[OVERVIEW]
Latios is one of, if not the, best wallbreakers in the metagame thanks to its insanely strong, nearly unresisted STAB Draco Meteor. This makes sets utilizing Choice Specs very difficult to switch into, let alone wall. This is further compounded by Trick crippling almost every defensive answer. It also has a great Speed tier that allows it to outspeed prominent threats like Keldeo, Terrakion, and Garchomp. This makes it a great Choice Scarf user, as it can outspeed all other Choice Scarf users and boosted sweepers. Latios's decent bulk and typing let it check Pokemon like Keldeo, Thundurus-T, Breloom, and Gliscor relatively well, which is made even easier due to its immunity to Spikes. It can even run Recover to aid its ability to check these Pokemon and mitigate sand and Stealth Rock damage. It's also great on rain teams, where it can hit most Steel-types hard with boosted Surf. Latios can also work on sand teams thanks to sand damage wearing down some of its counters and its ability to checks and removes many Pokemon that pressure sand teams well, namely Breloom, Heatran, and Gliscor. However, despite its incredible strength, Draco Meteor leaves Latios incredibly exploitable after being used and usually forces it out. This is especially bad due to Tyranitar being very common and being able to easily Pursuit trap it after Draco Meteor has been used. Latios is also very vulnerable to many common residual damage sources like sand and Stealth Rock, which impedes its ability to stay healthy throughout a match, come in to attack, and check the things it should be able to.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Surf
move 3: Trick
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Recover
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is what makes Latios such a brutal wallbreaker, as it's nearly unresisted and can even break down some bulky resistant foes like Ferrothorn over time. Surf lets Latios do good damage to Pokemon that can come in on Draco Meteor like Heatran, Excadrill, and Tyranitar. It can also do great damage to Pokemon like specially defensive Jirachi in rain. Trick cripples switch-ins, including Ferrothorn, Jirachi, Tyranitar, and Chansey, while aiding teammates attempting to break through defensive cores. However, it should only be used if the extra power from Choice Specs isn't needed in the game. Trick also lets Latios potentially gain Leftovers, which nullifies sand damage and makes it easier to stay in if sand is up. Dragon Pulse is a safe move to lock into and spam due to its lack of a stat drop and perfect accuracy, which makes it a good late-game cleaning tool as well as a good move to use when wanting to not risk a miss. It also lets Latios save PP on Draco Meteor, which is especially nice against Pokemon that commonly run Protect like Breloom, Politoed, and Gliscor. Recover allows Latios to mitigate sand and entry hazard damage while making it easier to check Keldeo, Thundurus-T, and Breloom long-term. It's worth noting that Recover should only be used on sets with Trick. Psyshock is able to 2HKO Chansey after Stealth Rock while also OHKOing Tentacruel and Terrakion in sand. However, it leaves Latios as bait for Tyranitar, which is immune to Psyshock and is able to easily Pursuit trap Latios. Hidden Power Fighting lets Latios have a way to super effectively hit Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but doesn't hit much else and makes Latios run an imperfect Speed IV, leaving it outsped by opposing Latios lacking it as well as the uncommon Gengar.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is used over Modest despite Modest letting Latios break through Tyranitar and other walls more easily in order to retain the ability to outspeed Keldeo, Garchomp, and Terrakion while also Speed typing opposing Latios
Usage Tips
========
Attempt to get Latios in safely through a double switch, a sacrifice, or VoltTurn support; it doesn't want to take too much damage despite its decent bulk and typing, as it will make it harder to fire off attacks and can potentially get it Pursuit trapped by a healthy Tyranitar. If Latios gets low on health, it may be best to throw out an attack to hit something hard and sacrifice it or use it as fodder later. Scout for Stun Spore Amoonguss as well as unexpected Choice Scarf users, as they can catch Latios off guard and cripple it. Use Trick as you predict the opponent to bring in a Pokemon that walls Latios and can be properly crippled by it, like Jirachi or Ferrothorn. However, don't use Trick if the power of Choice Specs is needed. Additionally, don't use Trick if predicting a Tyranitar to come in unless it helps further progress for a Pokemon like Alakazam, as it will lead to Latios being Pursuit trapped. Attempt to weaken Latios's checks so it can pressure the opponent even further and potentially sweep late-game with Surf or Dragon Pulse. It's also important to remove or at least wear down Tyranitar so Latios can't be Pursuit trapped.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W brings another Keldeo and Gliscor check, easing the pressure off Latios to handle them, supplies a slow Volt Switch to bring Latios in safely, and burns Tyranitar and Ferrothorn to make it easier for Latios to break through them. Wallbreakers like Keldeo, Landorus-T, and Terrakion can break through Steel-types for Latios so it can easily spam Draco Meteor and or Dragon Pulse late-game. Bulky Steel-types like Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory can check opposing Dragon- and Steel-types, while Latios can pressure and handle Fire- and Fighting-types for them. Entry hazards, particularly Spikes, are great with Latios, as its switch-ins are all incredibly vulnerable to them. Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Excadrill, Heatran, and Skarmory can all get up entry hazards. Excadrill can also pressure opposing Steel-types and Tyranitar while supporting Latios with Rapid Spin so it can come in more easily. Meanwhile, Latios handles Gliscor and Breloom and wears down Skarmory for Excadrill. Politoed can remove sand to increase Latios's longevity, power up its Surf to make it pressure most Steel-types more effectively, and cripple switch-ins to Latios with status, while Latios can pressure many of Politoed's switch-ins. Magnezone can trap and remove Steel-types for Latios, making it particularly brutal to handle for many teams. Other Dragon-types like Garchomp and Kyurem-B work well with Latios to wear down each other's checks, especially in tandem with Magnezone on DragMag teams. Alakazam and Reuniclus can make good partners thanks to Latios usually wearing down or crippling mutual checks like Tyranitar and Jirachi. Alakazam, in particular, is a good partner due to Latios letting Alakazam potentially beat Tyranitar without breaking its Focus Sash. Tyranitar, particularly the Chople Berry set, can trap opposing Latios and Alakazam while bringing sand and Stealth Rock to wear down some potential switch-ins. In return, Latios can soft check Keldeo, Gliscor, and Breloom for it. Tornadus can take advantage of Latios wearing down Tyranitar and most Steel-types so it can spam Hurricane freely mid- and late-game.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Surf
move 3: Trick
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Recover
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor, even when unboosted, is a powerful attack that can do good damage to offensive Pokemon. Surf synergizes well with potential rain support, can hit Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill hard, and deals good damage to boosted Volcarona in rain. Trick cripples switch-ins trying to take advantage of the fact that this Latios is weaker and help its teammates break through defensive cores. Dragon Pulse gives a spammable late-game STAB attack if you're not able to afford a potential miss or if the power of Draco Meteor isn't necessary to nab a KO. It also makes the matchup against DragMag teams even better because the power of Draco Meteor isn't needed to take out most members of those teams. Recover is an option that gives Latios the ability to more efficiently handle Keldeo and Breloom in the long run, although it should only be used with Trick. Alternatively, Psyshock can OHKO Terrakion in sand and nails Keldeo, Tentacruel, and Breloom while also doing good damage to boosted Volcarona outside of rain. Thunder has perfect accuracy in rain and gives Latios a way to hit boosted Gyarados, Keldeo, and Politoed without having to lock into Draco Meteor. However, it's very exploitable and doesn't hit anything besides Water- and most Flying-types hard enough.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is used over Modest, as it allows Latios to outspeed all other Choice Scarf users and boosted sweepers in the tier.
Usage Tips
========
Use Latios as a hit-and-run revenge killer to handle threats that would otherwise sweep your team. Attempt to use Trick on defensive Pokemon that can impede Latios or its teammates if the Speed boost from Choice Scarf isn't needed. Getting Latios in via VoltTurn, a double switch, or a sacrifice to check what it needs to and not take unnecessary damage so it can take a hit mid- or late-game is the most optimal scenario. If coming in directly with Latios, get it in on attacks it resists or is immune to like Choice Scarf Keldeo's STAB attacks or Earthquake. If the opposing team is weakened enough, Latios can sweep late-game if it still has its Choice Scarf and doesn't need to lock into Draco Meteor. If the opponent is using Tyranitar and Latios is on a rain team, try to eliminate or weaken Tyranitar to win the weather war and make this Latios much more effective. This Latios is very good against DragMag teams, so, if up against one, try to wear down or take out the Steel-types so Latios can very easily clean. As this Latios will be coming in on setup sweepers like Thundurus-T, Breloom, and Reuniclus often, it's expected that it'll be taking damage, so try to not make it take too much unneeded chip damage, as it needs to be healthy for Thundurus-T, Keldeo, and Dragon Dance users. Staying healthy is also important for getting Trick off in the long game against Pokemon like Jirachi and Reuniclus.
Team Options
========
This Latios works very well on offensive rain teams, so Politoed is a great teammate. The defensive variant, in particular, is a good partner, because it can wear down common Latios switch-ins via status. In return, Latios can handle more offensive teams for it and cripple potentially problematic Pokemon like Ferrothorn with Trick. Tentacruel and Starmie, if this set is being used on rain, can use Rapid Spin to increase Latios's longevity while being better switch-ins to other Water- and Fighting-types. Tentacruel can lay down Toxic Spikes or spread poison with Toxic to wear down switch-ins, while Starmie can break holes in the opposing team so Latios can sweep late-game. Tyranitar, particularly the Chople Berry set, is also a good partner on non-rain teams, since it can bring sand and Stealth Rock to wear down some potential switch-ins to help get Latios closer to a late-game sweep. Excadrill is a good spinner on sand teams and takes on Tyranitar and Steel-types for Latios while also taking advantage of Latios's ability to offensively pressure Keldeo. Keldeo takes advantage of Latios threatening Jellicent, Tentacruel, and Amoonguss while also beating down Steel-types, Chansey, and Tyranitar and breaking other walls that can impede a Latios sweep, while Latios can handle boosted sweepers Keldeo may not be able to handle like Dragonite. Ferrothorn can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to help Latios sweep and consistently switch into Water- and Dragon-types to ease the pressure off of Latios to switch into them. Thundurus-T is another good wallbreaker and potential late-game cleaner that appreciates Trick support to let it set up on and beat its checks while having sweeping potential itself with Agility. Ground-types like Excadrill, Landorus-T, and Garchomp can take down Steel-types and potentially set Stealth Rock to facilitate a sweep for Latios. In return, Latios can threaten physical walls like Gliscor and Slowbro. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock and use Toxic or Will-O-Wisp a cripple a potential check, namely Tyranitar or Slowking, while also checking Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Jirachi. In return, Latios can come in on Water- and Ground-types as well as keep a potentially boosted Volcarona in check to lift the burden off of Heatran to handle it. Magnezone is able to trap the Steel-types that can easily impede a sweep from this set, which helps Latios clean through much more easily late-game. Rotom-W brings another Keldeo and Gliscor check, easing the pressure off Latios to handle them, supplies a slow Volt Switch to bring Latios in safely, and burns Tyranitar and Ferrothorn to make it easier for Latios to break through them for a sweep late-game.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
move 3: Surf
move 4: Recover / Hidden Power Fire
item: Dragon Gem
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind- and Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor does a ton of damage to almost everything in the metagame, most notably Tyranitar, but it should be used carefully as to not waste the Dragon Gem. Surf lets Latios do good damage to Heatran and Excadrill, which could otherwise come in directly and take advantage of it. Recover allows Latios to mitigate sand and entry hazard damage while giving it an easier time setting up and making it easier to check Keldeo, Gliscor, and Breloom. Dragon Pulse gives Latios a STAB attack that doesn't lower its stats and makes it able to sweep late-game with Calm Mind. Hidden Power Fire pressures Steel-types, notably being able to OHKO Ferrothorn and 2HKO specially defensive Jirachi after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes most of the time. However, the associated IV drop makes Latios outsped by other Latios lacking Hidden Power Fire as well as the uncommon Gengar.
Set Details
========
Dragon Gem allows Latios to wallbreak efficiently and break through walls with Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor, mainly Tyranitar, but also Pokemon like Celebi and Slowking. If Latios is running Hidden Power Fire over Recover, Lum Berry can be considered to heal off status from Pokemon like Heatran, Rotom-W, Amoonguss, and Politoed so it can set up more easily.
Usage Tips
========
Use Latios mid-game to slam walls with Dragon Gem- and Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor. Be sure to use it on the correct target to soften up the main threat for your sweeper or cleaner. Attempt to set up on switches and Pokemon that can't do much to Latios, like Gliscor and Heatran, as well as Pokemon locked into attacks Latios resists or is immune to. Try to get Latios's checks to switch in directly with the threat of Choice Specs Draco Meteor as you use Calm Mind and slam them with Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor. If Latios gets low on health and has Recover, use it in conjunction with Calm Mind to stay healthy before and after setting up with Latios in situations where the opportunity is presented to you. Be sure to get up entry hazards so Latios can take out the things it's meant to, mainly specially defensive Tyranitar, Heatran, and Excadrill.
Team Options
========
This Latios variant mainly fits on offensive rain teams that appreciate Tyranitar being lured in and removed from the game. As such, Politoed, mainly the defensive variant, is a very good partner that also makes it easier for Latios to come in by removing sand while bringing a backup switch-in to Water-types to lift the burden off of Latios. Starmie benefits majorly from Tyranitar being lured in and taken out early on so it can easily break holes in the opposing team without fear of being Pursuit trapped, and its ability to spin away Stealth Rock makes it easier for Latios to get on the field. Tornadus is able to more freely spam Hurricane with Tyranitar gone thanks to rain being easier to maintain while also removing items from Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Jirachi with Knock Off, and it can get Latios in safely with U-turn. Jirachi, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn can check opposing Dragon- and Steel-types and get up Stealth Rock early-game, while Latios can pressure and handle Fire-types and some Steel-types for them as well as pressure spinners. Magnezone is able to trap and remove Ferrothorn so Latios is more likely to destroy Tyranitar or another wall its teammates would like gone. It also lets Latios run Recover or Dragon Pulse as opposed to Hidden Power Fire. Other Dragon-types like Dragonite and Garchomp appreciate Latios considerably wearing down their checks and general walls so they can sweep without much stopping them mid- and late-game. Reuniclus is able to put immense pressure on the opposing team late-game with a potential Tyranitar out of the picture. Ground-types like Garchomp and Excadrill can all pressure opposing Steel-types while also taking advantage of Latios taking out or severely weakening checks like Slowbro, Gliscor, and Skarmory for them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Dragon Dance set with Ground Gem, Earthquake, and Ice Beam can be used as a lure to dent Latios's counters in Jirachi and Tyranitar while also outspeeding all common Choice Scarf users in the tier when boosted. This set should only be used on teams utilizing Magnezone, however. An Expert Belt or Life Orb set with Draco Meteor, Surf, Roost, and Hidden Power Fire can be run to hit Pokemon like Ferrothorn that can take one move from Latios but not another while retaining good damage overall. Expert Belt also helps Latios retain more longevity and lets it bluff a Choice item set, while Life Orb sets are able to do more damage to a broader range of targets. A Trick + Flame Orb set can be used as a lead on rain teams to lure in and cripple switch-ins like Tyranitar, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn, helping its teammates that have a hard time breaking these Pokemon and potentially gaining an advantage in the weather war. However, it lacks the power or Speed boost of Choice item sets. Also, common leads that run Protect, like Breloom and Gliscor, ruin this set's surprise value and leave it easily handled. A set utilizing dual screens with Memento and Light Clay can be used to aid hyper offense teams but is outclassed by Azelf thanks to its higher Speed and access to Taunt.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar is the best Latios counter in the metagame because it can take at least one hit if healthy and easily trap Latios with Pursuit after a Draco Meteor or Dragon Pulse while getting a guaranteed Pursuit trap if it can get in via a double switch or sacrificed teammate. Specially defensive Tyranitar deters Draco Meteor spam with the threat of trapping Latios and has an easier time coming in on it. However, it has to be careful to not come in on a Choice Specs-boosted Surf with Stealth Rock down, as it has a low chance to 2HKO Tyranitar, although the chance is very low. The Choice Scarf set, on the other hand, is able to trap Latios easily, as it can take any hit from the Choice Specs set after Stealth Rock without having to take an extra hit if Latios isn't Choice Scarf itself. However, it needs to be careful coming into Choice Scarf Latios with Stealth Rock down, as it can 2HKO this Tyranitar. It should also be noted non-Choice Band Tyranitar is unable to OHKO Latios with Pursuit if it doesn't switch, so correct prediction is required.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor can take multiple hits and get up entry hazards, cripple Latios with status or, in Scizor's case, use U-turn to gain momentum or Pursuit to trap Latios. Defensive Heatran and Excadrill can take multiple Draco Meteors but must watch out for Surf.
**Specially Defensive Regenerator Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon with Regenerator, namely Slowking and Amoonguss, can take any hit, even a Choice Specs-boosted Draco Meteor, and make it much easier for the opponent to pivot around Latios as a result. Slowking and Amoonguss can even cripple Latios with paralysis, making it risky for Latios to just throw out a Draco Meteor while they're in. However, Amoonguss must watch out for Psyshock, and Slowking needs to be wary of Trick.
**Chansey**: Chansey can take any hit and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled while crippling Latios with Toxic or Thunder Wave, although it must watch out for Trick, Psyshock, and boosted Draco Meteor if it's worn down.
**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf users, Alakazam, Tornadus, and Mamoswine can all force Latios out thanks to their powerful attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 443215]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mannat, 144451], [We Three Kings, 246992]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Latios is one of, if not the, best wallbreakers in the metagame thanks to its insanely strong, nearly unresisted STAB Draco Meteor. This makes sets utilizing Choice Specs very difficult to switch into, let alone wall. This is further compounded by Trick crippling almost every defensive answer. It also has a great Speed tier that allows it to outspeed prominent threats like Keldeo, Terrakion, and Garchomp. This makes it a great Choice Scarf user, as it can outspeed all other Choice Scarf users and boosted sweepers. Latios's decent bulk and typing let it check Pokemon like Keldeo, Thundurus-T, Breloom, and Gliscor relatively well, which is made even easier due to its immunity to Spikes. It can even run Recover to aid its ability to check these Pokemon and mitigate sand and Stealth Rock damage. It's also great on rain teams, where it can hit most Steel-types hard with boosted Surf. Latios can also work on sand teams thanks to sand damage wearing down some of its counters and its ability to check
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Surf
move 3: Trick
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Recover
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is what makes Latios such a brutal wallbreaker, as it's nearly unresisted and can even break down some bulky resistant foes like Ferrothorn over time. Surf lets Latios do good damage to Pokemon that can come in on Draco Meteor like Heatran, Excadrill, and Tyranitar. It can also do great damage to Pokemon like specially defensive Jirachi in rain. Trick cripples switch-ins, including Ferrothorn, Jirachi, Tyranitar, and Chansey, while aiding teammates attempting to break through defensive cores. However, it should only be used if the extra power from Choice Specs isn't needed in the game. Trick also lets Latios potentially gain Leftovers, which nullifies sand damage and makes it easier to stay in if sand is up. Dragon Pulse is a safe move to lock into and spam due to its lack of a stat drop and perfect accuracy, which makes it a good late-game cleaning tool as well as a good move to use when wanting to not risk a miss. It also lets Latios save PP on Draco Meteor, which is especially nice against Pokemon that commonly run Protect like Breloom, Politoed, and Gliscor. Recover allows Latios to mitigate sand and entry hazard damage while making it easier to check Keldeo, Thundurus-T, and Breloom long-term. It's worth noting that Recover should only be used on sets with Trick. Psyshock is able to 2HKO Chansey after Stealth Rock while also OHKOing Tentacruel and Terrakion in sand. However, it leaves Latios as bait for Tyranitar, which is immune to Psyshock and is able to easily Pursuit trap Latios. Hidden Power Fighting lets Latios have a way to super effectively hit Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, and Excadrill but doesn't hit much else and makes Latios run an imperfect Speed IV, leaving it outsped by opposing Latios lacking it as well as the uncommon Gengar.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is used over Modest despite Modest letting Latios break through Tyranitar and other walls more easily in order to retain the ability to outspeed Keldeo, Garchomp, and Terrakion while also Speed typing opposing Latios
Usage Tips
========
Attempt to get Latios in safely through a double switch, a sacrifice, or VoltTurn support; it doesn't want to take too much damage despite its decent bulk and typing, as it will make it harder to fire off attacks and can potentially get it Pursuit trapped by a healthy Tyranitar. If Latios gets low on health, it may be best to throw out an attack to hit something hard and sacrifice it or use it as fodder later. Scout for Stun Spore Amoonguss as well as unexpected Choice Scarf users, as they can catch Latios off guard and cripple it. Use Trick as you predict the opponent to bring in a Pokemon that walls Latios and can be properly crippled by it, like Jirachi or Ferrothorn. However, don't use Trick if the power of Choice Specs is needed. Additionally, don't use Trick if predicting a Tyranitar to come in unless it helps further progress for a Pokemon like Alakazam, as it will lead to Latios being Pursuit trapped. Attempt to weaken Latios's checks so it can pressure the opponent even further and potentially sweep late-game with Surf or Dragon Pulse. It's also important to remove or at least wear down Tyranitar so Latios can't be Pursuit trapped.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W brings another Keldeo and Gliscor check, easing the pressure off Latios to handle them, supplies a slow Volt Switch to bring Latios in safely, and burns Tyranitar and Ferrothorn to make it easier for Latios to break through them. Wallbreakers like Keldeo, Landorus-T, and Terrakion can break through Steel-types for Latios so it can easily spam Draco Meteor and or Dragon Pulse late-game. Bulky Steel-types like Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory can check opposing Dragon- and Steel-types, while Latios can pressure and handle Fire- and Fighting-types for them. Entry hazards, particularly Spikes, are great with Latios, as its switch-ins are all incredibly vulnerable to them. Ferrothorn, Tyranitar, Excadrill, Heatran, and Skarmory can all get up entry hazards. Excadrill can also pressure opposing Steel-types and Tyranitar while supporting Latios with Rapid Spin so it can come in more easily. Meanwhile, Latios handles Gliscor and Breloom and wears down Skarmory for Excadrill. Politoed can remove sand to increase Latios's longevity, power up its Surf to make it pressure most Steel-types more effectively, and cripple switch-ins to Latios with status, while Latios can pressure many of Politoed's switch-ins. Magnezone can trap and remove Steel-types for Latios, making it particularly brutal to handle for many teams. Other Dragon-types like Garchomp and Kyurem-B work well with Latios to wear down each other's checks, especially in tandem with Magnezone on DragMag teams. Alakazam and Reuniclus can make good partners thanks to Latios usually wearing down or crippling mutual checks like Tyranitar and Jirachi. Alakazam, in particular, is a good partner due to Latios letting Alakazam potentially beat Tyranitar without breaking its Focus Sash. Tyranitar, particularly the Chople Berry set, can trap opposing Latios and Alakazam while bringing sand and Stealth Rock to wear down some potential switch-ins. In return, Latios can soft check Keldeo, Gliscor, and Breloom for it. Tornadus can take advantage of Latios wearing down Tyranitar and most Steel-types so it can spam Hurricane freely mid- and late-game.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Surf
move 3: Trick
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Recover
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor, even when unboosted, is a powerful attack that can do good damage to offensive Pokemon. Surf synergizes well with potential rain support, can hit Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill hard, and deals good damage to boosted Volcarona in rain. Trick cripples switch-ins trying to take advantage of the fact that this Latios is weaker and help its teammates break through defensive cores. Dragon Pulse gives a spammable late-game STAB attack if you're not able to afford a potential miss or if the power of Draco Meteor isn't necessary to nab a KO. It also makes the matchup against DragMag teams even better because the power of Draco Meteor isn't needed to take out most members of those teams. Recover is an option that gives Latios the ability to more efficiently handle Keldeo and Breloom in the long run, although it should only be used with Trick. Alternatively, Psyshock can OHKO Terrakion in sand and nails Keldeo, Tentacruel, and Breloom while also doing good damage to boosted Volcarona outside of rain. Thunder has perfect accuracy in rain and gives Latios a way to hit boosted Gyarados, Keldeo, and Politoed without having to lock into Draco Meteor. However, it's very exploitable and doesn't hit anything besides Water- and most Flying-types hard enough.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature is used over Modest, as it allows Latios to outspeed all other Choice Scarf users and boosted sweepers in the tier.
Usage Tips
========
Use Latios as a hit-and-run revenge killer to handle threats that would otherwise sweep your team. Attempt to use Trick on defensive Pokemon that can impede Latios or its teammates if the Speed boost from Choice Scarf isn't needed. Getting Latios in via VoltTurn, a double switch, or a sacrifice to check what it needs to and not take unnecessary damage so it can take a hit mid- or late-game is the most optimal scenario. If coming in directly with Latios, get it in on attacks it resists or is immune to like Choice Scarf Keldeo's STAB attacks or Earthquake. If the opposing team is weakened enough, Latios can sweep late-game if it still has its Choice Scarf and doesn't need to lock into Draco Meteor. If the opponent is using Tyranitar and Latios is on a rain team, try to eliminate or weaken Tyranitar to win the weather war and make this Latios much more effective. This Latios is very good against DragMag teams, so, if up against one, try to wear down or take out the Steel-types so Latios can very easily clean. As this Latios will be coming in on setup sweepers like Thundurus-T, Breloom, and Reuniclus often, it's expected that it'll be taking damage, so try to not make it take too much unneeded chip damage, as it needs to be healthy for Thundurus-T, Keldeo, and Dragon Dance users. Staying healthy is also important for getting Trick off in the long game against Pokemon like Jirachi and Reuniclus.
Team Options
========
This Latios works very well on offensive rain teams, so Politoed is a great teammate. The defensive variant, in particular, is a good partner, because it can wear down common Latios switch-ins via status. In return, Latios can handle more offensive teams for it and cripple potentially problematic Pokemon like Ferrothorn with Trick. Tentacruel and Starmie, if this set is being used on rain, can use Rapid Spin to increase Latios's longevity while being better switch-ins to other Water- and Fighting-types. Tentacruel can lay down Toxic Spikes or spread poison with Toxic to wear down switch-ins, while Starmie can break holes in the opposing team so Latios can sweep late-game. Tyranitar, particularly the Chople Berry set, is also a good partner on non-rain teams, since it can bring sand and Stealth Rock to wear down some potential switch-ins to help get Latios closer to a late-game sweep. Excadrill is a good spinner on sand teams and takes on Tyranitar and Steel-types for Latios while also taking advantage of Latios's ability to offensively pressure Keldeo. Keldeo takes advantage of Latios threatening Jellicent, Tentacruel, and Amoonguss while also beating down Steel-types, Chansey, and Tyranitar and breaking other walls that can impede a Latios sweep, while Latios can handle boosted sweepers Keldeo may not be able to handle like Dragonite. Ferrothorn can set Stealth Rock and Spikes to help Latios sweep and consistently switch into Water- and Dragon-types to ease the pressure off of Latios to switch into them. Thundurus-T is another good wallbreaker and potential late-game cleaner that appreciates Trick support to let it set up on and beat its checks while having sweeping potential itself with Agility. Ground-types like Excadrill, Landorus-T, and Garchomp can take down Steel-types and potentially set Stealth Rock to facilitate a sweep for Latios. In return, Latios can threaten physical walls like Gliscor and Slowbro. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock and use Toxic or Will-O-Wisp a cripple a potential check, namely Tyranitar or Slowking, while also checking Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Jirachi. In return, Latios can come in on Water- and Ground-types as well as keep a potentially boosted Volcarona in check to lift the burden off of Heatran to handle it. Magnezone is able to trap the Steel-types that can easily impede a sweep from this set, which helps Latios clean through much more easily late-game. Rotom-W brings another Keldeo and Gliscor check, easing the pressure off Latios to handle them, supplies a slow Volt Switch to bring Latios in safely, and burns Tyranitar and Ferrothorn to make it easier for Latios to break through them for a sweep late-game.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
move 3: Surf
move 4: Recover / Hidden Power Fire
item: Dragon Gem
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind- and Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor does a ton of damage to almost everything in the metagame, most notably Tyranitar, but it should be used carefully as to not waste the Dragon Gem. Surf lets Latios do good damage to Heatran and Excadrill, which could otherwise come in directly and take advantage of it. Recover allows Latios to mitigate sand and entry hazard damage while giving it an easier time setting up and making it easier to check Keldeo, Gliscor, and Breloom. Dragon Pulse gives Latios a STAB attack that doesn't lower its stats and makes it able to sweep late-game with Calm Mind. Hidden Power Fire pressures Steel-types, notably being able to OHKO Ferrothorn and 2HKO specially defensive Jirachi after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes most of the time. However, the associated IV drop makes Latios outsped by other Latios lacking Hidden Power Fire as well as the uncommon Gengar.
Set Details
========
Dragon Gem allows Latios to wallbreak efficiently and break through walls with Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor, mainly Tyranitar, but also Pokemon like Celebi and Slowking. If Latios is running Hidden Power Fire over Recover, Lum Berry can be considered to heal off status from Pokemon like Heatran, Rotom-W, Amoonguss, and Politoed so it can set up more easily.
Usage Tips
========
Use Latios mid-game to slam walls with Dragon Gem- and Calm Mind-boosted Draco Meteor. Be sure to use it on the correct target to soften up the main threat for your sweeper or cleaner. Attempt to set up on switches and Pokemon that can't do much to Latios, like Gliscor and Heatran, as well as Pokemon locked into attacks Latios resists or is immune to. Try to get Latios's checks to switch in directly with the threat of Choice Specs Draco Meteor as you use Calm Mind and slam them with Dragon Gem-boosted Draco Meteor. If Latios gets low on health and has Recover, use it in conjunction with Calm Mind to stay healthy before and after setting up with Latios in situations where the opportunity is presented to you. Be sure to get up entry hazards so Latios can take out the things it's meant to, mainly specially defensive Tyranitar, Heatran, and Excadrill.
Team Options
========
This Latios variant mainly fits on offensive rain teams that appreciate Tyranitar being lured in and removed from the game. As such, Politoed, mainly the defensive variant, is a very good partner that also makes it easier for Latios to come in by removing sand while bringing a backup switch-in to Water-types to lift the burden off of Latios. Starmie benefits majorly from Tyranitar being lured in and taken out early on so it can easily break holes in the opposing team without fear of being Pursuit trapped, and its ability to spin away Stealth Rock makes it easier for Latios to get on the field. Tornadus is able to more freely spam Hurricane with Tyranitar gone thanks to rain being easier to maintain while also removing items from Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Jirachi with Knock Off, and it can get Latios in safely with U-turn. Jirachi, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn can check opposing Dragon- and Steel-types and get up Stealth Rock early-game, while Latios can pressure and handle Fire-types and some Steel-types for them as well as pressure spinners. Magnezone is able to trap and remove Ferrothorn so Latios is more likely to destroy Tyranitar or another wall its teammates would like gone. It also lets Latios run Recover or Dragon Pulse as opposed to Hidden Power Fire. Other Dragon-types like Dragonite and Garchomp appreciate Latios considerably wearing down their checks and general walls so they can sweep without much stopping them mid- and late-game. Reuniclus is able to put immense pressure on the opposing team late-game with a potential Tyranitar out of the picture. Ground-types like Garchomp and Excadrill can all pressure opposing Steel-types while also taking advantage of Latios taking out or severely weakening checks like Slowbro, Gliscor, and Skarmory for them.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Dragon Dance set with Ground Gem, Earthquake, and Ice Beam can be used as a lure to dent Latios's counters in Jirachi and Tyranitar while also outspeeding all common Choice Scarf users in the tier when boosted. This set should only be used on teams utilizing Magnezone, however. An Expert Belt or Life Orb set with Draco Meteor, Surf, Roost, and Hidden Power Fire can be run to hit Pokemon like Ferrothorn that can take one move from Latios but not another while retaining good damage overall. Expert Belt also helps Latios retain more longevity and lets it bluff a Choice item set, while Life Orb sets are able to do more damage to a broader range of targets. A Trick + Flame Orb set can be used as a lead on rain teams to lure in and cripple switch-ins like Tyranitar, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn, helping its teammates that have a hard time breaking these Pokemon and potentially gaining an advantage in the weather war. However, it lacks the power or Speed boost of Choice item sets. Also, common leads that run Protect, like Breloom and Gliscor, ruin this set's surprise value and leave it easily handled. A set utilizing dual screens with Memento and Light Clay can be used to aid hyper offense teams but is outclassed by Azelf thanks to its higher Speed and access to Taunt.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar is the best Latios counter in the metagame because it can take at least one hit if healthy and easily trap Latios with Pursuit after a Draco Meteor or Dragon Pulse while getting a guaranteed Pursuit trap if it can get in via a double switch or sacrificed teammate. Specially defensive Tyranitar deters Draco Meteor spam with the threat of trapping Latios and has an easier time coming in on it. However, it has to be careful to not come in on a Choice Specs-boosted Surf with Stealth Rock down, as it has a low chance to 2HKO Tyranitar, although the chance is very low. The Choice Scarf set, on the other hand, is able to trap Latios easily, as it can take any hit from the Choice Specs set after Stealth Rock without having to take an extra hit if Latios isn't Choice Scarf itself. However, it needs to be careful coming into Choice Scarf Latios with Stealth Rock down, as it can 2HKO this Tyranitar. It should also be noted non-Choice Band Tyranitar is unable to OHKO Latios with Pursuit if it doesn't switch, so correct prediction is required.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn, Jirachi, Bronzong, and Scizor can take multiple hits and get up entry hazards, cripple Latios with status or, in Scizor's case, use U-turn to gain momentum or Pursuit to trap Latios. Defensive Heatran and Excadrill can take multiple Draco Meteors but must watch out for Surf.
**Specially Defensive Regenerator Pokemon**: Specially bulky Pokemon with Regenerator, namely Slowking and Amoonguss, can take any hit, even a Choice Specs-boosted Draco Meteor, and make it much easier for the opponent to pivot around Latios as a result. Slowking and Amoonguss can even cripple Latios with paralysis, making it risky for Latios to just throw out a Draco Meteor while they're in. However, Amoonguss must watch out for Psyshock, and Slowking needs to be wary of Trick.
**Chansey**: Chansey can take any hit and heal off the damage with Soft-Boiled while crippling Latios with Toxic or Thunder Wave, although it must watch out for Trick, Psyshock, and boosted Draco Meteor if it's worn down.
**Revenge Killers and Priority**: Faster Pokemon like Choice Scarf users, Alakazam, Tornadus, and Mamoswine can all force Latios out thanks to their powerful attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 443215]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mannat, 144451], [We Three Kings, 246992]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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