Azelf (BW2 Update) [QC: 3/3] (GP: 2/2)

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[box][qc]3/3[/qc]​
[Lavos Spawn, AccidentalGreed, BKC]​

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QC Rejected: 0/3​

Current State: Done​
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Azelf

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  • Amazing offensive stats; base 125 in both Atk and SpA.
  • Fantastic speed of base 115; outspeeding all of OU but four (no scarfs ofc.)
  • Access to Nasty Plot; raising it's SpA to deadly levels.
  • Very wide movepool, variety of roles/options.
  • Known as a respectable lead with Stealth Rock and Dual Screens.
  • One of the best Dual Screeners; with access to both Stealth Rock and Taunt.
  • Team Preview pretty much exposes its role, however.
  • Very frail Pokemon; can absorb very few hits.
  • Still a powerful threat to OU; can demolish unprepared teams.
[SET]







name: Suicide Lead​










move 1: Stealth Rock​











move 2: Taunt​










move 3: Thunderbolt​










move 4: Fire Blast​










item: Focus Sash​










ability: Levitate​









nature: Timid​









EV's: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe​













































































[SET COMMENTS]​








  • Very popular lead back in DPP; still used to success today.
  • Goal of this set is the set up SR/prevent the foe from setting up, hang on with Focus Sash, to give that last ounce of damage to the for
  • Usually for Balanced Teams.
  • Effective of running this set against other leads, such as Ferrothorn, Forretress, Skarmory, etc.
  • Usually start the match with Stealth Rock, getting the hazards out.
  • Taunt is vital against other leads who try to Taunt Azelf or set up themselves.
  • Fire Blast to handle Steel types, and other leads, such as Dolphan and Forretress.
  • Thunderbolt is good against Starmie; offensive or defensive. Also good against Magic Bounce user Xatu, who would otherwise ruin Azelf's chance to set up SR. Great against Tentacruel as well, with a high chance of a 2HKO.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • 252 Atk for maximum damage for Explosion and the fourth moveslot move. 252 Speed to get Taunt/SR in play; speed is critical to this set. 4 Def to handle against priority moves, like Bullet Punch/Aqua Jet.
  • Focus Sash helps fragile Azelf to survive a hit, then explouded when it is no longer useful.
  • Jolly nature to enhance its most important aspect of the set: Speed.
  • Not many options outside what is listed; pretty straightforward.
  • Magic Bounce Pokemon are by far the biggest threat to this set; Taunt and SR become useless, and Espeon's great defenses can absorb Azelf's attack, as well as heal it off. For this reason, Volcarona is a good partner, as it can handle Espeon with ease.
  • Rotom-W is also a great partner; it can deal with Cloyster, a Pokemon who can break Azelf's Focus Sash with Skill Link. However, not only can Azelf outspeed Cloyster, it can OHKO Cloyster with Thunderbolt.
  • Choice Scarf Jirachi is also a threat to be reckoned with; it can move before Azelf and potentially flinch it. Heatran is a good partner for that.
[SET]







name: Dual Screen​












move 1: Reflect​











move 2: Light Screen​










move 3: Taunt​










move 4: Stealth Rock / U-turn / Explosion​










item: Light Clay​










ability: Levitate​









nature: Timid / Jolly​









EV's: 168 HP / 88 Def / 252 Spe​













































































[SET COMMENTS]​








  • Azelf's outstanding speed makes it a fine Dual Screener.
  • Usually on Hyper Offense teams, but can be on any team.
  • Reflect and Light Screen to cut damage; makes it easier to set up and sweep.
  • Taunt is what makes Azelf stand out against other Dual Screeners; it's excellent speed paired with Taunt earns it the third moveslot. It should be used whenever you expect a setup from the opponent.
  • The final moveslot depends on what you want from Azelf. Azelf usually is unable to set up Stealth Rock. However, after Azelf has set-up the appropriate amount of screens, as both are not always needed, it can procceed to set-up Stealth Rock if it has the time. U-Turn could be used to pivot out and gain momentum when you sensed danger. Explosion give a free switch-in to your teammates after a screen(s) is set up.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • 168 HP and 88 Defense EVs help give Azelf as much bulk as possible; it also prevent a 1HKO from a Choice Band Tyranitar's Crunch, even after sand damage. 252 Speed to set up Dual Screens easily, as well as Taunt/Stealth Rock.
  • Light Clay to increase the screen's durability.
  • Azelf can remove Taunt and use Explosion in the 3rd moveslot. Explosion pairs well with Stealth Rock, along with preventing slower spinners and Starmie from removing Stealth Rock 50% of the time.
  • Timid is the best option as a nature if Azelf is not running any attacking move to reduce confusion damage, but Jolly is better when using U-turn or Explosion. They both maximize Azelf's speed; outspeeding Choice Scarf Latios and Venusaur in sun.
  • Flamethrower could be used as well to handle Pokemon like Scizor, since him and faster Pokemon limit Azelf to only one screen.
  • Signal Beam can also be an option to fully check Celebi and Tyranitar.
  • As mentioned before, Azelf works every well on Hyer Offensive teams; having at least two setup sweepers are good to take advantage of the Dual Screens.
  • Azelf is still frail, despite all the HP investment. If screens don't get up before Azelf is struck, don't expect it to last long.
  • Pokemon that use set-up moves are great partners to Azelf; Swords Dance Scizor/Terrakion and DD Salamence, along with Volcarona and Cloyster make great partners.
  • Not many threats to Azelf with this set that differs from the others.
  • Volcarona and Cloyster also get a bonus from Taunt; if Azelf prevented SR from rising, it helps preserve their health.
[SET]







name: Special Attacker​












move 1: U-Turn​











move 2: Psyshock / Psychic​










move 3: Fire Blast​










move 4: Hidden Power [Fighting] / Grass Knot​










item: Life Orb​










ability: Levitate​









nature: Timid​









EV's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe​













































































[SET COMMENTS]​








  • This set is an All-Out Attacking with Life Orb. It turns Azelf into a very powerful wall breaker.
  • All-Out Attacking set is great for weakening opponents, having all attack moves with variety of coverages.
  • U-Turn is great against pivoting against the opponent for the All-Out Attacking set, though, if you have issues against bulky/defensive teams,
  • Psyshock is the ultimate option for Azelf, as it tames those SpD beasts, such as Blissey and Chansey, though Psychic sports more overall power.
  • Fire Blast has coverage over those Steel types Azelf would normally have issues with.
  • The final moveslot depends on your preference: HP Fighting if you want to handle Heatran and Tyranitar, or Grass Knot, to handle Gastrodon and Starmie.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • Lum Berry is also an option because it helps rid of any status inflictions Azelf might get, as it completely ruins Azelf's sweeping capabilities. However, Azelf's power is significantly dropped from the loss of Life Orb.
  • Life Orb for All-Out Attacking so that it's easier to wall break, and you have that extra power to do it.
  • Timid Nature for max speed investment.
  • EV spread is a classic sweeper set, 252 in both SpA and Spe, and 4 HP for that extra bulk.
  • Nasty Plot can be used as well in the first moveslot; not only does it boosts Azelf's Special Attack to amazing heights, it does well against stall teams and defensive cores. However, as Azelf lacks in defenses, it almost never grasps the opportunity to setup Nasty Plot, making it not as reliable.
  • Flamethrower can be used in place of Fire Blast if you don't fancy the accuracy rate; the power loss is easily noticed, however.
  • Shadow Ball can also be used in this moveset; it handles Pokemon such as Latios and Latias, Starmie, and Espeon much easier.
  • Energy Ball could be used in place of Grass Knot as well; the increased power along with the occasional SpD drop can be very useful.
  • Not much team support; the set can usually manage on it's own without teammates usually.
  • Biggest threats to the team: Reuniclus, Latios, Latias. They can wall all of Azelf's attacks, as may even set up Calm Mind. Swords Dance Scizor can handle all three of them with Bug Bite (par that Latios/Latias don't have HP Fire), Heatran also is a good partner alongside Scirzor, to take the hits Scizor can't.
[Other Options]

  • Very wide moveset, has lots of options.
  • CM set is viable, but it doesn't help Azelf's frail state.
  • Azelf could also be an abuser of rain; access to Thunder can make it a powerful abuser.
  • Choice Specs is also a great choice for Azelf, but the Nasty Plot/All-Out Attacker set already does what it accomplishes, without being locked in, so it isn't quite as necessary as the CB, who can't set up with an attack boosting move.
  • With support moves like T-Wave and Toxic, Azelf can be in a supporting role. Once again, it's less than par defenses doesn't make this idea work as well as other support users.
[Checks and Counters]

  • Pokemon with priority attacks can KO Azelf before he even gets a chance to strike. CB Scizor can easily rid of Azelf with Bullet Punch.
  • Pokemon that uses Pursuit, such as Scizor and Tyranitar, are big threats to Azelf as well; trapping Azelf and finishing it off. The former must be very careful of Fire Blast, and the latter must be wary of Hidden Power Fighting.
  • Status inflictions on Azelf ruins Azelf very quickly, as it's speed is Azelf's main point in all of its sets. Being paralysized costs it a huge deal, rendering it useless, from Pokemon such as Jirachi and Whimsicott, who can both paralyze Azelf easily. Jellicent can also wall Azelf, but it must be careful of Grass Knot.
  • Reuniclus, Latios and Latias, are Psychic types who can wall Azelf like clockwork (par Azelf doesn't have Shadow Ball). Lati@s pair are good switch-ins to Azelf, though a LO U-Turn against them severely dents them.




[Overview]

<p>Bearing the grand title of The Being of Willpower, Azelf does not disappoint. Its offensive stats are fantastic; base 125 in both Attack and Special Attack is nothing to be taken lightly. Azelf is also blessed with a blazing base 115 Speed, outspeeding most of the OU tier. Azelf also has a very wide movepool, which allows it to fill a variety of roles, granting it the ability to fit on a variety of teams. It doesn't end there; Azelf also is known as one of the best dual screeners in OU, having access to both Stealth Rock and Taunt, which combine to earn Azelf a spot as a respectable lead.</p>

<p>However, at the end of the day, Azelf doesn't come without flaws. While Azelf can play many roles, Team Preview makes it painfully obvious what role Azelf plays on a team. Azelf also has pitiful defenses; it can rarely absorb more than two hits. Nothing has changed for Azelf in the transition to BW2; Pokemon such as Espeon have traits that are more in-demand, giving Azelf major competition in the OU environment. Nonetheless, Azelf is a powerful threat and should be treated as such, as underestimating it will cause you to regret it.</p>

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Azelf was a very popular lead in DPP, and while it isn't as common as it was then, it's still a successful set today. The goal of this set is to set up Stealth Rock on the field while preventing the opponent from doing the same. With the help of Taunt and attacking moves, this set is very effective against other common leads, such as Ferrothorn, Forretress, and Skarmory. Thunderbolt provides excellent coverage, especially against Xatu, whose ability Magic Guard foils Azelf's plan to set up Stealth Rock. It also deals heavy damage to Starmie and Tentacruel. Fire Blast rounds out Azelf's coverage, hitting Steel-types very hard and allowing Azelf to handle opposing leads that are immune to Thunderbolt, such as Landorus-T.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Focus Sash grants Azelf the ability to survive a hit so it can lay Stealth Rock reliably. Having a Timid nature is almost mandatory, as it maximizes the most crucial aspect of this set: Speed. 252 EVs in Special Attack allow Azelf to make use of its stellar offenses. There aren't many other options for this set, as it is pretty straightfoward. Pokemon that possess the ability Magic Bounce are by far the biggest threats to this set. Espeon in particular can not only reflect Azelf's support moves but also take all of Azelf's attacks, healing off any damage with Morning Sun or Wish. For this reason, Volcarona is a good ally for Azelf, as it can easily get rid of Espeon. Rotom-W is a great partner as well; it can deal with Cloyster, a Pokemon that can break through Azelf's Focus Sash with its ability Skill Link. However, Azelf outspeeds Cloyster and can OHKO it with Thunderbolt, so it's not that big of a threat.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Stealth Rock / U-turn / Explosion
item: Light Clay
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 168 HP / 88 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Thanks to Azelf's outstanding Speed and access to very useful support moves, it can run an effective dual screen set. Despite Azelf's subpar defenses, it still has the potential to get a screen or two up to aid its teammates. Reflect and Light Screen allow a fellow teammate to set up or sweep and make taking powerful hits much easier. Taunt is what makes Azelf stand out from other dual screeners, as it prevents setup sweepers from setting up against Azelf and stops opposing leads in their tracks. The final moveslot depends on preference. Usually, Azelf is unable to set up both screens and Stealth Rock. However, as both screens are not always necessary, Azelf can set the appropriate screen and proceed to set up Stealth Rock if it has the time. U-turn can be used to gain momentum when you sense danger, while Explosion gives a free switch-in to a teammate, though it should only be used after screens are up.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Light Clay is an invaluable item for this set, as it increases the duration of the screens. The given EV spread gives Azelf as much bulk as possible, preventing Choice Band Tyranitar's Crunch from OHKOing through Reflect, even after sand damage. The Speed EVs allow Azelf to set up dual screens as quickly as possible. Explosion can be used in place of Taunt in the third moveslot, as it pairs well with Stealth Rock, always preventing slower spinners from removing Stealth Rock and stopping Starmie 50% of the time. To reduce confusion recoil, Timid is the best option as a nature if Azelf doesn't run any attacking moves; however, Jolly is the better choice if U-turn or Explosion is used. Flamethrower could be used to handle Scizor, as it would otherwise limit Azelf to one screen. Signal Beam is also an option to hit Celebi and Tyranitar.</p>

<p>This variant of Azelf works very well on hyper offense teams, so having setup sweepers that benefit from having screens up are useful. Pokemon such as Swords Dance Scizor or Terrakion and Dragon Dance Salamence can take advantage of the dual screens. Volcarona and Cloyster as teammates deserve special mention as they benefit from Azelf's Taunt; they can set up with ease if Azelf can prevent Stealth Rock from going up on the field. Other than the threats stated above, this set has trouble with the same Pokemon that trouble suicide lead Azelf.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Psyshock / Psychic
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Grass Knot
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Azelf is more than capable of running an all-out attacking set with its above-average offenses and Speed. This set is great for weakening opponents late-game and can tackle a variety of Pokemon thanks to its great coverage. U-turn is useful for gaining momentum and scouting. Psyshock is the superior STAB option for Azelf, as it can hit special walls, such as Blissey and Chansey, hard. However, Psychic sports more power and a chance to lower the foe's Special Defense. Fire Blast provides coverage against Steel-types Azelf would normally have issues with. The final moveslot is based on what threats trouble your team; if you struggle with Heatran or Tyranitar, Hidden Power Fighting is the ideal choice. If you have difficulties defeating Starmie or Gastrodon, Grass Knot is a better option.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Life Orb gives Azelf the needed power to break through walls. A Timid nature is used to maximize Azelf's Speed, and EVs are invested fully in Special Attack and Speed. Lum Berry is a possible option because it gets rid of any crippling status Azelf might be afflicted with. However, Azelf's power is significantly decreased by the loss of Life Orb. Nasty Plot is an option for the first moveslot; it boosts Azelf's Special Attack stat to amazing heights and helps Azelf perform well against stall teams and defensive cores. However, due to Azelf's lackluster defenses, it rarely obtains an opportunity to set up, making Nasty Plot not as reliable. If you don't fancy Fire Blast's accuracy, Flamethrower can be used in its place. The power drop is easily noticed, however. Shadow Ball can be used; it allows Azelf to handle Pokemon such as Latias, Starmie, and Espeon much more easily. Energy Ball can replace Grass Knot, thanks to its greater consistency and chance to occasionally drop Special Defense.</p>

<p>Azelf does not need much team support since its vast variety of coverage moves allow it to manage itself on its own. That being said, the biggest threats to this set&mdash;and Azelf in general&mdash;are Reuniclus, Latios, and Latias. They can wall all of Azelf's attacks and Recover off any excess damage. Swords Dance Scizor is a great partner to Azelf due to the fact that Scizor can check all three of these Pokemon with Bug Bite. If either of the Eon twins carry Hidden Power Fire, Heatran can be a good partner in addition to Scizor, forming a core with defensive synergy that greatly aids Azelf.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Due to Azelf's wide movepool, it has lots of options to choose from. A Calm Mind set is viable, though Azelf's frailness doesn't give it many chances to even set up Calm Mind. Azelf can also be paired with Politoed to utilize Thunder. Choice Specs is also an option for Azelf, but the Special Attacker set already accomplishes what a Choice Specs set would have without being locked into a move. Since Azelf has great selections for physical attacking moves, such as Zen Headbutt and Fire Blast, a Choice Band set could be used to utilize that. Finally, Azelf learns many useful support moves, such as Thunder Wave and Toxic, giving it the option to play a supporting role. However, Azelf's defenses once again hold it back from successfully pulling off such a set.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Azelf's poor defenses are its ultimate downfall, so KOing it isn't too difficult. Pokemon with priority moves can KO Azelf before it gets the chance to strike back. Choice Band Scizor, for example, can easily defeat Azelf with Bullet Punch. Scizor also has access to Pursuit, as does Tyranitar, both of which can prevent Azelf from switching out safely and finish it off with their STAB moves. However, the former must be wary of Fire Blast, and the latter must watch out for Hidden Power Fighting. Status inflictions, such as paralysis, can stop Azelf from achieving most of its goals. Jirachi and Prankster Whimsicott can easily paralyze Azelf. Jellicent and specially defensive Heatran can wall Azelf. However, they must be very careful of Grass Knot and Hidden Power Fighting, respectively. Reuniclus, Latios, and Latias can also wall Azelf easily if Azelf doesn't carry Shadow Ball. Latios and Latias are great switch-ins to Azelf, though a Life Orb U-turn severely dents both of them. Overall, Azelf's large selection of coverage moves make it difficult to counter, but if you can identify Azelf's moveset, defeating it isn't a difficult task.</p>
 
change the first name to Lead, suicide Lead, Stealth Rock, or Focus Sah. Your name for that set is weird, long, and a little bit to descripted about the set.

EDIT: Don't run adamant on the choice set, jolly is superior also add in naive because its got some other good moves such as thunderbolt, Fire Blast! (take away fire punch) and also note y the set outclasses other scarfers / banders. coverage? power? mixed ability?
 
Couple of Things

-I would prefer it if Explosion got slashed on the DS set. Sure, its power is halved, and all that, but you use it for the free switch for a sweeper, and the free damage is rather nice. Its not a bad option when Azelf is rarely getting the chance to get up screens a second time anyway.

-Remove Lum Berry from the special attacking set. You can mention it in AC, since its nice for T-Wave Ferrothorn that don't Gyro, or SDef Jirachi under rain but rather limited outside of this. Slash U-Turn first over Nasty Plot and drop Thunderbolt / Thunder to AC. U-Turn + 3 attacks is the Azelf set I would personally use if I wanted to go for an special sweeper, simply because I don't have to worry about finding the time to Nasty Plot, and can just hit hard off the bat. In addition, with such a fast paced Metagame its very hard to set up a Nasty Plot, and then sweep, especially when Scizor + Lati@s + Scarfers are so common. U-Turn is really nice since you can U-Turn out of the Lati@s twins after they switch in taking a NVE attack. Its also nice for keeping momentum and stuff.

-Your checks and counters section needs a LOT of work. Volcarona hates taking a LO Psyshock (or a +2 one) / a LO FB under Sunlight. Lati@s are good switch ins however CB / LO U-Turn hit them hard and force them into a bad matchup. Espeon is hardly something that springs to mind as the "#1 Azelf counter" since it can hardly take U-Turn / Flamethrower and often lacks ways of hitting it outside of a NVE Psychic. I suspect you were referring to the lead set, but please mention it!!

This was just a sweeping look, might come back later to discuss more things when iv had a really detailed look.
 
Explosion is dumb on Azelf without LO or Normal Gem - the fact that Explosion from SR Mew @ Normal Gem inflict more damage than this set is sad.

Why not Thunderbolt to kill spinners or magic bouncers like Starmie, Tentacruel, or Xatu? Let's also use Fire Blast instead of weak punch to destroy Forretress and Donphan. This is what I propose:

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
EV's: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Fire Blast 2HKOs Donphan and OHKOs Forretress; Tbolt OHKOs offensive Starmie after SR damage and an easy 2HKO versus defensive Starmie. TBolt inflicts 47-56% to Tentacruel, so it's a solid 3HKO with a high chance of 2HKO after rocks, where Tentacruel can do little in return. Xatu is murdered by Tbolt.
 
This is how the DS set should look like:

[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Stealth Rock / U-turn / Explosion
item: Light Clay
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
EV's: 168 HP / 88 Def / 252 Spe

The EVs prevent CBTar from OHKOing with Crunch after sand. Taunt is what seperates Azelf the most from other dual screeners (Espeon, Bronzong, Uxie) and pairs excellent with Azelf's great Speed, giving it the 3rd slot. SR is not a must on this set, as Azelf will often be unable to set-up both screens and SR, so it is slashed with the oher moves in the last slot. Mention Flamethrower to the AC to prevent Scizor from ruining your day (Scizor + faster mon than Azelf limit Azelf to only one screen).
 
Ok; made all the changes specified above, including the riddance of the choice set, and the changes of the suicide & dual screen set. Fixed up the Checks and Counters list slightly.
 
On the Dual Screen set:

Usually outclassed by Espeon; what spreads this set from it is Azelf's access to SR.
Click to expand...
This is wrong so remove it. Azelf is a better DS user than Espeon overall, as it has physical bulk and can set-up on Pokemon that Espeon can't, such as CBTar, has Taunt to prevet dangerous Pokemon from setting up, and finally has Explosion. Just say that Azelf is one of the best dual screeners around, due to his great Speed and access to Taunt and Stealth Rock.

Usually on Hyper Offense teams, but can be on any team.
Click to expand...
Whether Azelf is used on a HO team or not, stress that you should have at least two set-up sweepers as teammates for this set, in order to take advantage of the screens.

With screens up, it can set up SR easier, and pivot out/aid the team further with Taunt.
Click to expand...
Remove this. Say that after Azelf has set-up the appropriate amount of screens (sometimes not both screens are needed) it can procceed to set-up SR if it has the time. Taunt should be used whenever you expect the opponent to set-up, regardless if you have set-up screens or not.

When explaining that the EVs prevent CBTar from OHKOing, mention that they prevent the OHKO even after sand damage. Also remove this:
4 Def against priority attacks.
Click to expand...
Explain that Timid is the best option if Azelf is not running any attacking move to reduce confusion damage, but Jolly is better when using U-turn or Explosion. Slash Jolly after Timid in the main set.

Also add in the AC that Azelf can forgo Taunt to use Explosion with Stealth Rock, a good combo to prevent any slower spinner from spinningg and Starmie too 50% of the time.
 
Kk; Thank you Alex for looking over the Dual Screen Set. How about the Special Attacker Set? Anything that needs notable changes there? Or is that good for now?
 
Hey man, can you do what I suggested earlier and move U-Turn to the first slash of the special attacker. You can read my previous post for the justification!
 
tbh i'd leave nasty plot for OO. azelf is almost never setting up and even if he does manage to pull off a boost, he's going to get revenged almost instantly. you're almost always better off just throwing around powerful attacks rather than wasting time with setup.

rotom-w is really not a good way of dealing with cloyster, btw
 
Although i see you point BKC, NP is still the best option in this slot against defensive teams, as nothing can wall a +2 Azelf except for Latias, making Azelf a great wallbreaking tool if your team needs one. So, Nasty Plot should remain in the main set for teams that have troubles with stall teams or defensive cores on balanced teams.

Also Jirachi is a much better answer to Cloyster than Scizor (which loses if Cloyster has LO), but Scizor is ok too, as is any variant of Rotom-W that uses HP EVs.
 
Uhh how is Scizor / Jirachi better than Rotom-W x_x - they both die to +2 Razor Shell in Rain, and Scizor's Bullet Punch does 47% max

In the other hand bulky Rotom-W survives Rock Blast almost all the time, and can kill Cloyster with Volt Switch or cripple it with TWave / Wisp if it's Sash is still intact.

So Rotom-W > Scizor / Jirachi for checking Cloyster - not that this is an important matter or anything
 
stall teams almost always have scarf ttar, scarf jirachi, and/or latias (sometimes even quagsire), making setting up with nasty plot generally useless. just attack them on the switch, either weakening the scarfers or forcing the defensive counters to recover so you have a free switch for something else, or you can just use the almost risk-free u-turn, which is going to be more useful 9 times out of 10. nasty plot would be good if stall teams consisted of 6 walls like they did once upon a time but nowadays even defensive teams have some sort of speed. aelf doesn't exactly find it easy to set up, either. np is OO material.
 
Even though Scarf Mons may prevent Azelf from sweeping, Nasty Plot will HEAVILY pressure the special tanks, forcing the opponent to sac something before they can send their scarfer / sand rusher for the revenge-kill.

Whether it deserves a slash or not is up for debate, but it certainly deserves an AC mention at least.

AC Shadow Ball for Special Attacker - it lets Azelf clean through Lati@s and Starmie.
 
Added mentions about Shadow Ball / Signal Beam. I don't know where to put Nasty Plot, so I'll just leave it slashed until there is a firm agreement.
 
O.k Drop Nasty Plot to AC of the Special Attacker.

Justification:

Ok looking at the metagame, as it stands, we have Offensive teams fucking everywhere, which instantly makes Nasty Plot a less than desirable option. If you are not using Nasty Plot much, then you are wasting that moveslot, period. This actually makes U-Turn far more attractive because U-Turn + Tar is a very good combo at this current moment in time, providing a bigger push for U-Turn to be used.

Secondly, due to the massive popularity of Landorus-I / Breloom / Terrakion / Keldeo, Latias is very, very common. This is something Azelf really, really hates since Latias is a very good check to it.

Thirdly (and this is where things start to come together), you have Azelf's issues eith Balance and Stall teams. For instance, it actually needs to set up on something, and when Latias is so common, sometimes its even hard to get a kill with Azelf. Even if Azelf does manage to set up a Nasty Plot, then the scarfer comes in and revenges you, and you have accomplished nothing. Against Balance teams, (which usually consist of defensive + offensive mons) Azelf is both struggling to set up and to sweep, while against Stall, (say, Sand Stall) you still have to set up AND even then you still need to break past walls and avoid the revenge killer. Looking at the standard Sand Stall team (Meru's), he has / had SDef Hippowdon, a Latias, a Jellicent with Shadow Ball (iirc), and a Stoutland with Pursuit. Like honestly, Azelf is struggling to set up against that AND get a kill AND avoid getting revenge killed. Its just not practical.
 
There is no reason for discussion of cloyster in this analysis in any place. I imagine that rotom-w is a good partner for azelf, but not for any cloyster related reasons. Note that cloyster is ohkoed by t-bolt and probably psychic as well.

I personally think the dual screens set should be first (it is azelfs most notable set), but it is not particularly important. If you choose to put the focus sash set first, there should be a comment within that set warning the user to be ware of assuming any azelf lead is focus sash and not dual screens.

I don't really see why you'd want to use t-bolt on the focus sash set, it would then lose to terrakion leads, when you taunt+sr, which is extremely disappointing. T-bolt is far too situational, and it doesn't ohko or 2hko anything that psychic doesn't (except gyarados and starmie). It's fine to slash t-bolt, but I don't see it as an exclusive or even the main option. Remember that analyses reflect what moves are actually used, t-bolt is not something I see often.
 
Analyses are supposed to present the most effective sets - not the most used sets. The Sash lead's purpose is to set up Rocks - Tbolt allows it to bypass Xatu, Starmie, and Tentacruel that would otherwise hinder this main objective. Azelf can simply Taunt + SR to render opposing Terrakion leads useless.
 
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