Jibaku
Who let marco in here????
Hopefully this is a bit straightforward :p
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Looking for a fast and powerful Dragon-type Pokemon to use in VGC 2012? Well search no further, as Latios is just that...and more! Boasting a sky-high base 130 Special Attack and a supersonic base 110 Speed, combined with its fantastic Dragon-type STAB and fair coverage, Latios will very often leave an agonizing scar on its victims. Furthermore, Latios' moderate overall bulk, coupled with its fantastic resistances to Fire-, Fighting-, Grass-, Psychic-, Electric-, and Water-type attacks, along with its immunity to Ground-type attacks due to Levitate, grant it a decent degree of survivability and allowing it to continue its rampage.</p>
<p>However, Latios does suffer from several drawbacks. It has a somewhat wide list of weaknesses, which, when combined with Latios' subpar physical bulk, means it is in constant danger of being dispatched. As a result, Latios heavily relies on its Speed to take out many threats, which can be somewhat of a liability as many common battle conditions in VGC 2012 can alter turn orders. Despite these setbacks, the aforementioned positives are more than enough to secure Latios' place as one of the most devastating special attackers in this metagame.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
move 2: Thunderbolt / Psyshock / Surf
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire / Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb / Dragon Gem
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This may be Latios' only featured set in this analysis, but there is no denying that it draws much of its destructiveness from this set alone. Although Latios is a very one-sided Pokemon in this metagame, it performs that one role exceptionally well that predictability is almost never an issue!</p>
<p>Latios' primary offensive potential comes from its powerful Dragon-type STAB attacks. Draco Meteor is the very portrait of such strength, capable of OHKOing or severely injuring most Pokemon, especially if they lack resistance to it. For instance, Life Orb Draco Meteor has a very good chance of OHKOing Max HP Rotom-W! However, the harsh Special Attack reduction after it is used can leave Latios quite vulnerable, and thus should be used sparingly. Another option would be Dragon Pulse, which does not have a drawback and can be thrown around more safely, but is nowhere as powerful as Draco Meteor. </p>
<p>The remainder of Latios' moveslots focus on coverage. Thunderbolt hits Gyarados, Politoed, and Togekiss super effectively and does a fair amount of damage to Scizor, while Psyshock grants Latios an alternative STAB that lets it beat down Fighting types (bar Scrafty), Amoonguss, and can dent Snorlax and Specially Defensive Gastrodon. Surf can take advantage of the omnipresent rain in this metagame and deal major damage. However, Latios' common partners don't enjoy Surf so use with care. Hidden Power Ground dents Metagross, Excadrill, and may OHKO Heatran. Hidden Power Fire has even greater coverage, as it hits Metagross, Excadrill, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Abomasnow for super-effective damage, but can be weakened by Rain and leaves Latios hanging with 30 Speed IVs, making it vulnerable against opposing base 110ers. If coverage isn't a big issue, Tailwind is an alternative over the Hidden Powers. Latios' raw power ensures that it can easily make use of the Tailwind it set up, and its high base Speed allows it to outrun virtually every Speedy weather abuser, with the exception of the rare Jumpluff (whom Latios speedties with), and the even rarer Floatzel. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Latios has two very notable item choices. Life Orb grants Latios a consistent power boost, but causes it to suffer from recoil. On the other hand, Dragon Gem is a viable alternative to boost Latios' Dragon-type attack further. For instance, a Dragon Gem boosted Draco Meteor can OHKO the standard Reuniclus. However, it is consumed after one use and does not power up the rest of Latios' attacks, and Latios may find itself unable to 2HKO Metagross with Hidden Power Ground as a result.</p>
<p>The EVs maximize Speed and Special Attack under the assumption HP Ground is used. The rest maximize the usage of the few EVs left [Kind of awkward, but I'll accept it]. If, for some reason, Latios' divisible-by-4 HP does not appeal to you, simply take it out. Keep in mind it has nowhere else to place it. HP Fire variants should use 4 HP / 4 Def / 248 SpA / 4 SpD / 248 Spe. Use 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe if you don't plan on using Hidden Power.</p>
<p>In general, Latios' best partners are Fighting- and Steel- types. Excellent Fighting-type choices are Infernape and Hitmontop. The former rounds out Latios coverage very well with its Fire- and Fighting- type attacks, helping it against pesky threats such as Metagross, Abomasnow, Bronzong, Weavile, and Scizor. The latter can increase Latios' lifespan with Intimidate support. Hitmontop can also opt to specialize in priority attacks, which helps mostly against Weavile and Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Notable Steel-type partner choices include Metagross and Scizor. Metagross is also an excellent partner as it can take out Tyranitar, Weavile, Snorlax, and Abomasnow. It can also take advantage of Latios' Levitate and use Earthquake. Scizor performs similarly, but it can not use Earthquake and must watch out for Snorlax's Fire Punch. Latios also aids these Pokemon with some of their problems. For instance, Latios can take out Rotom-W and Gyarados, both of whom trouble Metagross and Infernape, respectively.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Latios' wide movepool grants it a fair amount of other choices to utilize to keep itself from being too predictable. Substitute can be used to take advantage of free turns as well as to avoid Sucker Punches and status attacks. However, Latios may find itself hard pressed to remove one of its valuable moveslots. Recover can be used to maintain Latios' presence in the battlefield, while also avoiding Sucker Punch. Latios' bulk may not be very impressive, but it does have an incredible number of useful resistances. This works best with a type-resist berry such as Haban. Grass Knot 2HKOes Tyranitar and Gastrodon, and OHKOes Rhyperior. Latios has access to many supporting options. It learns Heal Pulse, Icy Wind, Helping Hand, Thunder Wave, Reflect, and Light Screen, but Latias generally performs that role better.</p>
<p>Latios has several other item choices it can consider. It can utilize Choice Specs rather well due to its insanely high Special Attack stat, and can also open up the possibility of using Trick to cripple a target. However, as Latios gets locked in and is unable to use Protect, the danger of being KOed increases. Choice Scarf is also a viable option to make Latios faster than virtually anything outside of Trick Room. White Herb is an option to restore Latios' Special Attack one time after using Draco Meteor, and can also aid it against Icy Wind. Beware of Intimidate, however, as it will simply waste the White Herb and Latios would have almost certainly preferred receiving the Attack drop anyways. Latios' weaknesses can be temporarily fixed via the aid of a type-resist berry. Haban Berry allows Latios to live against an otherwise fatal Dragon-type attack such as Garchomp's Dragon Claw and Kingdra's Dragon Pulse. Colbur Berry grants it a one-time protection against Sucker Punch from the likes of Toxicroak and Hitmontop, and allows it to survive Tyranitar's Crunch. Alternatively, Focus Sash can let Latios survive any fatal hit provided that it was struck at full HP.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Tyranitar is a solid counter, being able to usually live two hits from Latios and OHKOing back with Crunch. Keep in mind though - if Tyranitar does not invest very heavily in Special Defense, it will be 2HKOed by Life Orb Grass Knot. Bronzong resists Latios' STABs and Hidden Power Ground, and can use Trick Room to nullify Latios' Speed advantage. Latios also does not enjoy taking multiple Iron Heads or Gyro Balls. Beware of Hidden Power Fire in the sun, however, as it can deal massive damage. Metagross needs to watch out for Hidden Power Ground and Hidden Power Fire (if it is not raining). However, it can tank everything else reasonably well and deal major damage with Meteor Mash. Though Latios will survive the Meteor Mash, it will not survive the following Bullet Punch. Scizor beats those without Hidden Power Fire. It can swiftly dispatch Latios with its powerful STAB Bug Bite. Ferrothorn also defeats Latios without Hidden Power Fire (and can beat one with it in the rain). Its added resistances to Surf and Thunderbolt means that Latios will have a tough time breaking through it, while Ferrothorn can 2HKO Latios with Gyro Ball. Snorlax's incredible special bulk allows it to absorb Latios' attacks without too much of a hassle, but Snorlax must be wary of Psyshock. In return, Latios fears Body Slam, Crunch, or Return. Chansey can easily absorb Latios' attacks and stall it out with Toxic and Softboiled, but Chansey is rather rare in this metagame.</p>
<p>Faster Pokemon such as Weavile, Choice Scarf Abomasnow, Choice Scarf Garchomp, and Yanmega (after a
Speed Boost) are troublesome, and Sucker Punch from the likes of Hitmontop and Toxicroak will inflict heavy damage. Latios despises paralysis as it relies on its Speed very much due to its weaknesses and poor physical defense. Beware of Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Cresselia, Rotom-W, Thundurus, and Gyarados, as it will likely render Latios useless for the remainder of the match. Trick Room also does it no favors as well, for reasons similar to the above.</p>
[Dream World]
<p> Latios does not have a Dream World ability. However, as far as unobtainable material goes, Latios can potentially receive Soul Dew from a future event. This exclusive held item boosts Latios' (and Latias') Special Attack and Special Defense by a humongous 50%, turning it into a complete monster. It is very likely, though, that if Soul Dew does get released, it will be banned from use in VGC or any other official Pokemon tournaments, as it has been that way in the past.</p>
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Looking for a fast and powerful Dragon-type Pokemon to use in VGC 2012? Well search no further, as Latios is just that...and more! Boasting a sky-high base 130 Special Attack and a supersonic base 110 Speed, combined with its fantastic Dragon-type STAB and fair coverage, Latios will very often leave an agonizing scar on its victims. Furthermore, Latios' moderate overall bulk, coupled with its fantastic resistances to Fire-, Fighting-, Grass-, Psychic-, Electric-, and Water-type attacks, along with its immunity to Ground-type attacks due to Levitate, grant it a decent degree of survivability and allowing it to continue its rampage.</p>
<p>However, Latios does suffer from several drawbacks. It has a somewhat wide list of weaknesses, which, when combined with Latios' subpar physical bulk, means it is in constant danger of being dispatched. As a result, Latios heavily relies on its Speed to take out many threats, which can be somewhat of a liability as many common battle conditions in VGC 2012 can alter turn orders. Despite these setbacks, the aforementioned positives are more than enough to secure Latios' place as one of the most devastating special attackers in this metagame.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
move 2: Thunderbolt / Psyshock / Surf
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Fire / Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb / Dragon Gem
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This may be Latios' only featured set in this analysis, but there is no denying that it draws much of its destructiveness from this set alone. Although Latios is a very one-sided Pokemon in this metagame, it performs that one role exceptionally well that predictability is almost never an issue!</p>
<p>Latios' primary offensive potential comes from its powerful Dragon-type STAB attacks. Draco Meteor is the very portrait of such strength, capable of OHKOing or severely injuring most Pokemon, especially if they lack resistance to it. For instance, Life Orb Draco Meteor has a very good chance of OHKOing Max HP Rotom-W! However, the harsh Special Attack reduction after it is used can leave Latios quite vulnerable, and thus should be used sparingly. Another option would be Dragon Pulse, which does not have a drawback and can be thrown around more safely, but is nowhere as powerful as Draco Meteor. </p>
<p>The remainder of Latios' moveslots focus on coverage. Thunderbolt hits Gyarados, Politoed, and Togekiss super effectively and does a fair amount of damage to Scizor, while Psyshock grants Latios an alternative STAB that lets it beat down Fighting types (bar Scrafty), Amoonguss, and can dent Snorlax and Specially Defensive Gastrodon. Surf can take advantage of the omnipresent rain in this metagame and deal major damage. However, Latios' common partners don't enjoy Surf so use with care. Hidden Power Ground dents Metagross, Excadrill, and may OHKO Heatran. Hidden Power Fire has even greater coverage, as it hits Metagross, Excadrill, Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Abomasnow for super-effective damage, but can be weakened by Rain and leaves Latios hanging with 30 Speed IVs, making it vulnerable against opposing base 110ers. If coverage isn't a big issue, Tailwind is an alternative over the Hidden Powers. Latios' raw power ensures that it can easily make use of the Tailwind it set up, and its high base Speed allows it to outrun virtually every Speedy weather abuser, with the exception of the rare Jumpluff (whom Latios speedties with), and the even rarer Floatzel. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Latios has two very notable item choices. Life Orb grants Latios a consistent power boost, but causes it to suffer from recoil. On the other hand, Dragon Gem is a viable alternative to boost Latios' Dragon-type attack further. For instance, a Dragon Gem boosted Draco Meteor can OHKO the standard Reuniclus. However, it is consumed after one use and does not power up the rest of Latios' attacks, and Latios may find itself unable to 2HKO Metagross with Hidden Power Ground as a result.</p>
<p>The EVs maximize Speed and Special Attack under the assumption HP Ground is used. The rest maximize the usage of the few EVs left [Kind of awkward, but I'll accept it]. If, for some reason, Latios' divisible-by-4 HP does not appeal to you, simply take it out. Keep in mind it has nowhere else to place it. HP Fire variants should use 4 HP / 4 Def / 248 SpA / 4 SpD / 248 Spe. Use 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe if you don't plan on using Hidden Power.</p>
<p>In general, Latios' best partners are Fighting- and Steel- types. Excellent Fighting-type choices are Infernape and Hitmontop. The former rounds out Latios coverage very well with its Fire- and Fighting- type attacks, helping it against pesky threats such as Metagross, Abomasnow, Bronzong, Weavile, and Scizor. The latter can increase Latios' lifespan with Intimidate support. Hitmontop can also opt to specialize in priority attacks, which helps mostly against Weavile and Choice Scarf Abomasnow. Notable Steel-type partner choices include Metagross and Scizor. Metagross is also an excellent partner as it can take out Tyranitar, Weavile, Snorlax, and Abomasnow. It can also take advantage of Latios' Levitate and use Earthquake. Scizor performs similarly, but it can not use Earthquake and must watch out for Snorlax's Fire Punch. Latios also aids these Pokemon with some of their problems. For instance, Latios can take out Rotom-W and Gyarados, both of whom trouble Metagross and Infernape, respectively.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Latios' wide movepool grants it a fair amount of other choices to utilize to keep itself from being too predictable. Substitute can be used to take advantage of free turns as well as to avoid Sucker Punches and status attacks. However, Latios may find itself hard pressed to remove one of its valuable moveslots. Recover can be used to maintain Latios' presence in the battlefield, while also avoiding Sucker Punch. Latios' bulk may not be very impressive, but it does have an incredible number of useful resistances. This works best with a type-resist berry such as Haban. Grass Knot 2HKOes Tyranitar and Gastrodon, and OHKOes Rhyperior. Latios has access to many supporting options. It learns Heal Pulse, Icy Wind, Helping Hand, Thunder Wave, Reflect, and Light Screen, but Latias generally performs that role better.</p>
<p>Latios has several other item choices it can consider. It can utilize Choice Specs rather well due to its insanely high Special Attack stat, and can also open up the possibility of using Trick to cripple a target. However, as Latios gets locked in and is unable to use Protect, the danger of being KOed increases. Choice Scarf is also a viable option to make Latios faster than virtually anything outside of Trick Room. White Herb is an option to restore Latios' Special Attack one time after using Draco Meteor, and can also aid it against Icy Wind. Beware of Intimidate, however, as it will simply waste the White Herb and Latios would have almost certainly preferred receiving the Attack drop anyways. Latios' weaknesses can be temporarily fixed via the aid of a type-resist berry. Haban Berry allows Latios to live against an otherwise fatal Dragon-type attack such as Garchomp's Dragon Claw and Kingdra's Dragon Pulse. Colbur Berry grants it a one-time protection against Sucker Punch from the likes of Toxicroak and Hitmontop, and allows it to survive Tyranitar's Crunch. Alternatively, Focus Sash can let Latios survive any fatal hit provided that it was struck at full HP.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Tyranitar is a solid counter, being able to usually live two hits from Latios and OHKOing back with Crunch. Keep in mind though - if Tyranitar does not invest very heavily in Special Defense, it will be 2HKOed by Life Orb Grass Knot. Bronzong resists Latios' STABs and Hidden Power Ground, and can use Trick Room to nullify Latios' Speed advantage. Latios also does not enjoy taking multiple Iron Heads or Gyro Balls. Beware of Hidden Power Fire in the sun, however, as it can deal massive damage. Metagross needs to watch out for Hidden Power Ground and Hidden Power Fire (if it is not raining). However, it can tank everything else reasonably well and deal major damage with Meteor Mash. Though Latios will survive the Meteor Mash, it will not survive the following Bullet Punch. Scizor beats those without Hidden Power Fire. It can swiftly dispatch Latios with its powerful STAB Bug Bite. Ferrothorn also defeats Latios without Hidden Power Fire (and can beat one with it in the rain). Its added resistances to Surf and Thunderbolt means that Latios will have a tough time breaking through it, while Ferrothorn can 2HKO Latios with Gyro Ball. Snorlax's incredible special bulk allows it to absorb Latios' attacks without too much of a hassle, but Snorlax must be wary of Psyshock. In return, Latios fears Body Slam, Crunch, or Return. Chansey can easily absorb Latios' attacks and stall it out with Toxic and Softboiled, but Chansey is rather rare in this metagame.</p>
<p>Faster Pokemon such as Weavile, Choice Scarf Abomasnow, Choice Scarf Garchomp, and Yanmega (after a
Speed Boost) are troublesome, and Sucker Punch from the likes of Hitmontop and Toxicroak will inflict heavy damage. Latios despises paralysis as it relies on its Speed very much due to its weaknesses and poor physical defense. Beware of Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Cresselia, Rotom-W, Thundurus, and Gyarados, as it will likely render Latios useless for the remainder of the match. Trick Room also does it no favors as well, for reasons similar to the above.</p>
[Dream World]
<p> Latios does not have a Dream World ability. However, as far as unobtainable material goes, Latios can potentially receive Soul Dew from a future event. This exclusive held item boosts Latios' (and Latias') Special Attack and Special Defense by a humongous 50%, turning it into a complete monster. It is very likely, though, that if Soul Dew does get released, it will be banned from use in VGC or any other official Pokemon tournaments, as it has been that way in the past.</p>