Latios (revamp)

haxiom

God's not dead.
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Latios
latios.gif


[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.
 
Last edited:
C&C could do with a revenge killers section - mewtwo/deoxys/tina-o/darkrai/kanga etc, could just change gengar's section to that because gengar is a revenge killer at best anyway

<Nayrz> dice how would u do the latios set order
<Nayrz> for oras
<Nayrz> im thinkin defog>4 atks > cm but idk
<dicee> prob

i think Thunder could be usable on 4 atks but its mostly untested, you might wanna give it a try

timid is useless on 4 atks unless you run thunder > hp fire, i'd remove unless thunder ends up slashed

i also think pursuit isnt the end of the world as a check, if latios is full hp pursuit is a roll with ttar (4 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Latios: 270-318 (89.4 - 105.2%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO) and the others are non-stab so u can guess the dmg there. pursuit isnt exactly common either (scizor/aegis are rare so you just worry about sand)

Personally id have steels as #1 check - max hp arceus almost dies to meteor and is forced to recover which is a free turn as latios switches out, pursuit is rare and when it comes to steel types, latios's moveset has to be changed just to bypass them, whereas the other checks still take a shitload from the standard attacks. in the long run latios does win due to lack of recovery on nearly all of them, and some steels are limited as switches (keys can be 3hkod, non sp def rachi takes half from meteor) but that strong af meteor is the attack you want to be taking best and steels handle latios as a whole in the most ideal way. fairyceus/steelceus are the 'best' checks but cm can beat them and that involves using fairyceus/steelceus in the first place. QC might disagree on this change.

Not sure what twave does...i guess if you have hex gengar its ok? w.e

QC 2/3
 
I kept the sets order the same as per the Nayrz's logs and implemented most changes. I'm not sure about Thunder though- Ho-Oh is really the only main target (Primal Kyogre is hit with Grass Knot), and Ho-Oh is only hit a bit harder than Psyshock.
252+ SpA Soul Dew Latios Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Ho-Oh: 235-277 (56.6 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Soul Dew Latios Thunder vs. 248 HP / 52 SpD Ho-Oh: 260-308 (62.6 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
To me it's not worth a slash but I'll allow for other input.
Oh I guess you KO Yveltal too.

I'll write this up when I get a chance.
 
Just dropping by to say Thunder's main niche is pressuring Lugia without losing any major coverage since neutral Thunder hits steels for approximately the same damage as HP [Fire] (Ferro usage is very low atm). Hitting Yveltal, Ho-Oh, and Skarmory is just a bonus.

That being said, Thunder only has ~53% chance to 2HKO Lugia if it switches in at full HP (see calcs below). Still very useful vs Standard Stall though, because just having a way to pressure Lugia is huge.

Also I'd mention Roar specifically as a choice on 4 Atks over HP [Fire]. Most other sets can't afford dropping a move and Roar has good synergy with the hazard stack offenses 4 Atks Latios fits on, whether it's for phazing w/ Spikes down or keeping EKiller from setting up.

Lugia has 416 HP

252+ SpA Soul Dew Latios Thunder vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Lugia: 136-160 (32.6 - 38.4%) -- 2.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(136, 137, 139, 140, 142, 144, 145, 147, 148, 150, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 160)

Leftovers recovery: 26 HP per turn

Rolls after leftover recovery: 110, 111, 113, 114, 116, 118, 119, 121, 122, 124, 126, 127, 129, 130, 132, 134

252+ SpA Soul Dew Latios Thunder vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Lugia: 272-320 (65.3 - 76.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
(272, 274, 278, 280, 284, 288, 290, 294, 296, 300, 304, 306, 310, 312, 316, 320)

(1/16)*(12/16)+(1/16)*(12/16)+(1/16)*(11/16)+(1/16)*(11/16)+(1/16)*(10/16)+(1/16)*(10/16)+(1/16)*(9/16)+(1/16)*(9/16)+(1/16)*(8/16)+(1/16)*(8/16)+(1/16)*(7/16)+(1/16)*(6/16)+(1/16)*(6/16)+(1/16)*(5/16)+(1/16)*(5/16) = 136/256 = .53125
 
Last edited:
Thunder Wave latios (puke)

QC 3/3
The C&C is very selective on what absolutely horrible mons occupy it, but i talked to nayrz on irc and he said that is fine.
 
o/

implement with reply button, GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Latios, with the help of the Soul Dew item, (AC) which boosts Latios's Special Attack and Special Defense, is a fearsome special wallbreaker that is able to fire off extremely powerful Draco Meteors. Additionally, Latios's typing and ability give it key resistances to Fire and Water, as well as an immunity to Ground, allowing Latios 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 stat of 110 and a movepool including numerous coverage moves 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 that 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 instead 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 setting up (fine but feels kinda repetitive) 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 a base 110 Speed of 110. 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 with a base Speed stat of 100. 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, (AC) 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 to 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, (RC) and is the primary option for wallbreaking. Latios's other moves aim to provide the appropriate coverage to get past certain checks. Psyshock hits Fairies, which that are immune to Draco Meteor, (AC) 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 while also 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, (AC) and other Flying-types super effectively. Lastly, Roar can prevent setup sweepers from setting up on a 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
========

4 Attacks 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 is threatened by Latios 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 be play too aggressively and open up a sweeping opportunity. 4 Attacks 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 kill. 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 Latios 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 4 Attacks Latios because the focus is on the raw power of a Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor, (RC) 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, (RC) 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 as it is expected to faint, 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, (AC) 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; (RC) Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor must be particularly careful to avoid Hidden Power Fire.

**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, (AC) respectively. Mega Diancie can take a Psyshock and threatens Latios with Moonblast in a 1v1 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 can hit it with Knock Off or Pursuit.
 
Last edited:
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Latios, With the help of Soul Dew, which boosts Latios's its Special Attack and Special Defense, Latios is a fearsome special wallbreaker that is able to fire off extremely powerful Draco Meteors. Additionally, Latios's its typing and ability give it key resistances to Fire and Water (RC) 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 moves options (repetition) 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, (AC) (keep comma, remove comment) 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 4 Attacks Latios because 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 1v1 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.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top