[overview]
**Draft Order**: Round 1
**Price Range**: 17 points
**Overview**: Kyurem-B is one of the strongest wallbreakers in the format. Its monstrous stats allow it to take hits with ease and fire back devastating blows. It can unleash powerful Z-Moves that many teams genuinely have to sack for, and it has very consistent coverage for many teams. It also has value as a defensive piece, leveraging its impressive bulk and a couple resistances to disrupt foes without significant wallbreaking power. However, its Ice typing leaves it with several weaknesses, and it gets worn down easily by entry hazards. Its Speed also leaves it somewhat vulnerable to being revenge killed. Also, its shallow physical movepool forces it to run mixed and special sets most of the time.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Wallbreaker**: Kyurem-B is a premier wallbreaker in the format. Its powerful attacking stats and excellent coverage are nearly impossible for many teams to safely switch into. It can also utilize Z-Moves for further wallbreaking potential. Also, its bulk allows it to pivot in on a lot of Pokemon, creating its own opportunities for wallbreaking.
**Defensive**: Kyurem-B can utilize its impressive bulk and access to Roost to switch into a variety of foes fairly easily. It can also check bulky setup users with access to Dragon Tail. Its reputation as a wallbreaker can help it to catch foes off guard in this role.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Ice Beam, Dragon Claw, Outrage, Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Freeze Shock
**Setup Moves**: None
**Utility Moves**: Roost, Substitute
**Coverage**: Fusion Bolt, Earth Power, Focus Blast, Iron Head, Flash Cannon, Hidden Power, Stone Edge, Psychic, Zen Headbutt, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam
Niche Moves
========
**Dragon Tail**: Kyurem-B can leverage its bulk to fend off bulkier setup sweepers, and Dragon Tail allows it to phaze them out and stop a potential sweep.
**Toxic**: Toxic is a nice option on bulkier sets if Kyurem-B can't fit the right coverage for everything, though it is often more efficient to be attacking against most teams.
**Hail**: Hail, when paired with Icium Z, allows Kyurem-B to get a much-needed Speed boost. It can also run Blizzard for a stronger Ice-type move that cannot miss. However, this option lacks the breaking power of a Z-Move or damage-boosting item.
**Hone Claws**: Hone Claws has a niche in that it is Kyurem-B's only real setup move. However, it is often difficult to justify given that it can already commonly break without boosting, often making this a wasted move slot and turn.
Common Items
========
**Z-Crystal**: Kyurem-B is nearly impossible for foes to switch into when using Z-Moves. The most notable set is running Icium Z with Freeze Shock, which in some matchups can guarantee a KO when used. It can also boost its coverage moves with Z-Crystals for an easier time wallbreaking.
**Choice Items**: Choice items enhance Kyurem-B's ability to use strong moves without caring about switch-ins. Any of the three Choice items can work, but the most impactful one is definitely Choice Scarf, allowing it to revenge kill more reliably and match up better against more fast and frail foes.
**Resistance Berries**: Kyurem-B can often trade favorably when using resistance Berries. Haban Berry is strong against many top Dragon-types, and Chople Berry can be used to net surprise KOs.
**Life Orb**: It's already fairly difficult for foes to reliably tank a hit from Kyurem-B, so the extra damage from a Life Orb can often go a long way to net 2HKOs against bulkier teams. It can also use Roost to mitigate the recoil damage, especially if opposing counterplay is fairly passive.
**Pinch Berries**: Pinch Berries are very helpful in keeping Kyurem-B healthy, especially in the face of entry hazards. This allows for more opportunities for wallbreaking, especially if a damage-boosting item is not needed to do so.
Niche Items
========
**Other Damage-boosting Items**: Type-boosting items and Expert Belt can be good options on Kyurem-B if additional damage is needed and Life Orb recoil seems difficult to manage.
**Leftovers**: Kyurem-B can sometimes run Leftovers, notably on sets with Substitute, though it is usually recommended to run pinch Berries instead unless it plans to stay in for a while.
**Salac Berry**: In some matchups, it may be useful to boost Kyurem-B's Speed to get the jump on certain foes. Choice Scarf is the more consistent Speed option, though not being locked into a move can be strong in the right situation.
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest gives Kyurem-B some nice extra bulk, allowing it to survive various hits that it normally would not. These sets may struggle due to a lack of recovery.
**Custap Berry**: Kyurem-B's bulk often lets it survive a variety of hits, putting it in range of Custap Berry, which can catch foes off guard and help it beat foes one-on-one that it wouldn't beat otherwise.
Draft Strategy
========
Kyurem-B is often the centerpiece of its teams with its monstrous bulk and wallbreaking power. However, it does not fill a lot of common roles needed on drafts such as entry hazard setting and removal, Speed, and key typings, so finding teammates that can accomplish these roles is key.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Kyurem-B greatly appreciates teammates that can remove entry hazards given its Stealth Rock weakness. Pokemon such as Starmie, Donphan, and Serperior are all great picks for removal.
**Pivots**: Having teammates that can let Kyurem-B hit the field more often can be quite helpful in leveraging its wallbreaking power. Pokemon such as Zapdos, Uxie, and Mega Scizor can pivot to safely bring it in more frequently.
**Role Compression**: It is important to find good role compression, as Kyurem-B does not provide key support typing or moves to most teams. Pokemon such as Krookodile, Nidoking, and Alolan Muk all provide key typings in Dark, Ground, and Poison that are often sought after later in the draft.
**Speed**: Having fast teammates takes pressure off of Kyurem-B to revenge kill and run Choice Scarf in various matchups. Pokemon such as Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Manectric are all great options.
**Teammates that Break Steel-types**: Kyurem-B can sometimes struggle to break through defensive Steel-types, so having a teammate that threatens them is very useful. Pokemon such as Infernape, Rotom-W, and Victini are all effective at this role.
Checks and Counters
========
**Revenge Killers**: Kyurem-B does not have any form of priority or natural Speed boosting outside of Choice Scarf or the gimmicky Z-Hail set, so fast Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Kartana, and Latios can usually revenge kill it and apply pressure. Even if it is Choice Scarf or Z-Hail, it is weak to many priority moves as well as opposing Choice Scarf users.
**Ice- and Dragon-resistant Foes**: Kyurem-B can sometimes struggle against foes that resist its STAB moves, especially Steel-types. Even with super effective coverage, some foes like Mega Mawile, Jirachi, and Klefki can switch into it at least once and potentially do key damage back or inflict status to hinder its ability to continue wallbreaking.
**Entry Hazards**: Kyurem-B hates taking damage from Stealth Rocks and dealing with entry hazards in general. The extra chip damage limits its bulk and the number of times it can hit the field safely. Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Skarmory, and Uxie can all reliably set up Stealth Rock.
**Status Ailments**: Kyurem-B is very annoyed by status ailments. Paralysis and burn cut its stats, making it easier for foes to check, and the additional chip damage from burn and poison cut into its bulk, especially when combined with entry hazard chip, keeping it from making more progress.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/streetcredcookie.304744/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/odinrm.613514/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno.527276/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno.527276/
**Draft Order**: Round 1
**Price Range**: 17 points
**Overview**: Kyurem-B is one of the strongest wallbreakers in the format. Its monstrous stats allow it to take hits with ease and fire back devastating blows. It can unleash powerful Z-Moves that many teams genuinely have to sack for, and it has very consistent coverage for many teams. It also has value as a defensive piece, leveraging its impressive bulk and a couple resistances to disrupt foes without significant wallbreaking power. However, its Ice typing leaves it with several weaknesses, and it gets worn down easily by entry hazards. Its Speed also leaves it somewhat vulnerable to being revenge killed. Also, its shallow physical movepool forces it to run mixed and special sets most of the time.
[strategy comments]
Common Roles
========
**Wallbreaker**: Kyurem-B is a premier wallbreaker in the format. Its powerful attacking stats and excellent coverage are nearly impossible for many teams to safely switch into. It can also utilize Z-Moves for further wallbreaking potential. Also, its bulk allows it to pivot in on a lot of Pokemon, creating its own opportunities for wallbreaking.
**Defensive**: Kyurem-B can utilize its impressive bulk and access to Roost to switch into a variety of foes fairly easily. It can also check bulky setup users with access to Dragon Tail. Its reputation as a wallbreaker can help it to catch foes off guard in this role.
Common Moves
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Ice Beam, Dragon Claw, Outrage, Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Freeze Shock
**Setup Moves**: None
**Utility Moves**: Roost, Substitute
**Coverage**: Fusion Bolt, Earth Power, Focus Blast, Iron Head, Flash Cannon, Hidden Power, Stone Edge, Psychic, Zen Headbutt, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam
Niche Moves
========
**Dragon Tail**: Kyurem-B can leverage its bulk to fend off bulkier setup sweepers, and Dragon Tail allows it to phaze them out and stop a potential sweep.
**Toxic**: Toxic is a nice option on bulkier sets if Kyurem-B can't fit the right coverage for everything, though it is often more efficient to be attacking against most teams.
**Hail**: Hail, when paired with Icium Z, allows Kyurem-B to get a much-needed Speed boost. It can also run Blizzard for a stronger Ice-type move that cannot miss. However, this option lacks the breaking power of a Z-Move or damage-boosting item.
**Hone Claws**: Hone Claws has a niche in that it is Kyurem-B's only real setup move. However, it is often difficult to justify given that it can already commonly break without boosting, often making this a wasted move slot and turn.
Common Items
========
**Z-Crystal**: Kyurem-B is nearly impossible for foes to switch into when using Z-Moves. The most notable set is running Icium Z with Freeze Shock, which in some matchups can guarantee a KO when used. It can also boost its coverage moves with Z-Crystals for an easier time wallbreaking.
**Choice Items**: Choice items enhance Kyurem-B's ability to use strong moves without caring about switch-ins. Any of the three Choice items can work, but the most impactful one is definitely Choice Scarf, allowing it to revenge kill more reliably and match up better against more fast and frail foes.
**Resistance Berries**: Kyurem-B can often trade favorably when using resistance Berries. Haban Berry is strong against many top Dragon-types, and Chople Berry can be used to net surprise KOs.
**Life Orb**: It's already fairly difficult for foes to reliably tank a hit from Kyurem-B, so the extra damage from a Life Orb can often go a long way to net 2HKOs against bulkier teams. It can also use Roost to mitigate the recoil damage, especially if opposing counterplay is fairly passive.
**Pinch Berries**: Pinch Berries are very helpful in keeping Kyurem-B healthy, especially in the face of entry hazards. This allows for more opportunities for wallbreaking, especially if a damage-boosting item is not needed to do so.
Niche Items
========
**Other Damage-boosting Items**: Type-boosting items and Expert Belt can be good options on Kyurem-B if additional damage is needed and Life Orb recoil seems difficult to manage.
**Leftovers**: Kyurem-B can sometimes run Leftovers, notably on sets with Substitute, though it is usually recommended to run pinch Berries instead unless it plans to stay in for a while.
**Salac Berry**: In some matchups, it may be useful to boost Kyurem-B's Speed to get the jump on certain foes. Choice Scarf is the more consistent Speed option, though not being locked into a move can be strong in the right situation.
**Assault Vest**: Assault Vest gives Kyurem-B some nice extra bulk, allowing it to survive various hits that it normally would not. These sets may struggle due to a lack of recovery.
**Custap Berry**: Kyurem-B's bulk often lets it survive a variety of hits, putting it in range of Custap Berry, which can catch foes off guard and help it beat foes one-on-one that it wouldn't beat otherwise.
Draft Strategy
========
Kyurem-B is often the centerpiece of its teams with its monstrous bulk and wallbreaking power. However, it does not fill a lot of common roles needed on drafts such as entry hazard setting and removal, Speed, and key typings, so finding teammates that can accomplish these roles is key.
**Entry Hazard Removal**: Kyurem-B greatly appreciates teammates that can remove entry hazards given its Stealth Rock weakness. Pokemon such as Starmie, Donphan, and Serperior are all great picks for removal.
**Pivots**: Having teammates that can let Kyurem-B hit the field more often can be quite helpful in leveraging its wallbreaking power. Pokemon such as Zapdos, Uxie, and Mega Scizor can pivot to safely bring it in more frequently.
**Role Compression**: It is important to find good role compression, as Kyurem-B does not provide key support typing or moves to most teams. Pokemon such as Krookodile, Nidoking, and Alolan Muk all provide key typings in Dark, Ground, and Poison that are often sought after later in the draft.
**Speed**: Having fast teammates takes pressure off of Kyurem-B to revenge kill and run Choice Scarf in various matchups. Pokemon such as Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Manectric are all great options.
**Teammates that Break Steel-types**: Kyurem-B can sometimes struggle to break through defensive Steel-types, so having a teammate that threatens them is very useful. Pokemon such as Infernape, Rotom-W, and Victini are all effective at this role.
Checks and Counters
========
**Revenge Killers**: Kyurem-B does not have any form of priority or natural Speed boosting outside of Choice Scarf or the gimmicky Z-Hail set, so fast Pokemon like Mega Lopunny, Kartana, and Latios can usually revenge kill it and apply pressure. Even if it is Choice Scarf or Z-Hail, it is weak to many priority moves as well as opposing Choice Scarf users.
**Ice- and Dragon-resistant Foes**: Kyurem-B can sometimes struggle against foes that resist its STAB moves, especially Steel-types. Even with super effective coverage, some foes like Mega Mawile, Jirachi, and Klefki can switch into it at least once and potentially do key damage back or inflict status to hinder its ability to continue wallbreaking.
**Entry Hazards**: Kyurem-B hates taking damage from Stealth Rocks and dealing with entry hazards in general. The extra chip damage limits its bulk and the number of times it can hit the field safely. Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Skarmory, and Uxie can all reliably set up Stealth Rock.
**Status Ailments**: Kyurem-B is very annoyed by status ailments. Paralysis and burn cut its stats, making it easier for foes to check, and the additional chip damage from burn and poison cut into its bulk, especially when combined with entry hazard chip, keeping it from making more progress.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/streetcredcookie.304744/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/odinrm.613514/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno.527276/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/techno.527276/
Last edited:
