Kingdra (Full Revamp) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

Jukain

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Double Dance was terrible in my experience. It's going to get an OO mention, but no more than that.

This is taken over from AccidentalGreed. His thread is located here.

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[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has taken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to its ability to counter rain teams. With rain-boosted Water-type moves and Swift Swim in hand, Kingdra can outspeed and decimate opposing rain teams by turning Politoed into a massive liability. Rain teams are often stuck with the difficult choice of cutting off a major source of their power by refraining from bringing out Politoed early or risking getting destroyed by Kingdra. Despite being an absolutely terror for rain teams, it isn't seen as much as one might expect because it competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has a hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and it is somewhat weak without rain support. It has a useful quadruple resistance to Fire and Water, which makes it a handy check to both powerful sun threats such as Victini and rain threats such as Keldeo and Choice Specs Politoed. One should also not discount its bulk, as Kingdra can take several common attacks, such as Terrakion's Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake, quite nicely. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate counter to rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set makes great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only dream of doing: sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by either Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>When it comes to choosing a STAB move, you need to make a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem like much, but it makes a significant difference in practice as, accounting for rain and STAB, Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss: it punches massive holes in just about everything, 2HKOing even Ferrothorn with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed by the lowered damage output.</p>

<p>Draco Meteor is the key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you take into account its ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of this Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, Kingdra's second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives Kingdra a reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam has three main benefits: firstly, it lets Kingdra 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types; secondly, it reliably KOes Landorus and Gliscor outside of rain; thirdly, it takes down Salamence and Dragonite without the need to use Draco Meteor. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative to Draco Meteor. It is extremely useful for times when Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted rain-boosted Hydro Pump is just as powerful as a neutral STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in the rain and Jolly Breloom, Adamant Dragonite, and Adamant Gyarados outside of it. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs for bulk is a decent option; specifically, 176 Speed EVs lets Kingdra outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but power on Kingdra's main Water-type STAB. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's a sacrifice you will have to make.</p>

<p>There are two more options for the last moveslot: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has a double weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues: it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Recall how Kingdra relies on the speed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but that's about it.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn. Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle make the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean up. Physical Fighting-types, such as Terrakion and Breloom, can also work. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey, and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types, such as Celebi and Amoonguss, that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot: break walls. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis, Ferrothorn; it can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of who also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves Kingdra open to its opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to go out easily and attack, but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes that expect Kingdra to spend a turn setting up and not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden on Kingdra to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other, it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically an awful Special Attack drop and imperfect accuracy. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots provide that reliability. Basically, pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes bar Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster, while a Modest nature gives it a chance to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, as well as land OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and a 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable as it allows Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in rain, the favored weather of both Ferrothorn and Kingdra, which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>Choice Specs Kingdra is a top-notch rain counter, though its inability to set up rain on its own can be a hindrance at times. Consider using Pokemon that can set up rain the old-fashioned way, such as Tornadus, who has access to priority Rain Dance and can double as a special attacker, or Bronzong, whose massive bulk usually enables it to set up Rain Dance reliably; the latter can also easily bring Kingdra into battle with Explosion. Keep in mind that Choice Specs Kingdra is setup bait for the likes of Volcarona, Cloyster, and SubCM Jirachi after having used Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent, while Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Additionally, Thundurus-T and Scizor, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourages switching. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Kingdra has plenty of special attacking prowess, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. Aside from the Attack boost, the lack of reliance on rain for a Speed boost is huge. The basic premise of the set is to set up on defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra can laugh off their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up a couple of Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it far easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, consisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams to their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost, Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and speed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con—it is much easier to wall. Armed with only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Having one of Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls&mdash;including but not limited to Steel-types&mdash;with Taunt and Trick, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and resistant to the Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier, but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Pokemon that lure out and weaken Steel-types, such as Haxorus and Kyurem-B, are also appreciated as partners. Be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up, especially alongside Substitute. Dragon Dance Kingdra is best fit on a team with other offensive Pokemon, such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona, due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. It also greatly appreciates Rain Dance support, as that provides Kingdra with a hefty boost to Speed that can come in handy if it can't nab a Dragon Dance.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. Furthermore, it boasts the ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterwards to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn still walls Kingdra to hell and back, so consider packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap it. You should also carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types, since they tend to stop this set cold. The final threats you must be prepared for are Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats. Lastly, you can't go wrong with giving Kingdra Rain Dance support, as the Speed increase and boost to Water-type moves is invaluable.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to hit everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>This set's wide coverage is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon; it all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice. You should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating Ferrothorn; in which case replace it with Draco Meteor, which gives Kingdra an alternative to Outrage against Water-resistant foes, such as Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs guarantee that Kingdra's +1 Outrage OHKOes 4/0 Dragonite through Multiscale and has a decent chance to also OHKO bulkier variants; they also provide Kingdra with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance, and Breloom, Mamoswine, and Adamant Gyarados before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status users such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump, Outrage, Draco Meteor and a fourth move of your choice for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with offensive Pokemon such as Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario, who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise-annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set can effectively lure them in and KO them. If using Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, be sure to pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if running Hidden Power Fire, however, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn, for example Terrakion or Keldeo, due to Ferrothorn's sheer popularity in rain. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence, who can easily revenge kill Kingdra at +1, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, or Bronzong, is also needed. Finally, insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, is advised, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is viable, but a rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water-immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey; all you would really gain is a weaker Hydro Pump. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having one's only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, as it theoretically allows Kingdra to use whichever setup move is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. You can run a Dragon Dance Kingdra set with Disable and Protect or Substitute over conventional moves, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra, provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as Kingdra's only attack, and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra lacks the STAB to make good use out of it. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance while Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire, which only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn, or worse, Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor.</p>

<p>Gastrodon can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well, as it can force Kingdra out with Perish Song. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp, and if specially defensive, it can handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss, specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank some attacks, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you will need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. You can also use Salamence, who has the benefit of turning Kingdra into a liability with Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're simply not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain. If you do have rain, try to force it out before bringing out Politoed. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority, such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard, and they only KO if Kingdra's been weakened.</p>
 
You might want to think about adding 36 EVs in attack to 2HKO Blissey and Chansey in the rain with Waterfall on the Offensive Rain Dance. I use 40 HP / 36 Atk / 204 SpA / 228 Spe. With the 40 HP in EVs I have the perfect number for Life Orb and Spikes or Stealth Rock.
 
Keep Double Dance - it's the only DD set that can change weather, which is huge when facing Sand / Sun teams. I think Lum Berry should be the first slash, since this Kingdra has no protection from status otherwise, unlike Sub and Chesto Rest

Rename the first set to Special Rain, and go max SpA / max Spe. Remove Surf on the last slot, imo, since 1) slashitis and 2) Kingdra really can't afford the moveslot to double up. Instead, AC mention that Kingdra can sacrifice coverage for double Water STAB.

I also don't like HP Fire on the Mixed DD set, since HP Fire is weak sauce if Ferrothorn is played on a Rain team. I'd rather just let other team members deal with it rather than reducing Kingdra's overall effectiveness. An AC mention of HP Fire would suffice.
 
Yeah but Pocket, you're just better off running standard RD at that point. Or standard DD. A hybrid of the two sets is useless IMO, it doesn't achieve much else.

I think the 40 HP EVs are okay, though the Attack EVs was some oversight. Waterfall isn't even on the set, I don't even know why I did that. Why would you want to take Surf out either? Hydro Pump + Surf is a pretty strong combination, you have the accuracy and the power a la Scarftoed. Sometimes you need the accuracy and sometimes you need the power.

As for your last point, I would have to say, HP Fire is half the reason I like Mixed DD. It doesn't matter that it isn't super powerful, it matters that Kingdra has a super powerful move to hit Kingdra. Besides, if Kingdra is facing a rain team, it destroys most of the team other than Ferrothorn anyway. HP Fire can finished off weakened ones, and really, it's not that hard to weaken a Ferrothorn.

Removing Attack EVs and moving them to Special Attack; that was an oversight. I don't see why you need max Speed.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm ignoring your advice; it's just that I don't agree with it.

EDIT: It's just that from my experience, Double Dance Kingdra is REALLY bad. If you/someone else has made a good team with it and found success, I'll by all means test it again and potentially make it a set.
 
Yeah Double Dance requires lots of working around. I won't repudiate you if it doesn't make it out of the analysis, since I didn't add it at all. Tried making it work.

Surf + Hydro Pump is alright with me, since tobes suggested it and I tested it out with pretty great results on my end. Dragon Pulse + Draco Meteor is also alright because of Water-types.

I'm also fine with the HP EV/SpA modifications on the main rain dance set, since Kingdra really won't mind a few points off that stellar SpA, and the bonus points are good.

I would also advise keeping HP Fire on Kingdra for now, since that was one of the main reasons it's even a set in the first place.

Thanks for taking Kingdra, by the way :) I'll input it later.
 
Overview
Operates like other typical Dragons; it is extremely threatening with setup (there are many opportunities for this), and, of course, it has a set of hard counters like any other Dragon.
This is not true. Dragons in OU do not have hard counters; they can pretty much plow through their defensive checks.

~ ^ that's the shortcoming worth mentioning. Kingdra being hard-walled by Ferrothorn keeps it from being OU.
Kingdra’s Water/Dragon typing, however, benefits it offensively, giving it two good STABs to work with. This combination, however, fails against Ferrothorn and several other Steel-type Pokemon.
That's an overexaggeration; only Ferrothorn really and maybe some bulky Water / Grass-types.
Yeah, Ferrothorn and the Drizzle ban kinda sucks right now, but Kingdra can literally turn the tide of a battle the instant it gets an opportunity to do so. The process is simple and short, especially considering the fact that weather teams are at pretty much every corner.
Although, Aldaron Proposal sucks for Kingdra, emphasize the heavy usage of Rain teams in current OU makes Kingdra a fearsome beneficiary of this common weather condition. Be glad that Drizzle isn't banned; that would kill Kingdra's usage!
Offensive Rain
~Rename the set to Special Rain ;o There's no such thing as a Defensive Rain ffs

~ I'd list Ice Beam before Dragon Pulse; Ice Beam hits both Dragons and Grass-types super-effectively, preventing Kingdra from needlessly throwing out Draco Meteors.

Alternative EV spreads, such as 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe
Make sure you explain this alternative EV spread.

~ Bump its Speed to 176 Spe; Kingdra now has 250 Speed, enough outgun Scarf Garchomp.

~ AC mention Max Speed & Timid to check other Kingdra; It loses any chance to OHKO Keldeo with Draco Meteor, which is sad, though ;(

~ NP Thundurus seems like a good teammate with Kingdra. It performs the role that Kingdra fails at - wall-breaking. Thundurus's immunity to Thunder Wave and Dual STAB allows it to set up on Ferrothorn with relative ease. It can beat Blissey / Chansey, as well as bulky Waters and Grass-types, too; not something that Keldeo can really boast.

~ Scizor is also another good teammate, checkmating Grass-types and Chansey / Blissey; while switching into Ferrothorn with impunity. Dragon resist certainly helps, too!

~ I don't see much point in the Bulky RD set - it can't check powerful rain threats like Keldeo and Tornadus-T anymore, which defeats the purpose of using Kingdra in the first place. Doesn't need an AC mention, imho.
Choice Specs
A Modest nature can be used for more power; if you use it, the spread of 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe allows you to outrun all neutral base 80 Pokemon, giving you a chance to KO 4/0 Dragonite through Multiscale.
Bump Speed up to 263 Speed to outgun Jolly Breloom / Cloyster. That would give you an EV of 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
After Draco Meteor, Kingdra is bound to be set up bait. You must be prepared to stop certain sweepers from boosting, and provide Kingdra additional coverage in case it hits the wrong coverage.
Some example would help here: ie Volcarona setting up on -2 Kingdra or Cloyster / Sub CM Jirachi setting up on Ice Beam. Provide Specific defensive or offensive checks to help against this (ie specially-defensive Rotom-W for Volcarona and Cloyster; Agility Thundurus / Hippowdon / Tyranitar / Specs Magnezone / Garchomp for SubCM Jirachi, etc
Ferrothorn in rain can also be a problem, so be prepared for that as well.
Again, teammate suggestions plz. Magnezone / Specs Gothitelle for trapping it? Pokemon that can set-up on Ferrothorn like NP Thundurus / SD Scizor?
SubDD
The EV spread is designed to have Kingdra's Substitute survive a Body Slam from SpD Jirachi
You only need 40 HP / 12 Def EVs to survive a Body Slam from 4 Atk Jirachi, so divert the leftovers EVs into Attack!
Kingdra is best suited on a team with alternative offensive Pokemon, as opposed to one that is built around it (since it's still quite susceptible to revenge killing and being worn down).
Teammate example please
Mixed Dragon Dance
~ Remove the Ice Beam slash; Draco Meteor is superior to Ice Beam in every way, being able to dent bulky Water-types, not just Grass-types.

~ Naughty > Lonely Nature; it doesn't mind the drop in SpD, because it's gonna be setting up on Water- / Fire-type moves that it quad resists anyways. Meanwhile having its Defense intact would help tank priority moves and Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword more readily

~ Remember to add the IVs column that displays the necessary IV reduction for HP Fire (30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe iirc)

~ The spread needs more Atk EVs to OHKO 4 Def Dragonite through MultiScale Change the EVs to 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe (Naughty)
If Drizzle is up and Ferrothorn is in the opposing team, you must have an alternative way to bypass Ferrothorn (since HP Fire is weak in the rain)
Choice Scarf Salamence. You gotta have a counter for that. Definitely. You might want to consider being prepared for other common revenge killers as well, since Kingdra can easily be revenge killed with only that much Speed investment.
Again, teammate examples here. Perhaps SD Scizor / SD Lucario that can set up on Scarfers locked into a Dragon move? You can mention the same teammates from above for Ferrothorn.

~ AC mention a specially-based DD Kingdra - this Kingdra uses DD to mainly boost its Speed and as a lure for physical walls. Another boon is that it can use a boosted Outrage even after a Special drop from Draco Meteor, so it can continue sweeping. Max SpA / 236 Spe / 16 Atk (Rash Nature) with DD - DMeteor - Hydro Pump - Outrage @ LO is what I am thinking.
Chesto Rest & Dragon Dance
~ I actually found a better spread that would reduce the probability of Starmie's LO Ice Beam scoring a 3HKO from 8 -> 5% chance (not including CH chance): 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe
You must also be prepared for obvious Perish Song or Whirlwind users; it would be best to eliminate them first.
Offer teammate choices. Common Psong user is Politoed, whereas common WW users are Skarmory and Hippowdon. Thundurus / NP Celebi / Roserade / Breloom perhaps?
Other Options

Mention that all sets but Special Rain can be played with Sniper if you want to power Kingdra's Water STAB with Politoed's Drizzle. Specs Keldeo outclasses Specs Kingdra in this case, but then again you can use a diff Keldeo set (ie SubCM / Scarf) this way.

Checks & Counters
Slowbro and other bulky Water- or Grass-types do relatively well against the more offensive Dragon Dance sets and can also cripple Kingdra with status. However, Kingdra has access to Substitute and ChestoRest, and these defensive Pokemon are heavily damaged by Draco Meteor.
List all common Bulky Water and Grass-types; Slowbro isn't even a good representative of a Bulky Water, when mons like Politoed, Rotom-W, and Gastrodon are more prevalent. Add Celebi and Amoonguss to the list.

~ Mention that Special Rain is susceptible to revenge-kills when Rain isn't up

~ Powerful priority from CB Nite and TechLoom are worth mentioning imo.
 
I'd add, say that Thundurus-T is a great teammate, because it:
-Is immune to Thunder Wave
-Resists Gyro Ball + Power Whip, and shakes it off pretty well
-Ferrothorn only hits it with Leech Seed, so next turn, it has to Protect or use Hazards (or switch) which gives you a chance to switch to your Fighting Type without fear of Thunder Wave/Power Whip
-Can easily 2HKO Ferrothorn with Focus Blast (regardless of rain)
-Loves being in rain, which Kingdra teams are likely to pack from dancers
 
first set seems like a mess here is what I would put:


[SET]
name: Offensive Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor/ Dragon Pulse
move 4: Signal Beam/ HP Electric
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest/ mild?
evs: 4 defense/252 special attack/252 speed

Signal Beam really covers your basis as far as Celebi is concerned, but HP electric will help against Keldeo and Politoed. I'm not sure Hydro Pump should be slashed before Surf, kingdra hates missing. outrage, hp ftg/fire are all options for the last move in addition to the ones I actually listed, but they seem extremely situational in comparison. Consider splitting it into mixed rain dance and special rain dance.

Here is my Sub-dd set, which incorporates the classic lum-sub combo:

name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: use max attack max speed, or come up with a spread that retains high attacking stats but also avoids having its substitute broken by specially defensive rotom-w volt switch.

The idea of this set is that you come in on something that can only hope to damage kingdra through a status move such as toxic politoed, rotom-w (perhaps with the fancy ev spread that you'll come up with), jirachi. They status you while you dragon dance, then you sub while they use the status move again. Now you're at +2 and can sweep many teams, and you may even still have your sub up. With all the choice water moves running around it should not be difficult to get a sub up under normal conditions, just make sure you support it with some good lures, like heatran or something.
 
I don't understand why you'd want to use Dragon Pulse on the Choice Specs set? As a matter of fact I generally think it's a bad move, considering that two Draco Meteors are significantly more powerful than two Dragon Pulses by a difference of 30 BP. I mean sure if you're certain that Kingra's gonna be staying in for three turns or more that's fine, but the only time I can imagine that is when facing a Rain team, and in that case I'd much rather be spamming Surf or Hydro Pump. I personally think that the move order should be Hydro Pump, Draco Meteor, Surf and then slashing Ice Beam/HP Fire/Dragon Pulse in the last slot. Ice Beam is a very cute move on Kingra in my experience for revenge killing boosted stuff like Salamence and Dragonite, which aren't uncommon in Rain, as well as Celebi and Amoonguss. HP Fire is always fun for Ferrothorn in Sand teams, so you can cripple it on the first switchin, and then it dies to Hydro Pump the next time it comes in. Dragon Pulse has never really been useful on Specs Kingdra in my experience :/

EDIT: understood. it's never gonna be my favourite option, but i can see the merits of it
 
Thing is, that Kingdra hardly needs anything other than Dragon Pulse in the last slot. If you look at the 4 moves, they pretty much operate in pairs: Draco Meteor/Hydro Pump to break down walls early game while Surf/Dragon Pulse clean up late game. Come late game, you don't want to be spamming Draco Meteor if you have a load of Dragons in the late-game you want to be sweeping, since you'll end up getting too weak. Ice Beam is probably the ONLY move I'd take into consideration, since it deals more damage to Grass-types. Dragon Pulse is good enough to revenge kill stuff like Salamence anyway.

Also, as a whole, I prefer Modest on Specs Kingdra. Sure, you get to outspeed Jolly Mamoswine, Adamant Lucario and speed-tie with other Kingdra, but I really think Kingdra really needs the additional power. With a Modest nature, you have a chance to 2HKO 252/168 Ferrothorn with Hydro Pump in the rain after a layer of Spikes, and that chance would only get bigger once people start running more physical Defense on Ferrothorn to take on Kyurem-B.
 
What shrang said. Modest > Timid is debatable. It's not always that Kingdra is facing a Rain team, so the extra Speed does help when facing other teams.

Myzozoa, we already have a SubDD set listed. Too many EVs are required for Kingdra's Sub to survive Calm Rotom-W's Volt Switch, so it's not worth it.

Mixed Sets are better done by Dragon Dance rather than Rain Dance imo. The former can boost its offense, whereas the latter can only boost Waterfall. A Rain Mixed set should only be using Outrage to hit Latias and other water resists anyways, so Waterfall would be useless. It stays in OO.

Also a resisted Hydro Pump in the Rain and STAB Dragon Pulse roughly does the same damage as HP Electric against bulky Water-types, so that's a no. HP Electric is only good for Gyarados. You use Draco Meteor to break Water-types, thus it's indispensable.

Signal Beam is AC material; Ice Beam is almost always better to hit Dragons / Grass-types without expending a Draco Meteor.

Keep the Special Rain set that you already have now, p0078
 
Dragon Pulse is a great move on Specs. That 90% accuracy of Draco Meteor always bites you in the ass at the worst possible times. Especially considering Kingdra is your 1-mon win condition against rain, you want all the accuracy you can get on those STAB attacks. Plus, there are just a lot of situations where you can't afford to let Kingdra's offensive power go down (like sac'ing Kingdra while making sure a substitute user can't set up safely).

Also, HP Electric looks absolutely worthless.. what would you use it for? Empoleon (so rare)? Gyarados (beaten by Dragon Pulse anyway)?
 
contrib_qc.png

QC Approved (2/3)
 
Okay I'll write this up soon.

EDIT: I've got all the sets done expect the rest done by the end of today.
 
My god this is a long analysis, but one in desperate need of a revamp.

Anyway, placeholder for an amateur GP check.

EDIT: I'm sorry, I was supposed to do it precisely yesterday, but with Smogon being down for maintenance I couldn't get around to doing it. It wouldn't have been so much of a placeholder if I could've managed to do it at the time, but well... OK NixHex, thank you for not letting pokemon0078 wait for long, since this is an important analysis.
 
No placeholders for ammy checks, please!
[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has certainly taooken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to being a perfect rain counter. With rain-boosted Hydro Pump in hand, Kingdra outspeeds and can deal massive damage to the majority of OU. Kingdra is also a quite effective set-up sweeper with Dragon Dance. The main reason it isn't seen so much is that it competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has a hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and is vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards, two major disadvantages. While it does have useful Fire and Water resistances, Kingdra's typing leaves it without many of the signature resistances of pure Dragon- and Water-types, which means that catching it with a neutral attack isn't difficult. You should not discount its bulk, however, as Kingdra can take common attacks such as Terrakion Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake quite nicely, but the lack of resistances is annoying. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate rain counter.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set make great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only wish of doing&mdash;sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor, and the remainder is taken down in one hit factoring in prior damage. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>First off, you have a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem much, but it really is a lot. For the sake of proof&mdash;accounting for rain and STAB&mdash;Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. See the difference now? For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss exactly when it needs to hit, as it punches massive holes in just about everything. Even Ferrothorn will succumb to two Hydro Pumps with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter!"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means, use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed.</p>

<p>Moving on, the third slot is occupied by Draco Meteor. Draco Meteor is key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you bring into the equation the ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types into the equation. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set-up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, your second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds&mdash;: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives you an reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam can be used to give Kingdra a way to 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types, as well as reliably KO Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and Dragonite. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative for Draco Meteor, which is extremely useful for cases where Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted Hydro Pump in the rain is just as powerful as a STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in rain and Jolly Breloom outside of it, which comes with the ability to also outrun all Adamant Dragonite and Gyarados. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs is a decent option if you want more bulk, such as to 176, which is enough to outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable so that Kingdra can outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but want Kingdra's main Water-type STAB to still hit fairly hard. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's the sacrifice you would have to make.</p>

<p>Moving right along, tThe last moveslot has two more options&mdash;: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has four times weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues; it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Do you recall how Kingdra relies the Speed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but answer this: do you <em>really</em> want a move that is setup fodder for the majority of OU? The answer is no.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn; Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle ismake the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean. Physical Fighting-types such as Terrakion and Breloom can also work, preferably a Poison Heal variant of Breloom to best take on the pink blobs. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types such as Celebi and Amoonguss that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot&mdash;: wallbreak. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis. It can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of whoich also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves you open to your opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple,; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to easily go out easily and attack but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train would a cat&mdash;hard. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes with the expectation of a turn where Kingdra is not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden of Kingdra being depended on to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other,; it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically imperfect accuracy and the inawfamousl Special Attack drop of Draco Meteor. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots are utilized to provide that reliability. Basically, you pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes other than Steel-types&mdash;pick your poison.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster with a Modest nature, which is preferred for the chance it provides to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, the OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and the 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in Ferrothorn and Kingdra's preferred weather&mdash;rain&mdash;which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>The main issue Kingdra has is its vulnerability to being set up on after using Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Volcarona, Cloyster, and Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi are prime examples of these foes. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent and Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Thundurus-T and Scizor also, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourage free switch-ins. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Up untKil now, yougdra haves onply seenty of special sattacking prowetss, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. The lack of reliance on rain to boost its Speed is huge and Kingdra can hit quite hard physically. The basic premise of the set is to set up on a defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra couldn't care less about their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up two or three Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it lefaguesr easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, juconsisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams down on their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and Speed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con in being much easier to wall. With only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls with Taunt and Trick not limited to Steel-types, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and resistant to the aforementioned Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Additionally, be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up and is detrimental with Substitute. Kingdra is best fit for a team with another offensive Pokemon due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. Pokemon such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona fit the bill.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to pretty much everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>The wide coverage of the attacks on this set is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon, which is huge. It all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice; you should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating it and replace it with Draco Meteor, which hits Water resistant foes hard without resorting to Outrage. Such foes include Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provide a guaranteed chance to OHKO 4/0 Dragonite with +1 Outrage through Multiscale and a decent chance against bulkier variants, with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Breloom, Adamant Gyarados, and Mamoswine before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status user such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially-based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump / Outrage / Draco Meteor for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with other offensive Pokemon who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set works as an effective lure to bring them in and KO them. Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario are examples of such Pokemon. If you use Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, you should pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if you have Hidden Power Fire, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn due to it often being used in rain, such as Terrakion or Keldeo. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory or Bronzong is needed. You might as well pack insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. The ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterward to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra is also huge. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn walls Kingdra to hell and back. Packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle is much preferred to trap it. You might as well carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types. It's that big of a problem. The final threat you must be prepared for is Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon are the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is plausible, but rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey. All you really accomplish is making Hydro Pump weaker. There are also a few Dragon Dance sets you can run. The first is a bulky one with Hydro Pump or Surf, Dragon Pulse, and Substitute or Toxic. The EVs would be 212 HP / 212 SpA / 84 Spe with a Modest nature so that Kingdra can hit hard, have some bulk, and outrun Timid Rotom-W in rain. This looks nice on paper, but the fact of the matter is that Kitngdra doesn't have enough Speed. The standard Substitute + Dragon Dance set is much more effective in practice if you want any chance of sweeping. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could also work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having your only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, theoretically allowing Kingdra to use whichever dance is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. The final viable Dragon Dance set is one with Disable and Protect or Substitute, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as your only attack and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra has a powerful STAB Outrage, which Gyarados does not. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance whilste Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire even. Hidden, Power Fhirech only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn or worse, a Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor. As you should know, Jellicent and Ferrothorn are two of the best walls in OU. They are the reason Kingdra is not much more common.</p>

<p>Ferrothorn and Jellicent exemplify the best of bulky Water- and Grass-types, but there are other&mdash;albeit less reliable&mdash;ones that can take Kingdra. Out of bulky Water-types, the foremost is Gastrodon, who can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp and if specially defensive handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss; specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank attacks such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. However, if Latios doesn't float your boat, you can use Salamence, who has the benefit of Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're just not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain, so no worries there. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard.</p>
good job pkmn####, I liked the instructional nature of this analysis. I hope to see more stuff like this on-site.
[gp]1/2[/gp]
 
[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has tookaken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to it being a perfect rain counter. With rain-boosted Hydro Pump in hand, Kingdra outspeeds and can deal massive damage to the majority of OU. Kingdra is also a quite effective set-up sweeper with Dragon Dance. The main reason it isn't seen so much is that it competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has a hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and is vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards, two major disadvantages. While it does have useful Fire and Water resistances, Kingdra's typing leaves it without many of the signature resistances of pure Dragon- and Water-types, which means that catching it with a neutral attack isn't difficult. You should not discount its bulk, however, as Kingdra can take common attacks, such as Terrakion's Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake, quite nicely, but the lack of resistances is annoying. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate rain counter.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set make great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only wish of doing&mdash;: sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor, and the remainder is taken down in one hit factoring in prior damage. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>First off, you have a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem much, but it really is a lot. For the sake of proof&mdash;accounting for rain and STAB&mdash;Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. See the difference now? For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss exactly when it needs to hit, as it punches massive holes in just about everything. Even Ferrothorn will succumb to two Hydro Pumps with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means, use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed.</p>

<p>Moving on, the third slot is occupied by Draco Meteor. Draco Meteor is key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you bring into the equation the ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set- up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, your second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives you a reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam can be used to give Kingdra a way to 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types, as well as reliably KO Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and Dragonite. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative for Draco Meteor, which is extremely useful for cases where Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted Hydro Pump in the rain is just as powerful as a STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in the rain and Jolly Breloom outside of it, which comes with the ability to also outrun all Adamant Dragonite and Gyarados. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs is a decent option if you want more bulk, such as to 176, which is enough to outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable so that Kingdra can outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but want Kingdra's main Water-type STAB to still hit fairly hard. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's the sacrifice you would have to make.</p>

<p>The last moveslot has two more options: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has four timesa double weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues; it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Do you recall how Kingdra relies on the Sspeed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but answer this: do you <em>really</em> want a move that is setup fodder for the majority of OU? The answer is no.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn; Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle make the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean up. Physical Fighting-types, such as Terrakion and Breloom, can also work, preferably; a Poison Heal variant of Breloom would be tohe best way take on the pink blobs. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types, such as Celebi and Amoonguss, that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot: wallbreak. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis. It can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of who also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves you open to your opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to go out easily and attack, but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train would a cat&mdash;hard. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes with the expectation of a turn where Kingdra is not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden of Kingdra being depended on to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other, it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically imperfect accuracy and the awful Special Attack drop of Draco Meteor. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots are utilized to provide that reliability. Basically, you pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes other than Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster with a Modest nature, which is preferred for the chance it provides to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, the OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and the 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in Ferrothorn and Kingdra's preferred weather&mdash;rain&mdash;which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>The main issue Kingdra has is its vulnerability to being set up on after using Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Volcarona, Cloyster, and Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi are prime examples of these foes. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent and Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Thundurus-T and Scizor also, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourage free switch- ins. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Kingdra has plenty of special attacking prowess, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. The lack of reliance on rain to boost its Speed is huge and Kingdra can hit quite hard physically. The basic premise of the set is to set up on a defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra couldn't care less about their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up two or three Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it far easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, consisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams down on their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost, Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and Sspeed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con in being much easier to wall. With only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls with Taun&mdash;including but and Trick not limited to Steel-types&mdash;with Taunt and Trick, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and are resistant to the Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Additionally, be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up and is detrimental with Substitute. Kingdra is best fit for a team with another offensive Pokemon due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. Pokemon, such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona, fit the bill.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to pretty much everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>The wide coverage of the attacks on this set is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon, which is huge. It all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice; you should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating it and replace it with Draco Meteor, which hits Water resistant foes hard without resorting to Outrage. Such foes include Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provide a guaranteed chance to OHKO 4/0 Dragonite with +1 Outrage through Multiscale and a decent chance against bulkier variants, with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance, and Breloom, Adamant Gyarados, and Mamoswine before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status users, such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially-based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump /, Outrage /, (you might want to add another move here), and Draco Meteor for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with other offensive Pokemon who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set works as an effective lure to bring them in and KO them. Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario are examples of such Pokemon. If you use Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, you should pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if you have Hidden Power Fire, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn due to it often being used in rain, such as Terrakion or Keldeo. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory or Bronzong, is needed. You might as well pack insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. The ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterwards to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra is also huge. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn walls Kingdra to hell and back. Packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle is much preferred to trap it. You might as well carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types. I; it's that big of a problem. The final threat you must be prepared for is Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon are the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is plausible, but a rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey. All you really accomplish is making Hydro Pump weaker. There are also a few Dragon Dance sets you can run. The first is a bulky one with Hydro Pump or Surf, Dragon Pulse, and Substitute or Toxic. The EVs would be 212 HP / 212 SpA / 84 Spe with a Modest nature so that Kingdra can hit hard, have some bulk, and outrun Timid Rotom-W in rain. This looks nice on paper, but the fact of the matter is that Kingdra doesn't have enough Speed. The standard Substitute + Dragon Dance set is much more effective in practice if you want any chance of sweeping. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could also work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having your only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, theoretically allowing Kingdra to use whichever dance is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. The final viable Dragon Dance set is one with Disable and Protect or Substitute, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as your only attack and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra has a powerful STAB Outrage, which Gyarados does not. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance while Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire, which only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn or worse &mdash;a Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor. As you should know, Jellicent and Ferrothorn are two of the best walls in OU. They are the reason Kingdra is not much more common.</p>

<p>Ferrothorn and Jellicent exemplify the best of bulky Water- and Grass-types, but there are other&mdash;albeit less reliable&mdash;ones that can take Kingdra. Out of bulky Water-types, the foremost is Gastrodon, who can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp, and if specially defensive, it can handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss; specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank some attacks, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. However, if Latios doesn't float your boat you can use Salamence, who has the benefit of Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're just not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain, so no worries there. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority, such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard.</p>

[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has taken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to it being a perfect rain counter. With rain-boosted Hydro Pump in hand, Kingdra outspeeds and can deal massive damage to the majority of OU. Kingdra is also a quite effective set-up sweeper with Dragon Dance. The main reason it isn't seen so much is that it competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has a hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and is vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards, two major disadvantages. While it does have useful Fire and Water resistances, Kingdra's typing leaves it without many of the signature resistances of pure Dragon- and Water-types, which means that catching it with a neutral attack isn't difficult. You should not discount its bulk, however, as Kingdra can take common attacks, such as Terrakion's Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake, quite nicely, but the lack of resistances is annoying. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate rain counter.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set make great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only wish of doing: sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor, and the remainder is taken down in one hit factoring in prior damage. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>First off, you have a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem much, but it really is a lot. For the sake of proof&mdash;accounting for rain and STAB&mdash;Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. See the difference now? For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss exactly when it needs to hit, as it punches massive holes in just about everything. Even Ferrothorn will succumb to two Hydro Pumps with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means, use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed.</p>

<p>Moving on, the third slot is occupied by Draco Meteor. Draco Meteor is key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you bring into the equation the ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, your second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives you a reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam can be used to give Kingdra a way to 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types, as well as reliably KO Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and Dragonite. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative for Draco Meteor, which is extremely useful for cases where Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted Hydro Pump in the rain is just as powerful as a STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in the rain and Jolly Breloom outside of it, which comes with the ability to also outrun all Adamant Dragonite and Gyarados. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs is a decent option if you want more bulk, such as to 176, which is enough to outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable so that Kingdra can outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but want Kingdra's main Water-type STAB to still hit fairly hard. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's the sacrifice you would have to make.</p>

<p>The last moveslot has two more options: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has a double weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues; it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Do you recall how Kingdra relies on the speed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but answer this: do you <em>really</em> want a move that is setup fodder for the majority of OU? The answer is no.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn; Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle make the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean up. Physical Fighting-types, such as Terrakion and Breloom, can also work; a Poison Heal variant of Breloom would be the best way take on the pink blobs. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types, such as Celebi and Amoonguss, that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot: wallbreak. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis. It can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of who also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves you open to your opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to go out easily and attack, but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train would a cat&mdash;hard. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes with the expectation of a turn where Kingdra is not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden of Kingdra being depended on to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other, it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically imperfect accuracy and the awful Special Attack drop of Draco Meteor. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots are utilized to provide that reliability. Basically, you pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes other than Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster with a Modest nature, which is preferred for the chance it provides to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, the OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and the 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in Ferrothorn and Kingdra's preferred weather&mdash;rain&mdash;which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>The main issue Kingdra has is its vulnerability to being set up on after using Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Volcarona, Cloyster, and Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi are prime examples of these foes. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent and Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Thundurus-T and Scizor also, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourage free switch ins. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Kingdra has plenty of special attacking prowess, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. The lack of reliance on rain to boost its Speed is huge and Kingdra can hit quite hard physically. The basic premise of the set is to set up on a defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra couldn't care less about their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up two or three Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it far easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, consisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams down on their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost, Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and speed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con in being much easier to wall. With only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls&mdash;including but not limited to Steel-types&mdash;with Taunt and Trick, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and are resistant to the Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Additionally, be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up and is detrimental with Substitute. Kingdra is best fit for a team with another offensive Pokemon due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. Pokemon, such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona, fit the bill.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to pretty much everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>The wide coverage of the attacks on this set is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon, which is huge. It all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice; you should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating and replace it with Draco Meteor, which hits Water resistant foes hard without resorting to Outrage. Such foes include Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provide a guaranteed chance to OHKO 4/0 Dragonite with +1 Outrage through Multiscale and a decent chance against bulkier variants, with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance, and Breloom, Adamant Gyarados, and Mamoswine before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status users, such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially-based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump, Outrage, (you might want to add another move here), and Draco Meteor for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with other offensive Pokemon who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set works as an effective lure to bring them in and KO them. Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario are examples of such Pokemon. If you use Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, you should pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if you have Hidden Power Fire, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn due to it often being used in rain, such as Terrakion or Keldeo. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory or Bronzong, is needed. You might as well pack insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. The ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterwards to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra is also huge. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn walls Kingdra to hell and back. Packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle is much preferred to trap it. You might as well carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types; it's that big of a problem. The final threat you must be prepared for is Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon are the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is plausible, but a rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey. All you really accomplish is making Hydro Pump weaker. There are also a few Dragon Dance sets you can run. The first is a bulky one with Hydro Pump or Surf, Dragon Pulse, and Substitute or Toxic. The EVs would be 212 HP / 212 SpA / 84 Spe with a Modest nature so that Kingdra can hit hard, have some bulk, and outrun Timid Rotom-W in rain. This looks nice on paper, but the fact of the matter is that Kingdra doesn't have enough Speed. The standard Substitute + Dragon Dance set is much more effective in practice if you want any chance of sweeping. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could also work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having your only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, theoretically allowing Kingdra to use whichever dance is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. The final viable Dragon Dance set is one with Disable and Protect or Substitute, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as your only attack and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra has a powerful STAB Outrage, which Gyarados does not. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance while Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire, which only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn or worse&mdash;a Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor. As you should know, Jellicent and Ferrothorn are two of the best walls in OU. They are the reason Kingdra is not much more common.</p>

<p>Ferrothorn and Jellicent exemplify the best of bulky Water- and Grass-types, but there are other&mdash;albeit less reliable&mdash;ones that can take Kingdra. Out of bulky Water-types, the foremost is Gastrodon, who can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp, and if specially defensive, it can handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss; specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank some attacks, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. However, if Latios doesn't float your boat you can use Salamence, who has the benefit of Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're just not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain, so no worries there. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority, such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard.</p>

[gp]2/2[/gp]

long u.u
 
So yeah, more of what I said when I uploaded Ninetales.

I noticed that analysis got a little too personal at times, which is something you should strive to avoid.

EDIT: I'm going to hold off on uploading Kingdra though, because i've made a substantial amount of changes to the analysis.

Can I get someone to GP check this please?

[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has taken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to it being a counter to rain teams. With rain-boosted Water-type moves in hand and Swift Swim, Kingdra can outspeed and decimate opposing rain teams by turning Politoed into a massive liability. Rain teams are often stuck with the difficult choice of cutting off a major source of their power by refraining from bringing out Politoed early or risk getting destroyed by Kingdra. Despite being an absolutely terror for rain teams, it isn't seen so much because competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and somewhat weak without rain support. It has useful quadruple resistance to Fire and Water, which makes it a handy check to both powerful sun threats such as Victini and rain threats such as Keldeo and Specs Politoed. You should also not discount its bulk, as Kingdra can take common attacks, such as Terrakion's Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake, quite nicely. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate counter to rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set make great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only wish of doing: sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>When it comes to choosing STAB move, you need to make a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem like much, but it really does a difference in practice. For the sake of proof&mdash;accounting for rain and STAB&mdash;Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss, it punches massive holes in just about everything. Even Ferrothorn will succumb to two Hydro Pumps with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means, use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed by the lowered damage output.</p>

<p>Draco Meteor is key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you bring into the equation the ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, your second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives you a reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam can be used to give Kingdra a way to 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types, as well as reliably KO Landorus, and Gliscor outside of rain as well as taking down Salamence, and Dragonite without the need to use Draco Meteor. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative for Draco Meteor, which is extremely useful for cases where Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted Hydro Pump in the rain is just as powerful as a neutral STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in the rain and Jolly Breloom, Adamant Dragonite and Gyarados outside of it. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs is a decent option if you want more bulk, such as to 176, which is enough to outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable so that Kingdra can outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but want Kingdra's main Water-type STAB to still hit fairly hard. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's the sacrifice you would have to make.</p>

<p>The last moveslot has two more options: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has a double weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues; it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Do you recall how Kingdra relies on the speed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but that's about it.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn; Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle make the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean up. Physical Fighting-types, such as Terrakion and Breloom, can also work. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types, such as Celebi and Amoonguss, that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot: wallbreak. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis. It can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of who also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves you open to your opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to go out easily and attack, but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes with the expectation of a turn where Kingdra is not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden of Kingdra being depended on to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other, it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically imperfect accuracy and the awful Special Attack drop of Draco Meteor. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots are utilized to provide that reliability. Basically, you pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes other than Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster with a Modest nature, which is preferred for the chance it provides to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, the OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and the 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in Ferrothorn and Kingdra's preferred weather&mdash;rain&mdash;which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>Choice Specs Kingdra is a top notch rain counter, though its inability to set up rain on its own can be a hindrance at times. Consider using Pokemon that can set up Rain Dance the "old fashioned way" such as Tornadus, who has access to priority Rain Dance and can double as special attacker, or Bronzong who's massive bulk usually always it to set up a Rain Dance undeterred, and can easily bring Kingdra into battle with Explosion. Keep in mind is that Choice Specs Kingdra has is its vulnerability to being set up on after using Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Volcarona, Cloyster, and Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi are prime examples of these foes. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent and Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Thundurus-T and Scizor also, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourage free switch ins. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Kingdra has plenty of special attacking prowess, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. The lack of reliance on rain to boost its Speed is huge and Kingdra can hit quite hard physically. The basic premise of the set is to set up on a defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra couldn't care less about their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up a couple of Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it far easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, consisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams down on their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost, Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and speed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con in being much easier to wall. With only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls&mdash;including but not limited to Steel-types&mdash;with Taunt and Trick, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and are resistant to the Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Pokemon that lure out and weaken Steel-types such as Haxorus or Kyurem-B are also appreciated as partners. Be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up and is detrimental with Substitute. Dragon Dance Kingdra is best fit for a team with another offensive Pokemon due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. Pokemon, such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona, fit the bill. It also greatly appreciates Rain Dance support, as it provides it with a hefty boost to Speed that can come in handy if you can't set up a Dragon Dance.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. The ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterwards to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra is also huge. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not so is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn still walls Kingdra to hell and back, so consider packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap it. You should also carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types; since they tend to stop this set cold. The final threat you must be prepared for is Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon are the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats. You can't go wrong with using giving Kingdra Rain Dance support, as speed increase and boost to Water-type moves is invaluable.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to hit everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>The wide coverage of the attacks on this set is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon, which is huge. It all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice; you should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating and replace it with Draco Meteor, which hits Water resistant foes hard without resorting to Outrage. Such foes include Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provide a guaranteed chance to OHKO 4/0 Dragonite with +1 Outrage through Multiscale and a decent chance against bulkier variants, with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance, and Breloom, Adamant Gyarados, and Mamoswine before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status users, such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially-based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump, Outrage, Draco Meteor and a fourth move of your choice for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with other offensive Pokemon who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set works as an effective lure to bring them in and KO them. Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario are examples of such Pokemon. If you use Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, you should pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if you have Hidden Power Fire, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn due to it often being used in rain, such as Terrakion or Keldeo. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence who can easily revenge kill Kingdra at +1, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory or Bronzong, is also needed. Packing insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo is advised, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is plausible, but a rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey. All you really accomplish is making Hydro Pump weaker. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having your only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, theoretically allowing Kingdra to use whichever dance is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. You can run a Dragon Dance set with Disable and Protect or Substitute over conventional moves, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as your only attack and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra lacks the STAB to make good use out of it. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance while Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire, which only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn or worse&mdash;a Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor.</p>

<p>Gastrodon can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well, as it can force Kingdra out with Perish Song. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp, and if specially defensive, it can handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss; specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank some attacks, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. You can also use Salamence, who has the benefit of turning Kingdra into a liability with Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're just not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain. If you do have rain, try to force it out before bringing out Politoed. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority, such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard, and they only KO if Kingdra's been weakened.</p>
 
i got this

[Overview]

<p>While Kingdra has taken quite a few steps back in BW with the Drizzle + Swift Swim ban, it still remains a potent threat due to its ability to counter rain teams. With rain-boosted Water-type moves and Swift Swim in hand, Kingdra can outspeed and decimate opposing rain teams by turning Politoed into a massive liability. Rain teams are often stuck with the difficult choice of cutting off a major source of their power by refraining from bringing out Politoed early or risking getting destroyed by Kingdra. Despite being an absolutely terror for rain teams, it isn't seen as much as one might expect because it competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team. It has a hard counter in the extremely common Ferrothorn and it is somewhat weak without rain support. It has a useful quadruple resistance to Fire and Water, which makes it a handy check to both powerful sun threats such as Victini and rain threats such as Keldeo and Choice Specs Politoed. One should also not discount its bulk, as Kingdra can take several common attacks, such as Terrakion's Close Combat and Landorus's Earthquake, quite nicely. Overall, while Kingdra isn't the best Pokemon in the world, it stands tall as the ultimate counter to rain teams.</p>

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 3: Draco Meteor
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam / Dragon Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest
evs: 40 HP / 240 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set makes great use of Kingdra's offensive capabilities. In the rain, Kingdra is essentially a faster Life Orb Latios, boasting similar Special Attack with an insanely powerful Water-type STAB, enabling it to do something Latios can only dream of doing: sweep with its most powerful move. To put this into perspective, very few Pokemon in OU aren't 2HKOed by either Hydro Pump or Draco Meteor. Kingdra is adept at disrupting weather teams due to its ability to set up rain at any time. However, the limited turns of rain in conjunction with a Life Orb puts Kingdra on two timers; Kingdra does not last very long, so you must make the most of the time it has.</p>

<p>When it comes to choosing a STAB move, you need to make a choice between Hydro Pump and Surf. A difference of 30 Base Power might not seem like much, but it makes a significant difference in practice as, accounting for rain and STAB, Hydro Pump has 270 Base Power and Surf 213. For this reason, Hydro Pump is recommended despite its tendency to miss: it punches massive holes in just about everything, 2HKOing even Ferrothorn with some prior damage. There goes Kingdra's biggest "counter"! If the accuracy really bothers you, by all means use Surf, but prepare to be disappointed by the lowered damage output.</p>

<p>Draco Meteor is the key to Kingdra's success, though just one use of it ends its sweep. That debilitating factor is beside the point, however, when you take into account its ability to 2HKO most bulky Water-types. Hydro Pump just cannot break bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, and the goal of this Kingdra is to hit as hard as possible in the limited time it has; thus, Draco Meteor fits perfectly. Heck, you don't even have to go for two Draco Meteors if you're worried about missing or being even more vulnerable to set up; you can choose to use Dragon Pulse followed by Draco Meteor for the 2HKO. That way, Kingdra's second move will still hit hard if you pick something else.</p>

<p>Finally, the last slot is a toss-up between three moves. Just remember, it's not some filler move you'll never use. Surf might seem like the craziest idea to even consider pairing with Hydro Pump, but it gives you the best of both worlds: power and accuracy. When you don't need the power of Hydro Pump, you can go for Surf, and vice versa. Additionally, Surf gives Kingdra a reliable move with which to sweep late-game. Ice Beam has three main benefits: firstly, it lets Kingdra 2HKO Celebi, Amoonguss, and other Grass-types; secondly, it reliably KOes Landorus and Gliscor outside of rain; thirdly, it takes down Salamence and Dragonite without the need to use Draco Meteor. The final option is Dragon Pulse, which is similar to Surf in that it is a more reliable alternative to Draco Meteor. It is extremely useful for times when Kingdra needs to hit Water-types but doesn't want to render itself helpless in the turns following. However, keep in mind that a resisted rain-boosted Hydro Pump is just as powerful as a neutral STAB Dragon Pulse, so it's all for the accuracy.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs allow Kingdra to outrun Choice Scarf Latios in the rain and Jolly Breloom, Adamant Dragonite, and Adamant Gyarados outside of it. The HP EVs provide an optimal number for taking Life Orb and entry hazard damage. Dropping the Speed EVs for bulk is a decent option; specifically, 176 Speed EVs lets Kingdra outrun Choice Scarf Garchomp in the rain. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature is also viable to allow Kingdra to outspeed more Pokemon without a Swift Swim boost, but it comes at the cost of Draco Meteor never OHKOing Keldeo. As for the item, Life Orb is far preferred for the much-needed power boost, but there are other choices if you want Kingdra to survive longer. Leftovers stands out due to providing passive recovery, but it leaves Kingdra a bit lacking offensively. Splash Plate is another option if you want survivability but power on Kingdra's main Water-type STAB. The difference in power is still present in Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse, but that's a sacrifice you will have to make.</p>

<p>There are two more options for the last moveslot: Hidden Power Fire and Signal Beam. As previously mentioned, Kingdra's worst enemy is Ferrothorn; however, you'll notice that Ferrothorn has a double weakness to Fire. This makes Hidden Power Fire a decent option to catch Ferrothorn off guard, but there are two issues: it doesn't hit anything else hard and is counter-productive with rain. For Hidden Power Fire to surprise Ferrothorn and do a good amount of damage to it, rain must not be up. Recall how Kingdra relies on the speed and power boosts from rain to accomplish much of anything? Yeah, this is pretty much the sole reason Hidden Power Fire is not a top pick for the last slot, but it is significant enough not to deter use. Signal Beam is an option to hit Celebi hard, but that's about it.</p>

<p>Teammates are needed for just about every Pokemon to be successful, and Kingdra is no exception. First, you're going to want other fast sweepers that benefit from the removal of weathers other than the one they prefer. You're also going to want a way around Ferrothorn. Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle make the best course of action to deal with it. After you get around Ferrothorn, you'll also need a way to remove Blissey, Chansey, and other specially defensive threats. These Pokemon are typically handled well by Fighting-type Pokemon. Keldeo is the best Fighting-type teammate, as Secret Sword demolishes Kingdra's counters and Keldeo has an extraordinarily powerful Hydro Pump of its own to weaken threats, which sets the stage for Kingdra to come in and clean up. Physical Fighting-types, such as Terrakion and Breloom, can also work. Scizor can also beat Chansey and Blissey, and furthermore can checkmate Grass-types, such as Celebi and Amoonguss, that are a nuisance for Kingdra to deal with. Thundurus-T can do the one thing Kingdra cannot: break walls. Its immunity to Thunder Wave and resistances to Grass and Steel give Thundurus-T the ability to set up on Kingdra's worst nemesis, Ferrothorn; it can also break bulky Water-types with ease. Generally, you're going to want multiple ways to defeat bulky Grass- and Water-type Pokemon, as they are major threats to Kingdra. Last but not least, Kingdra is ruined by entry hazards due to how quickly they stack up with all the other damage Kingdra takes throughout the course of a match. The solution is Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Starmie or Tentacruel&mdash;both of who also benefit from rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Dragon Pulse / Ice Beam
move 4: Surf / Ice Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main issue other Kingdra sets have is the need to waste a turn setting up. While the boost obtained in that turn is certainly appreciated, it also leaves Kingdra open to its opponent's attacks. How do you fix this issue? It's simple; just throw on a pair of Choice Specs! With Choice Specs, Kingdra is able to go out easily and attack, but not have anything to lose by switching back out. It isn't on any timer and hits like a freight train. This immediate offensive presence surprises foes that expect Kingdra to spend a turn setting up and not damaging them. Additionally, it lifts the burden on Kingdra to sweep. Instead, Kingdra can fulfill a role as a supporting attacker, hitting hard early- to mid-game and relying on its resistances to Fire and Water as a pivot; after that, it can sit back and watch the credits roll as its teammates finish off the opposing team. If Kingdra manages to survive that long, it can even do that itself.</p>

<p>The first two moves are there for power. Every good Choice Specs user has a powerful STAB move or two, and Kingdra is no exception. With fantastic coverage together, little can stand in Kingdra's way. If you see a Pokemon that resists one move, most of the time you can pick the other, it's that simple. Hydro Pump is also useful to dismantle rain teams. However, both Draco Meteor and Hydro Pump have debilitating drawbacks, specifically an awful Special Attack drop and imperfect accuracy. While they are excellent moves to punch holes for most of the game, when late-game comes around, these drawbacks make them undesirable choices. The final two slots provide that reliability. Basically, pick a STAB move and Ice Beam. Ice Beam is needed to 2HKO specially defensive Celebi and do a ton to Amoonguss, while the STAB move is for reliable late-game cleaning. Surf is usually preferred because it hits many common threats hard and is quite powerful in rain, but Dragon Pulse has perfect neutral coverage against all foes bar Steel-types.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs enable Kingdra to outrun Jolly Breloom and Cloyster, while a Modest nature gives it a chance to OHKO Dragonite through Multiscale, as well as land OHKOs on Venusaur, Magnezone, Keldeo, Skarmory, and bulky Starmie, and a 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn after Spikes damage. However, a Timid nature is also viable as it allows Kingdra to Speed tie with Modest Hydreigon and revenge kill Adamant Haxorus. To reach this Speed benchmark, move the HP EVs to Speed. Without 252 EVs in Speed, you are better off with a Modest nature, plain and simple. Anyway, as you should know by now, Ferrothorn is Kingdra's worst enemy. With Choice Specs, Hidden Power Fire would actually do quite a bit to it. However, the move fails to damage specially defensive Celebi significantly and does pittance in rain, the favored weather of both Ferrothorn and Kingdra, which makes removing Ferrothorn a job best left to Pokemon specialized to do so, such as Magnezone.</p>

<p>Choice Specs Kingdra is a top-notch rain counter, though its inability to set up rain on its own can be a hindrance at times. Consider using Pokemon that can set up rain the old-fashioned way, such as Tornadus, who has access to priority Rain Dance and can double as a special attacker, or Bronzong, whose massive bulk usually enables it to set up Rain Dance reliably; the latter can also easily bring Kingdra into battle with Explosion. Keep in mind that Choice Specs Kingdra is setup bait for the likes of Volcarona, Cloyster, and SubCM Jirachi after having used Draco Meteor or Ice Beam. Specially defensive Rotom-W can deal with all three to an extent, while Nasty Plot Thundurus-T, Swords Dance Scizor, Hippowdon, Tyranitar, Choice Specs Magnezone, and Garchomp can deal with Jirachi specifically. Additionally, Thundurus-T and Scizor, as previously mentioned, have the ability to set up on Ferrothorn. The last item you need for Kingdra to work at its best is entry hazards, which discourages switching. Deoxys-D and Ferrothorn are your best bets to set them up.</p>

[SET]
name: Substitute + Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Outrage
item: Leftovers
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 228 Atk / 12 Def / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A classic set from DPP, Substitute + Dragon Dance Kingdra is still as effective as ever. Kingdra has plenty of special attacking prowess, but physical sets are just as effective due to how amazing Dragon Dance is as a boosting move. Aside from the Attack boost, the lack of reliance on rain for a Speed boost is huge. The basic premise of the set is to set up on defensive Pokemon, weakened Pokemon, or a Choice-locked Fire- or Water-type attack. Defensive threats, such as Jirachi and Jellicent, are the easiest to take advantage of. Between Leftovers and Substitute, Kingdra can laugh off their weak attacks and status moves. After Kingdra has set up a couple of Dragon Dances, it is all set to sweep. Substitute makes it far easier to set up, blocking status, Trick, and revenge kills. The offensive moves are pretty obvious as well, consisting of only Kingdra's STABs, which are all it really needs. Waterfall is reliable, has a nifty chance to flinch, and brings rain teams to their knees. Outrage is for when Waterfall just isn't enough; it has ungodly power after a Dragon Dance or two and hits most Pokemon that resist Waterfall hard. Be sure to use discretion with Outrage, however, as being over-reliant on it against Water-type resistors will inevitably lead to a Steel-type such as Skarmory coming in and putting Kingdra in its place.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread enables Kingdra's Substitute to survive a Body Slam from specially defensive Jirachi as well as outspeed Jolteon after one boost, Choice Scarf Latios after two, and Jolly Breloom with none. The 40 HP EVs lessen Life Orb recoil and the remaining EVs are placed in Attack. With this spread, Kingdra achieves a perfect balance between bulk, power, and speed.</p>

<p>Despite all the pros of physical Kingdra, there is also one major con—it is much easier to wall. Armed with only its STABs, Kingdra needs Steel-types removed to get its job done. Ferrothorn can break Kingdra's Substitutes, cripple it with status, and take any attack that might come its way. Scizor forces Kingdra to use Substitute lest it take massive damage, and Skarmory can take any attack bar Waterfall after multiple boosts. Additionally, Steel-types make it basically impossible to use Outrage effectively, as they can absorb the hit and force Kingdra into confusion, stopping it right in its tracks. Having one of Gothitelle, Magnezone, or Magneton is essentially a requirement if you want Kingdra to sweep, as they can trap and KO Steel-types. Gothitelle can cripple other walls&mdash;including but not limited to Steel-types&mdash;with Taunt and Trick, but Magnezone and Magneton are immune to Toxic and resistant to the Steel-types' common attacks. Magnezone is bulkier, but Magneton has more Speed and so can double as a revenge killer. Pokemon that lure out and weaken Steel-types, such as Haxorus and Kyurem-B, are also appreciated as partners. Be sure to get rid of Toxic Spikes (among other entry hazards), as poison limits the time Kingdra has to set up, especially alongside Substitute. Dragon Dance Kingdra is best fit on a team with other offensive Pokemon, such as Thundurus-T, Dragonite, and Volcarona, due to its susceptibility to revenge killing and being worn down. It also greatly appreciates Rain Dance support, as that provides Kingdra with a hefty boost to Speed that can come in handy if it can't nab a Dragon Dance.</p>

[SET]
name: ChestoRest
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Rest
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Waterfall
item: Chesto Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 96 Atk / 32 SpD / 228 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The biggest problem Dragon Dance Kingdra suffers from is being worn down. ChestoRest is a tried-and-true combination that gives Kingdra the ability to fully heal itself once with no repercussions. It tosses aside worry of being hit by status while boosting, which eliminates a large pool of Kingdra's counters. Furthermore, it boasts the ability to take some hits while setting up and be at full health afterwards to stop what few revenge killers can deal with a boosted Kingdra. Kingdra has the resistances it needs to set up easily against most Pokemon that cannot hit it too hard. The goal of this set is to boost as many times as possible, heal up, and sweep with Outrage and Waterfall, which provide all the coverage Kingdra needs in most cases. One thing you must not do, however, is attempt to sweep with only one or two boosts; this Kingdra doesn't have the power necessary to do so.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs allow Kingdra to, as all Dragon Dance sets do, outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance and Choice Scarf Latios after two. With the investment in bulk, Starmie's Ice Beam has only the slimmest chance to 3HKO, giving Kingdra the opportunity to set up all over it. Beware of Psyshock, however, which easily 2HKOes. The leftover EVs are placed into Attack to boost the power of Kingdra's attacks with an Adamant nature to supplement. These EVs are designed to give Kingdra the ability to obtain multiple boosts.</p>

<p>For all the neat things this Kingdra set does, one it does not is beat Ferrothorn. Ferrothorn still walls Kingdra to hell and back, so consider packing Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap it. You should also carry a Fire- or Fighting-type or two to have another way around Ferrothorn and other Steel-types, since they tend to stop this set cold. The final threats you must be prepared for are Perish Song and Whirlwind users; you should eliminate them immediately. Politoed is the most common Perish Song user, and Skarmory and Hippowdon the most common Whirlwind users. Thundurus-T, Celebi, Roserade, and Breloom are optimal choices to deal with these threats. Lastly, you can't go wrong with giving Kingdra Rain Dance support, as the Speed increase and boost to Water-type moves is invaluable.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Waterfall / Hydro Pump
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Draco Meteor
move 4: Outrage
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
ability: Swift Swim
nature: Naughty
evs: 136 Atk / 136 SpA / 236 Spe
ivs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Dragon Dance Kingdra usually attempts to obtain multiple boosts, that doesn't bode well for fighting more offensive teams. Such teams most often have Pokemon that can KO or completely cripple Kingdra as it foolishly attempts to set up. The goal of this set is to fix that issue; it has powerful attacks and a Life Orb in order to do so. This gives Kingdra the ability to hit everything hard, including physical walls that the other Dragon Dance sets struggle against. Examples of foes that are no longer a problem are Skarmory, Scizor, and last but not least Ferrothorn; many more can be defeated after a boost or two.</p>

<p>This set's wide coverage is the main reason it is so good. The biggest decision you will have to make is between Waterfall and Hydro Pump. Waterfall is more accurate, has a chance to flinch, and can be boosted by Dragon Dance, but Hydro Pump hits Skarmory much harder and can OHKO Hippowdon; it all comes down to what you want Kingdra to beat. The second attack is not nearly as difficult a choice. You should use Hidden Power Fire unless for whatever reason you don't care so much about beating Ferrothorn; in which case replace it with Draco Meteor, which gives Kingdra an alternative to Outrage against Water-resistant foes, such as Breloom, Starmie, Slowbro, Latios, and Hydreigon, among many others.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs guarantee that Kingdra's +1 Outrage OHKOes 4/0 Dragonite through Multiscale and has a decent chance to also OHKO bulkier variants; they also provide Kingdra with enough Speed EVs to outrun Jolteon after one Dragon Dance, and Breloom, Mamoswine, and Adamant Gyarados before. The remaining EVs are placed in Special Attack to power up Kingdra's special moves. Life Orb is far preferred for the power boost, but Lum Berry is also an option to combat status users such as Ferrothorn, though the power difference is noticeable and Kingdra has difficulty stacking boosts to make up for said power difference. A specially based set of a similar nature is also possible, with Dragon Dance being used mostly for its Speed boost and to lure physical walls. Having a boosted Outrage to use when Kingdra is at -2 from Draco Meteor is also nice. An EV spread of 16 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe with a Rash nature, Hydro Pump, Outrage, Draco Meteor and a fourth move of your choice for the attacks, and a Life Orb would be the set you would want.</p>

<p>Kingdra is best used with offensive Pokemon such as Swords Dance Scizor and Swords Dance Lucario, who benefit from the weakening of certain walls and otherwise-annoying Pokemon. Kingdra doesn't usually run special attacks with Dragon Dance, so this set can effectively lure them in and KO them. If using Draco Meteor over Hidden Power Fire, be sure to pack a Magnezone, Magneton, or Gothitelle to trap Ferrothorn. Even if running Hidden Power Fire, however, it is ideal to have an alternative way around Ferrothorn, for example Terrakion or Keldeo, due to Ferrothorn's sheer popularity in rain. Something for Choice Scarf Salamence, who can easily revenge kill Kingdra at +1, such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, or Bronzong, is also needed. Finally, insurance against other common revenge killers, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, is advised, as the lack of defensive investment makes Kingdra easily revenge killed.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Kingdra can run quite a few more sets, but none are as effective as any of the ones listed. A mixed Rain Dance set is viable, but a rain-boosted Waterfall isn't what it used to be in a metagame filled with physically bulky Steel-types and Water-immune Pokemon. The main draw would be to beat special walls, but mixed Kingdra can't even beat Chansey; all you would really gain is a weaker Hydro Pump. A mono-attacking set with Outrage as the attack could work in a similar vein to CroCune, but it also has trouble sweeping, and being asleep, even with Sleep Talk, is undesirable with BW's sleep mechanics. Additionally, having one's only attack being Outrage is undesirable. A Double Dance set with both Dragon Dance and Rain Dance is yet another set that seems great on paper, as it theoretically allows Kingdra to use whichever setup move is best for the situation. However, there is really no need for that, as both Rain Dance and Dragon Dance are amazing tools and don't need to be used in tandem; rather, you're just wasting a moveslot. You can run a Dragon Dance Kingdra set with Disable and Protect or Substitute over conventional moves, with Outrage as the sole attack. Disable would prevent foes from 2HKOing Kingdra with a move if it is their only move to hit Kingdra, provided Kingdra is slower, but it's not worth being left with Outrage as Kingdra's only attack, and Protect or Substitute is needed to sweep.</p>

<p>Bounce might seem a usable move to spread paralysis, but it provides no additional coverage and is really better used by Gyarados, as Kingdra lacks the STAB to make good use out of it. Sniper can be used over Swift Swim on any of the sets other than Rain Dance if you want to use permanent rain to boost Kingdra's STAB Water-type attacks, but in doing so you've pretty much defeated the purpose of using Kingdra. Kingdra's viability relies on the fact that it can effectively combat rain due to Swift Swim; without Swift Swim, you might as well use another Dragon-type.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Clad in spiked armor, Ferrothorn is the bane of Kingdra's existence. Kingdra's Outrages and Waterfalls do pittance while Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs edge Kingdra ever closer to death. Power Whip breaks Kingdra's Substitutes and Thunder Wave can completely cripple Kingdra. Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards in the time Kingdra is out. If rain is up, forget Hidden Power Fire, which only 2HKOes anyway; no Kingdra can score an OHKO. Ferrothorn's partner in crime&mdash;Jellicent&mdash;is just as good a counter, taking negligible damage from every attack in Kingdra's arsenal other than Draco Meteor. Jellicent can reply back with a burn, or worse, Taunt. Jellicent can Recover stall Draco Meteor, so the only way Kingdra will win is if it hits Jellicent with Dragon Pulse as it switches in and follows up with a Draco Meteor.</p>

<p>Gastrodon can take special sets and cripple non-Substitute Dragon Dance ones with Toxic or burn. Another is defensive Politoed, who can take on Dragon Dance variants fairly well, as it can force Kingdra out with Perish Song. The final is Rotom-W, who can cripple Dragon Dance variants with Will-O-Wisp, and if specially defensive, it can handle special variants adequately enough. The major issue that arises is Substitute + Dragon Dance and ChestoRest Kingdra, who doesn't have to worry about status and thus turns these three Pokemon into setup fodder. Notable bulky Grass-types include Celebi and Amoonguss, specially defensive Celebi and Amoonguss can handle special Kingdra fairly well, and Amoonguss can Spore all variants except Substitute ones. Choice Specs and even Life Orb Draco Meteors do tons to both bulky Water- and Grass-types though, so be wary of that.</p>

<p>Of course, you can always take the easy way out and use a revenge killer. Well, it's actually not that easy with Kingdra. Kingdra has some considerable bulk; it can tank some attacks, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion's Close Combat and Choice Scarf Keldeo's Secret Sword. For this reason, you will need a Choice Scarf Dragon-type to revenge kill Kingdra. Latios is preferable, as Kingdra needs two Dragon Dances to outpace it. You can also use Salamence, who has the benefit of turning Kingdra into a liability with Moxie. The only other way you're revenge killing Kingdra with a non-Dragon-type is Landorus and Terrakion, both of who can only shorten and not end Kingdra's life. Also, remember that you're simply not revenge killing Kingdra in rain, so you'd better have a decent answer to it. The Choice Specs set is much easier to revenge kill, as it has no way of boosting its Speed unless you have rain. If you do have rain, try to force it out before bringing out Politoed. The only way to revenge kill Kingdra in rain is with powerful priority, such as Technician Breloom's Mach Punch, Choice Band Dragonite's ExtremeSpeed, and Life Orb Mamoswine's Ice Shard, and they only KO if Kingdra's been weakened.</p>

Despite being an absolutely terror for rain teams, it isn't seen so much because competes with the many other OU Dragon-types for a spot on a team
changed this to 'isn't seen as much as one might expect because' -- but would 'it has low usage because' etc be closer to your intended meaning?

The EVs provide a guaranteed chance to OHKO 4/0 Dragonite with +1 Outrage
is it 'guaranteed' or a 'chance'? my current rephrasing went with the former, but, yeah, in case i'm mistaken
 
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