Azelf (Analysis)

Moo

Moo

Professor
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QC: 3/3 (Wilson, PK, Bloo) GP: 2/2 (Calm Pokemaster, NatGeo/Wekther)
azelf_sprite.png


PsychicType.png


Azelf

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By Moo and Zdrup

[Overview]

<p>With base 125 attacking stats and base 115 Speed, Azelf is an offensive powerhouse. Access to a wonderful boosting move in Nasty Plot, in conjunction with its wide special movepool, makes Azelf a very dangerous set-up sweeper. Its physical movepool is just as wide, allowing it to run an effective Choice set. Azelf can also function as a lead, providing Stealth Rock support. Overall, Azelf is a very diverse and potent offensive Pokemon. Underestimate it at your own peril.</p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Fire Blast / Psychic
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Description]

<p>This Azelf set is designed to provide Stealth Rock support, and is, in effect, a reincarnation of last generation's extremely popular "Lead" set. Although the idea of leads has changed drastically this generation, it is still important for many teams to have Stealth Rock support as early as possible. Due to its great Speed, Azelf can easily set up Stealth Rock, and stop slower Pokemon, such as Hippowdon, who may attempt to do the same, with Taunt.</p>

<p>U-turn is a great asset in Azelf's movepool, allowing it to switch out after setting up Stealth Rock and gain momentum. The last move slot consists of an attacking move to increase Azelf's coverage. Fire Blast is the primary option, allowing Azelf to hit Steel-type Pokemon such as Forretress, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory for super effective damage. Psychic, which is boosted by STAB, is an alternative option, and can hit common Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Breloom for super effective damage. However, it does have less coverage, making Fire Blast the preferred option.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Zen Headbutt can be used in the last moveslot, with 252 EVs in Attack instead of Special Attack. This will also increase the power of U-turn, allowing Azelf to deal extra damage while scouting. However, as stated before, Fire Blast is the preferred option over a Psychic-type attack, as it grants Azelf super effective coverage against the aforementioned Steel-type Pokemon. Although its power has been halved, Explosion can still be used to dent certain Pokemon who may attempt to set up against Azelf. Azelf does have better options, though, meaning Explosion should only be used if the other team members have problems checking and countering a particular sweeper.</p>

<p>Good teammates for Azelf are Pokemon that appreciate entry hazard support and the absence of entry hazards on their side. Volcarona is a prime example, as it loses half of its health upon switching in while Stealth Rock is in play. The presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing side weakens opposing Pokemon and assists Volcarona in sweeping after setting up with Quiver Dance.</p>

<p>Pursuit users can trap and KO Azelf. Choice Band Scizor is an example, as it can also deal massive damage to Azelf with priority STAB Bullet Punch. Against Scizor, Azelf's fate is based on prediction, as Azelf at full health can survive a Bullet Punch and KO Scizor with Fire Blast. Tyranitar is another example, as it takes pitiful damage from Fire Blast, and can kill Azelf with Pursuit as it switches or U-turns out. Additionally, the sandstorm which Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability summons will nullify Azelf's Focus Sash. Thundurus can stop Azelf from setting up Stealth Rock with a priority Taunt. While this prevents Azelf from fulfilling its primary purpose, Thundurus does take hefty damage from Fire Blast or Psychic.</p>

<p>Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor, which aids Azelf. In addition, Azelf can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Magnezone. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Lucario can take care of Tyranitar with their super effective STAB attacks. After Azelf has been KOed by Pursuit, Lucario can set up against a choice-locked Tyranitar with either Swords Dance, Agility, or Nasty Plot.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Choice
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Azelf has one of two goals: either hitting very hard off the bat with a Choice Band, or revenge killing Pokemon dangerous to the user's team with a Choice Scarf. Zen Headbutt is the STAB move of choice and, coming off of a base 125 Attack stat, will inflict major damage to anything that doesn't resist or is immune to it. Ice Punch hits numerous threats in OU, such as Salamence, and Thundurus, for super effective damage. Fire Punch allows Azelf to hit Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor for super effective damage. The last slot depends on what Azelf's teammates require. U-turn allows Azelf to maintain offensive momentum, while Trick helps Azelf to cripple an opposing wall, making it easy for a teammate to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The choice of nature depends on what item Azelf is holding. If the item is Choice Band, Jolly is the preferred nature to tie with Starmie and other Azelf, allowing the pixie to OHKO both with U-turn. If Choice Scarf is the chosen item, Adamant can be used, but Jolly is preferable to let Azelf outspeed Pokemon such as Scarf Latios and Deoxys-S. The suggested EV spread allows for both power and speed, with the remaining EVs going to Special Defense to minimize Stealth Rock damage and prevent Download users from getting a Special Attack boost.</p>

<p>Taking into account the tremendous power which Choice Band Azelf packs, there are only a few Pokemon that can be considered counters. Skarmory and Hippowdon, two of the best physical walls in OU, can sponge even the super effective attacks Azelf carries and avoid the 2HKO, healing off the damage. Eviolite Chansey can take Azelf's Zen Headbutt with ease and cripple it with a status move of choice. However, these three Pokemon have to be wary of Trick, because a choice item harshly reduces their walling capabilities.</p>

<p>Since Azelf's job with this set is to support the team, its teammates should mostly be Pokemon that can come in on the Pokemon the pixie lures. Conkeldurr loves to come in on Chansey and start setting up with Bulk Up. Magnezone can come in on Skarmory, trap it, and proceed to KO it with Thunderbolt. Starmie is also a good partner because it threatens both Hippowdon and Skarmory, and can heal any status Chansey tries to inflict while removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin.</p>

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sporting great base Speed and Special Attack stats, as well as a solid boosting move, Azelf is a primary candidate for the role of a special sweeper. Nasty Plot boosts Azelf's Special Attack to a gigantic 696 (not taking into account Life Orb's boost), thus enabling it to sweep. There are two options for a STAB attack. Psyshock is the preferred attack, as it lets Azelf overcome even the best special walls in OU, such as Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Snorlax. These Pokemon would otherwise laugh at Azelf's efforts and either inflict it with status or go for the KO. Flamethrower allows Azelf to KO the Steel-types that resist its STAB attack. More importantly, it OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor. Once again, there are two options for the last moveslot. Hidden Power Fighting is recommended for the ability to hit Tyranitar for major damage, OHKOing even the most specially defensive sets after a Nasty Plot. On the other hand, Grass Knot OHKOes Unaware Quagsire, which is not affected by any Special Attack boosts Azelf may obtain.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is unusual for a special sweeper. The reason for this is that Hidden Power Fighting requires a 30 Speed IV, thus making it impossible for Azelf to tie with Starmie or other Azelf. Therefore, a Timid nature and 228 Speed EVs let Azelf outspeed Thundurus and Landorus. 252 EVs are invested in Special Attack to maximize Azelf's damage output. The remaining EVs are invested in HP for a little more bulk. Grass Knot is also an option on the last slot and it does have one major advantage over Hidden Power Fighting: it lets Azelf have a 31 Speed IV. Therefore, if running Grass Knot, Azelf's EV spread should be 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, which lets it outspeed Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Magnezone, as well as tie with Starmie.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Azelf doesn't require much team support; it can usually muscle its way through its opponents. However, there is one Pokemon that can endure Azelf's attacks and KO back: Reuniclus can either set up Trick Room and attempt to sweep or go straight for the OHKO with Shadow Ball. The other Pokemon capable of beating Azelf are either users of strong priority attacks or faster Pokemon. Scizor and Azumarill are examples of users of strong priority attacks, as they can eliminate Azelf with STAB Bullet Punch or Aqua Jet, respectively. Although they're not very common, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Life Orb Accelgor can all outspeed and OHKO Azelf with the appropriate move. Excadrill can outspeed under sandstorm and KO with X-Scissor as well. Lastly, as with every sweeper, Azelf enjoys having entry hazards support to achieve some KOs it normally wouldn't.</p>

<p>Ironically, Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate, as it can OHKO Reuniclus with Bug Bite, as well as deal with all of the faster Pokemon with a very strong Bullet Punch. Conkeldurr is another good partner, as it can set up on the Pokemon that threaten Azelf and proceed to open holes in the opponent's team. To set up Stealth Rock, Tyranitar is a good choice, as it can set it up very reliably and also deal with Reuniclus. Deoxys-S has the same typing as Azelf, but has the ability to set up both Spikes and dual screens, which can potentially provide Azelf with another turn to set up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Since Azelf's movepool is huge, it has lots of other options. These are usually inferior to the ones listed, but may work on specific teams. Azelf has great Special Attack and Speed, as well as lots of special moves, so it can run a good Choice Specs set with Psyshock, Flamethrower, Grass Knot, and Trick. However, it is usually better off with Nasty Plot as locking itself into the wrong move may mean being trapped and KOed. It can also run a dual screens set, but is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk, a higher Speed stat, and access to Spikes. Last, but not least, with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, Azelf can also set up Rain Dance to allow powerful sweepers such as Kingdra, Kabutops, and Omastar to wreak havoc. However, Deoxys-S and Accelgor have more Speed, and Scizor, Jirachi, and Uxie have more bulk, which lets them set up Rain Dance much more reliably.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Powerful priority users such as Scizor and Azumarill spell trouble for Azelf. Scizor can KO it with Bullet Punch, providing it has taken prior damage, and Azumarill can OHKO Azelf with Aqua Jet right off the bat. Users of Pursuit such as Tyranitar and Scizor can also be problematic for Azelf, because they can trap and kill it. Azelf's high Speed is vital to its offensive prowess. Therefore, being crippled by paralysis almost renders it useless, as Azelf's frailty will be exploited by opponents who will outspeed and KO it. Jirachi can paralyze Azelf with either Body Slam or Thunder Wave, while it takes little damage from most of its attacks. Whimsicott and Thundurus can paralyze Azelf with a priority Stun Spore and Thunder Wave, respectively. However, Azelf can deal huge damage to both of those Pokemon as they paralyze it, providing that Azelf doesn't get fully paralyzed. Pokemon that gain a Speed boost from the Chlorophyll and Sand Rush abilities when the appropriate weather is in play can outspeed Azelf, and are very dangerous. Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Azelf with X-Scissor, whereas Chlorophyll users such as Venusaur and Shiftry can OHKO it with SolarBeam and Dark Pulse respectively. Most Chlorophyll users also have access to Sleep Powder, which allows them to render Azelf useless.</p>
 
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sporting great base Speed and Special Attack, as well as a solid boosting move, Azelf is a primary candidate for the role of special sweeper. Nasty Plot is the most important move of the set and it boosts Azelf's Special Attack to 696 (not taking into account Life Orb's boost), thus enabling a sweep. The first choice of the set is between two STAB moves. Psyshock is the preferred attack as it lets Azelf overcome even the best special walls in OU, such as Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Snorlax that would otherwise laugh at its efforts and either status it or go for the KO. Flamethrower allows Azelf to beat the Steel-types that resist its STAB attack and is important for its ability to OHKO Ferrothorn and Scizor. With the last slot comes the last choice. Hidden Power Fighting is recomended for the ability to hit Tyranitar for major damage, OHKOing even the most specially defensive set after the boost.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread may seem awkward since it's different from the standard for a special sweeper. The reason for this is that Hidden Power Fighting requires a 30 Speed IV, thus making impossible for Azelf to tie with Starmie or other Azelf. Therefore, a Timid nature and 228 Speed EVs let Azelf outspeed the genies; then one should give 252 Special Attack EVs to maximize the damage output; finally the remaining EVs should go to HP for a little more bulk. Psychic can be used instead of Psyshock on the second slot to hit physically defensive Pokemon, such as Gliscor and Conkeldurr, for bigger damage. Grass Knot is also an option on the last slot and it does have one major advantage: it lets Azelf have a 31 Speed IV. Taking this fact into account, if running Grass Knot, Azelf's EV spread should be 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, which lets it outspeed Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Magnezone, as well as tying with Starmie.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Azelf doesn't require much team support; it can usually muscle its way through its opponents. However, there is one Pokemon that can endure Azelf's attacks and KO back; Reuniclus can either set up Trick Room and attempt to sweep or go straight for the OHKO with Shadow Ball. The other Pokemon capable of beating Azelf are either strong priority users or faster Pokemon. Scizor and Azumarill can both use a very potent priority move that can make sure Azelf won't sweep. Although they're not very common, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Life Orb Accelgor can all outspeed and OHKO Azelf with the adequate move. Finally, Excadrill can outspeed under sandstorm and KO with X-Scissor. Last but not least, as every sweeper, Azelf enjoys having entry hazards support to achieve some KOs it normally wouldn't.</p>

<p>Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate as it can OHKO Reuniclus with Bug Bite, as well as dealing with all the faster Pokemon with a very strong Bullet Punch. Conkeldurr is another good partner as it can set up on the Pokemon that threaten Azelf and proceed to open some holes on the opponent's team. To set up Stealth Rock, Tyranitar is a good choice as it can set it up very reliably and also deal with Reuniclus. Deoxys-S has the same typing as Azelf but it has the ability to set up both Spikes and Dual Screens, that have the potential to provide Azelf with another setup turn, making sure nothing can take its attacks and live to tell.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Choice
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Azelf has one of two goals: hit very hard off the bat with a Choice Band or revenge dangerous Pokemon to your team with a Choice Scarf. The first item is preferred because Azelf already has enough Speed to outspeed most of the metagame without boosts but, either way, it is definitely a set whose utility one can't deny. Zen Headbutt is the STAB move of choice and, coming off a base 125 Attack stat, it will inflict major damage to anything that doesn't resist or is immune to it. Ice Punch hits numerous threats in OU for super effective damage, such as the genies, Salamence, and Garchomp, to name only a few. Fire Punch gives good coverage against the Steel-types, such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. The last slot is up to what the team needs the most. U-turn is usually the best move to maintain the momentum and it allows for a free turn, which may be all a sweeper needs late-game to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The nature of choice depends of what's the item Azelf is holding. If the item is Choice Band, Jolly is the preferred nature to tie with Starmie and other Azelf, allowing the pixie to OHKO both with U-turn. If Choice Scarf is the chosen item, Adamant can be used but Jolly is still the best nature to go with to let Azelf outspeed Pokemon such as Scarf Latios, Scarf Garchomp, and Deoxys-S, to name only a few. The suggested EV spread allows for both power and Speed, with the remaining going to Special Defense to prevent Download users from getting a Special Attack boost. The first three attacks offer too much coverage to be replaced so the only choice one really should make is between U-turn and Trick. While U-turn has the aforementioned advantages, Trick has the potential to cripple one Pokemon on your opponent's team. This can be particularly useful when facing a stall team that can, with some prediction, sponge Azelf's efforts to break through.</p>

<p>Taking into account the tremendous power Choice Band Azelf packs, there are only a few Pokemon that can be considered counters. Skarmory and Hippowdon are two of the best physical walls in OU and can sponge even the super effective attack Azelf carries and avoid the 2HKO, thus being able to effectively heal the pixie's attempts to punch. Eviolite Chansey is often seen as a mixed wall and it also can take Azelf's Zen Headbutt and cripple it with a status move of choice. However, these three Pokemon have to be aware of Trick because a choice item harshly reduces its walling capabilities.</p>

<p>Since Azelf's job with this set is to support the team, its teammates should be mostly Pokemon that can come in on the Pokemon the pixie attracts. Conkeldurr loves to come in on Chansey and start setting up with Bulk Up. Magnezone can come in on Skarmory, trap it and proceed to KO it with Thunderbolt. Starmie is also a good partner because it threatens Hippowdon and Skarmory and can heal any status Chansey tries to inflict while spinning Stealth Rock that slowly damages Azelf.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Azelf's movepool is huge so it has lots of other options that are usually inferior to the ones listed but may work on specific teams. Azelf has a great Special Attack and Speed as well as lots of special moves so it can run a good Choice Specs set with Psyshock, Flamethrower, Grass Knot, and Trick, but Azelf's usually better off with Nasty Plot as locking itself on the wrong move may mean being trapped and KOed. It can also run a Dual Screens set but it is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk, more Speed, and access to Spikes. Last but not least, with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, Azelf can also set up Rain Dance to allow powerful sweepers such as Kingdra, Kabutops, and Omastar to wreak havoc with the Speed and STAB boosts. However, Deoxys-S and Accelgor have more Speed and Scizor, Jirachi, and Uxie have more bulk that lets them set up Rain Dance more than once.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Azelf doesn't have a Dream World ability.</p>
 
I've had some luck with a special scarfer, as a general revenge killer and cleanup tool. It played similar to gen4 CS Starmie, not hugely powerful but hardhitting enough to do the job, and just atop the metagame speedwise.

move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Thunderbolt / Fire Blast
move 3: Psychic / Fire Blast
move 4: U-Turn / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 212 Spe

The speed is from memory, I just remember wanting to beat Mienshao. (I'm also terrible at hitting speed tiers.)
 
A Man In Black said:
I've had some luck with a special scarfer, as a general revenge killer and cleanup tool. It played similar to gen4 CS Starmie, not hugely powerful but hardhitting enough to do the job, and just atop the metagame speedwise.

move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Thunderbolt / Fire Blast
move 3: Psychic / Fire Blast
move 4: U-Turn / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 40 HP / 252 SpA / 212 Spe

The speed is from memory, I just remember wanting to beat Mienshao. (I'm also terrible at hitting speed tiers.)
Click to expand...

Azelf does not learn Ice Beam, so you may have been mistakenly using it ingame. HP Ice and Ice Punch are Azelfs only viable Ice moves.
 
Here, I suggested this set in the last thread, and I think it does a good job at setting up Stealth Rocks before dying, leaving massive damage behind behind.

Name: Offensive
Move 1: Psycho Shock
Move 2: Flamethrower
Move 3: Grass Knot / Hidden Power Fighting
Move 4: Stealth Rock / U-Turn (for utility, but the point of this set is to set up Stealth Rocks comfortably)
Item: Life Orb
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

For the sake of trying to fit Stealth Rock on any normal team, would a Life Orb set for Azelf be viable? Of course, that’s the QC’s choice, but it IS on the Azelf analysis for 4th generation, and like the set says, it does pack power, even without the use of Explosion or Nasty Plot. Azelf is also fast enough to set up Stealth Rock before it faints, which is pretty plausible, considering leads don’t really exist anymore and sometimes bulky Stealth Rock users slow you down. The Life Orb set should look like this.
Click to expand...
 
Please make the changes / reply to the suggestions I mentioned in the previous Azelf thread. I edited the post a bit, since zdrup already included the suggested choice set.


Bloo said:
  1. Take a look at Iconic's post again and update the first set to reflect the changes he outlined. There's no reason to list U-Turn / Fire Blast / Psychic two times.
  2. Make HP Fighting the first slash before Grass Knot on the Nasty Plot set (HP Fighting should be written as Hidden Power Fighting in your OP; you currently don't have it as that). HP Fighting is much better in this metagame, mainly because Tyranitar is everywhere, and HP Fighting guarantees a KO most of the time. It also provides better coverage against Heatran, even though it isn't that common.
  3. I think Flamethrower is better than Fire Blast on the NP set as well. You really don't want to afford missing versus the likes of Scizor, and the extra power from Fire Blast doesn't provide any special KOes that Flamethrower doesn't.
Click to expand...
 
Made those changes. I dont want to write this up till it gets approved, that's why it's still in skeleton form
 
This is looking fine to me. Shame Azelf's Dual Screen set is not viable with Deoxys- S looming around. Anyway, you should also stress that Choice Band is the preferred and better item on the Choice Set, as Azelf has massive power when equipped with a Choice Band, and already has a very high speed stat, making Choice Scarf unnecessary and would limit Azelf's offensive potential most of the time.T
Other than that, it look's like Bloo's and Iconic's changes have been made, so..

QC APPROVED [1/3]
 
Thanks for implementing our changes; this looks good now. Though, there's one tiny nitpick I have:

It can also run a Dual Screens set but it is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk and more Speed.
Click to expand...

You should mention Spikes as well, since that's another major thing Deoxys-S has going for it over Azelf as a Dual Screener.

QC APPROVED (3/3)
 
"[Set Description]

<p>This Azelf set is designed to provide Stealth Rock support, and is, in effect, a reincarnation of last generations's extremely popular Lead set. Although the idea of leads has changed drastically this generation, it is still important for many teams to have Stealth Rock support as early as possible, and Azelf Due to its great speed, Azelf has an easy job of setting up Stealth Rock, and taunting slower Pokemon, who may attempt to do the same thing. "

The red segment is corrected below:
"Azlef, due to it's great speed, has an easy job of setting up Stealth Rock"

I'm new to this so I'm hoping I did this right. Thanks!
 
Any reason why 4 attacks, Life Orb isn't mention anywhere? Even if it doesn't deserve its own set, a mention in Other Options would be nice. You can run an extra coverage move like Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball etc. and Azelf remains one of the fastest pokemon in OU.
 
wilson46 said:
This is looking fine to me. Shame Azelf's Dual Screen set is not viable with Deoxys- S looming around. Anyway, you should also stress that Choice Band is the preferred and better item on the Choice Set, as Azelf has massive power when equipped with a Choice Band, and already has a very high speed stat, making Choice Scarf unnecessary and would limit Azelf's offensive potential most of the time.T
Other than that, it look's like Bloo's and Iconic's changes have been made, so..

QC APPROVED [1/3]
Click to expand...

Choice Band is already the primary slash but I'll emphasize that.

Bloo said:
Thanks for implementing our changes; this looks good now. Though, there's one tiny nitpick I have:



You should mention Spikes as well, since that's another major thing Deoxys-S has going for it over Azelf as a Dual Screener.

QC APPROVED (3/3)
Click to expand...

You're killing me here...

I already say it is completely outclassed and give two major reasons but ok, I'll add the third.
 
Took a crack at GP changes:

[Overview]

<p></p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Fire Blast / Psychic
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Description]

<p>This Azelf set is designed to provide Stealth Rock support, and is, in effect, a reincarnation of last generations's extremely popular Lead set. Although the idea of leads has changed drastically in this generation, it is still important for many teams to have Stealth Rock support as early as possible, and d. Due to its great speed, Azelf has an easy job of setting up Stealth Rock, and taunting slower Pokemon, who may attempt to do the same thing. Hippowdon is an example of a Pokemon that will still usually be used as a lead, as it induces permanent sandstorm and can easily set up Stealth Rock at the start of thea battle. With Taunt, Azelf can easily prevent Hippowdon from setting up Stealth Rock and freely set up its own Stealth Rock.<p>

<p>U-turn is a great asset in Azelf's movepool, allowing it to switch out after setting up Stealth Rock, and gain momentum against the opponent. If the opponent brings in a Pokemon to counter Azelf as it U-turns out, then you can switch to an appropriate counter, gaining the upper hand. The last move in Azelf's movepoolslot consists of an attacking move to improve its usefulness. Fire Blast is the primary option, providing super effective coverage against Pokemon such as Forretress, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Psychic is an alternative option, which has STAB, and can hit common Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Breloom for super effective damage. However, it does have lower coverage, making Fire Blast the preferred option.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Zen Headbutt can be used in the last moveslot, with 252 Attack EVs instead of Special Attack. This will also increase the power of U-turn, allowing Azelf to deal extra damage while scouting. However, as stated before, Fire Blast is preferred option over a Psychic-type attack, as it grants Azelf super effective coverage against the aforementioned Steel-type Pokemon. Although its power has been halved, Explosion can still be used to go out with a bang. It can still dent certain Pokemon who may attempt to set up against Azelf. There are other optionmoves that Azelf can use, though, meaning Explosion should only be used if the other team members have problems checking and countering a particular sweeper.</p>

<p>Good teammates for Azelf are Pokemon that appreciate entry hazard-damaged opponents, support and the absence of entry hazards on their side. Volcarona is a prime example, as it would normally loses half of its health upon switching in while Stealth Rock is in play. The presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing side weakens opposing Pokemon and assists Volcarona in sweeping after boosting with Quiver Dance.</p>

<p>Pursuit users can trap and kill Azelf. Choice Band Scizor is an example, as it can also deal massive damage to Azelf with priority STAB Bullet Punch. Against Scizor, Azelf's fate is based on prediction. If Azelf is at full health though, it can survive a Bullet Punch and fight back with Fire Blast, OHKOing Scizor. Tyranitar is another example, takingwho takes pitiful damage from Fire Blast, and can kill Azelf with Pursuit as it switches or U-turns out. Additionally, Tyranitar's Sand Stream will nullify Azelf's Focus Sash due to sandstorm damage. Thundurus can stop Azelf from setting up Stealth Rock with priority Taunt, preventing it. While this prevents Azelf from fulfilling its primary purpose. It, Thunderus does take hefty damage from Fire Blast or Psychic, though.</p>

<p>Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor, which aids Azelf. In addition, Azelf can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Magnezone, from which it is 4x weak toMagnezone takes 4x damage. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Mienshao and Lucario, can veertake care off Tyranitar with their super effective STAB Fighting-type attacks. Both Pokemon take minimal damage from Tyranitar's Dark-type attacks, Mienshao having the ability Regenerator, and Lucario being 4x resistant due to its secondary Steel typing. After Azelf has been pPursuited, Lucario can set up against a Choice-locked Tyranitar with either Swords Dance, Agility, or Nasty Plot.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Choice
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Azelf has one of two goals: hit very hard off the bat with a Choice Band or revenge Pokemon dangerous Pokemon to your team with a Choice Scarf. Either way, it is definitely a Pokemon whose utility one can't denyis undeniable. Zen Headbutt is the STAB move of choice and, coming off a base 125 Attack stat, it will inflict major damage to anything that doesn't resist or is immune to it. Ice Punch hits numerous threats in OU for super effective damage, such as the genies, Salamence, and Garchomp, to name only a few. Fire Punch gives good coverage against the Steel-types, such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. The last slot is up todepends on what the team needs the most. U-turn is usually the best move to maintain the momentum and it allows for a free turn, which may be all a sweeper needs late-game to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The nature of choice depends ofn what's the item Azelf is holding. If the item is Choice Band, Jolly is the preferred nature to tie with Starmie and other Azelf, allowing the pixie to OHKO both with U-turn. If Choice Scarf is the chosen item, Adamant can be used, but Jolly is still the best nature to go withpreferable to let Azelf outspeed Pokemon such as Scarf Latios, Scarf Garchomp, and Deoxys-S, to name only a few. The suggested EV spread allows for both power and Speed, with the remaining EVs going to Special Defense to minimize Stealth Rock damage [comment: what? Why does SpD minimize SR damage?] and prevent Download users from getting a Special Attack boost. The first three attacks offer too much coverage to be replaced, so the only choice one really should make is between U-turn and Trick. While U-turn has the aforementioned advantages, Trick has the potential to cripple one Pokemon on your opponent's team. This can be particularly useful when facing a stall team that can, with some prediction, sponge Azelf's efforts to break through.</p>

<p>Taking into account the tremendous power Choice Band Azelf packs, there are only a few Pokemon that can be considered counters. Skarmory and Hippowdon are, two of the best physical walls in OU and, can sponge even the super effective attack Azelf carries and avoid the 2HKO, thus being able to effectively heal the pixie's attempts to punchand can heal off the damage. Eviolite Chansey is often seen as a mixed wall, and it also can take Azelf's Zen Headbutt and cripple it with a status move of choice. However, these three Pokemon have to be aware of Trick because a choice item harshly reduces itstheir walling capabilities.</p>

<p>Since Azelf's job with this set is to support the team, its teammates should be mostly be Pokemon that can come in on the Pokemon the pixie attracts. Conkeldurr loves to come in on Chansey and start setting up with Bulk Up. Magnezone can come in on Skarmory, trap it, and proceed to KO it with Thunderbolt. Starmie is also a good partner because it threatens Hippowdon and Skarmory and can heal any status Chansey tries to inflict while spinning Stealth Rock that slowly damages Azelf.</p>

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sporting great base Speed and Special Attack, as well as a solid boosting move, Azelf is a primary candidate for the role of special sweeper. Nasty Plot is the most important move of the set and it boosts Azelf's Special Attack to 696 (not taking into account Life Orb's boost), thus enabling a sweep. The first choice of the set is between two STAB moves. Psyshock is the preferred attack, as it lets Azelf overcome even the best special walls in OU, such as Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Snorlax that. These Pokemon would otherwise laugh at its efforts and either inflict it with status it or go for the KO. Flamethrower allows Azelf to beat the Steel-types that resist its STAB attack, and is important for its ability to OHKO Ferrothorn and Scizor. With the last slot comes the last choice. Hidden Power Fighting is recommended for the ability to hit Tyranitar for major damage, OHKOing even the most specially defensive set after the boost.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread may seem awkward since it's different from the standardis unusual for a special sweeper. The reason for this is that Hidden Power Fighting requires a 30 Speed IV, thus making impossible for Azelf to tie with Starmie or other Azelf. Therefore, a Timid nature and 228 Speed EVs let Azelf outspeed the genies; then one should give 252 Special Attack EVs to maximize the damage output; f. Finally, the remaining EVs should go to HP for a little more bulk. Psychic can be used instead of Psyshock on the second slot to hit physically defensive Pokemon, such as Gliscor and Conkeldurr, for biggermore damage. Grass Knot is also an option on the last slot and it does have one major advantage: it lets Azelf have a 31 Speed IV. Taking this fact into accountherefore, if running Grass Knot, Azelf's EV spread should be 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, which lets it outspeed Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Magnezone, as well as tying with Starmie.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Azelf doesn't require much team support; it can usually muscle its way through its opponents. However, there is one Pokemon that can endure Azelf's attacks and KO back;: Reuniclus can either set up Trick Room and attempt to sweep or go straight for the OHKO with Shadow Ball. The other Pokemon capable of beating Azelf are either strong priority users or faster Pokemon. Scizor and Azumarill can both use a very potent priority move that can make sure Azelf won'tprevent Azelf's sweep. Although they're not very common, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Life Orb Accelgor can all outspeed and OHKO Azelf with the adequppropriate move. Finally, Excadrill can outspeed under sandstorm and KO with X-Scissor. Last, but not least, as with every sweeper, Azelf enjoys having entry hazards support to achieve some KOs it normally wouldn't.</p>

<p>Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate, as it can OHKO Reuniclus with Bug Bite, as well as dealing with all of the faster Pokemon with a very strong Bullet Punch. Conkeldurr is another good partner, as it can set up on the Pokemon that threaten Azelf and proceed to open some holes on the opponent's team. To set up Stealth Rock, Tyranitar is a good choice, as it can set it up very reliably and also deal with Reuniclus. Deoxys-S has the same typing as Azelf, but it has the ability to set up both Spikes and Dual Screens, that have thewhich can potential toly provide Azelf with another setup turn, making sure nothing can take its attacks and live to tell.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Azelf's movepool is huge, so it has lots of other options that. These are usually inferior to the ones listed, but may work on specific teams. Azelf has a great Special Attack and Speed, as well as lots of special moves, so it can run a good Choice Specs set with Psyshock, Flamethrower, Grass Knot, and Trick, but. However, it is usually better off with Nasty Plot as locking itself on the wrong move may mean being trapped and KOed. It can also run a Dual Screens set, but it is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk and more Speed. Last, but not least, with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, Azelf can also set up Rain Dance to allow powerful sweepers such as Kingdra, Kabutops, and Omastar to wreak havoc with the Speed and STAB boosts. However, Deoxys-S and Accelgor have more Speed, and Scizor, Jirachi, and Uxie have more bulk that, which lets them set up Rain Dance more than once.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p></p>

[Dream World]

<p>Azelf doesn't have a Dream World ability.</p>

Remove
Add

If you want to use "to name a few," which I took out, take out the "such as" in those sentences. Also there's one comment which isn't exactly a change; it's bracketed with the note "comment."
 
Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

[Overview]

<p>Azelf is a great Pokemon offensively, With 120 base in both attacking stats base 125 attacking stats and 115 base 115 Speed, Azelf is an offensive powerhouse. It also has access to a very useful boosting move, Nasty Plot, which allows Azelf to double its Special Attack and sweep due to its wide movepool Access to a wonderful boosting move in Nasty Plot, in conjunction with its wide special movepool, makes Azelf a very dangerous set-up sweeper. Its physical movepool is just as wide, allowing it to run an effective Choice set. Azelf can also function as a lead, providing Stealth Rock support. Overall, Azelf is a very diverse and potent offensive Pokemon. Underestimate it at your own peril.</p>

<p>In gen 4, Azelf was an extremely popular lead, because of its high Speed stat, and ability to set up Stealth Rock and prevent them from being set up by the opponent with Taunt. Additionally it had access to Explosion, which let it go out with a bang. However, in this generation, Explosion's power was halved, and Team Preview has made the lead role redundant. It still, however, can provide Stealth Rock support effectively despite these hindrances.</p>

(The Overview is supposed to be short, giving a short description of how the Pokemon functions in the current metagame. Do not talk about it in previous generations.)

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Fire Blast / Psychic
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Description]

<p>This Azelf set is designed to provide Stealth Rock support, and is, in effect, a reincarnation of last generations's extremely popular "Lead" set. Although the idea of leads has changed drastically in this generation, it is still important for many teams to have Stealth Rock support as early as possible. Due to its great Speed, Azelf has an easy job of can easily setting up Stealth Rock, and taunting stop slower Pokemon, such as Hippowdon, who may attempt to do the same, with Taunt. Hippowdon is an example of a Pokemon that will still be used as a lead, as it induces permanent sandstorm and can easily set up Stealth Rock at the start of a battle. With Taunt, Azelf can easily prevent Hippowdon from setting up Stealth Rock and freely set up its own.</p>

<p>U-turn is a great asset in Azelf's movepool, allowing it to switch out after setting up Stealth Rock and gain momentum against the opponent. If the opponent brings in a Pokemon to counter Azelf as it U-turns out, you can switch to an appropriate counter, gaining the upper hand. (Every person knows how U-turn works on Azelf. You don't need to explain how here) The last move slot consists of an attacking move to improve its usefulness increase Azelf's coverage. Fire Blast is the primary option, providing super effective coverage against allowing Azelf to hit Steel-type Pokemon such as Forretress, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory for super effective damage. Psychic, which is boosted by STAB, is an alternative option, which has STAB, and can hit common Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Breloom for super effective damage. However, it does have lower lesser coverage, making Fire Blast the preferred option.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Zen Headbutt can be used in the last moveslot, with 252 Attack EVs in Attack instead of Special Attack. This will also increase the power of U-turn, allowing Azelf to deal extra damage while scouting. However, as stated before, Fire Blast is the preferred option over a Psychic-type attack, as it grants Azelf super effective coverage against the aforementioned Steel-type Pokemon. Although its power has been halved, Explosion can still be used to go out with a bang. It can still dent certain Pokemon who may attempt to set up against Azelf. There are other moves that Azelf can use Azelf does have better options, though, meaning Explosion should only be used if the other team members have problems checking and countering a particular sweeper.</p>

<p>Good teammates for Azelf are Pokemon that appreciate entry hazard support and the absence of entry hazards on their side. Volcarona is a prime example, as it loses half of its health upon switching in while Stealth Rock is in play. The presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing side weakens opposing Pokemon and assists Volcarona in sweeping after boosting setting up with Quiver Dance.</p>

<p>Pursuit users can trap and kill KO Azelf. Choice Band Scizor is an example, as it can also deal massive damage to Azelf with priority STAB Bullet Punch. Against Scizor, Azelf's fate is based on prediction. If Azelf is at full health, it can survive a Bullet Punch and fight back with Fire Blast, OHKOing KO Scizor with Fire Blast. Tyranitar is another example, who as it takes pitiful damage from Fire Blast, and can kill Azelf with Pursuit as it switches or U-turns out. Additionally, the sandstorm which Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability summons will nullify Azelf's Focus Sash due to sandstorm damage. Thundurus can stop Azelf from setting up Stealth Rock with a priority Taunt. While this prevents Azelf from fulfilling its primary purpose, Thundurus does take hefty damage from Fire Blast or Psychic.</p>

<p>Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor, which aids Azelf. In addition, Azelf can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Magnezone, from which Magnezone takes 4x damage. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Mienshao Conkeldurr (Conkeldurr is a much more commonly used, and better example) and Lucario can take care of Tyranitar with their super effective STAB Fighting-type attacks. Both Pokemon take minimal damage from Tyranitar's Dark-type attacks, Mienshao having the ability Regenerator, and Lucario being 4x resistant due to its secondary Steel typing. After Azelf has been Pursuited KOed by Pursuit, Lucario can set up against a choice-locked Tyranitar with either Swords Dance, Agility, or Nasty Plot.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Choice
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Azelf has one of two goals: that of either hitting very hard off the bat with a Choice Band, or revenge killing Pokemon dangerous to your the user's team with a Choice Scarf. Either way, it is definitely a Pokemon whose utility is undeniable. Zen Headbutt is the STAB move of choice and, coming off a base 125 Attack stat, will inflict major damage to anything that doesn't resist or is immune to it. Ice Punch hits numerous threats in OU, such as Salamence, Garchomp, and Thundurus, for super effective damage, such as the genies, Salamence, and Garchomp. Fire Punch gives good coverage against allows Azelf to hit Steel-types, such as Ferrothorn and Scizor for super effective damage. The last slot depends on what the team needs the most Azelf's teammates require. U-turn is usually the best move to maintain the allows Azelf to maintain offensive momentum and it allows for a free turn, which may be all a sweeper needs late-game to set up, while Trick helps Azelf to cripple an opposing wall, making it easy for a teammate to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The nature of choice of nature depends on what item Azelf is holding. If the item is Choice Band, Jolly is the preferred nature to tie with Starmie and other Azelf, allowing the pixie to OHKO both with U-turn. If Choice Scarf is the chosen item, Adamant can be used, but Jolly is preferable to let Azelf outspeed Pokemon such as Scarf Latios, Scarf Garchomp, and Deoxys-S. The suggested EV spread allows for both power and Speed, with the remaining EVs going to Special Defense to minimize Stealth Rock damage and prevent Download users from getting a Special Attack boost. The first three attacks offer too much coverage to be replaced, so the only choice one should make is between U-turn and Trick. While U-turn has the aforementioned advantages, Trick has the potential to cripple one Pokemon on your opponent's team. This can be particularly useful when facing a stall team that can, with some prediction, sponge Azelf's efforts to break through. (you have already talked about this in Set Comments) </p>

<p>Taking into account the tremendous power which Choice Band Azelf packs, there are only a few Pokemon that can be considered counters. Skarmory and Hippowdon, two of the best physical walls in OU, can sponge even the super effective attacks Azelf carries and avoid the 2HKO, and can healing off the damage. Eviolite Chansey is often seen as a mixed wall, and can take Azelf's Zen Headbutt with ease and cripple it with a status move of choice. However, these three Pokemon have to be wary of Trick, because a choice item harshly reduces their walling capabilities.</p>

<p>Since Azelf's job with this set is to support the team, its teammates should mostly be Pokemon that can come in on the Pokemon the pixie attracts lures. Conkeldurr loves to come in on Chansey and start setting up with Bulk Up. Magnezone can come in on Skarmory, trap it, and proceed to KO it with Thunderbolt. Starmie is also a good partner because it threatens both Hippowdon and Skarmory, and can heal any status Chansey tries to inflict while removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin Stealth Rock that slowly damages Azelf.</p>

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sporting great base Speed and Special Attack stats, as well as a solid boosting move, Azelf is a primary candidate for the role of a special sweeper. Nasty Plot is the most important move of the set and it boosts Azelf's Special Attack to a gigantic 696 (not taking into account Life Orb's boost), thus enabling a it to sweep. The first choice of the set is between two STAB moves. There are two options for the STAB attack. Psyshock is the preferred attack, as it lets Azelf overcome even the best special walls in OU, such as Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Snorlax. These Pokemon would otherwise laugh at its Azelf's efforts and either inflict it with status or go for the KO. Flamethrower allows Azelf to beat KO the Steel-types that resist its STAB attack., and is important for its ability to More importantly, it OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor. With the last slot comes the last choice. Once again, there are two options for the last moveslot. Hidden Power Fighting is recommended for the ability to hit Tyranitar for major damage, OHKOing even the most specially defensive sets after the a Nasty Plot boost. On the other hand, Grass Knot OHKOes Unaware Quagsire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is unusual for a special sweeper. The reason for this is that Hidden Power Fighting requires a 30 Speed IV, thus making it impossible for Azelf to tie with Starmie or other Azelf. Therefore, a Timid nature and 228 Speed EVs let Azelf outspeed the genies Thundurus and Landorus;. then one should give 252 Special Attack EVs are invested in Special Attack to maximize the Azelf's damage output. Finally, The remaining EVs should go to are invested in HP for a little more bulk. Psychic can be used instead of Psyshock on the second slot to hit physically defensive Pokemon, such as Gliscor and Conkeldurr, for more damage. (you have already mentioned this in Set Comments) Grass Knot is also an option on the last slot and it does have one major advantage over Hidden Power Fighting: it lets Azelf have a 31 Speed IV. Therefore, if running Grass Knot, Azelf's EV spread should be 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, which lets it outspeed Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Magnezone, as well as tie with Starmie.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Azelf doesn't require much team support; it can usually muscle its way through its opponents. However, there is one Pokemon that can endure Azelf's attacks and KO back: Reuniclus can either set up Trick Room and attempt to sweep or go straight for the OHKO with Shadow Ball. The other Pokemon capable of beating Azelf are either strong priority users of strong priority attacks or faster Pokemon. Scizor and Azumarill can both use a very potent priority move that can prevent Azelf's sweep are examples of users of strong priority attacks, as they can eliminate Azelf with STAB Bullet Punch or Aqua Jet, respectively. Although they're not very common, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Life Orb Accelgor can all outspeed and OHKO Azelf with the appropriate move. Finally, Excadrill can outspeed under sandstorm and KO with X-Scissor. Last, but not least Lastly, as with every sweeper, Azelf enjoys having entry hazards support to achieve some KOs it normally wouldn't.</p>

<p>Ironically, Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate, as it can OHKO Reuniclus with Bug Bite, as well as deal with all of the faster Pokemon with a very strong Bullet Punch. Conkeldurr is another good partner, as it can set up on the Pokemon that threaten Azelf and proceed to open some holes on the opponent's team. To set up Stealth Rock, Tyranitar is a good choice, as it can set it up very reliably and also deal with Reuniclus. Deoxys-S has the same typing as Azelf, but has the ability to set up both Spikes and dual screens, which can potentially provide Azelf with another setup turn to set up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Azelf's movepool is huge, so Since Azelf's movepool is huge, it has lots of other options. These are usually inferior to the ones listed, but may work on specific teams. Azelf has a great Special Attack and Speed, as well as lots of special moves, so it can run a good Choice Specs set with Psyshock, Flamethrower, Grass Knot, and Trick. However, it is usually better off with Nasty Plot as locking itself on the wrong move may mean being trapped and KOed. It can also run a dual screens set, but is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk, a higher Speed stat, and access to Spikes. Last, but not least, with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, Azelf can also set up Rain Dance to allow powerful sweepers such as Kingdra, Kabutops, and Omastar to wreak havoc with theirSpeed and STAB boosts. However, Deoxys-S and Accelgor have more Speed, and Scizor, Jirachi, and Uxie have more bulk, which lets them set up Rain Dance more than once much more reliably.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Powerful priority users such as Scizor and Azumarill spell trouble for Azelf. Scizor can KO it with Bullet Punch, providing it has taken prior damage, and Azumarill can OHKO Azelf with Aqua Jet right off the bat. Users of Pursuit such as Tyranitar and Scizor can also be problematic for Azelf, because they can trap and kill it. Scizor can be OHKO'ed with by any Fire-type attack in Azelf's arsenal, but it does have access to a Technician boosted STAB priority Bullet Punch, making prediction very important. (You have already mentioned that Scizor checks Azelf) Azelf's high Speed is a great asset vital to its offensive prowess. Therefore, being crippled by paralysis almost renders it useless, as anything can outspeed and attack Azelf, which is quite fragile as Azelf's frailty will now be exploited by opponents who will outspeed and KO it. Jirachi can paralyze Azelf with either Body Slam or Thunder Wave, while it takes little damage from most of its attacks. Pokemon that possess the Prankster ability such as Whimsicott and Thundurus can paralyze Azelf with a priority Stun Spore and Thunder Wave, respectively. However, Azelf can deal huge damage to both of those Pokemon as they paralyze it, providing the 25% paralysis chance doesn't take effect that Azelf doesn't get fully paralyzed. Pokemon that gain a Speed boost from the Chlorophyll and Sand Rush abilities when the appropriate weather is in play can outspeed Azelf, and are very dangerous, when the appropriate weather is in play. Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Azelf with X-Scizzor, whereas Chlorophyll users such as Venusaur and Shiftry can OHKO it with SolarBeam and Dark Pulse respectively. Most Chlorophyll users also have access to Sleep Powder, which allows them to render Azelf useless.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Azelf doesn't have a Dream World ability.</p>

gpstamp


GP 1 / 2
 
I think you should remove the line about Psyshock allowing you to beat Blissey, Evolite Chansey, and Snorlax because you don't actually beat any of those. If I ran the calcs correctly, +2 Psyshock will only 3HKO standard 252 HP/0 SpD Blissey, meaning it has no chance in beating Evolite Chansey, both will just Thunder Wave you. Snorlax, I doubt it OHKOs, and probably beats you if it comes in on the Nasty Plot (just Crunch/Pursuit).
 
Psyshock is a Special Attack that hits the opposing Pokemon's Physical Defense so I doubt the calc took that into account
 
Vs Max HP/Def Blissey: 83.8% - 98.7%
Vs 188 HP 104 Def Snorlax: 79.9% - 94.1%
Vs 252 HP/Def Evo stone Chansey: 67.8% - 79.8%

You're doing it wrong
 
I'm not a member of the GP team, but I noticed an unusually high number of missing spaces between words.

Deletions
Corrections (such as highlighting of words that need spacing)/Additions

[Overview]

<p>With base 125 attacking stats and base 115 Speed, Azelf is an offensive powerhouse. Access to a wonderful boosting move in Nasty Plot, in conjunction with its wide special movepool, makes Azelf a very dangerous set-up sweeper. Its physical movepool is just as wide, allowing it to run an effective Choice set. Azelf can also function as a lead, providing Stealth Rock support. Overall, Azelf is a very diverse and potent offensive Pokemon. Underestimate it at your own peril.</p>

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: U-Turn
move 4: Fire Blast / Psychic
item: Focus Sash
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[Set Description]

<p>This Azelf set is designed to provide Stealth Rock support, and is, in effect, a reincarnation of last generation's extremely popular "Lead" set. Although the idea of leads has changed drastically this generation, it is still important for many teams to have Stealth Rock support as early as possible. Due to its great Speed, Azelf can easily set up Stealth Rock, and stop slower Pokemon, such as Hippowdon, who may attempt to do the same, with Taunt.</p>

<p>U-turn is a great asset in Azelf's movepool, allowing it to switch out after setting up Stealth Rock and gain momentum. The last move slot consists of an attacking move to increase Azelf's coverage. Fire Blast is the primary option, allowing Azelf to hit Steel-type Pokemon such as Forretress, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory for super effective damage. Psychic, which is boosted by STAB, is an alternative option, and can hit common Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Breloom for super effective damage. However, it does have lesser coverage, making Fire Blast the preferred option.</p>

[Additional Comments]

<p>Zen Headbutt can be used in the last moveslot, with 252 EVs in Attack instead of Special Attack. This will also increase the power of U-turn, allowing Azelf to deal extra damage while scouting. However, as stated before, Fire Blast is the preferred option over a Psychic-type attack, as it grants Azelf super effective coverage against the aforementioned Steel-type Pokemon. Although its power has been halved, Explosion can still be used to dent certain Pokemon who may attempt to set up against Azelf. Azelf does have better options, though, meaning Explosion should only be used if the other team members have problems checking and countering a particular sweeper.</p>

<p>Good teammates for Azelf are Pokemon that appreciate entry hazard support and the absence of entry hazards on their side. Volcarona is a prime example, as it loses half of its health upon switching in while Stealth Rock is in play. The presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing side weakens opposing Pokemon and assists Volcarona in sweeping after setting up with Quiver Dance.</p>

<p>Pursuit users can trap and KO Azelf. Choice Band Scizor is an example, as it can also deal massive damage to Azelf with priority STAB Bullet Punch. Against Scizor, Azelf's fate is based on prediction. If Azelf is at full health, it can survive a Bullet Punch and KO Scizor with Fire Blast. Tyranitar is another example, as it takes pitiful damage from Fire Blast, and can kill Azelf with Pursuit as it switches or U-turns out. Additionally, the sandstorm which Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability summons will nullify Azelf's Focus Sash. Thundurus can stop Azelf from setting up Stealth Rock with a priority Taunt. While this prevents Azelf from fulfilling its primary purpose, Thundurus does take hefty damage from Fire Blast or Psychic.</p>

<p>Magnezone can trap and kill Scizor, which aids Azelf. In addition, Azelf can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Magnezone. Fighting-type Pokemon such as Conkeldurr and Lucario can take care of Tyranitar with their super effective STAB attacks. After Azelf has been KOed by Pursuit, Lucario can set up against a choice-locked Tyranitar with either Swords Dance, Agility, or Nasty Plot.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Choice
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Ice Punch
move 3: Fire Punch
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band / Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With this set, Azelf has one of two goals: that of either hitting very hard off the bat with a Choice Band, or revenge killing Pokemon dangerous to the user's team with a Choice Scarf. Either way, it is definitely a Pokemon whose utility is undeniable. Zen Headbutt is the STAB move of choice and, coming off of a base 125 Attack stat, will inflict major damage to anything that doesn't resist or is immune to it. Ice Punch hits numerous threats in OU, such as Salamence, Garchomp, and Thundurus, for super effective damage. Fire Punch allows Azelf to hit Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor for super effective damage. The last slot depends on what Azelf's teammates require. U-turn allows Azelf to maintain offensive momentum, while Trick helps Azelf to cripple an opposing wall, making it easy for a teammate to set up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The choice of nature depends on what item Azelf is holding. If the item is Choice Band, Jolly is the preferred nature to tie with Starmie and other Azelf, allowing the pixie to OHKO both with U-turn. If Choice Scarf is the chosen item, Adamant can be used, but Jolly is preferable to let Azelf outspeed Pokemon such as Scarf Latios, Scarf Garchomp, and Deoxys-S. The suggested EV spread allows for both power and Speed, with the remaining EVs going to Special Defense to minimize Stealth Rock damage and prevent Download users from getting a Special Attack boost.</p>

<p>Taking into account the tremendous power which Choice Band Azelf packs, there are only a few Pokemon that can be considered counters. Skarmory and Hippowdon, two of the best physical walls in OU, can sponge even the super effective attacks Azelf carries and avoid the 2HKO, healing off the damage. Eviolite Chansey can take Azelf's Zen Headbutt with ease and cripple it with a status move of choice. However, these three Pokemon have to be wary of Trick, because a choice item harshly reduces their walling capabilities.</p>

<p>Since Azelf's job with this set is to support the team, its teammates should mostly be Pokemon that can come in on the Pokemon the pixie lures. Conkeldurr loves to come in on Chansey and start setting up with Bulk Up. Magnezone can come in on Skarmory, trap it, and proceed to KO it with Thunderbolt. Starmie is also a good partner because it threatens both Hippowdon and Skarmory, and can heal any status Chansey tries to inflict while removing entry hazards with Rapid Spin.</p>

[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Sporting great base Speed and Special Attack stats, as well as a solid boosting move, Azelf is a primary candidate for the role of a special sweeper. Nasty Plot boosts Azelf's Special Attack to a gigantic 696 (not taking into account Life Orb's boost), thus enabling it to sweep. There are two options for the STAB attack. Psyshock is the preferred attack, as it lets Azelf overcome even the best special walls in OU, such as Blissey, Eviolite Chansey, and Snorlax. These Pokemon would otherwise laugh at Azelf's efforts and either inflict it with status or go for the KO. Flamethrower allows Azelf to KO the Steel-types that resist its STAB attack. More importantly, it OHKOes Ferrothorn and Scizor. Once again, there are two options for the last moveslot. Hidden Power Fighting is recommended for the ability to hit Tyranitar for major damage, OHKOing even the most specially defensive sets after a Nasty Plot. On the other hand, Grass Knot OHKOes Unaware Quagsire.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is unusual for a special sweeper. The reason for this is that Hidden Power Fighting requires a 30 Speed IV, thus making it impossible for Azelf to tie with Starmie or other Azelf. Therefore, a Timid nature and 228 Speed EVs let Azelf outspeed Thundurus and Landorus. 252 EVs are invested in Special Attack to maximize Azelf's damage output. The remaining EVs are invested in HP for a little more bulk. Grass Knot is also an option on the last slot and it does have one major advantage over Hidden Power Fighting: it lets Azelf have a 31 Speed IV. Therefore, if running Grass Knot, Azelf's EV spread should be 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe, which lets it outspeed Choice Scarf Abomasnow and Magnezone, as well as tie with Starmie.</p>

<p>Nasty Plot Azelf doesn't require much team support; it can usually muscle its way through its opponents. However, there is one Pokemon that can endure Azelf's attacks and KO back: Reuniclus can either set up Trick Room and attempt to sweep or go straight for the OHKO with Shadow Ball. The other Pokemon capable of beating Azelf are either users of strong priority attacks or faster Pokemon. Scizor and Azumarill are examples of users of strong priority attacks, as they can eliminate Azelf with STAB Bullet Punch or Aqua Jet, respectively. Although they're not very common, Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Life Orb Accelgor can all outspeed and OHKO Azelf with the appropriate move. Finally, Excadrill can outspeed under sandstorm and KO with X-Scissor. Lastly, as with every sweeper, Azelf enjoys having entry hazards support to achieve some KOs it normally wouldn't.</p>

<p>Ironically, Swords Dance Scizor is a good teammate, as it can OHKO Reuniclus with Bug Bite, as well as deal with all of the faster Pokemon with a very strong Bullet Punch. Conkeldurr is another good partner, as it can set up on the Pokemon that threaten Azelf and proceed to open holes on in the opponent's team. To set up Stealth Rock, Tyranitar is a good choice, as it can set it up very reliably and also deal with Reuniclus. Deoxys-S has the same typing as Azelf, but has the ability to set up both Spikes and dual screens, which can potentially provide Azelf with another turn to set up.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Since Azelf's movepool is huge, it has lots of other options. These are usually inferior to the ones listed, but may work on specific teams. Azelf has a great Special Attack and Speed, as well as lots of special moves, so it can run a good Choice Specs set with Psyshock, Flamethrower, Grass Knot, and Trick. However, it is usually better off with Nasty Plot as locking itself on into the wrong move may mean being trapped and KOed. It can also run a dual screens set, but is completely outclassed by Deoxys-S, which has better bulk, a higher Speed stat, and access to Spikes. Last, but not least, with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, Azelf can also set up Rain Dance to allow powerful sweepers such as Kingdra, Kabutops, and Omastar to wreak havoc. However, Deoxys-S and Accelgor have more Speed, and Scizor, Jirachi, and Uxie have more bulk, which lets them set up Rain Dance much more reliably.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Powerful priority users such as Scizor and Azumarill spell trouble for Azelf. Scizor can KO it with Bullet Punch, providing it has taken prior damage, and Azumarill can OHKO Azelf with Aqua Jet right off the bat. Users of Pursuit such as Tyranitar and Scizor can also be problematic for Azelf, because they can trap and kill it. Azelf's high Speed is vital to its offensive prowess. Therefore, being crippled by paralysis almost renders it useless, as Azelf's frailty will now be exploited by opponents who will outspeed and KO it. Jirachi can paralyze Azelf with either Body Slam or Thunder Wave, while it takes little damage from most of its attacks. Whimsicott and Thundurus can paralyze Azelf with a priority Stun Spore and Thunder Wave, respectively. However, Azelf can deal huge damage to both of those Pokemon as they paralyze it, providing that Azelf doesn't get fully paralyzed. Pokemon that gain a Speed boost from the Chlorophyll and Sand Rush abilities when the appropriate weather is in play can outspeed Azelf, and are very dangerous. Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Azelf with X-Scizzor X-Scissor, whereas Chlorophyll users such as Venusaur and Shiftry can OHKO it with SolarBeam and Dark Pulse respectively. Most Chlorophyll users also have access to Sleep Powder, which allows them to render Azelf useless.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Azelf doesn't have a Dream World ability.</p>

Hope that helps.
 
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