[OVERVIEW]
With fantastic base stats and a large movepool with a wide range of coverage options, Hoopa-U is difficult to switch into and has an excellent matchup against stall. Despite that, however, its viability should not be overestimated, as stall is the least solid playstyle in Ubers and Hoopa-U is vulnerable to all forms of status and entry hazards. In addition, Hoopa-U is hindered by its mediocre Speed and pathetic Defense, which leaves it susceptible to physical attackers and priority moves.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Psyshock
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Life Orb
ability: Magician
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot makes this set extremely deadly, turning Hoopa-U into a powerful wallbreaker after just a single boost. Psyshock and Dark Pulse hit a majority of the tier at least neutrally; Dark Pulse also destroys defensive walls such as Lugia, Giratina-O, Mega Sableye, and bulky Arceus formes. Psyshock is used over Psychic in order to deal specially bulky Pokemon, such as Blissey and Ho-Oh, a large amount of damage. Focus Blast hits Tyranitar and Yveltal, which otherwise wall this set, and a +2 Focus Blast is even able to OHKO Chople Berry Tyranitar.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment with a Modest nature allows Hoopa-U to OHKO Blissey, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Xerneas before a Geomancy boost, as well as Primal Groudon with maximum Special Defense investment after Stealth Rock damage; the EVs also allow Hoopa-U to OHKO Chople Berry-lacking Tyranitar with maximum Special Defense under sand. The remainder of the EVs are put into Speed to outspeed most Primal Groudon sets and Xerneas without a Choice Scarf. A Timid nature can also be run to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon with base 90 Speed and full Speed investment, but a Modest nature is usually preferred, as this set functions best against stall. Life Orb is used to boost Hoopa-U's damage output while allowing it to switch moves, capitalizing on its coverage options. 29 HP IVs can be used to minimize Life Orb recoil.
Usage Tips
========
Because Hoopa-U is very frail, try to bring it in via a double switch or with pivot moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch. However, do not switch it in to powerful physical or special attackers, as even with a relatively high Special Defense stat, Hoopa-U is unable to reliably survive moves like Latios's Draco Meteor. Opposing Yveltal, if given a free switch in, can deal massive amounts of damage to Hoopa-U, so try to catch it on the switch. As Hoopa-U's worst matchup is against offense, it can be used as fodder to bring a teammate in safely or as a check to some special attackers, such as Dialga and Mega Mewtwo Y; Hoopa-U should not be played conservatively against such teams. It can also heavily damage Primal Groudon, as even fully specially defensive variants are 2HKOed by a Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulse, and check Extreme Killer Arceus, as an unboosted Extreme Speed cannot OHKO Hoopa-U. Against stall teams, Hoopa-U is best used as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker, paving the way for a teammate to sweep late-game. Hoopa-U can also act as a late-game sweeper after its checks and counters have been removed, as it finds itself with many setup opportunities when against stall.
Team Options
========
Because Hoopa-U's middling Speed and atrocious Defense leave it with few chances to directly switch in, Scizor, Landorus-T, Zekrom, and Yveltal make for good teammates, as they can pivot Hoopa-U in against something it checks, such as physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory. However, the aforementioned Pokemon do not typically offer much defensive synergy or general team stability, although Zekrom can check Yveltal for Hoopa-U and Scizor can take on Fairy-types, notably Mega Diancie. Other Fairy-type checks that pair well with Hoopa-U include Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Klefki; the latter is especially appreciated, as it can paralyze faster threats to aid Hoopa-U in wallbreaking. Pokemon that can take on physical attackers, such as Skarmory, bulky Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, and bulky Arceus formes, are mandatory. Pokemon that perform well against offense, such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Darkrai, also make for good teammates. In addition, late-game cleaners can take advantage of Hoopa-U's wallbreaking to sweep late-game. Double Dance Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Ground Arceus especially appreciate Hoopa-U's ability to break through Lugia and Giratina-O.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Leftovers can be used instead of Life Orb to allow Hoopa-U to stay longer on the field at a significant cost to its power; for instance, a +2 Psyshock is no longer a guaranteed OHKO on Ho-Oh and fails to OHKO Xerneas without the Life Orb boost. Wise Glasses can be used to balance power and longevity, as it still guarantees the OHKO on Ho-Oh and Blissey after a boost, with a chance to OHKO Xerneas as well. Such a set misses out on the OHKO on Extreme Killer Arceus, however. Because of Hoopa-U's naturally high offensive stats, other sets can also be attempted. A mixed set with Hyperspace Fury, Psychic, Gunk Shot, and Drain Punch can be used, taking full advantage of Hoopa-U's coverage moves, though it performs worse against stall due to its inability to achieve key KOs such as on Primal Groudon because of its lack of a boosting move. Trick Room is another interesting option that capitalizes on Hoopa-U's relatively low base 80 Speed. Choice items can also be used, though they make Hoopa-U weaker to Pursuit users. Finally, Grass Knot can be used to hit Ground and Water Arceus harder while still dealing a decent amount of damage to Primal Groudon; however, Lugia completely walls that set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Defensive Fairy-types**: Defensive Fairy-types such as Fairy Arceus, Klefki, and the rare defensive Xerneas can all beat Hoopa-U one-on-one.
**Physical Attackers**: Most physical attackers, such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, can take any hit from Hoopa-U and OHKO it or deal massive damage back even with moves that do not receive STAB due to Hoopa-U's pitiful defenses.
**Priority Moves**: Common physical priority moves, such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch, deal massive damage to Hoopa-U. Users of such moves include Mega Lucario, Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Giratina-O, and Deoxys-A.
**Offensive Arceus Formes**: Swords Dance Ground and Ghost Arceus can OHKO Hoopa-U with their STAB attacks, while Adamant Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus has a chance to do so as well.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Common Choice Scarf users can deal with Hoopa-U very easily; for example, Choice Scarf Xerneas and Genesect can OHKO Hoopa-U with Moonblast and U-turn.
**Primal Groudon**: Both offensive and defensive variants of Primal Groudon can take an unboosted attack from Hoopa-U and OHKO it in return, even without any Attack investment.
**Yveltal**: While offensive Yveltal can't directly switch into a +2 Focus Blast, it can heavily damage Hoopa-U with Knock Off, Sucker Punch, or Foul Play if given a free switch in.
**Mega Diancie**: Mega Diancie outspeeds Hoopa-U and has a high chance of OHKOing it; however, it has to be wary of taking a Life Orb-boosted Psyshock before Mega Evolving.
**Ho-Oh**: The occasional maximum Speed Ho-Oh is able outspeed and OHKO Hoopa-U, while Hoopa-U cannot OHKO it with anything when unboosted.
With fantastic base stats and a large movepool with a wide range of coverage options, Hoopa-U is difficult to switch into and has an excellent matchup against stall. Despite that, however, its viability should not be overestimated, as stall is the least solid playstyle in Ubers and Hoopa-U is vulnerable to all forms of status and entry hazards. In addition, Hoopa-U is hindered by its mediocre Speed and pathetic Defense, which leaves it susceptible to physical attackers and priority moves.
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Psyshock
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Nasty Plot
item: Life Orb
ability: Magician
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Nasty Plot makes this set extremely deadly, turning Hoopa-U into a powerful wallbreaker after just a single boost. Psyshock and Dark Pulse hit a majority of the tier at least neutrally; Dark Pulse also destroys defensive walls such as Lugia, Giratina-O, Mega Sableye, and bulky Arceus formes. Psyshock is used over Psychic in order to deal specially bulky Pokemon, such as Blissey and Ho-Oh, a large amount of damage. Focus Blast hits Tyranitar and Yveltal, which otherwise wall this set, and a +2 Focus Blast is even able to OHKO Chople Berry Tyranitar.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment with a Modest nature allows Hoopa-U to OHKO Blissey, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Xerneas before a Geomancy boost, as well as Primal Groudon with maximum Special Defense investment after Stealth Rock damage; the EVs also allow Hoopa-U to OHKO Chople Berry-lacking Tyranitar with maximum Special Defense under sand. The remainder of the EVs are put into Speed to outspeed most Primal Groudon sets and Xerneas without a Choice Scarf. A Timid nature can also be run to outspeed neutral-natured Pokemon with base 90 Speed and full Speed investment, but a Modest nature is usually preferred, as this set functions best against stall. Life Orb is used to boost Hoopa-U's damage output while allowing it to switch moves, capitalizing on its coverage options. 29 HP IVs can be used to minimize Life Orb recoil.
Usage Tips
========
Because Hoopa-U is very frail, try to bring it in via a double switch or with pivot moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch. However, do not switch it in to powerful physical or special attackers, as even with a relatively high Special Defense stat, Hoopa-U is unable to reliably survive moves like Latios's Draco Meteor. Opposing Yveltal, if given a free switch in, can deal massive amounts of damage to Hoopa-U, so try to catch it on the switch. As Hoopa-U's worst matchup is against offense, it can be used as fodder to bring a teammate in safely or as a check to some special attackers, such as Dialga and Mega Mewtwo Y; Hoopa-U should not be played conservatively against such teams. It can also heavily damage Primal Groudon, as even fully specially defensive variants are 2HKOed by a Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulse, and check Extreme Killer Arceus, as an unboosted Extreme Speed cannot OHKO Hoopa-U. Against stall teams, Hoopa-U is best used as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker, paving the way for a teammate to sweep late-game. Hoopa-U can also act as a late-game sweeper after its checks and counters have been removed, as it finds itself with many setup opportunities when against stall.
Team Options
========
Because Hoopa-U's middling Speed and atrocious Defense leave it with few chances to directly switch in, Scizor, Landorus-T, Zekrom, and Yveltal make for good teammates, as they can pivot Hoopa-U in against something it checks, such as physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory. However, the aforementioned Pokemon do not typically offer much defensive synergy or general team stability, although Zekrom can check Yveltal for Hoopa-U and Scizor can take on Fairy-types, notably Mega Diancie. Other Fairy-type checks that pair well with Hoopa-U include Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Klefki; the latter is especially appreciated, as it can paralyze faster threats to aid Hoopa-U in wallbreaking. Pokemon that can take on physical attackers, such as Skarmory, bulky Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, and bulky Arceus formes, are mandatory. Pokemon that perform well against offense, such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Darkrai, also make for good teammates. In addition, late-game cleaners can take advantage of Hoopa-U's wallbreaking to sweep late-game. Double Dance Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Ground Arceus especially appreciate Hoopa-U's ability to break through Lugia and Giratina-O.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Leftovers can be used instead of Life Orb to allow Hoopa-U to stay longer on the field at a significant cost to its power; for instance, a +2 Psyshock is no longer a guaranteed OHKO on Ho-Oh and fails to OHKO Xerneas without the Life Orb boost. Wise Glasses can be used to balance power and longevity, as it still guarantees the OHKO on Ho-Oh and Blissey after a boost, with a chance to OHKO Xerneas as well. Such a set misses out on the OHKO on Extreme Killer Arceus, however. Because of Hoopa-U's naturally high offensive stats, other sets can also be attempted. A mixed set with Hyperspace Fury, Psychic, Gunk Shot, and Drain Punch can be used, taking full advantage of Hoopa-U's coverage moves, though it performs worse against stall due to its inability to achieve key KOs such as on Primal Groudon because of its lack of a boosting move. Trick Room is another interesting option that capitalizes on Hoopa-U's relatively low base 80 Speed. Choice items can also be used, though they make Hoopa-U weaker to Pursuit users. Finally, Grass Knot can be used to hit Ground and Water Arceus harder while still dealing a decent amount of damage to Primal Groudon; however, Lugia completely walls that set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Defensive Fairy-types**: Defensive Fairy-types such as Fairy Arceus, Klefki, and the rare defensive Xerneas can all beat Hoopa-U one-on-one.
**Physical Attackers**: Most physical attackers, such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, can take any hit from Hoopa-U and OHKO it or deal massive damage back even with moves that do not receive STAB due to Hoopa-U's pitiful defenses.
**Priority Moves**: Common physical priority moves, such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch, deal massive damage to Hoopa-U. Users of such moves include Mega Lucario, Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Giratina-O, and Deoxys-A.
**Offensive Arceus Formes**: Swords Dance Ground and Ghost Arceus can OHKO Hoopa-U with their STAB attacks, while Adamant Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus has a chance to do so as well.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Common Choice Scarf users can deal with Hoopa-U very easily; for example, Choice Scarf Xerneas and Genesect can OHKO Hoopa-U with Moonblast and U-turn.
**Primal Groudon**: Both offensive and defensive variants of Primal Groudon can take an unboosted attack from Hoopa-U and OHKO it in return, even without any Attack investment.
**Yveltal**: While offensive Yveltal can't directly switch into a +2 Focus Blast, it can heavily damage Hoopa-U with Knock Off, Sucker Punch, or Foul Play if given a free switch in.
**Mega Diancie**: Mega Diancie outspeeds Hoopa-U and has a high chance of OHKOing it; however, it has to be wary of taking a Life Orb-boosted Psyshock before Mega Evolving.
**Ho-Oh**: The occasional maximum Speed Ho-Oh is able outspeed and OHKO Hoopa-U, while Hoopa-U cannot OHKO it with anything when unboosted.
Last edited:
