Absol
Abilities: Pressure / Super Luck
Base Stats: 65 HP / 130 Atk / 60 Def / 75 SpA / 60 SpD / 75 Spe
Absol is most commonly seen as a Swords Dance sweeper. With Night Slash as a primary STAB, Superpower as a coverage move, and Sucker Punch for a strong priority attack, Absol is extremely dangerous to defensive and offensive teams alike. Occasionally, Choice Scarf Absol is used as a quick way to Pursuit away Ghosts like Mismagius and Rotom and as a decent revenge killer. Absol’s weak spot is its frailty, as even neutral STAB attacks without EV investment can deal well over 50% to it.
Aggron
Abilities: Sturdy / Rock Head
Base Stats: 70 HP / 110 Atk / 180 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 50 Spe
With the addition of Head Smash from HGSS, Aggron has become quite a fearsome physical attacker.
Its Rock Polish set is the most common, since it patches up Aggron’s low Speed and allows
it to abuse
its extremely powerful Head Smash; this set commonly uses coverage moves like Aqua Tail, Low Kick, and Ice Punch. Aggron can also run an effective Choice Band set due to
its massive physical bulk and somewhat common resistances. Finally, a SubPunch set capitalizes on Aggron’s resistances and, while using Magnet Rise, allows
it to defeat some of
its common counters like Donphan.
Alakazam
Abilities: Synchronize / Inner Focus
Base Stats: 55 HP / 50 Atk / 45 Def / 135 SpA / 85 SpD / 120 Spe
Alakazam is the proud owner of the highest Special Attack stat and the third highest Speed stat in UU. The common Choice Specs set uses both of these to their fullest extent, powering through teams with
its raw power, speed, and decent coverage (Psychic, Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, and Grass Knot). Alakazam sometimes runs a Substitute Life Orb 3 Attack set that also tries to capitalize on
its Special Attack and Speed while gaining the ability to switch attacks. Alakazam also has a wide array of support moves, including Taunt, Encore, Reflect, Light Screen, and Trick. Encore deserves a mention as a popular auxiliary move on offensive sets, as it can garner Alakazam free turns and also prevents Pokemon from using Sucker Punch effectively.
Altaria
Ability: Natural Cure
Base Stats: 75 HP / 70 Atk / 90 Def / 70 SpA / 105 SpD / 80 Spe
As the only UU Dragon, Altaria has a few niche roles as both an offensive and defensive Pokemon. Defensively,
its handy resistances and numerous support moves
such as Heal Bell, Perish Song, and Roar are
a godsend to many stall teams. On the other hand, Altaria’s Dragon Dance set lets
it wreak havoc with a STAB Outrage and Earthquake for coverage, while Mixed Altaria is able to abuse the immense power of Draco Meteor to break down opposing walls.
Ambipom
Abilities: Pickup / Technician
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 66 Def / 60 SpA / 66 SpD / 115 Spe
Ambipom primarily serves as a quick Normal-type attacker, usually equipped with a Silk Scarf or Life Orb and some combination of Fake Out, Return, Pursuit, Payback, U-turn, Low Kick, and Taunt. When used as a lead, Ambipom usually runs Taunt to prevent entry hazards from being set up, but when used as a cleaner, a coverage option is more valuable.
Its high Speed, decent Attack stat, and hit-and-run nature makes this set extremely effective against offensive teams, while
it can still use Taunt to disrupt defensive ones. The drawback to offensive Ambipom is that
it will end up either walled by Ghosts (if
it lacks a Dark-type move), walled by Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon (without Low Kick), or will be less effective at maintaining offensive momentum (without U-turn). Ambipom is also able to Baton Pass both Agility and Nasty Plot, and is somewhat unique in this role due to
its access to Taunt.
Arcanine
Abilities: Flash Fire / Intimidate
Base Stats: 90 HP / 110 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 95 Spe
An extremely balanced stat spread and surprisingly wide movepool make Arcanine one of the most adaptable Pokemon in the tier.
Its offensive sets make the most of STAB Flare Blitz and priority in ExtremeSpeed. Offensive sets use both abilities equally well, since Intimidate turns Arcanine into a check to many physical sweepers while Flash Fire can give a massive boost to
its own offenses. With Morning Sun along with Intimidate, Roar, Toxic, and Will-O-Wisp at
its disposal, defensive Arcanine can check a large portion of UU’s physical threats, most notably Swords Dance Venusaur.
Articuno
Ability: Pressure
Base Stats: 90 HP / 85 Atk / 100 Def / 95 SpA / 125 SpD / 85 Spe
While Articuno’s 4x Stealth Rock weakness and Ice subtype may be initially offputting, it is an extremely specially bulky Toxic and Pressure staller. Articuno’s SubRoost set, typically accompanied by Toxic and Ice Beam, finds easy setup opportunities on a wide range of specially-inclined defensive Pokemon including Milotic, Slowbro, and Venusaur. Articuno can also use Heal Bell to help defend
its team against status inflictions.
Azumarill
Abilities: Huge Power / Thick Fat
Base Stats: 100 HP / 50 Atk / 80 Def / 50 SpA / 80 SpD / 50 Spe
Azumarill’s high Attack stat (assuming a boosting nature and 252 EVs, it is essentially equivalent to Groudon’s and Rayquaza’s) and natural bulk make
it a solid choice for any offensive team seeking a bulky yet powerful Water Pokemon. Azumarill is commonly seen wearing a Choice Band with a moveset of Waterfall, Aqua Jet, Ice Punch, and Double-Edge or Superpower.
Its SubPunch set is slightly less powerful than the Choice Band set but is more flexible, and carries Substitute, Focus Punch, and some combination of Waterfall, Aqua Jet, and Ice Punch. Finally, some players simply choose to run the same moves as the Choice Band set, except wth Leftovers to provide more survivability.
Blastoise
Ability: Torrent
Base Stats: 79 HP / 83 Atk / 100 Def / 85 SpA / 105 SpD / 78 Spe
Blastoise’s access to Rapid Spin sets
it apart from other bulky Waters like Milotic. Surf and Rapid Spin are standard on almost every Blastoise set, and
it sometimes uses coverage moves in Ice Beam or Hidden Power Grass in addition to utility moves like Yawn, Toxic, Roar, and Rest. Blastoise is also able to use the vaunted Foresight + Rapid Spin technique to defeat spinblockers. Choice Scarf and Specs sets are rare, but Water Spout sets Blastoise’s offensive sets apart from those of other Water-types.
Blaziken
Ability: Blaze
Base Stats: 80 HP / 120 Atk / 70 Def / 110 SpA / 70 SpD / 80 Spe
High offensive stats and decent Speed make Blaziken a dangerous physical and special attacker. A mixed wallbreaker set with Fire Blast, Hidden Power Grass, Superpower, and Vacuum Wave makes use of
its great stats to break down defensive teams, while Vacuum Wave lets Blaziken revenge kill several offensive threats. Swords Dance sets with Flare Blitz, Low Kick, and ThunderPunch or Stone Edge are a nightmare for stall to face, since they can OHKO even Milotic without the aid of entry hazards. To patch up
its mediocre Speed, Choice Scarf sets (both mixed and all physical) are sometimes seen.
Cacturne
Ability: Sand Veil
Base Stats: 70 HP / 115 Atk / 60 Def / 115 SpA / 60 SpD / 55 Spe
Cacturne is a Pokemon used nearly exclusively in a sandstorm, due to
its ability, Sand Veil. Its most common set uses Substitute along with Sucker Punch, Focus Punch, and either Swords Dance or Seed Bomb to abuse Sand Veil’s evasion increase. Variations of this set sometimes use Leech Seed over one of the attacks. Cacturne has equal attacking stats which makes Nasty Plot sets with Dark Pulse and Energy Ball viable. Cacturne can also serve as a Spiker for Sandstorm teams, but is usually seen in an offensive role.
Chansey
Abilities: Natural Cure / Serene Grace
Base Stats: 250 HP / 5 Atk / 5 Def / 35 SpA / 105 SpD / 50 Spe
In UU Chansey performs the same role as Blissey does in the upper tiers.
It is an excellent special wall with the classic set of Wish, Protect, Seismic Toss, and Toxic. However, to provide more consistent team support, a utility set with Stealth Rock, Softboiled, Seismic Toss, and one of Aromatherapy, Thunder Wave, or Toxic is popular. The first set is able to give Wish support to
its teammates, while the second provides Stealth Rock and serves as a Cleric.
Charizard
Ability: Blaze
Base Stats: 78 HP / 84 Atk / 78 Def / 109 SpA / 85 SpD / 100 Spe
Charizard has a surprisingly high amount of attacking options for a Fire-type. Although
its Attack stat is the lower of
its offensive stats, Charizard is able to use all three of Dragon Dance, Swords Dance, and Belly Drum to compensate.
Its physical movepool includes Fire Punch, Flare Blitz, Thunderpunch, and Earthquake. Physical Charizard are usually Belly Drum sets, holding a Salac Berry and with the moves Substitute, Fire Punch, and either Earthquake or Thunderpunch for coverage. Although BellyZard is the “classic” Charizard set,
its Special Attack stat is actually much higher than
its Attack stat, so some players choose to use a special sweeper with Fire Blast, Air Slash, Hidden Power Grass, and Roost. Focus Punch is an option on specially oriented sets to surprise and KO Chansey.
Claydol
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 60 HP / 70 Atk / 105 Def / 70 SpA / 120 SpD / 75 Spe
Claydol is unique as a Rapid Spinner because
it resists Stealth Rock and is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. As a utility Pokemon, both Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin are staples on almost all Claydol sets. As far as attacking options go, Earth Power and Psychic provide reliable STAB options, and Shadow Ball is used because it complements Rapid Spin by hitting Ghost-types who try to spinblock super effectively (apart from Spiritomb). Explosion allows Claydol to hopefully take an opposing Pokemon down with
it after
it has done
its job. Claydol also receives the support moves typically given to all bulky Psychic-types, most notably Trick, Reflect, and Light Screen.
Clefable
Abilities: Cute Charm / Magic Guard
Base Stats: 95 HP / 70 Atk / 73 Def / 85 SpA / 90 SpD / 60 Spe
The vaunted Magic Guard ability, which prevents all indirect damage, transforms Clefable from an otherwise unassuming Normal-type blob into one of the most consistent defensive Pokemon in UU. There is no true “standard set” of four moves; players instead usually choose the four moves that fit their team best out of Clefable’s “standard movepool”. The list of moves typically used on Clefable are Encore, Softboiled, Wish + Protect, Seismic Toss, Facade, Thunder Wave, and Toxic; out of these, Clefable usually carries a damaging move, a status inflicting move, a form of recovery, and potentially Encore. Since Magic Guard prevents all indirect damage, including Life Orb recoil, offensive Clefable is also seen sometimes. There are two offensive variants, a “wallbreaker” set that uses Fire Blast, Grass Knot, Double-Edge, and Softboiled, and a Calm Mind set with Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Softboiled. Clefable is typically a pain for defensive teams since it’s immune to residual damage, but defensive sets don’t pose much of an immediate threat; offensive sets can still take advantage of Clefable’s natural bulk but pressure stall teams much more effectively.
Cloyster
Abilities: Shell Armor / Skill Link
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 180 Def / 85 SpA / 45 SpD / 70 Spe
Despite its horrific Special Defense and HP stats, Cloyster’s astronomical Defense stat and access to Spikes and Rapid Spin gives it a slot on many teams. There are two distinct common Cloyster variants, defensive and offensive. Offensive versions commonly use a Life Orb and have heavy Attack EV investment; they carry some combination of Ice Shard, Explosion, Rock Blast, Surf, and Spikes. Defensive Cloyster usually have EVs in HP and Special Defense, while they might use Surf, Ice Beam, Spikes, Rapid Spin, and Rock Blast. The difference between the two is that the offensive version aims to heavily damage the other team while possibly sneaking in Spikes, while the defensive version focuses on laying Spikes and using Rapid Spin instead.
Cradily
Ability: Suction Cups
Base Stats: 86 HP / 81 Atk / 97 Def / 81 SpA / 107 SpD / 43 Spe
Cradily is most commonly seen as a defensive anchor on sandstorm teams.
Its Grass-subtype grants
it neutrality to Water-, Ground-, and Grass-type attacks, which gives Cradily an advantage over similar Pokemon like Regirock. The most dangerous Cradily set is a mono attacker with Curse, Rest, Sleep Talk, and either Rock Slide or Seed Bomb. Since fighting in a sandstorm grants a 50% increase to
its Special Defense stat, Cradily can focus on increasing
its Defense with Curse and eventually sweeping with
Its STAB attack of choice. Suction Cups means Cradily cannot be forced out through Roar or Whirlwind, which is yet another reason to use
it over Regirock. A traditional wall set with Toxic, Recover, Rock Slide, and Seed Bomb is seen sometimes, but is generally inferior to the first set since it doesn’t present much of an offensive threat. Cradily also has access to Stockpile and Swords Dance, but Curse is usually preferred since it results in a more balanced resulting stat spread (between Attack, Defense, and Special Defense).
Donphan
Ability: Sturdy
Base Stats: 90 HP / 120 Atk / 120 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 50 Spe
Pretty much the only Donphan set that is used in UU is the bulky Ground + Rapid Spin set. But despite
its one-dimensionality (or perhaps as a direct cause of it), Donphan performs
its job very well. Even though the most common Donphan spreads use max Attack, that still leaves
it with tons of physical bulk with which to switch into almost all of UU’s physical threats. Donphan almost always run both Earthquake and Rapid Spin, and choose two out of Stealth Rock, Assurance, and Ice Shard depending on team requirements. Finally, on rare occasions Donphan might use Stone Edge to nail Flying-type switch-ins or Roar to spread damage from stacked entry hazards.
Drapion
Abilities: Battle Armor / Sniper
Base Stats: 70 HP / 90 Atk / 110 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SpD / 95 Spe
Drapion's most common set is the Swords Dance sweeper.
Its most common attacking moves are Crunch and Earthquake, with Aqua Tail, Ice Fang, and Poison Jab being used for additional coverage. Since Drapion has two usable abilities, Sniper is often paired with a Scope Lens and Night Slash and Cross Poison over Crunch and Poison Jab to make the most of Drapion's raised critical hit damage. Both all-out Life Orb sweepers and balanced variants with Leftovers and Taunt are common. Defensive Drapion sees some use in UU due to
its rare typing, which affords
it an immunity to Psychic and resistances to Ghost and Dark at the cost of only one weakness (Ground). These sets usually run some combination of Crunch, Toxic Spikes, Whirlwind, Earthquake, Taunt, Rest, and Sleep Talk.
Drifblim
Abilities: Unburden / Aftermath
Base Stats: 150 HP / 80 Atk / 44 Def / 90 SpA / 54 SpD / 80 Spe
Drifblim is frequently seen as Mismagius’s inferior. However, this ghost has a few tricks up
its sleeve that Mismagius doesn’t, including Unburden, Baton Pass, and Explosion. Since Unburden doubles Drifblim’s Speed after
it uses
its item, sweeping sets utilizing Calm Mind also commonly use either Rest + Chesto Berry or Substitute + Petaya Berry. Although the Speed boost from Unburden cannot be Baton Passed to a teammate, Drifblim can Baton Pass Calm Mind boosts quite well due to
its high base HP (which allows
it to make 101 HP Substitutes). Finally, on a sweeper set, Explosion can be used to hopefully take out an opposing Pokemon when Drifblim is low on HP.
Dugtrio
Abilities: Sand Veil / Arena Trap
Base Stats: 35 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 50 SpA / 70 SpD / 120 Spe
Arena Trap gives Dugtrio a unique offensive support niche by granting it the ability to trap all grounded enemy Pokemon. Despite a lackluster Attack stat, Dugtrio’s STAB Earthquake synergizes well with Arena Trap and lets Dugtrio prey on common defensive Pokemon, such as Registeel and Chansey, as well as many offensive ones, such as Blaziken, Drapion, and Houndoom. Dugtrio’s most common held item is a Life Orb, which helps ensure Flying-type and Levitating Pokemon won’t set up on it, but a Choice Band can also be used for greater damage output (and to ensure the 2HKO on Chansey). Dugtrio’s common moves are Earthquake, Stone Edge, Night Slash, Sucker Punch, and Beat Up; Substitute is sometimes used on Life Orb sets to evade opposing Sucker Punches.
Electrode
Abilities: Static / Soundproof
Base Stats: 60 HP / 50 Atk / 70 Def / 80 SpA / 80 SpD / 140 Spe
Electrode is almost always used as a fast supporter designed to gain momentum for Rain Dance teams. The standard moveset is Rain Dance, Thunder, Taunt, and Explosion. Electrode mostly run Damp Rock, since their high Speed means they don’t have to worry about getting OHKOed too much. However, a Focus Sash can be used instead to ensure Electrode will always survive to use Rain Dance against Choice Scarf leads.
Exeggutor
Ability: Chlorophyll
Base Stats: 95 HP / 95 Atk / 85 Def / 125 SpA / 65 SpD / 55 Spe
Exeggutor’s massive Special Attack, dual STAB, and Chlorophyll make
it an ideal special sweeper for Sunny Day teams.
Its standard moveset is Psychic, Solarbeam, Sleep Powder, and Explosion.
Its decent physical bulk and unique resistances also make
it an appealing choice for non-weather bulky offense teams. When compared to Venusaur, Exeggutor trades lower Special Defense and Speed for a resistance to Ground and greater Defense. Other Grass-types like Torterra, Leafeon, and Tangrowth miss out on Exeggutor’s high Special Attack stat and fantastic dual STAB. When not used on a Sunny Day team, Exeggutor’s usual moveset is Psychic, Leaf Storm, Sleep Powder, and Synthesis. Exeggutor can even set up Trick Room to make the most of
its low Speed. Finally,
it also has a decent Attack stat and physical movepool (including Swords Dance, Wood Hammer, Zen Headbutt, and Low Kick), although mixed and physical sets are very uncommon.
Feraligatr
Ability: Torrent
Base Stats: 85 HP / 105 Atk / 100 Def / 79 SpA / 83 SpD / 78 Spe
Feraligatr is very predictable but still quite hard to stop. Feraligatr often abuses its high Attack and impressive bulk by using set up moves such as Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. With Dragon Dance, Feraligatr generally uses Waterfall, Ice Punch, and Earthquake with a Life Orb, but some sets choose to use Waterfall, Return, and Substitute along with Leftovers or a Liechi Berry. Swords Dance versions will usually run Waterfall, Ice Punch, and Earthquake, or Waterfall, Return, and Aqua Jet.
Floatzel
Ability: Swift Swim
Base Stats: 85 HP / 105 Atk / 55 Def / 85 SpA / 50 SpD / 115 Spe
Floatzel is the fastest Swift Swimmer in the game and is usually seen as a physical sweeper. Waterfall and Return provide perfect coverage while Aqua Jet gives a priority attack; the last slot is devoted to Bulk Up or Taunt. Floatzel can also Baton Pass both Bulk Up and Agility. Taunt can be used on lead sets to prevent the setup of entry hazards or on sweeper sets to prevent walls from recovering HP or inflicting status.
Gorebyss
Ability: Swift Swim
Base Stats: 55 HP / 84 Atk / 105 Def / 114 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe
Gorebyss is likely to be seen on Rain Dance teams only, where it can overcome its speed issues and attempt a sweep with a boosted STAB. Its most notable advantages over its peers include a respectable physical bulk, which allows it to withstand a fair amount of priority moves, the ability to beat Toxicroak with Psychic and great Special Attack. Its most common moveset is Surf, Hidden Power Grass, Ice Beam and Psychic; though Aqua Tail can be seen in some rare situations to 2HKO Chansey switch-ins. Despite its near-exclusive use as a sweeper, Gorebyss can also employ a Baton Pass set, with which it focuses on passing defensive boosts such as Amnesia, Iron Defense and Aqua Ring.
Hariyama
Abilities: Thick Fat / Guts
Base Stats: 144 HP / 120 Atk / 60 Def / 40 SpA / 60 SpD / 50 Spe
Hariyama possesses a massive HP stat and a great Attack stat, and most of its sets make the most of both. Its most common set abuses Guts with a Toxic Orb and runs Close Combat, Payback, Ice Punch, and Bullet Punch, which gives Hariyama perfect type coverage. If used in the lead position, Fake Out is sometimes used over Ice Punch. Due to its naturally high HP, SubPunch sets with Payback, Ice Punch, or Stone Edge are effectively; they can even choose to invest in Hariyama’s defenses to create substitutes that common defensive Pokemon cannot break—even with STAB attacks. It can also take advantage of its high HP with a Bulk Up set, either in conjunction with Substitute or without. Finally, Thick Fat gives Hariyama a unique set of resistances, making defensive sets carrying Force Palm, Whirlwind, Knock Off, or Rest + Sleep Talk possible.
Hitmonlee
Abilities: Limber / Reckless
Base Stats: 50 HP / 120 Atk / 53 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 87 Spe
Hitmonlee is one of the most dangerous Fighting-type sweepers in UU because of its excellent Attack, Speed, and priority moves. Hitmonlee generally runs either a Choiced set or a Life Orb sweeper set. On the Choiced sets, Hitmonlee usually runs Close Combat, Stone Edge, Blaze Kick, and Mach Punch. The Life Orb sweeper uses Close Combat, Stone Edge, and two of Sucker Punch, Mach Punch, and Blaze Kick. The ability to switch attacks and hit an opponent twice if it switches in makes the Life Orb sweeper hard to switch into.
Hitmontop
Abilities: Intimidate / Technician
Base Stats: 50 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 35 SpA / 110 SpD / 70 Spe
Hitmontop is one of the most useful Pokemon in UU because of its two abilities. Hitmontop is usually used either as a Rapid Spinner or a sweeper. Rapid Spin variants generally use Intimidate as their ability because it gives Hitmontop more opportunities to switch in and remove the entry hazards from the field. They usually use Foresight, Close Combat, and either Rest, Sucker Punch, or Stone Edge in the remaining slots. Offensive variants of Hitmontop generally use Technician and Life Orb in tandem with Hitmontop's excellent slew of priority attacks. Fake Out and Mach Punch are almost always seen on the set, while two of either Bullet Punch, Sucker Punch, Stone Edge, and Close Combat are used as the remaining moves. This makes Hitmontop a very potent revenge killer.
Houndoom
Abilities: Flash Fire / Early Bird
Base Stats: 75 HP / 90 Atk / 50 Def / 110 SpA / 80 SpD / 95 Spe
Houndoom's unique dual STAB, high Special Attack, and access to Nasty Plot make it a popular special sweeper. The majority of
its sets run Nasty Plot, Fire Blast, and Dark Pulse. The choice of the final move and item lets the Houndoom user customize a bit. With a Life Orb and Sucker Punch, Houndoom plays a bit suicidally but gains the ability to defeat Dugtrio. A Passho Berry, potentially with Hidden Power Grass, lets Houndoom defeat most Milotic and some Azumarill. Beat Up can OHKO Chansey, who would otherwise wear down Houndoom with Toxic and Seismic Toss. Houndoom also has a very acceptable Attack stat, a mixed set with Pursuit enables
it to easily dispatch defensive Ghosts; Pursuit is usually used with Sucker Punch, Fire Blast, and Crunch or Dark Pulse.
Jumpluff
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard
Base Stats: 75 HP / 55 Atk / 70 Def / 55 SpA / 85 SpD / 110 Spe
Jumpluff is often overshadowed when compared to the other
Grass-types of UU due to its nonexistent offensive stats. While it may seem cute and harmless, looks can be deceiving! With access to moves like Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Encore, and Leech Seed, Aromatherapy, and Memento, Jumpluff is one of the best supporters in all of UU.
Its most common set is the ever-annoying SubSeed set with Sleep Powder and Encore to facilitate setup.
It is also an effective weather starter for Sunny Day teams due to
its fast Sleep Powder.
Jynx
Abilities: Oblivious / Forewarn
Base Stats: 65 HP / 50 Atk / 35 Def / 115 SpA / 95 SpD / 95 Spe
With a fairly good base
Speed stat of 95 and an excellent base
Special
Attack stat of 115, alongside powerful STAB attacks in Ice Beam and Psychic, Jynx can be a very threatening sweeper. It can run a variety of sweeping sets but is most commonly seen using a mono-attacking set of Nasty Plot/Ice Beam/Lovely Kiss/Substitute, which allows it to protect itself with a substitute, put prospective counters to sleep, and attack with boosted Ice Beams. Some more defensive variants of this set employ Calm Mind to trade off immediate power for the ability to set up on specially-inclined walls, and some more offensive variants employ Life Orb and Focus Blast instead of Substitute to attain greater coverage and power. Regardless of the set, Jynx's boosted attacks let it hit like a very pretty truck, and it is quite capable of quickly dismantling slower offensive teams.
Kabutops
Abilities: Battle Armor / Swift Swim
Base Stats: 60 HP / 115 Atk / 105 Def / 65 SpA / 70 SpD / 80 Spe
Kabutops primarily sees use on rain teams, where it can abuse its untouchable Swift Swim-boosted speed and a set of Waterfall/Stone Edge/Swords Dance/Aqua Jet to boost its attack level to immense heights and hit nearly the entire UU tier for neutral coverage. This same set can be seen outside of rain teams as well, and while Kabutops' speed is mediocre without Swift Swim, its powerful STABs and priority still make it a potent threat. Kabutops is sometimes seen as a lead with Stealth Rock/Aqua Jet/Stone Edge/Rapid Spin, commonly equipped with a Focus Sash. This Kabutops can often foil early game efforts to get hazards down.
Kangaskhan
Abilities: Early Bird / Scrappy
Base Stats: 105 HP / 95 Atk / 80 Def / 40 SpA / 80 SpD / 90 Spe
Kangaskhan is mostly used as a strong Normal-type attacker, either with a Choice Band or a Life Orb.
Its ability, Scrappy, lets
it hit Ghost Pokemon with Normal and Fighting attacks. Kangaskhan always carries Return and Low Kick or Hammer Arm since those two yield perfect coverage due to Scrappy. Fake Out, Sucker Punch, Aqua Tail, and Double-Edge normally fill the last two slots as fillers.
Lanturn
Ability: Illuminate / Volt Absorb
Base Stats: 125 HP / 58 Atk / 58 Def / 76 SpA / 76 SpD / 67 Spe
Lanturn is quite an effective Pokemon because it has a very large support movepool, impressive bulk, and a unique type combination. Offensive Lanturn sets are EVed to be bulky, but make use of 101 HP Substitutes and Charge Beam to set up for a sweep. Most defensive Lanturn carry some form of paralysis as either Discharge or Thunder Wave in addition to STAB Surf and possibly Ice Beam to nail incoming Grass-types. In the last slot, Lanturn generally uses a support move such as Confuse Ray or Heal Bell. Lanturn sometimes uses Rest and Sleep Talk with Discharge and Surf instead.
Leafeon
Ability: Leaf Guard
Base Stats: 65 HP / 110 Atk / 130 Def / 60 SpA / 65 SpD / 95 Spe
Leafeon is mostly known for being a lethal Swords Dance sweeper. Leaf Blade and Return/Double-Edge provide stellar two-move coverage, and Wish or Synthesis grant it semi-reliable recovery. Leafeon can also beat many of its hard counters through Baton Passing its Attack boosts as well as beat status-reliant counters through Heal Bell. It also has a stellar 130 base Defense stat, which is often put to good use through a defensive set that utilizes Wish + Protect for healing and Roar or Heal Bell for utility.
Linoone
Abilities: Pickup / Gluttony
Base Stats: 78 HP / 70 Atk / 61 Def / 50 SpA / 61 SpD / 100 Spe
Linoone is one of the best Belly Drum users in the game. It sports two qualities that distingish it from wanna-be Belly Drummers—Gluttony, which activates pinch berries at 50% instead of 25% HP, and STAB ExtremeSpeed, which makes Linoone extremely hard to revenge kill. ExtremeSpeed is usually used with Shadow Claw and Seed Bomb for coverage, but Return is sometimes seen as an answer to extremely bulky Pokemon that can survive a +6 ExtremeSpeed.
Lopunny
Abilities: Cute Charm / Klutz
Base Stats: 65 HP / 76 Atk / 84 Def / 54 SpA / 96 SpD / 105 Spe
Lopunny's high Speed, unique and uncommon ability, and wide movepool make it a very effective supporter. Klutz often confuses newer players, as it means Lopunny is not affected by held items. The core of Lopunny’s disruption sets are Encore and Switcheroo, which allow it to set up Substitutes that it can Baton Pass to a teammate. Lopunny also has access to Heal Bell and Thunder Wave, which can go in its last slot if it chooses not to run an attack.
Ludicolo
Abilities: Rain Dish
(space)/ Swift Swim
Base Stats: 80 HP / 70 Atk / 70 Def / 90 SpA / 100 SpD / 70 Spe
Ludicolo is another of those Pokemon whose usage is usually limited to Rain Dance teams, where
it can abuse
its Swift Swim ability and attempt a sweep. Ludicolo’s access to Grass-type STABed moves added to a 4x resistance to Water-type means
it can take on most bulky Waters, like Milotic, who tends to wall many of
its sweep partners. Ludicolo’s most common set is the special sweeper one, which employs Surf, Ice Beam, Energy Ball and Rain Dance, even though running Focus Punch is a possibility to get past Chansey. It also isn’t rare to see Ludicolo abuse its less powerful yet boostable Attack stat with a moveset composed of Swords Dance, Waterfall, Seed Bomb and Ice Punch. The few times Ludicolo is run outside of rain it assumes the role of a special wall, abusing its respectable bulk and access to Leech Seed.
Magmortar
Ability: Flame Body
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 67 Def / 125 SpA / 95 SpD / 83 Spe
Magmortar is one of the toughest Pokemon to switch into because of its monstrous Special Attack stat and excellent coverage. Magmortar is generally run as a Life Orb sweeper, but it also often carries a Choice Scarf—both sets run similar movesets, though. Fire Blast and Thunderbolt are Magmortar's bread and butter attacks, and a Hidden Power is always used for coverage. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Altaria; Hidden Power Grass or Water can be used to deal with Quagsire and Arcanine, respectively, in addition to Rhyperior. Focus Blast or Cross Chop are usually used in the last slot; with a Life Orb, Cross Chop can 2HKO Chansey.
Magneton
Abilities: Sturdy / Magnet Pull
Base Stats: 50 HP / 60 Atk / 95 Def / 120 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
With a base 120 Special Attack and a useful ability in Magnet Pull, Magneton makes an effective sweeper and Steel-type killer. Due to Magneton’s shallow movepool, it is always seen with Thunderbolt and a Hidden Power type of choice. When seen as a Steel Trapper, Magneton carries the moves Thunderbolt, Hidden Power Fire, Substitute, and Magnet Rise. As a Special Sweeper, Magneton is usually seen carrying Thunderbolt; Hidden Power Grass, Ice, or Fire; Charge Beam or Metal Sound; and Substitute or Explosion. Due to its lackluster base 70 Speed, Magneton can use a Choice Scarf—this will carry the mandatory Thunderbolt + Hidden Power, but also Flash Cannon and Explosion.
Medicham
Ability: Pure Power
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 75 Def / 60 SpA / 75 SpD / 80 Spe
Medicham's Pure Power ability doubles it's Attack stat, giving it the equivalent of a 170 Base Attack. Medicham is most commonly used as a Choice Scarf revenge killer, sporting a moveset of Psycho Cut, High Jump Kick or Low Kick, and two of Trick, Thunder Punch, and Ice Punch. Medicham is sometimes seen running a Life Orb set with Fake Out and Bullet Punch in addition to its STAB moves. Such a set can pick off weakened sweepers while powering through walls such as Milotic and Weezing. Medicham takes some care to deal with because its Psychic STAB allows it to deal with many of the usual counters to Fighting-types. However, its frailty is often its undoing, so just about any
Pokemon that survive an attack and retaliate can pose a threat to Medicham, in addition to those who can outspeed it or hit it with priority attacks.
Mesprit
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 80 HP / 105 Atk / 105 Def / 105 SpA / 105 SpD / 80 Spe
Mesprit is often seen in the lead position to set up Stealth Rock as fast as possible while beating out most other common leads with its respectable Special Attack stat and movepool. Common moves on lead Mesprit include Thunder Wave, Psychic, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Grass Knot to deal with specific threats. Mesprit also runs Trickscarf to decent success in the lead position, but is a great user of all the Choice items due to its strong offensive stats and decent movepool. Mesprit also has access to Calm Mind which can set it up for a sweep with its great coverage attained with BoltBeam and Psychic.
Milotic
Ability: Marvel Scale
Base Stats: 95 HP / 60 Atk / 79 Def / 100 SpA / 125 SpD / 81 Spe
Milotic is quite possibly the toughest Pokemon to take down in the UU metagame because of its excellent balanced defensive stats and access to Recover. Milotic runs Surf and Recover on almost all of its sets, with two of Hidden Power Grass, Ice Beam, Toxic, and Haze in the remaining two slots. Milotic sometimes runs Rest and Sleep Talk to take advantage of Marvel Scale and negate the effect of Toxic. Milotic can even run an offensive set with its impressive base 81 Speed and decent Special Attack. A Life Orb boosted Hydro Pump accompanied by Ice Beam and Hidden Power makes it quite a threatening sweeper.
Miltank
Abilities: Thick Fat / Scrappy
Base Stats: 95 HP / 80 Atk / 105 Def / 40 SpA / 70 SpD / 100 Spe
Miltank's utility depends on which ability it chooses to run. If it has Scrappy, you can count on either the bulky Leftovers set with Curse, Milk Drink, Normal Move, and Fighting move or Heal Bell, or the fast Life Orb set with Milk Drink and 3 attacking moves, often Return, Earthquake (not Hammer Arm because it drops Speed), and either Rock Slide or Zen Headbutt. If it has Thick Fat, you can count on bulky support sets with Leftovers, Heal Bell, Milk Drink, Stealth Rock, or Thunder Wave as primary support moves. The most dangerous set is arguably the Curse set, as has perfect neutral coverage and Milk Drink to heal off residual damage; also, since the most common Fighting moves are physical, Curse often helps Miltank deal with its only weakness.
It is important to note that Scrappy and Normal move + Fighting move give Miltank perfect neutral coverage in UU (besides Shedinja). Slower Miltank choose between Body Slam, for Paralysis chance, or Return, for power, as the Normal STAB move of choice. Finally, don't be surprised by Miltank's speed, since with a max of 328 it can outspeed Pokemon that normally expect to outspeed its bulky sets, such as Primeape or Hitmonlee.
Mismagius
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 60 Def / 105 SpA / 105 SpD / 105 Spe
Mismagius is one of the most threatening sweepers in UU due to its excellent Speed, Special Attack, and coverage. Mismagius is most often seen using either Nasty Plot or Calm Mind in tandem with Substitute or Taunt to deal with status. Since Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball are only resisted by Steelix in UU, Mismagius generally runs those two attacks, however Hidden Power Fighting can be used to deal with Steelix and Registeel more effectively. Mismagius canalso use Trick with Choice Specs. With room for three moves in addition to Trick, Mismagius will almost always run Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, and Hidden Power Ground for the best super effective coverage possible. In addition to these offensive sets, Mismagius also runs a bulky set to effectively block Rapid Spin. It generally uses Shadow Ball as its main attack with Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and Pain Split so that it can last while shutting down many sweepers.
Moltres
Ability: Pressure
Base Stats: 90 HP / 100 Atk / 90 Def / 125 SpA / 85 SpD / 90 Spe
Moltres is one of the most dangerous special attackers in UU. Equipped with a Life Orb, it has the ability to 2HKO the majority of UU with a moveset of Fire Blast, Air Slash, and Hidden Power Grass, with Roost rounding off the set. Moltres is also capable of running a set of Substitute / Roost / Toxic / Flamethrower to beat many of its common counters, such as Milotic and Chansey. Flamethrower also happens to hit most Pokemon immune to Toxic.
Nidoking
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry
Base Stats: 81 HP / 92 Atk / 77 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe
Nidoking is a major threat because of its extremely vast movepool. Nidoking is most often seen as a mixed attacker, even though it has many viable sets. As a specially oriented mixed attacker, Nidoking usually runs Earth Power, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, and Superpower, making it hard to switch anything in safely. Nidoking can also run a powerful physical Life Orb sweeper with Earthquake, Megahorn, Stone Edge, and Sucker Punch. While less common than the other sets, Nidoking also runs a lead set with Stealth Rock, Earth Power, Ice Beam, and Taunt.
Nidoqueen
Abilities: Poison Point / Rivalry
Base Stats: 90 HP / 82 Atk / 87 Def / 75 SpA / 85 SpD / 76 Spe
Nidoqueen's main perks lie in
its respectable support movepool paired with
its unique typing, that somewhat compensates for its lackluster defensive stats when in comparision to other tanks, thus allowing it find its own niche as a wall in the UU enviroment. Nidoqueen's most and only common moveset tends to include either Earth Power or Earthquake, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes and some sort of filler that might present itself as Ice Beam, Roar, Taunt or Stone Edge. In spite of Nidoqueen's decent offensive stats, running an all-out attacker set is better left to
her husband Nidoking, who holds a much better movepool and stats to pull that off.
Ninetales
Ability: Flash Fire
Base Stats: 73 HP / 76 Atk / 75 Def / 81 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spe
Ninetales is one of the fastest Fire-types in UU, and its combination of speed, bulk, and power make it a threatening sweeper. Ninetales will most commonly be seen as a Nasty Plot sweeper, using Fire Blast and Energy Ball as two mandatory attacks. The last slot is occupied by either Hidden Power Rock, for fellow Fire-type Pokemon, or Hypnosis, to dispatch a counter. Ninetales also has access to Will-O-Wisp, Roar, and Grudge, so an annoyer set is sometimes seen.
Omastar
Abilities: Swift Swim / Shell Armor
Base Stats: 70 HP / 60 Atk / 125 Def / 115 SpA / 70 SpD / 55 Spe
Omastar is stall's preferred Spiker; its high Defense enables it to set up on a decent number of Pokemon, and in addition to Spikes it can set up both Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes. Omastar usually runs two entry hazards along with Surf and Ice Beam for offensive coverage, although it occasionally uses Rest or Protect instead of Ice Beam. Omastar is also an effective suicide Focus Sash lead due to its access to all the entry hazrds. Finally, Omastar is also commonly used as a rain sweeper because it has the highest Special Attack of all the UU Water-type Pokemon. It typically runs a set of Surf, Ice Beam, Hidden Power Grass, and Earth Power, which covers everything in UU outside of Shedinja.
Pinsir
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Mold Breaker
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 55 SpA / 70 SpD / 85 Spe
Pinsir is not a very common sight in UU matches, but it has several niches which it fulfils excellently. Pinsir has access to Stealth Rock, X-Scissor, Stone Edge, Close Combat, and Earthquake making it a sturdy lead (lead sets usually use the first three moves listed along with either Close Combat or Earthquake). Swords Dance and decent base 85 Speed means Pinsir can also be used as a respectable physical sweeper. Both of its abilities are useful, as Mold Breaker allows Earthquake to ignore Weezing’s and Rotom’s Levitate and Rhyperior’s Solid Rock, while
Intimidate Hyper Cutter blocks Arcanine’s and Hitmontop’s Intimidate.
Poliwrath
Abilities: Damp / Water Absorb
Base Stats: 90 HP / 85 Atk / 95 Def / 70 SpA / 90 SpD / 70 Spe
Poliwrath is a Pokemon that faces tough competition due to not excelling neither as a defensive nor offensive bulky Water like Milotic and Azumarill do; but
its fair share of both qualities paired with its unique Water Absorb ability make it a very viable choice. Poliwrath's most common set is by far the SubPuncher, composed of Substitute; Focus Punch; Waterfall and Encore; though given rare situations it might run Ice Punch over Waterfall to hit Venusaur. Poliwrath also has the option of using Bulk Up, either as a mono-attacking RestTalker or on a three attack set. Finally, Belly Drum sets are probably Poliwrath’s most iconic, but are not very effective.
Primeape
Abilities: Vital Spirit / Anger Point
Base Stats: 65 HP / 105 Atk / 60 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spe
Primeape is a deadly sweeper because of its excellent Speed, Attack, and immunity to sleep-inducing moves. Generally, Primeape uses a Choice Scarf set with U-turn and makes a great revenge killer and late game cleaner with Close Combat. Two of Stone Edge, Ice Punch, and Punishment go in the last two slots.
Quagsire
Abilities: Damp / Water Absorb
Base Stats: 95 HP / 85 Atk / 85 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SpD / 35 Spe
Quagsire’s rare typing and Water Absorb give it many useful and uncommon resistance combinations. Defensive sets usually run Recover, a STAB attack (Earthquake or Waterfall), and two support moves out of Encore, Toxic, and Yawn. Quagsire can also choose to use Curse and Recover to set up for a sweep; it has Earthquake, Waterfall, Rock Slide, and Ice Punch for its attacks.
Qwilfish
Abilities: Swift Swim / Poison Point
Base Stats: 65 HP / 95 Atk / 75 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 85 Spe
A varied movepool and unique typing makes Qwilfish one of the more versatile Pokemon of the tier. Its classic set is that of a Rain Dance sweeper; it boasts Swords Dance alongside Waterfall, Poison Jab, and Explosion. Qwilfish is also commonly seen as a suicide lead on offensive teams with Taunt, Spikes, Waterfall, and Explosion. Sets that optimize its defenses can be effective Spikers for bulkier teams, since its resistances allow it to set up Spikes against most Water- and Fire-type Pokemon with ease.
Regirock
Ability: Clear Body
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 200 Def / 50 SpA / 100 SpD / 50 Spe
Regirock is one of the bulkiest Pokemon in the UU tier, and it is the only pure Rock-type Pokemon in UU. While Regirock is very commonly used in conjunction with sandstorm, it is also used quite often without. If not used with sandstorm, Regirock will almost always carry Stealth Rock as well as Explosion. It usually carries Stone Edge and Earthquake in the remaining moveslots, but Thunder Wave and Rock Slide are also commonly used. However, when Regirock is used with sandstorm support, it is almost always a Curse variant with Rest, Sleep Talk, and Rock Slide. Regirock is nearly impenetrable from the physical side unless it is being hit by STAB super effective moves such as Azumarill's Waterfall. Even with super effective moves, Regirock will still usually survive and threaten with Thunder Wave, Stone Edge, or Explosion. Its Special Defense isn't too shabby either, and with enough investment Regirock can avoid being 2HKOed even by a Timid Moltres Hidden Power Grass.
Registeel
Ability: Clear Body
Base Stats: 80 HP / 75 Atk / 150 Def / 75 SpA / 150 SpD / 50 Spe
Registeel is one of the most difficult Pokemon to take out, due to its balanced defenses and pure Steel-typing. Registeel always invests heavily in Special Defense, and is capable of surviving powerful super-effective hits, both physical and special - for example, Torterra's Earthquake. Most variants of Registeel carry Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave, and either a combination of Iron Head / Earthquake or Shadow Claw / Seismic Toss. However, Registeel sometimes runs Ice Punch or Explosion over any of the attacking moves, and Toxic over Thunder Wave. Registeel can also run a Curse set with the moves Rest/Sleep Talk/Iron Head/Curse. Registeel is not very powerful offensively, but it deals enough damage to ensure that it isn't helpless.
Rhyperior
Abilities: Lightningrod / Solid Rock
Base Stats: 115 HP / 140 Atk / 130 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 40 Spe
Rhyperior can be described as the behemoth of the UU metagame with its dual STAB and Solid Rock ability. Its most common sets are Support, Choice Band, Substitute, and Rock Polish. Essentially all of Rhyperior’s sets run Earthquake, Stone Edge, and Megahorn. Support sets use Stealth Rock in the last slot and might use Roar instead of Megahorn to spread entry hazard damage; it can also use Rock Blast to defeat some Substitute users. Choice Band Rhyperior 2HKOes every Pokemon in UU—without exception—and uses Stealth Rock or Rock Wrecker as the filler move. Substitute and Rock Polish sets both use a move to set up, so the remainder of each moveset is the three standard attacks. Finally, Rhyperior is commonly found on sandstorm teams because of the Special Defense boost it receives in the sand.
Rotom
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 50 HP / 50 Atk / 77 Def / 95 SpA / 77 SpD / 91 Spe
Although Rotom's movepool is shallow, it is surprisingly hard to counter safely, since most Pokemon that beat its offensive sets hate getting tricked a Choice item or getting burnt by Will-O-Wisp. Rotom is most commonly seen with a Choice Scarf and the moves Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Trick, and either Will-O-Wisp or Hidden Power Ice. It can also run a non-Choice offensive set with Substitute, Charge Beam, Shadow Ball, and Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt. Defensive Rotom sets are excellent spinblockers and counter several dangerous Pokemon; these usually run Thunderbolt and Will-O-Wisp, then either Substitute + Pain Split or Rest + Sleep Talk for recovery.
Sceptile
Ability: Overgrow
Base Stats: 70 HP / 85 Atk / 65 Def / 105 SpA / 85 SpD / 120 Spe
Sceptile is a fearsome threat in the UU metagame primarily due to its versatility. It is able to run physical, special, and mixed sets, and its list of fully viable moves include all of Leaf Storm, Leaf Blade, Leech Seed, Hidden Power Ice, Focus Blast, Energy Ball, Dragon Pulse, Earthquake, Rock Slide, Low Kick, Swords Dance, and Synthesis. Specially oriented sets include Choice Specs and SubSeed. Choice Specs sets commonly carry Leaf Storm, Hidden Power Ice, Focus Blast, and either of Dragon Pulse or Energy Ball. SubSeed sets use Hidden Power Ice and Energy Ball or Leaf Storm along with the obvious Leech Seed + Substitute. The only set that is purely physical is Swords Dance, which runs Leaf Blade, Earthquake, and Rock Slide for attacks. Mixed sets are truly unpredictable, as they can run essentially all of the attacks listed above in combination. A good rule of thumb, however, is that it will always have a Grass-type STAB, a move that hits opposing Grass-types, and a move that hits opposing Steel- and Fire-types.
Scyther
Abilities: Swarm / Technician
Base Stats: 70 HP / 110 Atk / 80 Def / 55 SpA / 80 SpD / 105 Spe
Scyther is a very dangerous sweeper because of its excellent Attack and Speed stats. Its most common sets are Choice Band and Swords Dance. The Choice Band set runs U-turn, Aerial Ace, and two of Quick Attack, Pursuit, and Brick Break. Swords Dance sets all carry Aerial Ace and Brick Break, and for the last slot some choose to use Bug Bite for bulky Psychics while others choose to use Quick Attack to foil revenge killers. Life Orb is the most common item for Swords Dance Scyther but Lum Berry is also useful to prevent Thunder Wave from slowing it down. Finally, Scyther can Baton Pass both Swords Dance and Agility (although it will rarely have the opportunity to pass both together).
Sharpedo
Ability: Rough Skin
Base Stats: 70 HP / 120 Atk / 40 Def / 95 SpA / 40 SpD / 95 Spe
Sharpedo is very unique because of its typing. Sharpedo is most often used as a mixed attacker with Crunch, Hydro Pump, Hidden Power Grass, and either Ice Beam or Aqua Jet. With perfect coverage, Sharpedo makes a difficult Pokemon to switch into. Taunt with a Focus Sash and three other attacks makes Sharpedo a decent anti-lead. Though it is a threatening attacker, Sharpedo is unable to switch into attacks not named Psychic because of its horrible defensive stats.
Shedinja
Ability: Wonder Guard
Base Stats: 1 HP / 90 Atk / 45 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 40 Spe
Shedinja is one of the most unique Pokemon in the game.
Its ability, Wonder Guard, makes
it immune to all attacks that don't hit
it for super effective damage - twelve types in all. Unfortunately, entry hazards or other form of residual damage (such as damaging weather or Toxic / Will-O-Wisp) render Shedinja worthless.
It is usually used as a Swords Dancer, carrying Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch, and X-Scissor as attacks. Shedinja can also use Trick and Will-O-Wisp to surprise
its usual counters. Note that while Shedinja can use Baton Pass, using it in tandem with Swords Dance or Agility is an illegal move combination.
Skuntank
Abilities: Stench / Aftermath
Base Stats: 103 HP / 93 Atk / 67 Def / 71 SpA / 61 SpD / 84 Spe
The only set commonly used by Skuntank is the Pursuit set. Skuntank's Dark typing allows it to switch into all Psychic-types and then easily Pursuit or Sucker Punch to take them out. With a good HP stat and decent Defense combined with a good defensive typing Skuntank has the ability to switch into many things and deal finishing blows with Sucker Punch, its STAB move, or Explosion. It's always seen running Sucker Punch and Pursuit, but the last options are a toss up between Explosion, Crunch, and Poison Jab. Skuntank can be seen running Choice Band, Leftovers, or Life Orb depending on the user's choice. Leftovers help Skuntank have some survivability, while Life Orb and Choice Band trade that for power.
Slowbro
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 110 Def / 100 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
High physical defensive stat and key resistances to Fighting- and Fire-type hits make Slowbro the premier physical Fighting- and Fire-type counter in the UU metagame. All of its sets use both Surf and Psychic. Add Thunder Wave to compensate for its low base Speed and Slack Off to instantly heal off previous beatings, and Slowbro becomes extremely difficult to take down. Slowbro is no slouch offensively, either, with base 100 Special Attack. It can utilize a Calm Mind set to boost its average Special Defense stat or a Choice Specs set to pummel typical switch-ins like Venusaur for hard damage—or even to Trick Chansey. Slowbro also has access to Trick Room.
Slowking
Abilities: Oblivious / Own Tempo
Base Stats: 95 HP / 75 Atk / 80 Def / 100 SpA / 110 SpD / 30 Spe
Slowking’s true niche as a bulky water is to serve as a reliable check to several specially-inclined Fire-types, most notably Moltres. Much like its brother, Slowbro, Slowking comes equipped with both STAB attacks along with Slack Off and Thunder Wave. Unlike Slowbro, Slowking has access to Nasty Plot as well. Nasty Plot is often seen with Trick Room to patch up Slowbro’s extremely low Speed, ultimately allowing it to set up Nasty Plot easier. A Choice Specs set can also be used with Surf, Psychic, Trick, and either Slack Off or Grass Knot.
Spiritomb
Ability: Pressure
Base Stats: 50 HP / 92 Atk / 108 Def / 92 SpA / 108 SpD / 35 Spe
Spiritomb makes a versatile foe, as it is seen commonly as a defensive Pokemon as well as an offensive one. Offensive Spiritomb are either Choice Band or mixed versions. Choice Band Spiritomb uses Pursuit, Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch, and Trick, while mix sets hold a Spell Tag and use Shadow Ball, Pursuit, Sucker Punch, and Hidden Power Fighting. Sometimes one of these sets will find a spot for Will-O-Wisp in order to cripple sweepers. Spiritomb has access to both Calm Mind and Nasty Plot; Nasty Plot is usually used with Shadow Ball, Hidden Power Fighting, and either Pain Split or Rest, while Calm Mind sets are typically Dark Pulse mono-attackers with Rest + Sleep Talk.
Defensive Spiritomb sets are slightly more versatile, as they can make use of Pursuit, Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch, Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball, Psychic, Will-O-Wisp, and Toxic. Unfortunately, the wide assortment of attack combinations means the only way to guess what attacks a given Spiritomb has is to use hints based on how it is played. For recovery, Spiritomb can use Pain Split or Rest + Sleep Talk.
Steelix
Abilities: Sturdy / Rock Head
Base Stats: 75 HP / 85 Atk / 200 Def / 55 SpA / 65 SpD / 30 Spe
Steelix is a member of the very select group of UU Steel-types, only accompanied by Registeel and Aggron. Steelix is most commonly seen abusing its physical tanking capabilities, working as a counter to the plethora of Flying and Normal-types. Steelix tends to employ Earthquake and one of Iron Head, Gyro Ball, and Explosion; accompanying those attacks are Stealth Rock and Roar. Although it's uncommon, due to Steelix's respectable offensive stats, he can be seen employing a more aggressive set, either baiting pokés like Moltres and Milotic with type resistance berries and Exploding on them; or employing a Curse set that uses Gyro Ball and Earthquake as offensive options and Rest for durability.
Swellow
Ability: Guts
Base Stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 60 Def / 50 SpA / 50 SpD / 125 Spe
Swellow is the second fastest Pokemon usable in UU behind Electrode. Swellow is almost always seen as a Guts sweeper, and is thus quite predictable. It is always seen using Facade, Brave Bird, and U-turn—the only question is whether it has Protect or Quick Attack in the last slot.
Tangrowth
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk / 125 Def / 110 SpA / 50 SpD / 50 Spe
With access to support moves moves such as Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Leech Seed, Synthesis, and Knock Off, Tangrowth makes an effective physical wall. Defensive sets usually carry two of Power Whip, Leaf Storm, Hidden Power Ice, and Earthquake, along with Synthesis for healing and one of the four remaining support moves. Tangrowth has 100 Attack and 110 Special Attack, while Swords Dance, Power Whip, Grass Knot, Earthquake, Leaf Storm, and Rock Slide aid Tangrowth offensively. Swords Dance sets use Power Whip, Earthquake, and Rock Slide, while mixed sets are typically used in the sun and have Earthquake, Rock Slide, Hidden Power Fire, and either Power Whip or Solarbeam. Tangrowth’s weak spot is its Special Defense, so when you are playing one, target it with special attacks.
Tauros
Abilities: Intimidate / Anger Point
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 95 Def / 40 SpA / 70 SpD / 110 Spe
Tauros's high Speed and Attack stats make it a natural candidate as a Choice Band or Life Orb attacker. Due to Intimidate, Tauros can actually check nearly all the physical threats in UU in a pinch even with an offensive set. Choice Band Tauros normally use Return, Earthquake, Double-Edge, and either Payback or Stone Edge. Getting locked in against one of the many types that resist Normal or Ground can be unsatisfying, so using a Life Orb is another option. The same moves as the Choice Band set's can be used; however, Stone Edge becomes a more attractive option due to the ability to switch moves, while Double-Edge becomes less useful since Tauros's decreased power means it can no longer achieve certain 2HKOes and its recoil will pile up quickly in conjunction with Life Orb recoil.
Torterra
Ability: Overgrow
Base Stats: 95 HP / 109 Atk / 105 Def / 75 SpA / 85 SpD / 56 Spe
Torterra's main strength is that it has excellent bulk in addition to an excellent Attack stat. It is commonly used as a sweeper or as a bulky tank. Sweeper sets all use Earthquake, Wood Hammer, and Stone Edge (or Rock Slide). The fourth move will be Rock Polish, Synthesis, or Substitute. The bulky tank often runs Synthesis and Stealth Rock along with Earthquake and either Seed Bomb or Wood Hammer; if there is another Stealth Rock user on Torterra’s team, it can use Roar instead. Both physically defensive and specially defensive tank sets are used. Finally, Torterra can run a Leech Seed set along with Earthquake, Wood Hammer, Protect, or Substitute.
Toxicroak
Abilities: Dry Skin / Anticipation
Base Stats: 83 HP / 106 Atk / 65 Def / 86 SpA / 65 SpD / 85 Spe
Toxicroak has a unique ability in Dry Skin, which (among other qualities) heals
it 25% when
it is hit by a Water-type move. This gives Toxicroak many free turns, which
it can use to set up with either Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, or Substitute. Swords Dance Toxicroak commonly runs Cross Chop or Low Kick, Sucker Punch, and either Poison Jab, Stone Edge, or Ice Punch in the last slot. Nasty Plot Toxicroak usually runs both Sludge Bomb and Vacuum Wave, and must choose between Dark Pulse (for coverage) and Focus Blast (for power) in the last slot. Finally, Toxicroak can also choose to use
its free turn by setting up a Substitute; this set normally uses Focus Punch, Sucker Punch, and Stone Edge or Ice Punch.
Typhlosion
Ability: Blaze
Base Stats: 78 HP / 84 Atk / 78 Def / 109 SpA / 85 SpD / 100 Spe
With access to base 109 SpA and 100 Speed, Typhlosion is a dangerous special sweeper
.(extra period). Choice Scarf and Choice Specs Typhlosion commonly run Eruption, Fire Blast, Hidden Power Grass, and Focus Blast. Non-choice sets usually have Sunny Day, Solarbeam, Substitute, and Fire Blast, and aim to abuse Blaze along with the SunnyBeam combination. Typhlosion also has access to Earthquake and Focus Punch, but usually stick to special attacks.
Ursaring
Abilities: Guts / Quick Feet
Base Stats: 90 HP / 130 Atk / 75 Def / 75 SpA / 75 SpD / 55 Spe
Ursaring packs a massive Attack stat along with two very useful abilities. It almost always uses Swords Dance along with three moves, one of which is Facade or Return (depending on if it is holding Leftovers or a status orb). The rest of its slots are filled with Crunch and one of Earthquake or Close Combat. Guts gives a 50% boost to Ursaring’s Attack, while Quick Feet gives a 50% boost to its Speed. Note that while Flame Orb will activate Quick Feet, it will also cut Ursaring’s attack in half.
Uxie
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 75 HP / 75 Atk / 130 Def / 75 SpA / 130 SpD / 95 Spe
Uxie's outstanding bulk, great movepool and passable defensive stats allow it to run a large array of sets. The most common use of Uxie is in the lead position, with a moveset composed of Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, Psychic and U-turn. However, the same lead set can be tweaked in a multitude of ways as in abusing the infamous TrickScarf crippling method; setting up either Sunny Day or Rain Dance; using the extremely dangerous Dual Screen + Memento setup combo and employing Yawn to force switches. Outside of the lead position Uxie can make good use of its respectable base Speed and acceptable Special Attack to attempt a sweep with a Calm Mind set, having as attack options Psychic, Thunderbolt and Signal Beam. Sometimes it drops one of those attacks in favor of Substitute, or even two attacks to add Rest and Sleep Talk. It's important to note, however, that Mesprit has more auspicious offensive stats and moves, thus pulling that off better in most cases.
Venusaur
Ability: Overgrow
Base Stats: 80 HP / 82 Atk / 83 Def / 100 SpA / 100 SpD / 80 Spe
Venusaur is one of the most unpredictable Pokemon in UU. It is about as common as a special sweeper as it is as a physical sweeper or as a specially defensive wall. The one thing that remains constant on all Venusaur sets is Sleep Powder. Synthesis is also quite common on any Venusaur set. The Life Orb special attacker often carries Sludge Bomb and Leaf storm in addition to Synthesis and Sleep Powder, while the defensive set often uses two of Roar, Leech Seed, and Sludge Bomb. The physical attacker usually runs Swords Dance over Synthesis, and packs Power Whip with either Earthquake and Return as attacking moves. Though less common than the previously mentioned sets, Venusaur has a mixed set that usually runs Sludge Bomb and Power Whip in addition to Synthesis and Sleep Powder.
Walrein
Abilities: Thick Fat / Ice Body
Base Stats: 110 HP / 80 Atk / 90 Def / 95 SpA / 90 SpD / 65 Spe
Walrein is infamous for its stalling capabilities in hail. With permanent hail in effect, Walrein becomes a dangerous stalling machine due to its ability Ice Body. Walrein will always run Substitute and Protect to keep recovering all of its lost HP back while letting hail damage weaken the opponent. In the remaining moveslots, Walrein can use Surf, Blizzard, or Super Fang along with Toxic or Roar.
Weezing
Ability: Levitate
Base Stats: 65 HP / 90 Atk / 120 Def / 85 SpA / 70 SpD / 60 Spe
Weezing boasts useful resistances to Fighting-, Ground-, Grass-, and Poison-type attacks, and has both specially and physically defensive variants. Physically defensive sets usually use Fire Blast or Sludge Bomb, Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Grass, Will-O-Wisp, and Pain Split, though sometimes you might see Haze in there. Weezing also can run a RestTalk set with Sludge Bomb and Will-O-Wisp; Rest + Sleep Talk gives it reliable recovery and means it is a much better switch into Venusaur. Specially defensive Weezing almost always run the RestTalk moveset.