After randomly reading through zfs' Analysis of Pokemon: XD, I was inspired to continue the work he did (discussing XD Pokemon). RB Golbat and I decided it'd actually be better to discuss all event pokemon, how to use them, etc (sort of like an expansion on Toothache's guide).
Here's what I want to accomplish:
Introduction:
You're in the middle of a heated battle, and your Dusknoir just burned your opponent's Dragonite with Will-O-Wisp! Your opponent's Dragonite then throws a snafu in your carefully laid plan by using Heal Bell, removing its entire team's status ailments. You ask yourself "What happened?! Dragonite can't learn Heal Bell!" Right? Wrong. Dragonite, and many other Pokemon, have gained special moves through various events (or by other means, like Pokemon: XD) that have happened over time. This guide will serve to explain and discuss ways to use these event moves to their fullest potential.
What is Pokemon XD?
Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a Gamecube game that was released on December 5, 2005. It's the sequel of some sorts to Pokemon Coloseum. Besides being a 3-D battle simulator and one of the only two Pokemon RPGs on the Gamecube, it allows you to raise pokemon that are found in the game.
In Pokemon XD, the Pokemon you catch are corrupted by darkness. After you "purify" them, you can transfer these Pokemon to an ADV game, then onto DPP via Pal Park; they also learn a brand new move they normally could not learn! Pokemon XD also features a move tutor that can teach your Pokemon some devastating moves like Selfdestruct and Hypnosis.
Many of the moves XD Pokemon learned are generally sub-par, or only useful in Double Battles (examples include Helping Hand and Refresh). Since this guide only covers 1 vs 1 Battles, it won't cover those moves. What moves should you be aware of? Here are the Pokemon that received significant upgrades.
Zapdos
Zapdos is probably regarded as the big winner of Pokemon XD. It received three moves, and two of them are very useful. Zapdos received Extrasensory, Metal Sound, and Baton Pass. All three of the legendary bird Pokemon received Extrasensory, which isn't very good, but Zapdos' other two XD Moves are potentially game-breaking.
Zapdos with Metal Sound has an obvious advantage; Zapdos is a special Pokemon and Metal Sound lowers Special Defense. A Metal Sound Zapdos is very useful when paired with entry hazards, as Metal Sound will generally force a lot of switches. Here is a common moveset for a Metal Sound Zapdos:
Zapdos @ Life Orb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest / Timid
-Metal Sound
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
-Roost / Heat Wave
Special walls will be weary of staying in on this set, so Zapdos can force a lot of switches with Metal Sound, or wear down switch-ins with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power. The best counter for this set is Regice or Registeel. Both of these Pokemon have high Special Defense and an ability that nullifies Metal Sound. Without Regice or Registeel, you'll need to either use good prediction, or use a special wall that can take a -2 Thunderbolt, like Blissey.
Zapdos' other new move, Baton Pass, is even more useful. Baton Pass is one of the most powerful moves in the game, and Zapdos can make good use of it with Agility and durable Substitutes. Here is a common Baton Pass Zapdos moveset:
Zapdos @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 84 SpA / 40 Spe
Nature: Modest
-Agility
-Baton Pass
-Thunderbolt / Charge Beam
-Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass / Substitute
This Zapdos aims to pass an Agility and/or a Substitute to a powerful sweeper like Medicham, Azumarill, or Machamp. Countering this set is not easy. The best choice is a Pokemon with Taunt that outspeeds Zapdos; this Pokemon needs to be able to take a Thunderbolt though. Pseudo Hazers are great counters too. Swampert is a good choice for this, if Zapdos lacks Hidden Power Grass.
Moltres
Moltres, while not doing nearly as well as Zapdos, did pretty well with its XD moves. Moltres gained three moves in Pokemon XD: Extrasensory, Morning Sun, and Will-O-Wisp. While none of these moves are completely useless (though Extrasensory is pretty bad), all of these moves have been made obsolete as of Diamond and Pearl. Unless you plan on using Moltres on a Sunny Day team, Morning Sun is inferior to Roost. Will-O-Wisp, while still useful, isn't unique to XD Moltres anymore - it is now a TM.
Articuno
The last of the three legendary birds (well, uno is one so technically first) also gained three moves through Pokemon XD. Articuno received Extrasensory, Heal Bell, and Haze. Extrasensory is still a bad move, and Haze is generally outclassed by Roar (unless you need to use it on your opponent's Mr. Mime or Cradily). Heal Bell is a very good move though. Here is a common moveset an XD Articuno will use:
Articuno @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 64 SpA / 96 SpD
Nature: Calm
- Ice Beam
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Roar / Haze
When paired with a Rapid Spinner, Articuno can make a very good stall and support Pokemon. Articuno is completely demolished by Toxic though. Heal Bell remedies this, also healing your team's ailments. Most Steel-type Pokemon are good counters to Articuno - especially Metagross. Rock-types like Tyranitar can also hit Articuno very hard. Articuno's biggest weakness is to Stealth Rock though, as taking a 50% hit every time you switch in is a major pitfall.
Altaria
Altaria is an often underrated Pokemon because if its much better cousins, Salamence and Dragonite (and even Kingdra and Flygon), but it is still a very good Pokemon in its own right - especially in UU. Altaria gained only one new move in Pokemon XD, but it was a good one: Heal Bell. With this, Altaria became one of the best clerics in UU. Altaria has relatively good typing, good defensive stats, and a great ability: Natural Cure! Altaria wasn't the only Dragon-type to get Heal Bell in XD, Dragonite got it too! They play almost the same when using Heal Bell, so another section on Dragonite won't be included (if you want to use Heal Bell Dragonite, just change the EVs a tad and you'll be good to go). Here is a possible Altaria set you would see utilizing Heal Bell:
Altaria @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Heal Bell
-Roost
-Toxic / Sing / Perish Song
-Dragon Pulse
This set utilizes Altaria's nice defensive stats to make a very nice cleric. Altaria cannot stand up to the heavy duty OU attackers, but in UU it fares nicely. This Altaria set can do a bit of stalling and spread status, while also healing your own. The best way to counter this set is to bring in a Steel-type that has an attack that can take out Altaria, such as Heatran with Hidden Power Ice.
Togekiss
Not even Togetic's amazing XD attack, Tri Attack, could boost Togetic to usable levels. However, Togekiss can use Tri Attack very well. With one of the best abilities in the game, Serene Grace, Tri attack becomes even more deadly. A common Togekiss set using Tri Attack follows.
Togekiss @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest / Timid
-Tri Attack
-Air Slash
-Aura Sphere
-Flamethrower / Trick / Hidden Power Ice
Because of Serene Grace, Tri Attack has a 40% chance of inflicting either burn, freeze, or paralysis - which is quite deadly. Togekiss can also repeatedly flinch the opponent with Air Slash. Countering Choice Scarf Togekiss is somewhat difficult. You either need to predict around it, or switch in a very sturdy special wall, such as Blissey (though watch out for Aura Sphere and Trick!)
Hypno
Several Pokemon received the same move as Hypno did in XD, Baton Pass, but Hypno can use it very well. Hypno can pass a very devastating move, Nasty Plot, as well as other moves like Calm Mind, Meditate, and Substitute. Here is a moveset for Baton Pass Hypno:
Hypno @ Leftovers
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 172 HP / 112 SpA / 224 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Nasty Plot
-Baton Pass
-Psychic
-Hidden Power Fighting / Shadow Ball / Thunder Wave / Reflect
Hypno is one of the bulkiest special walls in UU, so it shouldn't have trouble switching in and getting a Nasty Plot. Hypno then should either attack or pass its boost to a powerful special attacker such as Glaceon, Rotom, or Venomoth. As is the case with all Baton Passers, this Hypno can be countered by a fast Taunt-user, or a Pseudo Hazer.
Solrock and Lunatone
Like Hypno, the sun and moon Pokemon also received Baton Pass from Pokemon XD. Both of these Pokemon are adept Baton Passers, each able to Pass Cosmic Power, Rock Polish, and Calm Mind. These two play almost identical to each other when Baton Passing, but Lunatone is used as a Passer much more, so here is a set for it:
Lunatone @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 Spe
Nature: Bold
-Baton Pass
-Calm Mind
-Substitute / Hypnosis
-AncientPower / Earth Power
Lunatone's best option for Baton Passing is probably Calm Mind, as there are numerous Pokemon that would love receiving Calm Mind boosts. Like all Baton Passers, Lunatone and Solrock are stopped by Taunters and Pseudo Hazers.
Also included in Pokemon XD is a move tutor. Similar to the move tutors in FireRed and LeafGreen, this tutor (an old woman found in Agate Village) teaches moves to your Pokemon for free, but each move can only be taught once. Here is a list of the available moves:
Snorlax @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 SpD
Nature: Adamant
-Return
-Earthquake / Superpower
-Crunch / Selfdestruct
-Fire Punch / Selfdestruct
Snorlax isn't as sturdy a wall as it used to be, but it's as good a Choice Bander as ever, and Selfdestruct makes it even better. Snorlax already commands a solid 110 base Attack. Combine that with the boost of Choice Band, STAB, and the high base power of Selfdestruct and you have one damaging move. Ghost-types such as Gengar and Dusknoir are good counters to Snorlax if it lacks Crunch (or doesn't Crunch you on the switch-in), as they're immune to Snorlax's STAB moves, Superpower, and Earthquake. Very sturdy physical walls also make great counters to Snorlax, especially Steel-types like Skarmory.
Mewtwo @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
Nature: Timid / Hasty
-Thunder
-Ice Beam
-Aura Sphere
-Selfdestruct
Mewtwo is an insanely powerful special attacker, but it's stopped cold by the powerful special walls of the Uber metagame, such as Blissey. Selfdestruct completely destroys Blissey and many other Pokemon that would normally stop Mewtwo cold. One of the easiest ways to stop this Mewtwo is to lure it into Selfdestructing, then switching to a Ghost-type.
Wailord @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 28 Atk / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Water Spout
-Hydro Pump / Surf
-Selfdestruct
-Ice Beam / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric
Wailord gained a very nice finishing move in Selfdestruct. It can now attack powerfully when at full health (with Water Spout), at medium health, (with Hydro Pump) and finish with Selfdestruct. Wailord isn't insanely powerful, so if you can predict around it and slowly damage it, its Water Spout will lose its edge and it will have one less option. As always, switching to a Ghost-type when you predict the Selfdestruct is the best move.
The Mew Tutor
If you transfer a Mew from a third generation game, you'll find a man in Pokemon XD who will teach your Mew four moves depending on how you answer his questions (this costs 5,000 PokeCoupons). Here is a list of the moves that, at the time, Mew could not learn through any other method:
This concludes that Pokemon XD section of this article. It should be noted that several Pokemon received Charm and Baton Pass, though few of them use them well enough merit a mention in this article. Many Pokemon also received Sing. While Sing isn't a horrible move, it isn't good enough to warrant a spot on the Pokemon who received it (read: Frosslass, Glalie). Finally, a few Pokemon received XD moves that were good in the past, but were made obsolete by either DPs new moves or Platinum's tutor moves. Onto the special event Pokemon!
Darkrai
The Nightmare Pokemon can only be obtained through event. You can obtain Darkrai from Pokemon Ranger, receiving the Member's Pass, or from a Toys R Us event. The Toys R Us Darkrai, commemorating the Pokemon Movie, is the one that's actually unique. This Darkrai will come with two special moves: Roar of Time and Spacial Rend (previously unique to Dialga and Palkia, respectively). While Roar of Time isn't the best of moves, Spacial Rend is a very good move in the Uber metagame with the huge amount of Dragon-types. Even though Spacial Rend isn't overly powerful because it is unSTABed, it's Darkrai's best option against Pokemon such as Rayquaza and Palkia (both of which are 2HKOed). Darkrai is a very powerful force in the Uber metagame; the only way to stop it is with a very powerful special wall (like Blissey) or a Sleep Talker.
Pikachu
Nintendo's signature Pokemon has been released as an event numerous times over the years. In the ADV generation, Pikachus with Fly and Surf were available, but you cannot transfer Pokemon with HMs to fourth generation games. There have been new events with Surfing Pikachu. Until late 2008, Surf Pikachu was only available with a Hardy nature (from Pokemon Battle Revolution), which is basically useless. However, there have been two new events (A Birthday event and a Yokohama event), that gave away a Modest Surfing Pikachu. While Modest isn't the best nature for Pikachu (because Pikachu needs Speed), it's still usable. Surf gives Pikachu good coverage when coupled with Thunderbolt, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot - though this Pikachu is stopped cold by special walls like Regice and Blissey.
Linoone
Through a special event with Pokemon Box, a Zigzagoon with ExtremeSpeed became available. ExtremeSpeed is a very good move for Linoone, especially when paired with Belly Drum. This combination became even better in DPP, with Linoone's new Gluttony ability. Shown below is the Belly Drum Linoone set:
Linoone @ Salac Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 108 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Def / 4 SpD / 136 Spe
Nature: Adamant
-Belly Drum
-ExtremeSpeed
-Shadow Claw / Pursuit
-Rock Smash / Dig
Gluttony makes Linoone's Salac Berry activate right after you use Belly Drum, which is crucial because Linoone can't take hits, especially after using Belly Drum. At +6 Attack, ExtremeSpeed will be completely obliterating most Pokemon in UU (and most Pokemon in OU too!) Shadow Claw helps Linoone combat Ghost-types, such as Rotom. Linoone's last slot is tricky; it does not have that many viable options. Dig is a very powerful attack against Rock- and Steel-types which resist ExtremeSpeed. Rock Smash does the same, but it's 40 base power lower (it doesn't need two turns to work though).
Vileplume
You may have heard stories about the elusive New York Pokemon Center events. These events were few and far between; some of the Pokemon released at these events got awesome moves too. Vileplume was one of these Pokemon. The rafflesia Pokemon came equipped with Leech Seed. Here is a common moveset using this rare move:
Vileplume @ Leftovers
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 244 HP / 136 Def / 128 SpD
Nature: Calm / Sassy
-Leech Seed
-Substitute
-Sludge Bomb
-Stun Spore / Body Slam / Synthesis
With Leech Seed, Vileplume can now perform the strategy common to Grass-types - "Subseeding." Vileplume is especially adept at using this strategy because of its STAB Sludge Bomb; with this, Vileplume can inflict super effective damage on those immune to Leech Seed (Grass-types). In Platinum, Vileplume received Synthesis as a tutor move; you can use this to stall your opponent even more. The best way of countering this Vileplume is to use a Grass/Poison-type Pokemon like Venusaur (preferably with Hidden Power Ice or Fire).
Wish Pokemon
The other extremely rare and valuable NYPC event Pokemon gained the move Wish. This included Chansey, Lickitung, Kangaskhan, Drowzee, Exeggcute, and Farfetch'd. The only major Pokemon that gained Wish was Chansey. With Wish, Blissey could pull off a new way of healing and team-support. Here is a set employing Wish:
Blissey @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Def / 80 SpA / 176 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Wish
-Protect
-Flamethrower
-Toxic
Blissey is easily the #1 special wall in the game, and Wish made her even better. Wish + Protect gives Blissey two turns of Leftovers health and 50% from Wish without being attacked (this is more than Softboiled!) Wish also allows Blissey to provide team support by healing her fellow members. Protect also helps lengthen the ToxicStalling. The easiest way to counter Blissey is to use a very powerful physical attacker, specifically Fighting-types. Heracross makes a great choice, as Toxic will activate Guts, making Heracross even more powerful (though watch out for Flamethrower!)
The Drowzee mentioned earlier not only comes with Wish, but also comes with Belly Drum. While Hypno usually works as a special attacking Pokemon, Belly Drum allows it to run a quite potent physical attacking set:
Hypno @ Leftovers
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 SpD
Nature: Adamant
-Belly Drum
-Wish
-Zen Headbutt
-Fire Punch
This set, while very unconventional, can actually have some degree of success due to Hypno's good defenses and Wish. This set works best on a team with paralysis support so Hypno's pathetic Speed won't be as much of an issue. The only way to counter a Belly Drum Pokemon is to take it out quickly before it can attack (thankfully, Hypno's low Speed stat means this won't be as much of a problem).
More Wish Pokemon were released in Japanese Pokemon Centers, including Bagon, Ralts, Pichu, and Absol. Bagon is the only notable Pokemon from this group, as the others aren't bulky enough to use Wish (though it should be noted that by using the event Ralts, Gallade can use Wish, which was previously unique to Gardevoir). While Wish Salamences are rare, here its most common moveset:
Salamence @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Wish
-Toxic
-Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor
-Protect / Flamethrower
This "FatMence" works similarly to WishBliss. You can ToxicStall while damaging opponents with Salamence's strong STAB moves. This set also provides team support, though Salamence can't switch in and out as easily as Blissey due to it's Stealth Rock weakness. Heatran is the best counter to FatMence, as it either resists or is immune to all of Salamence's attacks.
Wynaut
Through a PokePark event in Japan, players could obtain a Wynaut with the move Tickle. While this move isn't overly exciting or effective in Ubers, it's still worth a mention. Players can switch in Wobbuffet, Tickle the opponent's defensive Pokemon to lower its Defense greatly, then switch in Choice Band Tyranitar and Pursuit for the kill. Wobbuffet doesn't really have "counters" in a sense because nothing can switch out against Wobbuffet. The only way to defeat it is to use very powerful attacks, especially Dark-, Ghost-, and Bug-type ones.
Why can't I use my event moves with some other moves?
Pokemon with event moves (or XD Pokemon) cannot have egg moves because they weren't bred with them; they also cannot have moves from other events (for example, a Bagon with Wish and Iron Defense has an illegal moveset, these moves come from two different NYPC events). Another example of an illegal moveset is a Snorlax with Selfdestruct and Pursuit. The former can only be obtained through XD Tutor, the latter is a DP egg move.
Conclusion
Although rare on Wi-Fi, players should always be prepared for event Pokemon.
Hopefully this guide helped you understand how to use and be prepared for event Pokemon.
(I'm not totally sure what, if anything else, to say in the conclusion...)
Here's what I want to accomplish:
- Finish zfs' guide on useable Pokemon: XD Pokemon, including the tutors there. (and make it more pretty, fix errors, etc) done, with a lot of added content :D
- Talk about other useable event pokemon, such as Hypno Mew, Modest Surf Pika, ES Linoone, Leech Seed Oddish, Belly Drum Hypno, Tickle Wynaut <- If anyone thinks one of these doesn't belong (qualify as useable) or wants to add one, by all means.
Introduction:
You're in the middle of a heated battle, and your Dusknoir just burned your opponent's Dragonite with Will-O-Wisp! Your opponent's Dragonite then throws a snafu in your carefully laid plan by using Heal Bell, removing its entire team's status ailments. You ask yourself "What happened?! Dragonite can't learn Heal Bell!" Right? Wrong. Dragonite, and many other Pokemon, have gained special moves through various events (or by other means, like Pokemon: XD) that have happened over time. This guide will serve to explain and discuss ways to use these event moves to their fullest potential.
What is Pokemon XD?
Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a Gamecube game that was released on December 5, 2005. It's the sequel of some sorts to Pokemon Coloseum. Besides being a 3-D battle simulator and one of the only two Pokemon RPGs on the Gamecube, it allows you to raise pokemon that are found in the game.
In Pokemon XD, the Pokemon you catch are corrupted by darkness. After you "purify" them, you can transfer these Pokemon to an ADV game, then onto DPP via Pal Park; they also learn a brand new move they normally could not learn! Pokemon XD also features a move tutor that can teach your Pokemon some devastating moves like Selfdestruct and Hypnosis.
Many of the moves XD Pokemon learned are generally sub-par, or only useful in Double Battles (examples include Helping Hand and Refresh). Since this guide only covers 1 vs 1 Battles, it won't cover those moves. What moves should you be aware of? Here are the Pokemon that received significant upgrades.
Zapdos
Zapdos is probably regarded as the big winner of Pokemon XD. It received three moves, and two of them are very useful. Zapdos received Extrasensory, Metal Sound, and Baton Pass. All three of the legendary bird Pokemon received Extrasensory, which isn't very good, but Zapdos' other two XD Moves are potentially game-breaking.
Zapdos with Metal Sound has an obvious advantage; Zapdos is a special Pokemon and Metal Sound lowers Special Defense. A Metal Sound Zapdos is very useful when paired with entry hazards, as Metal Sound will generally force a lot of switches. Here is a common moveset for a Metal Sound Zapdos:
Zapdos @ Life Orb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest / Timid
-Metal Sound
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
-Roost / Heat Wave
Special walls will be weary of staying in on this set, so Zapdos can force a lot of switches with Metal Sound, or wear down switch-ins with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power. The best counter for this set is Regice or Registeel. Both of these Pokemon have high Special Defense and an ability that nullifies Metal Sound. Without Regice or Registeel, you'll need to either use good prediction, or use a special wall that can take a -2 Thunderbolt, like Blissey.
Zapdos' other new move, Baton Pass, is even more useful. Baton Pass is one of the most powerful moves in the game, and Zapdos can make good use of it with Agility and durable Substitutes. Here is a common Baton Pass Zapdos moveset:
Zapdos @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 84 SpA / 40 Spe
Nature: Modest
-Agility
-Baton Pass
-Thunderbolt / Charge Beam
-Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass / Substitute
This Zapdos aims to pass an Agility and/or a Substitute to a powerful sweeper like Medicham, Azumarill, or Machamp. Countering this set is not easy. The best choice is a Pokemon with Taunt that outspeeds Zapdos; this Pokemon needs to be able to take a Thunderbolt though. Pseudo Hazers are great counters too. Swampert is a good choice for this, if Zapdos lacks Hidden Power Grass.
Moltres
Moltres, while not doing nearly as well as Zapdos, did pretty well with its XD moves. Moltres gained three moves in Pokemon XD: Extrasensory, Morning Sun, and Will-O-Wisp. While none of these moves are completely useless (though Extrasensory is pretty bad), all of these moves have been made obsolete as of Diamond and Pearl. Unless you plan on using Moltres on a Sunny Day team, Morning Sun is inferior to Roost. Will-O-Wisp, while still useful, isn't unique to XD Moltres anymore - it is now a TM.
Articuno
The last of the three legendary birds (well, uno is one so technically first) also gained three moves through Pokemon XD. Articuno received Extrasensory, Heal Bell, and Haze. Extrasensory is still a bad move, and Haze is generally outclassed by Roar (unless you need to use it on your opponent's Mr. Mime or Cradily). Heal Bell is a very good move though. Here is a common moveset an XD Articuno will use:
Articuno @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 64 SpA / 96 SpD
Nature: Calm
- Ice Beam
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Roar / Haze
When paired with a Rapid Spinner, Articuno can make a very good stall and support Pokemon. Articuno is completely demolished by Toxic though. Heal Bell remedies this, also healing your team's ailments. Most Steel-type Pokemon are good counters to Articuno - especially Metagross. Rock-types like Tyranitar can also hit Articuno very hard. Articuno's biggest weakness is to Stealth Rock though, as taking a 50% hit every time you switch in is a major pitfall.
Altaria
Altaria is an often underrated Pokemon because if its much better cousins, Salamence and Dragonite (and even Kingdra and Flygon), but it is still a very good Pokemon in its own right - especially in UU. Altaria gained only one new move in Pokemon XD, but it was a good one: Heal Bell. With this, Altaria became one of the best clerics in UU. Altaria has relatively good typing, good defensive stats, and a great ability: Natural Cure! Altaria wasn't the only Dragon-type to get Heal Bell in XD, Dragonite got it too! They play almost the same when using Heal Bell, so another section on Dragonite won't be included (if you want to use Heal Bell Dragonite, just change the EVs a tad and you'll be good to go). Here is a possible Altaria set you would see utilizing Heal Bell:
Altaria @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Heal Bell
-Roost
-Toxic / Sing / Perish Song
-Dragon Pulse
This set utilizes Altaria's nice defensive stats to make a very nice cleric. Altaria cannot stand up to the heavy duty OU attackers, but in UU it fares nicely. This Altaria set can do a bit of stalling and spread status, while also healing your own. The best way to counter this set is to bring in a Steel-type that has an attack that can take out Altaria, such as Heatran with Hidden Power Ice.
Togekiss
Not even Togetic's amazing XD attack, Tri Attack, could boost Togetic to usable levels. However, Togekiss can use Tri Attack very well. With one of the best abilities in the game, Serene Grace, Tri attack becomes even more deadly. A common Togekiss set using Tri Attack follows.
Togekiss @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest / Timid
-Tri Attack
-Air Slash
-Aura Sphere
-Flamethrower / Trick / Hidden Power Ice
Because of Serene Grace, Tri Attack has a 40% chance of inflicting either burn, freeze, or paralysis - which is quite deadly. Togekiss can also repeatedly flinch the opponent with Air Slash. Countering Choice Scarf Togekiss is somewhat difficult. You either need to predict around it, or switch in a very sturdy special wall, such as Blissey (though watch out for Aura Sphere and Trick!)
Hypno
Several Pokemon received the same move as Hypno did in XD, Baton Pass, but Hypno can use it very well. Hypno can pass a very devastating move, Nasty Plot, as well as other moves like Calm Mind, Meditate, and Substitute. Here is a moveset for Baton Pass Hypno:
Hypno @ Leftovers
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 172 HP / 112 SpA / 224 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Nasty Plot
-Baton Pass
-Psychic
-Hidden Power Fighting / Shadow Ball / Thunder Wave / Reflect
Hypno is one of the bulkiest special walls in UU, so it shouldn't have trouble switching in and getting a Nasty Plot. Hypno then should either attack or pass its boost to a powerful special attacker such as Glaceon, Rotom, or Venomoth. As is the case with all Baton Passers, this Hypno can be countered by a fast Taunt-user, or a Pseudo Hazer.
Solrock and Lunatone
Like Hypno, the sun and moon Pokemon also received Baton Pass from Pokemon XD. Both of these Pokemon are adept Baton Passers, each able to Pass Cosmic Power, Rock Polish, and Calm Mind. These two play almost identical to each other when Baton Passing, but Lunatone is used as a Passer much more, so here is a set for it:
Lunatone @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 Spe
Nature: Bold
-Baton Pass
-Calm Mind
-Substitute / Hypnosis
-AncientPower / Earth Power
Lunatone's best option for Baton Passing is probably Calm Mind, as there are numerous Pokemon that would love receiving Calm Mind boosts. Like all Baton Passers, Lunatone and Solrock are stopped by Taunters and Pseudo Hazers.
Also included in Pokemon XD is a move tutor. Similar to the move tutors in FireRed and LeafGreen, this tutor (an old woman found in Agate Village) teaches moves to your Pokemon for free, but each move can only be taught once. Here is a list of the available moves:
- Mimic
- Thunder Wave
- Seismic Toss
- Icy Wind
- Substitute
- Dream Eater
- Swagger
- Nightmare
- Body Slam
- Sky Attack
- Double-Edge
- Selfdestruct
Snorlax @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 SpD
Nature: Adamant
-Return
-Earthquake / Superpower
-Crunch / Selfdestruct
-Fire Punch / Selfdestruct
Snorlax isn't as sturdy a wall as it used to be, but it's as good a Choice Bander as ever, and Selfdestruct makes it even better. Snorlax already commands a solid 110 base Attack. Combine that with the boost of Choice Band, STAB, and the high base power of Selfdestruct and you have one damaging move. Ghost-types such as Gengar and Dusknoir are good counters to Snorlax if it lacks Crunch (or doesn't Crunch you on the switch-in), as they're immune to Snorlax's STAB moves, Superpower, and Earthquake. Very sturdy physical walls also make great counters to Snorlax, especially Steel-types like Skarmory.
Mewtwo @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 40 Atk / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
Nature: Timid / Hasty
-Thunder
-Ice Beam
-Aura Sphere
-Selfdestruct
Mewtwo is an insanely powerful special attacker, but it's stopped cold by the powerful special walls of the Uber metagame, such as Blissey. Selfdestruct completely destroys Blissey and many other Pokemon that would normally stop Mewtwo cold. One of the easiest ways to stop this Mewtwo is to lure it into Selfdestructing, then switching to a Ghost-type.
Wailord @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 28 Atk / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Water Spout
-Hydro Pump / Surf
-Selfdestruct
-Ice Beam / Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Electric
Wailord gained a very nice finishing move in Selfdestruct. It can now attack powerfully when at full health (with Water Spout), at medium health, (with Hydro Pump) and finish with Selfdestruct. Wailord isn't insanely powerful, so if you can predict around it and slowly damage it, its Water Spout will lose its edge and it will have one less option. As always, switching to a Ghost-type when you predict the Selfdestruct is the best move.
The Mew Tutor
If you transfer a Mew from a third generation game, you'll find a man in Pokemon XD who will teach your Mew four moves depending on how you answer his questions (this costs 5,000 PokeCoupons). Here is a list of the moves that, at the time, Mew could not learn through any other method:
- Faint Attack
- Fake Out
- Hypnosis
- Night Shade
- Role Play
- Zap Cannon
This concludes that Pokemon XD section of this article. It should be noted that several Pokemon received Charm and Baton Pass, though few of them use them well enough merit a mention in this article. Many Pokemon also received Sing. While Sing isn't a horrible move, it isn't good enough to warrant a spot on the Pokemon who received it (read: Frosslass, Glalie). Finally, a few Pokemon received XD moves that were good in the past, but were made obsolete by either DPs new moves or Platinum's tutor moves. Onto the special event Pokemon!
Darkrai
The Nightmare Pokemon can only be obtained through event. You can obtain Darkrai from Pokemon Ranger, receiving the Member's Pass, or from a Toys R Us event. The Toys R Us Darkrai, commemorating the Pokemon Movie, is the one that's actually unique. This Darkrai will come with two special moves: Roar of Time and Spacial Rend (previously unique to Dialga and Palkia, respectively). While Roar of Time isn't the best of moves, Spacial Rend is a very good move in the Uber metagame with the huge amount of Dragon-types. Even though Spacial Rend isn't overly powerful because it is unSTABed, it's Darkrai's best option against Pokemon such as Rayquaza and Palkia (both of which are 2HKOed). Darkrai is a very powerful force in the Uber metagame; the only way to stop it is with a very powerful special wall (like Blissey) or a Sleep Talker.
Pikachu
Nintendo's signature Pokemon has been released as an event numerous times over the years. In the ADV generation, Pikachus with Fly and Surf were available, but you cannot transfer Pokemon with HMs to fourth generation games. There have been new events with Surfing Pikachu. Until late 2008, Surf Pikachu was only available with a Hardy nature (from Pokemon Battle Revolution), which is basically useless. However, there have been two new events (A Birthday event and a Yokohama event), that gave away a Modest Surfing Pikachu. While Modest isn't the best nature for Pikachu (because Pikachu needs Speed), it's still usable. Surf gives Pikachu good coverage when coupled with Thunderbolt, Hidden Power Ice, and Grass Knot - though this Pikachu is stopped cold by special walls like Regice and Blissey.
Linoone
Through a special event with Pokemon Box, a Zigzagoon with ExtremeSpeed became available. ExtremeSpeed is a very good move for Linoone, especially when paired with Belly Drum. This combination became even better in DPP, with Linoone's new Gluttony ability. Shown below is the Belly Drum Linoone set:
Linoone @ Salac Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 108 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Def / 4 SpD / 136 Spe
Nature: Adamant
-Belly Drum
-ExtremeSpeed
-Shadow Claw / Pursuit
-Rock Smash / Dig
Gluttony makes Linoone's Salac Berry activate right after you use Belly Drum, which is crucial because Linoone can't take hits, especially after using Belly Drum. At +6 Attack, ExtremeSpeed will be completely obliterating most Pokemon in UU (and most Pokemon in OU too!) Shadow Claw helps Linoone combat Ghost-types, such as Rotom. Linoone's last slot is tricky; it does not have that many viable options. Dig is a very powerful attack against Rock- and Steel-types which resist ExtremeSpeed. Rock Smash does the same, but it's 40 base power lower (it doesn't need two turns to work though).
Vileplume
You may have heard stories about the elusive New York Pokemon Center events. These events were few and far between; some of the Pokemon released at these events got awesome moves too. Vileplume was one of these Pokemon. The rafflesia Pokemon came equipped with Leech Seed. Here is a common moveset using this rare move:
Vileplume @ Leftovers
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 244 HP / 136 Def / 128 SpD
Nature: Calm / Sassy
-Leech Seed
-Substitute
-Sludge Bomb
-Stun Spore / Body Slam / Synthesis
With Leech Seed, Vileplume can now perform the strategy common to Grass-types - "Subseeding." Vileplume is especially adept at using this strategy because of its STAB Sludge Bomb; with this, Vileplume can inflict super effective damage on those immune to Leech Seed (Grass-types). In Platinum, Vileplume received Synthesis as a tutor move; you can use this to stall your opponent even more. The best way of countering this Vileplume is to use a Grass/Poison-type Pokemon like Venusaur (preferably with Hidden Power Ice or Fire).
Wish Pokemon
The other extremely rare and valuable NYPC event Pokemon gained the move Wish. This included Chansey, Lickitung, Kangaskhan, Drowzee, Exeggcute, and Farfetch'd. The only major Pokemon that gained Wish was Chansey. With Wish, Blissey could pull off a new way of healing and team-support. Here is a set employing Wish:
Blissey @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Def / 80 SpA / 176 SpD
Nature: Calm
-Wish
-Protect
-Flamethrower
-Toxic
Blissey is easily the #1 special wall in the game, and Wish made her even better. Wish + Protect gives Blissey two turns of Leftovers health and 50% from Wish without being attacked (this is more than Softboiled!) Wish also allows Blissey to provide team support by healing her fellow members. Protect also helps lengthen the ToxicStalling. The easiest way to counter Blissey is to use a very powerful physical attacker, specifically Fighting-types. Heracross makes a great choice, as Toxic will activate Guts, making Heracross even more powerful (though watch out for Flamethrower!)
The Drowzee mentioned earlier not only comes with Wish, but also comes with Belly Drum. While Hypno usually works as a special attacking Pokemon, Belly Drum allows it to run a quite potent physical attacking set:
Hypno @ Leftovers
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 SpD
Nature: Adamant
-Belly Drum
-Wish
-Zen Headbutt
-Fire Punch
This set, while very unconventional, can actually have some degree of success due to Hypno's good defenses and Wish. This set works best on a team with paralysis support so Hypno's pathetic Speed won't be as much of an issue. The only way to counter a Belly Drum Pokemon is to take it out quickly before it can attack (thankfully, Hypno's low Speed stat means this won't be as much of a problem).
More Wish Pokemon were released in Japanese Pokemon Centers, including Bagon, Ralts, Pichu, and Absol. Bagon is the only notable Pokemon from this group, as the others aren't bulky enough to use Wish (though it should be noted that by using the event Ralts, Gallade can use Wish, which was previously unique to Gardevoir). While Wish Salamences are rare, here its most common moveset:
Salamence @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Wish
-Toxic
-Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor
-Protect / Flamethrower
This "FatMence" works similarly to WishBliss. You can ToxicStall while damaging opponents with Salamence's strong STAB moves. This set also provides team support, though Salamence can't switch in and out as easily as Blissey due to it's Stealth Rock weakness. Heatran is the best counter to FatMence, as it either resists or is immune to all of Salamence's attacks.
Wynaut
Through a PokePark event in Japan, players could obtain a Wynaut with the move Tickle. While this move isn't overly exciting or effective in Ubers, it's still worth a mention. Players can switch in Wobbuffet, Tickle the opponent's defensive Pokemon to lower its Defense greatly, then switch in Choice Band Tyranitar and Pursuit for the kill. Wobbuffet doesn't really have "counters" in a sense because nothing can switch out against Wobbuffet. The only way to defeat it is to use very powerful attacks, especially Dark-, Ghost-, and Bug-type ones.
Why can't I use my event moves with some other moves?
Pokemon with event moves (or XD Pokemon) cannot have egg moves because they weren't bred with them; they also cannot have moves from other events (for example, a Bagon with Wish and Iron Defense has an illegal moveset, these moves come from two different NYPC events). Another example of an illegal moveset is a Snorlax with Selfdestruct and Pursuit. The former can only be obtained through XD Tutor, the latter is a DP egg move.
Conclusion
Although rare on Wi-Fi, players should always be prepared for event Pokemon.
Hopefully this guide helped you understand how to use and be prepared for event Pokemon.
(I'm not totally sure what, if anything else, to say in the conclusion...)
