[OVERVIEW]
Aurorus's movepool and abilities cement its position as one of the most fearsome wallbreakers in the tier. It has Refrigerate to bolster its strong Normal-type moves and Snow Warning for a perfectly accurate Blizzard, giving it very strong Ice-type attacks to pound foes with. Aurorus's access to Freeze-Dry makes it incredibly reliable for breaking bulky cores that rely on their resistances as opposed to sheer bulk. Aurorus also boasts a large number of coverage options that let it handle almost any other obstacle, with its Ground-type attacks forming perfect neutral coverage alongside Aurorus's Ice-type moves. However, Aurorus's typing plagues it with common weaknesses to Fighting-, Water-, Grass-, and Ground-type moves, which when coupled with its mediocre Speed make it rather easy to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice / Blizzard
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Frost Breath
item: Choice Specs
ability: Refrigerate / Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Refrigerate Hyper Voice is very strong and can penetrate Substitutes as well. Blizzard is the move of choice if Aurorus chooses Snow Warning, and it slightly outdamages Refrigerate Hyper Voice factoring in hail damage. Freeze-Dry smacks Water-types such Lanturn, Gorebyss, and Mantine, OHKOing the last, usually making it the safest move to lock into and throw out against bulkier cores. It also deters the likes of Samurott and Poliwrath from trying to switch into Aurorus and threaten it out. Earth Power allows Aurorus to OHKO Pyroar, Eviolite Combusken, and Klinklang, as well as 2HKO Assault Vest Magmortar and opposing Aurorus. Frost Breath allows Aurorus to break through Calm Mind users such as Mega Audino and Musharna. Psychic is an option to hit Hariyama, although that is the extent of its usefulness.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment with a Modest nature maximizes Aurorus's damage output. Maximum Speed investment is used to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, but a Timid nature should not be considered, as it doesn't allow Aurorus to outspeed anything relevant. The remaining EVs should not be placed into HP, as that would only allow Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock three times. Choice Specs gives Aurorus tremendous power, boosting its wallbreaking potential; it also helps facilitate Aurorus's hit-and-run role, allowing Aurorus to deal as much damage as possible in one blow before being forced out.
If Aurorus's teammates are hindered by hail (primarily Synthesis or Moonlight users, weather sweepers, and Sturdy users), Refrigerate is the safer, no-drawback ability to use. If your team isn't too heavily affected by hail or benefits from hail's disruption against the opposing team, Snow Warning can be used.
Usage Tips
========
Due to Aurorus's low Speed and exploitable typing, it mainly functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon. It usually uses a combination of its resistances and decent bulk to switch into foes like Weezing, Scyther, Haunter, Xatu, Articuno, and Choice Specs Swellow. From there, Aurorus can usually just click its most powerful Ice-type attack to shred the opponent's team, unless there is a particularly bulky foe that warrants the use of its other attacks. Although Aurorus can punch sizable holes into teams at any stage in the game, it should usually be used early-game to maximize wallbreaking opportunities. While Aurorus doesn't require entry hazard control to function, keeping Stealth Rock off its side of the field is helpful to preserve Aurorus's health, as it switches in and out often. Snow Warning has additional utility, as it allows Aurorus to disrupt the recovery of Vileplume, Gourgeist, and Musharna and proceed to threaten them with its powerful Ice-type moves.
Team Options
========
Aurorus pairs excellently with Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Sawk, Combusken, Gurdurr, and Primeape, as Aurorus can easily threaten the likes of Weezing, Gourgeist-Super, Vileplume, Musharna, Xatu, Swellow, and Pelipper and boasts the ability to switch in on most of them. In return, the Fighting-types do away with Steel- and Rock-types that may threaten Aurorus and help improve Aurorus's matchup against faster teams.
Fighting-types also happen to be Aurorus's greatest enemies, as they easily force it out; Pokemon such as Mesprit, Xatu, Weezing, Vileplume, Pelipper, and Musharna are examples of good teammates that can switch into said Fighting-types. VoltTurn support from the likes of Scyther, Primeape, Rotom, and Swellow is nice to get Aurorus into battle safely or against a favorable matchup.
While not necessary, Pokemon that can remove or prevent Stealth Rock can make for favorable teammates; in particular, Hitmonchan is yet another Fighting-type that benefits from Aurorus's wallbreaking, whereas Xatu and Pelipper cover many of Aurorus's weaknesses. Because Aurorus is slow and usually only threatens bulky Pokemon, fast attackers or setup sweepers are helpful to patch up Aurorus's weakness to faster teams. The likes of Sceptile, Tauros, Swellow, Scyther, Shiftry, and Lilligant fit the bill, with a few of them also covering some of Aurorus's weaknesses; in return all of them appreciate Aurorus's ability to pressure most of their checks. Aurorus also likes partners that can provide speed control, such as Thunder Wave Xatu, Baton Pass Combusken, and Tailwind Swellow.
If running Snow Warning Aurorus, it is important to note which Pokemon can benefit or get hindered from ail. Rotom-F becomes an interesting teammate, as it can switch into Ground-type moves and its sole Ice-type STAB move in Blizzard becomes perfectly accurate. For the latter reason, Aurorus's teammates may consider Blizzard over Ice Beam as coverage moves. Some teammates may adapt around hail, such as Magic Guard Kadabra and Safety Goggles Sturdy Sawk, whereas Pokemon that rely on weather for recovery, such as Vileplume, Gourgeist-Super, and Musharna, may not be advisable as teammates at all.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Hasty
evs: 32 Atk / 224 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Aurorus makes for a decent Stealth Rock user as few entry hazard removers would dare attempt to remove Stealth Rock in front of it, much less stay in. Blizzard is Aurorus's best attack and allows Aurorus to anti-lead by OHKOing most other Focus Sash leads as well as threaten entry hazard removers such as Xatu, Shiftry, and Claydol. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types, particularly Defog users such as Pelipper, Prinplup, and Mantine, as well as Rapid Spin Kabutops. Rock Tomb is crucial for its Speed-lowering effect and is favored over Icy Wind for its additional coverage against Fire-types, particularly Assault Vest Magmortar, and Jynx, which also lessens the need for Earth Power.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed with a Speed-boosting nature allows Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock on as many foes as possible before it risks being KOed, as well as outspeed everything up to Tauros after a Rock Tomb. A Hasty nature is used over Timid to preserve Rock Tomb's power, and it is used over Naive nature because Aurorus's special bulk is still salvageable, whereas altering Aurorus's Defense stat does not affect its ability to withstand the physical hits it can or cannot take. 32 Attack EVs lets Rock Tomb cleanly 2HKO Assault Vest Magmortar and nearly guarantee the 2HKO on Pyroar after Hail damage, assuming Pyroar has not taken Life Orb recoil. The remaining EVs go into Special Attack to power up Blizzard and Freeze-Dry. Focus Sash guarantees that Aurorus will get to use Rock Tomb or set up Stealth Rock. Snow Warning helps to disrupt any other Focus Sash suicide leads, and the chip damage can increase Aurorus's chances of KOing the foe with Blizzard after using Rock Tomb.
Usage Tips
========
Aurorus plays the role as a dedicated offensive lead on the team that gives little leeway for the opponent to gain ground, especially with its ability to ward off entry hazard removers. This by extension means Aurorus functions like a suicide lead, so it does not need to be preserved. Aurorus can set up Stealth Rock against a slower foe and proceed with attacking as usual.
If Aurorus is up against a faster foe not exceeding 110 base Speed and lacking priority moves, Aurorus should lead off with Rock Tomb to slow the foe down; this gives Aurorus more flexibility and wriggle room when deciding its next course of action. If Aurorus's Focus Sash is still intact, it should try to KO its target, as it can set up Stealth Rock on the next foe anyway by repeating the process. If Aurorus has taken damage or cannot immediately KO its foe, it can just set up Stealth Rock and let its teammates revenge kill the slowed threat.
Team Options
========
Aurorus best fits on offensive teams, which best capitalize on its efficient Stealth Rock setup or early damage. Ghost-types such as Rotom, Haunter, Golurk, and Mismagius can block Rapid Spin, making them great teammates. Offensive Garbodor is an interesting partner; it can set up Spikes to complement Aurorus's Stealth Rock, cover for it against priority attacks, and even use Explosion to prevent the foe from using Defog or Rapid Spin. Aurorus's other teammates should aim to keep the offensive pressure up and give no room for the opponent to try to clear Stealth Rock; Pokemon like Sceptile, Swellow, Jynx, Tauros, Pyroar, Barbaracle, Gorebyss, and Shiftry are such examples of powerful Pokemon with immediate offensive presence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band Aurorus is a very viable alternative, as Aurorus has the movepool for such a set, containing moves like Return, Facade, Earthquake, Zen Headbutt, and even Aqua Tail, with its main draws being that it acts as a powerful physical wallbreaker with strong super effective and neutral coverage and doesn't care about burns. However, the metagame is more prepared for physical attackers in general, and Choice Band Aurorus is somewhat reliant on boosted Facade to exceed the crazily high damage output that Choice Specs Aurorus has.
Life Orb is an alternative to a Choice item, but Aurorus heavily dislikes being worn down. Icicle Plate can boost Aurorus's main attacks, but its main attacks are already so easily spammed that being Choice-locked is of little consequence to Aurorus, not to mention the item does not boost Aurorus's coverage moves. Choice Scarf Snow Warning Aurorus can shut down weather sweepers, but its inability to outspeed Sceptile really hurts its overall revenge killing potential. Icy Rock can be used to prolong the duration of hail, but simply using Abomasnow alongside Aurorus is probably more practical than reduciing Aurorus's offensive potential.
Aurorus has access to Rock Polish, but it is difficult to set up due to Aurorus's low Speed and numerous weaknesses, and its weakness to priority moves such as Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, and Bullet Punch makes it hard to sustain the sweep. Flash Cannon on the Choice Specs set cleanly 2HKOes Piloswine and OHKOes Jynx half of the time.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Attacks**: Fighting-types such as Sawk, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Poliwrath, and Combusken can threaten Aurorus with their STAB moves. Even non-Fighting-type Pokemon such as Zangoose, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Jynx can do major damage with moves like Close Combat, Drain Punch, and Focus Blast. Hitmonchan also happens to be one of the few entry hazard removers to not fear Stealth Rock Aurorus. Gurdurr can swiftly take out Aurorus with Mach Punch, whereas Hariyama and Malamar can tank a hit or two and KO it with Close Combat and Superpower, respectively.
**Thick Fat Users**: Thick Fat users such as Piloswine, Hariyama, Grumpig, and Miltank boasting a resistance to both Aurorus's powerful Ice-type attacks and Freeze-Dry and are not overly vulnerable to Aurorus's common attacking options, and all four have access to super effective moves to hit Aurorus with. Hariyama has to watch out for the occasional Psychic or even physical set, and Miltank wants heavy Special Defense investment to tank Aurorus's hits.
**Steel-type Attacks**: Few Steel-types want to actually take Aurorus's attacks, but Steelix, Ferroseed, and Klinklang can usually survive one blow and retaliate for a surefire OHKO. Klinklang boasts being the ability to OHKO Focus Sash Aurorus as well by virtue of Gear Grind. Steel-type moves are not common on non-Steel-type Pokemon, but Bullet Punch Hariyama and Iron Head or Iron Tail Tauros can prove bothersome.
**Faster Water-types**: Samurott, Kabutops, Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Barbaracle can drown Aurorus with their powerful Water-type STAB moves, but all of them must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Poliwrath and the Rock / Water-types do especially well at answering the occasional physical set.
**Faster Grass-types**: The likes of Sceptile, Lilligant, Shiftry, and Ludicolo outspeed Aurorus and can deal some major damage with their STAB attacks. Be warned that Aurorus's special bulk does allow it to survive Life Orb-boosted Giga Drain from full health, and, of course, none of these Pokemon want to switch into Aurorus's STAB moves. While not all Abomasnow run enough Speed investment to outrun Aurorus, some do carry Soundproof, meaning the risk of them switching into Hyper Voice for free is very real.
Aurorus's movepool and abilities cement its position as one of the most fearsome wallbreakers in the tier. It has Refrigerate to bolster its strong Normal-type moves and Snow Warning for a perfectly accurate Blizzard, giving it very strong Ice-type attacks to pound foes with. Aurorus's access to Freeze-Dry makes it incredibly reliable for breaking bulky cores that rely on their resistances as opposed to sheer bulk. Aurorus also boasts a large number of coverage options that let it handle almost any other obstacle, with its Ground-type attacks forming perfect neutral coverage alongside Aurorus's Ice-type moves. However, Aurorus's typing plagues it with common weaknesses to Fighting-, Water-, Grass-, and Ground-type moves, which when coupled with its mediocre Speed make it rather easy to revenge kill.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice / Blizzard
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Frost Breath
item: Choice Specs
ability: Refrigerate / Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Refrigerate Hyper Voice is very strong and can penetrate Substitutes as well. Blizzard is the move of choice if Aurorus chooses Snow Warning, and it slightly outdamages Refrigerate Hyper Voice factoring in hail damage. Freeze-Dry smacks Water-types such Lanturn, Gorebyss, and Mantine, OHKOing the last, usually making it the safest move to lock into and throw out against bulkier cores. It also deters the likes of Samurott and Poliwrath from trying to switch into Aurorus and threaten it out. Earth Power allows Aurorus to OHKO Pyroar, Eviolite Combusken, and Klinklang, as well as 2HKO Assault Vest Magmortar and opposing Aurorus. Frost Breath allows Aurorus to break through Calm Mind users such as Mega Audino and Musharna. Psychic is an option to hit Hariyama, although that is the extent of its usefulness.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment with a Modest nature maximizes Aurorus's damage output. Maximum Speed investment is used to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, but a Timid nature should not be considered, as it doesn't allow Aurorus to outspeed anything relevant. The remaining EVs should not be placed into HP, as that would only allow Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock three times. Choice Specs gives Aurorus tremendous power, boosting its wallbreaking potential; it also helps facilitate Aurorus's hit-and-run role, allowing Aurorus to deal as much damage as possible in one blow before being forced out.
If Aurorus's teammates are hindered by hail (primarily Synthesis or Moonlight users, weather sweepers, and Sturdy users), Refrigerate is the safer, no-drawback ability to use. If your team isn't too heavily affected by hail or benefits from hail's disruption against the opposing team, Snow Warning can be used.
Usage Tips
========
Due to Aurorus's low Speed and exploitable typing, it mainly functions as a hit-and-run Pokemon. It usually uses a combination of its resistances and decent bulk to switch into foes like Weezing, Scyther, Haunter, Xatu, Articuno, and Choice Specs Swellow. From there, Aurorus can usually just click its most powerful Ice-type attack to shred the opponent's team, unless there is a particularly bulky foe that warrants the use of its other attacks. Although Aurorus can punch sizable holes into teams at any stage in the game, it should usually be used early-game to maximize wallbreaking opportunities. While Aurorus doesn't require entry hazard control to function, keeping Stealth Rock off its side of the field is helpful to preserve Aurorus's health, as it switches in and out often. Snow Warning has additional utility, as it allows Aurorus to disrupt the recovery of Vileplume, Gourgeist, and Musharna and proceed to threaten them with its powerful Ice-type moves.
Team Options
========
Aurorus pairs excellently with Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Sawk, Combusken, Gurdurr, and Primeape, as Aurorus can easily threaten the likes of Weezing, Gourgeist-Super, Vileplume, Musharna, Xatu, Swellow, and Pelipper and boasts the ability to switch in on most of them. In return, the Fighting-types do away with Steel- and Rock-types that may threaten Aurorus and help improve Aurorus's matchup against faster teams.
Fighting-types also happen to be Aurorus's greatest enemies, as they easily force it out; Pokemon such as Mesprit, Xatu, Weezing, Vileplume, Pelipper, and Musharna are examples of good teammates that can switch into said Fighting-types. VoltTurn support from the likes of Scyther, Primeape, Rotom, and Swellow is nice to get Aurorus into battle safely or against a favorable matchup.
While not necessary, Pokemon that can remove or prevent Stealth Rock can make for favorable teammates; in particular, Hitmonchan is yet another Fighting-type that benefits from Aurorus's wallbreaking, whereas Xatu and Pelipper cover many of Aurorus's weaknesses. Because Aurorus is slow and usually only threatens bulky Pokemon, fast attackers or setup sweepers are helpful to patch up Aurorus's weakness to faster teams. The likes of Sceptile, Tauros, Swellow, Scyther, Shiftry, and Lilligant fit the bill, with a few of them also covering some of Aurorus's weaknesses; in return all of them appreciate Aurorus's ability to pressure most of their checks. Aurorus also likes partners that can provide speed control, such as Thunder Wave Xatu, Baton Pass Combusken, and Tailwind Swellow.
If running Snow Warning Aurorus, it is important to note which Pokemon can benefit or get hindered from ail. Rotom-F becomes an interesting teammate, as it can switch into Ground-type moves and its sole Ice-type STAB move in Blizzard becomes perfectly accurate. For the latter reason, Aurorus's teammates may consider Blizzard over Ice Beam as coverage moves. Some teammates may adapt around hail, such as Magic Guard Kadabra and Safety Goggles Sturdy Sawk, whereas Pokemon that rely on weather for recovery, such as Vileplume, Gourgeist-Super, and Musharna, may not be advisable as teammates at all.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Rock Tomb
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Hasty
evs: 32 Atk / 224 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Aurorus makes for a decent Stealth Rock user as few entry hazard removers would dare attempt to remove Stealth Rock in front of it, much less stay in. Blizzard is Aurorus's best attack and allows Aurorus to anti-lead by OHKOing most other Focus Sash leads as well as threaten entry hazard removers such as Xatu, Shiftry, and Claydol. Freeze-Dry allows Aurorus to hit Water-types, particularly Defog users such as Pelipper, Prinplup, and Mantine, as well as Rapid Spin Kabutops. Rock Tomb is crucial for its Speed-lowering effect and is favored over Icy Wind for its additional coverage against Fire-types, particularly Assault Vest Magmortar, and Jynx, which also lessens the need for Earth Power.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed with a Speed-boosting nature allows Aurorus to set up Stealth Rock on as many foes as possible before it risks being KOed, as well as outspeed everything up to Tauros after a Rock Tomb. A Hasty nature is used over Timid to preserve Rock Tomb's power, and it is used over Naive nature because Aurorus's special bulk is still salvageable, whereas altering Aurorus's Defense stat does not affect its ability to withstand the physical hits it can or cannot take. 32 Attack EVs lets Rock Tomb cleanly 2HKO Assault Vest Magmortar and nearly guarantee the 2HKO on Pyroar after Hail damage, assuming Pyroar has not taken Life Orb recoil. The remaining EVs go into Special Attack to power up Blizzard and Freeze-Dry. Focus Sash guarantees that Aurorus will get to use Rock Tomb or set up Stealth Rock. Snow Warning helps to disrupt any other Focus Sash suicide leads, and the chip damage can increase Aurorus's chances of KOing the foe with Blizzard after using Rock Tomb.
Usage Tips
========
Aurorus plays the role as a dedicated offensive lead on the team that gives little leeway for the opponent to gain ground, especially with its ability to ward off entry hazard removers. This by extension means Aurorus functions like a suicide lead, so it does not need to be preserved. Aurorus can set up Stealth Rock against a slower foe and proceed with attacking as usual.
If Aurorus is up against a faster foe not exceeding 110 base Speed and lacking priority moves, Aurorus should lead off with Rock Tomb to slow the foe down; this gives Aurorus more flexibility and wriggle room when deciding its next course of action. If Aurorus's Focus Sash is still intact, it should try to KO its target, as it can set up Stealth Rock on the next foe anyway by repeating the process. If Aurorus has taken damage or cannot immediately KO its foe, it can just set up Stealth Rock and let its teammates revenge kill the slowed threat.
Team Options
========
Aurorus best fits on offensive teams, which best capitalize on its efficient Stealth Rock setup or early damage. Ghost-types such as Rotom, Haunter, Golurk, and Mismagius can block Rapid Spin, making them great teammates. Offensive Garbodor is an interesting partner; it can set up Spikes to complement Aurorus's Stealth Rock, cover for it against priority attacks, and even use Explosion to prevent the foe from using Defog or Rapid Spin. Aurorus's other teammates should aim to keep the offensive pressure up and give no room for the opponent to try to clear Stealth Rock; Pokemon like Sceptile, Swellow, Jynx, Tauros, Pyroar, Barbaracle, Gorebyss, and Shiftry are such examples of powerful Pokemon with immediate offensive presence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band Aurorus is a very viable alternative, as Aurorus has the movepool for such a set, containing moves like Return, Facade, Earthquake, Zen Headbutt, and even Aqua Tail, with its main draws being that it acts as a powerful physical wallbreaker with strong super effective and neutral coverage and doesn't care about burns. However, the metagame is more prepared for physical attackers in general, and Choice Band Aurorus is somewhat reliant on boosted Facade to exceed the crazily high damage output that Choice Specs Aurorus has.
Life Orb is an alternative to a Choice item, but Aurorus heavily dislikes being worn down. Icicle Plate can boost Aurorus's main attacks, but its main attacks are already so easily spammed that being Choice-locked is of little consequence to Aurorus, not to mention the item does not boost Aurorus's coverage moves. Choice Scarf Snow Warning Aurorus can shut down weather sweepers, but its inability to outspeed Sceptile really hurts its overall revenge killing potential. Icy Rock can be used to prolong the duration of hail, but simply using Abomasnow alongside Aurorus is probably more practical than reduciing Aurorus's offensive potential.
Aurorus has access to Rock Polish, but it is difficult to set up due to Aurorus's low Speed and numerous weaknesses, and its weakness to priority moves such as Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, and Bullet Punch makes it hard to sustain the sweep. Flash Cannon on the Choice Specs set cleanly 2HKOes Piloswine and OHKOes Jynx half of the time.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Attacks**: Fighting-types such as Sawk, Primeape, Hitmonchan, Poliwrath, and Combusken can threaten Aurorus with their STAB moves. Even non-Fighting-type Pokemon such as Zangoose, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Jynx can do major damage with moves like Close Combat, Drain Punch, and Focus Blast. Hitmonchan also happens to be one of the few entry hazard removers to not fear Stealth Rock Aurorus. Gurdurr can swiftly take out Aurorus with Mach Punch, whereas Hariyama and Malamar can tank a hit or two and KO it with Close Combat and Superpower, respectively.
**Thick Fat Users**: Thick Fat users such as Piloswine, Hariyama, Grumpig, and Miltank boasting a resistance to both Aurorus's powerful Ice-type attacks and Freeze-Dry and are not overly vulnerable to Aurorus's common attacking options, and all four have access to super effective moves to hit Aurorus with. Hariyama has to watch out for the occasional Psychic or even physical set, and Miltank wants heavy Special Defense investment to tank Aurorus's hits.
**Steel-type Attacks**: Few Steel-types want to actually take Aurorus's attacks, but Steelix, Ferroseed, and Klinklang can usually survive one blow and retaliate for a surefire OHKO. Klinklang boasts being the ability to OHKO Focus Sash Aurorus as well by virtue of Gear Grind. Steel-type moves are not common on non-Steel-type Pokemon, but Bullet Punch Hariyama and Iron Head or Iron Tail Tauros can prove bothersome.
**Faster Water-types**: Samurott, Kabutops, Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Barbaracle can drown Aurorus with their powerful Water-type STAB moves, but all of them must be wary of Freeze-Dry. Poliwrath and the Rock / Water-types do especially well at answering the occasional physical set.
**Faster Grass-types**: The likes of Sceptile, Lilligant, Shiftry, and Ludicolo outspeed Aurorus and can deal some major damage with their STAB attacks. Be warned that Aurorus's special bulk does allow it to survive Life Orb-boosted Giga Drain from full health, and, of course, none of these Pokemon want to switch into Aurorus's STAB moves. While not all Abomasnow run enough Speed investment to outrun Aurorus, some do carry Soundproof, meaning the risk of them switching into Hyper Voice for free is very real.
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