goodra
[OVERVIEW]
In the Doubles OU metagame, Goodra serves to fulfill the role of the very underwhelming Dragon-type special attacker. A stellar base 150 Special Defense stat backed by base 100 Attack and base 110 Special Attack may make it seem like Goodra is a notable choice, but that is only true on paper. It is held back by a less-than-useful base 80 Speed stat, which, amongst other things, leaves it easily outpaced by all the other notable Dragon-type Pokemon. It also has a poor base 70 Defense that serves to counteract its otherwise good bulk. On the other hand, its ability Sap Sipper allows it to wall Pokemon such as Venusaur and Amoonguss quite easily, and thanks to its superb special bulk, it does work as an acceptable sun and rain check, walling Mega Charizard Y, Ludicolo, and Politoed very easily; however, it does not provide much in the way of any other utility, and unless you need it to fill its very, very tiny niche, it is better left avoided in a competitive context.
[SET]
name: Special Garbage (Special Attacker)
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 72 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Goodra's hardest-hitting STAB move. Fire Blast hits the Steel-types that resist Goodra's STAB moves super effectively. Thunderbolt 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y; Goodra is capable of taking any hit from it back. It also 2HKOes Azumarill, which is immune to Draco Meteor and resists Fire Blast. Ice Beam can be used over Thunderbolt to nail Pokemon that are 4x weak to Ice-type attacks, primarily Landorus-T, but do note that the combination of Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, and Thunderbolt is not resisted by any Pokemon. The last slot is for Protect, which stalls field effects out and gives Goodra's ally a free turn to attack the foe.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs allow Goodra to hit as hard as possible. 176 Speed EVs let Goodra outspeed Adamant Breloom and Adamant Bisharp, both of which it can nail with Fire Blast. 72 EVs are put into HP to minimize Life Orb recoil. The last 8 EVs are dumped into Defense, as Goodra already has a hefty Special Defense stat. A Modest nature is preferred so Goodra hits harder, but a Timid nature allows Goodra to get the jump on fully invested base 70 Speed Pokemon. Sap Sipper is the best ability, as it provides Goodra with a useful immunity to Grass-type moves, notably Spore. Assault Vest is an option to let Goodra handle weather even better; however, the drop in power is quite noticeable. It does, however, let Goodra take Draco Meteor from Hydreigon and Latios, after which it can KO them with a Draco Meteor of its own.
Usage Tips
========
Goodra has good 90 / 70 / 150 bulk, but it must watch out for powerful physical hits, which can put it out of commission. Its bulk and useful resistances allow it to tank most neutral hits with relative ease, and its ability lets it easily absorb sleep. Goodra also has some utility as an offensive pivot with its good coverage, relatively solid bulk, and reasonable offensive presence.
Team Options
========
Goodra is more of a pivot and less of a sweeper, so speed control helps it to outspeed faster threats. Cresselia is a decent partner, as its bulk allows it to survive for most of the match, and it can help Goodra secure OHKOs with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is useful; in particular, Jirachi makes a great partner, as it resists Fairy-, Dragon-, and Ice-type moves. Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp support is also great for Goodra, as this patches up its weaker Defense stat. Scrafty and Rotom-W can make sure physical attackers have a harder time taking Goodra down, allowing it to continue to do its job. Bisharp and Mega Gengar can KO Fairy-types easily, allowing Goodra to spam Draco Meteor. Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir get a mention, as they are immune to Dragon-type moves that might be aimed at Goodra.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragon Pulse is an alternative STAB attack that doesn't lower Goodra's Special Attack. Flamethrower is an option over Fire Blast for accuracy over power. Sludge Bomb is a viable option to get around Fairies, although most of them can tank a Sludge Bomb and end up crippling Goodra in the process. Feint can be used in order to bypass Protect for Goodra's teammates, but it is a sketchy option when used with a Life Orb.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairies such as Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can play around Goodra; they are immune to its STAB moves and can hit hard with their own.
**Dragon-type Pokemon**: Dragons such as Latios, Hydreigon, Kyurem-B, and Garchomp can check Goodra, as they are faster and can OHKO it with their STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Goodra's Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteor.
**Ice-type Pokemon**: Weavile is faster than Goodra and can OHKO it with its super effective STAB moves. Kyurem-B can significantly damage Goodra with Ice Beam.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Goodra's middling Defense leaves it vulnerable to strong physical attacks. Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan, Hoopa-U, and Mega Metagross can either OHKO Goodra or deal significant damage with their STAB moves.
[OVERVIEW]
In the Doubles OU metagame, Goodra serves to fulfill the role of the very underwhelming Dragon-type special attacker. A stellar base 150 Special Defense stat backed by base 100 Attack and base 110 Special Attack may make it seem like Goodra is a notable choice, but that is only true on paper. It is held back by a less-than-useful base 80 Speed stat, which, amongst other things, leaves it easily outpaced by all the other notable Dragon-type Pokemon. It also has a poor base 70 Defense that serves to counteract its otherwise good bulk. On the other hand, its ability Sap Sipper allows it to wall Pokemon such as Venusaur and Amoonguss quite easily, and thanks to its superb special bulk, it does work as an acceptable sun and rain check, walling Mega Charizard Y, Ludicolo, and Politoed very easily; however, it does not provide much in the way of any other utility, and unless you need it to fill its very, very tiny niche, it is better left avoided in a competitive context.
[SET]
name: Special Garbage (Special Attacker)
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Thunderbolt / Ice Beam
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Sap Sipper
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 72 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor is Goodra's hardest-hitting STAB move. Fire Blast hits the Steel-types that resist Goodra's STAB moves super effectively. Thunderbolt 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y; Goodra is capable of taking any hit from it back. It also 2HKOes Azumarill, which is immune to Draco Meteor and resists Fire Blast. Ice Beam can be used over Thunderbolt to nail Pokemon that are 4x weak to Ice-type attacks, primarily Landorus-T, but do note that the combination of Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, and Thunderbolt is not resisted by any Pokemon. The last slot is for Protect, which stalls field effects out and gives Goodra's ally a free turn to attack the foe.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs allow Goodra to hit as hard as possible. 176 Speed EVs let Goodra outspeed Adamant Breloom and Adamant Bisharp, both of which it can nail with Fire Blast. 72 EVs are put into HP to minimize Life Orb recoil. The last 8 EVs are dumped into Defense, as Goodra already has a hefty Special Defense stat. A Modest nature is preferred so Goodra hits harder, but a Timid nature allows Goodra to get the jump on fully invested base 70 Speed Pokemon. Sap Sipper is the best ability, as it provides Goodra with a useful immunity to Grass-type moves, notably Spore. Assault Vest is an option to let Goodra handle weather even better; however, the drop in power is quite noticeable. It does, however, let Goodra take Draco Meteor from Hydreigon and Latios, after which it can KO them with a Draco Meteor of its own.
Usage Tips
========
Goodra has good 90 / 70 / 150 bulk, but it must watch out for powerful physical hits, which can put it out of commission. Its bulk and useful resistances allow it to tank most neutral hits with relative ease, and its ability lets it easily absorb sleep. Goodra also has some utility as an offensive pivot with its good coverage, relatively solid bulk, and reasonable offensive presence.
Team Options
========
Goodra is more of a pivot and less of a sweeper, so speed control helps it to outspeed faster threats. Cresselia is a decent partner, as its bulk allows it to survive for most of the match, and it can help Goodra secure OHKOs with Helping Hand. Follow Me or Rage Powder support is useful; in particular, Jirachi makes a great partner, as it resists Fairy-, Dragon-, and Ice-type moves. Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp support is also great for Goodra, as this patches up its weaker Defense stat. Scrafty and Rotom-W can make sure physical attackers have a harder time taking Goodra down, allowing it to continue to do its job. Bisharp and Mega Gengar can KO Fairy-types easily, allowing Goodra to spam Draco Meteor. Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir get a mention, as they are immune to Dragon-type moves that might be aimed at Goodra.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragon Pulse is an alternative STAB attack that doesn't lower Goodra's Special Attack. Flamethrower is an option over Fire Blast for accuracy over power. Sludge Bomb is a viable option to get around Fairies, although most of them can tank a Sludge Bomb and end up crippling Goodra in the process. Feint can be used in order to bypass Protect for Goodra's teammates, but it is a sketchy option when used with a Life Orb.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-type Pokemon**: Fairies such as Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can play around Goodra; they are immune to its STAB moves and can hit hard with their own.
**Dragon-type Pokemon**: Dragons such as Latios, Hydreigon, Kyurem-B, and Garchomp can check Goodra, as they are faster and can OHKO it with their STAB moves. However, they cannot switch into Goodra's Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteor.
**Ice-type Pokemon**: Weavile is faster than Goodra and can OHKO it with its super effective STAB moves. Kyurem-B can significantly damage Goodra with Ice Beam.
**Strong Physical Attackers**: Goodra's middling Defense leaves it vulnerable to strong physical attacks. Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan, Hoopa-U, and Mega Metagross can either OHKO Goodra or deal significant damage with their STAB moves.
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