[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Koko is the main power source for many of the amped-up offense teams in the tier; its signature Electric Surge ability supercharges both its own Thunderbolt and Volt Switch and its teammates' Electric-type attacks drastically, linking up well with the likes of Thunder Punch Mega Medicham and Fusion Bolt Kyurem-B. Tapu Koko's rapid Speed combined with a Terrain-boosted Volt Switch more than makes up for its subpar Special Attack stat and establishes it as an incredibly dangerous offensive pivot. It can go all-in with Choice Specs as well as reduce its reliance on prediction with Life Orb, and it can even tap into its considerably better but harder-to-use Attack stat with an Electrium Z + Wild Charge variant. Tapu Koko's defensive profile is surprisingly impressive too, able to keep the likes of Tornadus-T and Zapdos in check and step in against Hawlucha while healthy. However, it cannot be understated that Tapu Koko relies on Electric Terrain to patch up its quite disappointing Special Attack stat, and this can be seen in the drop in power of its coverage moves or even Dazzling Gleam. Additionally, its bulk is poor, so it can rarely afford to switch directly into attacks and is vulnerable to being picked off by some of the strong priority moves in the tier.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
ivs: 0 Atk
evs: 8 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Thunderbolt is the scariest attack that Tapu Koko can dish out, denting targets like Magearna and Heatran that try to temporarily stand in its way. Dazzling Gleam doesn't have the same raw power, but it can deal consistent damage to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Seismitoad, Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, and Dragon-types like Kyurem-B and Mega Latias. Hidden Power Ice is enough to decimate defensive Landorus-T and Gliscor and can hit a lot of the same targets as Dazzling Gleam for considerably less, but still respectable damage. Volt Switch is the crown jewel of this set; being able to dish out such good damage while escaping danger and building momentum is nigh unanswerable.
Set Details
========
The investment into bulk ensures that Tapu Koko will survive a Swords Dance-boosted High Jump Kick from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko's use revolves around setting the stage for it to spam its Terrain-boosted Volt Switch safely without fear of Ground-types or other Volt Switch blockers. Getting Stealth Rock up from the get-go can help start to chip onto Landorus-T throughout a match, though Tapu Koko makes an incredible lead in itself; depending on the opposing team, it can force difficult choices from the beginning. Another benefit of leading with Tapu Koko is being able to scout Choice Scarf Landorus-T from the lead matchup based on whether Electric Surge or Intimidate activates first. Due to its typing coupled with its Speed and immediate power, Tapu Koko can switch into plenty of neutral hits in an emergency, and it doesn't find it difficult at all to get entry on the likes of Tornadus-T, Toxapex, and Zapdos.
Team Options
========
This variant of Tapu Koko is best served on offense teams; it wants quick games where its lack of longevity and unimpressive bulk won't hinder it and potent wallbreaking teammates that can soften up foes for it to pick off. Landorus-T is virtually impossible to miss as a teammate; it provides Stealth Rock, additional pivoting, and a solid check to Ground-types. Other pivots like Assault Vest Magearna and Victini go hand-in-hand, playing the same game as Tapu Koko in regards to pivoting around and spreading damage. Mega Medicham and Kyurem-B are exemplary wallbreakers that can smash through walls, making stopgaps like Landorus-T, Magearna, and Ferrothorn wish they never existed. Additionally, they benefit from Electric Terrain with Thunder Punch and Fusion Bolt, with Mega Medicham now able to bludgeon would-be checks Reuniclus and Mega Sableye with two Thunder Punches in Electric Terrain and Kyurem-B 2HKOing Magearna and Jirachi in similar circumstances. Electric Seed Hawlucha is an elite cleaner that gets all the chemicals it needs from Tapu Koko's terrain; with a Speed boost from Unburden and a Defense boost to aid its setup, Hawlucha can take advantage of the Ground-types that Tapu Koko despises and finish off games.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Physical Z-Move
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Hidden Power [Ice]
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Electrium Z
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Wild Charge is a disappointing move in itself, but it is certainly the best candidate to harness Tapu Koko's stronger Attack stat. With Electrium Z, it's supercharged into an immense no-drawback weapon that can blow back specially bulky Pokemon like Assault Vest Magearna, Chansey, and Mega Tyranitar, among other things. Even while uninvested, Tapu Koko still makes use of its trusty Hidden Power Ice to hit Landorus-T and Garchomp. U-turn seems like a strange one for the Pokemon boasting the strongest Volt Switch in the tier, but it's a very safe pivoting option that covers everything, including Ground-types. Roost allows Tapu Koko to stick around to check Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, and it can even heal off Wild Charge damage if it ever comes to that.
Set Details
========
A Hasty nature is used to preserve some Special Defense to take on Tornadus-T, Zapdos, and Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse with.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Koko works well as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker, making great use of the surprise factor to target special walls like Assault Vest Magearna, Heatran, and Chansey with Gigavolt Havoc. In all cases, but especially when facing particularly tricky Ground-types like Excadrill and Gastrodon, get Spikes up early so that U-turn can rack up damage more efficiently. In some cases, Tapu Koko is better to keep around in the back, such as on balance teams where it's tasked with revenge killing impossible threats like Manaphy. Don't bother trying to delay using the Z-Move that much, because using Hidden Power Ice or U-turn will essentially reveal Tapu Koko's set due to the lessened damage of uninvested Hidden Power Ice or the increased damage of U-turn.
Team Options
========
This variant of Tapu Koko fits on anything from offense to semi-stall, functioning well as part of a bigger offensive core as well as a solo attacker on bulky teams. Spikers like Ferrothorn and Skarmory can enable Tapu Koko's U-turn to the fullest, digging into the likes of Seismitoad and Gastrodon upon each switch-in. Ash-Greninja is a more offensive option that can benefit from Tapu Koko breaking through Assault Vest Magearna and Chansey directly. Heatran is another entry hazard setter that can accompany Tapu Koko on all archetypes, able to melt through Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu to boot. Hawlucha remains an incredible teammate to benefit from Electric Terrain, able to use Ground-type foes as setup fodder and clean up once Tapu Koko softens the opposing team with Gigavolt Havoc. To build momentum with Tapu Koko, pivots like Landorus-T, Magearna, and Tornadus-T make for sensible teammates.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nature's Madness can be used alongside Taunt for consistently cutting into walls and making the damage stick, but it really cuts into Tapu Koko's moveslots. Iapapa Berry gives Tapu Koko some extra longevity and an edge while aggressively trading damage with Nature's Madness. On hyper offense teams, Tapu Koko can potentially run a dual screens set with Light Clay, which is able to support teammates like Shift Gear Magearna and Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar. Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal serious damage to Ferrothorn and Excadrill. Grass Knot specializes in handling Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad. Even Choice Scarf can be used to allow Tapu Koko to revenge kill virtually the entire tier, being able to catch the likes of Mega Alakazam with Wild Charge, Choice Scarf Kartana with Hidden Power Fire, and Volcarona with Brave Bird.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types and Electric-immune Pokemon**: Any Ground-type can step in the way of using Volt Switch safely, but some are much more irritating than others. Excadrill is probably the worst thing that Tapu Koko could face; it takes next to nothing from its STAB moves and coverage, safely blocking Volt Switch, and it can chase Tapu Koko out in the sand. Gastrodon, Seismitoad, and especially Mega Swampert are quite hideous matchups as well, since they similarly blank Tapu Koko's Electric-type moves as well as Hidden Power Ice, though Twinkle Tackle and Choice Specs Dazzling Gleam can take a chunk out of them upon switch-in, and they need to watch for the rare Grass Knot. Hippowdon can also quite safely answer Tapu Koko outside of Grass Knot. Choice Scarf Landorus-T can pivot in on a predicted Electric-type move and can outspeed and OHKO Tapu Koko, though it can be caught with a predicted Hidden Power Ice. Some rarer examples are Mega Camerupt and Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak, which are completely unfair matchups for Tapu Koko.
**Grass**: Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur are incredibly tough for Tapu Koko, as they resist most of anything it can do while threatening it back or setting entry hazards, though Ferrothorn can be chunked heavily by Hidden Power Fire. Tapu Bulu is another solid defensive check that can disrupt Tapu Koko's Terrain and heal off chip damage with its own Grassy Terrain.
**Faster Attackers and Priority**: Faster Pokemon like Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny can outspeed and deal huge damage to Tapu Koko, as well as Choice Scarf users like Landorus-T and Kartana. Priority users like Mega Medicham and Mega Scizor can chip down or pick off a weakened Tapu Koko.
**Chansey**: Chansey fares perfectly fine against most special variants of Tapu Koko and can pressure Tapu Koko with Toxic and Seismic Toss, though it can be worn down by Volt Switch and entry hazards and caught by Electrium Z Wild Charge.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Tapu Koko is the main power source for many of the amped-up offense teams in the tier; its signature Electric Surge ability supercharges both its own Thunderbolt and Volt Switch and its teammates' Electric-type attacks drastically, linking up well with the likes of Thunder Punch Mega Medicham and Fusion Bolt Kyurem-B. Tapu Koko's rapid Speed combined with a Terrain-boosted Volt Switch more than makes up for its subpar Special Attack stat and establishes it as an incredibly dangerous offensive pivot. It can go all-in with Choice Specs as well as reduce its reliance on prediction with Life Orb, and it can even tap into its considerably better but harder-to-use Attack stat with an Electrium Z + Wild Charge variant. Tapu Koko's defensive profile is surprisingly impressive too, able to keep the likes of Tornadus-T and Zapdos in check and step in against Hawlucha while healthy. However, it cannot be understated that Tapu Koko relies on Electric Terrain to patch up its quite disappointing Special Attack stat, and this can be seen in the drop in power of its coverage moves or even Dazzling Gleam. Additionally, its bulk is poor, so it can rarely afford to switch directly into attacks and is vulnerable to being picked off by some of the strong priority moves in the tier.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
ivs: 0 Atk
evs: 8 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Thunderbolt is the scariest attack that Tapu Koko can dish out, denting targets like Magearna and Heatran that try to temporarily stand in its way. Dazzling Gleam doesn't have the same raw power, but it can deal consistent damage to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Seismitoad, Grass-types like Tapu Bulu, and Dragon-types like Kyurem-B and Mega Latias. Hidden Power Ice is enough to decimate defensive Landorus-T and Gliscor and can hit a lot of the same targets as Dazzling Gleam for considerably less, but still respectable damage. Volt Switch is the crown jewel of this set; being able to dish out such good damage while escaping danger and building momentum is nigh unanswerable.
Set Details
========
The investment into bulk ensures that Tapu Koko will survive a Swords Dance-boosted High Jump Kick from Hawlucha after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko's use revolves around setting the stage for it to spam its Terrain-boosted Volt Switch safely without fear of Ground-types or other Volt Switch blockers. Getting Stealth Rock up from the get-go can help start to chip onto Landorus-T throughout a match, though Tapu Koko makes an incredible lead in itself; depending on the opposing team, it can force difficult choices from the beginning. Another benefit of leading with Tapu Koko is being able to scout Choice Scarf Landorus-T from the lead matchup based on whether Electric Surge or Intimidate activates first. Due to its typing coupled with its Speed and immediate power, Tapu Koko can switch into plenty of neutral hits in an emergency, and it doesn't find it difficult at all to get entry on the likes of Tornadus-T, Toxapex, and Zapdos.
Team Options
========
This variant of Tapu Koko is best served on offense teams; it wants quick games where its lack of longevity and unimpressive bulk won't hinder it and potent wallbreaking teammates that can soften up foes for it to pick off. Landorus-T is virtually impossible to miss as a teammate; it provides Stealth Rock, additional pivoting, and a solid check to Ground-types. Other pivots like Assault Vest Magearna and Victini go hand-in-hand, playing the same game as Tapu Koko in regards to pivoting around and spreading damage. Mega Medicham and Kyurem-B are exemplary wallbreakers that can smash through walls, making stopgaps like Landorus-T, Magearna, and Ferrothorn wish they never existed. Additionally, they benefit from Electric Terrain with Thunder Punch and Fusion Bolt, with Mega Medicham now able to bludgeon would-be checks Reuniclus and Mega Sableye with two Thunder Punches in Electric Terrain and Kyurem-B 2HKOing Magearna and Jirachi in similar circumstances. Electric Seed Hawlucha is an elite cleaner that gets all the chemicals it needs from Tapu Koko's terrain; with a Speed boost from Unburden and a Defense boost to aid its setup, Hawlucha can take advantage of the Ground-types that Tapu Koko despises and finish off games.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[SET]
name: Physical Z-Move
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Hidden Power [Ice]
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Electrium Z
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Wild Charge is a disappointing move in itself, but it is certainly the best candidate to harness Tapu Koko's stronger Attack stat. With Electrium Z, it's supercharged into an immense no-drawback weapon that can blow back specially bulky Pokemon like Assault Vest Magearna, Chansey, and Mega Tyranitar, among other things. Even while uninvested, Tapu Koko still makes use of its trusty Hidden Power Ice to hit Landorus-T and Garchomp. U-turn seems like a strange one for the Pokemon boasting the strongest Volt Switch in the tier, but it's a very safe pivoting option that covers everything, including Ground-types. Roost allows Tapu Koko to stick around to check Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, and it can even heal off Wild Charge damage if it ever comes to that.
Set Details
========
A Hasty nature is used to preserve some Special Defense to take on Tornadus-T, Zapdos, and Ash-Greninja's Dark Pulse with.
Usage Tips
========
Tapu Koko works well as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker, making great use of the surprise factor to target special walls like Assault Vest Magearna, Heatran, and Chansey with Gigavolt Havoc. In all cases, but especially when facing particularly tricky Ground-types like Excadrill and Gastrodon, get Spikes up early so that U-turn can rack up damage more efficiently. In some cases, Tapu Koko is better to keep around in the back, such as on balance teams where it's tasked with revenge killing impossible threats like Manaphy. Don't bother trying to delay using the Z-Move that much, because using Hidden Power Ice or U-turn will essentially reveal Tapu Koko's set due to the lessened damage of uninvested Hidden Power Ice or the increased damage of U-turn.
Team Options
========
This variant of Tapu Koko fits on anything from offense to semi-stall, functioning well as part of a bigger offensive core as well as a solo attacker on bulky teams. Spikers like Ferrothorn and Skarmory can enable Tapu Koko's U-turn to the fullest, digging into the likes of Seismitoad and Gastrodon upon each switch-in. Ash-Greninja is a more offensive option that can benefit from Tapu Koko breaking through Assault Vest Magearna and Chansey directly. Heatran is another entry hazard setter that can accompany Tapu Koko on all archetypes, able to melt through Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu to boot. Hawlucha remains an incredible teammate to benefit from Electric Terrain, able to use Ground-type foes as setup fodder and clean up once Tapu Koko softens the opposing team with Gigavolt Havoc. To build momentum with Tapu Koko, pivots like Landorus-T, Magearna, and Tornadus-T make for sensible teammates.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Nature's Madness can be used alongside Taunt for consistently cutting into walls and making the damage stick, but it really cuts into Tapu Koko's moveslots. Iapapa Berry gives Tapu Koko some extra longevity and an edge while aggressively trading damage with Nature's Madness. On hyper offense teams, Tapu Koko can potentially run a dual screens set with Light Clay, which is able to support teammates like Shift Gear Magearna and Dragon Dance Mega Tyranitar. Hidden Power Fire can be used to deal serious damage to Ferrothorn and Excadrill. Grass Knot specializes in handling Mega Swampert, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad. Even Choice Scarf can be used to allow Tapu Koko to revenge kill virtually the entire tier, being able to catch the likes of Mega Alakazam with Wild Charge, Choice Scarf Kartana with Hidden Power Fire, and Volcarona with Brave Bird.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types and Electric-immune Pokemon**: Any Ground-type can step in the way of using Volt Switch safely, but some are much more irritating than others. Excadrill is probably the worst thing that Tapu Koko could face; it takes next to nothing from its STAB moves and coverage, safely blocking Volt Switch, and it can chase Tapu Koko out in the sand. Gastrodon, Seismitoad, and especially Mega Swampert are quite hideous matchups as well, since they similarly blank Tapu Koko's Electric-type moves as well as Hidden Power Ice, though Twinkle Tackle and Choice Specs Dazzling Gleam can take a chunk out of them upon switch-in, and they need to watch for the rare Grass Knot. Hippowdon can also quite safely answer Tapu Koko outside of Grass Knot. Choice Scarf Landorus-T can pivot in on a predicted Electric-type move and can outspeed and OHKO Tapu Koko, though it can be caught with a predicted Hidden Power Ice. Some rarer examples are Mega Camerupt and Lightning Rod Alolan Marowak, which are completely unfair matchups for Tapu Koko.
**Grass**: Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur are incredibly tough for Tapu Koko, as they resist most of anything it can do while threatening it back or setting entry hazards, though Ferrothorn can be chunked heavily by Hidden Power Fire. Tapu Bulu is another solid defensive check that can disrupt Tapu Koko's Terrain and heal off chip damage with its own Grassy Terrain.
**Faster Attackers and Priority**: Faster Pokemon like Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny can outspeed and deal huge damage to Tapu Koko, as well as Choice Scarf users like Landorus-T and Kartana. Priority users like Mega Medicham and Mega Scizor can chip down or pick off a weakened Tapu Koko.
**Chansey**: Chansey fares perfectly fine against most special variants of Tapu Koko and can pressure Tapu Koko with Toxic and Seismic Toss, though it can be worn down by Volt Switch and entry hazards and caught by Electrium Z Wild Charge.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skypenguin.462413/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
