mixed Rain Sweeper
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Waterfall
ability: Swift Swim
item: Life Orb
evs: 60 Atk / 252 SAtk / 196 Spe
nature: Mild
Moves
=========
This is the set that made Kingdra a top tier threat in Generations IV and V. The main move on this set is Rain Dance, which in combination with Swift Swim will double Kingdra's speed. This means that one move turns Kingdra from a slow-ish attacker into an extremely threatening sweeper. And now in the rain, STAB Hydro Pumps will absolutely tear everything up, doing immense damage even to dedicated walls. Draco Meteor is a good choice for secondary STAB, hitting the water resists for strong 130 Base Power STAB. The last slot goes to Waterfall, providing a 100% accurate STAB attack, along with the rain boost and the ability to hit special walls on the physical side.
Set Details
=========
The EVs are chosen to outpace Scarf Mienshao in rain, along with the other base 105 Scarfers. The remainder are poured into SAtk, with the leftovers put into Atk to boost the power of Waterfall. A Mild Nature is also chosen, because Kingdra has no need for more speed and the special attacking side is more important than the physical side.
Usage Tips
=========
While setting up rain is usually Kingdra's first priority when running this set, preserving health is often very important, so taking out a weakened slower threat with an attacking move is usually preferable to setting up rain, because taking the hit in return is often worse, especially considering Kingdra has no Leftovers. You always have the choice to predict the opponent's switch and set up rain, but this can be dangerous. Also, when in rain, Hydro Pump is your most damaging attack, but also your least accurate, so Waterfall is recommended if the power is not needed.
Team Options
==========
Grass and Electric-types are good partners, because this Kingdra's biggest threat is bulky Waters which are specially defensive enough to take Draco Meteors. Therefore, strong threats that hit those for super effective like Mega Manectric are effective teammates. Also, specially defensive Florges is coaxed out as well, so things like Sub+SD Cobalion can come in and start setting up and attempt to take over the game. Sub+CM Jirachi also works just as well. Also, just like the last set, good team utility from entry hazards is very helpful, but even more so for a dedicated sweeper like this Kingdra. Team utility can also come in the form of rain setters, as this can save the turn of setting up.
Dragon Dance
############
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Substitute / Iron Head
ability: Sniper
item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe
nature: Adamant
Moves
=========
Unlike the last two sets which were focused on hitting on the special side, this one is fully physical. The reason for this is Dragon Dance, a boosting move that not only buffs Kingdra's speed, but also its physical attack. If a Dragon Dance is able to be set up on the switch, Kingdra has the possibility to tear through the enemy team. STAB Waterfall after a Dragon Dance is a very powerful move, and it also has the added benefit of flinch odds. Outrage is also a strong STAB move, with greater power at the cost of locking yourself in. The last move is a toss-up- Substitute is the most common choice, as it provides security and is a great move to use on a predicted switch. However, Iron Head is another very viable choice, as it 2HKOes Kingdra's old nemesis, Florges and also sports the good 30% flinch odds.
Set Details
=========
Leftovers are generally the best item for this set, as they not only recover off health lost from Substitutes, but they give much more survivability in general. However, Lum Berry is also a good choice on the DD + 3 Attacks set, as it gives Kingdra more setup opportunities and makes Outrage confusion less of a problem. Unless you are using a rain team, Sniper is given the nod over Swift Swim to boost the potential rogue critical hit.The EVs are chosen to maximize attack, with an Adamant nature used to boost the attack further. Speed is boosted to the point where you can outspeed Base 130s at +1, with the rest dumped in HP.
Usage Tips
=========
Substitute, if you have it, is usually the best choice if you are predicting a switch, or if you don’t think the opponent can break it, as it gives a free opportunity to setup without fear of crits, statuses or super effective hits. Behind a substitute, choosing whether or not to DD can be difficult. For example, if they have a scarfed Flygon waiting in the wings, DDing is pretty futile because you'll still be forced out/killed. So, in a situation like this, 2 Waterfalls is better than DD + Waterfall. Also, killing off something slower while behind a Substitute is preferable to letting your Substitute die for a DD, as you can either set up or threaten the following switch-in while behind a Sub.
Team Options
==========
Just like most Kingdra sets, this benefits greatly from entry hazards, as it often lacks the power, even with STAB and +1, to break through bulky attackers or walls. Sticky web is also a big asset, as this slows down grounded Scarfers to the point where they can be outsped at +1, which is a huge help if going for a sweep. Another helpful team option is to have something like Calm Mind Jirachi or Nasty Plot Celebi to set up on and threaten out physical walls DD Kingdra will certainly bait in, such as Tangrowth. Also, a steel-type is a good defensive partner, as they resist both of Kingdra's two weaknesses in Fairy and Dragon.
Other Options
############
A Choice Specs set can be quite a powerful cleaner, but it requires Rain Support to be at all effective. Rest with a Chesto berry can be put on the DD set, but this can be risky as you lose the safety provided by a Substitute or the coverage of Iron Head. An offensive Dragon Dance set with 3 Attacks and LO is possible, and can hit much harder than the Sub + DD set at the cost of survivability. An all-special Rain Dance set is possible, but the extra coverage move is not worth being walled by any specially bulky pokemon like Umbreon. Finally, a support set is possible, with Scald to cripple physical attackers. However, low base HP and defenses are problematic, even with investment.
Checks & Counters
#############
**Florges**: As stated many times, Florges is a full stop for many of Kingdra's sets, being able to live any special hit or unboosted physical hit and OHKO back with Moonblast. The Dragon immunity also helps out Florges heavily.
**Bulky Waters**: Bulky Water types such as Suicune can take hits and phaze out Kingdra, even though Dragon STAB still can put a dent into these walls.
**Dedicated Special Walls**: Special-based sets are shut down by AV Snorlax, Umbreon and Porygon2, as even Rain-boosted Hydro Pump cannot kill these pokes easily.
**Scarfed Dragons**: Choice Scarf Flygon or Hydreigon can also act as checks, as they outspeed all Kingdra sets under +2 Speed, so they can easily force out or kill Kingdra.
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