QC: dodmen / Bouff / GrilledClawitzer
GP: AD Thunderboy (amcheck) / talkingtree
* Excellent Speed and pure Electric typing allow Raikou to effectively threaten most offensive Pokemon in the metagame. Its typing is also useful to check the plethora of bulky Water-types present in the tier.
* Access to a boosting move in Calm Mind allows Raikou to function as a sweeper.
* Poor Defense leaves it unable to stomach strong physical hits whatsoever.
* It has decent coverage that, when used in tandem with Z-Crystals, allows it to beat some of its checks.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch / Shadow Ball / Hyper Beam
item: Leftovers / Ghostium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Calm Mind is used in order to increase Raikou's Special Attack, which allows it to utilize its coverage moves to break past some of its checks.
* Thunderbolt is Raikou's main STAB move, as its perfect accuracy makes it reliable.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types that would be able to switch in otherwise, such as Gliscor.
* Volt Switch allows Raikou to deal damage and gain momentum.
* Shadow Ball, in conjunction with Ghostium Z, allows it to break past Latias and is a viable option even without the Z-crystal.
* Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows Raikou to beat Swampert, Hippowdon, and Amoonguss after a little bit of chip damage; however, this moveslot is rendered useless once the Z-move is used.
Set Details
========
* Raikou is given maximum Special Attack EVs in order to maximize damage output. A Timid nature and maximum Speed are crucial, as Raikou being slower than opposing base 115s is detrimental to the effectiveness of the set. It is also important for outspeeding base 110s like Latias.
* Leftovers provide Raikou with longevity, which allows it to switch into attacks a little more comfortably.
* Ghostium Z should only be used with Shadow Ball, while Normalium Z is only used with Hyper Beam.
* Zap Plate is another option that allows Raikou to 2HKO standard Clefable at +1 with Thunderbolt.
Usage Tips
========
* This set functions as an offensive pivot if Raikou is carrying Leftovers.
* Raikou should setup Calm Mind against Pokemon it can force out like Magneton or opposing Raikou.
* One should be wary of faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl or Choice Scarf Krookodile when deciding to set up.
* If Raikou is carrying a Z-crystal, this set functions as a lure to several Pokemon like Swampert, Hippowdon, Latias, and Amoonguss. It can Calm Mind and then remove them with a Z-move.
* This Pokemon functions best early-game. It can take out some of its initial checks if carrying a Z-crystal. If it is carrying Leftovers, it can use Volt Switch freely to pivot out of poor matchups and send in strong wallbreakers.
Team Options
========
* Raikou is extremely prone to being worn down and, as a result, backup answers to Water-types are mandatory. Decidueye makes for a good partner as it can pressure Grass-types, Ground-types, and Water-types.
* Pokemon that appreciate Raikou's luring capabilities, such as Infernape and Cobalion, make for good partners. Toxicroak works well as a teammate and doubles as a primary Water-type check which this Raikou set appreciates.
* Entry hazard support is important in order to guarantee Raikou its KOs. Pokemon like Krookodile, Swampert, and Gliscor work well.
* Flying-types such as Gliscor and Crobat can switch into the Ground-type attacks that are used against Raikou.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Specs
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt is used for its reliable accuracy and high PP. In conjunction with Choice Specs it is a very powerful attack.
* Volt Switch is used in order to pivot around early- or mid-game, softening up switch-ins to Raikou like Latias.
* Shadow Ball is a useful tool that allows Raikou to hit Latias and Decidueye for a decent chunk of damage.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor that would be able to switch in on Raikou otherwise.
* Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ice, as it allows Raikou to hit Gastrodon and Swampert, which would be able to check it otherwise.
* Extrasensory can also be used over Shadow Ball in order to hit Amoonguss and Roserade.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Special Attack and Speed are used in order to make the best use out of the set. It's vital to hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding key Pokemon such as Gengar and matching the speed of Pokemon such as Mega Absol and Zygarde-10%.
* A Timid nature is essential, as without it, Raikou is going to be outpaced by several relevant Pokemon like Infernape, Cobalion, and Latias.
Usage Tips
========
* To send Raikou in, a U-turn user such as Scizor or Mienshao should be utilized.
* In the early-game, you want to Volt Switch in order to scout your opponent's initial responses to Raikou and chip away at them. Later on in the game, Raikou should be able to KO them with Thunderbolt.
* If there is a bulky Ground-type on the opposing team, you are better off not using Electric-type moves. Instead, double switching to a Pokemon that can threaten the Ground-type is advised. If Raikou is able to break through the Ground-types with its Hidden Power, it should be used.
Team Options
========
* Choice Specs Raikou should definitely be paired with Toxic Spikes users such as Tentacruel and Roserade, as they provide Raikou with a little more freedom in clicking Volt Switch. If a Ground-type wishes to halt momentum, they will have to do so at the cost of being poisoned.
* Pursuit users such as Bisharp can aid Raikou by trapping and removing some of its checks like Latias.
* Pokemon that are capable of breaking past Ground-types make for good partners. Examples of such Pokemon include Primarina, Roserade, and Keldeo.
* Pokemon with access to U-turn are good partners as it works well with Volt Switch. Pokemon such as Mienshao can form a strong VoltTurn core with Raikou, as together they chip down the opponents' walls.
* As Raikou is prone to being worn down, backup answers to Flying-types and Water-types are important. Rock-types like Mega Aerodactyl and Grass-types like Roserade work well.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Substitute allows Raikou to gather Calm Mind boosts safely in addition to evading volatile status conditions induced by Pokemon such as Klefki.
* Calm Mind allows Raikou to boost its Special Attack to dangerous levels and break past Pokemon that would stop it otherwise such as non-Calm Mind Clefable or Hydreigon. It also makes Raikou's Substitute harder to break.
* Thunderbolt is Raikou's main STAB move, as it is reliable thanks to its perfect accuracy.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor that would be able to switch in on Raikou otherwise.
* Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ice as it allows Raikou to hit Gastrodon and Swampert, which would be able to check it otherwise.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Speed is essential for Raikou in order to be able to outspeed Pokemon such as Latias and Gengar while also being able to Speed tie opposing Raikou and Starmie.
* Raikou isn't particularly strong without Calm Mind boosts, so it has maximum Special Attack investment in order to be able to hit as hard as possible.
* Leftovers allows it to set up Substitutes throughout the match, as the passive recovery is necessary for the set to perform.
* Pressure in conjunction with Substitute can be used to deplete the foe's PP and get around some defensive checks like Clefable.
Usage Tips
========
* Raikou shouldn't be used to switch into anything, as any prior damage that it takes reduces its effectiveness in sweeping. If it absolutely necessary, it can attempt to stomach a few Electric-type attacks, but Raikou should definitely not be taking repeated hits throughout the match.
* Substitute should be used against Pokemon that Raikou forces out, such as Slowbro. However, it should be used sparingly, as letting Raikou get too weakened will hinder it.
* Calm Mind shouldn't be used until checks to Raikou such as Hippowdon or Latias are in range of Hidden Power.
* If faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl or Choice Scarf Krookodile are still present, you should avoid setting up until they are removed.
Team Options
========
* As Raikou is not meant to switch into Electric-type attacks from the likes of Magneton or opposing Raikou, a secondary check to Electric-types is appreciated greatly. For this reason, Choice Scarf Krookodile, Swampert, and Hippowdon are good partners. Krookodile has the added benefit of being able to trap Latias, one of Raikou's checks.
* This set tends to have trouble muscling past bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, so having Pokemon that can take advantage of those, such as Keldeo or Primarina, is valuable.
* Toxic Spikes support is useful because it causes Ground-types to be worn down a lot faster, paving a way for Raikou to sweep. Tentacruel and Roserade are examples of Pokemon that can provide this.
* Raikou can form an effective Electric spam core with Heliolisk that is capable of pressuring conventional checks to Electric-types due to Heliolisk's access to moves like Surf and Grass Knot.
* As this Raikou suffers from the lack of initial power and hesitance to serve as a primary answer to Water-types, backup checks are important in the form of Pokemon like Toxicroak.
* Flying-types such as Gliscor and Crobat can switch into the Ground-type attacks that are used against Raikou.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Assault Vest is an option that allows Raikou to pivot into Special Attackers such as Gengar a little bit better.
* A Shuca Berry allows Raikou to take on certain Ground-types, such as Nidoking and Nidoqueen, after a Calm Mind boost.
* An Expert Belt can be used to bluff a Choice Specs set while retaining the ability to switch moves.
* Toxic can be used to cripple Ground-types that attempt to switch in on Raikou.
* Psychium Z Extrasensory allows it to lure in and defeat Amoonguss. Unlike Hyper Beam on the Normalium Z set, Extrasensory has some use outside of its Z-move.
* Electrium Z gives Raikou a stronger Thunderbolt that can OHKO even specially bulky variants of Scizor.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Gastrodon are all capable of taking a hit from Raikou and KOing it back due to its poor Defense. However, Krookodile cannot take repeated Hidden Powers, Swampert and Gastrodon have to watch out for Hidden Power Grass, and Hippowdon has to be wary of Breakneck Blitz.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Roserade are capable of comfortably taking Electric-type attacks from Raikou and threatening it back with Sleep Powder and Sludge Bomb. However, they have to be cautious of Extrasensory and Hidden Power Ice.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Blissey and Umbreon can give Raikou a lot of trouble, as they take little damage from any of Raikou's attacks and can whittle it down with Toxic. Blissey can even break Raikou's Substitutes with Seismic Toss.
**Faster Physically Offensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl that are naturally faster can threaten Raikou with an Earthquake and can catch it switching out with a Pursuit, leaving it extremely weakened and most likely unable to perform its role effectively. Scarf Mienshao is also able to threaten Raikou with a Reckless boosted Hi Jump Kick if Raikou is not behind a Substitute.
GP: AD Thunderboy (amcheck) / talkingtree
* Excellent Speed and pure Electric typing allow Raikou to effectively threaten most offensive Pokemon in the metagame. Its typing is also useful to check the plethora of bulky Water-types present in the tier.
* Access to a boosting move in Calm Mind allows Raikou to function as a sweeper.
* Poor Defense leaves it unable to stomach strong physical hits whatsoever.
* It has decent coverage that, when used in tandem with Z-Crystals, allows it to beat some of its checks.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + 3 Attacks
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch / Shadow Ball / Hyper Beam
item: Leftovers / Ghostium Z / Normalium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Calm Mind is used in order to increase Raikou's Special Attack, which allows it to utilize its coverage moves to break past some of its checks.
* Thunderbolt is Raikou's main STAB move, as its perfect accuracy makes it reliable.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types that would be able to switch in otherwise, such as Gliscor.
* Volt Switch allows Raikou to deal damage and gain momentum.
* Shadow Ball, in conjunction with Ghostium Z, allows it to break past Latias and is a viable option even without the Z-crystal.
* Hyper Beam in conjunction with Normalium Z allows Raikou to beat Swampert, Hippowdon, and Amoonguss after a little bit of chip damage; however, this moveslot is rendered useless once the Z-move is used.
Set Details
========
* Raikou is given maximum Special Attack EVs in order to maximize damage output. A Timid nature and maximum Speed are crucial, as Raikou being slower than opposing base 115s is detrimental to the effectiveness of the set. It is also important for outspeeding base 110s like Latias.
* Leftovers provide Raikou with longevity, which allows it to switch into attacks a little more comfortably.
* Ghostium Z should only be used with Shadow Ball, while Normalium Z is only used with Hyper Beam.
* Zap Plate is another option that allows Raikou to 2HKO standard Clefable at +1 with Thunderbolt.
Usage Tips
========
* This set functions as an offensive pivot if Raikou is carrying Leftovers.
* Raikou should setup Calm Mind against Pokemon it can force out like Magneton or opposing Raikou.
* One should be wary of faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl or Choice Scarf Krookodile when deciding to set up.
* If Raikou is carrying a Z-crystal, this set functions as a lure to several Pokemon like Swampert, Hippowdon, Latias, and Amoonguss. It can Calm Mind and then remove them with a Z-move.
* This Pokemon functions best early-game. It can take out some of its initial checks if carrying a Z-crystal. If it is carrying Leftovers, it can use Volt Switch freely to pivot out of poor matchups and send in strong wallbreakers.
Team Options
========
* Raikou is extremely prone to being worn down and, as a result, backup answers to Water-types are mandatory. Decidueye makes for a good partner as it can pressure Grass-types, Ground-types, and Water-types.
* Pokemon that appreciate Raikou's luring capabilities, such as Infernape and Cobalion, make for good partners. Toxicroak works well as a teammate and doubles as a primary Water-type check which this Raikou set appreciates.
* Entry hazard support is important in order to guarantee Raikou its KOs. Pokemon like Krookodile, Swampert, and Gliscor work well.
* Flying-types such as Gliscor and Crobat can switch into the Ground-type attacks that are used against Raikou.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Specs
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt is used for its reliable accuracy and high PP. In conjunction with Choice Specs it is a very powerful attack.
* Volt Switch is used in order to pivot around early- or mid-game, softening up switch-ins to Raikou like Latias.
* Shadow Ball is a useful tool that allows Raikou to hit Latias and Decidueye for a decent chunk of damage.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor that would be able to switch in on Raikou otherwise.
* Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ice, as it allows Raikou to hit Gastrodon and Swampert, which would be able to check it otherwise.
* Extrasensory can also be used over Shadow Ball in order to hit Amoonguss and Roserade.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Special Attack and Speed are used in order to make the best use out of the set. It's vital to hit as hard as possible while also outspeeding key Pokemon such as Gengar and matching the speed of Pokemon such as Mega Absol and Zygarde-10%.
* A Timid nature is essential, as without it, Raikou is going to be outpaced by several relevant Pokemon like Infernape, Cobalion, and Latias.
Usage Tips
========
* To send Raikou in, a U-turn user such as Scizor or Mienshao should be utilized.
* In the early-game, you want to Volt Switch in order to scout your opponent's initial responses to Raikou and chip away at them. Later on in the game, Raikou should be able to KO them with Thunderbolt.
* If there is a bulky Ground-type on the opposing team, you are better off not using Electric-type moves. Instead, double switching to a Pokemon that can threaten the Ground-type is advised. If Raikou is able to break through the Ground-types with its Hidden Power, it should be used.
Team Options
========
* Choice Specs Raikou should definitely be paired with Toxic Spikes users such as Tentacruel and Roserade, as they provide Raikou with a little more freedom in clicking Volt Switch. If a Ground-type wishes to halt momentum, they will have to do so at the cost of being poisoned.
* Pursuit users such as Bisharp can aid Raikou by trapping and removing some of its checks like Latias.
* Pokemon that are capable of breaking past Ground-types make for good partners. Examples of such Pokemon include Primarina, Roserade, and Keldeo.
* Pokemon with access to U-turn are good partners as it works well with Volt Switch. Pokemon such as Mienshao can form a strong VoltTurn core with Raikou, as together they chip down the opponents' walls.
* As Raikou is prone to being worn down, backup answers to Flying-types and Water-types are important. Rock-types like Mega Aerodactyl and Grass-types like Roserade work well.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Substitute allows Raikou to gather Calm Mind boosts safely in addition to evading volatile status conditions induced by Pokemon such as Klefki.
* Calm Mind allows Raikou to boost its Special Attack to dangerous levels and break past Pokemon that would stop it otherwise such as non-Calm Mind Clefable or Hydreigon. It also makes Raikou's Substitute harder to break.
* Thunderbolt is Raikou's main STAB move, as it is reliable thanks to its perfect accuracy.
* Hidden Power Ice allows Raikou to hit Ground-types such as Gliscor that would be able to switch in on Raikou otherwise.
* Hidden Power Grass is an option over Hidden Power Ice as it allows Raikou to hit Gastrodon and Swampert, which would be able to check it otherwise.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Speed is essential for Raikou in order to be able to outspeed Pokemon such as Latias and Gengar while also being able to Speed tie opposing Raikou and Starmie.
* Raikou isn't particularly strong without Calm Mind boosts, so it has maximum Special Attack investment in order to be able to hit as hard as possible.
* Leftovers allows it to set up Substitutes throughout the match, as the passive recovery is necessary for the set to perform.
* Pressure in conjunction with Substitute can be used to deplete the foe's PP and get around some defensive checks like Clefable.
Usage Tips
========
* Raikou shouldn't be used to switch into anything, as any prior damage that it takes reduces its effectiveness in sweeping. If it absolutely necessary, it can attempt to stomach a few Electric-type attacks, but Raikou should definitely not be taking repeated hits throughout the match.
* Substitute should be used against Pokemon that Raikou forces out, such as Slowbro. However, it should be used sparingly, as letting Raikou get too weakened will hinder it.
* Calm Mind shouldn't be used until checks to Raikou such as Hippowdon or Latias are in range of Hidden Power.
* If faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl or Choice Scarf Krookodile are still present, you should avoid setting up until they are removed.
Team Options
========
* As Raikou is not meant to switch into Electric-type attacks from the likes of Magneton or opposing Raikou, a secondary check to Electric-types is appreciated greatly. For this reason, Choice Scarf Krookodile, Swampert, and Hippowdon are good partners. Krookodile has the added benefit of being able to trap Latias, one of Raikou's checks.
* This set tends to have trouble muscling past bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon, so having Pokemon that can take advantage of those, such as Keldeo or Primarina, is valuable.
* Toxic Spikes support is useful because it causes Ground-types to be worn down a lot faster, paving a way for Raikou to sweep. Tentacruel and Roserade are examples of Pokemon that can provide this.
* Raikou can form an effective Electric spam core with Heliolisk that is capable of pressuring conventional checks to Electric-types due to Heliolisk's access to moves like Surf and Grass Knot.
* As this Raikou suffers from the lack of initial power and hesitance to serve as a primary answer to Water-types, backup checks are important in the form of Pokemon like Toxicroak.
* Flying-types such as Gliscor and Crobat can switch into the Ground-type attacks that are used against Raikou.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Assault Vest is an option that allows Raikou to pivot into Special Attackers such as Gengar a little bit better.
* A Shuca Berry allows Raikou to take on certain Ground-types, such as Nidoking and Nidoqueen, after a Calm Mind boost.
* An Expert Belt can be used to bluff a Choice Specs set while retaining the ability to switch moves.
* Toxic can be used to cripple Ground-types that attempt to switch in on Raikou.
* Psychium Z Extrasensory allows it to lure in and defeat Amoonguss. Unlike Hyper Beam on the Normalium Z set, Extrasensory has some use outside of its Z-move.
* Electrium Z gives Raikou a stronger Thunderbolt that can OHKO even specially bulky variants of Scizor.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground types such as Hippowdon, Swampert, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Gastrodon are all capable of taking a hit from Raikou and KOing it back due to its poor Defense. However, Krookodile cannot take repeated Hidden Powers, Swampert and Gastrodon have to watch out for Hidden Power Grass, and Hippowdon has to be wary of Breakneck Blitz.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Roserade are capable of comfortably taking Electric-type attacks from Raikou and threatening it back with Sleep Powder and Sludge Bomb. However, they have to be cautious of Extrasensory and Hidden Power Ice.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Blissey and Umbreon can give Raikou a lot of trouble, as they take little damage from any of Raikou's attacks and can whittle it down with Toxic. Blissey can even break Raikou's Substitutes with Seismic Toss.
**Faster Physically Offensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl that are naturally faster can threaten Raikou with an Earthquake and can catch it switching out with a Pursuit, leaving it extremely weakened and most likely unable to perform its role effectively. Scarf Mienshao is also able to threaten Raikou with a Reckless boosted Hi Jump Kick if Raikou is not behind a Substitute.
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