PU Articuno (Specially Defensive) [QC: 3/3] [GP: 2/2]

uploaded -mz

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Heal Bell / Toxic / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe

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

Given this set's defensive nature, Roost is vital for longevity. With it temporarily removing its Flying typing, Articuno can use Roost to safely scout for and PP stall threatening Rock-type moves from slower Pokemon like Aurorus and Regirock. It also helps against Eelektross, which may try to pressure Articuno with Volt Switch. Defog supports not only Articuno's teammates but also itself, as steering its side clear of Stealth Rock is an integral part of keeping Articuno healthy. Articuno will have many chances to make use of this move thanks to its ability to switch into many common entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, Qwilfish, and Weezing with little to no risk. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's Ice-type STAB attack with added coverage on Water-type Pokemon, punishing Qwilfish, Lanturn, and Carracosta. Moreover, it always OHKOes Alolan Exeggutor and Ludicolo after Stealth Rock damage and can pressure bulky variants of Oricorio-G. Heal Bell cures Articuno and its teammates of status conditions. Thanks to Pressure, Articuno can stall a single Pokemon out of all its Toxic PP, which is great for dealing with individual users like Clefairy. Alternatively, Toxic is a staple on the bulkier and stall teams that Articuno best fits in as a top-notch option for wearing down defensive and offensive Pokemon alike. In Articuno's case, it's also punishes Fire-type switch-ins like Combusken. Substitute takes advantage of Articuno's Pressure against Pokemon by reliably stalling out moves like Regirock's Stone Edge or Rock Slide and Aggron's Head Smash. Stalling out Regirock's STAB attack can be helpful, as it can't significantly damage Articuno otherwise, allowing it to remove its Stealth Rock throughout the battle safely. It can also be useful for avoiding Toxic from Pokemon like Pyukumuku. Haze is a unique choice that negates stat boosts, which is particularly notable for disrupting Calm Mind users such as Spiritomb, Clefairy, Mesprit, and Musharna throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Pressure allows Articuno to stall out crucial moves from opposing Pokemon to alleviate pressure for the rest of the team. Leftovers gradually restores Articuno's HP and, with Roost, makes Articuno as durable as possible. 248 HP EVs and 208 EVs in Special Defense provide Articuno with great special bulk, notably allowing it to always survive a Choice Specs-boosted Blizzard from Aurorus after Stealth Rock damage and safely Roost off the damage afterward. 52 Speed EVs let Articuno outspeed Jolly Aggron, which gives it the option to scout and stall out its strong STAB moves with Substitute. Outspeeding Aurorus is noteworthy as well; Articuno can use Roost first to gain a resistance to its Ice-type STAB attacks and reduce its Rock weakness, allowing it to tank subsequent hits and stall out Aurorus's limited PP with ease. If Articuno isn't running Substitute, Articuno can reduce its Speed investment to 44 EVs, which gives a minor increase to its special bulk and still lets it outspeed Aurorus.

Usage Tips
========

One must keep track of the PP of moves of opposing Pokemon that Articuno can be in a position to stall, as this is effectively Articuno's way to secure a win for its team, whether it's through stalling out Aggron's Head Smash, Mesprit's Stealth Rock, or Clefairy's Moonblast PP. Otherwise, Articuno should prioritize utilizing Pressure by proactively switching into Stealth Rock users and other hazard users that can't directly threaten it like Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish and removing them with ease. The threat of Freeze-Dry deters Qwilfish enough to force it out as opposed to Taunting, so this can be used to Articuno's advantage. If the opponent already manages to have Stealth Rock out on the field, it is highly advised to rely on the secondary remover to clear them out on the field instead of recklessly switching Articuno in to remove them. Utilize options like Heal Bell or Substitute to deal with potential status ailments. If using Heal Bell, Articuno should directly switch into Toxic users that can't threaten it, as with Pressure it can win the PP war against any individual Toxic user. Articuno should keep itself as healthy as possible with Roost, as it can act as a secondary pivot into strong special attackers when teammates like Audino are weakened, such as against Drampa, Ludicolo, and Lilligant. It can also use Haze to stop a variety of forms of setup from Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefairy and Lurantis.

Team Options
========

Articuno is specialized on stall-oriented teams as a staple option for entry hazard control thanks to its reliable recovery, its great bulk, and the great options it has for supporting its teammates. Despite it acting as a Defogger, separate hazard control remains vital alongside it to maintain its longevity due to its Stealth Rock weakness. Skuntank and Altaria are notable picks, with the former being great for bulky teams that need a Toxic Spikes absorber while also a decent check to stallbreakers like Oricorio-G. Altaria offers good support with its utility and reliability as a Defogger and is able to come in more safely against Eelektross and Combusken and remove hazards. As this set is meant to be used on stall teams, standard stall staples such as Audino and Pyukumuku are expected to be run alongside it, as they form a core that is vital in providing recovery, Wish passing, spreading Toxic, and blanket checking a majority of threats. These three Pokemon can also all alternate their support options based on the team's needs. Physical tanks such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Tangela can be quite effective in taking on physical attackers such as Stoutland, Aggron, Lycanroc, and Alolan Raticate. These Pokemon, in general, also appreciate Articuno's ability to check Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type special attackers like Poliwrath, Aurorus, and Bellossom.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[jklioe, 424692]]
- Quality checked by: [[Megazard, 202117], [UberSkitty, 355061], [allstarapology, 400292]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The-Dutch-Plumberjack, 232216], [P-Squared, 168392]]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

MZ

And now for something completely different
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[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Heal Bell / Toxic / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Given this set's defensive-oriented nature, Roost is what holds it all together as it is vital for maintaining longevity and actively taking advantage of Articuno's ability in Pressure throughout the battle. With the added effect of temporarily removing its Flying-type during its use, Articuno can use this move to safely scout for and PP stall threatening Rock-type moves from the likes of slower Pokemon like Aurorus and Regirock. It also helps to provide refuge from Eelektross as it may attempt to pressure it by damaging it with Volt Switch. Due to Articuno's massive special bulk, it can also initially scout for all non-Firium Z Pyroar sets at full HP and recover off the damage safely afterward.
  • Defog is an excellent option for supporting not only its teammates by keeping all hazards out the field, but itself also, as steering its side clear of Stealth Rock is an integral part of keeping Articuno healthy throughout the match. Articuno will have many chances to make use of this move thanks to its fantastic overall bulk and ability to directly switch into many common hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, Qwilfish, and Weezing with little to no risk.
  • Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary Ice STAB that gives Articuno a way of racking up consistent damage and is its most consistent STAB option as it offers the best neutral coverage due to the added coverage on Water-type Pokemon, significantly punishing Qwilfish, Lanturn, and Carracosta. Moreover, it always OHKOs Kingler, while also securing the same result against Alolan Exeggutor and Ludicolo after Stealth Rock damage.
  • Heal Bell allows Articuno to carve out the role of a cleric for the team as it cures itself and its teammates of status conditions. Thanks to Articuno's Pressure ability, its advantages of this move are multi-layered as it also allows it to stall out a single user's entire PP of Toxic, which can be great when dealing with individual users such as Clefairy.
  • Toxic is a staple on the bulkier and stall teams that Articuno bests fits in as it's one of their primary options for actively threatening defensive and offensive Pokemon alike. In Articuno's case, it's great for punishing Fire-type switch-ins from the likes of Pyroar and Combusken, and it adds even more pressure against Pokemon like Eelektross, Audino, Mesprit, and Aurorus.
  • Substitute is another practical option on the final slot as it takes advantage of Articuno's Pressure ability against a variety of Pokemon by more reliably stalling out the PP of Regirock's Stone Edge/Rock Slide and Aggron's Head Smash. Stalling out Regirock's STAB moves, in particular, can be advantageous as it won't have an option to significantly damage Articuno otherwise, allowing it to remove Regirock's Stealth Rock throughout the battle safely. It can also be situationally useful for avoiding Toxic from Pokemon like Pyukumuku.
  • Haze is a unique option that allows Articuno to negate stat boosts, which is notable for disrupting and beating Calm Mind users such as Spiritomb, Clefairy, Mesprit, and Musharna throughout the match.
  • Hidden Power Fighting use on the 4th slot can be justified if its utility options aren't needed, as it provides a coverage option that deals significant damage against all of Aggron, Alolan Sandslash, Aurorus, and Probopass. i don't think this is worth mentioning outside of OO (can edit it in when this is uploaded). it's absolutely good on non-defensive sets, but this set already has 4mss issues and i just wouldnt fit hp fighting onto defog cuno, certainly not commonly enough to warrant moves

Set Details
========
  • Pressure's utility is multipurpose, as it is extremely useful in allowing Articuno to stall out a myriad crucial moves from opposing Pokemon to alleviate pressure for the rest of the team. how is that multipurpose? i only see one purpose here
  • Leftovers gradually restore Articuno's HP and in combination with Roost, allows Articuno to stay as durable as possible.
  • 52 Speed EVs in Speed allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Aggron, which would give it the option to scout and stall out its strong STAB options with Substitute. The utility in ouspeeding Aurorus is very noteworthy as well; Being able to Roost firsthand allows Articuno to resist its Ice STAB and reduce its Rock weakness, allowing it to tank subsequent hits well and stall out Aurorus' limited PP with relative ease.
  • If Articuno is not running Substitute, Articuno can reduce its speed to 44 EVs which can add a notable increase into its special bulk including a relevant jump point, while still outspeeding Aurorus.
  • 248 HP EVs and 208 EVs in Special Defense provides Articuno a great deal of special bulk, notably allowing it to always survive a Choice Specs-boosted Blizzard from Aurorus after Stealth Rock damage and is able to safely Roost the damage afterward.

Usage Tips
========
  • Articuno should always prioritize utilizing Pressure by proactively switching into Stealth Rock users and other hazard users that can't directly threaten it, such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish and removing them with ease. The threat of Freeze-Dry does deter Qwilfish enough to force it out as opposed to Taunting it, so that should be used to its advantage. i don't see how switching into these mons utilizes pressure. like it should utilize pressure and it should switch into removers that cant threaten it, but those are different no? unless u mean literally stall out hazards pp, in which case specify that well. also most cuno stall has secondary remover so im not sure exactly how high priority this is, u might have less cuno defog PP than mesprit has SR PP, but u have more removal between cuno and ur hitmonchan/skunk/whatever
  • If the opponent already manages to have Stealth Rock out on the field, it is heavily advised to rely on the secondary remover to clear them out on the field instead of recklessly switching Articuno in to remove them.
  • It's important to keep track of the PP of moves of opposing Pokemon that Articuno can be in a position to stall, as this is effectively Articuno's form of setting up a win condition for its own team, whether it's through stalling out Aggron's Head Smash, Mesprit's Stealth Rock, or Clefairy's Moonblast PP.
  • Utilize options like Heal Bell or Substitute to deal with potential status ailments. If using Heal Bell, Articuno should directly switch into Toxic users that can't threaten it as with Pressure it can win the PP war against any individual Toxic user.
  • Articuno should opt to keep itself as healthy as possible with Roost, as it can be used as a secondary pivot into strong special attackers when Audino is weakened, such as against Choice Specs Drampa, Aurorus, and Lilligant. It can also use Haze to stop a variety of forms of set up from Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefairy and Lurantis.
Team Options
========

  • Articuno is specialized on Stall-oriented teams as a staple option for hazard control thanks to to its reliable recovery, great bulk, and the great options it has for supporting its teammates. Despite it acting as a Defogger of its own, separate hazard control remains vital alongside it to maintain its longevity. Skuntank, Altaria, and Silvally-Electric are notable picks. don't mention silv electric lol, even if it's not terrible it's still unranked and not rly notable enough for this
  • As this set is meant to be used on stall teams, standard stall staples such as Audino and Pyukumuku are expected to be run alongside it, as they form a core that is vital in providing recovery, Wish passing, spreading Toxic, and blanket checking a majority of threats. These three Pokemon can also all alternate their support options based on the team's needs.
  • Physical tanks such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Tangela can be quite effective in taking on physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland, Aggron, and Alolan Raticate. Regirock also provides a good check to Pokemon like Pyroar, and in general, these Pokemon appreciate Articuno's ability in checking special attacking Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types like Poliwrath, Bellossom, and Aurorus.
stamp.gif
1/3
 

UberSkitty

Assist Skitty was too broken for NDUbers
is a Site Content Manageris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Heal Bell / Toxic / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Given this set's defensive-oriented nature, Roost is what holds it all together as it is vital for maintaining longevity and actively taking advantage of Articuno's ability in Pressure throughout the battle. With the added effect of temporarily removing its Flying-type during its use, Articuno can use this move to safely scout for and PP stall threatening Rock-type moves from the likes of slower Pokemon like Aurorus and Regirock. It also helps to provide refuge from Eelektross as it may attempt to pressure it by damaging it with Volt Switch. Due to Articuno's massive special bulk, it can also initially scout for all non-Firium Z Pyroar sets at full HP and recover off the damage safely afterward.
  • Defog is an excellent option for supporting not only its teammates by keeping all hazards out the field, but itself also, as steering its side clear of Stealth Rock is an integral part of keeping Articuno healthy throughout the match. Articuno will have many chances to make use of this move thanks to its fantastic overall bulk and ability to directly switch into many common hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, Qwilfish, and Weezing with little to no risk.(I wouldn't want to be depending on Cuno to be removing SR, also mention that Cuno is immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes)
  • Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary Ice STAB that gives Articuno a way of racking up consistent damage and is its most consistent STAB option as it offers the best neutral coverage due to the added coverage on Water-type Pokemon, significantly punishing Qwilfish, Lanturn, and Carracosta. Moreover, it always OHKOs Kingler(Kingler), while also securing the same result against Alolan Exeggutor and Ludicolo after Stealth Rock damage.
  • Heal Bell allows Articuno to carve out the role of a cleric for the team as it cures itself and its teammates of status conditions. Thanks to Articuno's Pressure ability, its advantages of this move are multi-layered as it also allows it to stall out a single user's entire PP of Toxic, which can be great when dealing with individual users such as Clefairy.
  • Toxic is a staple on the bulkier and stall teams that Articuno bests fits in as it's one of their primary options for actively threatening(Specify that it wears them down) defensive and offensive Pokemon alike. In Articuno's case, it's great for punishing Fire-type switch-ins from the likes of Pyroar and Combusken, and it adds even more pressure against Pokemon like Eelektross, Audino, Mesprit, and Aurorus.
  • Substitute is another practical option on the final slot as it takes advantage of Articuno's Pressure ability against a variety of Pokemon by more reliably stalling out the PP of Regirock's Stone Edge/Rock Slide and Aggron's Head Smash. Stalling out Regirock's STAB moves, in particular, can be advantageous as it won't have an option to significantly damage Articuno otherwise, allowing it to remove Regirock's Stealth Rock throughout the battle safely. It can also be situationally useful for avoiding Toxic from Pokemon like Pyukumuku.(it can also be used to scout slower choice locked mons)
  • Haze is a unique option that allows Articuno to negate stat boosts, which is notable for disrupting and beating Calm Mind users such as Spiritomb, Clefairy, Mesprit, and Musharna throughout the match.(Also just a nice backup for setup mons other than CM users)
Set Details
========
  • Pressure's utility is extremely useful in allowing Articuno to stall out a myriad crucial moves from opposing Pokemon to alleviate pressure for the rest of the team.
  • Leftovers gradually restore Articuno's HP and in combination with Roost, allows Articuno to stay as durable as possible.
  • 52 Speed EVs in Speed allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Aggron, which would give it the option to scout and stall out its strong STAB options with Substitute. The utility in ouspeeding Aurorus is very noteworthy as well; Being able to Roost firsthand allows Articuno to resist its Ice STAB and reduce its Rock weakness, allowing it to tank subsequent hits well and stall out Aurorus' limited PP with relative ease.
  • If Articuno is not running Substitute, Articuno can reduce its speed to 44 EVs which can add a notable increase into its special bulk (12 extra EVs in spedef is a notable increase?)including a relevant jump point, while still outspeeding Aurorus.
  • 248 HP EVs and 208 EVs in Special Defense provides Articuno a great deal of special bulk, notably allowing it to always survive a Choice Specs-boosted Blizzard from Aurorus after Stealth Rock damage and is able to safely Roost the damage afterward.(Move this before the Speed, since the bulk is the most important part of its EVs)

Usage Tips
========
  • Articuno should always prioritize utilizing Pressure by proactively switching into Stealth Rock users and other hazard users that can't directly threaten it, such as Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish and removing them with ease. The threat of Freeze-Dry does deter Qwilfish enough to force it out as opposed to Taunting it, so that should be used to its advantage.
  • If the opponent already manages to have Stealth Rock out on the field, it is heavily advised to rely on the secondary remover to clear them out on the field instead of recklessly switching Articuno in to remove them.
  • It's important to keep track of the PP of moves of opposing Pokemon that Articuno can be in a position to stall, as this is effectively Articuno's form of setting up a win condition for its own team, whether it's through stalling out Aggron's Head Smash, Mesprit's Stealth Rock, or Clefairy's Moonblast PP.(Put this point first, its more important than hazard stuff. Also add a sentence to the front just summarizing that Cuno PP stalls stuff)
  • Utilize options like Heal Bell or Substitute to deal with potential status ailments. If using Heal Bell, Articuno should directly switch into Toxic users that can't threaten it as with Pressure it can win the PP war against any individual Toxic user.
  • Articuno should opt to keep itself as healthy as possible with Roost, as it can be used as a secondary pivot into strong special attackers when Audino is weakened(I'd rather say something like "teammates like Audino", also move the special attacker examples before the Audino mention, since it's smoother), such as against Choice Specs Drampa, Aurorus(Kinda an odd example, since HP Rock has a chance to OHKO. I'd make a note on watching out for moves like that, or just remove Aurorus), and Lilligant. It can also use Haze to stop a variety of forms of set up from Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefairy and Lurantis.(Maybe expand on haze, mention switching in on a predicted setup move like Shell Smash or something)
Team Options
========

  • Articuno is specialized on Stall-oriented teams as a staple option for hazard control thanks to to its reliable recovery, great bulk, and the great options it has for supporting its teammates. Despite it acting as a Defogger of its own, separate hazard control remains vital alongside it to maintain its longevity(Just say cuz of its weakness to SR). Skuntank and Altaria are notable picks.
  • As this set is meant to be used on stall teams, standard stall staples such as Audino and Pyukumuku are expected to be run alongside it, as they form a core that is vital in providing recovery, Wish passing, spreading Toxic, and blanket checking a majority of threats. These three Pokemon can also all alternate their support options based on the team's needs.
  • Physical tanks such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Tangela can be quite effective in taking on physical wallbreakers such as Stoutland, Aggron, and Alolan Raticate. Regirock also provides a good check to Pokemon like Pyroar, and in general, these Pokemon appreciate Articuno's ability in checking special attacking Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types like Poliwrath, Bellossom, and Aurorus.(Still iffy on Aurorus)(Tangela and Mudsdale also help with Rock mons, and Mudsdale also helps with Electric and Steel mons)(All 3 also appreciate Heal Bell Support)
I feel like some of the sentences could be simplified down a little, but otherwise pretty good, QC 2/3.
 

asa

is a Site Content Manageris a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
PU Leader
I'd mention Oricorio-G as a Freeze-Dry target given that bulky variants are the bane of defensive teams's existence. It especially doesn't appreciate trying to Taunt, set up on, and / or use Roost against it because of that freeze chance. The lack of Oricorio-G mentions until the end is also something I want to highlight, as you could probably mention in the bit where you talk about how Qwilfish isn't gonna go for Taunt versus you because of Freeze-Dry.

Not sure how I feel about Skuntank being mentioned before Altaria as a primary Defogger on stall.

To make CMS easier, I'd advise that you remove Pyroar mentions now, and I'll put them back if (for whatever the fuck reason) it doesn't get banned.

qc 3/3.
smallhoopa.gif
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Heal Bell / Toxic / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe

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

Given this set's defensive nature, Roost is vital for longevity. With it temporarily removing its Flying-type Flying typing, Articuno can use Roost to safely scout for and PP stall threatening Rock-type moves from slower Pokemon like Aurorus and Regirock. It also helps against Eelektross, (AC) as it which may try to pressure it Articuno with Volt Switch. Defog supports not only its Articuno's teammates by removing hazards, but also itself also, as steering its side clear of Stealth Rock is an integral part of keeping Articuno healthy. Articuno will have many chances to make use of this move thanks to its ability to switch into many common entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, Qwilfish, and Weezing with little to no risk. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's main Ice STAB attack with the added coverage on Water-type Pokemon, punishing Qwilfish, Lanturn, and Carracosta. Moreover, it always OHKOs OHKOes Alolan Exeggutor and Ludicolo after Stealth Rock damage and can pressure bulky variants of Oricorio-G. Heal Bell cures Articuno and its teammates of status conditions. Thanks to Pressure, it Articuno' can stall out a single user's entire PP of Pokemon out of all its Toxic PP, which is great for dealing with individual users like Clefairy. Alternatively, Toxic is a staple on the bulkier and stall teams that Articuno best fits in as a top-notch option for wearing down defensive and offensive Pokemon alike. In Articuno's case, it's also punishes Fire-type switch-ins from the likes of like Combusken. Substitute takes advantage of Articuno's Pressure against Pokemon by reliably stalling out moves like Regirock's Stone Edge or Rock Slide and Aggron's Head Smash. Stalling out Regirock's STAB attack can be helpful, (AC) as it can’t can't significantly damage Articuno otherwise, allowing it to remove its Stealth Rock throughout the battle safely. It can also be useful for avoiding Toxic from Pokemon like Pyukumuku. Haze is a unique choice that negates stat boosts, which is particularly notable for disrupting Calm Mind users such as Spiritomb, Clefairy, Mesprit, and Musharna throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Pressure's utility is useful in allowing allows Articuno to stall out crucial moves from opposing Pokemon to alleviate pressure for the rest of the team. Leftovers gradually restores Articuno's HP and, (AC) with Roost, allows makes Articuno to stay as durable as possible. 248 HP EVs and 208 EVs in Special Defense provides provide Articuno with great special bulk, notably allowing it to always survive a Choice Specs-boosted Blizzard from Aurorus after Stealth Rock damage and safely Roost off the damage afterward. 52 Speed EVs in Speed lets let Articuno outspeed Jolly Aggron, which gives it the option to scout and stall out its strong STAB moves with Substitute. Outspeeding Aurorus is noteworthy as well; Articuno can use Roost firsthand to resist the gain a resistance to its Ice STAB attacks and reduce its Rock weakness, allowing it to tank subsequent hits and stall out Aurorus's limited PP with ease. If Articuno isn't running Substitute, Articuno can reduce its Speed investment to 44 EVs, (AC) which adds a minor increase into its special bulk with a jump point, (never relevant on its own unless it hits a specific benchmark) while still outspeeding and still lets it outspeed Aurorus.

Usage Tips
========

One must keep track of the PP of moves of opposing Pokemon that Articuno can be in a position to stall, as this is effectively Articuno's form of a win condition way to secure a win for its team, whether it's through stalling out Aggron's Head Smash, Mesprit's Stealth Rock, or Clefairy's Moonblast PP. Otherwise, Articuno should prioritize utilizing Pressure by proactively switching into Stealth Rock users and other hazard users that can't directly threaten it (RC) like Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish and removing them with ease. The threat of Freeze-Dry deters Qwilfish enough to force it out as opposed to Taunting, so that this can be used to Articuno's advantage. If the opponent already manages to have Stealth Rock out on the field, it is highly advised to rely on the secondary remover to clear them out on the field instead of recklessly switching Articuno in to remove them. Utilize options like Heal Bell or Substitute to deal with potential status ailments. If using Heal Bell, Articuno should directly switch into Toxic users that can't threaten it, (AC) as with Pressure it can win the PP war against any individual Toxic user. Articuno should keep itself as healthy as possible with Roost, as it can act as a secondary pivot into strong special attackers when teammates like Audino are weakened, such as against Drampa, Ludicolo, and Lilligant. It can also use Haze to stop a variety of forms of set up from Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefairy and Lurantis.

Team Options
========

Articuno is specialized on stall-oriented teams as a staple option for entry hazard control thanks to its reliable recovery, its great bulk, and the great options it has for supporting its teammates. Despite it acting as a Defogger, separate hazard control remains vital alongside it to maintain its longevity due to its Stealth Rock weakness. Skuntank and Altaria are notable picks, with the former being great for bulky teams that need a Toxic Spikes absorber while also a decent check to stallbreakers like Oricorio-Sensu Oricorio-G. Altaria offers good support with its utility and reliability as a Defogger (RC) while being and is able to come in more safely against Eelektross and Combusken and remove hazards. As this set is meant to be used on stall teams, standard stall staples such as Audino and Pyukumuku are expected to be run alongside it, as they form a core that is vital in providing recovery, Wish passing, spreading Toxic, and blanket checking a majority of threats. These three Pokemon can also all alternate their support options based on the team's needs. Physical tanks such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Tangela can be quite effective in taking on physical attackers such as Stoutland, Aggron, Lycanroc, and Alolan Raticate. These Pokemon, in general, also appreciate Articuno's ability in checking special attacking Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types like Poliwrath, Bellossom, and Aurorus, and Bellossom.
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 2/2
add remove comment

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Defog
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Heal Bell / Toxic / Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe

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

Given this set's defensive nature, Roost is vital for longevity. With it temporarily removing its Flying typing, Articuno can use Roost to safely scout for and PP stall threatening Rock-type moves from slower Pokemon like Aurorus and Regirock. It also helps against Eelektross, which may try to pressure Articuno with Volt Switch. Defog supports not only Articuno's teammates but also itself, as steering its side clear of Stealth Rock is an integral part of keeping Articuno healthy. Articuno will have many chances to make use of this move thanks to its ability to switch into many common entry hazard setters such as Mesprit, Clefairy, Qwilfish, and Weezing with little to no risk. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's main Ice-type STAB attack with the added coverage on Water-type Pokemon, punishing Qwilfish, Lanturn, and Carracosta. Moreover, it always OHKOes Alolan Exeggutor and Ludicolo after Stealth Rock damage and can pressure bulky variants of Oricorio-G. Heal Bell cures Articuno and its teammates of status conditions. Thanks to Pressure, Articuno' (remove apostrophe) can stall a single Pokemon out of all its Toxic PP, which is great for dealing with individual users like Clefairy. Alternatively, Toxic is a staple on the bulkier and stall teams that Articuno best fits in as a top-notch option for wearing down defensive and offensive Pokemon alike. In Articuno's case, it's also punishes Fire-type switch-ins like Combusken. Substitute takes advantage of Articuno's Pressure against Pokemon by reliably stalling out moves like Regirock's Stone Edge or Rock Slide and Aggron's Head Smash. Stalling out Regirock's STAB attack can be helpful, as it can't significantly damage Articuno otherwise, allowing it to remove its Stealth Rock throughout the battle safely. It can also be useful for avoiding Toxic from Pokemon like Pyukumuku. Haze is a unique choice that negates stat boosts, which is particularly notable for disrupting Calm Mind users such as Spiritomb, Clefairy, Mesprit, and Musharna throughout the match.

Set Details
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Pressure allows Articuno to stall out crucial moves from opposing Pokemon to alleviate pressure for the rest of the team. Leftovers gradually restores Articuno's HP and, with Roost, makes Articuno as durable as possible. 248 HP EVs and 208 EVs in Special Defense provide Articuno with great special bulk, notably allowing it to always survive a Choice Specs-boosted Blizzard from Aurorus after Stealth Rock damage and safely Roost off the damage afterward. 52 Speed EVs in Speed let Articuno outspeed Jolly Aggron, which gives it the option to scout and stall out its strong STAB moves with Substitute. Outspeeding Aurorus is noteworthy as well; Articuno can use Roost first to gain a resistance to its Ice-type STAB attacks and reduce its Rock weakness, allowing it to tank subsequent hits and stall out Aurorus's limited PP with ease. If Articuno isn't running Substitute, Articuno can reduce its Speed investment to 44 EVs, (AC) (keep comma, remove comments) which adds gives a minor increase into its special bulk and still lets it outspeed Aurorus.

Usage Tips
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One must keep track of the PP of moves of opposing Pokemon that Articuno can be in a position to stall, as this is effectively Articuno's way to secure a win for its team, whether it's through stalling out Aggron's Head Smash, Mesprit's Stealth Rock, or Clefairy's Moonblast PP. Otherwise, Articuno should prioritize utilizing Pressure by proactively switching into Stealth Rock users and other hazard users that can't directly threaten it like Mesprit, Clefairy, and Qwilfish and removing them with ease. The threat of Freeze-Dry deters Qwilfish enough to force it out as opposed to Taunting, so this can be used to Articuno's advantage. If the opponent already manages to have Stealth Rock out on the field, it is highly advised to rely on the secondary remover to clear them out on the field instead of recklessly switching Articuno in to remove them. Utilize options like Heal Bell or Substitute to deal with potential status ailments. If using Heal Bell, Articuno should directly switch into Toxic users that can't threaten it, as with Pressure it can win the PP war against any individual Toxic user. Articuno should keep itself as healthy as possible with Roost, as it can act as a secondary pivot into strong special attackers when teammates like Audino are weakened, such as against Drampa, Ludicolo, and Lilligant. It can also use Haze to stop a variety of forms of setup from Pokemon like Calm Mind Clefairy and Lurantis.

Team Options
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Articuno is specialized on stall-oriented teams as a staple option for entry hazard control thanks to its reliable recovery, its great bulk, and the great options it has for supporting its teammates. Despite it acting as a Defogger, separate hazard control remains vital alongside it to maintain its longevity due to its Stealth Rock weakness. Skuntank and Altaria are notable picks, with the former being great for bulky teams that need a Toxic Spikes absorber while also a decent check to stallbreakers like Oricorio-G. Altaria offers good support with its utility and reliability as a Defogger and is able to come in more safely against Eelektross and Combusken and remove hazards. As this set is meant to be used on stall teams, standard stall staples such as Audino and Pyukumuku are expected to be run alongside it, as they form a core that is vital in providing recovery, Wish passing, spreading Toxic, and blanket checking a majority of threats. These three Pokemon can also all alternate their support options based on the team's needs. Physical tanks such as Regirock, Mudsdale, and Tangela can be quite effective in taking on physical attackers such as Stoutland, Aggron, Lycanroc, and Alolan Raticate. These Pokemon, in general, also appreciate Articuno's ability to check in checking special attacking Water-, Ice-, and Grass-types special attackers like Poliwrath, Aurorus, and Bellossom.
 
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