Doubles Latios

[OVERVIEW]
Latios is an effective attacker in Doubles OU due to its great combination of high Speed, good offensive stats, access to speed control, and some defensive application due to its multiple resistances. Its strong STAB moves, specifically Draco Meteor, allow it to outright OHKO a good portion of the metagame. Furthermore, access to Tailwind makes Latios an excellent choice for teams with relatively slower attackers. However, Latios has some rather glaring weaknesses, such as its inability to deal meaningful damage to the Steel- and Fairy-types that dominate the metagame. It is also rather weak to opposing speed control, since it is reliant on its high Speed and offensive pressure to not be quickly KOed. On top of all this, Latios faces stiff competition from Mega Salamence, which has a similar defensive typing and access to Tailwind but is faster and stronger and can provide Intimidate support. It also struggles to compete with Tapu Lele, which has similar offensive coverage but a better ability. Most of the time, Latios's role can be better filled by the two Pokemon listed above, so it fits best on teams that already have a Mega Pokemon or require Tailwind support.

[SET]
name: Fast Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest STAB move and deals great damage to all neutral targets. However, it has a nasty side effect of sharply dropping Latios's Special Attack. Psychic is its secondary, more reliable STAB move, although it is much weaker. Psyshock can be used to hit specially defensive threats such as Nihilego and Mega Charizard Y harder, although it is weaker. Tailwind allows Latios and its allies to outspeed and KO threats they otherwise couldn't. Finally, Protect is a staple in doubles for its ability to stall out field conditions and allow an ally to KO a threatening opposing Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Soul Dew is Latios's preferred item, boosting the power of its STAB moves and allowing it to bluff a potential Dragonium Z set. Dragonium Z, on the other hand, lets Latios use Devastating Drake, which lets Latios deal significant damage even to resistant targets. Dragonium Z is a riskier choice because of its one-time use, however. A simple EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe lets Latios hit as hard and as fast as possible, and a Timid nature makes Latios guaranteed to outspeed the likes of Mega Charizard and Terrakion.

Usage Tips
========
Latios is best used as a hit-and-run attacker, firing off strong Draco Meteors but then switching out in order to be used later. This is because Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop effectively forces you to switch it out in order to deal good damage again. Use it sparingly so you don't lose your momentum. Latios makes for a decent switch-in because of its special bulk and nifty set of resistances, but it can also perform late-game due to its high Speed, which lets it clean up quite nicely. You should try to have Latios set Tailwind at the most opportune time, so it and its allies can punch holes in the opposing team.

Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Aegislash, Celesteela, and Heatran are good partners because they can switch into opposing Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks. Allies that appreciate Tailwind support, namely strong Pokemon with middling Speed tiers, make for great partners with Latios. Some examples are Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Kangaskhan. Since Latios can barely touch Steel-types, checks to those are appreciated. Fire-types such as Heatran, Volcanion, and Mega Charizard Y are effective, as are Ground-types such as Landorus and Landorus-T.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be used as an alternative over Soul Dew, providing a larger boost to all of Latios's moves, not just those with STAB. It does have the drawback of causing recoil, however. Dragon Pulse is a much weaker alternative to Draco Meteor, but it has the benefit of not dropping Latios's Special Attack. Hidden Power Ground allows Latios to catch Heatran, which otherwise walls Latios, off guard. Substitute allows Latios to avoid getting picked off by Sucker Punch and to set up if you predict your opponent to use Protect or switch. Thunder Wave can be used instead of Tailwind, permanently slowing down an opposing Pokemon. Recover gives Latios more longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-types take little damage from both of Latios's STAB moves and can beat it one-on-one. Aegislash and Celesteela in particular are very threatening, because the former can KO it with Shadow Ball and the later can recover back all its HP with Leech Seed and Leftovers recovery.

**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Tapu Lele are immune to Latios's strongest STAB move, and they also tend to be pretty specially bulky. This allows them to eat a hit and KO Latios in return.

**Dark-type Pokemon**: Dark-types such as Scrafty, Alolan Muk, and Hoopa-U are immune to one of Latios's STAB moves. Sucker Punch users such as Kangaskhan are also super threatening because they can pick Latios off before it gets a chance to attack.

**Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: Due its very nature of being a fast attacker, Latios is susceptible to opposing forms of speed control, since they essentially take away one of its best traits. Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Hoopa-U, and Oranguru can freely set Trick Room against Latios due to their high Special Defense. Thunder Wave users cripple Latios by halving its Speed. Some examples include Thundurus and Jirachi. Pokemon such as Shaymin-S and Salamence can set Tailwind for their allies, which can then strike first and KO Latios.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect are very threatening to Latios, since they can outspeed and KO Latios before it has a chance to do anything.
[OVERVIEW]
  • Latios is a decent pick as an attacker because it has a good combination of power, Speed, utility, and some defensive application thanks to its multiple resistances.
  • Great Speed combined with good Special Attack and strong STAB moves let it outspeed and outright KO a good portion of the metagame.
  • It has a decent defensive typing with resistances to Fire-, Water-, and Psychic-type attacks, and a good ability in Levitate that grants it an immunity to Ground-type attacks.
  • However, Latios is walled by Steel- and Fairy-types, is quite physically frail, and loses to any other form of speed control.
  • On top of this, Latios faces stiff competition from Tapu Lele, which has similar offensive coverage but a better ability, and Mega Salamence, which has a similar defensive typing and access to Tailwind but is faster, stronger, and can provide Intimidate support.
[SET]
name: Fast Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest STAB move and deals great damage to all neutral neutral targets. It also lets it OHKO slower Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B and Hydreigon. However, it has a nasty side effect of sharply dropping Latios's Special Attack
  • Psychic is its secondary, more reliable STAB move, although it is weaker.
  • Psyshock is an equally viable option that lets you hit specially defensive threats such as Assault Vest Landorus-T and Mega Charizard Y harder.
  • Tailwind allows Latios and its allies to outspeed and KO threats they otherwise couldn't.
  • Protect has many applications; for example, it allows Latios to stall out field conditions such as Trick Room and lets allies take out opposing Pokemon that threaten Latios.
Set Details
========
  • Soul Dew is the preferred item, boosting the power of Latios's STAB moves.
  • Dragonium Z lets it use Devestating Drake, and although it's a riskier choice because of its one-time use, it allows Latios to deal significant damage even to targets that resist it.
  • A simple EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe lets Latios hit as hard and fast as possible.
  • A Timid nature makes Latios guaranteed to outspeed the likes of Charizard and Terrakion, while also allowing it to Speed tie with other base 110s such as opposing Latios.
Usage Tips
========
Use Draco Meteor or Devestating Drake to punch holes in the opposing team, thus weakening it and making it easier to beat.
Use Draco Meteor sparingly, however, because the Special Attack drop effectively forces you to switch out in order to deal good damage.
Latios is best used as a hit-and-run attacker, firing off strong Draco Meteors but then switching out in order to be used later.
It makes for a decent switch-in because of its special bulk and nifty set of resistances.
Set Tailwind at the most opportune time and sweep from there.
Latios can also perform well in the late-game due to its high Speed, which lets it clean up quite nicely.
Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Aegislash, Celesteela, and Heatran are good partners because they can switch into opposing Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks.
Allies that appreciates Tailwind support, namely strong Pokemon with middling Speed tiers, make for great partners with Latios. Some examples are Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Kangaskhan.
Latios can barely touch Steel-types, so checks to those are appreciated. Fire-types such as Heatran, Volcanion, and Mega Charizard Y are effective, as are Ground-types such as Landorus and Landorus-T.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be used as an alternative over Soul Dew, providing a larger boost to all of Latios's moves, not just those with STAB. It does have the drawback of causing recoil, however.
Hidden Power Ground allows Latios to catch Heatran off guard, which otherwise walls Latios.
Recover gives Latios more longevity.
Dragon Pulse is a much weaker alternative to Draco Meteor but has higher damage output over multiple turns, since it doesn't drop Latios's Special Attack.
Substitute allows Latios to avoid getting picked off by Sucker Punch and to set up if you predict your opponent to Protect or switch.
Thunder Wave can be used instead of Tailwind, permanently slowing down an opposing Pokemon.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-types take little damage from both of Latios's STAB moves and can beat it 1v1. Aegislash and Celesteela in particular are very threatening, because the former can KO it with Shadow Ball and the later can recover back all its HP with Leech Seed and Leftovers recovery.

**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Tapu Lele are immune to Latios's strongest STAB move, and they also tend to be pretty specially bulky. This allows them to eat a hit and KO Latios in return.

**Dark-type Pokemon**: Dark-types such as Scrafty, Alolan Muk, and Hoopa-U are immune to one of Latios's STAB moves. Sucker Punch users such as Kangaskhan are also super threatening because they can pick Latios off before it gets a chance to attack.

**Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: Due its very nature of being a fast attacker, Latios is susceptible to opposing forms of speed control, since they essentially take away one of its best traits. Trick Room setters such as Necrozma, Hoopa-U, and Bronzong can freely set Trick Room against Latios due to their great bulk. Thunder Wave users, too, cripple Latios by halving its Speed. Some examples include Thundurus and Jirachi. Pokemon such as Shaymin-S and Salamence can set Tailwind for their allies, which can then strike first and KO Latios.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect are very threatening to Latios, since they can outspeed and KO Latios before it has a chance to do anything.
 
Last edited:

Bughouse

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Shadow Ball with Ghostium Z gets you an ohko on tapu lele
252 SpA Latios Never-Ending Nightmare vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 162-192 (111.7 - 132.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

should probably be on here somewhere because lele is the most obvious switch in to Latios since ever
 

Idyll

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Just a heads up: the checks and counters section should have explanations on how the pokemon / strategy listed beat the pokemon being analyzed, kind of like how it's done here. Also, try to incorporate the pokemon listed in the subpoints into the point they're under :)
 
Shadow Ball with Ghostium Z gets you an ohko on tapu lele
252 SpA Latios Never-Ending Nightmare vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 162-192 (111.7 - 132.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

should probably be on here somewhere because lele is the most obvious switch in to Latios since ever
imo not worth it cause it's weak af w/o life orb and can't at least nuke a singe target like with dragonium z. if qc wants me to add it i'll go ahead and do that.

ready for qc btw.
 

talkingtree

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First QC check of the new generation eee I'm excited
[Set]
  • Unslash Psyshock, and item order should be: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
[Moves]
  • Devastating Drake should only be covered in Set Details, as it's dependent on the item. I just made a couple edits to the C&C Guide to make that clearer for the future
  • Leave the Psyshock mention here, it's viable but not quite enough to warrant a slash on the set so this is the compromise
[Set Details]
  • Change order to reflect new item slashes
  • Soul Dew can bluff a Z Crystal, which LO cannot do
  • No need to mention Levitate
[Team Options]
  • This section should eventually be in full sentences, but I like the categories and examples you've chosen for the most part. Just replace Breloom because it's not good in this meta - maybe something like Tapu Bulu instead?
[Checks and Counters]
  • Under Dark-types, also mention Mega Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch. Since it's Dark-type coverage, that falls under that category.
Great job, especially for a first analysis, QC 1/2 once completed!
 

Pocket

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I'd replace Soul Dew > Life Orb, esp if the main set doesn't have coverage move. Sure the power boost is smaller, but it's a free boost without costing its health.

OO mentions
- Shadow Ball to bypass Aegislash, Jirachi, & Metagross. Never Ending Nightmare can be used as a lure to punch through those Steel-types for a different partner.
- Calm Mind; +1 Devastating Drake / Draco Meteor will hurt a ton
- Thunder Wave - more debilitating than Tailwind
- Psych Up / Haze to buff / remove debuffs. Psych Up if you have a partner like QD Volcarona or CM Sylveon setting up. Haze is nice to disrupt the opponent, too
- Safeguard for status protection

  • dragon pulse is much weaker but has higher damage output over multiple turns since it doesn't drop your special attack
You wouldn't use Dragon Pulse over Draco Meteor, but as a second Dragon-type move (same philosophy as Charizard holding a Heat Wave & Overheat)
 
stuff and things
done!
OO mentions
- Shadow Ball to bypass Aegislash, Jirachi, & Metagross. Never Ending Nightmare can be used as a lure to punch through those Steel-types for a different partner.
- Calm Mind; +1 Devastating Drake / Draco Meteor will hurt a ton
- Thunder Wave - more debilitating than Tailwind
- Psych Up / Haze to buff / remove debuffs. Psych Up if you have a partner like QD Volcarona or CM Sylveon setting up. Haze is nice to disrupt the opponent, too
- Safeguard for status protection

You wouldn't use Dragon Pulse over Draco Meteor, but as a second Dragon-type move (same philosophy as Charizard holding a Heat Wave & Overheat)
- i already explained above why i don't think shadow ball + ghostnium z is viable
- sure
- sure
- sounds like a highly situational/oddly specific gimmick to me, so it shouldn't be noted in an official smogon.com analysis
- safeguard is so situational, imo not worth it cause a) you threaten amoonguss out b) thundurus twaves you first anyways c) just run tapu koko if you're that weak to status d) if you aren't running tailwind you probably not ought to be running latios in the first place

a set with two dragon STABs seems redundant, and your comparison with charizard isn't really valid because yes they're the same type and yes one drops your special attack, but both are run because they have separate applications; heat wave is a strong spread move while overheat nukes a single target
 

Idyll

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LO Latios with Dragon Pulse / Psyshock / Recover has proven to be effective last generation that basically takes advantage of what's written there lol, the new gen probs didn't affect this kind of style with Latios much (probs helped it with the Dew nerf too lol) so it's aight
 

Pocket

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I didn't meant shadow ball + ghostinium z, but even just shadow ball + lo, just so it doesn't give jirachi, aegislash, metagross, and tapu lele free turns.

Thunderbolt is worth an OO mention for Celesteela & Azumarill
 

Idyll

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Overview: You've shown what Latios's traits and characteristics, what it can do, and the like; but, you don't really say much about what exactly its role is on teams. What does it fulfill, and what makes it distinct enough to be used for this role compared to other stuff? For Latios, it's a good pick as an attacker because it has a good combination of power, Speed, and some defensive application with its multiple resistances in one mon ; try to have these kinds of sentences that "sum up" the mon in a way when doing this as it gives readers a good idea of how it does or something like that.

Moves: You could do better than describe what Draco does as just "solid" tbh. Also, the way you worded the second bullet is akin to a usage tip which is a no-no; you're supposed to state things like they're facts here rather than suggestions so you'd word it like "Draco Meteor sharply lowers Latios's Special Attack, however, making it less of a threat and effectively forcing it to switch out..." or something like that. You also don't have to say that Psychic doesn't lower SpA lol, just say it's reliable, and give examples of threats Psyshock actually hits harder. On another note, don't include fluff in this section; saying Tailwind "is fantastic" gives the reader none of value so just say what the moves do and move on.

SD: I think "insane" would be quite an overstatement at times, I suggest something like "notable" or "significant" or something similar in degree. Get rid of the LO tag here and mention other stuff too for what it outruns since those two themselves aren't that important. I suggest Terrak and zard y and just say it "gets the jump"

Usage Tips: beef this section up way more, it's honestly quite bare imo. You can definitely include what I mentioned earlier that was in Moves here! Try to include more in-game applications and stuff such as using it as a hit-and-run thing, using its speed to keep up pressure or something, etc.

TO: Put the examples along with the main branch. Example: Steel-types such as x, y, and z are good partners.... Also, get rid of the Fighting-type tag, they're essentially covered in the last tag and Sucker Punchers aren't really that common really outside of Kanga.

OO: CM is p eh tbh, it'd rather just waste time popping things straight up than boost and it'd probs get more mileage doing just that in general.

CC: Say something about aegi being able to pop it. (opposing) Tailwind should also be there as they effectively do the same as twave and tr: rid Latios of its Speed advantage and expose it.

will look again l8r when u do these
 

Idyll

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  • Put the last point in the overview as the first
  • mention Draco's drawback in moves
  • give actual Pokemon for examples of what PShock hits harder (ZardY, vest Dog)
  • don't mention regular Gengar on SD as it's not relevant.
  • just word the first usage tip into "use <dragon moves> to punch notable holes to your opposing team, weakening them and making them easier to deal with" or something along those lines. "let your team have an easier time winning from there" is too vague.
  • Life Orb in OO, mention that it gives a bigger boost and also strengthens non-STABs.
  • ChexCntrs: Bisharp isn't really that relevant when it comes to Dark-types, so just mention Scrafty and Hooper as primary darks for now. Keep the Sucker thing
  • Add a Faster Pokemon tag, add stuff like MGar, Mega Mence, Gene.

2/2
 
implemented

quick question: why use soul dew over life orb? ik soul dew got nerfed this gen but when i looked it up on bulbapedia to clarify how, it said that now all it does is boost your STABs. i was under the impression while writing this that it boosted both special attack and special defense, which it apparently doesn't (hence i've corrected soul dew's bullet point in set details). so is it really worth using a weaker item just because it doesn't cause recoil damage? idrc either way, i just want the analysis to be accurate.
 

Idyll

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Soul Dew boosts its damage output with its STABs a good amount while not providing any recoil, useful for some longevity and possibly faking Gem. It's p much the lack of recoil, really, and it still gets the usual general KOs and generally does enough for the difference to not be that noticeable. Of course, you can still mention LO for the higher damage boost; on that note, mention that it has recoil in OO!
 
I realize this is 2/2 already, but it just seems kinda weird that alolan muk isnt listed under dark types, seeing as it's one of the best darks this gen
 
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]
  • Latios is a decent pick as an attacker because it has a good combination of power, Speed, utility, and some defensive application with thanks to its multiple resistances.
  • Great speed Speed combined with good Special Attack and strong STABs STAB moves let it outspeed and outright KO a good portion of the meta. metagame.
  • It has a decent defensive typing with resistances to Fire-, Water-, and Psychic-type attacks, and a good ability in Levitate which tht grants it an immunity to Ground-type attacks.
  • However, it has some pretty glaring weaknesses, namely being Latios is is walled by Steel- and Fairy-types, being quite physically frail, and losing loses to any other form of speed control.
  • On top of this, Latios faces stiff competition from Tapu Lele, who which has similar offensive coverage but a better ability, and Mega Salamence, who which has a similar defensive typing and access to Tailwind but is faster, stronger, and can provide Intimidate support.
[SET]
name: Fast Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Draco Meteor is Latios' Latios's strongest STAB move that and deals great damage to all neutral neutral targets, targets and also lets it OHKO slower Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B and Hydreigon. However, it has a nasty side effect of sharply dropping your Latios's Special Attack Attack.
  • Psychic is its secondary, more reliable STAB, STAB move, although it is weaker.
  • Psyshock is an equally viable option that lets you Latios hit specially defensive threats such as Assault Vest Landorus-T and Mega Charizard Y harder.
  • Tailwind allows you Latios and your its allies to outspeed and KO threats they otherwise couldn't.
  • Protect has many applications; for example, it allows Latios to stall out field conditions such as Trick Room and lets allies take out opposing Pokemon that threaten Latios.
Set Details
========
  • Soul Dew is the preferred item, boosting the power of Latios' Latios's STABs. STAB moves.
  • Dragonium Z lets it use Devestating Drake, and although it's a riskier choice because it's of its one time one-time use, it allows Latios to deal significant damage even to targets that resist it.
  • A simple EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe lets Latios hit as hard and fast as possible.
  • A Timid nature makes Latios guaranteed to get the jump on outspeed the likes of Charizard, Charizard and Terrakion Terrakion, and others, while also allowing it to speed Speed tie with other base 110's 110s such as opposing Latios.
Usage Tips
========
  • Use Draco Meteor or Devestating Drake to punch holes in the opposing team, thus weakening it and making it easier to beat.
  • Use Draco Meteor sparingly, however, because the Special Attack drop effectively forces you to switch out in order to deal good damage.
  • Latios is best used as a hit-and-run attacker, firing off strong Draco Meteors but then switching out in order to be used later.
  • It makes for a decent switch-in because of its special bulk and nifty set of resistances.
  • Set Tailwind at the most opportune time and sweep from there.
  • Latios can also perform well in the late game late-game due to its high Speed, which lets it clean up quite nicely.
Team Options
========
  • Steel-types such as Aegislash, Celesteela, and Heatran are good partners because they can switch into opposing Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks.
  • Allies that appreciate Tailwind support, namely strong Pokemon with middling speed Speed tiers, make for great partners for Latios. Some examples are Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Kangaskhan.
  • Latios can barely touch Steel-types, so checks to those are appreciated. Fire-types such as Heatran, Volcanion, and Mega Charizard Y are effective, as are Ground-types such as Landorus and Landorus-T.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
  • Life Orb can be used as an alternative over Soul Dew, providing a larger boost to all of Latios' Latios's moves, not just those with STAB. its STABs. It does have the drawback of causing recoil, however.
  • Hidden Power Ground allows Latios to catch Heatran off guard, who which otherwise walls Latios.
  • Recover gives Latios more longevity.
  • Dragon Pulse is a much weaker alternative for to Draco Meteor but has higher damage output over multiple turns turns, since it doesn't drop your Latios's Special Attack.
  • Substitute allows Latios to avoid getting picked off by Sucker Punch and to set up if you predict your opponent to use Protect or switch.
  • Thunder Wave can be used instead of Tailwind, allowing you to permanently slow slowing down an opposing Pokemon.
Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-types take little damage from both of Latios' Latios's STAB moves STABs and can beat it 1v1. Aegislash and Celesteela in particular are very threatening, because Aegislash the former can KO it with Shadow Ball and Celesteela the latter can recover back all its HP with Leech Seed and Leftovers recovery.

**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Tapu Lele are immune to Latios' Latios's strongest STAB, STAB move, and they also tend to be pretty specially bulky. This allows them to eat a hit and KO Latios in return.

**Dark-type Pokemon**: Dark-types such as Scrafty, Muk-A, Alolan Muk, and and Hoopa-U are immune to one of Latios' STABs. Latios's STAB moves. Sucker Punch users such as Kangaskhan are also super threatening because they can pick you Latios off before you it gets get a chance to attack.

**Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: Due its very nature of being a fast attacker, Latios is susceptible to opposing forms of speed control, since they essentially take away one of its best traits. Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Hoopa-U, and Oranguru can freely set Trick Room against Latios due to their high Special Defense. Thunder Wave users, too, cripple Latios by halving its Speed. Some examples include Thundurus and Jirachi. Pokemon such as Shaymin-S and Salamence can set Tailwind for their allies, which can then strike first and KO Latios.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect are very threatening to Latios Latios, since they can outspeed and KO Latios before it has a chance to do anything. Some examples are Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect.

1/1
 
i'm going to write this up over the weekend. i've been p busy irl cause of holidays + school applications. i'll get this done as soon as i have some free time on my hands.
 

GatoDelFuego

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REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[OVERVIEW]
Latios is an effective attacker in Doubles OU due to its great combination of high Speed, good offensive stats, access to speed control, and some defensive application due to its multiple resistances. Its strong STAB moves, specifically Draco Meteor, allow it to outright OHKO a good portion of the metagame. Furthermore, access to Tailwind makes Latios an excellent choice for teams with middling speed relatively slower attackers. However, Latios has some rather glaring weaknesses, such as its inability to deal meaningful damage to the Steel- and Fairy-types that dominate the metagame. It is also rather weak to opposing speed control, since it is reliant on its high Speed and offensive pressure to not be quickly KOed. On top of all this, Latios faces stiff competition from Mega Salamence, which has a similar defensive typing and access to Tailwind, but is faster, stronger, and can provide Intimidate support. It also struggles to compete with Tapu Lele, who has similar offensive coverage but a better ability. What does it offer as opposed to these Pokemon? Be sure to list this

[SET]
name: Fast Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psychic / Psyshock
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest STAB move and deals great damage to all neutral targets. However, it has a nasty side effect of sharply dropping Latios's Special Attack. Psychic is its secondary, more reliable STAB move, although it is much weaker. Psyshock is an equally viable option, though, that hits specially defensive threats such as Nihilego and Mega Charizard Y harder. Tailwind is the crux of the set, allowing Latios and its allies to outspeed and KO threats they otherwise couldn't. Finally, Protect is a staple in doubles for its ability to stall out field conditions and allow an ally to KO a threatening opposing Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Soul Dew is Latios's preferred item, boosting the power of its STAB moves and allowing it to bluff a potential Dragonium Z set. Dragonium Z, on the other hand, lets it Latios use Devestating Drake, which lets Latios deal significant damage even to resistant targets. Dragonzium Z is a riskier choice because of its one-time use, however. A simple EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe lets Latios hit as hard and as fast as possible, and a Timid nature makes Latios guaranteed to outspeed the likes of Charizard Mega? and Terrakion.

Usage Tips
========
Latios is best used as a hit-and-run attacker, firing off strong Draco Meteors but then switching out in order to be used later. This is because Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop effectively forces you to switch Latios out in order to deal good damage again. Use it sparingly so you don't lose your momentum. Latios makes for a decent switch-in because of its special bulk and nifty set of resistances, but can also perform well in the late-game due to its high Speed, which lets it clean up quite nicely. You should try to have Latios set Tailwind at the most opportune time, so it and its allies can punch holes in the opposing team.

Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Aegislash, Celesteela, and Heatran are good partners because they can switch into opposing Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks. Allies that appreciate Tailwind support, namely strong Pokemon with middling Speed tiers, make for great partners with Latios. Some examples are Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Kangaskhan. Since Latios can barely touch Steel-types, checks to those are appreciated. Fire-types such as Heatran, Volcanion, and Mega Charizard Y are effective, as are Ground-types such as Landorus and Landorus-T.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be used as an alternative over Soul Dew, providing a larger boost to all of Latios's moves, not just those with STAB. It does have the drawback of causing recoil, however. Dragon Pulse is a much weaker alternative to Draco Meteor but has higher damage output over multiple turns, since it doesn't drop Latios's Special Attack. How many turns is this? I'm fairly certain that two draco meteors > two dragon pulses, so just verify HOW many turns it takes to make it worthwhile. I'm fairly sure it's....almost never worthwhile. Hidden Power Ground allows Latios to catch Heatran off guard, which otherwise walls Latios. Substitute allows Latios to avoid getting picked off by Sucker Punch and to set up if you predict your opponent to Protect or switch. Thunder Wave can be used instead of Tailwind, permanently slowing down an opposing Pokemon. Recover gives Latios more longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-types take little damage from both of Latios's STAB moves and can beat it 1v1. Aegislash and Celesteela in particular are very threatening, because the former can KO it with Shadow Ball and the later can recover back all its HP with Leech Seed and Leftovers recovery.

**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Tapu Lele are immune to Latios's strongest STAB move, and they also tend to be pretty specially bulky. This allows them to eat a hit and KO Latios in return.

**Dark-type Pokemon**: Dark-types such as Scrafty, Alolan Muk, and Hoopa-U are immune to one of Latios's STAB moves. Sucker Punch users such as Kangaskhan are also super threatening because they can pick Latios off before it gets a chance to attack.

**Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: Due its very nature of being a fast attacker, Latios is susceptible to opposing forms of speed control, since they essentially take away one of its best traits. Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Hoopa-U, and Oranguru can freely set Trick Room against Latios due to their high Special Defense. Thunder Wave users, too, cripple Latios by halving its Speed. Some examples include Thundurus and Jirachi. Pokemon such as Shaymin-S and Salamence can set Tailwind for their allies, which can then strike first and KO Latios.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect are very threatening to Latios, since they can outspeed and KO Latios before it has a chance to do anything.

1/2
 
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Done, thanks for the check. I talked with talkingtree on Discord about how I should implement some of the suggestions (since there were some discrepancies), so we worked it out and that's why I didn't implement all of the changes. Thanks again!
 

P Squared

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GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]
Latios is an effective attacker in Doubles OU due to its great combination of high Speed, good offensive stats, access to speed control, and some defensive application due to its multiple resistances. Its strong STAB moves, specifically Draco Meteor, allow it to outright OHKO a good portion of the metagame. Furthermore, access to Tailwind makes Latios an excellent choice for teams with relatively slower attackers. However, Latios has some rather glaring weaknesses, such as its inability to deal meaningful damage to the Steel- and Fairy-types that dominate the metagame. It is also rather weak to opposing speed control, since it is reliant on its high Speed and offensive pressure to not be quickly KOed. On top of all this, Latios faces stiff competition from Mega Salamence, which has a similar defensive typing and access to Tailwind, (RC) but is (harder, better) faster, (RC) and stronger, (RC) and can provide Intimidate support. It also struggles to compete with Tapu Lele, which who has similar offensive coverage but a better ability. Most of the time, (AC) Latios's role can be better filled by the two Pokemon listed above, so it fits best on teams that already have a Mega Pokemon or require Tailwind support.

[SET]
name: Fast Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Soul Dew / Dragonium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Latios's strongest STAB move and deals great damage to all neutral targets. However, it has a nasty side effect of sharply dropping Latios's Special Attack. Psychic is its secondary, more reliable STAB move, although it is much weaker. Psyshock can be used to hit specially defensive threats such as Nihilego and Mega Charizard Y harder, although it is weaker. Tailwind is the crux of the set, allowing allows Latios and its allies to outspeed and KO threats they otherwise couldn't. Finally, Protect is a staple in doubles for its ability to stall out field conditions and allow an ally to KO a threatening opposing Pokemon.

Set Details
========
Soul Dew is Latios's preferred item, boosting the power of its STAB moves and allowing it to bluff a potential Dragonium Z set. Dragonium Z, on the other hand, lets Latios use Devastating Drake, which lets Latios deal significant damage even to resistant targets. Dragonium Z is a riskier choice because of its one-time use, however. A simple EV spread of 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe lets Latios hit as hard and as fast as possible, and a Timid nature makes Latios guaranteed to outspeed the likes of Mega Charizard and Terrakion.

Usage Tips
========
Latios is best used as a hit-and-run attacker, firing off strong Draco Meteors but then switching out in order to be used later. This is because Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop effectively forces you to switch it out in order to deal good damage again. Use it sparingly so you don't lose your momentum. Latios makes for a decent switch-in because of its special bulk and nifty set of resistances, but it can also perform late-game due to its high Speed, which lets it clean up quite nicely. You should try to have Latios set Tailwind at the most opportune time, (RC) so it and its allies can punch holes in the opposing team.

Team Options
========
Steel-types such as Aegislash, Celesteela, and Heatran are good partners because they can switch into opposing Dragon- and Fairy-type attacks. Allies that appreciate Tailwind support, namely strong Pokemon with middling Speed tiers, make for great partners with Latios. Some examples are Tapu Bulu, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Kangaskhan. Since Latios can barely touch Steel-types, checks to those are appreciated. Fire-types such as Heatran, Volcanion, and Mega Charizard Y are effective, as are Ground-types such as Landorus and Landorus-T.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Life Orb can be used as an alternative over Soul Dew, providing a larger boost to all of Latios's moves, not just those with STAB. It does have the drawback of causing recoil, however. Dragon Pulse is a much weaker alternative to Draco Meteor, but it has the benefit of not dropping Latios's Special Attack. Hidden Power Ground allows Latios to catch Heatran off guard, which otherwise walls Latios, off guard. Substitute allows Latios to avoid getting picked off by Sucker Punch and to set up if you predict your opponent to use Protect or switch. Thunder Wave can be used instead of Tailwind, permanently slowing down an opposing Pokemon. Recover gives Latios more longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-type Pokemon**: Steel-types take little damage from both of Latios's STAB moves and can beat it one-on-one 1v1. Aegislash and Celesteela in particular are very threatening, because the former can KO it with Shadow Ball and the later can recover back all its HP with Leech Seed and Leftovers recovery.

**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Tapu Lele are immune to Latios's strongest STAB move, and they also tend to be pretty specially bulky. This allows them to eat a hit and KO Latios in return.

**Dark-type Pokemon**: Dark-types such as Scrafty, Alolan Muk, and Hoopa-U are immune to one of Latios's STAB moves. Sucker Punch users such as Kangaskhan are also super threatening because they can pick Latios off before it gets a chance to attack.

**Thunder Wave, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: Due its very nature of being a fast attacker, Latios is susceptible to opposing forms of speed control, since they essentially take away one of its best traits. Trick Room setters such as Cresselia, Hoopa-U, and Oranguru can freely set Trick Room against Latios due to their high Special Defense. Thunder Wave users cripple Latios by halving its Speed. Some examples include Thundurus and Jirachi. Pokemon such as Shaymin-S and Salamence can set Tailwind for their allies, which can then strike first and KO Latios.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, and Genesect are very threatening to Latios, since they can outspeed and KO Latios before it has a chance to do anything.
 
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