Azelf (Offensive Stealth Rock) [QC 3/3] (GP 2/2)

Harsha

Harsha

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Taken over from dragonnite. Thanks for sharing your set with us, twash :)
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Status: Copyediting
QC Approvals: AccidentalGreed, Pocket, Iconic
GP Approvals: (Wario is OSSIM + Mafeking), (TrollFreak + Engineer Pikachu)
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Wheeee.

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Fire Blast / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While dedicated leads are no longer as significant with Wi-Fi Clause in place, Azelf still has the ability to successfully pull off a Stealth Rock lead set like it did during its DPP days. However, it also can do much more; Azelf is able to revenge kill Pokemon due to its fantastic offensive stats, and with U-turn, it can handily nab momentum at any point in a match. Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf as it cripples Pokemon like Dragonite, Gyarados, and Volcarona upon entering battle. It's also handy for limiting opposing switches, which is important for offensive teams which Azelf functions in. Explosion is another selling point of this set, as it effectively KOes troublesome Pokemon that may be trying to set up on one's team.</p>

<p>Azelf's last move slot is a tossup between what a team requires. Azelf has a reliable STAB attack in Zen Headbutt which allows Azelf to beat Terrakion, Mienshao, Gengar, Infernape, and even Virizion. Conversely, choosing Zen Headbutt leaves Azelf completely walled by Steel-types and grants Scizor a free switch in. As such, Azelf can also run Fire Blast, as it allows Azelf to always OHKO both Scizor and Ferrothorn. Azelf always has to fear Scizor's Bullet Punch, but it never can OHKO Azelf at full health. Ice Punch is another move that is viable because it can provide a check to unboosted Dragon-types such as Dragonite, Salamence, and Haxorus after a bit of prior damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Though Explosion no longer halves Defense, it is still a very powerful and useful move for Azelf. To demonstrate this, let's look at how Azelf's Explosion fares against some of the most prominent Pokemon in OU. Of course, one must keep in mind that Explosion will not KO Dragonite with Multiscale intact, but one should be able to see that Explosion's power reduction was not as bad as some claim:</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Explosion vs. 4/0 Rotom-W 134.85% - 158.92%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 0/4 Dragonite 110.84% - 130.34%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 252/252+ Blissey 87.39% - 102.8%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 240/216+ Volcarona 90.3% - 106.47%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 4/0 Scrafty 112.5% - 132.35%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 252/252+ Politoed 77.6% - 91.41%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 128/0 Ninetales 136.99% - 161.13%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 4/0 Latios 137.09% - 161.26%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 252/0 Latias 103.3% - 121.7%</li>
</ul>

<p>The EVs and nature are standard for an offensive lead, allowing Azelf to hit as hard as possible while outspeeding many threats, such as Gengar, Terrakion, Tornadus, and other Pokemon with base 111 Speed and lower. However, the choice between Jolly and Naive depends on what move occupies the fourth slot. If you opt for Fire Blast, Naive should be the chosen nature to prevent a reduction in Special Attack. If Zen Headbutt or Ice Punch is chosen, however, a Jolly nature should be run.</p>

<p>Azelf's defenses are ultimately its downfall. A Choice Band Scizor will fail to OHKO Azelf with Bullet Punch, but it will do major damage. This applies to nearly any priority move, be it Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, Azumarill's Aqua Jet, or even Mamoswine's Ice Shard. Azelf's coverage is a boon, but it severely suffers from four-moveslot syndrome. For example, if Azelf does not carry Zen Headbutt, Pokemon like Gengar and Terrakion can quickly get out of hand. However, if one chooses to forgo Fire Blast, Azelf is left completely walled by Ferrothorn and Scizor. Additionally, if Azelf lacks Ice Punch, some Dragon-types may be able to set up on Azelf unless it uses Explosion, which can be problematic later on in the game if Azelf is needed. Faster Pokemon like Choice Specs Jolteon will severely damage Azelf, so it should be noted that faster Pokemon need to be played against with caution. Tyranitar is an excellent check to Azelf as it only fears U-turn, while it can use Pursuit or Crunch to destroy Azelf in return. Heatran is problematic regardless of Azelf's move choice because it resists every attack that Azelf will throw at it. Jellicent does a nice job walling Azelf as well, as it can sponge hits and burn Azelf with Will-O-Wisp or Scald. However, U-turn is useful because it allows Azelf to escape opponents and retain momentum.</p>
 
Might want to mention somewhere (or have it as a slash) naive if using fire blast.

Leftovers might deserve an ac mention.

Im thinking Zen Headbutt and Explosion should have the same slash seeing as they both have similarish coverage.
 
Thanks for picking this up, harsha! Some feedback
  • Change the Set Name. Physical Stealth Rock is misleading, since Fire Blast is an option. "Stealth Rock & Explosion" or "Offensive Stealth Rock" is more appropriate.
  • Slash Naive Nature for Fire Blast
  • Emphasize the difference of this set from the SR set on-site. For one, this Azelf set packs a lot more fire power from the Atk EVs investment, Life Orb boost, and Explosion. Secondly, it does not necessarily have to function as a dedicated lead, but is meant to utilize its offensive presence to check threats like Gengar, Terrakion, Virizion, Infernape, Landorus, Dragons, Tornadus etc with its auxillary move and force switches, which it can use as an opportunity to scout its switch-in or set up Rocks.
  • Explain that the last slot is dependent on the team and what the player wants Azelf to check
Good coverage between moves
Click to expand...
  • Coverage is not really relevant to this set, since it only has 1 offensive move other than U-turn for scouting and Explosion. I would remove this statement.
Set up sweepers enjoy the support
Click to expand...
  • I would not restrict this to set-up sweepers. If you check out twash's Hawaiian Airhttp://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3461260, his team consists of only 1 set-up Sweeper. Any hard-hitter would appreciate this Azelf for its SR, Speed and power to check offensive threats, and huge damage it inflicts through Explosion.

  • Remove the mention of Expert Belt and Focus Sash - the LO-boosted Explosion is the major selling point of this set.

Make these changes, and this set should be good to go!
 
I think Taunt gotta be mentioned in AC, with the popularity of screeners/deo-d and others leads, it definitely has its uses.
 
Just remove Taunt entirely from the set, and I can approve this in a jiffy.

This kind of reminds me why we don't have a special Life Orb set on-site, but that's a different story, so don't worry about it (unless...)
 
Zen Headbutt is reliable STAB, Fire Blast hits Ferrothorn and Scizor (on the switch) hard, and Ice Punch hurts Dragon-types
Click to expand...
Zen Headbutt not only receives STAB, but it's also useful for checking mons like Terrakion, Infernape, Mienshao, Virizion, and Gengar, so you should note that.
Works well on any offensive team that just needs hazards, as it can always safely kill an opponent with Explosion later in the game if they are getting troublesome
Click to expand...
To add to what you've said, it also provides a good check against many dangerous threats like Landorus, Terrakion, Tornadus, Latios, and Gengar, depending on its fourth move, thanks to its amazing 115 Speed / 125 Atk stat.

QC Approved (2/3)
 
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I'm falling free in the wind...[add in]
Free to be me in the wind, in the wind...[remove]
{Comments}

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While dedicated leads are no longer as significant important with the advent of the Wi-Fi Clause, Azelf has the ability to successfully pull off a Stealth Rock lead like it did during its DPP days. However, it also can do much more; Azelf is able to revenge kill Pokemon due to its fantastic offensive stats, and with U-turn, it can handily nab momentum at any point in a match. Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf; it Stealth Rock cripples Pokemon like Dragonite and Volcarona {would Gyarados be worth mentioning here?} upon entering entrance to the battle. It's also handy for limiting opposing switches, which is important for offensive teams which Azelf functions in. Explosion is another selling point of this set, as it effectively KOes troublesome Pokemon that may be trying to set up on one's team.</p>

<p>Azelf's last move slot is a tossup between what a team requires. While Azelf has a reliable STAB attack in Zen Headbutt, it is not always the best option. However, Zen Headbutt allows Azelf to beat Terrakion, Mienshao, Gengar, Infernape, and even Virizion. However, choosing Zen Headbutt is leaves Azelf completely walled by the likes of Ferrothorn. This grants, and even Scizor a reliable switch-in gets a reliable out against Azelf. Due to this, Azelf can also run Fire Blast, as it allows Azelf to always OHKO both Scizor and Ferrothorn. Azelf always has to fear Scizor's Bullet Punch, but it never can OHKO Azelf at full health. Ice Punch is another move that is viable because it can provide a check to unboosted Dragon-types like Dragonite, Salamence, and even Haxorus after a bit of prior damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Though Explosion no longer halves Defense, it is still a very powerful and useful move for Azelf. To demonstrate this, let's look at how Azelf's Explosion fares against some of the most prominent Pokemon in OU.</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Explosion vs. 4/0 Rotom-W 134.85% - 158.92%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 0/4 Dragonite 110.84% - 130.34%</li>
</ul>

<p>Of course, one must keep in mind that Explosion will not KO Dragonite with Multiscale intact, but one should be able to see that the gimp to Explosion's 'nerf' was not as bad as some claim it was believe it to be.</p>

<p>The EVs are standard because they allow Azelf to hit as hard as possible physically. The Speed enhancing nature is also necessary because it allows Azelf to check threats like Gengar, Terrakion, Tornadus, and other Pokemon with base 111 Speed and lower. However, the choice between Jolly and Naive depends on what move occupies the fourth slot. Should Fire Blast be the last move, one should run a Naive nature to prevent a drop in Special Attack, but if Zen Headbutt or Ice Punch is usedone runs a physical move in the last slot, a Jolly nature should be used to prevent a drop in Special Defense.</p>

<p>Azelf's defenses are ultimately its downfall. A Choice Band Scizor will fail to OHKO Azelf with Bullet Punch, but it will do major damage. This applies to nearly any priority move, be it Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, Azumarill's Aqua Jet, or even Mamoswine's Ice Shard. Azelf's coverage is a boon, but it severely suffers from 4 moveslot syndrome its ability to only have 4 moves. For example one, if Azelf does not carry Zen Headbutt, Pokemon like Gengar and Terrakion can quickly get out of hand. However, if one chooses to forgo Fire Blast, Azelf is left completely walled by Ferrothorn and Scizor. Additionally, if Azelf lacks Ice Punch, some Dragon-types may be able to set up on Azelf unless it uses Explosion, which can be problematic later on in the game if Azelf is needed. Faster Pokemon like Choice Specs Jolteon will severely damage Azelf, so it should be noted that Choice Scarf users need to be played against with caution. Tyranitar provides a great check to Azelf because it is only hurt by U-turn, and it has Pursuit and Crunch to hurt Azelf badly. Heatran is problematic regardless of Azelf's move choice because it resists every single attack that Azelf will throw at it. However, U-turn is useful because it allows Azelf to escape opponents and retain momentum, so it can be hard to counter.</p>

Nice job. There were several small grammatical errors, but none that detracted too much from the overall quality of the analysis. Good job!
 
Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf; it Stealth Rock cripples Pokemon like Dragonite and Volcarona {would Gyarados be worth mentioning here?} upon entering entrance to the battle.
Click to expand...

I would drop the semi-colon and add "as" so that it reads like "Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf as it cripples Pokemon..." blah blah blah. The semi-colon seems arbitrary in this case since the sentence is not a run-on and thus doesn't need to be divided.

Azelf's last move slot is a tossup between what a team requires.
Click to expand...

Just noting: you merged tossup without putting so in blue. :P I prefer toss-up myself, but either is grammatically correct.

However, choosing Zen Headbutt is leaves Azelf completely walled by the likes of Ferrothorn. This grants, and even Scizor a reliable switch-in gets a reliable out against Azelf.
Click to expand...

Your use of "this" is saying that the fact that Azelf is walled by Ferrothorn is why Scizor can switch in, which isn't the case. I'd make this: "However, choosing Zen Headbutt leaves Azelf completely walled by Steel-types and grants Scizor a free switch in."

Ice Punch is another move that is viable because it can provide a check to unboosted Dragon-types like Dragonite, Salamence, and even Haxorus after a bit of prior damage.
Click to expand...

Replace "like" with "such as."

Of course, one must keep in mind that Explosion will not KO Dragonite with Multiscale intact, but one should be able to see that the gimp to Explosion's 'nerf' was not as bad as some claim it was believe it to be.
Click to expand...

I don't like gimp nor nerf as terms to use to describe Explosion's loss of power. :I Try "...but one should be able to see that Explosion's power reduction was not as bad..."

The EVs are standard because they allow Azelf to hit as hard as possible physically. The Speed enhancing nature is also necessary because it allows Azelf to check threats like Gengar, Terrakion, Tornadus, and other Pokemon with base 111 Speed and lower.
Click to expand...

This seems like it could be combined to ease coherence. Perhaps "The EVs and nature are standard for an offensive lead, allowing Azelf to hit as hard as possible while outspeeding many threats, such as <list here>"

Should Fire Blast be the last move, one should run a Naive nature to prevent a drop in Special Attack, but if Zen Headbutt or Ice Punch is usedone runs a physical move in the last slot, a Jolly nature should be used to prevent a drop in Special Defense.
Click to expand...

This seems unnecessarily complicated? How about "If you opt for Fire Blast, Naive should be the chosen nature to prevent a reduction in Special Attack. If Zen Headbutt or Ice Punch is chosen, however, a Jolly nature should be run." There's no need to point out that you'd no longer lose Sp. Def. because the point of running Jolly is to lower the unused attacking stat.

Azelf's coverage is a boon, but it severely suffers from 4 moveslot syndrome its ability to only have 4 moves.
Click to expand...

Articles currently on-site read this as "four-moveslot syndrome."

Faster Pokemon like Choice Specs Jolteon will severely damage Azelf, so it should be noted that Choice Scarf users need to be played against with caution.
Click to expand...

"Faster Pokemon, such as Choice <is this supposed to be Specs?> Jolteon, will severely damage Azelf, so Choice Scarf users need to be battled carefully."

Tyranitar provides a great check to Azelf because it is only hurt by U-turn, and it has Pursuit and Crunch to hurt Azelf badly.
Click to expand...

"Tyranitar is an excellent check to Azelf as it is only hit hard by U-turn, while it can use Pursuit or Crunch to destroy Azelf in return."

Okay. /me stops being nit-picky. This check was really good, and mine was basically just doing what GP 2/2 would've done. That said;

contrib_gp.png

GP (1/2)

Also Wario is OSSIM what are you thinking? Azelf has two tails. It is not Sonic, but his trusty sidekick!
 
placeholder

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Fire Blast / Ice Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While dedicated leads are no longer as significant with the advent of the Wi-Fi Clause, Azelf has the ability to successfully pull off a Stealth Rock lead like it did during its DPP days. However, it also can do much more; Azelf is able to revenge kill Pokemon due to its fantastic offensive stats, and with U-turn, it can handily nab momentum at any point in a match. Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf as it cripples Pokemon like Dragonite, Gyarados, and Volcarona upon entering battle. It's also handy for limiting opposing switches, which is important for offensive teams which Azelf functions in. Explosion is another selling point of this set, as it effectively KOes troublesome Pokemon that may be trying to set up on one's team.</p>

<p>Azelf's last move slot is a toss up between what a team requires. While Azelf has a reliable STAB attack in Zen Headbutt, it is not always the best option. However, Zen Headbutt which allows Azelf to beat Terrakion, Mienshao, Gengar, Infernape, and even Virizion. Conversely, choosing Zen Headbutt leaves Azelf completely walled by Steel-types and grants Scizor a free switch in. As such, Azelf can also run Fire Blast, as it allows Azelf to always OHKO both Scizor and Ferrothorn. Azelf always has to fear Scizor's Bullet Punch, but it never can OHKO Azelf at full health. Ice Punch is another move that is viable because it can provide a check to unboosted Dragon-types such as Dragonite, Salamence, and Haxorus after a bit of prior damage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Though Explosion no longer halves Defense, it is still a very powerful and useful move for Azelf. To demonstrate this, let's look at how Azelf's Explosion fares against some of the most prominent Pokemon in OU. Of course, one must keep in mind that Explosion will not KO Dragonite with Multiscale intact, but one should be able to see that Explosion's power reduction was not as bad as some claim:</p>

<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Explosion vs. 4/0 Rotom-W 134.85% - 158.92%</li>
<li>Explosion vs. 0/4 Dragonite 110.84% - 130.34%</li>
</ul>
(Maybe a bit more calcs, looks a little bare man)

<p>Of course, one must keep in mind that Explosion will not KO Dragonite with Multiscale intact, but one should be able to see that Explosion's power reduction was not as bad as some claim.</p>

<p>The EVs and nature are standard for an offensive lead, allowing Azelf to hit as hard as possible while outspeeding many threats, such as Gengar, Terrakion, Tornadus, and other Pokemon with base 111 Speed and lower. However, the choice between Jolly and Naive depends on what move occupies the fourth slot. If you opt for Fire Blast, Naive should be the chosen nature to prevent a reduction in Special Attack. If Zen Headbutt or Ice Punch is chosen, however, a Jolly nature should be run.</p>

<p>Azelf's defenses are ultimately its downfall. A Choice Band Scizor will fail to OHKO Azelf with Bullet Punch, but it will do major damage. This applies to nearly any priority move, be it Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, Azumarill's Aqua Jet, or even Mamoswine's Ice Shard. Azelf's coverage is a boon, but it severely suffers from four-moveslot syndrome. For example, if Azelf does not carry Zen Headbutt, Pokemon like Gengar and Terrakion can quickly get out of hand. However, if one chooses to forgo Fire Blast, Azelf is left completely walled by Ferrothorn and Scizor. Additionally, if Azelf lacks Ice Punch, some Dragon-types may be able to set up on Azelf unless it uses Explosion, which can be problematic later on in the game if Azelf is needed. Faster Pokemon like Choice Specs Jolteon will severely damage Azelf, so it should be noted that Choice Scarf users faster Pokemon need to be played against with caution. Tyranitar is an excellent check to Azelf as it is only hit hard by fears U-turn, while it can use Pursuit or Crunch to destroy Azelf in return. Heatran is problematic regardless of Azelf's move choice because it resists every single attack that Azelf will throw at it. However, U-turn is useful because it allows Azelf to escape opponents and retain momentum.</p>
 
Sorry about posting after the placeholder (:&), but I was wondering whether I should add more calcs. Azelf does 87.39% - 102.8% to Blissey (OHKO with SR), and it seems like 2 lines may not be enough.

Basically, should I add more calcs to support Explosion?
 
Sure, if the Pokemon you're going to post are of particular importance/significance against Azelf. I'll look them over and see, so feel free to do it (within some time, of course).
 
Thanks for the check! I'll implement that soon, and I'll take AG up on the offer to look over the calcs I post. :)
 
Yeah, I'll stamp TrollFreak's check; I've got some nitpicks, though.
Set Comments said:
While dedicated leads are no longer as significant with the advent of the Wi-Fi Clause in place, Azelf still has the ability to successfully pull off a Stealth Rock lead set like it did during its DPP days.

Stealth Rock is one of the main reasons to use Azelf, (comma) as it cripples Pokemon like such as Dragonite, Gyarados, and Volcarona upon entering battle.
Click to expand...
Set Comments said:
Azelf's last move slot is a tossup between what a team requires.
Click to expand...

Mention why Life Orb is the preferred item (fairly obvious, but still). AC P3 seems to be almost a Checks and Counters section by itself; how about Pokemon or other things that counter this specific set?
contrib_gp.png

GP [2/2]
 
Sorry about the double post, but I have updated the OP with relevant calcs. If someone from QC could look them over and tell me what to include / not include, this'll be done!
 
Perhaps you could include Politoed and Ninetales in your calcs as they are #1 and 5 respectively in this months lead stats.

edit: Here they are if you decide to use them ;)

<li>Explosion vs 252/0 Ninetales 124% - 146%</li>

<li>Explosion vs 252/252+ Politoed 77% - 91%</li>

<li>Explosion vs 252/0 Politoed 113% - 133%</li>
 
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