ZU Articuno [done]

[Tuthur]

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Brave Bird / Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn / Toxic / Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno is an amazing special wall and one of the best form of entry hazard control in ZU thanks to Pressure + Defog keeping entry hazards off the field against numerous setters such as Qwilfish, Uxie, and Clefairy, its amazing bulk, and reliable recovery in Roost. Brave Bird is the preferred STAB move to check Centiskorch and Frosmoth. Alternatively, Freeze-Dry lets Articuno avoid Rocky Helmet and Iron Barbs from Garbodor and Ferroseed while also threatening entry hazard setters like Qwilfish and Stunfisk, as well as Pokemon that can freely switch into its other moves like Tangela and Altaria. U-turn turns Articuno into a pivot, while Toxic wears down opposing walls such as Cramorant and entry hazard setters such as Coalossal and Rhydon, which forces Articuno out. The given EV spread lets Articuno outspeed Adamant Centiskorch and have a good chance to OHKO it with Brave Bird. Alternatively, Articuno can run 136 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature to outspeed Flapple and Adamant Shiftry. 60 Attack EVs guarantee an OHKO on Centiskorch with Brave Bird, but it reduces bulk, allowing Choice Specs Basculin to 2HKO Articuno.

Specially defensive Articuno fits on almost any kind of team, ranging from stall to bulky offense. On offensive teams, it forms a VoltTurn core with partners like Silvally-Ground, Uxie, and Alolan Persian. Frail attackers such as Basculin, Cinccino, and Shiftry enjoy safely coming on the field through these VoltTurn cores and benefit from slower pivots like Articuno sponging attacks for them. Knock Off absorbers like Qwilfish, Pyukumuku, and Garbodor are great partners that can preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots and sponge physical hits, while it handles special attackers for them. Ground-types like Rhydon, Stunfisk, and Vibrava make for excellent partners for their ability to handle Articuno's weaknesses, while they appreciate Articuno checking Frosmoth and specially offensive Basculin.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
The combination of Substitute, Roost, and Pressure lets Articuno stall out moves with low PP such as Ninetales's Fire Blast, Kabutop's Stone Edge, and Trevenant's Poltergeist. Thanks to its great Speed and bulk, Articuno is able to easily set up a Substitute against passive Pokemon such as Tangela, Audino, and Qwilfish. Toxic works well with the combination of Roost + Substitute, racking up damage on foes like Audino, Uxie, and Kangaskhan. Freeze-Dry is the preferred STAB move to cover Qwilfish, Wishiwashi, and Altaria, which can sponge Toxic.

SubRoost Articuno fits well on balance and bulky offense teams looking for a Pokemon that does well against balance teams. Knock Off absorbers like Garbodor, Qwilfish, and Alolan Persian are appreciated to preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots. VoltTurn users like Basculin, Manectric, and Uxie safely bring Articuno onto the field, letting it avoid Knock Off from the likes of Tangela, Audino, and Uxie. Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground, Rhydon, and Stunfisk make for great partners, checking Steel-, Fire-, Rock-, and Ground-types such as Perrserker, Coalossal, and Rhydon. In return, Articuno checks Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent, Appletun, and Flapple for them. Checks to Steel-types like Sawk, Centiskorch, and Manectric are especially important, since Steel-types like Klinklang and Perrserker completely shut down SubRoost Articuno.

[SET]
name: Roost + 3 Attacks
move 1: Roost
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno is a great offensive pivot that is able to dish out powerful Hurricanes and Freeze-Drys. The given EV investment in conjunction with its coverage allows Articuno to outspeed and nail threats such as Thwackey, Poliwrath, and Centiskorch. Thanks to U-turn, Articuno is able to pivot from bad matchups and safely bring in partners.

Roost + 3 Attacks Articuno fits on offensive teams with VoltTurn cores, which makes Uxie, Rotom, and Wishiwashi great partners. Articuno also excels on entry hazard stacking teams, since it preys on common Defoggers such as Cramorant and Altaria and is able to generate momentum with U-turn. Physical wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan, Cinccino, and Centiskorch can take advantage of Articuno inviting in and pivoting against special walls such as Audino, Clefairy, and Ferroseed. In return, Articuno can threaten physical walls such as Qwilfish, Garbodor, and Tangela for them. Ground-types like Silvally-Ground and Rhydon are great partners, checking Rock-, Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types such as Coalossal, Klinklang, and Stunfisk. Knock Off absorbers like Uxie, Alolan Persian, and Qwilfish let Articuno keep its Heavy-Duty Boots.

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

On stall teams, Articuno can run Haze to stop Stored Power users like Alcremie and Uxie or Heal Bell to act as a cleric. However, it struggles to find room for these options, and stall teams have access to other Heal Bell users like Clefairy, Eldegoss, and Audino. Articuno can opt for a physically offensive set with options like Triple Axel, Brave Bird, and Ice Shard, but physical walls are more common, which makes special Articuno more effective at breaking through defensive cores.

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

**Rock-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Due to its 4x weakness to Rock, any Rock-type move will at least 2HKO Articuno. This makes Rock-types like Rhydon and Coalossal extremely annoying for Articuno, as they can easily set up entry hazards against it. Furthermore, Pokemon like Silvally-Ground and Garbodor often carry Rock-type coverage, preventing Articuno from switching into them.

**Item Removal**: Retaining Heavy-Duty Boots is key to maintaining Articuno's defensive capabilities, and it should avoid switching into Knock Off and Trick users like Shiftry, Gurdurr, Thwackey, Rotom, and Froslass. However, if Articuno is the team's entry hazard remover and is able to consistently use Defog against the opposing Stealth Rock setter, it can afford to lose its item.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Centiskorch, Ninetales, and Rapidash force out Articuno with their super effective STAB move. However, they take great damage from Articuno's Flying-type STAB moves, especially Centiskorch that gets OHKOed by Brave Bird and Hurricane, and they dislike being crippled by Toxic.

**Electric-types**: Morpeko, Manectric, and Rotom formes threaten Articuno with their super effective STAB moves and generate momentum with Volt Switch. However, weaker Electric-types like Choice Scarf Rotom and defensive Rotom-S can't break through specially defensive Articuno.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Perrserker, Mawile, and Klinklang are immune to Toxic, resist Articuno's STAB moves, and take on Articuno with their super effective STAB moves. However, it should be noted that Ferroseed loses to Articuno, as it is able to PP stall Gyro Ball with Pressure.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tuthur, 369076]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [5gen, 296755]]
- Grammar checked by: [[DC, 449990]]

 

[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d]

Comments in Bold and Strikethrough

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Brave Bird / Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn / Toxic / Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
As a result of Pressure + Defog ensuring Articuno to keeping entry hazards off versus numerous setters such as Qwilfish, Uxie, and Clefairy and its amazing bulk backed up with reliable recovery in Roost (just reads better, had a hard time first few reads), Articuno is one of the best form of hazard control in ZU and an amazing special wall. Brave Bird is the preferred STAB move for its ability to check Centiskorch and Frosmoth. Alternatively, Freeze-Dry trades the ability to threaten these two for avoiding Rocky Helmet and Iron Barbs from Garbodor and Ferroseed, respectively, while also threatening hazard setters like Qwilfish and Stunfisk and also letting Articuno threaten Tangela and Altaria that can freely switch on its other moves. On the one hand, Articuno can forgo coverage to act as a pivot with U-turn, taking hits and bringing safely its teammates (Latter half is just explaining what pivots do generally, and specifically Articuno is losing its coverage by choosing U-turn). On the other hand, Toxic lets Articuno put on a timer hazard setters it's forced out by such as Coalossal and Rhydon, allowing it to remove their hazards later in the game (It can still Defog later regardless, it's more important that these two force it out in the short term). The given EV spread lets Articuno outspeed Adamant Centiskorch and have a good chance to OHKO it with Brave Bird. Alternatively, Articuno can run a Jolly Nature with 136 EVs in Speed to crip Flapple and also outspeed Adamant Shiftry, or 60 Attack EVs to guarantee a OHKO versus Centiskorch, this is at the cost of a lot of bulk like being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculin, however. (example of what the worse bulk does + the 60 Atk spread because I still think it's viable enough)

This Articuno set fits in almost any kind of team ranging from stall to bulky offense. In offensive teams, it is appreciated as a part of VoltTurn cores with partners like Silvally-Ground, Uxie, and Alolan Persian. Frailer attackers such as Basculin, Cinccino, and Shiftry enjoy coming safely on the field through these VoltTurn cores and slower pivots like Articuno sponging attacks form them. Knock Off absorbers like Qwilfish, Pyukumuku, and Garbodor are great partners that can preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots and sponge physical hits for it, while Articuno handles special attackers for them. Ground-types like Rhydon, Stunfisk, and Galarian Stunfisk make for excellent partners for their ability to handle Articuno's weaknesses, while they appreciate Articuno's Defog support checking Frosmoth and specially offensive Basculin (checking special attackers is more relevant just because these Ground-types aren't awfully concerned with hazards). Vibrava is a very noteworthy Ground-type as it can handle most hazard setters that Articuno can't beat such as Rhydon, Rock Blast Garbodor, and Coalossal Clefairy, and Stunfisk that carry Toxic. (Too niche. If you want to preserve a Vibrava mention, add it into the list prior)

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
The combination of Substitute, Roost, and Pressure lets Articuno stall out moves with low PP such as Ninetales Fire Blast, Kabutop's Stone Edge, and Trevenant's Poltergeist. Thanks to its great Speed and bulk, Articuno is actually able to easily setup a Substitute against passive Pokemon such as Tangela, Audino, and Qwilfish. Toxic works well with the combination of Roost + Substitute, racking up damage on foes like Audino, Uxie, and Kangaskhan. Freeze Dry is the preferred STAB move providing great coverage for Qwilfish, Wishiwashi, and Altaria that can sponge Toxic.

This Articuno set fits well in balance and bulky offense teams looking for a balance breaker. Knock Off absorbers like Garbodor, Qwilfish, and Alolan Persian are appreciated to preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots. Likewise, VoltTurn users like Basculin, Manectric, and Uxie are appreciated for their ability to bring Articuno safely on the field, avoiding Knock Off from the likes of Tangela, Audino, and Uxie. Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground, Rhydon, and Stunfisk make for great partners able to check Steel-, Fire-, Rock-, and Ground-types for Articuno. In return, Articuno can check Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent, Ludicolo Appletun, and Flapple for them.

[SET]
name: Roost + 3 Attacks
move 1: Roost
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Articuno set works as a great offensive pivot able to dish out powerful Hurricane and Freeze-Dry. Roost lets Articuno stay healthy through the whole game and sponge attacks for its partners (Fluff. Instead, mention what this set is able to revenge kill or wallbreak thanks to the offensive investment and coverage). Thanks to U-turn, Articuno is able to pivot out of bad matchup and bring safely partners.

This sets fits in offensive teams with VoltTurn cores, thus the likes of Uxie, Rotom, and Wishiwashi make for great partners. Physical wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan, Cinccino, and Centiskorch can take advantage of Articuno inviting in and pivoting on special walls such as Audino, Clefairy, and Ferroseed. In return, Articuno can threaten physical walls such as Qwilfish, Garbodor, and Tangela for them. Ground-types' ability to check Rock-, Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types make the likes of Silvally-Ground and Rhydon for great partners. Knock Off absorbers like Uxie, Alolan Persian, and Qwilfish let Articuno keep its Heavy-Duty Boots.

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

In stall teams, Articuno can run Haze on its defensive sets to stop Stored Power users like Alcremie and Uxie. Likewise, it can run Heal Bell to act as a cleric. However, Articuno struggles to find room for these options and for the latter move, stall teams have access to other users in Clefairy, Eldegoss, and Audino. Similarly to the specially offensive set, Articuno is able to run a physically offensive set with its access to Triple Axel, Brave Bird, and Ice Shard. However, physical walls are far more common in the current metagame, meaning special sets have an easier time breaking through defensive cores. Weather Ball can be used in rain teams since Flying + Water gives Articuno perfect coverage on the whole metagame, and lets it break through the likes of Coalossal, Rhydon, and Stunfisk. (rip rain)

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

**Rock-type moves and Pokemon**: Due to its 4x weakness to Rock, any Rock-type move will at least 2HKO Articuno. This makes Rock-types like Rhydon and Coalossal extremely annoying for Articuno as they can easily setup entry hazards versus it. Furthermore, some Pokemon like Silvally-Ground and Garbodor often carry Rock coverage, preventing Articuno from switching into them.

**Item removal**: Due to its massive weakness to Stealth Rock, Articuno relies on Hevay-Duty Boots a lot. Therefore, Articuno has to preserve its item in order to retain its defensive capacities. Thus, it has to avoid switching into Knock Off users such as Shiftry, Gurdurr, and Thwackey as well as Trick users such as Rotom and Froslass. However, if Articuno is the team hazard remover and is able to consistently Defog on the opposing Stealth Rock setter, it can afford to lose its item.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Centiskorch, Ninetales, and Rapidash can force out Articuno with their super effective STAB move. However, they take great damage from Articuno's Flying STAB moves, especially Centiskorch that gets OHKOed by Brave Bird and Hurricane.

**Electric-types**: The likes of Morpeko, Manectric, and Rotom formes threaten out Articuno with their super effective STAB moves and can even generate momentum with their super effective Volt Switch. However, weaker ones like Choice Scarf Rotom and defensive Rotom-S can't break through specially defensive Articuno sets.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Perrserker, Mawile, and Klinklang are immune to Toxic and resists Articuno STAB moves. They can retaliate back with their super effective STAB moves and take on Articuno. However, it is noteworthy that Ferroseed loses to Articuno as Articuno is able to Pressure stall Gyro Ball.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tuthur, 369076]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

QC 1/2! Watch out for little typos.

 

[5gen]

comments in bold

Hide

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Brave Bird / Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn / Toxic / Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
As a result of Pressure + Defog keeping entry hazards off versus numerous setters such as Qwilfish, Uxie, and Clefairy and its amazing bulk backed up with reliable recovery in Roost, Articuno is one of the best form of hazard control in ZU and an amazing special wall. (Sentence can still be clearer. More of a GP thing though. Would be easier to state smth like "Cuno is one of the best entry hazard removers and special walls because of xyz) Brave Bird is the preferred STAB move for its ability to check Centiskorch and Frosmoth. Alternatively, Freeze-Dry trades the ability to threaten check these two for avoiding Rocky Helmet and Iron Barbs from Garbodor and Ferroseed, respectively, while also threatening hazard setters like Qwilfish and Stunfisk and also letting Articuno threaten Tangela and Altaria that can freely switch on its other moves. (Sentence should be split into 2, runs on.) On the one hand, Articuno can forgo coverage to act as a pivot with U-turn. On the other hand, Toxic lets Articuno put on a timer hazard setters it's forced out by such as Coalossal and Rhydon, and wear down opposing walls such as Cramorant. The given EV spread lets Articuno outspeed Adamant Centiskorch and have a good chance to OHKO it with Brave Bird. Alternatively, Articuno can run a Jolly Nature with 136 EVs in Speed to crip cpreep Flapple and also outspeed Adamant Shiftry, or. (AP) 60 Attack EVs to guarantee a OHKO versus Centiskorch, this is at the cost of a lot of bulk like being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculin, however.

This Articuno set fits in almost any kind of team ranging from stall to bulky offense. In offensive teams, it is appreciated as a part of VoltTurn cores with partners like Silvally-Ground, Uxie, and Alolan Persian. Frailer attackers such as Basculin, Cinccino, and Shiftry enjoy coming safely on the field through these VoltTurn cores and slower pivots like Articuno sponging attacks form them. Knock Off absorbers like Qwilfish, Pyukumuku, and Garbodor are great partners that can preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots and sponge physical hits for it, while Articuno handles special attackers for them. Ground-types like Rhydon, Stunfisk, and Vibrava make for excellent partners for their ability to handle Articuno's weaknesses, while they appreciate Articuno checking Frosmoth and specially offensive Basculin.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
The combination of Substitute, Roost, and Pressure lets Articuno stall out moves with low PP such as Ninetales Fire Blast, Kabutop's Stone Edge, and Trevenant's Poltergeist. Thanks to its great Speed and bulk, Articuno is actually able to easily setup a Substitute against passive Pokemon such as Tangela, Audino, and Qwilfish. Toxic works well with the combination of Roost + Substitute, racking up damage on foes like Audino, Uxie, and Kangaskhan. Freeze Dry is the preferred STAB move providing great coverage for Qwilfish, Wishiwashi, and Altaria that can sponge Toxic.

This Articuno set fits well in balance and bulky offense teams looking for a balance breaker. Knock Off absorbers like Garbodor, Qwilfish, and Alolan Persian are appreciated to preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots. Likewise, VoltTurn users like Basculin, Manectric, and Uxie are appreciated for their ability to bring Articuno safely on the field, avoiding Knock Off from the likes of Tangela, Audino, and Uxie. Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground, Rhydon, and Stunfisk make for great partners able to check Steel-, Fire-, Rock-, and Ground-types for Articuno. In return, Articuno can check Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent, Appletun, and Flapple for them. (Should emphasize checks for Steel-types (like Sawk, Centiskorch, and Manectric for example) since those shut down this cuno set)

[SET]
name: Roost + 3 Attacks
move 1: Roost
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Articuno set works as a great offensive pivot able to dish out powerful Hurricane and Freeze-Dry. The offensive investmnent investment and coverage lets it nail and outspeed threats such as Thwackey, Poliwrath, and Centiskorch. Thanks to U-turn, Articuno is able to pivot out of bad matchup and bring safely partners.

This sets fits in offensive teams with VoltTurn cores, thus the likes of Uxie, Rotom, and Wishiwashi make for great partners. (Think it's worth mentioning that this set excels on entry hazard stack because Articuno preys on common Defoggers such as Cramorant and Altaria and can U-turn to keep up pressure) Physical wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan, Cinccino, and Centiskorch can take advantage of Articuno inviting in and pivoting on special walls such as Audino, Clefairy, and Ferroseed. In return, Articuno can threaten physical walls such as Qwilfish, Garbodor, and Tangela for them. Ground-types' ability to check Rock-, Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types make the likes of Silvally-Ground and Rhydon for great partners. Knock Off absorbers like Uxie, Alolan Persian, and Qwilfish let Articuno keep its Heavy-Duty Boots.

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

In stall teams, Articuno can run Haze on its defensive sets to stop Stored Power users like Alcremie and Uxie. Likewise, it can run Heal Bell to act as a cleric. However, Articuno struggles to find room for these options and for the latter move, stall teams have access to other users in Clefairy, Eldegoss, and Audino. Similarly to the specially offensive set, Articuno is able to run a physically offensive set with its access to Triple Axel, Brave Bird, and Ice Shard. However, physical walls are far more common in the current metagame, meaning special sets have an easier time breaking through defensive cores.

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

**Rock-type moves and Pokemon**: Due to its 4x weakness to Rock, any Rock-type move will at least 2HKO Articuno. This makes Rock-types like Rhydon and Coalossal extremely annoying for Articuno as they can easily setup entry hazards versus it. Furthermore, some Pokemon like Silvally-Ground and Garbodor often carry Rock coverage, preventing Articuno from switching into them.

**Item removal**: Due to its massive weakness to Stealth Rock, Articuno relies on Hevay-Duty Boots a lot. Therefore, Articuno has to preserve its item in order to retain its defensive capacities. Thus, it has to avoid switching into Knock Off users such as Shiftry, Gurdurr, and Thwackey as well as Trick users such as Rotom and Froslass. However, if Articuno is the team hazard remover and is able to consistently Defog on the opposing Stealth Rock setter, it can afford to lose its item.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Centiskorch, Ninetales, and Rapidash can force out Articuno with their super effective STAB move. However, they take great damage from Articuno's Flying STAB moves, especially Centiskorch that gets OHKOed by Brave Bird and Hurricane. (Also don't like switching into Toxic)

**Electric-types**: The likes of Morpeko, Manectric, and Rotom formes threaten out Articuno with their super effective STAB moves and can even generate momentum with their super effective Volt Switch. However, weaker ones like Choice Scarf Rotom and defensive Rotom-S can't break through specially defensive Articuno sets.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Perrserker, Mawile, and Klinklang are immune to Toxic and resists Articuno STAB moves. They can retaliate back with their super effective STAB moves and take on Articuno. However, it is noteworthy that Ferroseed loses to Articuno as Articuno is able to Pressure stall Gyro Ball.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tuthur, 369076]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

good job qc 2/2

 

[DC]

Remove Add Comments
AC = Add Comma, RC = Remove Comma, AH = Add Hyphen, RH = Remove Hyphen

Ice Bird

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Brave Bird / Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn / Toxic / Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno is an amazing special wall and one of the best form of entry hazard control in ZU and an amazing special wall because of thanks to Pressure + Defog keeping entry hazards off versus the field against numerous setters such as Qwilfish, Uxie, and Clefairy,(AC) and its amazing bulk,(AC) backed up with and reliable recovery in Roost. Brave Bird is the preferred STAB move for its ability to check Centiskorch and Frosmoth. Alternatively, Freeze-Dry trades the ability to check these two for avoiding lets Articuno avoid Rocky Helmet and Iron Barbs from Garbodor and Ferroseed,(RC) respectively,(RC) while also threatening entry hazard setters like Qwilfish and Stunfisk,(AC) and also letting Articuno threaten as well as Pokemon that can freely switch into its other moves like Tangela and Altaria that can freely switch on its other moves. On the one hand, Articuno can forgo coverage to act as a pivot with U-turn. On the other hand, Toxic lets Articuno put on a timer hazard setters it's forced out by such as Coalossal and Rhydon, and wear down opposing walls such as Cramorant. U-turn turns Articuno into a pivot, while Toxic wears down opposing walls such as Cramorant and entry hazard setters such as Coalossal and Rhydon, which forces Articuno out. The given EV spread lets Articuno outspeed Adamant Centiskorch and have a good chance to OHKO it with Brave Bird. Alternatively, Articuno can run a Jolly Nature with 136 Speed EVs in Speed with a Jolly nature to creep outspeed Flapple and also outspeed Adamant Shiftry.(speedcreep bad) 60 Attack EVs to guarantee a OHKO versus Centiskorch, this is at the cost of a lot of bulk like being 2HKOed by Choice Specs Basculin, however. 60 Attack EVs guarantee an OHKO on Centiskorch with Brave Bird, but it reduces bulk, allowing Choice Specs Basculin to 2HKO Articuno.

This Articuno set fits in almost any kind of team ranging from stall to bulky offense. Specially defensive Articuno fits on almost any kind of team, ranging from stall to bulky offense. In On offensive teams, it is appreciated as a part of VoltTurn cores forms a VoltTurn core with partners like Silvally-Ground, Uxie, and Alolan Persian. Frailer attackers such as Basculin, Cinccino, and Shiftry enjoy coming safely coming on the field through these VoltTurn cores and benefit from slower pivots like Articuno sponging attacks form for them. Knock Off absorbers like Qwilfish, Pyukumuku, and Garbodor are great partners that can preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots and sponge physical hits for it, while Articuno it handles special attackers for them. Ground-types like Rhydon, Stunfisk, and Vibrava make for excellent partners for their ability to handle Articuno's weaknesses, while they appreciate Articuno checking Frosmoth and specially offensive Basculin.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Freeze-Dry
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
The combination of Substitute, Roost, and Pressure lets Articuno stall out moves with low PP such as Ninetales's Fire Blast, Kabutop's Stone Edge, and Trevenant's Poltergeist. Thanks to its great Speed and bulk, Articuno is actually able to easily setup set up a Substitute against passive Pokemon such as Tangela, Audino, and Qwilfish. Toxic works well with the combination of Roost + Substitute, racking up damage on foes like Audino, Uxie, and Kangaskhan. Freeze-(AH)Dry is the preferred STAB move providing great coverage for to cover Qwilfish, Wishiwashi, and Altaria,(AC) that which can sponge Toxic.

This SubRoost Articuno set fits well in on balance and bulky offense teams looking for a balance breaker Pokemon that does well against balance teams.(dont cross reference sets) Knock Off absorbers like Garbodor, Qwilfish, and Alolan Persian are appreciated to preserve Articuno's Heavy-Duty Boots. Likewise,(RC) VoltTurn users like Basculin, Manectric, and Uxie are appreciated for their ability to safely bring Articuno safely onto the field, avoiding letting it avoid Knock Off from the likes of Tangela, Audino, and Uxie. Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground, Rhydon, and Stunfisk make for great partners,(AC) able to checking Steel-, Fire-, Rock-, and Ground-types for Articuno.(list examples) In return, Articuno can checks Water- and Grass-types such as Jellicent, Appletun, and Flapple for them. Checks to Steel-types like Sawk, Centiskorch, and Manectric are especially important,(AC) since Steel-types like Klinklang and Perrserker completely shut down this SubRoost Articuno set.

[SET]
name: Roost + 3 Attacks
move 1: Roost
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Articuno set works as a great offensive pivot able to dish out powerful Hurricane and Freeze-Dry. The offensive investment and coverage lets it nail and outspeed threats such as Thwackey, Poliwrath, and Centiskorch. Thanks to U-turn, Articuno is able to pivot out of bad matchup and bring safely partners. Articuno is a great offensive pivot that is able to dish out powerful Hurricanes and Freeze-Drys. The given EV investment in conjunction with its coverage allows Articuno to outspeed and nail threats such as Thwackey, Poliwrath, and Centiskorch. Thanks to U-turn, Articuno is able to pivot from bad matchups and safely bring in partners.

This sets Roost + 3 Attacks Articuno fits in on offensive teams with VoltTurn cores, thus the likes of which makes Uxie, Rotom, and Wishiwashi make for great partners. This set Articuno also excels on entry hazard stacking teams,(AC) since Articuno it preys on common Defoggers such as Cramorant and Altaria,(RC) while being and is able to generate momentum with U-turn. Physical wallbreakers such as Kangaskhan, Cinccino, and Centiskorch can take advantage of Articuno inviting in and pivoting on against special walls such as Audino, Clefairy, and Ferroseed. In return, Articuno can threaten physical walls such as Qwilfish, Garbodor, and Tangela for them. Ground-types' ability to check Rock-, Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types make the likes of Silvally-Ground and Rhydon for great partners. Ground-types like Silvally-Ground and Rhydon are great partners, checking Rock-, Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types.(examples?) Knock Off absorbers like Uxie, Alolan Persian, and Qwilfish let Articuno keep its Heavy-Duty Boots.

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

In stall teams, Articuno can run Haze on its defensive sets to stop Stored Power users like Alcremie and Uxie. Likewise, it can run Heal Bell to act as a cleric. However, Articuno struggles to find room for these options and for the latter move, stall teams have access to other users in Clefairy, Eldegoss, and Audino. Similarly to the specially offensive set, Articuno is able to run a physically offensive set with its access to Triple Axel, Brave Bird, and Ice Shard. However, physical walls are far more common in the current metagame, meaning special sets have an easier time breaking through defensive cores. On stall teams, Articuno can run Haze to stop Stored Power users like Alcremie and Uxie or Heal Bell to act as a cleric. However, it struggles to find room for these options, and stall teams have access to other Heal Bell users like Clefairy, Eldegoss, and Audino. Articuno can opt for a physically offensive set with options like Triple Axel, Brave Bird, and Ice Shard, but physical walls are more common, which makes special Articuno more effective at breaking through defensive cores.

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

**Rock-type moves and Pokemon and Coverage**: Due to its 4x weakness to Rock, any Rock-type move will at least 2HKO Articuno. This makes Rock-types like Rhydon and Coalossal extremely annoying for Articuno,(AC) as they can easily setup set up entry hazards versus against it. Furthermore, some Pokemon like Silvally-Ground and Garbodor often carry Rock-(AH)type coverage, preventing Articuno from switching into them.

**Item Removal(capitalize)**: Due to its massive weakness to Stealth Rock, Articuno relies on Hevay-Duty Boots a lot. Therefore, Articuno has to preserve its item in order to retain its defensive capacities. Thus, it has to avoid switching into Knock Off users such as Shiftry, Gurdurr, and Thwackey as well as Trick users such as Rotom and Froslass. Retaining Heavy-Duty Boots is key to maintaining Articuno's defensive capabilities, and it should avoid switching into Knock Off and Trick users like Shiftry, Gurdurr, Thwackey, Rotom, and Froslass. However, if Articuno is the team's entry hazard remover and is able to consistently use Defog on against the opposing Stealth Rock setter, it can afford to lose its item.

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Centiskorch, Ninetales, and Rapidash can force out Articuno with their super effective STAB move. However, they take great damage from Articuno's Flying-(AH)type STAB moves, especially Centiskorch that gets OHKOed by Brave Bird and Hurricane, and they dislike being crippled by Toxic.

**Electric-types**: The likes of Morpeko, Manectric, and Rotom formes threaten out Articuno with their super effective STAB moves and can even generate momentum with their super effective Volt Switch. However, weaker ones Electric-types like Choice Scarf Rotom and defensive Rotom-S can't break through specially defensive Articuno sets.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Perrserker, Mawile, and Klinklang are immune to Toxic,(AC) and resists Articuno's STAB moves,(period to comma) They can retaliate back with their super effective STAB moves and take on Articuno with their super effective STAB moves. However, it is noteworthy it should be noted that Ferroseed loses to Articuno,(AC) as Articuno it is able to Pressure PP stall Gyro Ball with Pressure.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Tuthur, 369076]]
- Quality checked by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074], [5gen, 296755]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

GP 1/1. [DC, 449990]

 

[Tuthur]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/ss/pokemon/articuno/