qc 3/3: p2 | Hootie | TDK
gp 2/2: GatoDelFuego | The Dutch Plumberjack
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Psyshock
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Thunderbolt / Trick
Item: Choice Specs
ability: Magician
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Dark Pulse allows Hoopa-U to remove common Psychic-types such as Mew, Slowbro, Latios, and Jirachi while hitting physically defensive Pokemon like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Hippowdon for good damage. Psyshock smacks specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey and Assault Vest Tornadus-T, as well as Fairy-types like Mega Diancie, Azumarill, Clefable, and Mega Altaria. Focus Blast is used to hit Tyranitar on the switch, which is otherwise problematic for Hoopa-U, as well as eradicating or severely damaging Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Klefki. Thunderbolt is used in the last slot to heavily weaken a problematic Pokemon to Hoopa-U, Mandibuzz, as well as bulky Water-types like Azumarill, Manaphy, and Suicune. Trick is another option to cripple one of your opponent's Pokemon; at the cost of power, you gain the ability to switch up moves, as well as the benefit of the opponent's crippled Pokemon not functioning as reliably as it would like. Hyperspace Hole has the advantage of ignoring protection-based mechanics; it is capable of OHKOing negative Special Defense nature Mega Diancie and Mega Beedrill the turn they Mega Evolve.
Set Details
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Choice Specs is the chosen item for Hoopa-U to become an extremely powerful wallbreaker. The EVs on the set are quite straightforward; maximum Special Attack and Speed investment is used so that Hoopa-U has maximum damage output and hits a crucial Speed tier, allowing it to creep Pokemon such as Adamant Landorus-T, Timid Heatran, and offensive Mega Scizor. An alternative spread of 48 Def / 208 SpA / 252 Spe can be used to withstand a Pursuit from common trappers like Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Life Orb Weavile while also being capable of switching back into Stealth Rock to get another possible KO.
Usage Tips
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Choice Specs Hoopa-U must be played cautiously in order to get the best results possible from its wallbreaking potential; switch it in on turns you know it is safe to do so. Make smart predictions that take advantage of its fantastic movepool, as oftentimes your opponent is forced to play around it; spamming attacks carelessly turns Hoopa-U into Pursuit bait. Capitalize on Hoopa-U's wallbreaking capabilities early- and mid-game in order to severely weaken the opponent's team for your own setup sweeper or cleaner. Identify holes such as passive Pokemon in the opponent's team to use them as a chance for Hoopa-U to safely wallbreak. Continue to take advantage of your opponent's weaknesses until you can afford to sack Hoopa-U, eventually finding a setup opportunity for your wincon.
Team Options
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VoltTurn users generate momentum and give Hoopa-U a safe switch, thus allowing it to pressure your opponent and wallbreak for your wincon late-game. Mega Manectric and Raikou both double as offense breakers and bait in Pokemon such as Mega Latias and Heatran for Hoopa-U to take advantage of. Baton Pass Mega Lopunny finds excellent matchups against more offensive teams and can also pressure bulkier teams with Power-Up Punch. Rocky Helmet Landorus-T sets Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team, works as a great physical sponge to check prominent Pokemon that punish Hoopa-U like Excadrill, Talonflame, Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, and Tyranitar, and baits in Pokemon such as Rotom-W for Hoopa-U to get a possible KO. Defensive Rotom-W blanket checks a solid majority of the tier and is efficient in crippling the foe with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave. Assault Vest Tornadus-T is a fast, consistent, and reliable momentum generator that is capable of crippling the opponent with Knock Off while checking many strong special attackers.
Setup sweepers and late-game wincons benefit from Hoopa-U's outstanding ability to break down teams. Calm Mind Clefable is great alongside Hoopa-U, as it gives you a solid defensive Pokemon to fall back on, and provides speed control through Thunder Wave; it also blanket checks a large majority of the tier. Swords Dance Mega Scizor appreciates the fact that Hoopa-U is capable of putting most, if not all, of its checks into KO range of a +2 Bullet Punch, and can setup on the Pursuit trappers that remove Hoopa-U. Double Dance Landorus-T sets up on common Pokemon that revenge kill Hoopa-U such as Excadrill and Talonflame, and it benefits from the Pokemon Hoopa-U breaks down being removed or weakened, such as Skarmory and Rotom-W.
Offense breakers provide a better matchup against more fast-paced teams, a playstyle Hoopa-U thoroughly struggles against. Priority users such as Belly Drum or Choice Band Azumarill, Swords Dance Talonflame, Breloom, and Bisharp often give offense a hard time due to their strong attacks, and they double as wincons that can also take advantage of Pursuit trappers. Naturally fast Pokemon such as Mega Manectric, Mega Lopunny, and Tornadus-T give common offensive Pokemon trouble thanks to their high Speed stats, strong attacks, and good coverage. Common Choice Scarf users like Keldeo, Landorus-T, Terrakion, Jirachi, and Kyurem-B can all function as revenge killers or cleaners during the match.
A solid defensive backbone is mandatory in order to make Hoopa-U function properly; it will often get forced out by many faster Pokemon, and you will need something to fall back on. Bulky Steel-types like Heatran, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Klefki, and Assault Vest or Mega Metagross all act as a blanket check to several threats, most importantly Fairy- and Dragon-types. Heatran can opt to act as a stallbreaker to shut down bulkier teams alongside Hoopa-U; Ferrothorn and Klefki can offer utility through Leech Seed, Thunder Wave, Heal Block, and Fairy Lock; and Metagross offers Pursuit trapping support and a possible secondary wallbreaker. Bulky Ground-types such as Rocky Helmet Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Hippowdon all check physical attackers that force Hoopa-U out and set up Stealth Rock, but Landorus-T has the advantage of being able to use U-turn and take Ground moves. Mega Latias is an excellent option to check many threatening Pokemon and possibly provide speed control that Hoopa-U definitely appreciates.
Entry hazard removal support from the likes of Latios and Excadrill isn't mandatory, but is absolutely beneficial, as Hoopa-U and its common teammates get pressured by hazards easily. Secondary wallbreakers or stallbreakers are helpful alongside Hoopa-U, as it often gets worn down or removed by the opponent entirely due to a misplay; a secondary wallbreaker is appreciated to assure that bulkier teams will be broken down. Swords Dance Terrakion takes advantage of Pursuit trappers that are commonly seen on bulkier team builds and can possibly clean late-game as well. Power-Up Punch Mega Lopunny often puts pressure on balanced teams while also doubling as an offense breaker; the role compression it provides is excellent. Magma Storm Heatran is capable of trapping, crippling, and keeping opposing defensive cores low alongside Hoopa-U for your wincon.
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