[OVERVIEW]
**Dragon**
• Known as a staple on Dragon-type teams for its unique traits, such as rare among Dragons neutrality to Ice combined with relatively good bulk and ability to pressure certain Pokemon who threaten Dragon-type teams, such as Clefable, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Weavile, Chansey and Porygon2.
• Versatile: it can run Choice Scarf, revenge killing and cleaning up very well thanks to naturally great offenses and high-powered moves, or use items like Life Orb or Choice Band to boost its offensive power even further.
• Suffers from being weak to any kinds of entry hazards, needing hazard removal support to switch in more times throughout the battle.
• Odd Speed tier, which lets it outspeed many walls, tanks and wallbreakers, but makes Kyurem-Black less successful against heavily offensive teams, sometimes even with Choice Scarf.
**Ice**
• Capable of dealing with Water and Fire-type teams thanks to Fusion Bolt, Earth Power and Teravolt.
• With Choice Scarf, it's one of the best checks to Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y on Ice.
• Forced to run Choice Scarf to check some major threats for Ice-type teams like Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y more often than not.
• Yet another victim of Scizor and Choice Scarf Terrakion - some of the most threatening Pokemon for Ice-type teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Band (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Dragon Claw
item: Choice Band
ability: Teravolt
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is the most powerful move in this set, strong enough to 2HKO Porygon2.
• Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-types, such as Skarmory, Azumarill, Slowbro and Empoleon very hard, while also dealing solid damage to the most of Steel-types.
• Iron Head pulverizes Fairy-types like Clefable, hitting even Azumarill and Klefki decently hard. It also hits Pokemon like Cradily and Avalugg without resorting to Outrage.
• Dragon Claw is an alternative safe STAB attack to use when locking Kyurem-Black into Outrage is undesirable.
• Shadow Claw can be used to hit dangerous Psychic-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Latios, Latias and Gardevoir with one move, avoiding mind games.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's offensive potential.
• 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible, outspeeding threats like Adamant Excadrill outside of sandstorm, 288 Speed Mew and Gardevoir before Mega Evolving.
• 4 leftover EVs are placed in Defense to let it take priority attacks a bit better.
• An Adamant nature increases Kyurem-Black's offensive power as much as possible, but Jolly nature could be used if some threats like Modest Hydreigon, Nidoking and Jolly Pinsir before Mega Evolving are concerning. Both natures preserve Defense to take incoming priority hits better.
• Teravolt lets Kyurem-Black negate abilities like Multiscale and Volt Absorb.
• Choice Band boosts Kyurem-Black's offensive power to very high levels.
Usage Tips
========
• Kyurem-Black is best brought safely, but it can be switched into weak non-crippling attacks if there are no entry hazards on its side, or otherwise Kyurem-Black is going to lose a lot of health. Taking advantage of turns when opposing walls are certain to use moves like Protect or Recover is an opportunity as well.
• Choice Band restricts you to one move, so prediction is the key when using this set, as a reckless play can end up in a loss of momentum for you. Keep in mind that Kyurem-Black forces switches very often and try predicting right Pokemon switching in. Fusion Bolt and Dragon Claw are generally the safest attacks to use when you are unsure about your opponent's actions. Outrage should be used against a Pokemon whose absence from the match is absolutely vital for your success, as it's an exceptionally strong, but risky move. In matches against Fairy-type teams, going for Iron Head everytime is not a bad idea due to it potentially 2HKOing even Steel-neutral Pokemon like Azumarill and Klefki.
• Kyurem-Black is very vulnerable to status, with burn preventing it from getting some important 2HKOs, paralysis turning it very managable for the opponent, and Toxic poison putting it on a timer, so be careful when trying to switch Kyurem-Black into moves like Scald or Discharge.
Team Options
========
• Mega Garchomp, its high offenses and Earthquake with Fire Blast can take on Steel-type teams for Kyurem-Black, as it often cannot do very much there. It can also set Stealth Rock so Kyurem-Black can get its targets in KO range easier. However, regular offensive Garchomp still puts enough pressure on Steel-types, while bulky Garchomp can take physical hits which are often aimed at Kyurem-Black.
• Stealth Rock support from previously mentioned Garchomp, Tyrantrum or Druddigon help Kyurem-Black KO its targets easier and punish for switches.
• While Kyurem-Black can possibly get past bulky physical walls due to its exceptionally massive power, special wallbreakers like Hydreigon and Dragalge can help Kyurem-Black with them.
• Latios and Latias not only deal with most of Fighting-types, but can also clear hazards away with Defog so Kyurem-Black doesn't have to lose a lot of health while switching in. They can also provide Tailwind support to let Kyurem-Black threaten more offensive teams. Latias' access to Healing Wish is helpful as well should Kyurem-Black get worn down too much or get inflicted with a status.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Iron Head
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is a STAB attack which is strong enough to revenge kill even some healthy threats, while being a good cleaning up move.
• Ice Beam is an alternative STAB attack which targets some important Ground, Flying and Dragon-types, such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, Hippowdon, Garchomp and Dragonite through Multiscale, as well as 2HKOing 252/0/4 Mega Venusaur thanks to Teravolt.
• Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-type Pokemon, like Empoleon, Azumarill and Assault Vest Tornadus-Therian. It also bypasses Volt Absorb on likes of Lanturn thanks to Teravolt and does fine damage to the most of Steel-types.
• Iron Head OHKOes various fast offensive Fairy and Ice-types, like Choice Scarf Gardevoir, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Diancie and Weavile.
• Earth Power could be used to deal some damage to Steel-types, but it's not quite strong on this set.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs make Kyurem-Black's Outrage, Iron Head and Fusion Bolt as strong as possible.
• 252 Spe EVs and a Naive nature maximize the Speed, while preserving its physical bulk for taking priority attacks better and letting it outpace many slower Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile, Landorus-T and Gardevoir, while speed tying with opposing scarfed Kyurem-Black.
• 4 lefotver SpA make Kyurem-Black's Ice Beam a tiny bit stronger.
• Teravolt lets Kyurem-Black bypass defensive abilites like Multiscale, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Choice Scarf gives Kyurem-Black the needed Speed bonus in expense of switching between moves.
Usage Tips
========
• Bring it safely against a target you need to revenge kill and click a needed move. Experienced players will find Choice Scarf's presence on Kyurem-Black quite obvious if you bring it to the field like that, so try predicting what your opponent might do if it's not too risky. Switching a healthy Kyurem-Black into an Ice-type move with no hazards in play is a fine way to bring it to the field as well.
• This set is no wallbreaker, but due to its naturally high power, it still can be used to handle certain special walls and ones with a weaknesses to its moves. For example, it 2HKOes both members of SkarmDos (Skarmory and Zapdos) core with Fusion Bolt and 2HKOes both Zapdos and Rotom-W of Electric-type teams with Outrage.
• Don't let it get too much of a punishment. Healthy Kyurem-Black is hard to revenge kill for the most of teams. Also, keep it away from common status users (especially from paralysis and burn spreaders) unless Kyurem-Black is not needed for anything else, and if taking the user of said moves down is absolutely worth it.
Team Options
========
• This set is very ineffective against Steel-type teams. Mega Garchomp pressures Steel-type very well thanks to its combination of strong STAB Earthquake and Fire Blast. It can also help outside of matches against Steel-type teams by setting Stealth Rock for Kyurem-Black to let it clean up easier and still get rid of Steel-types, while Kyurem-Black takes on Flying-types, who are problematic for Mega Garchomp. However, regular Garchomp can do the needed job as well.
• Stealth Rock support from Garchomp, Tyrantrum or Druddigon wears down the opposition, getting many Pokemon in range of being OHKOed by one of Kyurem-Black's moves.
• This Kyurem-Black struggles against bulky walls, so various Pokemon like previously mentioned Mega Garchomp, Choice Band Dragonite and wallbreaker Hydreigon can handle them.
• Latios and Latias provide different kinds of support for Kyurem-Black, like taking on problematic Fighting-types or removing the hazards with Defog. Latias can also use Healing Wish to give Kyurem-Black another chance to threaten the opposition. Lastly and while mostly redundant, these two are able of providing Tailwind support, letting Kyurem-Black to outspeed and OHKO even the fastest Fighting and Dragon-types except Unburdened Hawlucha.
[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Outrage / Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Rash / Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Ice Beam is a reliable STAB attack which OHKOes and 2HKOes many Flying, Ground and slower Dragon-types like Zapdos, Skarmory, Gliscor, Hippowdon, Dragonite and defensive Garchomp.
• Fusion Bolt targets Water and Flying-types which can take Ice Beam, such as Gyarados, Articuno, Slowbro, Empoleon and Azumarill.
• Earth Power hits many Steel-type and Ground-weak Pokemon, such as Heatran, Magnezone, Bisharp, and Pokemon like Rotom-W and Bronzong through Levitate thanks to Teravolt.
• Outrage is a strong attack to hit special walls very hard.
• Iron Head hits Fairy-types such as Clefable for a good damage.
• Roost could be used to promote longevity.
Set Details
========
• 252 SpA EVs maximize the power of Kyurem-Black's special moves, which are the main draw of this set.
• 252 Spe EVs increase the Speed to the maximum, outpacing threats like 288 Speed Mew, Adamant Excadrill outside of sand and Gardevoir before Mega Evolving.
• 4 Atk EVs give a slight boost to Kyurem-Black's relatively high Attack.
• A Rash nature is preferred for power, but Naive could be used for the jump on Pokemon like Modest Hydreigon, Nidoking, Jolly Pinsir before Mega Evolving and Mega Garchomp. Both natures preserve Defense to take priority attacks better.
• Teravolt enables Kyurem-Black to bypass abilities like Multiscale, Levitate, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Life Orb boosts Kyurem-Black's both physical and special power for 30% damage boost in cost of 1/10 of health.
Usage Tips
========
• This wallbreaking set is less restricted than its Choice Band counterpart, so it can be played a bit more recklessly. Ice Beam is the safest move to go for, but catching some target switching in with a coverage move for a 2HKO is not a bad idea.
• Compared to other Kyurem-Black sets, this one fares best against Steel-type teams. Give it a safe switch-in and start threatening the opposition from there with moderately strong Earth Power and Fusion Bolt. Don't hesistate sacrificing it in such matches, as it's often easily threatened in Steel-type matches.
• Mixed Kyurem-Black is less hampered by burns compared to other sets, as it can fall back on its special offense, but coupled with Life Orb recoil and potential entry hazards damage, Kyurem-Black would get worn down quite soon. For these reasons, this set even less likes taking residual damage and therefore should really be brought on safe switches.
Team Options
========
• Dragon Dance Dragonite enjoys having Skarmory, Togekiss and Landorus-Therian out of the way, but other set up sweepers with similar checks, like Zygarde or Haxorus, appreciate Kyurem-Black's wallbreaking abilites as well.
• Stealth Rock punishes frequent switches Kyurem-Black does cause, so Pokemon capable of setting it, such as Garchomp, Tyrantrum and Druddigon, make good teammates.
• This set is not very effective against offensive teams. Decent Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon and Latios can put a pressure on offensive teams for Kyurem-Black. Alternatively, a Tailwind support from Latias or Latios helps Kyurem-Black with its Speed issues, but having at least one Choice Scarf user alongside Life Orb Kyurem-Black is a mandatory.
• Mixed Life Orb Kyurem-Black suffers from residual damage the most. Latias and Latios not only provide previously mentioned Tailwind support to take on offensive teams, but also clear hazards away with Defog. Latias can also heal Kyurem-Black up with Healing Wish, as this set gets worn down very quick.
• Just like other Kyurem-Black sets, this one still struggles against Steel-type teams, so Mega Garchomp is a decent teammate for crushing Steel-type teams, as well as regular Garchomp.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Ice)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Earth Power
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is a very strong STAB attack hitting many neutral targets for massive damage.
• Ice Beam is an alternative STAB attack which 2HKOes standart Mega Venusaur thanks to Teravolt, while also targeting many various Flying, Ground, Grass and Dragon-type Pokemon without resorting to Outrage.
• Fusion Bolt OHKOes Mega Charizard Y and has a high chance to OHKO Keldeo after Stealth Rock, while also hitting numerous Water-types who resist Ice Beam.
• Earth Power damages Steel, Fire and Electric-types, such as Heatran, Cobalion, Magnezone, Torkoal, Rotom-H and Bronzong, negating Levitate of the latter two thanks to Teravolt.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs maximize the Attack and chances of OHKOing Keldeo with Fusion Bolt after Stealth Rock, while also making Outrage as strong as possible.
• 252 Spe EVs alongside Naive nature increase the Speed to the maximum while retaining Kyurem-Black's physical bulk to live some Fighting, Steel and Rock-type attacks, which are mostly physical.
• 4 leftover EVs boost Kyurem-Black's special attacks a tiny bit.
• Teravolt enables Kyurem-Black to bypass some defensive abilities like Multiscale, Levitate, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Choice Scarf grants Kyurem-Black the Speed boost, letting it check dangerous threats in expense of switching its moves.
Usage Tips
========
• This Kyurem-Black is mainly a revenge killer, so bring it on a safe switch-in against a Pokemon you need to revenge kill. When bringing Kyurem-Black against Mega Charizard Y or Keldeo, keep in mind that Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black is known as a primary check to these threats on Ice-type teams, so competent players would switch their Keldeo or Mega Charizard Y out from danger. Predicting what your opponent might switch in is a good idea, but make sure this play is not too risky.
• Kyurem-Black can also be switched into non-crippling resisted hits if there are no entry hazards on your side, as this may wear Kyurem-Black down too soon, and Ice-type teams often lack a Pokemon capable of recovering it.
• All kinds of status (except freeze for obvious reasons) threaten Kyurem-Black, so it's recommended to keep it away from common status spreaders unless you have a cleric support.
Team Options
========
• Stealth Rock limits the amount of times Kyurem-Black can switch-in while also making it easier to revenge kill, so hazard removers such as Avalugg, Articuno or Cryogonal can help Kyurem-Black. Speaking of Articuno, it could opt for Heal Bell to cure Kyurem-Black should it get statused.
• Entry hazards on opposing side let Kyurem-Black attain some important OHKOs and 2HKOs, while also breaking potential Focus Sashes. Aurorus, Froslass, Mamoswine and Piloswine are all capable of setting up entry hazards.
• After Kyurem-Black KOes a target, it often gets met by a powerful Steel, Fighting or Rock-type physical attacker. Avalugg can take physical punishment for Kyurem-Black, while also preventing Mega Scizor's set up attempts with Roar. Froslass can switch into Fighting-type attacks aimed at Kyurem-Black and start to cripple and annoy the opposition with Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond.
• This Kyurem-Black struggles with Fairy-types who often set up on it, so wallbreakers with boost-negating moves like Choice Specs Lapras or Walrein using Frost Breath are good teammates.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Dragon:**
• Substitute alongside Roost or Leftovers could be used on the Mixed Wallbreaker set to focus on forced switches, evade status and ease the prediction, but it cuts either coverage or power, making it less effective against some defensive Pokemon. It should be noted that using Substitute with Life Orb and three attacks wears Kyurem-Black down in no time. (Currently being re-tested, wondering if Substitute-involving sets deserve a separate set slot or should still be only mentioned here with those drawbacks.)
• Physically offensive spread alongside Naughty or Naive nature could be run to focus on Kyurem-Black's physical power in a similar way to the Choice Band set, but with ability to switch between moves. While Life Orb-boosted Outrage 2HKOes Porygon2 after Stealth Rock even without an Attack-boosting nature, lack of special investment would make Ice Beam lose an OHKO on Hippowdon and make Earth Power somewhat weak outside of targeting 4x weaknesses.
**Ice:**
• A mixed wallbreaking set is a possibility to focus on Kyurem-Black's great offenses, while also faring better against Steel-type teams, but in this case, make sure you have alternative checks to Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon:**
**Steel-types:** Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can take a lot of hits from Kyurem-Black and either cripple it with status or straight off KO it. However, most of other Steel-types are still hurt by Earth Power or Fusion Bolt coming from the mixed set.
**Fighting-types:** Most of the Fighting-types have no troubles outspeeding Kyurem-Black even if it runs Choice Scarf and KOing it with their STAB moves. Though, very few actually like switching into Kyurem-Black.
**Dragon-types**: While Kyurem-Black outspeeds non-scarfed Dragon-types, it remains to be one of the slowest viable Choice Scarf users on Dragon-teams, meaning most of other scarfed Dragon-types can still outspeed and OHKO Kyurem-Black with their STAB moves.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Fairy-types prevent Kyurem-Black from spamming Outrage, but only defensive ones can take Iron Head from any set relatively well.
**Mixed walls:** Pokemon with high mixed bulk, especially Chansey and Porygon2, can shut Kyurem-Black down with status and proceed to stall it, but they must watch out for Choice Band set if they got weakened beforehand
**Entry Hazards:** Kyurem-Black is worn down by any sorts of entry hazards, making it much easier to revenge kill.
**Ice:**
**Steel-types:** Just like many other Ice-types, Kyurem-Black struggles against Steel-type teams, especially with ones including (Mega) Scizor. While some Steel-types should watch out for Earth Power, many other just cripple it with status, set up on it, or go straight for a KO.
**Fighting-types:** Relatively strong Fighting-types like Terrakion can put end to Kyurem-Black in one hit, while outspeeding even a scarfed set or going for Mach Punch on Pokemon like Breloom.
**Fairy-types:** Since Kyurem-Black of Ice-type doesn't run Iron Head often, Fairy-types can check it well as long as they don't get caught by either Fusion Bolt (Azumarill, Togekiss), Ice Beam (Togekiss, Whimsicott) or Earth Power (Klefki).
**Mixed walls:** Kyurem-Black doesn't run damage boosting items on Ice very much, meaning mixed walls like Porygon2 and Chansey can take on it pretty well.
**Entry Hazards:** Like with many other Ice-types, entry hazards wear Kyurem-Black down quite badly.
**Dragon**
• Known as a staple on Dragon-type teams for its unique traits, such as rare among Dragons neutrality to Ice combined with relatively good bulk and ability to pressure certain Pokemon who threaten Dragon-type teams, such as Clefable, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Weavile, Chansey and Porygon2.
• Versatile: it can run Choice Scarf, revenge killing and cleaning up very well thanks to naturally great offenses and high-powered moves, or use items like Life Orb or Choice Band to boost its offensive power even further.
• Suffers from being weak to any kinds of entry hazards, needing hazard removal support to switch in more times throughout the battle.
• Odd Speed tier, which lets it outspeed many walls, tanks and wallbreakers, but makes Kyurem-Black less successful against heavily offensive teams, sometimes even with Choice Scarf.
**Ice**
• Capable of dealing with Water and Fire-type teams thanks to Fusion Bolt, Earth Power and Teravolt.
• With Choice Scarf, it's one of the best checks to Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y on Ice.
• Forced to run Choice Scarf to check some major threats for Ice-type teams like Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y more often than not.
• Yet another victim of Scizor and Choice Scarf Terrakion - some of the most threatening Pokemon for Ice-type teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Band (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Dragon Claw
item: Choice Band
ability: Teravolt
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is the most powerful move in this set, strong enough to 2HKO Porygon2.
• Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-types, such as Skarmory, Azumarill, Slowbro and Empoleon very hard, while also dealing solid damage to the most of Steel-types.
• Iron Head pulverizes Fairy-types like Clefable, hitting even Azumarill and Klefki decently hard. It also hits Pokemon like Cradily and Avalugg without resorting to Outrage.
• Dragon Claw is an alternative safe STAB attack to use when locking Kyurem-Black into Outrage is undesirable.
• Shadow Claw can be used to hit dangerous Psychic-type Pokemon such as Slowbro, Latios, Latias and Gardevoir with one move, avoiding mind games.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's offensive potential.
• 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible, outspeeding threats like Adamant Excadrill outside of sandstorm, 288 Speed Mew and Gardevoir before Mega Evolving.
• 4 leftover EVs are placed in Defense to let it take priority attacks a bit better.
• An Adamant nature increases Kyurem-Black's offensive power as much as possible, but Jolly nature could be used if some threats like Modest Hydreigon, Nidoking and Jolly Pinsir before Mega Evolving are concerning. Both natures preserve Defense to take incoming priority hits better.
• Teravolt lets Kyurem-Black negate abilities like Multiscale and Volt Absorb.
• Choice Band boosts Kyurem-Black's offensive power to very high levels.
Usage Tips
========
• Kyurem-Black is best brought safely, but it can be switched into weak non-crippling attacks if there are no entry hazards on its side, or otherwise Kyurem-Black is going to lose a lot of health. Taking advantage of turns when opposing walls are certain to use moves like Protect or Recover is an opportunity as well.
• Choice Band restricts you to one move, so prediction is the key when using this set, as a reckless play can end up in a loss of momentum for you. Keep in mind that Kyurem-Black forces switches very often and try predicting right Pokemon switching in. Fusion Bolt and Dragon Claw are generally the safest attacks to use when you are unsure about your opponent's actions. Outrage should be used against a Pokemon whose absence from the match is absolutely vital for your success, as it's an exceptionally strong, but risky move. In matches against Fairy-type teams, going for Iron Head everytime is not a bad idea due to it potentially 2HKOing even Steel-neutral Pokemon like Azumarill and Klefki.
• Kyurem-Black is very vulnerable to status, with burn preventing it from getting some important 2HKOs, paralysis turning it very managable for the opponent, and Toxic poison putting it on a timer, so be careful when trying to switch Kyurem-Black into moves like Scald or Discharge.
Team Options
========
• Mega Garchomp, its high offenses and Earthquake with Fire Blast can take on Steel-type teams for Kyurem-Black, as it often cannot do very much there. It can also set Stealth Rock so Kyurem-Black can get its targets in KO range easier. However, regular offensive Garchomp still puts enough pressure on Steel-types, while bulky Garchomp can take physical hits which are often aimed at Kyurem-Black.
• Stealth Rock support from previously mentioned Garchomp, Tyrantrum or Druddigon help Kyurem-Black KO its targets easier and punish for switches.
• While Kyurem-Black can possibly get past bulky physical walls due to its exceptionally massive power, special wallbreakers like Hydreigon and Dragalge can help Kyurem-Black with them.
• Latios and Latias not only deal with most of Fighting-types, but can also clear hazards away with Defog so Kyurem-Black doesn't have to lose a lot of health while switching in. They can also provide Tailwind support to let Kyurem-Black threaten more offensive teams. Latias' access to Healing Wish is helpful as well should Kyurem-Black get worn down too much or get inflicted with a status.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Iron Head
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is a STAB attack which is strong enough to revenge kill even some healthy threats, while being a good cleaning up move.
• Ice Beam is an alternative STAB attack which targets some important Ground, Flying and Dragon-types, such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, Hippowdon, Garchomp and Dragonite through Multiscale, as well as 2HKOing 252/0/4 Mega Venusaur thanks to Teravolt.
• Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-type Pokemon, like Empoleon, Azumarill and Assault Vest Tornadus-Therian. It also bypasses Volt Absorb on likes of Lanturn thanks to Teravolt and does fine damage to the most of Steel-types.
• Iron Head OHKOes various fast offensive Fairy and Ice-types, like Choice Scarf Gardevoir, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Diancie and Weavile.
• Earth Power could be used to deal some damage to Steel-types, but it's not quite strong on this set.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs make Kyurem-Black's Outrage, Iron Head and Fusion Bolt as strong as possible.
• 252 Spe EVs and a Naive nature maximize the Speed, while preserving its physical bulk for taking priority attacks better and letting it outpace many slower Choice Scarf users such as Krookodile, Landorus-T and Gardevoir, while speed tying with opposing scarfed Kyurem-Black.
• 4 lefotver SpA make Kyurem-Black's Ice Beam a tiny bit stronger.
• Teravolt lets Kyurem-Black bypass defensive abilites like Multiscale, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Choice Scarf gives Kyurem-Black the needed Speed bonus in expense of switching between moves.
Usage Tips
========
• Bring it safely against a target you need to revenge kill and click a needed move. Experienced players will find Choice Scarf's presence on Kyurem-Black quite obvious if you bring it to the field like that, so try predicting what your opponent might do if it's not too risky. Switching a healthy Kyurem-Black into an Ice-type move with no hazards in play is a fine way to bring it to the field as well.
• This set is no wallbreaker, but due to its naturally high power, it still can be used to handle certain special walls and ones with a weaknesses to its moves. For example, it 2HKOes both members of SkarmDos (Skarmory and Zapdos) core with Fusion Bolt and 2HKOes both Zapdos and Rotom-W of Electric-type teams with Outrage.
• Don't let it get too much of a punishment. Healthy Kyurem-Black is hard to revenge kill for the most of teams. Also, keep it away from common status users (especially from paralysis and burn spreaders) unless Kyurem-Black is not needed for anything else, and if taking the user of said moves down is absolutely worth it.
Team Options
========
• This set is very ineffective against Steel-type teams. Mega Garchomp pressures Steel-type very well thanks to its combination of strong STAB Earthquake and Fire Blast. It can also help outside of matches against Steel-type teams by setting Stealth Rock for Kyurem-Black to let it clean up easier and still get rid of Steel-types, while Kyurem-Black takes on Flying-types, who are problematic for Mega Garchomp. However, regular Garchomp can do the needed job as well.
• Stealth Rock support from Garchomp, Tyrantrum or Druddigon wears down the opposition, getting many Pokemon in range of being OHKOed by one of Kyurem-Black's moves.
• This Kyurem-Black struggles against bulky walls, so various Pokemon like previously mentioned Mega Garchomp, Choice Band Dragonite and wallbreaker Hydreigon can handle them.
• Latios and Latias provide different kinds of support for Kyurem-Black, like taking on problematic Fighting-types or removing the hazards with Defog. Latias can also use Healing Wish to give Kyurem-Black another chance to threaten the opposition. Lastly and while mostly redundant, these two are able of providing Tailwind support, letting Kyurem-Black to outspeed and OHKO even the fastest Fighting and Dragon-types except Unburdened Hawlucha.
[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Outrage / Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Rash / Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Ice Beam is a reliable STAB attack which OHKOes and 2HKOes many Flying, Ground and slower Dragon-types like Zapdos, Skarmory, Gliscor, Hippowdon, Dragonite and defensive Garchomp.
• Fusion Bolt targets Water and Flying-types which can take Ice Beam, such as Gyarados, Articuno, Slowbro, Empoleon and Azumarill.
• Earth Power hits many Steel-type and Ground-weak Pokemon, such as Heatran, Magnezone, Bisharp, and Pokemon like Rotom-W and Bronzong through Levitate thanks to Teravolt.
• Outrage is a strong attack to hit special walls very hard.
• Iron Head hits Fairy-types such as Clefable for a good damage.
• Roost could be used to promote longevity.
Set Details
========
• 252 SpA EVs maximize the power of Kyurem-Black's special moves, which are the main draw of this set.
• 252 Spe EVs increase the Speed to the maximum, outpacing threats like 288 Speed Mew, Adamant Excadrill outside of sand and Gardevoir before Mega Evolving.
• 4 Atk EVs give a slight boost to Kyurem-Black's relatively high Attack.
• A Rash nature is preferred for power, but Naive could be used for the jump on Pokemon like Modest Hydreigon, Nidoking, Jolly Pinsir before Mega Evolving and Mega Garchomp. Both natures preserve Defense to take priority attacks better.
• Teravolt enables Kyurem-Black to bypass abilities like Multiscale, Levitate, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Life Orb boosts Kyurem-Black's both physical and special power for 30% damage boost in cost of 1/10 of health.
Usage Tips
========
• This wallbreaking set is less restricted than its Choice Band counterpart, so it can be played a bit more recklessly. Ice Beam is the safest move to go for, but catching some target switching in with a coverage move for a 2HKO is not a bad idea.
• Compared to other Kyurem-Black sets, this one fares best against Steel-type teams. Give it a safe switch-in and start threatening the opposition from there with moderately strong Earth Power and Fusion Bolt. Don't hesistate sacrificing it in such matches, as it's often easily threatened in Steel-type matches.
• Mixed Kyurem-Black is less hampered by burns compared to other sets, as it can fall back on its special offense, but coupled with Life Orb recoil and potential entry hazards damage, Kyurem-Black would get worn down quite soon. For these reasons, this set even less likes taking residual damage and therefore should really be brought on safe switches.
Team Options
========
• Dragon Dance Dragonite enjoys having Skarmory, Togekiss and Landorus-Therian out of the way, but other set up sweepers with similar checks, like Zygarde or Haxorus, appreciate Kyurem-Black's wallbreaking abilites as well.
• Stealth Rock punishes frequent switches Kyurem-Black does cause, so Pokemon capable of setting it, such as Garchomp, Tyrantrum and Druddigon, make good teammates.
• This set is not very effective against offensive teams. Decent Choice Scarf users such as Hydreigon and Latios can put a pressure on offensive teams for Kyurem-Black. Alternatively, a Tailwind support from Latias or Latios helps Kyurem-Black with its Speed issues, but having at least one Choice Scarf user alongside Life Orb Kyurem-Black is a mandatory.
• Mixed Life Orb Kyurem-Black suffers from residual damage the most. Latias and Latios not only provide previously mentioned Tailwind support to take on offensive teams, but also clear hazards away with Defog. Latias can also heal Kyurem-Black up with Healing Wish, as this set gets worn down very quick.
• Just like other Kyurem-Black sets, this one still struggles against Steel-type teams, so Mega Garchomp is a decent teammate for crushing Steel-type teams, as well as regular Garchomp.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Ice)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Earth Power
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
• Outrage is a very strong STAB attack hitting many neutral targets for massive damage.
• Ice Beam is an alternative STAB attack which 2HKOes standart Mega Venusaur thanks to Teravolt, while also targeting many various Flying, Ground, Grass and Dragon-type Pokemon without resorting to Outrage.
• Fusion Bolt OHKOes Mega Charizard Y and has a high chance to OHKO Keldeo after Stealth Rock, while also hitting numerous Water-types who resist Ice Beam.
• Earth Power damages Steel, Fire and Electric-types, such as Heatran, Cobalion, Magnezone, Torkoal, Rotom-H and Bronzong, negating Levitate of the latter two thanks to Teravolt.
Set Details
========
• 252 Atk EVs maximize the Attack and chances of OHKOing Keldeo with Fusion Bolt after Stealth Rock, while also making Outrage as strong as possible.
• 252 Spe EVs alongside Naive nature increase the Speed to the maximum while retaining Kyurem-Black's physical bulk to live some Fighting, Steel and Rock-type attacks, which are mostly physical.
• 4 leftover EVs boost Kyurem-Black's special attacks a tiny bit.
• Teravolt enables Kyurem-Black to bypass some defensive abilities like Multiscale, Levitate, Volt Absorb and Thick Fat.
• Choice Scarf grants Kyurem-Black the Speed boost, letting it check dangerous threats in expense of switching its moves.
Usage Tips
========
• This Kyurem-Black is mainly a revenge killer, so bring it on a safe switch-in against a Pokemon you need to revenge kill. When bringing Kyurem-Black against Mega Charizard Y or Keldeo, keep in mind that Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black is known as a primary check to these threats on Ice-type teams, so competent players would switch their Keldeo or Mega Charizard Y out from danger. Predicting what your opponent might switch in is a good idea, but make sure this play is not too risky.
• Kyurem-Black can also be switched into non-crippling resisted hits if there are no entry hazards on your side, as this may wear Kyurem-Black down too soon, and Ice-type teams often lack a Pokemon capable of recovering it.
• All kinds of status (except freeze for obvious reasons) threaten Kyurem-Black, so it's recommended to keep it away from common status spreaders unless you have a cleric support.
Team Options
========
• Stealth Rock limits the amount of times Kyurem-Black can switch-in while also making it easier to revenge kill, so hazard removers such as Avalugg, Articuno or Cryogonal can help Kyurem-Black. Speaking of Articuno, it could opt for Heal Bell to cure Kyurem-Black should it get statused.
• Entry hazards on opposing side let Kyurem-Black attain some important OHKOs and 2HKOs, while also breaking potential Focus Sashes. Aurorus, Froslass, Mamoswine and Piloswine are all capable of setting up entry hazards.
• After Kyurem-Black KOes a target, it often gets met by a powerful Steel, Fighting or Rock-type physical attacker. Avalugg can take physical punishment for Kyurem-Black, while also preventing Mega Scizor's set up attempts with Roar. Froslass can switch into Fighting-type attacks aimed at Kyurem-Black and start to cripple and annoy the opposition with Thunder Wave and Destiny Bond.
• This Kyurem-Black struggles with Fairy-types who often set up on it, so wallbreakers with boost-negating moves like Choice Specs Lapras or Walrein using Frost Breath are good teammates.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Dragon:**
• Physically offensive spread alongside Naughty or Naive nature could be run to focus on Kyurem-Black's physical power in a similar way to the Choice Band set, but with ability to switch between moves. While Life Orb-boosted Outrage 2HKOes Porygon2 after Stealth Rock even without an Attack-boosting nature, lack of special investment would make Ice Beam lose an OHKO on Hippowdon and make Earth Power somewhat weak outside of targeting 4x weaknesses.
**Ice:**
• A mixed wallbreaking set is a possibility to focus on Kyurem-Black's great offenses, while also faring better against Steel-type teams, but in this case, make sure you have alternative checks to Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon:**
**Steel-types:** Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can take a lot of hits from Kyurem-Black and either cripple it with status or straight off KO it. However, most of other Steel-types are still hurt by Earth Power or Fusion Bolt coming from the mixed set.
**Fighting-types:** Most of the Fighting-types have no troubles outspeeding Kyurem-Black even if it runs Choice Scarf and KOing it with their STAB moves. Though, very few actually like switching into Kyurem-Black.
**Dragon-types**: While Kyurem-Black outspeeds non-scarfed Dragon-types, it remains to be one of the slowest viable Choice Scarf users on Dragon-teams, meaning most of other scarfed Dragon-types can still outspeed and OHKO Kyurem-Black with their STAB moves.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Fairy-types prevent Kyurem-Black from spamming Outrage, but only defensive ones can take Iron Head from any set relatively well.
**Mixed walls:** Pokemon with high mixed bulk, especially Chansey and Porygon2, can shut Kyurem-Black down with status and proceed to stall it, but they must watch out for Choice Band set if they got weakened beforehand
**Entry Hazards:** Kyurem-Black is worn down by any sorts of entry hazards, making it much easier to revenge kill.
**Ice:**
**Steel-types:** Just like many other Ice-types, Kyurem-Black struggles against Steel-type teams, especially with ones including (Mega) Scizor. While some Steel-types should watch out for Earth Power, many other just cripple it with status, set up on it, or go straight for a KO.
**Fighting-types:** Relatively strong Fighting-types like Terrakion can put end to Kyurem-Black in one hit, while outspeeding even a scarfed set or going for Mach Punch on Pokemon like Breloom.
**Fairy-types:** Since Kyurem-Black of Ice-type doesn't run Iron Head often, Fairy-types can check it well as long as they don't get caught by either Fusion Bolt (Azumarill, Togekiss), Ice Beam (Togekiss, Whimsicott) or Earth Power (Klefki).
**Mixed walls:** Kyurem-Black doesn't run damage boosting items on Ice very much, meaning mixed walls like Porygon2 and Chansey can take on it pretty well.
**Entry Hazards:** Like with many other Ice-types, entry hazards wear Kyurem-Black down quite badly.
1)Is alphabetic order needed when sorting the sets? And should Dragon sets be together with Dragon ones, and Ice ones listed after all Dragon ones? My current order is: C. Band (Dragon), C. Scarf (Dragon), Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon), C. Scarf (Ice).
2)Does Shadow Claw deserve main listing in Choice Band (Dragon) set?
3)Do I always need to tell why exactly 4 leftover EVs are placed in a certain stat?
4)Should I even mention Articuno's cleric support? I don't know how viable is this.
5)Substitute is an option for Mixed Wallbreaker Kyurem-Black, but extra requirements for running Substitute (either Roost or Leftovers) make it less of a wallbreaker. How actually viable is this?
6)When I mention what does a certain move hit, should I note even redundant targets? For example, Ice Beam hitting Grass-types on Dragon sets, because Grass is a positive matchup for Dragons anyway.
2)Does Shadow Claw deserve main listing in Choice Band (Dragon) set?
3)Do I always need to tell why exactly 4 leftover EVs are placed in a certain stat?
4)Should I even mention Articuno's cleric support? I don't know how viable is this.
5)Substitute is an option for Mixed Wallbreaker Kyurem-Black, but extra requirements for running Substitute (either Roost or Leftovers) make it less of a wallbreaker. How actually viable is this?
6)When I mention what does a certain move hit, should I note even redundant targets? For example, Ice Beam hitting Grass-types on Dragon sets, because Grass is a positive matchup for Dragons anyway.
[OVERVIEW]
**Dragon**
- One of few Dragon-types with neutrality to Ice attacks.
- High offensive stats (170/120) and decent bulk (125/100/90).
- Weak to Fighting, Steel and Rock, and to every kind of entry hazards as well.
- 95 base Speed which is moderately fast, but not enough to outspeed some important threats.
**Ice**
- One of the strongest Pokemon in Ice-type's selection.
- Very decent bulk which lets it live some very strong hits from full health and retaliate hard.
- Forced to run Choice Scarf to check major threats for Ice-type more often than not.
- Yet another victim of Scizor and Choice Scarf Terrakion unless Kyurem-Black is running a specific lure set.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is the strongest move in Kyurem-Black's arsenal.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Fusion Bolt revenge kills Mega Gyarados and hits Skarmory, Togekiss and Azumarill
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack against Dragon and Ground-types.
- Earth Power could be used to hit Steel-types, but it's not very strong in this set.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack, as its physical moves are used more than its Ice Beam.
- 252 Spe EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Speed to outpace any slower scarfer and speed tie with opposing Kyurem-Black.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost Ice Beam a tiny bit.
- Naive nature is preferred over Hasty to take most of priority hits better.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Choice Scarf grants the Speed bonus in expense of switching Kyurem-Black's moves.
Usage Tips
========
- Bring it on a safe switch-in. You may switch Kyurem-Black into not very strong Ice attacks as well, but not with Stealth Rock in the play.
Team Options
========
- (Mega) Garchomp to pressure Steel-type teams.
- Defog Latias or Latios. Healing Wish is also helpful.
- Wallbreaker Hydreigon w/Flamethrower.
[SET]
name: Physically Based Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Earth Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is a very strong move in this set, capable of 2HKOing Porygon2 after Stealth Rocks.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-types very hard.
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack for slower Dragons and Ground-types.
- Earth Power damages Steel-types.
- Roost could be used to improve longevity in cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost a special move of choice a bit.
- Naive nature make Kyurem-B outpace threats like Modest Hydreigon, but Naughty nature gives even more power and still lets to outpace Speed-positive 80 base Speed Pokemon.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Life Orb boosts both physically and specially offensive power of Kyurem-Black.
Usage Tips
========
- Get it on the field and try to predict your opponent.
- Use Fusion Bolt early-game.
- Resort to Outrage only if taking certain target down is a key success for your team, or if Kyurem-Black is not needed anymore.
Team Options
========
- Dragon Dance Dragonite.
- Latios and Latios with their Defog, Tailwind and Healing Wish support.
- (Mega) Garchomp to take on Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Specially Based Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Outrage / Hidden Power Fire / Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Ice Beam is a STAB-boosted move.
- Fusion Bolt targets Water-types.
- Earth Power hits Steel-types.
- Outrage is a stronger physical attack.
- Hidden Power Fire lure-KOes Scizor and Ferrothorn.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Roost could be used to improve longevity in cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
- 252 SpA EVs maximize Special Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Attack to boost physical moves a small bit.
- Naive nature make Kyurem-B outpace threats like Modest Hydreigon, but Rash nature gives even more power and still lets to outpace Speed-positive 80 base Speed Pokemon.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black which negates abilities like Multiscale and Levitate.
- Life Orb boosts both physically and specially offensive power of Kyurem-Black.
Usage Tips
========
- Open with Ice Beam (unless you are facing a team of type it naturally resists).
- You may predict, but try not to reveal your secret coverage attack too early.
Team Options
========
- (Mega) Garchomp.
- Latios and Latios with their Defog, Tailwind and Healing Wish support.
- Choice Band Dragonite or Haxorus to take on Porygon2 and other mixed or special walls.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Ice)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is Kyurem-Black's strongest move.
- Fusion Bolt targets Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y primarily.
- Earth Power damages Steel-types.
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Speed to outpace any slower scarfer and speed tie with opposing Kyurem-Black.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost special moves a bit.
- Naive nature is preferred over Hasty to take most of priority hits better and to actually live some very strong hits from full health.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Choice Scarf grants the Speed bonus in expense of switching Kyurem-Black's moves.
Usage Tips
========
- Kyurem-Black is best brought on free switches, but can be switched into non-crippling resisted attacks as well.
- Bringing Kyurem-Black on free switch-ins against Mega Charizard Y or Keldeo is suggested to gain momentum, but try not to be too obvious.
Team Options
========
- Avalugg takes physical hits for Kyurem-Black and has Rapid Spin to help with entry hazards weakness.
- Entry hazards setters like Aurorus, Froslass, Mamoswine or Piloswine.
- Choice Specs Lapras to take on Fairy-types like Azumarill or Clefable, as they can set up on it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Dragon:**
- Freeze Shock alongside Power Herb, but it's only a one-time attack.
- Substitute alongside Leftovers or Roost on wallbreaking sets.
- Choice Band, but it needs a lot of support and smart playing.
**Ice:**
- Any mix of Attack and Special Attack EVs, but having less Attack gives Keldeo more chance to survive Fusion Bolt.
- A lure set with Chople Berry + Psychic or Babiri Berry + Earth Power + Hidden Power Fire.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon:**
**Steel-types:** Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can take a lot of hits from Kyurem-Black and either cripple it with status or straight off KO it. However, all of them must watch out for Earth Power and Hidden Power Fire from specially based set.
**Fighting-types:** Most of the Fighting-types have no troubles outspeeding Kyurem-Black even if it runs Choice Scarf and KO it with their STAB moves. Though, very few actually like switching into Kyurem-Black.
**Dragon-types**: A lot of Dragon-types outspeed Kyurem-Black if it's not running Choice Scarf and OHKO it with Draco Meteor or Outrage.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Fairy-types block Kyurem-Black from spamming Outrage, but only defensive ones can take Iron Head from any set relatively well.
**Mixed walls:** Pokemon with high mixed bulk, especially Chansey and Porygon2 can shut it down with status and proceed to stall it out, but they should be careful with non-Choiced sets.
**Entry Hazards:** Kyurem-Black is worn down by any sorts of entry hazards, making Kyurem-Black much easier to revenge kill.
**Ice:**
**Steel-types:** Just like many other Ice-types, Kyurem-Black struggles against Steel-type teams, especially with Scizor, if it's not running a specific lure set.
**Fighting-types:** Relatively strong Fighting-types like Terrakion can put end to Kyurem-Black in one hit, but they should watch out for lure tactics.
**Fairy-types:** Since Kyurem-Black of Ice-type doesn't run Iron Head often, Fairy-types can check it well as long as they don't get caught by either Fusion Bolt (Azumarill, Togekiss), Ice Beam (Togekiss, Whimsicott) or Earth Power (Klefki).
**Mixed walls:** Kyurem-Black doesn't run damage boosting items on Ice very much, meaning mixed walls like Porygon2 and Chansey can take on it pretty well.
**Entry Hazards:** Like with many other Ice-types, entry hazards wear Kyurem-Black down quite well.
**Dragon**
- One of few Dragon-types with neutrality to Ice attacks.
- High offensive stats (170/120) and decent bulk (125/100/90).
- Weak to Fighting, Steel and Rock, and to every kind of entry hazards as well.
- 95 base Speed which is moderately fast, but not enough to outspeed some important threats.
**Ice**
- One of the strongest Pokemon in Ice-type's selection.
- Very decent bulk which lets it live some very strong hits from full health and retaliate hard.
- Forced to run Choice Scarf to check major threats for Ice-type more often than not.
- Yet another victim of Scizor and Choice Scarf Terrakion unless Kyurem-Black is running a specific lure set.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is the strongest move in Kyurem-Black's arsenal.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Fusion Bolt revenge kills Mega Gyarados and hits Skarmory, Togekiss and Azumarill
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack against Dragon and Ground-types.
- Earth Power could be used to hit Steel-types, but it's not very strong in this set.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack, as its physical moves are used more than its Ice Beam.
- 252 Spe EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Speed to outpace any slower scarfer and speed tie with opposing Kyurem-Black.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost Ice Beam a tiny bit.
- Naive nature is preferred over Hasty to take most of priority hits better.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Choice Scarf grants the Speed bonus in expense of switching Kyurem-Black's moves.
Usage Tips
========
- Bring it on a safe switch-in. You may switch Kyurem-Black into not very strong Ice attacks as well, but not with Stealth Rock in the play.
Team Options
========
- (Mega) Garchomp to pressure Steel-type teams.
- Defog Latias or Latios. Healing Wish is also helpful.
- Wallbreaker Hydreigon w/Flamethrower.
[SET]
name: Physically Based Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Earth Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive / Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is a very strong move in this set, capable of 2HKOing Porygon2 after Stealth Rocks.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Fusion Bolt hits Water and Flying-types very hard.
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack for slower Dragons and Ground-types.
- Earth Power damages Steel-types.
- Roost could be used to improve longevity in cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost a special move of choice a bit.
- Naive nature make Kyurem-B outpace threats like Modest Hydreigon, but Naughty nature gives even more power and still lets to outpace Speed-positive 80 base Speed Pokemon.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Life Orb boosts both physically and specially offensive power of Kyurem-Black.
Usage Tips
========
- Get it on the field and try to predict your opponent.
- Use Fusion Bolt early-game.
- Resort to Outrage only if taking certain target down is a key success for your team, or if Kyurem-Black is not needed anymore.
Team Options
========
- Dragon Dance Dragonite.
- Latios and Latios with their Defog, Tailwind and Healing Wish support.
- (Mega) Garchomp to take on Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Specially Based Mixed Wallbreaker (Dragon)
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Outrage / Hidden Power Fire / Iron Head
item: Life Orb
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Ice Beam is a STAB-boosted move.
- Fusion Bolt targets Water-types.
- Earth Power hits Steel-types.
- Outrage is a stronger physical attack.
- Hidden Power Fire lure-KOes Scizor and Ferrothorn.
- Iron Head hits Fairies.
- Roost could be used to improve longevity in cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
- 252 SpA EVs maximize Special Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs make Kyurem-Black as fast as possible.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Attack to boost physical moves a small bit.
- Naive nature make Kyurem-B outpace threats like Modest Hydreigon, but Rash nature gives even more power and still lets to outpace Speed-positive 80 base Speed Pokemon.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black which negates abilities like Multiscale and Levitate.
- Life Orb boosts both physically and specially offensive power of Kyurem-Black.
Usage Tips
========
- Open with Ice Beam (unless you are facing a team of type it naturally resists).
- You may predict, but try not to reveal your secret coverage attack too early.
Team Options
========
- (Mega) Garchomp.
- Latios and Latios with their Defog, Tailwind and Healing Wish support.
- Choice Band Dragonite or Haxorus to take on Porygon2 and other mixed or special walls.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Ice)
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Teravolt
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Outrage is Kyurem-Black's strongest move.
- Fusion Bolt targets Keldeo and Mega Charizard Y primarily.
- Earth Power damages Steel-types.
- Ice Beam is a secondary STAB attack.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Attack.
- 252 Spe EVs maximize Kyurem-Black's Speed to outpace any slower scarfer and speed tie with opposing Kyurem-Black.
- 4 leftover EVs are placed in Special Attack to boost special moves a bit.
- Naive nature is preferred over Hasty to take most of priority hits better and to actually live some very strong hits from full health.
- Teravolt is the only ability available for Kyurem-Black.
- Choice Scarf grants the Speed bonus in expense of switching Kyurem-Black's moves.
Usage Tips
========
- Kyurem-Black is best brought on free switches, but can be switched into non-crippling resisted attacks as well.
- Bringing Kyurem-Black on free switch-ins against Mega Charizard Y or Keldeo is suggested to gain momentum, but try not to be too obvious.
Team Options
========
- Avalugg takes physical hits for Kyurem-Black and has Rapid Spin to help with entry hazards weakness.
- Entry hazards setters like Aurorus, Froslass, Mamoswine or Piloswine.
- Choice Specs Lapras to take on Fairy-types like Azumarill or Clefable, as they can set up on it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Dragon:**
- Freeze Shock alongside Power Herb, but it's only a one-time attack.
- Substitute alongside Leftovers or Roost on wallbreaking sets.
- Choice Band, but it needs a lot of support and smart playing.
**Ice:**
- Any mix of Attack and Special Attack EVs, but having less Attack gives Keldeo more chance to survive Fusion Bolt.
- A lure set with Chople Berry + Psychic or Babiri Berry + Earth Power + Hidden Power Fire.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dragon:**
**Steel-types:** Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can take a lot of hits from Kyurem-Black and either cripple it with status or straight off KO it. However, all of them must watch out for Earth Power and Hidden Power Fire from specially based set.
**Fighting-types:** Most of the Fighting-types have no troubles outspeeding Kyurem-Black even if it runs Choice Scarf and KO it with their STAB moves. Though, very few actually like switching into Kyurem-Black.
**Dragon-types**: A lot of Dragon-types outspeed Kyurem-Black if it's not running Choice Scarf and OHKO it with Draco Meteor or Outrage.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Fairy-types block Kyurem-Black from spamming Outrage, but only defensive ones can take Iron Head from any set relatively well.
**Mixed walls:** Pokemon with high mixed bulk, especially Chansey and Porygon2 can shut it down with status and proceed to stall it out, but they should be careful with non-Choiced sets.
**Entry Hazards:** Kyurem-Black is worn down by any sorts of entry hazards, making Kyurem-Black much easier to revenge kill.
**Ice:**
**Steel-types:** Just like many other Ice-types, Kyurem-Black struggles against Steel-type teams, especially with Scizor, if it's not running a specific lure set.
**Fighting-types:** Relatively strong Fighting-types like Terrakion can put end to Kyurem-Black in one hit, but they should watch out for lure tactics.
**Fairy-types:** Since Kyurem-Black of Ice-type doesn't run Iron Head often, Fairy-types can check it well as long as they don't get caught by either Fusion Bolt (Azumarill, Togekiss), Ice Beam (Togekiss, Whimsicott) or Earth Power (Klefki).
**Mixed walls:** Kyurem-Black doesn't run damage boosting items on Ice very much, meaning mixed walls like Porygon2 and Chansey can take on it pretty well.
**Entry Hazards:** Like with many other Ice-types, entry hazards wear Kyurem-Black down quite well.
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