UU Articuno

Estarossa

moo?
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:rs/articuno:

[OVERVIEW]

Pressure + Defog gives Articuno a solid niche on defensive teams to PP stall entry hazard setters such as Hippowdon, making it a capable solo or primary Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure bleeds the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and Mandibuzz, which helps its teammates' hazards stay up, enables Spikes semi-stall playstyles, and lets Articuno dominate hazard control against opposing defensive teams. Heal Bell provides more crucial utility, and it works amazingly with Pressure, allowing Articuno to beat Toxic users such as Hippowdon one-on-one. Further still, Articuno is a crucial secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, Gyarados, and even Azelf against teams that use a Stealth Rock setter it counters, such as Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel. However, Articuno struggles with some other hazard setters in Nihilego, Cobalion, and Spikes + Iron Defense Skarmory. Its Stealth Rock weakness also makes it an unreliable Defogger against the more common Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile, given Knock Off and Articuno's reliance on Heavy-Duty Boots, although Krookodile still fears Freeze-Dry when using Taunt. Without a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside Articuno, Spikes teams often rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to win the hazards war, forcing the opponent to remove these hazards instead of setting their own. Due to its typing, Articuno can also be exploited or set up on by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, which only fear a freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry usage, mandating solid defensive support.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon such as Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but adds up over a long game versus threats like Scizor, which commonly switch into it, due to its high PP. Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno beat entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey one-on-one, and even against teams with other setters, its defensive profile lets it Defog on Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss. With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely PP stall any one Pokemon's Toxic while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic on Umbreon and Stealth Rock on Chansey. 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and high Special Defense investment with a Calm helps it check Pokemon such as Primarina and Salamence. Articuno can opt to run 204 Defense EVs instead with a Bold nature to improve its matchup versus Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, but this should only be done on teams without Umbreon to handle them, as it lowers Articuno's ability to switch into Defog Salamence as reliably.

Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate a Defogger that beats Hippowdon solo while compressing Heal Bell support. Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside it, checking Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno letting it run Spikes over Defog, as well as bleeding the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Mandibuzz, helping its Spikes stay up more easily. Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro appreciate Articuno enabling Spikes Skarmory, helping them break through opposing teams. Jellicent, in particular, provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, and it appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro can double up as a late-game wincon and appreciates Articuno checking Hippowdon. On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon cover entry hazard setters Articuno cannot beat. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T and opposing Skarmory. Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not have Articuno overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to Articuno and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter. Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego, and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion and Scizor and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro.

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

Haze is an option to check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro, but Articuno can struggle to fit it over Heal Bell, which is required to beat Hippowdon. Articuno can be run on VoltTurn teams with U-turn over Heal Bell, letting it maintain momentum and generate switch-in opportunities for threats such as Diggersby and Chandelure while Defogging for them. Articuno also provides these teams a key switch-in to Primarina, which they struggle to fit when using Zarude as their Grass-type. Articuno can optionally run Heal Bell instead of U-turn on these structures to reliably Defog against Hippowdon and support teammates such as Scizor, letting it be more aggressive with switching into Slowking's Scald and attacking Moltres, but losing U-turn leaves Articuno much more passive.

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be setup fodder for Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. Celesteela takes little damage from Freeze-Dry despite not resisting it and can pressure Articuno heavily, and Iron Defense Skarmory can boost up against and beat Articuno to keep Spikes up. Skarmory must, however, be wary of Freeze-Dry damage due to its poor Special Defense, and non-Iron Defense variants are unable to keep Spikes up versus Articuno, since they can't threaten it enough with Body Press.

**Nihilego**: Nihilego can shrug off any damage Articuno can throw at it with its massive special bulk, reliably keeping Stealth Rock up against it, while forcing Articuno out with its Rock-type STAB moves. Nihilego can use the multiple free turns Articuno gives it to either debilitate key teammates with Knock Off + coverage or set up with Meteor Beam.

**Knock Off and Stealth Rock**: Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock leaves it uncomfortable against Krookodile, which can remove its Heavy-Duty Boots with Knock Off and potentially stop it from Defogging with Taunt and good prediction, but it must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Pokemon like Azelf and Tangrowth that Articuno can usually check are able to force it out with Knock Off if they are paired with an entry hazard setter that Articuno's team cannot beat.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely, given its Ice weakness, but can threaten Articuno with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but it can't directly harm Articuno without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [Mystras Leoxses, 530118]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [UT, 523866]]
 
Last edited:
[OVERVIEW]

  • The combination of Pressure and Defog gives Articuno a fantastic solid (fantastic overdoes it a bit) niche on defensive teams for its ability to out PP hazard setters such as Hippowdon, making it a capable solo Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure gives it the ability to bleed the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and Moltres, allowing its teammates hazards to stay up more easily and enabling Spikes Semi-stall playstyles, and dominating the hazards matchup into opposing defensive teams.
  • As the only Pokemon to possess both Defog and Heal Bell it is able to compress crucial utility, and Heal Bell works amazingly in conjunction with Pressure to allow it to completely 1v1 Toxic users such as Hippowdon.
  • While Articuno's main niche lies in its ability to provide teamwide utility and control the hazards war, it can still provide some crucial defensive utility as a secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, and Gyarados, and even Azelf in matchups where it can counter the Stealth Rock setter, such as against Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel.
  • Articuno is mainly ran on stall teams, but it also has a small niche on VoltTurn balance structures thanks to its ability to reliably beat Hippowdon as a Stealth Rock setter and allow teammates like Scizor to be less wary of Scald or Flame Body burns. since OO you don't include this in overview, can merge this info with your point in OO, unless you imply it can work with standard heal Bell set rather than U-turn. I'd also say how it can open up rocks weak breakers like Entei and switch into Primarina, a huge threat to Voltturn since you're using Zarude. We can talk more in QC about the semantics
  • While Articuno has a strong matchup versus hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, it struggles with Nihilego, Excadrill, and Spikes Iron Defense Skarmory. It's Stealth Rock weakness also means that it can be unreliable into Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile due to Knock Off, although Krookodile still has to be careful of Freeze Dry. aren't most Taunt anyway? Restructure this point. Without the usage of a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside it, Spikes teams featuring Articuno often have to rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to put the opponent in a position where they are more in a position to need to Defog instead. highlight knock off vulnerability in general here too as a follow up to the Krook point
  • Due to its typing Articuno can also be taken advantage of or used as setup fodder by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, as the only thing Articuno can threaten them with is freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry's, mandating solid defensive support. maybe stick in some electric and fire types too? Might be too much I'll rely on your judgement

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

  • Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon like Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but over a longer game can add up considerably versus threats like Scizor that commonly switch into it.
  • Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno 1v1 hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, and use its defensive utility against Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss to remove hazards in matchups against hazard setters it can't 1v1 directly.
  • With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely out PP any one Pokemon's Toxic, while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic Umbreon and Stealth Rock Chansey.
  • 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and maximum Special Defense investment otherwise with a Calm Nature ensures that Articuno checks Pokemon such as Primarina and Salamence as best as possible.
  • we can talk about this more but iirc there is a set with physical defense investment for gyarados, could at least acknowledge that as a mention

  • Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate its value as a Defogger that beats Hippowdon alone and compressing Heal Bell support.
  • Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside Articuno that can check Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor for it with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno's ability to free up Spikes on it instead of Defog, and appreciates its ability to bleed the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Moltres to ensure that its Spikes can stay up more easily.
  • Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro Slowbro-Galar appreciate Articuno's ability to enable Spikes Skarmory, offering them more breaking power into opposing teams. Jellicent in particular provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, and appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro Slowbro-Galar can double up as a late game win-condition and appreciates Articuno checking Hippowdon.
  • On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon pair nicely with Articuno to help cover against hazard setters it cannot beat. more hazard setters. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T and opposing Skarmory.
  • Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to pair with Articuno to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not get overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Salamence, Chandelure, and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to assist Articuno outside of Roost and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter.
  • Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as Azelf, non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego, and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion and Scizor, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro Slowbro-Galar. :puff::puff::puff: it's Galarian Slowbro lol

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

  • Haze is an option on Articuno to check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina, Calm Mind Reuniclus, and Calm Mind Slowbro-Galar, but Articuno can struggle to fit this over Heal Bell as it is required to beat Hippowdon.
  • Articuno can consider using U-turn on VoltTurn Balance teams to maintain momentum, but dropping Freeze-Dry is not worth it due to losing its ability to pressure Pokemon such as Primarina and Amoonguss. as someone who's ran articuno on Voltturn you actually drop Heal Bell lol from how I played, you really need freeze dry for pressure. You can instead talk about how dropping Heal Bell lets it less reliably fog against Hippo and all that.

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be used as setup fodder by Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. add Celesteela here, also bring up skarmory here (see below point)

**Hazard setters that Articuno cannot beat**: Nihilego can 1v1 Articuno safely due to its special defense and Rock-typing. Iron Defense Skarmory can boost up and beat Articuno, however, other Skarmory sets will lose this 1v1 and Skarmory must be careful of Freeze-Dry damage. Krookodile will lose to Articuno without Taunt, but with it is capable of beating Articuno with good prediction due to Knock Off, but must similarly be careful of Freeze-Dry. I feel like this section can be broken up a bit. I would create a Knock Off and Stealth Rock section akin to how Moltres has it and you can bring up threats like Tangrowth, Azelf, and have the Krookodile point go here instead. Imo then just make a section entirely dedicated to Nihilego and it being one of the hardest counters to Articuno


**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely due to its Ice-weakness, but is capable of threatening it with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but is incapable of directly harming it without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack. Raikou can use Articuno as setup fodder with its Calm Mind sets. CM Raikou isn't a main set and thus shouldn't be mentioned

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
QC 1/3 good work
add remove comment
 

pokemonisfun

Banned deucer.
add remove comment

FANTASTIC analysis that shows deep understanding of Articuno's partners and usage in my humble view. Amateur check, please defer to QC.

Estarossa

[OVERVIEW]

  • The combination of Pressure and Defog gives Articuno a solid niche on defensive teams for its ability to out PP hazard setters such as Hippowdon and Chansey, making it a capable solo Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure gives it the ability to bleed the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and MandibuzzMoltres, allowing its teammates hazards to stay up more easily and enabling Spikes Semi-stall playstyles, and dominating the hazards matchup into opposing defensive teams. Just an extra example here if you wanna use it, not necessary though. Agree that hippo is the most important one and should be mentioned. Also, you can but really don't like switching into Moltres to try and predict Defog, so Mandibuzz is another example here that threatens you less. Maybe you can put Skarmory if you prefer since Mandibuzz runs knock on analysis and Skarmory you can switch in on Defog and if it ID's, usually thats not an issue for stall.
  • As one of the only Pokemon to possess both Defog and Heal Bell it is able to compress crucial utility, and Heal Bell works amazingly in conjunction with Pressure to allow it to completely 1v1 Toxic users such as Hippowdon. Togekiss and a couple other Pokemon get Heal Bell and Defog so there are two ways to fix this: 1) do what I suggested and put "one of" or 2) say it's the only effective user of both, since Togekiss and the others aren't very good at using both
  • While Articuno's main niche lies in its ability to provide teamwide utility and control the hazards war, it can still provide some crucial defensive utility as a strong secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, and Gyarados, and even Azelf in matchups where it can counter the Stealth Rock setter, such as against Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel. On some teams, I can imagine Articuno is a primary check to Prim and Mence, it's pretty good at checking all of these so I just replaced your word secondary with strong.
  • While Articuno has a strong matchup versus hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, it struggles with Nihilego, Excadrill, and Spikes Iron Defense Skarmory. It's Stealth Rock weakness also means that it can be unreliable into the more common Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile due to Knock Off, although Krookodile still has to be careful of Freeze Dry. Without the usage of a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside it, Spikes teams featuring Articuno often have to rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to put the opponent in a position where they are more pressured in a position to need to Defog instead. Using the word position a lot in this sentence.
  • Due to its typing Articuno can also be taken advantage of or used as setup fodder by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, as the only thing Articuno can threaten them with is freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry's, mandating solid defensive support.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

  • Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon like Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but over a longer game can add up considerably versus threats like Scizor that commonly switch into it.
  • Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno 1v1 hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, and use its defensive utility against Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss to remove hazards in matchups against hazard setters it can't 1v1 directly.
  • With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely out PP any one Pokemon's Toxic, while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic Umbreon and Stealth Rock Chansey.
  • 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and maximum Special Defense investment with a Calm Nature ensures that Articuno checks Pokemon such as Primarina and Special Salamence as best as possible. Wanna mention Crawdaunt here too since it's a threat to fat, as a mon you outspeed? dd mence is a standard set so i made clear spdef helps with special mence
  • Articuno can opt to run maximum Physical Defense investment instead with a Bold Nature to improve its matchup versus Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, but this should only be done on teams without counters to these threats like Umbreon as it makes removes Articuno much less reliable into threats like Special Salamence and Primarina its ability to reliably switch into Defog Salamence. Two things going on here: 1) It's not that intuitive that you're saying Umbreon is a counter to Gyara/Mence since specially defensive has been the norm for years and Umbreon is rare in general - so I spelled it out for you, that if you lack Umbreon (a counter to these dd threats), then physically defensive cuno becomes more appealing. 2) Even with 252/0, you're still pretty easily switching into Defog Salamence unless it's the rare 252 spa fire blast defog, it still won't 2hko you, so I reworded your sentence to say you're less reliable into special threats instead of unable to switch reliably into defog mence.

  • Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate its value as a Defogger that beats Hippowdon alone and compressing Heal Bell support.
  • Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside Articuno that can check Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor for it with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno's ability to free up Spikes on it instead of Defog, and appreciates its ability to bleed the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Moltres to ensure that its Spikes can stay up more easily. Same as intro, wanna make moltres a different one since cuno hates switching into moltres?
  • Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro appreciate Articuno's ability to enable Spikes Skarmory, offering them more breaking power into opposing teams. Jellicent in particular provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, and appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro can double up as a late game win-condition and appreciates Articuno checking countering Hippowdon. This is all true and fine, but I would be careful here about making this too much about supporting skarm and not supporting cuno.
  • On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon pair nicely with Articuno to help cover against hazard setters it cannot beat. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T and opposing Skarmory.
  • Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to pair with Articuno to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not get overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to assist Articuno outside of Roost and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter. I'd mention Nihilego here over Umbreon since Umbreon isn't usually a special wall, and then rephrase it to "specially defensive Pokemon" since Nihilego isn't really a special wall either (but it does check Moltres and Chandy better than standard Umbreon)
  • Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as Azelf, non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego, and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion and Scizor, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro. Wouldn't say either ground is a good Azelf check really especially as eball is getting common.

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

  • Haze is an option on Articuno to counter check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina, Calm Mind Hatterene Reuniclus, and Calm Mind Slowbro-Galar, but Articuno can struggle to fit this over Heal Bell as it is required to beat Hippowdon. Perhaps mention that Articuno should use Haze only if it has cleric support from Chansey or Umbreon / other example? Hatt is higher than reun in VR.
  • Articuno can be run ran on VoltTurn teams with U-turn over Heal Bell, letting it maintain momentum and generate switch-in opportunities for threats such as Keldeo and Mamoswine Entei and Chandelure while keeping the field clear of hazards for them. It also provides a key switch-in to Primarina, which these teams struggle to fit when using Zarude as their Grass-type. Articuno can optionally run Heal Bell instead of U-turn on these structures to reliably Defog against Hippowdon and provide teammates such as Scizor with cleric support, letting it be more aggressive with switching into Slowking's Scald and freely attacking Moltres, but it leaves Articuno being much more passive without momentum. Keldeo and Mamo seem more relevant (and more common on voltturn) than Entei and Chandelure (and entei and chandelure especially run boots often anyways while Keldeo and Mamo rarely run boots, so "keeping the field clear of hazards") is more relevant for them)

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be used as setup fodder by Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. Celesteela takes little damage from Freeze-Dry despite not resisting it and can pressure Articuno heavily, while Iron Defense variants of Skarmory can boost up against and beat Articuno to keep Spikes up. Skarmory must, however, be wary of Freeze-Dry damage due to its poor special defense and non Iron Defense variants are unable to keep Spikes up versus Articuno.

**Nihilego**: Nihilego can shrug off any damage Articuno can throw at it comfortably due to its massive special bulk, and reliably keep Stealth Rock up against it, while forcing Articuno out with its Rock-typing. Nihilego can use the multiple free turns Articuno gives it to either cripple key parts of its team with Knock Off + coverage or as set up opportunity with Meteor Beam.

**Knock Off and Stealth Rock**: Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock leaves it in an uncomfortable position against Krookodile, who can potentially stop it Defogging hazards away with Taunt with good prediction, but must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Pokemon like Azelf and Tangrowth that Articuno would usually be able to check can threaten Articuno out with Knock Off if they are paired with a hazard setter that Articuno's team cannot beat.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely due to its Ice-weakness, but is capable of threatening it with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but is incapable of directly badly harming it without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack. Rotom-H can directly hurt Articuno but not badly hurt it

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
 

pokemonisfun

Banned deucer.
One other thing I just thought of, when you were talking about use phys def only if you don’t have Umbreon, remember Skarmory is also a decent counter to the DDers, so skarm is another mon that often means phys def Articuno is not sensible
 
Great work
2/3
Finish Jellicent too :worrywhirl:
ADD REMOVE COMMENT CALC
:rs/articuno:

[OVERVIEW]

  • The combination of Pressure and Defog gives Articuno a solid niche on defensive teams for its ability to out PP hazard setters such as Hippowdon, making it a capable solo Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure gives it the ability to bleed the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and Mandibuzz Moltres, allowing its teammates hazards to stay up more easily and enabling Spikes Semi-stall playstyles, and dominating the hazards matchup into opposing defensive teams.
  • As the only Pokemon to possess both Defog and Heal Bell it is able to compress crucial utility, and Heal Bell works amazingly in conjunction with Pressure to allow it to completely 1v1 Toxic users such as Hippowdon.
  • While Articuno's main niche lies in its ability to provide teamwide utility and control the hazards war, it can still provide some crucial defensive utility as a secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, and Gyarados, and even Azelf in matchups where it can counter the Stealth Rock setter, such as against Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel. idk if Regi is common enough for it to be mentioned like this, I would just remove it.
  • While Articuno has a strong matchup versus hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, it struggles with Nihilego, Excadrill, and Spikes Iron Defense Skarmory. Cobalion's also another one I think is worth mentioning It's Stealth Rock weakness also means that it can be unreliable into the more common Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile due to Knock Off, although Krookodile still has to be careful of Freeze Dry. Without the usage of a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside it, Spikes teams featuring Articuno often have to rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to put the opponent in a position where they are more in a position to need to Defog instead.
  • Due to its typing Articuno can also be taken advantage of or used as setup fodder by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, as the only thing Articuno can threaten them with is freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry's, mandating solid defensive support.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
just for the stealth rock number


[SET COMMENTS]

  • Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon like Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but over a longer game can add up considerably versus threats like Scizor that commonly switch into it. add that it can do this because of its high pp count
  • Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno 1v1 hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, and use its defensive utility against Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss to remove hazards in matchups against hazard setters it can't 1v1 directly.
  • With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely out PP any one Pokemon's Toxic, while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic Umbreon and Stealth Rock Chansey.
  • 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and maximum Special Defense investment with a Calm Nature ensures that Articuno checks Pokemon such as Primarina and Salamence as best as possible.
  • Articuno can opt to run maximum Physical Defense investment instead with a Bold Nature to improve its matchup versus Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, but this should only be done on teams without Umbreon as it removes its ability to reliably switch into Defog Salamence.
252 SpA Salamence Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Articuno: 146-172 (38 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Articuno: 156-184 (40.6 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

I mean you can still take a couple hits fine, you roost stall it barring a crit on the switch and a lot of defog are bulky. I'd just tone it down by saying its not as reliable


  • Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate its value as a Defogger that beats Hippowdon alone and compressing Heal Bell support.
  • Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside Articuno that can check Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor for it with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno's ability to free up Spikes on it instead of Defog, and appreciates its ability to bleed the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Mandibuzz Moltres to ensure that its Spikes can stay up more easily.
  • Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro appreciate Articuno's ability to enable Spikes Skarmory, offering them more breaking power into opposing teams. Jellicent in particular provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, I mean does it? you have it down as boots right now on your wip so I imagine knock is gonna do a decent chunk unless you put Colbur in there too and wisp / scald burn checking isnt very reliable. and appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro can double up as a late game win-condition and appreciates Articuno checking Hippowdon.
  • On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon pair nicely with Articuno to help cover against hazard setters it cannot beat. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T and opposing Skarmory.
  • Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to pair with Articuno to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not get overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to assist Articuno outside of Roost and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter.
  • Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as Azelf, non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego, and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion and Scizor, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro.

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

  • Haze is an option on Articuno to check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina, Calm Mind Reuniclus, OOed cm Reuniclus and Calm Mind Slowbro-Galar, but Articuno can struggle to fit this over Heal Bell as it is required to beat Hippowdon.
  • Articuno can be ran on VoltTurn teams with U-turn over Heal Bell, letting it maintain momentum and generate switch-in opportunities for threats such as Entei and Chandelure while keeping the field clear of hazards for them. maybe mention some other teammates than entei and Chandy for the steels like say Diggersby and Moltres It also provides a key switch-in to Primarina, which these teams struggle to fit when using Zarude as their Grass-type. Articuno can optionally run Heal Bell instead of U-turn on these structures to reliably Defog against Hippowdon and provide teammates such as Scizor with cleric support, letting it be more aggressive with switching into Slowking's Scald and freely attacking Moltres, but it leaves Articuno being much more passive without momentum.

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be used as setup fodder by Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. Celesteela takes little damage from Freeze-Dry despite not resisting it and can pressure Articuno heavily, while Iron Defense variants of Skarmory can boost up against and beat Articuno to keep Spikes up. Skarmory must, however, be wary of Freeze-Dry damage due to its poor special defense and non Iron Defense variants are unable to keep Spikes up versus Articuno.

**Nihilego**: Nihilego can shrug off any damage Articuno can throw at it comfortably due to its massive special bulk, and reliably keep Stealth Rock up against it, while forcing Articuno out with its Rock-typing. Nihilego can use the multiple free turns Articuno gives it to either cripple key parts of its team with Knock Off + coverage or as set up opportunity with Meteor Beam.

**Knock Off and Stealth Rock**: Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock leaves it in an uncomfortable position against Krookodile, who can potentially stop it Defogging hazards away with Taunt with good prediction, but must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Pokemon like Azelf and Tangrowth that Articuno would usually be able to check can threaten Articuno out with Knock Off if they are paired with a hazard setter that Articuno's team cannot beat.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely due to its Ice-weakness, but is capable of threatening it with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but is incapable of directly harming it without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [Mystras Leoxses, 530118], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
 

Adeleine

after committing a dangerous crime
is a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC)/(RC): Add/Remove Comma

[OVERVIEW]

The combination of Pressure and Pressure + Defog gives Articuno a solid niche on defensive teams for its ability to out-PP entryhazard to PP stall entry hazard setters such as Hippowdon, making it a capable solo or primary Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure gives it the ability to bleed bleeds the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and Mandibuzz, allowing its teammates entry hazards to stay up more easily and enabling Spikes semi-stall playstyles, while dominating the hazards matchup into which helps its teammates' hazards stay up, enables Spikes semi-stall playstyles, and lets Articuno dominate hazard control against opposing defensive teams. As the only Pokemon to possess both Defog and Heal Bell it is able to compress crucial utility, and the use of Heal Bell works amazingly in conjunction with Pressure to allow it to completely 1v1 Heal Bell compresses more crucial utility, and it works amazingly with Pressure, allowing Articuno to beat Toxic users such as Hippowdon. While Articuno's main niche lies in its ability to provide teamwide utility and control the entry hazards war, it can still provide some crucial defensive utility as a Hippowdon one-on-one. Further still, Articuno is a crucial secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, and Gyarados, and even Azelf in matchups where it can counter the Stealth Rock setter, such as against against teams that use a Stealth Rock setter it counters, such as Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel. Despite having a strong matchup versus hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey, However, Articuno struggles with some other hazard setters in Nihilego, Cobalion, and Spikes + Iron Defense Skarmory. It's Its Stealth Rock weakness also means that it can be unreliable into makes it an unreliable Defogger against the more common Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile due to Knock Off, Krookodile, given Knock Off and Articuno's reliance on Heavy-Duty Boots, although Krookodile still has to be careful of Freeze Dry when trying to prevent Articuno from using Defog with Taunt. fears Freeze-Dry when using Taunt. Without the usage of a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside it, Articuno, Spikes teams featuring Articuno often have to often rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to put the opponent in a position where they are more in a position to need to Defog instead. win the hazards war, forcing the opponent to remove these hazards instead of setting their own. Due to its typing, (AC) Articuno can also be taken advantage of or used as setup fodder exploit edor set up on by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, as the only thing Articuno can threaten them with is which only fear a freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry's, mandating solid defensive support.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon such as Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but over a longer game can add up considerably adds up over a long game versus threats like Scizor that Scizor, which commonly switch into it, (AC) due to its high PP. Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno 1v1 beat entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey and use its defensive utility against Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss to remove entry hazards in matchups against setters it can't 1v1 directly. one-on-one, and even against teams with other setters, its defensive profile lets it Defog on Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss. With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely out PP stall any one Pokemon's Toxic (RC) while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic on Umbreon and Stealth Rock on Chansey. 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and maximum high Special Defense investment with a Calm Nature ensures that Articuno checks help it check Pokemon such as Primarina and Salamence as best as possible. Articuno can opt to run maximum Physical Defense investment 204 Defense EVs (I imagine?) instead with a Bold Nature nature to improve its matchup versus Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, but this should only be done on teams without Umbreon to handle them, (AC. i imagine the addition makes sense?) as it lowers its Articuno's ability to switch into Defog Salamence as reliably.

Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate its value as a Defogger that beats Hippowdon alone and a Defogger that beats Hippowdon solo while compressing Heal Bell support. Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside Articuno that can check it, checking Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor for it with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno's ability to free up Spikes on it instead of Defog, and appreciates its ability to bleed Articuno letting it run Spikes over Defog, as well as bleeding the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Mandibuzz to ensure that its Spikes can Mandibuzz, helping its Spikes stay up more easily. Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro appreciate Articuno's ability to enable Spikes Skarmory, offering them more breaking power into Articuno enabling Spikes Skarmory, helping them break through opposing teams. Jellicent in particular provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, and it appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro can double up as a late game win-condition late-game wincon and appreciates Articuno checking Hippowdon. On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon pair nicely with Articuno to help cover against entry hazard setters it cover entry hazard setters Articuno cannot beat. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T and or opposing Skarmory. Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to pair with Articuno to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not get have Articuno overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to assist Articuno outside of Roost Articuno and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter. Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego Thundurus-T, Nihilego, and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion and Cobalion, Swords Dance Scizor, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro.

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

Haze is an option on Articuno to check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro, but Articuno can struggle to fit this it over Heal Bell as it Bell, which is required to beat Hippowdon. Articuno can be ran run on VoltTurn teams with U-turn over Heal Bell, letting it maintain momentum and generate switch-in opportunities for threats such as Diggersby and Chandelure while keeping the field clear of hazards Defogging for them. It Articuno also provides these teams a key switch-in to Primarina, which these teams they struggle to fit when using Zarude as their Grass-type. Articuno can optionally run Heal Bell instead of U-turn on these structures to reliably Defog against Hippowdon and provide teammates such as Scizor with cleric support, support teammates such as Scizor, letting it be more aggressive with switching into Slowking's Scald and freely attacking Moltres, but it losing U-turn leaves Articuno being much more passive without momentum. much more passive.

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be used as setup fodder by setup fodder for Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. Celesteela takes little damage from Freeze-Dry despite not resisting it and can pressure Articuno heavily, while and Iron Defense variants of Skarmory can boost up against and beat Articuno to keep Spikes up. Skarmory must, however, be wary of Freeze-Dry damage due to its poor special defense Special Defense, and non-Iron (added hyphen) Defense variants are unable to keep Spikes up versus Articuno, since they can't threaten it enough with Body Press. (I imagine? change/clarify if needed)

**Nihilego**: Nihilego can shrug off any damage Articuno can throw at it comfortably due to with its massive special bulk, and reliably keep reliably keeping Stealth Rock up against it, while forcing Articuno out with its Rock typing. Rock-type STAB moves. Nihilego can use the multiple free turns Articuno gives it to either cripple key parts of its team debilitate key teammates with Knock Off + coverage or as set up opportunity set up with Meteor Beam.

**Knock Off and Stealth Rock**: Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock leaves it in an uncomfortable position uncomfortable against Krookodile, who which can remove its Heavy-Duty Boots with Knock Off and (I imagine this makes sense?) potentially stop it Defogging hazards away with Taunt with from Defogging with Taunt and good prediction, but it must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Pokemon like Azelf and Tangrowth that Articuno would usually be able to will usually check can threaten Articuno force it out with Knock Off if they are paired with an entry hazard setter that Articuno's team cannot beat.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely due to its Ice-weakness, but is capable of threatening it safely, given its Ice weakness, but can threaten Articuno with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but is incapable of directly harming it it can't directly harm Articuno without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [Mystras Leoxses, 530118]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [username2, userid2]]
Adeleine.gif
1/2
 

UT

Roaring 20s, tossing pennies in the pool
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Team Rateris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Appeals + C&C Lead
add remove conjecture
[OVERVIEW]

Pressure + Defog gives Articuno a solid niche on defensive teams to PP stall entry hazard setters such as Hippowdon, making it a capable solo or primary Defogger. Alongside this, Pressure bleeds the PP of opposing hazard removers such as Salamence and Mandibuzz, which helps its teammates' hazards stay up, enables Spikes semi-stall playstyles, and lets Articuno dominate hazard control against opposing defensive teams. Heal Bell compresses provides more crucial utility, and it works amazingly with Pressure, allowing Articuno to beat Toxic users such as Hippowdon one-on-one. Further still, Articuno is a crucial secondary check to Pokemon like Primarina, Salamence, Gyarados, and even Azelf against teams that use a Stealth Rock setter it counters, such as Hippowdon, Chansey, or Registeel. However, Articuno struggles with some other hazard setters in Nihilego, Cobalion, and Spikes + Iron Defense Skarmory. Its Stealth Rock weakness also makes it an unreliable Defogger against the more common Taunt variants of Stealth Rock Krookodile, given Knock Off and Articuno's reliance on Heavy-Duty Boots, although Krookodile still fears Freeze-Dry when using Taunt. Without a second hazard remover such as Flygon alongside Articuno, Spikes teams often rely on using the overwhelming threat of their own hazards to win the hazards war, forcing the opponent to remove these hazards instead of setting their own. Due to its typing, Articuno can also be exploited or set up on by threats like Scizor, Cobalion, and Nihilego, which only fear a freeze from repeated Freeze-Dry usage, mandating solid defensive support.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Freeze-Dry
move 2: Defog
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Freeze-Dry lets Articuno threaten Pokemon such as Primarina, Amoonguss, and Zarude. Its 10% freeze chance is low at face value, but adds up over a long game versus threats like Scizor, which commonly switch into it, due to its high PP. Defog alongside Pressure lets Articuno beat entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Chansey one-on-one, and even against teams with other setters, its defensive profile lets it Defog on Pokemon like Primarina and Amoonguss. With Heal Bell and Pressure, Articuno can safely PP stall any one Pokemon's Toxic while offering key cleric support to teammates, opening up superior move options on teammates such as Toxic on Umbreon and Stealth Rock on Chansey. 56 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Choice Specs Primarina, and high Special Defense investment with a Calm helps it check Pokemon such as Primarina and Salamence. Articuno can opt to run 204 Defense EVs instead with a Bold nature to improve its matchup versus Dragon Dance Gyarados and Salamence, but this should only be done on teams without Umbreon to handle them, as it lowers Articuno's ability to switch into Defog Salamence as reliably.

Articuno fits primarily on semi-stall and stall teams that appreciate a Defogger that beats Hippowdon solo while compressing Heal Bell support. Skarmory is a fantastic fit alongside it, checking Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Swords Dance Scizor with Iron Defense. Skarmory values Articuno letting it run Spikes over Defog, as well as bleeding the PP of Defog users such as Salamence and Mandibuzz, helping its Spikes stay up more easily. Defensive wallbreakers such as Taunt Jellicent, Hex Chandelure, and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro appreciate Articuno enabling Spikes Skarmory, helping them break through opposing teams. Jellicent, in particular, commas provides key defensive value as a check to threats such as Keldeo, Cobalion, and Scizor, and it appreciates Articuno clearing it of status it may pick up from Pokemon like Skarmory and Amoonguss, while Galarian Slowbro can double up as a late-game wincon and appreciates Articuno checking Hippowdon. On full stall teams, secondary Defog users such as Skarmory and Flygon cover entry hazard setters Articuno cannot beat. Iron Defense Skarmory can help beat Excadrill and opposing Skarmory, while Flygon can counter Nihilego and beat pivot Thundurus-T or and opposing Skarmory. Primary special walls such as Umbreon and Chansey are important to check threats such as Moltres and Chandelure and not have Articuno overwhelmed by Salamence and Primarina. Umbreon can offer Wish support to Articuno and check threats such as Swords Dance + Knock Off Scizor, while Chansey can provide a Stealth Rock setter. Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Quagsire can check Pokemon such as non-Grass Knot Thundurus-T and Nihilego, or and Rotom-H for Articuno. Hippowdon can also provide Stealth Rock support and a Hatterene answer with its Rocky Helmet sets, while Quagsire can reliably counter Pokemon like Swords Dance Cobalion, Swords Dance and Scizor, comma and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro.

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

Haze is an option to check Pokemon such as Calm Mind + Rest Primarina and Calm Mind Galarian Slowbro, but Articuno can struggle to fit it over Heal Bell, which is required to beat Hippowdon. Articuno can be run on VoltTurn teams with U-turn over Heal Bell, letting it maintain momentum and generate switch-in opportunities for threats such as Diggersby and Chandelure while Defogging for them. Articuno also provides these teams a key switch-in to Primarina, which they struggle to fit when using Zarude as their Grass-type. Articuno can optionally run Heal Bell instead of U-turn on these structures to reliably Defog against Hippowdon and support teammates such as Scizor, letting it be more aggressive with switching into Slowking's Scald and attacking Moltres, but losing U-turn leaves Articuno much more passive.

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

**Steel-types**: Due to its low power and lack of coverage, Articuno can be setup fodder for Steel-types such as Scizor and Cobalion. In addition to this, Steel-types such as Cobalion, Excadrill, and Jirachi are Stealth Rock setters Articuno cannot beat. Celesteela takes little damage from Freeze-Dry despite not resisting it and can pressure Articuno heavily, and Iron Defense Skarmory can boost up against and beat Articuno to keep Spikes up. Skarmory must, however, be wary of Freeze-Dry damage due to its poor Special Defense, and non-Iron Defense variants are unable to keep Spikes up versus Articuno, since they can't threaten it enough with Body Press.

**Nihilego**: Nihilego can shrug off any damage Articuno can throw at it with its massive special bulk, reliably keeping Stealth Rock up against it, while forcing Articuno out with its Rock-type STAB moves. Nihilego can use the multiple free turns Articuno gives it to either debilitate key teammates with Knock Off + coverage or set up with Meteor Beam.

**Knock Off and Stealth Rock**: Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock leaves it uncomfortable against Krookodile, which can remove its Heavy-Duty Boots with Knock Off and potentially stop it from Defogging with Taunt and good prediction, but it must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Pokemon like Azelf and Tangrowth that Articuno can usually check are able to force it out with Knock Off if they are paired with an entry hazard setter that Articuno's team cannot beat.

**Electric-types**: Thundurus-T cannot switch into Articuno safely, given its Ice weakness, but can threaten Articuno with its Electric-type moves and Knock Off. Raikou also pressures Articuno with Thunderbolt. Rotom-H can shrug off anything Articuno can throw at it, but it can't directly harm Articuno without Nasty Plot due to its low Special Attack.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Estarossa, 461329]]
- Quality checked by: [[Monky25, 515132], [Mystras Leoxses, 530118]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [UT, 523866]]

GP 2/2!



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