Altaria (QC 2/3) Written

this rose -zard

[OVERVIEW]

Great 75 / 90 / 105 bulk, a good defensive typing, and access to Defog gives Altaria a niche as a special wall and hazard remover for defensive and balanced teams in need of a check to Grass-, Fire-, and Fighting-types, such as Magmortar, Lurantis, and Passimian. In addition, a great ability in Natural Cure allows Altaria to shrug off status when it switches out. This also gives it the advantage of being able to use Toxic with little fear of being poisoned back. The combination of Toxic and Defog also gives Altaria a way to annoy/beat prominent hazard setters, such as Mesprit lacking Ice Beam. However, despite Altaria's typing granting it very useful resistances to popular Fighting- and Fire-type moves, it gives Altaria a nasty 4x weakness to Ice-type moves and weakness to Stealth Rock, with the latter hampering its ability to remove entry hazards. Altaria is very passive, which leaves it susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon such as Sableye, and to set up sweepers, such as Swords Dance Zangoose. Finally, Altaria is somewhat easy to pressure offensively, especially if it's Leftovers have been knocked off. This is not helped by Altaria's lack of offensive presence.

[SET]
name: Cloud Birb (Specially Defensive Defog)
move 1: Defog
move 2: Roost
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 244 SpD / 16 Spe

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

Defog gives Altaria a way to clear hazards for its team. Ataria also has an advantageous matchup against Ferroseed and Weezing, with Flamethrower threatening Ferroseed, and pseudo status immunity makes Weezing much easier to deal with. Roost is extremely important, as it recovers Altaria's HP, helps it keep the field clear throughout the battle, and lets it absorb special attacks throughout the match. Flamethrower is used to hit a variety of targets, especially Steel-types. Flamethrower also prevents Altaria from being complete Taunt fodder. Keep in mind it isn't very powerful, though, and can only do significant damage to targets with a Fire weakness, such as Ferroseed. Toxic allows Altaria to cripple opposing Pokemon by putting them on a timer. This especially helpful against defensive Pokemon, like Regirock, that Altaria can't do much of anything to otherwise. Toxic is also Altaria's best way of inflicting meaningful damage to the opposing Pokemon.

Set Details
========

244 HP, 248 Special Defense EVs, and a Calm nature are run to maximize Altaria's special bulk, while 16 Speed EVs are run to outpace Adamant Mawile and other base 50 speed threats. Leftovers is used to provide Altaria with passive recovery, while also making Altaria less dependent on Roost long-term. Natural Cure removes poison and burn from Altaria when it switches out, which is especially useful against Pokemon that rely on status to do any meaningful damage, such as Weezing.

Usage Tips
========

If entry hazards are on the field, Defog should be used as soon as it is safe to do so. Furthermore, be wary of Pokemon with Defiant, such as Pawniard, as they can capitalize on Altaria's usage of Defog. Altaria is best used to check Fighting-, Grass-, and Fire-types, as they can't really do much to Altaria. Magmortar and non-Breakneck Blitz variants of Lilligant in particular are hard walled. However, be careful of the coverage moves Fighting-types typically carry for Flying-types, such as Hitmonchan's Ice Punch, as they can be deadly. Against Primeape or Passimian, however, it is generally a safe bet to switch in, as they will be stuck using a move that Altaria resists/is neutral to unless the opponent makes a prediction. Altaria can absorb status by using Natural Cure if necessary, but this can give free momentum to the opposing team, while also sacrificing your own momentum. For example, if the opponent brings in a set up sweeper on the turn Altaria switches out, their set up sweeper gets a free chance to either double switch or set up. Scout for Ice-type coverage on Mesprit, as it becomes a prime target for Defog if it lacks Ice Beam. In addition, try to catch Regirock and other Stealth Rock setters on a switch using Toxic, as it makes it easier for Altaria to beat them 1v1 if necessary. To ease on prediction, try spamming Toxic if the opposing team lacks a Steel- or Poison-type. Try to use Roost either immediately after or soon after Altaria has used Defog (if it has taken any damage during that time), as opportunities to use Roost without giving the opposing Pokemon a free turn are somewhat scarce.

Team Options
========

Fire- and Fighting-types are great partners, as they can deal with the Steel- and Ice-types that threaten Altaria. Special mention goes to Primeape, as it benefits from the removal of entry hazards greatly. Keep in mind that Fire-types stack a Stealth Rock weakness, though. Ice-types are major threats to Altaria, as they can prey on its 4x weakness to Ice. As such, special walls, like Hitmonchan and Miltank, make excellent partners. Miltank in particular gets Thick Fat as an ability, which allows it to stave off Ice type moves with ease. Other special walls, such as Eelektross, can check the Electric- and Water-types that Altaria has difficulties with. In exchange, Altaria can absorb status conditions, particularly poison, which Eelektross despises. Lilligant and other Grass-types appreciate Altaria's ability to check Magmortar and other prominent Fire-types. In return, they can take care of Rock- and Water-types, both of which Altaria has particular trouble with. Physical walls, such as Regirock, benefit from Altaria absorbing special attacks, and can sponge physical hits in return. In particular, Regirock serves as a hard stop to Archeops, which can easily K.O Altaria. Finally, set up sweepers, such as Me First Pinsir, can take advantage of Altaria's ability to gradually chip away at the enemy team.

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

A Dragon Dance Set with Dragonium Z can be run to take advantage of Altaria's good offensive typing and decent movepool. However, the set is still weak after a single Dragon Dance, and is generally outclassed by other set up sweepers. In a similar vein, a Choice Specs set can surprise Altaria's checks and deal heavy damage. However, it is mostly outclassed by Drampa and Alolan Exeggutor. A Life Orb set can be used to exploit Altaria's great offensive move pool while giving it the freedom to switch moves. However, the set faces the same problems as the Choice Specs set. On the defensive side, Haze or Roar can be used to make Altaria less susceptible to set up sweepers, with Roar having the additional bonus of forcing the opponent to switch. However, Altaria would have to give up either Flamethrower or Toxic, both of which Altaria depends on to not be Taunt bait and have a way to deal meaningful damage to the enemy Pokemon, respectively. Heal Bell can be used to give Altaria utility as a cleric. However, it suffers from the same issues as Haze and Roar. A physically defensive spread can be run to better deal with Pokemon like Primeape. However, such a spread faces heavy competition from the numerous physical walls in PU, such as Pyukumuku.

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

**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Due to Altaria's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, any decently strong Ice-type attack can be deadly. Auroras and Abomasnow can OHKO Altaria with their Ice-type STAB moves, while Mesprit and Magmortar and can surprise Altaria with Ice-type coverage.

**Pokemon Immune To Toxic**: Poison and Steel types, such as Skuntank and Aggron, are immune to Toxic, and, in Aggron's case, can set up Hazards in Altaria's face. Skuntank in particular can shut down Altaria with Taunt. However, Steel-types other then Aggron will take heavy damage from Flamethrower, especially Ferroseed.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types deal super effective damage to Altaria with their STAB moves, and force Altaria out. Granbull can use Heal Bell to nullify Toxic, while Carbink is resistant to Flamethrower and can set up Stealth Rock. Clefairy is particularly dangerous due to Magic Guard, which gives it a pseudo status immunity. Clefairy can also stall out Altaria with it's own Toxic or outright K.O. it with Moonblast.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types resist Flamethrower and can heavily damage Altaria with their STAB Rock-type moves. In particular, Carracosta has a quadruple resistance to Flamethrower, and can use Altaria as set up fodder. However, Carracosta and other Rock-types don't appreciate being heavily poisoned by Toxic.
 
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Not QC but
  • I'd put Dragonium Z as the first item as thats probably the most viable on DD alt
  • When taking about yache you could mention Piloswine's Ice Shard specifically
  • Mention Specially Defensive in other options or even make it the standard as it's better for taking on fire types like magmortar or zard
  • mention in team options that you need something to take on hitmonchan as they tend to run ice punch
 

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion
am Check

  • "·Access to Earthquake means that Altaria isn't walled by Steel-types (excluding Bronzor)." Ferroseed also beats DD Altaria
  • "·Even after a boost from Dragon Dance, Altaria is still able to be revenge killed by fast scarfers, like Mr.Mime. It also lacks power to a degree, and fails to pick up certain K.Os. even with a boost." I dont think Musharna is the best example since defensive altaria can have roar/toxic or haze
  • "Dragon Dance is the obligatory set-up move, allowing Altaria to sweep." maybe rephrase this to attempt a sweep since its rather weak even at +1 atk and its also revenge killed easy
  • "·Earthquake allows Altaria to hit Steel-types, as they resist Dragon Claw / Outrage." List examples
  • "· Dragon Claw is the preferred STAB move, hitting most of the tier for neutral damage while still hitting decently hard" also add that it has no drawbacks compared to outrage
  • "·Natural Cure removes status from Altaria when it switches out, giving it multiple chances to sweep." this isnt really true. natural cure, cures status which helps it longterm
  • "However, Altaria can set up mid-game to wallbreak and force switches." what wall does it break? altaria is a sweeper not a wall breaker
  • "Hazard removers, such as Komala and Swanna, are essential, as Altaria will lose a quarter of its health if it
  • switches into Stealth Rock." I think you should list some better hazard control
  • "·Hazards can help Altaria net K.Os that it could not normally. Some Hazard setters include Archeops, Crustle, and
    Regirock." Crustle is a bad example imo. instead maybe say ferroseed?
  • "·Finally, wallbreakers, such as Primeape and Alolan Raichu, help break down the opposing team, helping Altaria
    sweep." Name something that primeape and alolan raichu break for altaria
  • "Move 4: Heal Bell / Haze" I think heal bell is needed almost 100%. slash toxic with haze and add roar imo
  • "·Toxic will chip away at the opposing Pokemon, while also putting the opposing Pokemon on a timer, which can be devastating for most defensive Pokemon." List examples
  • "·Scouting for Ice-type coverage is essential, as almost any Ice-type move will be deadly to Altaria." I think this is rather obvious
  • "·Teammates that appreciate status being removed, such as Absol and Kangaskhan, make good partners." Kangaskan can run facade so i think you should add another example
  • "·Set-up sweepers appreciate status being removed, since Poison, Burn, and Paralysis are crippling to offensive Pokemon." you said this above
  • "Cotton Guard could be used on the Defensive set to allow Altaria to work much more reliably as a wall, but it will sorely miss whichever move is given up in place of Cotton Guard." I dont think cottom guard altaria is viable
  • Also, the analysis format seems to be off look at this for reference http://www.smogon.com/forums/thread...ons-read-before-posting.3588426/#post-7113521
 
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I appreciate the suggestions TJ, I'll add them. Edit: should I remove the point about scouting for Ice-type coverage, or should I rewrite it?
 

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
yeah dude unfortunately your formatting is still off, here's the Smogon Approved™ analysis formatting:
[OVERVIEW]

Generalize what the Pokemon does in the metagame and as a whole and why you should or shouldn't consider using it on your teams. See this thread for more tips.

[SET]
name: SET NAME
move 1:
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item:
ability:
nature:
evs:

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

Describe what the moves on the set do.

Set Details
========

Describe the other aspects of the set such as what the EVs do and nature/item.

Usage Tips
========

Describe how to use the Pokemon in question.

Team Options
========

Describe some teammates that would be a good idea to pair with this Pokemon.

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

List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to either being not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.

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

**Insert Threat Here**: Describe why the Pokemon is a threat.

**Insert Threat Here**: Describe why the Pokemon is a threat.

The main reason that the formatting is important is it is easier for the mods to submit it online without having to manually change it themselves.
 
Thanks for the advice, Twix. By the way, are all the lowercase letters in the example required to be lowercase, or is it just for convenience? Also, what are those dash marks, and how do you format them so close together?
 
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Update: I am going to paste the analysis into a pastebin, and then edit the current analysis posted into the correct format.
 
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MZ

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After review, the QC team has decided that the only altaria set warranting a full set is specially defensive. Offensive is just really weak and hard to get going in this meta, and phys def doesn't perform as well when the fighting types actually have good coverage for it and can wear it down pretty easily. Spdef is the only niche it has to beat Magmortar and Charizard (also other things but mostly those) since nothing does that quite like Altaria can. Sorry the set change came so late after you've worked quite a bit on other sets, but this is going to have to change. Also this still doesn't follow the analysis template, I recommend copy pasting the template into the reply and then filling it in.

Name: Specially Defensive
Move 1: Flamethrower
Move 2: Roost
Move 3: Toxic
Move 4: Haze / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

should all be fairly self-explanatory
 
Thank you for the info, Zard. I just wish it came sooner, but the past is the past, I suppose. I'll get to work on the new analysis right away.
 

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion
note from megazard: the analysis format is really important and needs to be done right. also edit the changes into the first post, don't keep posting the analysis in new posts

am check (again)

[OVERVIEW] (Quick note: The entire analysis format seems to be off refer to this like everyone has said http://www.smogon.com/forums/thread...ons-read-before-posting.3588426/#post-7113521)
·Altaria is great for defensive and balanced teams in need of a check to Grass-, Fire-, and Fighting- types. List examples of Grass-, Fire-, and Fighting-types
·Great 75 / 90 / 105 bulk and a good defensive typing gives Altaria a niche as a wall and cleric
·A great ability in Natural Cure allows Altaria to shrug off status, something most defensive Pokemon lacking Rest or Heal Bell cannot do. I dont think the last part is needed
·Unfortunately, despite Altaria's typing giving it several useful resistances, it gives Altaria a nasty 4x weakness to Ice-type moves and a weakness to Stealth Rock. resistances? I think you mean it leaves it vulnerable to Ice-type moves and makes it weak to Stealth Rock.
·Altaria is very passive, which makes it very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon such as Sableye. and it can be setup fodder for things like costa if it lacks haze
·Altaria is somewhat easy to pressure offensively, especially if its Leftovers have been knocked off. give a better example


[SET] Specially Defensive
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Roar / Haze / Heal Bell (should be slashed before Roar and Haze)
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

·Flamethrower is used to hit a variety of targets, especially Grass-types. Keep in mind that it isn't very powerful, though, even on a super effective hit. Flamethrower hits Steel-types and Ice-types as well. List examples too
·Roost is self-explanatory, as it recovers Altaria's HP.
·Toxic allows Altaria to cripple opposing Pokemon while also putting them on a timer. This is especially helpful against opposing defensive Pokemon, such as Regirock, as they have no way to cure status besides Heal Bell support or Rest.
·Roar is the preferred option, due to shuffling the opposing team, which can rack up hazard damage if hazards are set. Haze can be used if the negative priority and shuffling of Roar aren't desired, but Roar is generally the better option.
  • Mention Heal Bell


Set Details
========

·252 HP and 240 Special Defense EVs are run to maximize Altaria's bulk with a, while 16 Speed EVs are run to outpace base 50 Speed and lower Pokemon, such as Eelektross and Gastrodon.
·Leftovers are used to give Altaria passive recovery, which frees up turns to switch out or use Toxic, while also making Altaria less dependent on Roost.
·Yache Berry can be run to stomach one Ice-type attack, but without Leftovers, Altaria is much more susceptible to offensive pressure. This belongs in other options. Set Details is for describing the main set
·Natural Cure removes status from Altaria when it switches out, which aids Altaria immensely, especially against Pokemon that rely on status to do any meaningful damage.


Usage Tips
========

·Altaria is best used to check Fighting-, Grass-, and Fire-types, as they can't really do much to Altaria. However, be careful of Ice Punch from Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, as it can be devastating.
·If Altaria is below near or below 50% HP, Roost should be used immediately.
·Altaria can absorb status if necessary, but this can give free turns to the opposing Pokemon.
·Spamming Toxic is not a bad idea if the opponent does not have a Steel- or Poison-type Pokemon.

Team Options

·Fire- and Fighting-types are great partners, as they can deal with the Steel- and Ice-types that threaten Altaria. Special mention goes to Hitmonchan, as it can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Keep in mind that Fire-types stack a Stealth Rock weakness, though.
·Hazard setters make for good teammates, especially if Altaria is carrying Roar, as it can rack up damage on the opposing team.
·Other special walls, such as Guzzlord, can check the Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria.
·A cleaner to plow through the opposing team after it has been sufficiently weakened, such as Zangoose, can take advantage the opposing team being weakened by Toxic and and possible shuffling.
  • Hazard control not just Hitmonchan

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

·A Dragon Dance Set with a Z-Move can be run to take advantage of Altaria's good offensive typing and decent movepool. However, the set is still weak after a boost, and is generally outclassed by other set up sweepers.
·In a similar vein, a special attacking set can surprise Altaria's checks and deal heavy damage. However, it is mostly outclassed by Drampa, Alolan Exeggutor, and Guzzlord.
·Rest can be used to capitalize on Natural Cure, but it can grant the opposing Pokemon free turns, which can be game-deciding.
·Perish Song can be used for Pokemon that have Suction Cups or Magic Guard, but is very situational and not really worth it. It can also be played around by a smart opponent.
·Cloud Nine can be used to shut down weather teams, but Natural Cure is one of the main selling points for Altaria, making Cloud Nine completely outclassed.

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

**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Due to Altaria's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, any decently strong Ice-type move be deadly. Abomasnow and Piloswine in Particular are very dangerous, as they can OHKO Altaria before it can even move with Ice Shard. Yache Berry alleviates both of these an extent, however. "Yache Berry alleviates both of these an extent, however." I mean you still lose vs Pilo

**Steel-types**: Steel-types are immune to Toxic, and most Steel-types either have a secondary typing which neutralizes Flamethrower, or have high Special Defense which makes Flamethrower do very little damage. They can also set up hazards freely while Altaria is on the field.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types deal super effective damage to Altaria with their STAB moves, and force Altaria out. Granbull in particular can use Heal Bell to nullify Toxic.
 
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MZ

And now for something completely different
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
You're almost there with the formatting, you've just got these weird dots instead of bullet points for some reason? Given the issues here I don't particularly care though. Anyway, check in the reply
(This is the old version, new version of the Analysis has been posted)

[OVERVIEW]
·Altaria is great for defensive and balanced teams in need of a check to Grass-, Fire-, and Fighting- types.
·Great 75 / 90 / 105 bulk and a good defensive typing gives Altaria a niche as a wall.
·A great ability in Natural Cure allows Altaria to shrug off status, something most defensive Pokemon lacking Rest or Heal Bell cannot do.
·Unfortunately, despite Altaria's typing giving it several useful resistances, it gives Altaria a nasty 4x weakness to Ice-type moves and a weakness to Stealth Rock.
·Altaria is very passive, which makes it very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon such as Sableye.
·Altaria is somewhat easy to pressure offensively, especially if its Leftovers have been knocked off.

[SET] Specially Defensive u put the name up here by accident, it only needs to be next to name:
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Roar / Haze i agree with tj, heal bell should be slashed first here
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

·Flamethrower is used to hit a variety of targets, especially Grass-types. Keep in mind that it isn't very powerful, though, even on a super effective hit. especially steel-types more like, since those are the ones immune to toxic. the only grass type ur really dying to flamethrower is ferroseed
·Roost is self-explanatory, as it recovers Altaria's HP.
·Toxic allows Altaria to cripple opposing Pokemon while also putting them on a timer. This is especially helpful against opposing defensive Pokemon, such as Regirock, as they have no way to cure status besides Heal Bell support or Rest. it's also altaria's best way of damaging things since flamethrower is weak
·Roar is the preferred option, due to shuffling the opposing team, which can rack up hazard damage if hazards are set. Haze can be used if the negative priority and shuffling of Roar aren't desired, but Roar is generally the better option.
mention heal bell, should be p self explanatory


Set Details
========

·252 HP and 240 Defense EVs are run to maximize Altaria's bulk, while 16 Speed EVs are run to outpace base 50 Speed and lower Pokemon, such as Eelektross and Gastrodon. it beats max speed base 50s, eel and gastro never run speed so this doesn't make sense. the most relevant mons u outpace are max ada mawile and aggron
·Leftovers are used to give Altaria passive recovery, which frees up turns to switch out or use Toxic, while also making Altaria less dependent on Roost.
·Yache Berry can be run to stomach one Ice-type attack, but without Leftovers, Altaria is much more susceptible to offensive pressure. no, yache isn't worth a mention. I wouldnt even add it to OO unless you really want to, but absolutely remove from here
·Natural Cure removes status from Altaria when it switches out, which aids Altaria immensely, especially against Pokemon that rely on status to do any meaningful damage.


Usage Tips
========

·Altaria is best used to check Fighting-, Grass-, and Fire-types, as they can't really do much to Altaria. However, be careful of Ice Punch from Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, as it can be devastating.
·If Altaria is below near or below 50% HP, Roost should be used immediately.
·Altaria can absorb status if necessary, but this can give free turns to the opposing Pokemon. don't rly get how it does that
·Spamming Toxic is not a bad idea if the opponent does not have a Steel- or Poison-type Pokemon.

id like to see u get slightly more specific, like what kind of mons u check (lilli and mag especially need mentions because they're basically why this thing is still viable). Also the usage of heal bell/roar/haze should get touched on, there's a bit to say about each of those

Team Options

·Fire- and Fighting-types are great partners, as they can deal with the Steel- and Ice-types that threaten Altaria. Special mention goes to Hitmonchan, as it can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Keep in mind that Fire-types stack a Stealth Rock weakness, though.
·Hazard setters make for good teammates, especially if Altaria is carrying Roar, as it can rack up damage on the opposing team.
·Other special walls, such as Guzzlord, can check the Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria. no more guzz, just use a diff example
·A cleaner to plow through the opposing team after it has been sufficiently weakened, such as Zangoose, can take advantage the opposing team being weakened by Toxic and and possible shuffling. nah i wouldn't make this point. alt just doesn't really weaken things that well in practice

u mention the mons that altaria benefits from but nothing about the kind of pokemon that benefit from altaria. for example, lilligant loves a reliable magmortar counter to switch out to. i don't want that to be ur only example, but it is a good one


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

·A Dragon Dance Set can be run to take advantage of Altaria's good offensive typing and decent movepool. However, the set is still weak after a boost, and is generally outclassed by other set up sweepers.
·In a similar vein, a special attacking set can surprise Altaria's checks and deal heavy damage. However, it is mostly outclassed by Drampa, Alolan Exeggutor, and Guzzlord.
·Rest can be used to capitalize on Natural Cure, but it can grant the opposing Pokemon free turns, which can be game-deciding.
·Perish Song can be used for Pokemon that have Suction Cups or Magic Guard, but is very situational and not really worth it. It can also be played around by a smart opponent. it's not for suction cups or magic guard, it's just another way to force things out
·Cloud Nine can be used to shut down weather teams, but Natural Cure is one of the main selling points for Altaria, making Cloud Nine completely outclassed.

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

**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Due to Altaria's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, any decently strong Ice-type move be deadly. Abomasnow and Piloswine in Particular are very dangerous, as they can OHKO Altaria before it can even move with Ice Shard. Yache Berry alleviates both of these an extent, however. ice shard doesn't actually ohko. abomasnow has the faster blizzard though and pilo's shard ohkos after rocks so ig that's something

**Steel-types**: Steel-types are immune to Toxic, and most Steel-types either have a secondary typing which neutralizes Flamethrower, or have high Special Defense which makes Flamethrower do very little damage. They can also set up hazards freely while Altaria is on the field. i don't get this, the only steels this applies to are aggron and probopass. everything else hates flamethrower or outright loses to Altaria. Instead I'd rather see a section titled "status absorbers", where you can mention those steels and the poisons that beat alt (not all poisons or steels) as well as other mons not bothered by toxic at all

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types deal super effective damage to Altaria with their STAB moves, and force Altaria out. Granbull in particular can use Heal Bell to nullify Toxic.
Thanks for sticking with all of this stuff, 1/3
qcstamp.gif
 

Akir

A true villain!
is a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Community Leader Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]
  • Altaria is great for defensive and balanced teams in need of a check to Grass-, Fire-, and Fighting-types.
  • Great 75 / 90 / 105 bulk and a good defensive typing gives Altaria a niche as a wall and a cleric. (these first 2 bullets should be 1 i think, with this one being first. this bullet qualifies the statement in the first one, so my proposed order would make more sense)
  • A great ability in Natural Cure allows Altaria to shrug off status.
  • Unfortunately, despite Altaria's typing giving it useful resistances to popular Fighting- and Grass-type moves, it gives Altaria a nasty 4x weakness to Ice-type moves and a weakness to Stealth Rock.
  • Altaria is very passive, which makes it very susceptible to Taunt from Pokemon such as Sableye and to set up sweepers if it lacks Roar/Haze.
  • Altaria is somewhat easy to pressure offensively, especially if its Leftovers have been knocked off.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Heal Bell /Roar / Haze
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 240 SpD / 16 Spe

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

  • Flamethrower is used to hit a variety of targets, especially Steel-types. Keep in mind that it isn't very powerful, though, even on a super effective hit.
  • Roost is self-explanatory, as it recovers Altaria's HP.
  • Toxic allows Altaria to cripple opposing Pokemon while also putting them on a timer. This is especially helpful against opposing defensive Pokemon, such as Regirock, as they have no way to cure status besides Heal Bell support or Rest. It is also Altaria's best method of inflicting meaningful damage to the opposing Pokemon.
  • Heal Bell is the preferred option, giving Altaria a way to remove status from its teammates. Roar can be used to neutralize set up sweepers and shuffle around the opposing team. Haze can be used if the negative priority and shuffling of Roar is not desired, but Roar and Heal Bell are generally a better use of the slot. (you mention heal bell here but u forgot to add it in)


Set Details
========

  • 252 HP and 240 Defense EVs are run to maximize Altaria's bulk, while 16 Speed EVs are run to outpace Aggron and Adamant Mawile and other base 50 Speed threats. (aggron is a loss either way, so i wouldnt mention it...especially since altaria cant even 3hko)
  • Leftovers are used to give Altaria passive recovery, which frees up turns to switch out or use Toxic, while also making Altaria less dependent on Roost.
  • Yache Berry can be run to stomach one Ice-type attack, but without Leftovers, Altaria is much more susceptible to offensive pressure. (this is OO at best)
  • Natural Cure removes status from Altaria when it switches out, which aids Altaria immensely by healing poison and burn, which is especially useful against Pokemon that rely on status to do any meaningful damage.


Usage Tips
========

  • Altaria is best used to check Fighting-, Grass-, and Fire-types, as they can't really do much to Altaria. Magmortar and Lilligant in particular are hard walled (aside from Breakneck Blitz or Hidden Power from Lilligant). However, be careful of Ice Punch from Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, as it can be devastating.
  • If Altaria is below near or below 50% HP, Roost should be used immediately.
  • Altaria can absorb status by using Natural Cure if necessary, but this can give free momentum to the opposing team, while also sacrificing your own momentum. (thats a pretty abstract concept. u r correct 100%, but to a new reader this line might not make sense. its worth ur time to explain just a bit more on how it helps and why wasting a turn to do so is bad)
  • Spamming Toxic is not a bad idea if the opponent does not have a Steel- or Poison-type Pokemon.

Team Options

  • Fire- and Fighting-types are great partners, as they can deal with the Steel- and Ice-types that threaten Altaria. Special mention goes to Hitmonchan, as it can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin. Keep in mind that Fire-types stack a Stealth Rock weakness, though.
  • Hazard setters make for good teammates, especially if Altaria is carrying Roar, as it can rack up damage on the opposing team. Partners such as Ferroseed and Miltank also add defensive synergy while setting hazards as well.
  • Other special walls, such as Lanturn, can check the Ice, Electric- and Water-types that threaten Altaria.
  • Lilligant and other Grass-types appreciate Altaria's ability to switch into and check Magmortar.
  • Physical walls, such as Weezing, benefit from Altaria absorbing special attacks, and in return can sponge physical hits.

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

  • A Dragon Dance Set with Dragonium Z can be run to take advantage of Altaria's good offensive typing and decent movepool. However, the set is still weak after a boost single Dragon Dance, and is generally outclassed by other set up sweepers.
  • In a similar vein, a special attacking set can surprise Altaria's checks and deal heavy damage. However, it is mostly outclassed by Drampa and Alolan Exeggutor.
  • Rest can be used to capitalize on Natural Cure, but it can grant the opposing Pokemon free turns while Altaria is either sleeping or switching out, which can be game-deciding.
  • Perish Song can be used as another option for shuffling/denying set up opportunities, but Roar and Haze are generally better options due to being more consistent. Perish Song can also be played around by a smart opponent.
  • Cloud Nine can be used to shut down weather teams, but Natural Cure is one of the main selling points for Altaria (why my guy), making Cloud Nine completely outclassed.

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

**Ice-types and Ice-type Coverage**: Due to Altaria's 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, any decently strong Ice-type move be deadly. Abomasnow and Piloswine in Particular are very dangerous, as they can OHKO Altaria before it can even move with Ice Shard. Yache Berry alleviates both of these an extent, but Altaria still has poor matchup vs. Ice-types.

**Status Absorbers**: Poison and Steel types, such as Qwilfish and Aggron, are immune to
Toxic, and can set up Hazards in Altaria's face. However, other Steel-types will take heavy damage from Flamethrower, especially Ferroseed.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types deal super effective damage to Altaria with their STAB moves, and force Altaria out. Granbull in particular can use Heal Bell to nullify Toxic.

I feel like this section is a bit short, and could add things like "Rock Types" cuz they resist Flamethrower and hit hard back if they are archeops or Carracosta.
ok cool, thats a 2/3 after implementation
 
Changes were added Akir. I'm gonna get started on writing the final draft up. (By the way, please notify if I didn't implement a specific change)
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
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Lakeredman I know we've changed ur analysis a bunch buuuuut... if you've been following the leaks at all then we just found out Altaria is going to change significantly with the release of USUM. As such we don't think it'd be worth it finishing this analysis since it'd become super outdated less than a week after uploading it to the site. If you'd like to keep going with this thing, then maybe a week or so after USUM releases and we've had a chance to play with the new stuff you can start this again at 0/3. If you want to drop it, I'd totally understand at this point.
 
Lakeredman I know we've changed ur analysis a bunch buuuuut... if you've been following the leaks at all then we just found out Altaria is going to change significantly with the release of USUM. As such we don't think it'd be worth it finishing this analysis since it'd become super outdated less than a week after uploading it to the site. If you'd like to keep going with this thing, then maybe a week or so after USUM releases and we've had a chance to play with the new stuff you can start this again at 0/3. If you want to drop it, I'd totally understand at this point.
Well, that's unfortunate. I think I'd like to start over once USUM is released. Thanks for the heads-up!
 

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