PU Aurorus

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asa

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PU Leader
[QC Checks: twix / Megazard / galbia]
[GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / A Cake Wearing a Hat]


[OVERVIEW]

Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice. Both of Aurorus's abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and supplying chip damage on foes and Refrigerate making Normal-type moves into STAB Ice-type attacks and making them stronger. Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to threaten Water-types that resist Blizzard and Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, thus giving it perfect coverage. Aurorus is also capable of pulling off a Choice Scarf set to outspeed and KO some of its offensive checks that attempt to revenge kill it like Archeops. Aurorus can also function as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal, Snow Warning helping Aurorus against Focus Sash and Sturdy users, and its access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock. Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather teams, since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in. Unfortunately, Aurorus's solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water, though it does leave Aurorus resistant to Normal. Furthermore, Aurorus is prone to being forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to commonly employ a hit-and-run strategy.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy. If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes and doesn't chip away at any of Aurorus's teammates. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Ice-resistant Water-types such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru. Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.

Set Details
========

The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature further augmenting its Special Attack. Choice Specs amplifies Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch into. Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus's switch-ins. Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus's team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna.

Usage Tips
========

This set is geared towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game. While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed, through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn, or on double switches. However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Skuntank and Weezing or on the predicted use of recovery moves against foes like Gastrodon. Once in, Aurorus should mainly use its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows it to more reliably spam Blizzard or Hyper Voice late-game. Aurorus is capable of beating certain offensive threats in a one-on-one situation such as Oricorio-G and Swanna; however, doing so often requires Aurorus to take a fair amount of damage first and leaves it unable to break as effectively, so be cognizant of such a trade.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn. Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit and Weezing make for good partners. Both provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus's switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus with a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly. On that note, entry hazard support is very appreciated due to it further weakening Aurorus's checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, the aforementioned Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners. Due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, it appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Swanna in return. Swanna is also capable of checking Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon that Swanna tends to bait in. Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy can help keep Aurorus's offensive checks in check, giving it an easier time with breaking. Primeape and Togedemaru can both use U-turn to pivot into Aurorus, which is appreciated due to this giving it an easier time switching in. Other pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and those two can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off and Toxic, respectively. If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyances due to their high special bulk and can also clean late-game.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its good offensive presence and Focus Sash. Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, and it is not hindered by its low accuracy thanks to Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage. Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard with fewer issues. Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock more easily while also supporting slower teammates. Earth Power is an option for the last slot, which allows Aurorus to remove Steel-types like Aggron and Probopass without worrying about being OHKOed by their respective STAB moves.

Set Details
========

The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar. Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full health, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard. Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sash and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Aurorus should almost always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. After doing so, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock. Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock, since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around. However, if it is paired with Alolan Sandslash, it may prove useful not to let it get KOed immediately after setting Stealth Rock due to the hail support Aurorus offers. If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, setup moves, or recovery moves, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates. If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or using Blizzard.

Team Options
========

This set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed. Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking through and sweeping teams. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage as well as Aurorus's ability to potentially create setup opportunities for them with Encore. Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin and also pressure common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna. Due to Defiant allowing it to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove Stealth Rock, Primeape can make for a good partner.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy. Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Water-types, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang. Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of PP for Blizzard and cripple it with Toxic.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and makes it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. Snow Warning should be run if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams, since it removes the weather they set up. If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be run, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.

Usage Tips
========

Despite lacking a power-boosting item, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack. This set isn't that common, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes like Shiftry that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe. Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and its ability to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them. Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to the chip damage shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.

Team Options
========

Since this set struggles heavily with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops. Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types, since they threaten it with 4x super effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit and Psychic Spiritomb are good teammates. Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Clefairy and Lanturn are also appreciated, since Fire-types can switch in very easily on Choice Scarf Aurorus and overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank is appreciated, since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus's inability to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang and Mesprit make for good partners. Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best way of keeping faster Pokemon in check due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority moves from Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank are appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing, since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. A Modest nature on the Choice Scarf set sounds useful for increasing Aurorus's damage output, but it then loses the ability to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier. Furthermore, Aurorus's Speed is the main reason to use the set over Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Flash Cannon can be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these three targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno. Frost Breath can also be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts they may have obtained. It has very little use outside of this, however. Ancient Power may sound decent over Hidden Power Rock, since it offers a chance to increase all of Aurorus's stats, but it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for Articuno to stall out. A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper; however, it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, running Rock Polish prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves and leaves Aurorus's other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its vulnerability to both Stealth Rock and common priority. Shuca Berry can be used on the lead set to allow Aurorus to have an easier time stomaching Ground-type attacks from Pokemon like Kangaskhan, though Focus Sash tends to be more consistent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard or Hyper Voice, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, too.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, poor defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Munchlax, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzard from Aurorus and PP stalling it out of the move. Munchlax's ability in Thick Fat only makes taking it out even more difficult. Encore locking these Pokemon into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being Choice-locked into Blizzard, Hyper Voice, or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x super effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. While they don't appreciate switching in on Earth Power, or Blizzard in the case of Aggron and Togedemaru, their presence can force Aurorus to predict them to switch in, which can in turn backfire on Aurorus.
 
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Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus

[OVERVIEW]
  • Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and its access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice.
  • Both of its abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard, and Refrigerate both making Normal-type moves become STAB Ice-type attacks and stronger. (i'm not really sure if you have to say what refrigerate does but i guess it works in this sentence)
  • Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to act as a massive annoyance to teams that rely on bulky Water-types to check Ice-types, and access to Earth Power gives it perfect coverage. i'd talk about earth power here too
  • Aurorus is also capable of functioning as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal and access to decent support options like Encore. i'd mention how it has rocks haha
  • Despite Aurorus's typing being solid offensively, it unfortunately harbors weaknesses to both Stealth Rock and common attacking types such as Fighting, Steel, Water, and Grass as a result of it. i'd say that it does have solid defensive stats, just that they are counteracted by typing
  • Aurorus is prone to being easily forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Passimian, and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to employ a hit-and-run strategy.
  • you could note here how it is an effective stop to weather teams due to snow warning
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Ancient Power
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy.
  • If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Hyper Voice is also fairly powerful, and comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes. note how it is a bit weaker than blizzard and doesn't offer hail recoil.
  • Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Lanturn, Poliwrath (i'd say costa since it's much more relevant), and Pyukumuku for super effective damage.
  • Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru.
  • Ancient Power targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic. mention how it can hit other Aurorus too. Also subroost Articuno can pp stall ancient power so I might actually put HP Rock > Ancient Power just for pp
  • Hidden Power Rock can be used instead since it has a higher amount of PP, but is weaker than Ancient Power and does not offer boost chance.
Set Details
========
  • The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature augmenting its Special Attack even more.
  • Choice Specs is the preferred item here to further increase Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on.
  • Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus' switch-ins.
  • Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus' team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna and Palossand.
Usage Tips
========
  • While Aurorus's bulk is decent, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed or through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn.
  • However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Weezing, or on the predicted use of recovery against foes like Altaria and Palossand. eh palo is p risky due to epower, i'd find a better example
  • Once in, Aurorus should mainly fire off its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them.
  • After Aurorus manage to either dish out a heavy hit or KO a foe, it should switch out of foes that can easily revenge kill it, such as Hitmonchan, so that it can continue to break later on if necessary.
  • note how freezedry/epower should be used if you expect an ice-resist to come in. this allows aurorus to spam more late game
  • mention specifically this set is a wallbreaker above all
Team Options
========
  • Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Gurdurr, Passimian, and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Passimian and Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn.
  • Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their Fighting-type attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit, Palossand, and Weezing make for good partners. All three provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus' switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly.
  • Entry hazard removal is important due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, so Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Swanna make for good partners. you already mentioned how chan is a good remover earlier in this section
  • Entry hazard support from the likes of Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Mesprit is also appreciated, since the entry hazards wear down a lot of Aurorus' switch-ins.
  • Late-game sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. I'd specify that it's more so Special Sweepers
  • Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy offer valuable Speed control against Aurorus's offensive checks, giving it an easier time with breaking.
  • Slow Pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Toxic and providing Knock Off support, respectively switch order of Toxic and Knock Off so it's accurate.
  • If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyance due to their high special bulk. you say both but only mention one mon
this is just a little thing but all these sentences are pretty wrong and follow the same format. the sentences shouldn't all start with partner then reasons why. it's much easier to read if the sentences are even a little diverse

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Ancient Power
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy.
  • Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning.
  • Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types.
  • Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang.
  • Ancient Power allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards and cripple it with Toxic. same thing with other set, hp rock is prob better zard edit yes it is
  • toxic might actually be decent in this slot since it's not as good as a wallbreaker but i'd ask qc
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and make it as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. A Modest nature can be used to bolster Aurorus' Special Attack, but this leaves Aurorus outpaced by Pokemon in the base 98 Speed tier and above like Swanna. i'd probably include the choice scarf here (ie: timid nature in tandem w/ scarf)
  • Choice Scarf increases Aurorus's Speed, allowing it outspeed certain foes that would normally check it offensively like Passimian. see above
  • Snow Warning should be ran if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams since it removes the weather they set up.
  • If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be ran, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.
Usage Tips
========
  • While not as powerful as its Choice Specs set, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks. mention how it could work as a cleaner late game though because of its enhanced speed and solid spa
  • Of the three sets Aurorus commonly runs, this is the least common, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes after Aurorus KOes a foe and revenge killing them. if this is the least common set then why is it presented second?
  • Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe.
  • Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and it being able to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them.
  • Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.
Team Options
========
  • Since this set struggles even more with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Passimian, Stoutland, and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing, and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops.
  • Checks to Fighting-types are important since they are Aurorus' greatest weakness, so Pokemon that can check them such as Oricorio-G, Palossand, and Swanna are good teammates. this sentence is p repetitive
  • i'd mention steel/fire answers too
  • Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Altaria and Skuntank is appreciated since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. mention how altaria can take on many of aurorus' answers as well
  • Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus being unable to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang, Mesprit, and Miltank make for good partners.
  • Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best form of Speed control due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and Thunder Wave support from the likes of Clefairy and Mesprit are appreciated.
  • Teammates that also commonly run Choice Scarf sets such as Oricorio-G and Primeape can make for interesting partners since they can work to prevent suspicion in regard to Aurorus's set.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its offensive presence and Focus Sash.
  • Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer hindered by its low accuracy due to Snow Warning.
  • Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage.
  • Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser issues.
  • Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which tends to support slower teammates. i'd mention more so how it helps outpace other leads or removers so it can get em up
Set Details
========
  • The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar, and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar.
  • Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard.
  • Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
  • Aurorus should always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible.
  • After setting Stealth Rock, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers, or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock.
  • Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock since it is a suicide lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around.
  • Encore is a nice tool for Aurorus to have, allowing it to disrupt opposing leads, entry hazard setters and removers, and defensive Pokemon with access to recovery, and it can be used to create setup opportunities for one of Aurorus's teammates. this seems more of a moves desc than usage tip, so i'd reword.
  • I'd mention that if using rock tomb it should be used against faster pokemon so aurorus has a choice the next turn to rock or attack
Team Options
========
  • This Aurorus set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. mention how the more offensive team it is, the less chance there is to remove the rocks
  • Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking and sweeping teams.
  • mention cleaners that appreciate having hazards up
  • Setup sweepers such as the aforementioned Alolan Sandslash, Lilligant, and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage. They also appreciate Aurorus potentially creating setup opportunities for them with Encore.
  • Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin. They both also come with the advantage of pressuring common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna.
  • Due to Defiant allowing them to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove entry hazards from the field, Pawniard and Primeape can make for good partners.
  • While not necessary, additional entry hazard support from the likes of Crustle, Ferroseed, and Weezing is appreciated, as it supports Aurorus's team even further.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing since it makes Aurorus faster, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. Furthermore, a Timid nature doesn't help Aurorus outspeed anything notable besides opposing Modest Aurorus. i mean it does outspeed pawniard, aggron, abomasnow, and altaria, so it's not really useless. i'd argue more on the power side
  • Flash Cannon can be used to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two targets. i'd mention more ab why rock move is better, even with these things
  • Frost Breath can be used to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts, but it offers very little use outside of this.
  • A Choice Band set may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set simply has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. i'd mention the specific set
  • Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper, although it's still outspeed outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. also prevents it from running specs
  • Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves, leaving its other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its weakness to Stealth Rock and common priority.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-types and Fighting-type Coverage**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, as well. name for this one is too long, just make it Fighting-type Attacks or something

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Passimian, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Miltank—which takes it especially well due to Thick Fat—, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards from Aurorus and stalling it out of them. Encore locking them into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru all resist Blizzard and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x effective STAB moves. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. mention how offensive aggron/toge can outspeed it None of them want to switch in on an Earth Power, however.

being locked into moves could also be seen as an issue, as it often has to predict moves. idk if this would be its own thing or included in already existing ones.
am check
this is an official 1/3 now -zard
 
Last edited by a moderator:

MZ

And now for something completely different
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[OVERVIEW]
  • Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and its access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice.
  • Both of its abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and chip, that 6% is what makes it stronger, and Refrigerate both making Normal-type moves become STAB Ice-type attacks and stronger.
  • Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to act as a massive annoyance to teams that rely on bulky Water-types to check Ice-types does anyone actually do this intentionally? id mention freeze dry as good coverage but our bulky waters get bopped by jynx and aboma, and access to Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, giving it perfect coverage.
  • Aurorus is also capable of functioning as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal and access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock. id mention lead and scarf side by side as solid alternate sets, just weird that scarf isnt mentioned when lead's given its whole bullet
  • Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in.
  • Unfortunately, Aurorus' solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Steel, and Water.
  • Aurorus is prone to being easily forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Passimian, and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to employ a hit-and-run strategy.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy.
  • If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail recoil to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes. and not chipping ur own team w/hail which is unfort if u dont have like, alolaslash or clef
  • Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage.
  • Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru.
  • Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.
  • Ancient Power is an alternative that hits Articuno and opposing Aurorus harder that also boasts a small chance to boost all of Aurorus's stats. However, it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for SubRoost Articuno to PP stall. drop this mention to OO, unless u can give a concrete reason for it to be a reasonable alternative there's no point in putting it here
Set Details
========
  • The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature augmenting its Special Attack even more.
  • Choice Specs is the preferred item here to further increase Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on.
  • Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus' switch-ins.
  • Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus' team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna and Palossand.
Usage Tips
========
  • This set is geared more towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game.
  • While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed or through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn. or double switches
  • However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Weezing, or on the predicted use of recovery against foes like Altaria and Togetic.
  • Once in, Aurorus should mainly fire off its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows for it to more reliably spam Blizzard late-game.
  • After Aurorus manage to either dish out a heavy hit or KO a foe, it should switch out of foes that can easily revenge kill it, such as Hitmonchan, so that it can continue to break later on if necessary.
worth mentioning that aurorus can 1v1 a lot of offensive threats too, but if u take 80% to eliminate archeops or swanna or w/e then ur not gonna be healthy enough to break walls later so be cognizant of the tradeoff

Team Options
========
  • Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Gurdurr, Passimian rip (4 examples is overkill af anyway though), and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Passimian rip and Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn.
  • Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their Fighting-type attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit, Palossand, and Weezing make for good partners. All three provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus' switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly.
  • Due to Aurorus' weakness to Stealth Rock, it appreciates entry hazard removal support from the likes of Altaria and Swanna. Both can check Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon both tend to bait in.
  • Aurorus also appreciates entry hazard support further weakening its checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners.
  • Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off.
  • Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy offer valuable Speed control against Aurorus's offensive checks, giving it an easier time with breaking. these 2 also pivot for aurorus which is a nice benefit
  • Pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off support and Toxic, respectively.
  • If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyance due to their high special bulk.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid / Modest nonono deslash modest and drop to OO imo, losing to archeops (and others) with this is a really stupid decision before u remember that the speed is the big reason to use this over scarf abomasnow
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy.
  • Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning.
  • Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types.
  • Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang.
  • Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards and cripple it with Toxic.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and make it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. A Modest nature can be used to bolster Aurorus' Special Attack, but this leaves Aurorus outpaced by Pokemon in the base 98 Speed tier and above like Swanna. no more timid here pls
  • Choice Scarf increases Aurorus's Speed, allowing it outspeed certain foes that would normally check it offensively like Passimian rip with a Timid nature.
  • Snow Warning should be ran if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams since it removes the weather they set up.
  • If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be ran, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.
Usage Tips
========
  • While not as powerful as its Choice Specs set, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack.
  • This set isn't as common as the Choice Specs set, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. like who
  • Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe.
  • Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and it being able to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them.
  • Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.
Team Options
========
  • Since this set struggles even more with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Passimian rip, Stoutland, and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing, and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops.
  • Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types since they threaten it 4x effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Psychic Spiritomb, Mesprit, and Palossand are good teammates.
  • Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Altaria, Clefairy, and Lanturn are also appreciated since Fire-types can switch in on Choice Scarf Blizzard much easier than they can Choice Specs Blizzard and can overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks.
  • Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as the aforementioned Altaria and Skuntank is appreciated since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon.
  • Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus being unable to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang, Mesprit, and Miltank make for good partners.
  • Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best form of speed control due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and Thunder Wave support from the likes of Clefairy and Mesprit are appreciated. id rather mention priority than twave ngl, stopping a sweep with hitmonchan>stopping it with twave clef
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its offensive presence and Focus Sash.
  • Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer hindered by its low accuracy due to Snow Warning.
  • Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage.
  • Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser issues.
  • Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock easier, while also supporting slower teammates.
Set Details
========
  • The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar, and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar.
  • Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard.
  • Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
  • Aurorus should almost (i dont like absolutes like that, having used the set on teams and not led with it based on preview) always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible.
  • After setting Stealth Rock, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers, or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock.
  • Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around.
  • If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, a setup move, or a recovery move, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates.
  • If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or firing off Blizzard.
if using with alolaslash, may not want to let it die turn 2. also may not want to rock tomb before rocking since u cant rock w/out dying

Team Options
========
  • This Aurorus set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed.
  • Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking and sweeping teams.
  • Late-game cleaners such as Combusken and Pyroar appreciate the pressure that the entry hazards put on their defensive switch-ins, and have a much easier time cleaning up because of them. this is a stretch, ur setting rocks and late game sweepers is generic enough that id remove the point
  • Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G also appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage. They also appreciate Aurorus potentially creating setup opportunities for them with Encore.
  • Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin. They both also come with the advantage of pressuring common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna.
  • Due to Defiant allowing them to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove entry hazards from the field, Pawniard and Primeape can make for good partners.
  • While not necessary, additional entry hazard support from the likes of Crustle, Ferroseed, and Weezing is appreciated, as it supports Aurorus's team even further. cant see hazard setting crustle going on a team with a suicide lead. the other 2 are weird enough as is and maybe just drop this point entirely but at the very least remove crustle
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
============= move ancient power and modest scarf down here
  • Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential.
  • Flash Cannon can be used on specs aurorus over hp rock to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno.
  • Frost Breath can be used on specs aurorus over hp rock to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts, but it offers very little use outside of this.
  • A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set simply has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this.
  • Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper, although it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, this prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set.
  • Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves, leaving its other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its weakness to Stealth Rock and common priority.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, as well.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Passimian rip, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Miltank—which takes it especially well due to Thick Fat—, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards from Aurorus and stalling it out of them. Encore locking them into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being locked into Blizzard or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. None of them want to switch in on an Earth Power, however. maybe (or maybe not) say something about forcing it to predict, using aurorus vs metang or probo can be rly annoying since it's the only time u have to think about what move to click
qcstamp.gif
2/3
 
[QC Checks: twix / Megazard / ?]
[GP Checks: ? / ?]


[OVERVIEW]

Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice. Both of Aurorus's abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and supplying chip damage on foes, and Refrigerate making Normal-type moves both STAB Ice-type attacks and stronger. Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to threaten Water-types that resist Blizzard and Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, thus giving it perfect coverage. Aurorus is also capable of pulling off a Choice Scarf set to outspeed and KO some of its offensive checks that attempt to revenge kill like Archeops, and is also capable of functioning as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal and access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock (you can also mention hail helping vs focus sash and sturdy users but not very relevant). Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in. Unfortunately, Aurorus's solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Steel, and Water(ground! you can mention normal is decent tho). Aurorus is prone to being easily forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to employ a hit-and-run strategy.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy. If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail recoil to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes and doesn't chip away at any of Aurorus's teammates. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru. Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.

Set Details
========

The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature further augmenting its Special Attack. Choice Specs amplifies Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus's switch-ins. Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus's team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna and Palossand.

Usage Tips
========

This set is geared more towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game. While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed, through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn, or on double switches. However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Weezing (i guess skuntank too, when it clicks sucker or pjab and stuff like oricorio), or on the predicted use of recovery against foes like Togetic (something more relevant? gastrodon maybe?). Once in, Aurorus should mainly fire off its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows for it to more reliably spam Blizzard late-game. Aurorus is capable of beating certain offensive threats in a one-on-one such as Oricorio-G and Swanna; however, doing so often requires Aurorus to take a fair amount of damage first and leaves it unable to break as effectively, so be cognizant of such a trade. After Aurorus manages to either dish out a heavy hit or KO a foe, it should switch out of foes that can easily revenge kill it, such as Hitmonchan, so that it can continue to break later on if necessary. (a bit obvious possibly)

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn. Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their Fighting-type attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit, Palossand, and Weezing make for good partners. All three provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus's switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly. On that note, entry hazard support is very appreciate due to further weakening its checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, the aforementioned Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners. Due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, it also appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Swanna. Swanna is also capable of checking Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon that Swanna tends to bait in. Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy offer valuable speed control against Aurorus's offensive checks, giving it an easier time with breaking. Primeape and Togedemaru can both use U-turn to pivot into Aurorus, which is appreciated due to this giving it an easier time switching in. Other pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off support and Toxic, respectively. If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyances due to their high special bulk. (it can also clean late game)

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its offensive presence and Focus Sash. Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer hindered by its low accuracy due to Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage. Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser issues. Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock easier, while also supporting slower teammates. (mention earth power for the last slot, it has some uses)

Set Details
========

The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar, and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar. Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard. Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Aurorus should almost always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. After setting Stealth Rock, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers, or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock. Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around. However, if it is paired with Alolan Sandslash, it may prove useful not to let it get KOed immediately after setting Stealth Rock due to the hail support Aurorus offers. If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, a setup move, or a recovery move, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates. If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or firing off Blizzard.

Team Options
========

This set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed. Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking and sweeping teams. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage. They also appreciate Aurorus potentially creating setup opportunities for them with Encore. Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin. They both also come with the advantage of pressuring common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna. Due to Defiant allowing them to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove entry hazards from the field, Pawniard (not the greatest synergy and subpar /outclassed by slash so i'd say remove) and Primeape can make for good partners.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy. Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang. Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards and cripple it with Toxic.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and make it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. Choice Scarf increases Aurorus's Speed, allowing it outspeed certain foes that would normally check it offensively like Archeops with a Timid nature. Snow Warning should be ran if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams since it removes the weather they set up. If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be ran, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.

Usage Tips
========

While not as powerful as its Choice Specs set, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack. This set isn't as common as the Choice Specs set, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes like Shiftry that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe. Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and it being able to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them. Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.

Team Options
========

Since this set struggles even more with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing, and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops. Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types since they threaten it 4x effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Psychic Spiritomb, Mesprit, and Palossand are good teammates. Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Clefairy and Lanturn are also appreciated since Fire-types can switch in on Choice Scarf Blizzard much easier than they can on Choice Specs Blizzard and overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank is appreciated since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus being unable to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang, Mesprit, and Miltank make for good partners. Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best form of speed control due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority moves from Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank is appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. A Modest nature on the Choice Scarf set sounds useful for increasing Aurorus's damage output, but it then loses the ability to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier. Furthermore, Aurorus's Speed is the main reason to use the set over Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Flash Cannon can be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno. Frost Breath can also be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts they may have obtained. It has very little use outside of this, however. Ancient Power may sound decent over Hidden Power Rock since it is stronger and offers a chance to increase all of Aurorus's stats, but it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for Articuno to stall out. A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper; however, it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, running Rock Polish prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves and leaves its other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its vulnerability to both Stealth Rock and common priority. add shuca berry it's ok on a lead like set

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, as well.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, poor defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Pinsir, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Miltank—which takes on Aurorus especially well due to Thick Fat—, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards from Aurorus and stalling it out of them. Encore locking them into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however. (munchlax is relevant enough to be mentioned)

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being locked into Blizzard or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. While they don't appreciate switching in on Earth Power(or blizzard considering aggron and toge), it forces Aurorus to predict the switch-in, which can in turn backfire on Aurorus.
3/3
 

Aaronboyer

Something Worth Fighting For
is a Contributor to Smogon
This is an Amateur Check, so Implement What You Want ADD REMOVE (COMMENTS)
[OVERVIEW]

Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice. Both of Aurorus's abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and supplying chip damage on foes, and Refrigerate making Normal-type moves both STAB Ice-type attacks and stronger. Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to threaten Water-types that resist Blizzard and Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, thus giving it perfect coverage. Aurorus is also capable of pulling off a Choice Scarf set to outspeed and KO some of its offensive checks that attempt to revenge kill like Archeops, and is also capable of functioning as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal, Snow Warning helping Aurorus against Focus Sash and Sturdy users, and access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock. Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in. Unfortunately, Aurorus's solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water, though it does leave Aurorus resistant to Normal. Aurorus is prone to being easily forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to employ a hit-and-run strategy.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy. If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail recoil to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes and doesn't chip away at any of Aurorus's teammates. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru. Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.

Set Details
========

The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature further augmenting its Special Attack. Choice Specs amplifies Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus's switch-ins. Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus's team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna and Palossand.

Usage Tips
========

This set is geared more towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game. While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed, through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn, or on double switches. However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Skuntank and Weezing, or on the predicted use of recovery against foes like Gastrodon. Once in, Aurorus should mainly use its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows for it to more reliably spam Blizzard late-game. Aurorus is capable of beating certain offensive threats in a one-on-one such as Oricorio-G and Swanna; however, doing so often requires Aurorus to take a fair amount of damage first and leaves it unable to break as effectively, so be cognizant of such a trade.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn. Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their Fighting-type attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit, Palossand, and Weezing make for good partners. All three provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus's switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly. On that note, entry hazard support is very appreciate appreciated due to further weakening its checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, the aforementioned Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners. Due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, it also appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Swanna. Swanna is also capable of checking Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon that Swanna tends to bait in. Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy offer valuable speed control against Aurorus's offensive checks, giving it an easier time with breaking. Primeape and Togedemaru can both use U-turn to pivot into Aurorus, which is appreciated due to this giving it an easier time switching in. Other pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off support and Toxic, respectively. If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyances due to their high special bulk, and can also clean late-game.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its offensive presence and Focus Sash. Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer hindered by its low accuracy due to Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage. Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser issues. Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock easier, while also supporting slower teammates. Earth Power is an option for the last slot, which allows Aurorus to remove Steel-types like Aggron and Probopass without worrying about being OHKOed by their respective STAB moves.

Set Details
========

The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar, and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar. Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard. Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Aurorus should almost always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. After setting Stealth Rock, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers, or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock. Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around. However, if it is paired with Alolan Sandslash, it may prove useful not to let it get KOed immediately after setting Stealth Rock due to the hail support Aurorus offers. If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, a setup move, or a recovery move, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates. If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or using Blizzard.

Team Options
========

This set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed. Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking and sweeping teams. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage. They also appreciate Aurorus potentially creating setup opportunities for them with Encore. Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin. They both also come with the advantage of pressuring common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna. Due to Defiant allowing it to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove Stealth Rock, Primeape can make for a good partner.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy. Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang. Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards and cripple it with Toxic.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and make it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. Choice Scarf increases Aurorus's Speed, allowing it outspeed certain foes that would normally check it offensively like Archeops with a Timid nature. Snow Warning should be ran if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams since it removes the weather they set up. If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be ran, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.

Usage Tips
========

While not as powerful as its Choice Specs set, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack. This set isn't as common as the Choice Specs set, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes like Shiftry that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe. Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and it being able to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them. Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.

Team Options
========

Since this set struggles even more with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing, and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops. Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types since they threaten it 4x effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Psychic Spiritomb, Mesprit, and Palossand are good teammates. Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Clefairy and Lanturn are also appreciated since Fire-types can switch in on Choice Scarf Blizzard much easier than they can on Choice Specs Blizzard and overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank is appreciated since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus being unable to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang, Mesprit, and Miltank make for good partners. Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best form of speed control due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority moves from Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank is appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. A Modest nature on the Choice Scarf set sounds useful for increasing Aurorus's damage output, but it then loses the ability to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier. Furthermore, Aurorus's Speed is the main reason to use the set over Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Flash Cannon can be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno. Frost Breath can also be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts they may have obtained. It has very little use outside of this, however. Ancient Power may sound decent over Hidden Power Rock since it is stronger and offers a chance to increase all of Aurorus's stats, but it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for Articuno to stall out. A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper; however, it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, running Rock Polish prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves and leaves its other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its vulnerability to both Stealth Rock and common priority. Shuca Berry can be used on the lead set to allow Aurorus to have an easier time stomaching Ground-type attacks from Pokemon like Kangaskhan, though Focus Sash tends to be more consistent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, as well.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, poor defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Pinsir, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Miltank, Munchlax, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards from Aurorus and stalling it out of them. Miltank and Munchlax's shared ability in Thick Fat only makes taking them out even more difficult. Encore locking them into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being locked into Blizzard or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. While they don't appreciate switching in on Earth Power—or Blizzard in the case of Aggron and Togedemaru—, their presence can force Aurorus to predict the switch-in, which can(AC), in turn(AC), backfire on Aurorus.
 

Lumari

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GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice. Both of Aurorus's abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and supplying chip damage on foes (RC) and Refrigerate making Normal-type moves both into STAB Ice-type attacks and making them stronger. Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to threaten Water-types that resist Blizzard, (AC) and Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, thus giving it perfect coverage. Aurorus is also capable of pulling off a Choice Scarf set to outspeed and KO some of its offensive checks that attempt to revenge kill it like Archeops, and is also capable as well as of functioning as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal, Snow Warning helping Aurorus against Focus Sash and Sturdy users, and access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock (incomplete sentence). Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather teams, (AC) since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in. Unfortunately, Aurorus's solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water, though it does leave Aurorus resistant to Normal. Furthermore, Aurorus is prone to being easily forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to employ a hit-and-run strategy.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy. If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail recoil to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes and doesn't chip away at any of Aurorus's teammates. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru. Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.

Set Details
========

The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature further augmenting its Special Attack. Choice Specs amplifies Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on. Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus's switch-ins. Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus's team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna and Palossand.

Usage Tips
========

This set is geared more towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game. While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed, through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn, or on double switches. However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Skuntank and Weezing (RC) or on the predicted use of recovery against foes like Gastrodon. Once in, Aurorus should mainly use its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows for it to more reliably spam Blizzard late-game. Aurorus is capable of beating certain offensive threats in a one-on-one situation such as Oricorio-G and Swanna; however, doing so often requires Aurorus to take a fair amount of damage first and leaves it unable to break as effectively, so be cognizant of such a trade.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn. Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their Fighting-type STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit, Palossand, and Weezing make for good partners. All three provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus's switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly. On that note, entry hazard support is very appreciated due to further weakening its Aurorus's checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, the aforementioned Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners. Due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, it also appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Swanna in return. Swanna is also capable of checking Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon that Swanna tends to bait in. Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy offer valuable speed control against can help keeping Aurorus's offensive checks in check, giving it an easier time with breaking. Primeape and Togedemaru can both use U-turn to pivot into Aurorus, which is appreciated due to this giving it an easier time switching in. Other pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and those two can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off support and Toxic, respectively. If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyances due to their high special bulk, and can also clean late-game.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its good offensive presence and Focus Sash. Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer hindered by its low accuracy due to Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage. Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser issues. Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock easier, more easily while also supporting slower teammates. Earth Power is an option for the last slot, which allows Aurorus to remove Steel-types like Aggron and Probopass without worrying about being OHKOed by their respective STAB moves.

Set Details
========

The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar (RC) and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar. Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard. Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Aurorus should almost always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. After setting Stealth Rock doing so, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers (RC) or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock. Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock, (AC) since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around. However, if it is paired with Alolan Sandslash, it may prove useful not to let it get KOed immediately after setting Stealth Rock due to the hail support Aurorus offers. If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, a setup move, or a recovery move, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates. If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or using Blizzard.

Team Options
========

This set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed. Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking and sweeping teams. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage. They also appreciate Aurorus potentially creating setup opportunities for them with Encore. Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin. They both also come with the advantage of pressuring common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna. Due to Defiant allowing it to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove Stealth Rock, Primeape can make for a good partner.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy. Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang. Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards and cripple it with Toxic.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and make makes it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. Choice Scarf increases Aurorus's Speed, allowing it outspeed certain foes that would normally check it offensively like Archeops with a Timid nature. Snow Warning should be ran run if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams, (AC) since it removes the weather they set up. If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be ran run, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.

Usage Tips
========

While not as powerful as its Choice Specs set lacking a power-boosting item, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack. This set isn't as that common as the Choice Specs set, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes like Shiftry that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe. Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and it being able its ability to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them. Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.

Team Options
========

Since this set struggles even more with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing (RC) and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops. Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types, (AC) since they threaten it with 4x super effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Psychic Spiritomb, Mesprit, and Palossand are good teammates. Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Clefairy and Lanturn are also appreciated, (AC) since Fire-types can switch in on Choice Scarf Blizzard much easier more easily than they can on Choice Specs Blizzard and overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank is appreciated, (AC) since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus's inability being unable to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang, Mesprit, and Miltank make for good partners. Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best form of speed control way of keeping faster foes in check due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority moves from Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank is are appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing, (AC) since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. A Modest nature on the Choice Scarf set sounds useful for increasing Aurorus's damage output, but it then loses the ability to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier. Furthermore, Aurorus's Speed is the main reason to use the set over Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Flash Cannon can be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno. Frost Breath can also be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts they may have obtained. It has very little use outside of this, however. Ancient Power may sound decent over Hidden Power Rock, (AC) since it is stronger and offers a chance to increase all of Aurorus's stats, but it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for Articuno to stall out. A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper; however, it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, running Rock Polish prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves and leaves its other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its Aurorus's vulnerability to both Stealth Rock and common priority. Shuca Berry can be used on the lead set to allow Aurorus to have an easier time stomaching Ground-type attacks from Pokemon like Kangaskhan, though Focus Sash tends to be more consistent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, as well too.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, poor defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Pinsir, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Miltank, Munchlax, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards from Aurorus and stalling it out of them. Miltank and Munchlax's shared ability in Thick Fat only makes taking them out even more difficult. Encore locking them into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being locked into Blizzard or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x super effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. While they don't appreciate switching in on Earth Power—or Blizzard in the case of Aggron and Togedemaru—, their presence can force Aurorus to predict the switch-in, which can in turn backfire on Aurorus.
 
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A Cake Wearing A Hat

moist and crusty
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[OVERVIEW]

Aurorus solidifies itself as one of PU's most threatening wallbreakers due to its good offensive typing, fairly high Special Attack, and access to high-powered STAB moves in Blizzard and Refrigerate-boosted Hyper Voice. Both of Aurorus's abilities are brilliant offensively, with Snow Warning giving it a perfectly accurate Blizzard and supplying chip damage on foes and Refrigerate making Normal-type moves into STAB Ice-type attacks and making them stronger. Its access to Freeze-Dry allows it to threaten Water-types that resist Blizzard and Earth Power gives it a way to pressure Steel-types, thus giving it perfect coverage. Aurorus is also capable of pulling off a Choice Scarf set to outspeed and KO some of its offensive checks that attempt to revenge kill it like Archeops, (RC) as well as functioning. (AP) Aurorus can also function as a lead for offensive teams, taking advantage of its typing allowing it to threaten most forms of entry hazard removal, Snow Warning helping Aurorus against Focus Sash and Sturdy users, and its access to decent support options like Encore and Stealth Rock. Snow Warning allows Aurorus to serve as a decent stop to weather teams, since the hail replaces the weather they had set up upon switching in. Unfortunately, Aurorus's solid bulk is offset by its bad defensive typing, which burdens it with a weakness to both Stealth Rock and common attack typings in Fighting, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water, though it does leave Aurorus resistant to Normal. Furthermore, Aurorus is prone to being forced out by common offensive Pokemon such as Archeops and Togedemaru because of its low Speed, forcing it to commonly employ a hit-and-run strategy.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Specs
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack and becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning perfecting its otherwise low accuracy. If Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning, Hyper Voice should be used. Although it's slightly less powerful than Blizzard and doesn't offer hail to further wear down checks, it does comes with the advantage of hitting Pokemon such as Oricorio-G through their Substitutes and doesn't chip away at any of Aurorus's teammates. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Ice-resistant Water-types that resist Blizzard such as Carracosta, Lanturn, and Pyukumuku for super effective damage. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Pokemon such as Assault Vest Magmortar, Aggron, opposing Aurorus, and Togedemaru. Hidden Power Rock targets Articuno, which would otherwise stall Aurorus out of Blizzards and put it on a timer with Toxic.

Set Details
========

The Speed and Special Attack investment serve to maximize Aurorus's offensive potential, with a Modest nature further augmenting its Special Attack. Choice Specs amplifies Aurorus's wallbreaking capabilities, making its attacks harder to switch in on into. Snow Warning should be used if Blizzard is chosen over Hyper Voice, as this increases Blizzard's accuracy and chips away at Aurorus's switch-ins. Refrigerate is an alternative that turns Hyper Voice into a strong Ice-type attack and doesn't come with the drawback of wearing down Aurorus's team and crippling teammates that rely on weather-dependent recovery such as Musharna.

Usage Tips
========

This set is geared more towards wallbreaking, and while it can do so at almost any point, it is best when used to punch holes in teams early-game. While Aurorus's bulk is good, it shouldn't recklessly switch in on attacks it doesn't resist, especially if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field. Aurorus should mainly get in after one of its teammates is KOed, through the use of Volt Switch or U-turn, or on double switches. However, it can switch in on weaker, resisted attacks from the likes of Skuntank and Weezing or on the predicted use of recovery moves against foes like Gastrodon. Once in, Aurorus should mainly use its strongest Ice-type move, as it will deal a heavy amount of damage to most foes. While both moves are rather spammable, if Aurorus predicts an Ice-resistant foe to switch in, it should use the appropriate coverage move to deal with them. This allows it to more reliably spam Blizzard or Hyper Voice (just so the analysis doesn't automatically assume that refrigerate is not used, I'll put these mentions here. approved by you, allstarapology, to do this.) late-game. Aurorus is capable of beating certain offensive threats in a one-on-one situation such as Oricorio-G and Swanna; however, doing so often requires Aurorus to take a fair amount of damage first and leaves it unable to break as effectively, so be cognizant of such a trade.

Team Options
========

Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan and Primeape pair well with Aurorus due to their collective ability to break Steel-types and weaken the specially defensive Pokemon that Aurorus finds itself struggling with. Hitmonchan can offer Aurorus much-appreciated entry hazard control, while Primeape can get Aurorus safely in versus Pokemon like Weezing with U-turn. Checks to Fighting-types are also important because of Aurorus's 4x weakness to their STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit and Weezing make for good partners. Both provide entry hazard support to wear Aurorus's switch-ins down, with Mesprit also providing Aurorus with a slow U-turn and Healing Wish support in the event that it gets weakened too quickly. On that note, entry hazard support is very appreciated due to it further weakening Aurorus's checks, so Pokemon such as Clefairy, the aforementioned Mesprit, and Ferroseed make good partners. Due to Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock, it appreciates entry hazard removal support from Pokemon like Swanna in return. Swanna is also capable of checking Fire- and Fighting-types for Aurorus, while Aurorus weakens the specially defensive Pokemon that Swanna tends to bait in. Late-game special sweepers such as Combusken and Lilligant appreciate Aurorus punching holes in teams so that they have an easier time finishing them off. Choice Scarf users such as Primeape and Togedemaru and Thunder Wave users such as Clefairy can help keep Aurorus's offensive checks in check, giving it an easier time with breaking. Primeape and Togedemaru can both use U-turn to pivot into Aurorus, which is appreciated due to this giving it an easier time switching in. Other pivots such as Eelektross and Lanturn are good at getting Aurorus in safely against foes, and those two can both further support Aurorus by wearing down switch-ins with Knock Off support and Toxic, respectively. If Aurorus is running Snow Warning, Alolan Sandslash makes for a perfect partner due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail. Alolan Sandslash can break through Pokemon like Audino and Clefairy for Aurorus, which both pose as annoyances due to their high special bulk, (RC) and can also clean late-game.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Encore / Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is a useful entry hazard, chipping away at foes as they switch in, and Aurorus makes for a fairly effective offensive user of it due to its good offensive presence and Focus Sash. Blizzard is Aurorus's strongest attack, no longer and it is not hindered by its low accuracy due thanks to Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry provides useful coverage alongside Blizzard, hitting Ice-resistant Water-types for super effective damage. Encore dissuades the use of entry hazards, setup moves, and recovery, allowing Aurorus to either set up Stealth Rock or fire off Blizzards with lesser use Blizzard with fewer issues. Rock Tomb is an alternative to Encore, preventing Fire-types such as Magmortar and Pyroar from freely switching in on Aurorus. It also lowers the Speed of foes, which helps Aurorus outspeed opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock more easily while also supporting slower teammates. Earth Power is an option for the last slot, which allows Aurorus to remove Steel-types like Aggron and Probopass without worrying about being OHKOed by their respective STAB moves.

Set Details
========

The investment in Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence, with a Timid nature helping it outspeed as much as it can. If using Rock Tomb, a Hasty nature should be opted for, as this gives Aurorus the ability to always 2HKO Magmortar and a decent chance of 2HKOing Pyroar. Focus Sash allows Aurorus to always take one hit from full health, meaning that it will almost always set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard. Snow Warning is chosen to perfect the accuracy of Blizzard, to break opposing Focus Sashes Sash and Sturdy, and to chip away at defensive Pokemon.

Usage Tips
========

Aurorus should almost always be the lead for teams, as its main priority should be to set up Stealth Rock as soon as possible. After doing so, Aurorus should mainly use Blizzard to punish incoming entry hazard removers, (RC) or Encore to disrupt them as they remove Stealth Rock. Aurorus doesn't need to be preserved like other users of Stealth Rock, since it is a lead, so don't feel too pressured to keep it around. However, if it is paired with Alolan Sandslash, it may prove useful not to let it get KOed immediately after setting Stealth Rock due to the hail support Aurorus offers. If running Encore, use it on the predicted use of entry hazards, a setup move setup moves, or a recovery move and recovery moves, as this can create chances for Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock or use Blizzard, as well as setup opportunities for Aurorus's teammates. If using Rock Tomb, use it on faster foes such as Pyroar so that Aurorus has a better chance of either setting up Stealth Rock or using Blizzard.

Team Options
========

This set functions best on offensive teams that can take advantage of the entry hazards and hail racking up damage on opposing teams. The more offensive the team, the less likely it is that Stealth Rock can be removed. Due to Slush Rush doubling its Speed under hail, Alolan Sandslash appreciates having Aurorus as a partner, as this gives it an easier time breaking through and sweeping teams. Setup sweepers such as Lilligant and Oricorio-G appreciate their defensive switch-ins being worn down by a combination of Stealth Rock and hail damage as well as Aurorus's ability to potentially create setup opportunities for them with Encore. Spinblockers such as Haunter, Oricorio-G, and Spiritomb prevent the removal of Stealth Rock via Rapid Spin and also pressure common users of Defog such as Shiftry, Skuntank, and Swanna. Due to Defiant allowing it to deter and punish the use of Defog in an attempt to remove Stealth Rock, Primeape can make for a good partner.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard / Hyper Voice
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Hidden Power Rock
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning / Refrigerate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Blizzard is the strongest attack in Aurorus's arsenal, and it becomes rather spammable due to Snow Warning increasing its low accuracy. Hyper Voice is a decently powerful alternative that should be ran if Aurorus is using Refrigerate over Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry gives Aurorus coverage for Ice-resistant Water-types that resist Blizzard, allowing to take advantage of builds that rely on Water-types to check Ice-types. Earth Power gives Aurorus coverage for Fire- and Steel-types such as Pyroar and Metang. Hidden Power Rock allows Aurorus to beat Articuno one-on-one, which would otherwise stall it out of Blizzards PP for Blizzard and cripple it with Toxic.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in both Speed and Special Attack maximizes Aurorus's offensive presence and makes it as fast as possible. A Timid nature in tandem with a Choice Scarf allows Aurorus to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier and below such as Archeops, Alolan Dugtrio, and Pyroar. Snow Warning should be run if Blizzard is being used, as it increases Blizzard's accuracy, thus making it reliable. Snow Warning also disrupts weather teams, since it removes the weather they set up. If using Hyper Voice, Refrigerate should be run, as this will increase its power and turn it into an Ice-type STAB move. Refrigerate also doesn't come with the drawback of chipping away at its team's HP.

Usage Tips
========

While Despite lacking a power-boosting item, Choice Scarf Aurorus still functions as a wallbreaker that excels more against offense due to its heightened Speed allowing it to outpace typical offensive checks, and it can also function as a late-game cleaner due to its decent Speed and solid Special Attack. This set isn't that common, so take advantage of this by luring in faster foes like Shiftry that attempt to revenge kill Aurorus and hitting them hard. Keep in mind that once Aurorus's set has been revealed, it is much easier to deal with due to its attacks not being as strong as usual, so refrain from making it obvious that Aurorus is using a Choice Scarf unless it is necessary to KO a foe. Aurorus can act as an emergency check to weather teams due to Snow Warning and its ability to outspeed Chlorophyll and Swift Swim users under hail, so after a teammate has been KOed, bring Aurorus in to deal with them. Aurorus should refrain from switching in if Stealth Rock is on its side of the field due to it the chip damage shortening its longevity. Similarly, Aurorus should also refrain from switching in on stronger, neutral attacks due to its bulk being only average and this leaving it more susceptible to priority.

Team Options
========

Since this set struggles even more heavily with specially defensive Pokemon, Aurorus appreciates physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland and Zangoose tearing through most of them. In return, Aurorus can weaken their defensive checks like Weezing and remove some of their offensive checks like Archeops. Aurorus appreciates checks to Fighting-types, since they threaten it with 4x super effective STAB attacks, so Pokemon such as Mesprit and Psychic Spiritomb and Mesprit are good teammates. Teammates that can check Fire-types such as Clefairy and Lanturn are also appreciated, since Fire-types can switch in on Choice Scarf Blizzard much more easily than they can on Choice Specs Blizzard very easily on Choice Scarf Aurorus and overwhelm it with their strong Fire-type attacks. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Skuntank is appreciated, (AC) since Aurorus's weakness to Stealth Rock can prove quite troublesome when it attempts to switch in on more passive Pokemon. Entry hazard support is also nice due to Aurorus's inability to KO certain offensive checks without a bit of chip damage, so Pokemon such as Metang and Mesprit make for good partners. Despite using a Choice Scarf, Aurorus is not the best way of keeping faster Pokemon in check due to its low Speed, so additional Choice Scarf users such as Togedemaru and priority moves from Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Skuntank are appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Using a Timid nature on the Choice Specs set may sound appealing, since it makes Aurorus faster than threats such as Jolly Aggron and Abomasnow, but this limits Aurorus's wallbreaking potential. A Modest nature on the Choice Scarf set sounds useful for increasing Aurorus's damage output, but it then loses the ability to outspeed Pokemon in the base 110 Speed tier. Furthermore, Aurorus's Speed is the main reason to use the set over Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Flash Cannon can be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to OHKO opposing Aurorus while still targeting Articuno and Carbink, but it doesn't hit much aside from these two three (?) targets, and Aurorus would much rather have a method of more reliably dealing with Articuno. Frost Breath can also be used over Hidden Power Rock on Choice Specs Aurorus to strike users of Calm Mind such as Clefairy, Musharna, and Spiritomb with a critical hit, ignoring any potential Special Defense boosts they may have obtained. It has very little use outside of this, however. Ancient Power may sound decent over Hidden Power Rock, since it is stronger and (objectively false) offers a chance to increase all of Aurorus's stats, but it has less PP than Hidden Power Rock, making it easier for Articuno to stall out. A Choice Band set of Return, Facade, Earthquake, and Zen Headbutt may surprise many of Aurorus's normal switch-ins, but the Choice Specs set has more initial firepower and is more adept at breaking because of this. Rock Polish can be used to turn Aurorus into more of a sweeper; however, it's still outsped by Choice Scarf users such as Primeape at +2, running Rock Polish prevents it from using Choice Specs, and its susceptibility to Mach Punch and Aqua Jet hampers the viability of such a set. Other items that don't lock Aurorus into one move such as Never-Melt Ice and Life Orb can be used, but Never-Melt Ice only increases the power of its Ice-type moves and leaves Aurorus's other moves noticeably weaker, and the recoil taken from Life Orb isn't appreciated, especially when coupled with its vulnerability to both Stealth Rock and common priority. Shuca Berry can be used on the lead set to allow Aurorus to have an easier time stomaching Ground-type attacks from Pokemon like Kangaskhan, though Focus Sash tends to be more consistent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fighting-type Attacks**: While none of them appreciate switching in on a Choice Specs Blizzard or Hyper Voice, Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Throh all threaten Aurorus out due to its 4x weakness to their STAB moves. Gurdurr and Hitmonchan can both deal heavy damage to Aurorus with Mach Punch, as well, with Gurdurr only needing a little bit of chip damage to OHKO. Fighting-type coverage from Pokemon such as Magmortar and Zangoose threatens Aurorus, too.

**Faster Pokemon**: Aurorus's low Speed, poor defensive typing, and only decent bulk leave it easily pressured and revenge killed by faster Pokemon such as Archeops, Floatzel, Magmortar, Pinsir, and Shiftry. Most of them do have to watch out for a potential Choice Scarf set, however.

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Various specially bulky Pokemon such as Audino, Clefairy, Munchlax, and Type: Null are capable of taking even Blizzards Blizzard from Aurorus and PP stalling it out of them the move. Munchlax's ability in Thick Fat only makes taking it out even more difficult. Encore locking these Pokemon into one of their support moves can be annoying for them, however.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Aggron, Metang, Probopass, and Togedemaru can all take advantage of Aurorus being Choice-locked into Blizzard, (AC) Hyper Voice, (AC) or Freeze-Dry and threaten Aurorus with their respective 4x super effective STAB moves, with Aggron and Togedemaru also being able to outspeed Aurorus. Metang can even utilize Bullet Punch to pick Aurorus off after it takes a bit of damage beforehand. While they don't appreciate switching in on Earth Power, (AC) or Blizzard or Hyper Voice in the case of Aggron and Togedemaru, their presence can force Aurorus to predict the switch-in them to switch in, which can in turn backfire on Aurorus.

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