[Overview]
<p>Though Kingdra is usually seen as a bulky boosting sweeper in UU, it can actually be quite the threat in Ubers. With Kyogre's Drizzle summoning infinite rain, Kingdra will frequently receive doubled Speed from Swift Swim. Its two STABs are great offensively, as they are only resisted by Empoleon, Shedinja, and Ferrothorn, with only the latter being even remotely common in Ubers. Despite Kingdra's shallow movepool and the fact that it received zero viable new moves in the new generation, its movepool has everything it needs.</p>
<p>Though Kingdra is usually seen as a bulky boosting sweeper in UU, it can actually be quite the threat in Ubers. With Kyogre's Drizzle summoning infinite rain, Kingdra will frequently receive doubled Speed from Swift Swim. Its two STABs are great offensively, as they are only resisted by Empoleon, Shedinja, and Ferrothorn, with only the latter being even remotely common in Ubers. Despite Kingdra's shallow movepool and the fact that it received zero viable new moves in the new generation, its movepool has everything it needs.</p>
<p>However, Ubers is riddled with Dragon-types, so it might be hard for Kingdra to find a team slot. Most Dragon-types in Ubers have ridiculous attacking stats, while Kingdra only has Base 95 in both Attack and Special Attack. Even so, Kingdra's Speed is what sets it apart from the other dragons. In addition, it has a resistance to Bullet Punch and a neutrality to Stealth Rock, two things that Rayquaza wishes it had. The boost that Kyogre's Drizzle provides for Kingdra's Water-type attacks also somewhat remedies Kingdra's middling Attack and Special Attack. Dragon Dance further improves Kingdra's Attack, and allows it to outspeed everything in Ubers. If you have a rain-centralized team, definitely consider Kingdra for a team slot.</p>
[SET]
name: Uber Dragon Dance
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Even in the fast-paced Ubers metagame, Kingdra won't have much trouble setting up a Dragon Dance. Although, at first glance, Kingdra might seem to be outclassed by Dragon Dance Rayquaza and its much higher attacking stats, Kingdra has some notable advantages over the green dragon. The first is Kingdra's superior typing, which leaves it with only one weakness in comparison to Rayquaza's three. Next is Kingdra's Speed in the rain, which can allow it to outspeed enemies as fast as Choice Scarf Shaymin-S even without any Dragon Dance boosts. After one Dragon Dance, Kingdra can effectively outspeed the entire Ubers metagame.</p>
name: Uber Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Draco Meteor / Yawn
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Lonely / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Draco Meteor / Yawn
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Lonely / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Even in the fast-paced Ubers metagame, Kingdra won't have much trouble setting up a Dragon Dance. Although, at first glance, Kingdra might seem to be outclassed by Dragon Dance Rayquaza and its much higher attacking stats, Kingdra has some notable advantages over the green dragon. The first is Kingdra's superior typing, which leaves it with only one weakness in comparison to Rayquaza's three. Next is Kingdra's Speed in the rain, which can allow it to outspeed enemies as fast as Choice Scarf Shaymin-S even without any Dragon Dance boosts. After one Dragon Dance, Kingdra can effectively outspeed the entire Ubers metagame.</p>
<p>Waterfall should be Kingdra's primary attack, and with a boost from rain, it will become just as strong as its Outrage, the preferred attack in clear skies or other weather. The typing combination of Dragon and Water is almost unstoppable, with Ferrothorn being the only common Pokemon in Ubers resisting it. Because of Kingdra's blistering Speed, even before any boosts, it can also function as a competent revenge killer. Even though Kingdra will never be able to deal as much damage as Rayquaza can, the high Base Power and awesome coverage of its attacks add to create fearsome offensive abilities. Draco Meteor is just as important as Kingdra's physical attacks, since without it, Kingdra would have to rely on Outrage in order to KO Shaymin-S and other threats. With Draco Meteor, Kingdra can 2HKO Groudon and Dialga sets without heavy Special Defense investment with a combination of Draco Meteor followed by Outrage. After Stealth Rock, Draco Meteor also has the power to smash through and OHKO some Dragons, such as Palkia and Rayquaza, without having to lock itself into Outrage. Yawn is an interesting option over Draco Meteor, as it will allow Kingdra to more easily attain Dragon Dances, while still allowing Kingdra to have maximum coverage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ferrothorn is a surefire counter to this set in every possible way. It has monstrous defenses and its typing allows it to resist all of Kingdra's STAB attacks. Furthermore, Ferrothorn can easily set up on Kingdra with Spikes, cripple Kingdra with Thunder Wave (though Kingdra will still move first because of Ferrothorn's lackluster Speed), sap its health via Leech Seed, or smack Kingdra with its STAB Power Whip. Because Kingdra should only be used with rain on the field, Fire-type attacks will have less of an effect on Ferrothorn. For that reason, Aura Sphere or Focus Blast users are great teammates. Dialga resists both of Ferrothorn's STABs, doesn't mind a Thunder Wave, and easily 2HKOes Ferrothorn with Aura Sphere. Mewtwo and Darkrai can OHKO Ferrothorn with Aura Sphere and Focus Blast, respectively, but they both need to be on the lookout for Thunder Wave. Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is another good teammate as it can attract Fire-type attacks, to which Kingdra has a 6x resist in the rain (though Kingdra should definitely be wary of switching into Ho-Oh's Sacred Fire because of its 50% chance of inflicting burn).</p>
<p>The EVs on this set will allow Kingdra to outspeed all variants of Choice Scarf Shaymin-S while still allowing Kingdra to OHKO said Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor after Stealth Rock. Because Lugia is a common switch-in to Kingdra, Tickle Wobbuffet is an invaluable teammate. With a Pursuit user like Scizor also on the team, all Lugia lacking Whirlwind don't even stand a chance of surviving. This can pave the way for a Kingdra sweep later on in the match, provided that Kingdra hasn't already sustained a lot of damage. Again, both Mewtwo and Darkrai are great partners, this time because they are quite adept at switching in and setting up on Lugia.</p>
[SET]
name: Uber Mixed Attacker
[SET COMMENTS]
name: Uber Mixed Attacker
move 1: Surf / Hydro Pump
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Draco Meteor
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Mild / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
move 2: Waterfall
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Draco Meteor
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Mild / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite the fact that Kingdra has less than base 100 in both of its attacking stats, it can still function as a very competent mixed sweeper. Because of Swift Swim and the infinite rain that Kyogre provides, Kingdra will also be a great revenge killer. With a neutral nature and maximum investment, Kingdra hits a dangerous 590 Speed, easily outpacing all of the unboosted Pokemon in the metagame. Surf is the preferred option over Hydro Pump after considering Hydro Pump's imperfect accuracy and Surf's more than sufficient power under rain. Waterfall is Kingdra's physical STAB attack, and for good reason. It has a good chance of 2HKOing Blissey in the rain, and is guaranteed a 2HKO with Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes. It will also always 2HKO Choice Band Tyranitar in sandstorm, a major threat to almost every rain team. Outrage will do tons of damage to any Pokemon that does not have either huge physical defense or a resistance to Dragon-type attacks. Even without Dragon Dance to boost its Attack, Kingdra can still do a good amount of damage to most Pokemon. Finally, Draco Meteor is Kingdra's strongest attack, capable of OHKOing many Pokemon. There is a great chance that Kingdra will OHKO Choice Scarf Shaymin-S with Draco Meteor, an achievement that can be guaranteed with the help of Stealth Rock. Darkrai is also OHKOed, but Surf will do more damage because of the double STAB that Kyogre's Drizzle provides.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Despite the sheer immediate power this Kingdra brings to the table, it still has no way of stopping Ferrothorn. Furthermore, because Kyogre is an absolutely necessary partner to Kingdra in order for it to function properly, the rain Kyogre summons will only make taking out Ferrothorn harder. Shaymin-S has a powerful Air Slash which can flinch Ferrothorn to death, but should the move miss or fail to flinch, Shaymin-S will most likely be taking a Thunder Wave. Since this Kingdra has no method of attaining additional boosts outside of Baton Pass, it is easily countered outside of rain. Rayquaza, though unable to switch in on Kingdra's Outrage and Draco Meteor, can OHKO Kingdra with one of its own Dragon-type STABs. Choice Scarf Jirachi is an invaluable partner to deal with Rayquaza. Not only does it resist Rayquaza's STAB attacks and ExtremeSpeed, but it also KOs with Ice Punch and outspeeds all variants at +1 Speed, so it will not have to fear Earthquake or Fire Blast. If Choice Scarf Mewtwo is a concern, Wobbuffet can come in and revenge kill it with ease.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Kingdra really does not have much to work with outside of the moves listed on the above sets. It has access to Yawn, and in conjunction with Subsitute, can allow Kingdra to setup a Dragon Dance or two. Unfortunately, it would limit Kingdra to a single attack: Outrage or Waterfall, with Groudon or Palkia walling it, respectively. It can run a pure special set, but Kyogre, Palkia, Latios, and many others can do this much better. However, a Choice Specs set can be used for surprise value, as a rain-boosted Hydro Pump is then a 3HKO on Ferrothorn, factoring in Leftovers recovery.</p>
<p>Kingdra also gets Scald, but its power is inferior to both Surf and Hydro Pump, and Kingdra needs to inflict as much damage as possible while it is on the field. It can use a set consisting of Substitute and a pinch Berry, but the immediate power that Life Orb provides is generally better. Dragon Pulse can be used over Draco Meteor if accuracy is a concern, but the Dragon Dance set would require much more investment in Special Attack in order to supply sufficient power. Ice Beam will 2HKO Groudon and OHKOes Shaymin-S without Stealth Rock, but Draco Meteor gets better neutral coverage. Toxic can be used to cripple walls that lack status-clearing moves, but Kingdra is geared more toward offense, not support. If Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is not a concern, 40 Speed EVs can be shifted to either Attack or Special Attack, while still allowing Kingdra to beat up to and including Choice Scarf Terrakion. If Terrakion is also not a concern, 40 more EVs can be removed so Kingdra will still outpace threats up to and including Choice Scarf Palkia.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Kingdra is one hard cookie to crack if rain is on the field. In the rain, Normal Arceus can sponge an unboosted Waterfall and 2HKO Kingdra with ExtremeSpeed. Shedinja is immune to Water and Dragon and can outstall Kingdra with either Toxic or Will-O-Wisp. Groudon ends Kyogre's rain via Drought, weakening Kingdra's Water-type attacks, is almost never 2HKOed by a +1 Outrage if carrying Leftovers, and can paralyze Kingdra with Thunder Wave or KO it outright with Earthquake. Ferrothorn, though, is a complete counter to Kingdra, provided that it hasn't already used Dragon Dance three or more times. Ferrothorn can easily sap Kingdra's health with Leech Seed, and then proceed to set up Spikes and/or Stealth Rock while Kingdra loses health to Life Orb recoil and Leech Seed each turn. In the rain, Ferrothorn becomes even more annoying since its Fire-type weakness is somewhat mitigated. Lugia is bulky enough to stave off Outrage, and can stall out Kingdra's health with Roost or Recover. It can also phaze away all of Kingdra's boosts courtesy of Whirlwind.</p>
<p>Kingdra really does not have much to work with outside of the moves listed on the above sets. It has access to Yawn, and in conjunction with Subsitute, can allow Kingdra to setup a Dragon Dance or two. Unfortunately, it would limit Kingdra to a single attack: Outrage or Waterfall, with Groudon or Palkia walling it, respectively. It can run a pure special set, but Kyogre, Palkia, Latios, and many others can do this much better. However, a Choice Specs set can be used for surprise value, as a rain-boosted Hydro Pump is then a 3HKO on Ferrothorn, factoring in Leftovers recovery.</p>
<p>Kingdra also gets Scald, but its power is inferior to both Surf and Hydro Pump, and Kingdra needs to inflict as much damage as possible while it is on the field. It can use a set consisting of Substitute and a pinch Berry, but the immediate power that Life Orb provides is generally better. Dragon Pulse can be used over Draco Meteor if accuracy is a concern, but the Dragon Dance set would require much more investment in Special Attack in order to supply sufficient power. Ice Beam will 2HKO Groudon and OHKOes Shaymin-S without Stealth Rock, but Draco Meteor gets better neutral coverage. Toxic can be used to cripple walls that lack status-clearing moves, but Kingdra is geared more toward offense, not support. If Choice Scarf Shaymin-S is not a concern, 40 Speed EVs can be shifted to either Attack or Special Attack, while still allowing Kingdra to beat up to and including Choice Scarf Terrakion. If Terrakion is also not a concern, 40 more EVs can be removed so Kingdra will still outpace threats up to and including Choice Scarf Palkia.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Kingdra is one hard cookie to crack if rain is on the field. In the rain, Normal Arceus can sponge an unboosted Waterfall and 2HKO Kingdra with ExtremeSpeed. Shedinja is immune to Water and Dragon and can outstall Kingdra with either Toxic or Will-O-Wisp. Groudon ends Kyogre's rain via Drought, weakening Kingdra's Water-type attacks, is almost never 2HKOed by a +1 Outrage if carrying Leftovers, and can paralyze Kingdra with Thunder Wave or KO it outright with Earthquake. Ferrothorn, though, is a complete counter to Kingdra, provided that it hasn't already used Dragon Dance three or more times. Ferrothorn can easily sap Kingdra's health with Leech Seed, and then proceed to set up Spikes and/or Stealth Rock while Kingdra loses health to Life Orb recoil and Leech Seed each turn. In the rain, Ferrothorn becomes even more annoying since its Fire-type weakness is somewhat mitigated. Lugia is bulky enough to stave off Outrage, and can stall out Kingdra's health with Roost or Recover. It can also phaze away all of Kingdra's boosts courtesy of Whirlwind.</p>
<p>The best way to KO Kingdra is to take it out of its element - rain. Without the Speed boost, Kingdra becomes much easier to remove from the battle. Rayquaza's Air Lock does this well and Rayquaza can easily OHKO Kingdra with a Dragon-type attack. Outside of rain, Choice Scarf Shaymin-S outspeeds Kingdra and can flinch it to death with Air Slash, or go immediately for the jugular with Seed Flare or Leaf Storm after Stealth Rock or Life Orb recoil.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Kingdra gets Damp, a worthless ability that shouldn't even be considered.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Kingdra gets Damp, a worthless ability that shouldn't even be considered.</p>
