PU Alolan Raichu Revamp

[tondas]

uploaded-TONE
[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles. Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast give it a near-perfect coverage, allowing it to break past bulky titans like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn after a Nasty Plot boost, which, in tandem with its solid Speed tier, makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon. However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats, which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Skuntank, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape and can give it difficulty when attempting to set up or sweep late-game. Alolan Raichu is also in a popular Speed tier, as it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass, and Alolan Dugtrio. Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower, which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it can't set up or lacks the proper Z-Move.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Aloraichium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move, as it deals extra damage to targets like Cryogonal, Lanturn, Clefairy, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight power boost to Shattered Psyche. Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null. Grass Knot is a viable attacking option, as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous. Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however.

Set Details
========

Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock. Alternatively, Aloraichium Z turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer, which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets, helps against Pokemon like Skuntank and Metang, and comes with a guaranteed paralysis chance. However, this comes at the expense of making Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat. Fightinium Z is another option that converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling, which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate.

Usage Tips
========

Alolan Raichu best operates mid- to late-game as a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage. It is ill advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy, as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny it chances of setting up or sweeping. Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E and Scald Qwilfish as well as Pokemon forced to switch like Gurdurr and Swanna are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups. Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setting up against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure. Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z, it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Gastrodon have the capability to survive an unboosted Z-Move or a boosted regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes.

Team Options
========

Alolan Raichu fits best on offense-oriented teams, where it can be supported via wallbreakers, entry hazards, and momentum. Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland can form an offensive core with Alolan Raichu, as they're able to break through Pokemon like Metang and Type: Null, while they appreciate having defensive walls like Tangela and Regirock disposed of. Aggron and Stoutland can also threaten Pokemon that can Pursuit trap or use Sucker Punch against Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb, while Absol can utilize Knock Off to remove items off of bulkier foes to aid Alolan Raichu. Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath, and Gurdurr in check and are capable of threatening foes such as Type: Null in return. Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Abomasnow are recommended to take these Pokemon on. Victreebel and Abomasnow also appreciate Alolan Raichu's ability to keep Pokemon such as Articuno and Swanna in check. Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, and Lycanroc, while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow U-turn or give it another chance with Healing Wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can also cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Hitmonchan appreciate an answer to Pokemon like Oricorio-E and Jellicent and can check threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc in addition to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord, and Alolan Persian in return. Primeape also functions as a pivot that can draw in Pokemon like Jellicent, while Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field. Pivots like Scyther and Mesprit can bring Alolan Raichu into play much more safely and can draw in foes for it to take advantage of such as Regirock and Jellicent.

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

Z-Celebrate grants Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats, which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape. However, this set has a more difficult time against more defensive teams, as it has less immediate power than Nasty Plot sets while sacrificing Nasty Plot or a coverage option. Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power but sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves and break down walls with Nasty Plot + a Z-Move, and being Choice-locked into any one of its moves can be costly. Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast, and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it. If Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user, Life Orb and Colbur Berry are alternative item choices that give it a boost in power or a way to sponge Sucker Punch. However, Z-Moves are an integral part of Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking capabilities, and its ability to muscle past bulkier teams is greatly hindered when using either option.

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capability of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats that can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc and Alolan Persian as well as Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Scyther, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch, which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Shiftry. Other priority users such as Carracosta and Abomasnow can pick off Alolan Raichu once it's weakened.

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defenses limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to it setting up.

**Special Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu is unable to set up Nasty Plot, has the wrong Z-Move, or has used it, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null, all of which have ways of retaliating back.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [TJ, 331538], [Akir, 321726]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [Fireflame479, 231476]]

 

[tondas]

yes

 

[gum]

[OVERVIEW]

• Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles
• Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast gives it a near-unresisted set of attacks, allowing it to break past bulky titans after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which in tandem with its solid Speed tier makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon
• However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape, which can give Alolan Raichu difficulty when attempting to setup or sweep late-game. Also crowded in a popular Speed tier which means it's forced to 50/50 (speedtie) with Pokemon like Dodrio, (specify non-scarf dod) Froslass and Alolan Dugtrio
• Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Audino if it finds itself in a position where it cant safely set up or lacks the proper Z-Move

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move as it deals extra damage to targets like Lanturn, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and Tangela and gives a slight boost to Shattered Psyche
• Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null
• Grass Knot is a viable attacking option as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring foes such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and it makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous
• Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, though this faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option (also mention that it prevents revenge killing from stuff like scarf ape / dod)

Set Details
========

• Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock (if boosted for the former two)
• Alternatively, Fightinium Z converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate
• Aloraichium Z is another Z-Move option that turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets and comes with a guaranteed Paralysis chance. However, it lacks the consistency of beating targets covered by Alolan Raichu's other Z-Move options and it makes Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat
• Life Orb is another option if Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user

Usage Tips
========

• Alolan Raichu best operates mid to late-game as either a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or as a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage
• It is ill-advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny its chances of setting up or sweeping
• Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E (i mean, if pom-pom is at +1 it does a ton with ssss, so maybe mention clef / scald jelli, which are better examples) and Qwilfish as well as forced switches from Pokemon like Gurdurr are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups
• Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setup against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure
• Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Quagsire have the capacity to survive an unboosted or regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes

Team Options
========

• Fits best on offense where it can be supported via entry hazards and wallbreakers (and? what's the point of this point? you mention that it appreciates wallbreakers in the next point and hazards setters later on. just nuke this imo)
• things like Choice Band Aggron and Stoutland blow back Pokemon like Audino while appreciating physically defensive Pokemon like Quagsire and Regirock disposed of. Both of these examples can threaten Pokemon that can pursuit trap or sucker punch alolachu like skuntank or spiritomb
• Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having checks like Lanturn, Poliwrath and Gurdurr eliminated
• Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle, and can oftentimes allow it to safely run Psychium Z with Guzzlord worn down sufficiently. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale and Mesprit also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can outpace (not really outpace, as 2 of these use priority moves, i'd say revenge kill) Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan and Lycanroc while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow uturn or give it another chance with healing wish (mention regi, it can toxic stuff like muds and gastro for fight-z alolanchu. also checks scarfers like dod)
• Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Aurorus are able to take care of these
• Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate a check to mons like Oricorio-E and Jellicent; are able to provide support in return by checking various threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc and are checks to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord and Alolan Persian. Primeape functions as a pivot that can lure Pokemon like Jellicent and Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field that can wear down Alolan Raichu

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

• Z-Celebrate gives Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape
• Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power, but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or break down walls with Nasty Plot + Z-Move
• Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it
• Colbur Berry gives Alolan Raichu a way to sponge Sucker Punch, but suffers from trading in the option of a Z-Move

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc, Alolan Persian, and Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Dodrio, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank and Kangaskhan. Other priority users such as Floatzel and Hitmonchan can pick off a weakened Alolan Raichu (mention that these struggles against substitute variants)

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defense stats also limit its setup opportunities, as even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to setup.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[<username1>, <userid1>]]
- Quality checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>], [<username3>, <userid3>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

this is good, QC 1/3

 

[TJ]

[OVERVIEW]

• Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles
• Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast gives it a near-unresisted set of attacks, allowing it to break past bulky titans after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which in tandem with its solid Speed tier makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon
• However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape, which can give Alolan Raichu difficulty when attempting to setup or sweep late-game.(mention skunk here) Alolan Raichu is also crowded in a popular Speed tier which means it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass and Alolan Dugtrio
• Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it cant set up or lacks the proper Z-Move

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

• Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move as it deals extra damage to targets like Lanturn, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight boost to Shattered Psyche (psyshock also hits things like type: null harder without having to use All-Out Pummeling and could mention clefairy too ig)
• Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null
• Grass Knot is a viable attacking option as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring foes such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and it makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous
• Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however

Set Details
========

• Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock
• Alternatively, Fightinium Z converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate
• Aloraichium Z is another Z-Move option that turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets and comes with a guaranteed Paralysis chance. However, it lacks the consistency of beating targets covered by Alolan Raichu's other Z-Move options and it makes Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat
• Life Orb is another option if Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user (this should be in other options..)

Usage Tips
========

• Alolan Raichu best operates mid to late-game as either a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or as a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage
• It is ill-advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny its chances of setting up or sweeping
• Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Scald Jellicent and Qwilfish as well as forced switches from Pokemon like Gurdurr are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups (people arent really running scald on jellicent, they run hex/ gleam on defensive sets nowadays, so id remove jelly. Maybe mention something like pom pom here instead)
• Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setup against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure
• Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Quagsire have the capacity to survive an unboosted or regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes

Team Options
========

• Fits best on offense where it can be supported via entry hazards and wallbreakers
• Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland blow back Pokemon like Metang and Audino while appreciating physically defensive Pokemon like Quagsire and Regirock disposed of. The latter two can threaten Pokemon that can pursuit trap or Sucker Punch Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb
• Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath and Gurdurr in check (and, in return, alolan raichu appreciates them breaking through bulky foes like type null and eel)
• Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle, and can oftentimes allow it to safely run Psychium Z with Guzzlord worn down sufficiently. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan and Lycanroc while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow uturn or give it another chance with healing wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can additionally cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway
• Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Aurorus are able to take care of these (could mention that they also break past things like lanturn and eel, which gives alolan raichu more room to run psychic)
• Fighting-types like Gurdurr, Primeape and Hitmonchan appreciate a check to mons like Oricorio-E and Jellicent; are able to provide support in return by checking various threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc and are checks to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord and Alolan Persian. Primeape functions as a pivot that can lure Pokemon like Jellicent and Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field that can wear down Alolan Raichu

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

• Z-Celebrate gives Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape (mention drawbacks!)
• Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power, but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or break down walls with Nasty Plot + Z-Move (and being choiced locked into a move can be costly)
• Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it
• Colbur Berry gives Alolan Raichu a way to sponge Sucker Punch, but suffers from trading in the option of a Z-Move
• (Move life orb down here and mention drawbacks to it)

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc, Alolan Persian, and Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Dodrio, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank and Kangaskhan. Other priority users such as Floatzel and Hitmonchan can pick off a weakened Alolan Raichu

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defense stats also limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to setup.

**Specially Bulky Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu has the wrong Z-Move or has used it up, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null which have ways of retaliating back

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [<username2>, <userid2>], [<username3>, <userid3>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

2/3, good work

 

[tondas]

hey i made aloraichium z the secondary item slot over fight z cos the latter's use extends very little outside of av guzzlord and uncommon stuff like type: null and sacrificing a powerful STAB nuke isnt exactly ideal. if anyone else on qc wants to dispute it then go ahead but for now I've changed the items on the set a bit.

 

[Akir]

[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles. Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast gives it a near-unresisted set of attacks, allowing it to break past bulky titans after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which in tandem with its solid Speed tier makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon. However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Skuntank, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape, which can give Alolan Raichu difficulty when attempting to setup or sweep late-game. Alolan Raichu is also crowded in a popular Speed tier which means it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass and Alolan Dugtrio. Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it can't set up or lacks the proper Z-Move.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Aloraichium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move as it deals extra damage to targets like Lanturn, Clefairy, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight boost to Shattered Psyche. Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null. Grass Knot is a viable attacking option as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring foes such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and it makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous. Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however.

Set Details
========

Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock. Alternatively, Aloraichium Z turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets, helps against Pokemon like Skuntank and Metang, and comes with a guaranteed Paralysis chance. However, this comes at the expense of making Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat. Fightinium Z is another option that converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate.

Usage Tips
========

Alolan Raichu best operates mid to late-game as either a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or as a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage. It is ill-advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny its chances of setting up or sweeping. Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E and Scald Qwilfish as well as forced switches from Pokemon like Gurdurr are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups. Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setup against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure. Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Quagsire have the capacity to survive an unboosted or regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes.

Team Options
========

Alolan Raichu fits best on offense-oriented teams, where it can be supported via wallbreakers, entry hazards, and momentum. Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland can form an offense core with Alolan Raichu, as they're able to break through Pokemon like Metang and Type: Null while they appreciate having defensive walls like Quagsire and Regirock disposed of. The latter two can threaten Pokemon that can Pursuit trap or use Sucker Punch against Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb, while Absol can utilize Knock Off to remove items off of bulkier foes to aid Alolan Raichu. Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath and Gurdurr in check and are capable of threatening foes such as Type: Null and Eelektross in return. Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Abomasnow are recommended to take these Pokemon on. Victreebel and Abomasnow also appreciate Alolan Raichu's ability to keep Pokemon such as Articuno and Hitmonchan in check. Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, and Lycanroc while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow U-turn or give it another chance with Healing Wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can also cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Hitmonchan appreciate an answer to Pokemon like Oricorio-E and Jellicent and are able to provide support in return by checking various threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc, in addition to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord, and Alolan Persian. Primeape also functions as a pivot that can lure Pokemon like Jellicent while Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field that can wear down Alolan Raichu. Pokemon like Scyther and the previously mentioned Mesprit additionally act as pivots that can bring Alolan Raichu into play much more safely, and both Scyther and Mesprit can lure foes for Alolan Raichu to take advantage of such as Regirock and Jellicent.

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

Z-Celebrate grants Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape. However, this set has a more difficult time against more defensive teams, as dedicating to Normalium Z and Celebrate takes both a move slot and an item slot (hold up i dont see the connection. this sentence reads "normalium has a more difficult time against defense cuz its 1 less item and move. the real reason is less immediate power and less coverage cuz of it. add the why). Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power, but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or break down walls with Nasty Plot + Z-Move, and being choice-locked into any one of its moves can be costly. Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast, and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it. Life Orb and Colbur Berry are alternative item choices if Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user that give it a boost in power or a way to sponge Sucker Punch. However, Z-Moves are an integral part of Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking capabilities, and its ability to muscle past bulkier teams is greatly hindered when using either option.

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc, Alolan Persian, and Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Scyther, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Shiftry. Other priority users such as Carracosta and Hitmonchan can pick off Alolan Raichu once weakened. mach only does a quarter and imo the carracosta is enough of an example so id get rid of chan here

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defense stats also limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to setup.

**Specially Bulky Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu is unable to set up Nasty Plot, has the wrong Z-Move, or has used it up, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null, all of which have ways of retaliating back.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[stickinggum, 434150], [PokemonMasterTJ, 331538], [<username3>, <userid3>]]
- Grammar checked by: [[<username1>, <userid1>], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

only found like 2 things, beyond me not liking unslashed moves in the primary move part. but apparently that is just personal preference so gj 3/3

 

[Dawn of Ares]

amcheck:

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame, courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles. Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast gives it a near-unresisted set of attacks, allowing it to break past bulky titans after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which in tandem with its solid Speed tier makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon. However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Skuntank, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape, which can give Alolan Raichu difficulty when attempting to setup or sweep late-game. Alolan Raichu is also crowded in a popular Speed tier, as it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass, and Alolan Dugtrio. Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower, which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it can't set up or lacks the proper Z-Move.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Aloraichium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move as it deals extra damage to targets like Cryogonal, Lanturn, Clefairy, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight boost to Shattered Psyche. Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null. Grass Knot is a viable attacking option as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring foes such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and it makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous. Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however.

Set Details
========

Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock. Alternatively, Aloraichium Z turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets, helps against Pokemon like Skuntank and Metang, and comes with a guaranteed Pparalysis chance. However, this comes at the expense of making Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat. Fightinium Z is another option that converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate.

Usage Tips
========

Alolan Raichu best operates mid to late-gamemid- or late-game as either a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or as a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage. It is ill-advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny its chances of setting up or sweeping. Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E and Scald Qwilfish, as well as forced switches from Pokemon like Gurdurr and Swanna are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups. Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setup against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure. Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Quagsire have the capacity to survive an unboosted or regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes.

Team Options
========

Alolan Raichu fits best on offense-oriented teams, where it can be supported via wallbreakers, entry hazards, and momentum. Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland can form an offensive core with Alolan Raichu, as they're able to break through Pokemon like Metang and Type: Null, while they appreciate having defensive walls like Tangela and Regirock disposed of. Aggron and Stoutland can also threaten Pokemon that can Pursuit trap or use Sucker Punch against Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb, while Absol can utilize Knock Off to remove items off of bulkier foes to aid Alolan Raichu. Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath, and Gurdurr in check and are capable of threatening foes such as Type: Null and Eelektross in return. Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Abomasnow are recommended to take these Pokemon on. Victreebel and Abomasnow also appreciate Alolan Raichu's ability to keep Pokemon such as Articuno and Swanna in check. Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, and Lycanroc while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow U-turn or give it another chance with Healing Wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can also cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Hitmonchan appreciate an answer to Pokemon like Oricorio-E and Jellicent and are able to provide support in return by checking various threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc, in addition to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord, and Alolan Persian. Primeape also functions as a pivot that can lure Pokemon like Jellicent while Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field that can wear down Alolan Raichu. Pokemon like Scyther and the previously mentioned Mesprit additionally act as pivots that can bring Alolan Raichu into play much more safely, and both Scyther and Mesprit can lure foes for Alolan Raichu to take advantage of such as Regirock and Jellicent.

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

Z-Celebrate grants Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape. However, this set has a more difficult time against more defensive teams, as it has less immediate power than Nasty Plot sets while sacrificing either Nasty Plot or a coverage option. Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power, but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or break down walls with Nasty Plot + Z-Move, and being choice-locked into any one of its moves can be costly. Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast, and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it. If Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user, Life Orb and Colbur Berry are alternative item choices if Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user that give it a boost in power or a way to sponge Sucker Punch.(changed the orientation so that the dangling modifier is gone) However, Z-Moves are an integral part of Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking capabilities, and its ability to muscle past bulkier teams is greatly hindered when using either option.

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc, Alolan Persian, and Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Scyther, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Shiftry. Other priority users such as Carracosta and Abomasnow can pick off Alolan Raichu once weakened.

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defense stats also limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to setup.

**Specially Bulky Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu is unable to set up Nasty Plot, has the wrong Z-Move, or has used it up, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null, all of which have ways of retaliating back.[/COLOR]

 

[Rabia]

me gp

 

[Rabia]

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[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles. Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast gives give it a near-unresisted set of attacks, allowing it to break past bulky titans after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which,(AC) in tandem with its solid Speed tier,(AC) makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon. However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats,(AC) which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Skuntank, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape,(RC) which and can give Alolan Raichu it difficulty when attempting to set up or sweep late-game. Alolan Raichu is also crowded in a popular Speed tier,(redundant to call the Speed tier both crowded and popular imo) as its it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass, and Alolan Dugtrio. Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower, which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it can't set up or lacks the proper Z-Move.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Aloraichium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move,(AC) as it deals extra damage to targets like Cryogonal, Lanturn, Clefairy, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight boost to Shattered Psyche. Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null. Grass Knot is a viable attacking option,(AC) as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and it makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous. Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however.

Set Details
========

Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock. Alternatively, Aloraichium Z turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer,(AC) which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets, helps against Pokemon like Skuntank and Metang, and comes with a guaranteed Paralysis paralysis chance. However, this comes at the expense of making Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat. Fightinium Z is another option that converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling,(AC) which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate.

Usage Tips
========

Alolan Raichu best operates mid-(AH) to late-game as either a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or as a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage. It is ill-advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy,(AC) as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny its it chances of setting up or sweeping. Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E and Scald Qwilfish as well as forced switches from Pokemon forced to switch like Gurdurr and Swanna are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups. Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setup setting up against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure. Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Quagsire have the capacity to survive an unboosted Z-Move or a boosted regular attack (talked over Discord, said this change was good for clarity), so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes.

Team Options
========

Alolan Raichu fits best on offense-oriented teams, where it can be supported via wallbreakers, entry hazards, and momentum. Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland can form an offensive core with Alolan Raichu, as they're able to break through Pokemon like Metang and Type: Null,(AC) while they appreciate having defensive walls like Tangela and Regirock disposed of. Aggron and Stoutland can also threaten Pokemon that can Pursuit trap or use Sucker Punch against Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb, while Absol can utilize Knock Off to remove items off of bulkier foes to aid Alolan Raichu. Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath, and Gurdurr in check and are capable of threatening foes such as Type: Null in return. Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Abomasnow are recommended to take these Pokemon on. Victreebel and Abomasnow also appreciate Alolan Raichu's ability to keep Pokemon such as Articuno and Swanna in check. Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, and Lycanroc,(AC) while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow U-turn or give it another chance with Healing Wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can also cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Hitmonchan appreciate an answer to Pokemon like Oricorio-E and Jellicent and in return can check threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc,(RC) in addition to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord, and Alolan Persian. Primeape also functions as a pivot that can lure draw in Pokemon like Jellicent,(AC) while Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field that can wear down Alolan Raichu (implied). Pivots like Scyther and the previously mentioned Mesprit can bring Alolan Raichu into play much more safely and can lure draw in foes for it to take advantage of such as Regirock and Jellicent.

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

Z-Celebrate grants Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats,(AC) which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape. However, this set has a more difficult time against more defensive teams, as it has less immediate power than Nasty Plot sets while sacrificing either Nasty Plot or a coverage option. Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power, but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or break down walls with Nasty Plot + a Z-Move, and being choice Choice-locked into any one of its moves can be costly. Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast, and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it. If Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user, Life Orb and Colbur Berry are alternative item choices that give it a boost in power or a way to sponge Sucker Punch. However, Z-Moves are an integral part of Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking capabilities, and its ability to muscle past bulkier teams is greatly hindered when using either option.

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. (I mean, Quagsire doesn't care about boosted Shattered Psyche anyhow, so not sure how well it fits with the other examples) Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats that can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc,(RC) and Alolan Persian,(RC) and as well as Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Scyther, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch,(AC) which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Shiftry. Other priority users such as Carracosta and Abomasnow can pick off Alolan Raichu once it's weakened.

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defense stats also defenses limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to setup it setting up.

**Specially Bulky Special Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu is unable to set up Nasty Plot, has the wrong Z-Move, or has used it up, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null, all of which have ways of retaliating back.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [TJ, 331538], [Akir, 321726]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

remember to use a comma before 'as' if it's being used to mean 'because' and before 'which' pretty much all the time. gp 1/2 once done

 

[Fireflame]

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Alolan Raichu solidifies itself as one of the best setup sweepers in the PU metagame courtesy of its potent coverage options and great offensive stats, allowing it to pose a significant threat to multiple playstyles. Alolan Raichu's STAB combination and access to Focus Blast give it a near-unresisted set of attacks ("near-perfect coverage" is a more condensed version if you want to say that; up to you), allowing it to break past bulky titans like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn after a Nasty Plot boost like Regirock, Guzzlord, and Lanturn, which, in tandem with its solid Speed tier, makes it fairly difficult to revenge kill without priority or a faster Pokemon. However, Alolan Raichu is burdened with abysmal defensive stats, which leaves it prone to numerous priority users and faster threats like Kangaskhan, Skuntank, Lycanroc, and Choice Scarf Primeape and can give it difficulty when attempting to set up or sweep late-game. Alolan Raichu is also in a popular Speed tier, as it's forced to Speed tie with Pokemon like Dodrio, Froslass, and Alolan Dugtrio. Alolan Raichu also lacks immediate firepower, which means it can struggle to break past Pokemon like Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Metang if it finds itself in a position where it can't set up or lacks the proper Z-Move.

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Psyshock / Psychic
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Psychium Z / Aloraichium Z
ability: Surge Surfer
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Psyshock is Alolan Raichu's preferred Psychic-type STAB move, (unbold the comma) as it deals extra damage to targets like Cryogonal, Lanturn, Clefairy, Assault Vest Hitmonchan, and Eelektross, but Psychic is also an option that deals more damage to foes such as Gurdurr and gives a slight power boost to Shattered Psyche. Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu a tool to break past Guzzlord, and it's also an excellent way of dispatching foes like Audino, Alolan Sandslash, and Type: Null. Grass Knot is a viable attacking option, as it gives Alolan Raichu a way of pressuring Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golurk without needing to use Psychium Z, and it notably targets Claydol. However, replacing Focus Blast gives Alolan Raichu no way of pressuring Guzzlord and makes the task of breaking through Pokemon like Audino much more arduous. Substitute is another option that punishes Sucker Punch users like Skuntank and Kangaskhan while providing a temporary barrier from attacks, notably preventing Pokemon like Choice Scarf Dodrio and Primeape from revenge killing it. This faces similar issues to Grass Knot by having to replace a useful coverage option, however.

Set Details
========

Psychium Z provides Alolan Raichu with a powerful STAB-boosted nuke that allows it to muscle past Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon at +2 while securing an OHKO on Gurdurr if running Psyshock. Alternatively, Aloraichium Z turns Thunderbolt into Stoked Sparksurfer, which is slightly stronger than Shattered Psyche against neutral targets, helps against Pokemon like Skuntank and Metang, and comes with a guaranteed paralysis chance. However, this comes at the expense of making Pokemon like Mudsdale and Gastrodon much harder to combat. Fightinium Z is another option that converts Focus Blast into All-Out Pummeling, which allows Alolan Raichu to OHKO foes such as Audino and Assault Vest Guzzlord at +2 while being perfectly accurate.

Usage Tips
========

Alolan Raichu best operates mid- to late-game as a wallbreaker that can break past bulkier teams or a cleaner utilizing its solid Speed tier and well-rounded coverage. It is ill-(RH)advised to attempt to clean late-game if faster Pokemon or priority users like Alolan Persian and Kangaskhan are still healthy, as they can outspeed Alolan Raichu and deny it chances of setting up or sweeping. Pokemon that pose little threat to Alolan Raichu like Oricorio-E and Scald Qwilfish as well as Pokemon forced to switch like Gurdurr and Swanna are its most ideal setup targets, as its poor bulk limits setup opportunities in other matchups. Alolan Raichu can usually forgo setting up against more offense-oriented teams once they've been weakened, as it can use its Speed and coverage moves to apply immediate pressure. Finally, keeping Alolan Raichu's Z-Move intact is important if its main priority is wallbreaking, as without Psychium Z or Fightinium Z,(AC) it can be stopped by healthy tanks like Mudsdale and Assault Vest Guzzlord, respectively. Similarly, Pokemon like Stoutland and Gastrodon have the capacity capability to survive an unboosted Z-Move or a boosted regular attack, so Alolan Raichu should preserve its Z-Move if it intends to break past such foes.

Team Options
========

Alolan Raichu fits best on offense-oriented teams, where it can be supported via wallbreakers, entry hazards, and momentum. Pokemon like Absol, Choice Band Aggron, and Stoutland can form an offensive core with Alolan Raichu, as they're able to break through Pokemon like Metang and Type: Null,while Null, while they appreciate having defensive walls like Tangela and Regirock disposed of. Aggron and Stoutland can also threaten Pokemon that can Pursuit trap or use Sucker Punch against Alolan Raichu like Skuntank and Spiritomb, while Absol can utilize Knock Off to remove items off of bulkier foes to aid Alolan Raichu. Other offensive teammates like Omastar and Kangaskhan greatly appreciate having Pokemon like Lanturn, Poliwrath, and Gurdurr in check and are capable of threatening foes such as Type: Null in return. Alolan Raichu can struggle to break past Pokemon such as Mudsdale and Gastrodon without Psychium Z as well as Claydol even with it, so teammates like Victreebel and Abomasnow are recommended to take these Pokemon on. Victreebel and Abomasnow also appreciate Alolan Raichu's ability to keep Pokemon such as Articuno and Swanna in check. Entry hazard setters like Froslass and Qwilfish are excellent means of whittling down bulkier teams for Alolan Raichu to dismantle. Stealth Rock users such as Mudsdale, Mesprit, and Regirock also provide defensive utility; Mudsdale threatens foes that can revenge kill Alolan Raichu like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, and Lycanroc, (unbold comma) while Mesprit can bring it in through a slow U-turn or give it another chance with Healing Wish. Regirock and Mudsdale can also cripple foes such as Gastrodon and opposing Mudsdale with Toxic, giving Alolan Raichu sets lacking Psychium Z more leeway. Fighting-types such as Gurdurr, Primeape, and Hitmonchan appreciate an answer to Pokemon like Oricorio-E and Jellicent and in return can check threats to Alolan Raichu like Kangaskhan and Lycanroc in addition to Dark-types such as Skuntank, Guzzlord, and Alolan Persian in return. Primeape also functions as a pivot that can draw in Pokemon like Jellicent,(AC) while Hitmonchan clears entry hazards from the field. Pivots like Scyther and Mesprit can bring Alolan Raichu into play much more safely and can draw in foes for it to take advantage of such as Regirock and Jellicent.

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

Z-Celebrate grants Alolan Raichu a one-time boost to all of its stats, which greatly aids in its ability to take certain priority moves and allows it to outpace would-be revenge killers like Alolan Persian and Choice Scarf Primeape. However, this set has a more difficult time against more defensive teams, as it has less immediate power than Nasty Plot sets while sacrificing Nasty Plot or a coverage option. Choice Specs gives Alolan Raichu immediate attacking power,(RC) but it sacrifices its ability to switch between its coverage moves or and break down walls with Nasty Plot + a Z-Move, and being Choice-locked into any one of its moves can be costly. Encore can punish the use of status or utility moves and gives Alolan Raichu a free turn of setup, though this is mostly situational, forces Alolan Raichu to drop Focus Blast, and oftentimes requires aggressive play to make full use of it. If Alolan Raichu's team already has a Z-Move user, Life Orb and Colbur Berry are alternative item choices that give it a boost in power or a way to sponge Sucker Punch. However, Z-Moves are an integral part of Alolan Raichu's wallbreaking capabilities, and its ability to muscle past bulkier teams is greatly hindered when using either option.

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

**Ground-types**: Mudsdale, Gastrodon, and Quagsire all have the capacity capability of surviving any move that isn't a boosted Shattered Psyche and can OHKO Alolan Raichu with Earthquake in return. Claydol is especially notable, as it boasts a resistance to all of Alolan Raichu's main attacking options. All of these Pokemon must fear the rare Grass Knot, however.

**Faster Pokemon and Priority**: Alolan Raichu's poor bulk leaves it open to faster threats that can revenge kill it such as Lycanroc and Alolan Persian,(RC) as well as Choice Scarf users like Primeape, Scyther, and Haunter. Alolan Raichu also sports a weakness to Sucker Punch, which makes it vulnerable to users of the move like Skuntank, Kangaskhan, Absol, and Shiftry. Other priority users such as Carracosta and Abomasnow can pick off Alolan Raichu once it's weakened.

**Offensive Pressure**: Alolan Raichu's paltry defenses limit its setup opportunities, and even passive Pokemon like Mesprit and Qwilfish can do a considerable amount of damage to it with U-turn or Liquidation prior to it setting up.

**Special Walls**: Depending on if Alolan Raichu is unable to set up Nasty Plot, has the wrong Z-Move, or has used it, it can fall short of breaking down Pokemon like Guzzlord, Metang, and Type: Null, all of which have ways of retaliating back.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[tondas, 442732]]
- Quality checked by: [[gum, 434150], [TJ, 331538], [Akir, 321726]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [<username2>, <userid2>]]

GP 2/2