Latios
[QC: 3/3] -- Sweep / Nayrz / WreckDra
[GP: 2/2] -- P Squared / The Dutch Plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
With the help of Soul Dew, which boosts its Special Attack and Special Defense, Latios is a fearsome special wallbreaker that is able to fire off extremely powerful Draco Meteors. Additionally, its typing and ability give it key resistances to Fire and Water as well as an immunity to Ground, allowing it to serve as a decent check to dominant metagame threats such as Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Latios also has a good base 110 Speed and a movepool including numerous coverage options and Defog, allowing it to wallbreak effectively and provide hazard control for its team. However, Latios's typing leaves it weak to many common attacking types, such as Fairy, Dragon, Ghost, Dark, and Ice. Latios is also vulnerable to Pursuit users, which can eliminate it with relative ease.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Fire / Memento
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog allows Latios to remove entry hazards for its teammates. Draco Meteor is Latios's most powerful STAB attack and is the most potent move for wallbreaking. Psyshock is another STAB option that hits Fairies and specially bulky Pokemon such as Blissey and Ho-Oh; it also does not drop Latios's Special Attack stat after being used. Roost greatly improves Latios's longevity, allowing it to use Defog and check threats such as Primal Kyogre more consistently. Hidden Power Fire can be used instead to hit Steel-types that resist both Draco Meteor and Psyshock super effectively, trading longevity for coverage. Memento allows Latios to prevent setup sweepers from boosting after Latios uses Draco Meteor and can also be used to create setup opportunities for Latios's teammates after Latios is no longer needed.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Latios to make use of its good Speed tier and outspeed a good portion of the metagame. A Modest nature with 252 Special Attack EVs is preferred to maximize Latios's damage output and pressure threats such as Primal Groudon; however, a Timid nature can be used if it is necessary to Speed tie with other Pokemon that have base 110 Speed. Some lower Speed benchmarks can be used with a Timid nature; for example, running 176 Speed EVs allows Latios to outspeed fully invested base 100 Speed Pokemon. When using Hidden Power Fire with a Timid nature, 180 Speed EVs should be invested to compensate for the lower Speed IV.
Usage Tips
========
While Latios should be played aggressively to make use of its offensive capabilities, it is important to manage how much HP Latios has so that it can still use Defog and check opposing threats throughout a match. Be careful when using Draco Meteor, as after the resulting Special Attack drop, Latios will likely be forced out; this can create setup opportunities for opposing sweepers. Additionally, when using Defog against Primal Groudon, be wary of Thunder Wave and Dragon-type moves, which Primal Groudon carries somewhat frequently. Memento can be used to prevent an opposing sweeper from setting up freely or to create a setup opportunity for Latios's teammates; however, do not sacrifice Latios too early and risk opening up a weakness to Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is a good partner for Latios because it can switch in and threaten the Fairy- and Steel-types that commonly check Latios. Ho-Oh also threatens many of Latios's checks, including Ghost Arceus, Fairies, Steel-types, and some Darkrai sets; it also greatly appreciates Latios's Defog. Steel-types, such as Klefki, Skarmory, Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and Aegislash, make for good teammates because they check Fairy- and Dragon-types by virtue of their typing. Finally, setup sweepers such as Xerneas and Swords Dance Arceus can benefit from Memento if it is used.
[SET]
name: 4 Attacks
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Thunder
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest move and the primary option for wallbreaking. Latios's other moves aim to provide the appropriate coverage to get past certain checks. Psyshock hits Fairies, which are immune to Draco Meteor, and special walls; it also is a STAB move that can be used if Latios does not want to incur Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop. Grass Knot hits Tyranitar, Ground Arceus, and Water-types such as Water Arceus and Primal Kyogre for super effective damage, as well as hitting Primal Groudon reasonably hard without Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop. Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-types super effectively, while Thunder can be used to hit Lugia, Ho-Oh, and other Flying-types super effectively. Lastly, Roar can prevent setup sweepers from setting up on Latios after it uses Draco Meteor.
Set Details
========
Running a Modest nature with 252 Special Attack EVs maximizes Latios's damage output so that it can wallbreak better. Maximum Speed is necessary in order to outspeed positive-natured base 95s, such as Jolly Rayquaza. If Hidden Power Fire is not used, a Timid nature is an option to at worst tie with other Pokemon with base 110 Speed.
Usage Tips
========
This Latios set is primarily a wallbreaker and should be used in a hit-and-run fashion. Switch Latios into a foe that it threatens and attack with the appropriate coverage move. Do not be afraid to make predictions in order to 2HKO certain switch-ins; however, be careful not to play too aggressively and open up a sweeping opportunity. This Latios set can check some Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, but note that it can only do so one or two times per match.
Team Options
========
Setup sweepers, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, make for good partners because they greatly benefit from Latios's ability to break down opposing walls. Steel-types also make for good partners because they check the Fairy- and Dragon-types that force Latios out after Latios gets a KO. Finally, entry hazards can wear down some walls for Latios, so Stealth Rock users such as Primal Groudon and Bronzong and Spikes users such as Klefki and Skarmory are good teammates for Latios.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Fire
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind increases Latios's Special Attack and Special Defense by one stage each, enabling Latios to set up and drop powerful boosted attacks, as well as potentially pull off a late-game sweep. Draco Meteor is Latios's primary STAB move and is extremely difficult to switch into after a Calm Mind boost or two. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that allows Latios to avoid Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop and bypass certain special walls and Fairies. Roost improves Latios's longevity, while Hidden Power allows Latios to get past most Steel-types.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Latios's wallbreaking capabilities. 252 Speed EVs are needed to be able to Speed tie with other neutral-natured Pokemon with base 110 Speed and outspeed positive-natured Pokemon with base 95 Speed. If Hidden Power Fire is not used, a Timid nature can be a decent option, sacrificing some power for the ability to outspeed or at least Speed tie with other positive-natured Pokemon with base 110 Speed.
Usage Tips
========
The main emphasis of Calm Mind Latios is on wallbreaking, as very few Pokemon can take Soul Dew-boosted +1 or +2 Draco Meteors. Note that Roost gives Latios much more longevity, allowing it to check some Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre variants throughout a match; against Calm Mind Primal Kyogre, Latios can set up Calm Mind alongside it and eliminate it with Psyshock. Late-game, Calm Mind Latios can set up and potentially pull off a sweep, but this is difficult to do so because Draco Meteor lowers Latios's Special Attack and makes it easier for Latios to be forced out. Calm Mind Latios differs from all-out attacking sets in that the focus is on the raw power of a Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor and not on coverage.
Team Options
========
Geomancy Xerneas, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Swords Dance Arceus, and Rock Polish Primal Groudon are good teammates for Latios because they can clean after Latios breaks down opposing walls. Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh can punish Steel-types, which are the most common switch-ins to Latios. Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn can check the Fairy- and Dragon-types that can threaten Latios. Finally, Fairies such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Mega Diancie check Dark- and Dragon-type Pokemon that threaten Latios.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Latios is fairly limited in regards to other options. Tailwind can be used to temporarily boost the Speed of Latios and its teammates, and it can be used after Latios is no longer needed, working in a similar manner to Memento. Magic Coat allows Latios to serve as an anti-lead to common entry hazard setters, such as Deoxys-S. Thunder Wave allows Latios to cripple fast setup sweepers that might attempt to set up on it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Steel-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, Jirachi, Ferrothorn, Aegislash, Mega Scizor, and Steel Arceus, check Latios well because they resist both of its STAB moves. However, many of them can be worn down and must be wary of Hidden Power Fire, especially Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.
**Pursuit Users**: Tyranitar, Aegislash, and Mega Scizor carry Pursuit and can eliminate Latios with it. However, Tyranitar must be wary of switching into Grass Knot, and Mega Scizor must be wary of Hidden Power Fire.
**Dark Arceus**: Dark Arceus can switch into Latios and threaten it with a super effective Judgment. Although it takes significant damage from Draco Meteor, it has reliable recovery in the form of Recover, and it can set up alongside Latios with Calm Mind.
**Ghost Arceus**: Ghost Arceus is similar to Dark Arceus in that it can switch in and use Recover while threatening Latios with a super effective Judgment. Swords Dance variants have a much more difficult time switching in, but they also threaten Latios with Shadow Force or Shadow Claw.
**Fairies**: Bulky Xerneas variants and Fairy Arceus can switch in and threaten Latios with Moonblast and Judgment, respectively. Mega Diancie can take a Psyshock and threatens Latios with Moonblast in a one-on-one scenario. All of them are immune to Latios's strongest attack, Draco Meteor, which allows them to switch in more easily.
**Revenge Killers**: Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate a weakened Latios. Darkrai outspeeds Latios, can put it to sleep with Dark Void, and threatens it with Dark Pulse. Mewtwo outspeeds Latios and can hit it with a super effective Ice Beam or Shadow Ball; Mega Mewtwo X can hit Latios with Ice Punch. Yveltal, Mega Kangaskhan, and Giratina-O all have super effective priority in either Sucker Punch or Shadow Sneak. Genesect outspeeds Latios thanks to Choice Scarf and can hit Latios with U-turn while also retaining momentum. Deoxys-A can outspeed Latios and hit it with Knock Off or Pursuit.

[QC: 3/3] -- Sweep / Nayrz / WreckDra
[GP: 2/2] -- P Squared / The Dutch Plumberjack
[OVERVIEW]
With the help of Soul Dew, which boosts its Special Attack and Special Defense, Latios is a fearsome special wallbreaker that is able to fire off extremely powerful Draco Meteors. Additionally, its typing and ability give it key resistances to Fire and Water as well as an immunity to Ground, allowing it to serve as a decent check to dominant metagame threats such as Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Latios also has a good base 110 Speed and a movepool including numerous coverage options and Defog, allowing it to wallbreak effectively and provide hazard control for its team. However, Latios's typing leaves it weak to many common attacking types, such as Fairy, Dragon, Ghost, Dark, and Ice. Latios is also vulnerable to Pursuit users, which can eliminate it with relative ease.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Fire / Memento
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog allows Latios to remove entry hazards for its teammates. Draco Meteor is Latios's most powerful STAB attack and is the most potent move for wallbreaking. Psyshock is another STAB option that hits Fairies and specially bulky Pokemon such as Blissey and Ho-Oh; it also does not drop Latios's Special Attack stat after being used. Roost greatly improves Latios's longevity, allowing it to use Defog and check threats such as Primal Kyogre more consistently. Hidden Power Fire can be used instead to hit Steel-types that resist both Draco Meteor and Psyshock super effectively, trading longevity for coverage. Memento allows Latios to prevent setup sweepers from boosting after Latios uses Draco Meteor and can also be used to create setup opportunities for Latios's teammates after Latios is no longer needed.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment allows Latios to make use of its good Speed tier and outspeed a good portion of the metagame. A Modest nature with 252 Special Attack EVs is preferred to maximize Latios's damage output and pressure threats such as Primal Groudon; however, a Timid nature can be used if it is necessary to Speed tie with other Pokemon that have base 110 Speed. Some lower Speed benchmarks can be used with a Timid nature; for example, running 176 Speed EVs allows Latios to outspeed fully invested base 100 Speed Pokemon. When using Hidden Power Fire with a Timid nature, 180 Speed EVs should be invested to compensate for the lower Speed IV.
Usage Tips
========
While Latios should be played aggressively to make use of its offensive capabilities, it is important to manage how much HP Latios has so that it can still use Defog and check opposing threats throughout a match. Be careful when using Draco Meteor, as after the resulting Special Attack drop, Latios will likely be forced out; this can create setup opportunities for opposing sweepers. Additionally, when using Defog against Primal Groudon, be wary of Thunder Wave and Dragon-type moves, which Primal Groudon carries somewhat frequently. Memento can be used to prevent an opposing sweeper from setting up freely or to create a setup opportunity for Latios's teammates; however, do not sacrifice Latios too early and risk opening up a weakness to Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is a good partner for Latios because it can switch in and threaten the Fairy- and Steel-types that commonly check Latios. Ho-Oh also threatens many of Latios's checks, including Ghost Arceus, Fairies, Steel-types, and some Darkrai sets; it also greatly appreciates Latios's Defog. Steel-types, such as Klefki, Skarmory, Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and Aegislash, make for good teammates because they check Fairy- and Dragon-types by virtue of their typing. Finally, setup sweepers such as Xerneas and Swords Dance Arceus can benefit from Memento if it is used.
[SET]
name: 4 Attacks
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Thunder
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest move and the primary option for wallbreaking. Latios's other moves aim to provide the appropriate coverage to get past certain checks. Psyshock hits Fairies, which are immune to Draco Meteor, and special walls; it also is a STAB move that can be used if Latios does not want to incur Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop. Grass Knot hits Tyranitar, Ground Arceus, and Water-types such as Water Arceus and Primal Kyogre for super effective damage, as well as hitting Primal Groudon reasonably hard without Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop. Hidden Power Fire hits Steel-types super effectively, while Thunder can be used to hit Lugia, Ho-Oh, and other Flying-types super effectively. Lastly, Roar can prevent setup sweepers from setting up on Latios after it uses Draco Meteor.
Set Details
========
Running a Modest nature with 252 Special Attack EVs maximizes Latios's damage output so that it can wallbreak better. Maximum Speed is necessary in order to outspeed positive-natured base 95s, such as Jolly Rayquaza. If Hidden Power Fire is not used, a Timid nature is an option to at worst tie with other Pokemon with base 110 Speed.
Usage Tips
========
This Latios set is primarily a wallbreaker and should be used in a hit-and-run fashion. Switch Latios into a foe that it threatens and attack with the appropriate coverage move. Do not be afraid to make predictions in order to 2HKO certain switch-ins; however, be careful not to play too aggressively and open up a sweeping opportunity. This Latios set can check some Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, but note that it can only do so one or two times per match.
Team Options
========
Setup sweepers, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, make for good partners because they greatly benefit from Latios's ability to break down opposing walls. Steel-types also make for good partners because they check the Fairy- and Dragon-types that force Latios out after Latios gets a KO. Finally, entry hazards can wear down some walls for Latios, so Stealth Rock users such as Primal Groudon and Bronzong and Spikes users such as Klefki and Skarmory are good teammates for Latios.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Fire
item: Soul Dew
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind increases Latios's Special Attack and Special Defense by one stage each, enabling Latios to set up and drop powerful boosted attacks, as well as potentially pull off a late-game sweep. Draco Meteor is Latios's primary STAB move and is extremely difficult to switch into after a Calm Mind boost or two. Psyshock is a secondary STAB move that allows Latios to avoid Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop and bypass certain special walls and Fairies. Roost improves Latios's longevity, while Hidden Power allows Latios to get past most Steel-types.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Latios's wallbreaking capabilities. 252 Speed EVs are needed to be able to Speed tie with other neutral-natured Pokemon with base 110 Speed and outspeed positive-natured Pokemon with base 95 Speed. If Hidden Power Fire is not used, a Timid nature can be a decent option, sacrificing some power for the ability to outspeed or at least Speed tie with other positive-natured Pokemon with base 110 Speed.
Usage Tips
========
The main emphasis of Calm Mind Latios is on wallbreaking, as very few Pokemon can take Soul Dew-boosted +1 or +2 Draco Meteors. Note that Roost gives Latios much more longevity, allowing it to check some Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre variants throughout a match; against Calm Mind Primal Kyogre, Latios can set up Calm Mind alongside it and eliminate it with Psyshock. Late-game, Calm Mind Latios can set up and potentially pull off a sweep, but this is difficult to do so because Draco Meteor lowers Latios's Special Attack and makes it easier for Latios to be forced out. Calm Mind Latios differs from all-out attacking sets in that the focus is on the raw power of a Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor and not on coverage.
Team Options
========
Geomancy Xerneas, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, Swords Dance Arceus, and Rock Polish Primal Groudon are good teammates for Latios because they can clean after Latios breaks down opposing walls. Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh can punish Steel-types, which are the most common switch-ins to Latios. Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn can check the Fairy- and Dragon-types that can threaten Latios. Finally, Fairies such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Mega Diancie check Dark- and Dragon-type Pokemon that threaten Latios.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Latios is fairly limited in regards to other options. Tailwind can be used to temporarily boost the Speed of Latios and its teammates, and it can be used after Latios is no longer needed, working in a similar manner to Memento. Magic Coat allows Latios to serve as an anti-lead to common entry hazard setters, such as Deoxys-S. Thunder Wave allows Latios to cripple fast setup sweepers that might attempt to set up on it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Steel-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, Jirachi, Ferrothorn, Aegislash, Mega Scizor, and Steel Arceus, check Latios well because they resist both of its STAB moves. However, many of them can be worn down and must be wary of Hidden Power Fire, especially Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.
**Pursuit Users**: Tyranitar, Aegislash, and Mega Scizor carry Pursuit and can eliminate Latios with it. However, Tyranitar must be wary of switching into Grass Knot, and Mega Scizor must be wary of Hidden Power Fire.
**Dark Arceus**: Dark Arceus can switch into Latios and threaten it with a super effective Judgment. Although it takes significant damage from Draco Meteor, it has reliable recovery in the form of Recover, and it can set up alongside Latios with Calm Mind.
**Ghost Arceus**: Ghost Arceus is similar to Dark Arceus in that it can switch in and use Recover while threatening Latios with a super effective Judgment. Swords Dance variants have a much more difficult time switching in, but they also threaten Latios with Shadow Force or Shadow Claw.
**Fairies**: Bulky Xerneas variants and Fairy Arceus can switch in and threaten Latios with Moonblast and Judgment, respectively. Mega Diancie can take a Psyshock and threatens Latios with Moonblast in a one-on-one scenario. All of them are immune to Latios's strongest attack, Draco Meteor, which allows them to switch in more easily.
**Revenge Killers**: Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate a weakened Latios. Darkrai outspeeds Latios, can put it to sleep with Dark Void, and threatens it with Dark Pulse. Mewtwo outspeeds Latios and can hit it with a super effective Ice Beam or Shadow Ball; Mega Mewtwo X can hit Latios with Ice Punch. Yveltal, Mega Kangaskhan, and Giratina-O all have super effective priority in either Sucker Punch or Shadow Sneak. Genesect outspeeds Latios thanks to Choice Scarf and can hit Latios with U-turn while also retaining momentum. Deoxys-A can outspeed Latios and hit it with Knock Off or Pursuit.
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