Implemented the check. TY Calm Pokemaster. This Ray is hungry for check 2 !
-
Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
-
Congrats to the winners of the 2023 Smog Awards!
Rayquaza (Analysis)
- Thread starter hamiltonion
- Start date
@Sphyxius: Gave Air Lock a mention in the Overview
@premboy: Fixed
@Friar:Nope. BP Mew usually carry Sub and pass it along. Since Mew is faster than Rayquaza and D Tail wont be breaking sub any time soon, its a bad idea to switch in Rayquaza on BP Mew. He will RP while you fail to break his sub one shot and pass to something like Dialga. Potential GG.
@premboy: Fixed
@Friar:Nope. BP Mew usually carry Sub and pass it along. Since Mew is faster than Rayquaza and D Tail wont be breaking sub any time soon, its a bad idea to switch in Rayquaza on BP Mew. He will RP while you fail to break his sub one shot and pass to something like Dialga. Potential GG.
Dragon tail always breaks mew's sub if screens are not present. And in any case, you don't need to use it on mew, DM/FB to break the sub and dragon tail the recipient when mew BPs out.
[Overview]
<p>Say hello to the deadliest sweeper and wallbreaker of DPP Ubers. Rayquaza arrives at the onset of the new generation to reclaim its crown as the most feared sweeper. Base 150 attacking stats make sure nothing can really wall it, and access to two of the best boosting moves in the form of Dragon Dance and Swords Dance (two of the best boosting moves in the game) make Rayquaza even more threatening. Rayquaza also has a huge movepool, which includes the strongest priority move in the game: ExtremeSpeed. Rayquaza also has a fantastic ability in Air Lock, which allows it to negate all types of weather and act as an excellent check to the horde of Pokemon who rely on it to sweep. However Rayquaza does have its flaws; a weakness to Stealth Rocks and relatively thin defenses make it rather hard to switch in, and a sub-par base 95 Speed doesn't exactly help it sweep any better either. Regardless, Rayquaza still remains one of the most threatening sweepers in the Uber tier, and can demolish teams in a heartbeat if given the chance.</p>
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake / Stone Edge
move 4: Overheat / ExtremeSpeed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rayquaza is an extremely powerful sweeper and can devastate entire teams with just one turn of setup. After a single Dragon Dance, Rayquaza's Attack skyrockets to 598 while its Speed rests at an impressive 462, which gets the jump on every unboosted Pokemon in the game bar Deoxys-S and Ninjask. Outrage and Earthquake complement each other nicely, hitting nearly every single Pokemon in the tier for at least neutral damage. The choice of the last move, depends largely upon what you want Rayquaza to do. If Steel-types like Skarmory and Forretress give Rayquaza trouble, then Overheat can be used to roast them. ExtremeSpeed, on the other hand, allows Rayquaza to take down weakened foes who are faster than Rayquaza, such as Scarf Palkia and Scarf Garchomp. While using Overheat, Rayquaza should go for a Hasty or Naive nature to prevent the drop in power.</p>
<p>Since Jolly Rayquaza can't always OHKO Lugia with Outrage, Stone Edge can be used over Earthquake to give it just a little more edge in power. An Adamant nature is also viable to increase the damage output, but it leaves Rayquaza prone to being revenge killed by Scarf Dialga. Also, Rayquaza should always run ExtremeSpeed while running Adamant ((backspace)or any other Attack-boosting nature) to beat Deoxys-A.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Wobbuffet is an excellent partner to Rayquaza to help it set up, since it can trap and eliminate Scarf users such as Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp, all of whom can check Rayquaza thanks to their superior Speed. Wobbuffet can even use Encore and Safeguard to create an opening for Rayquaza to set up and sweep. Scizor makes a good teammate with its STAB U-turn and nifty priority in the form of STAB Bullet Punch. The infamous Double Dance strategy can be used with Salamence, thanks to Salamence being able to KO most of Rayquaza's checks or severely weaken most of Rayquaza's checks, and vice versa, allowing for a cleaner sweep.</p>
<p>Rayquaza loves proper team support. (duh..) Like most other sweepers, Rayquaza prefers entry hazards to be set up. Stealth Rock is extremely useful, since it allows Rayquaza to OHKO Lugia. Forretress and Deoxys-S can set up entry hazards with ease. Forretress deserves a special mention, since it has good synergy with Rayquaza and can spin away enemy entry hazards. Paralysis support is also advised, since it makes Scarf users such as Palkia unable to revenge kill Rayquaza. Lead Kyogre can fulfill this role well and also acts as a good Palkia lure.</p>
<p>Speedy Scarf users such as Palkia, Darkrai, Mewtwo, Terrakion, Jirachi, and Shaymin-S can all revenge kill Rayquaza, even after a Dragon Dance, no matter what EV spread Rayquaza is running. Groudon and Lugia can take most hits and hit back with either Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Lugia, however, needs to run a Bold or an Impish nature to live an +1 Outrage factoring in Stealth Rock damage. Skarmory walls the entire moveset unless Rayquaza runs Overheat. Skarmory can stall out Rayquaza with Toxic and Roost. Finally, powerful priority users such as Scizor or Weavile can revenge kill Rayquaza with Bullet Punch or Ice Shard, respectively.</p>
(don't mention counters in set comments unless you're going to lead onto how to stop them)
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Dragon Claw / Waterfall
move 4: Earthquake / Overheat
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rayquaza is often seen boosting its Attack and Speed by Dragon Dance, but it is capable of utilizing Swords Dance to double its Attack. After a Swords Dance, Rayquaza reaches a ground-breaking 876 Attack. Although Rayquaza's meager base 95 Speed may seem rather underwhelming, fear not because Rayquaza gets ExtremeSpeed, (comma) which allows it to bypass its low Speed and hit many foes first anyway. After just one Swords Dance, Rayquaza can OHKO a significant part of the metagame with ExtremeSpeed, given Stealth Rock support. Darkrai is always OHKOed by a +2 ExtremeSpeed factoring in Stealth Rock damage, while offensive Mewtwo and Choice Scarf Palkia are also prone to being OHKOed with Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Dragon Claw is the primary STAB move. After a Swords Dance, it will always OHKO Great Wall Giratina, and do insane amounts of damage to anything not resisting it. Waterfall can be used over Dragon Claw if Groudon is a problem though. Assuming Rayquaza is using an Adamant nature, a +2 Waterfall does a whopping 77.7% - 91.6% to the standard supporter. With Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, it has a fairly high chance to OHKO. Earthquake helps Rayquaza hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus, Dialga, and Metagross who could otherwise eat ExtremeSpeeds and Dragon Claws all day. Overheat makes short work of any Forretress or Ferrothorn hoping to wall Rayquaza.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Jolly nature is especially useful this generation with the the rise of the two new Dragon-types, Zekrom and Reshiram. Both usually run max Speed, and can outpace and OHKO Rayquaza with their powerful Dragon-type attacks if Rayquaza is running an Adamant nature. While using Jolly, running an alternate EV spread of 34 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 216 Spe is an option. It outspeeds Pokemon with base 90 Speed, and also gets a safe OHKO on Dragon Dance Rayquaza with ExtremeSpeed when Stealth Rock is up.</p>
<p>Entry hazard support is crucial for Swords Dance Rayquaza. Stealth Rock is near mandatory, since it allows Rayquaza to always OHKO Darkrai with a +2 ExtremeSpeed. Choice Scarf Palkia and offensive Mewtwo also have a high chance of being OHKOed with Stealth Rock down. Skarmory, Deoxys-S, Forretress, and Groudon can all set up hazards reliably. Forretress and Deoxys-S can also prevent hazards with either Rapid Spin or a fast Taunt, respectively. Wobbuffet can eliminate most of Rayquaza's checks; Tickle Wobbuffet paired with a Pursuit user can even take down Lugia. Body Slam Jirachi can switch in on most of Rayquaza's checks. It can then use Body Slam to paralyze and make them incapable of checking Rayquaza. Lucario also works in a similar way as compared to Jirachi. Jirachi can also take Dragon-type hits for Rayquaza, while Rayquaza can switch into any Ground-type move aimed at Jirachi.</p>
<p>Most powerful Scarf users can take down Rayquaza. Palkia, Jirachi, Terrakion, and Garchomp all make good checks. However, Garchomp needs to be at near-full health to live a +2 Life Orb-boosted ExtremeSpeed from Adamant Rayquaza. Extremely bulky physical walls, such as Lugia, Groudon, and Skarmory, can be annoying if Rayquaza either lacks the appropriate coverage move, or is outsped. Lugia can outspeed it easily and set up dual screens. It can then Roost off the damage, or OHKO Rayquaza with Ice Beam if Rayquaza has taken Stealth Rock damage. Extreme Killer Arceus can pose a threat to Rayquaza since an unboosted Life Orb ExtremeSpeed from Standard Normal Arceus has a high chance of OHKOing Rayquaza with Stealth Rock. Scizor can revenge weakened variants with Bullet Punch, and resists ExtremeSpeed.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Outrage / Dragon Tail / Brick Break
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Mixed Rayquaza is one of the most powerful wallbreakers in the entire Uber tier. Base 150 Attack and Special Attack go a long way in helping Rayquaza pick walls apart. This set attempts to lure in and obliterate usual Rayquaza switch-ins with its powerful special attacks. A Draco Meteor coming off 399 Special Attack will severely dent anything not resisting it, including Groudon and Lugia, both of which are cleanly 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. Any Steel-types courageous enough to face a Draco Meteor are swiftly barbecued by a Fire Blast. ExtremeSpeed allows Rayquaza to take down weakened Pokemon, and does decent damage even without investment. Outrage gives Rayquaza a powerful physical STAB move while Dragon Tail allows Rayquaza to scout any switch-ins. Brick Break can be used to punch holes in the pink blobs, Blissey and Chansey. Mixquaza, unlike other variants of Rayquaza, This set can be used as an effective offensive lead to put immediate pressure on the oppenent. While being used as a lead, Lum Berry is a very useful item since it allows Rayquaza to check any Darkrai hoping to set up on it. Focus Sash helps Rayquaza survive super effective hits which would normally OHKO it, but is near useless mid-game. However, Life Orb is by far the most useful item, as it allows Rayquaza to significantly increase its damage output.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As for the choice of nature, both Naive and Hasty are viable. However, Hasty is recommended since special attacks are far more common in Ubers. Also, a Speed-boosting nature helps Rayquaza outspeed all Pokemon with base 90 Speed.</p>
<p>Since mixed Rayquaza lacks the sheer offensive power of Dragon Dance Rayquaza or Swords Dance Rayquaza, entry hazards go a long way in helping Rayquaza break down walls. Pokemon such as Forretress and Deoxys-S are both adept at setting up Stealth Rock. Lucario is an amazing partner because of the great synergy it shares with Rayquaza, and the fact that Rayquaza lures in and KOs both Groudon and Lugia, two of Lucario's greatest counters. Bulk Up Dialga makes a great partner too, since it can plow though teams once Groudon is gone. Mixed Rayquaza can utilize the Double Dragon strategy quite effectively with Dragon Dance Salamence or Choice Band Garchomp. Once Rayquaza has killed or sufficiently weakened dedicated walls such as Groudon and Lugia, Salamence or Garchomp can cleave through the rest of the team with their brute strength. However, this strategy isn't lightly adopted, since it makes the team doubly weak to Dragon- and Ice-type attacks. Scarf Jirachi and Terrakion are both good teammates, since they cover Rayquaza's weaknesses while Rayquaza can in return eliminate their checks.</p>
<p>Similar to the other sets, Mixed Rayquaza is easily taken out by powerful Scarf users such as Kyogre and Dialga. However, since Mixed Rayquaza has no way of boosting its mediocre Speed, Pokemon with base 100 Speed and above, such as Salamence and Palkia, can outspeed Rayquaza without a Scarf. This makes Rayquaza somewhat less effective as a sweeper. Darkrai and Mewtwo are also effective checks to MixQuaza. Darkrai can put it to sleep with Dark Void, while Mewtwo OHKOes outright with Ice Beam. Scizor can easily revenge a weakened Rayquaza with Bullet Punch. Weavile and Mamoswine, though nearly non-existent in Ubers, can still revenge kill Rayquaza with Ice Shard.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Outrage / Overheat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band allows Rayquaza to dish out some serious damage right off the bat without the need for any prior setup. The majority of the Uber tier is 2HKOed by an Outrage coming of Rayquaza's boosted 150 base Attack stat. Choice Band Garchomp gives this set some stiff competition with its better Speed stat and excellent dual STABs. However, Rayquaza has two key things going for it; powerful priority in the form of ExtremeSpeed and a higher base Attack allow Rayquaza to be a more effective sweeper and cleaner in Ubers. Earthquake has excellent neutral coverage in the Uber tier due to lack of Flying-types other than Lugia and Ho-Oh. If Steel-types like Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress are a problem, though, then Overheat can be used to scorch any Steel-type switch-ins them profoundly. However, it requires a decent bit of prediction to succeed and can often backfire. Unlike the mixed set, (comma) which takes down walls by attacking them on their weaker side, Choice Band Rayquaza aims to decimate walls by smashing through them with brute force. Both Lugia and Groudon take huge amounts of damage from Outrage. Outrage even has a small chance of OHKOing Lugia with Stealth Rock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Though Adamant is the preferred nature, Jolly is still viable since it allows Rayquaza to outspeed all positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon with base 90 Speed, such as Reshiram and Zekrom. However, Rayquaza will have to sacrifice a significant bit of power in return for that extra Speed, and loses the possibility of OHKOing Lugia with Stealth Rocks up altogether.</p>
<p>Paralysis support is extremely useful for Rayquaza since Rayquaza has a sub-par base Speed stat which makes it prone to revenge killing. Entry hazards are useful because they help soften up bulkier Pokemon and make them vulnerable to being OHKOed by a powerful Outrage. Pokemon that can keep hazards off the field, such as Deoxys-S and Forretress, are appreciated due to Rayquaza's unfortunate Stealth Rock weakness. Magnezone makes a fantastic companion to Rayquaza, as it can trap and eliminate most Steel-types, and allow Rayquaza to spam Outrage without the fear of being used as setup bait. Also, Rayquaza and Magnezone have perfect synergy with each other.</p>
<p>Sturdy Steel-types such as Skarmory will have very little problem switching in and setting up hazards on any of Rayquaza's moves besides Overheat. Rayquaza can be easily revenge killed after it earns a KO or if the opponent predicts a move used.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A Choice Specs set is very much possible, as it can severely dent typical Rayquaza switch-ins with a powerful Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. However, the mixed set already does this, while maintaining the freedom to switch moves. A Focus Sash Dragon Dance lead is viable, and almost always gets at least one killl. However, it lacks power and can't sweep late game.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>The best way to tackle Rayquaza is by revenge killing it. Scarf users such as Palkia, Terrakion, Mewtwo, Dakrai, Jirachi, and Garchomp can all check the Dragon Dance set and take out Rayquaza easily due to its frailty. Meanwhile, Terrakion, Scarf Dialga and Jirachi are capable of revenge killing the Swords Dance set. Palkia, Garchomp, and Salamence can also revenge kill most Rayquaza sets other than the Dragon Dance set. However, they take a hefty amount of damage from a boosted ExtremeSpeed. Lugia can check the Swords Dance set quite well, as it can outspeed it, set up Reflect, (comma) and threaten a KO with Ice Beam. Support Groudon also does a decent job at checking Rayquaza, and can phaze it away with Dragon Tail, doing a decent chunk of damage. Skarmory can also handle Dragon Dance and Swords Dance Rayquaza if they lack Overheat.</p>
<p>Say hello to the deadliest sweeper and wallbreaker of DPP Ubers. Rayquaza arrives at the onset of the new generation to reclaim its crown as the most feared sweeper. Base 150 attacking stats make sure nothing can really wall it, and access to two of the best boosting moves in the form of Dragon Dance and Swords Dance (two of the best boosting moves in the game) make Rayquaza even more threatening. Rayquaza also has a huge movepool, which includes the strongest priority move in the game: ExtremeSpeed. Rayquaza also has a fantastic ability in Air Lock, which allows it to negate all types of weather and act as an excellent check to the horde of Pokemon who rely on it to sweep. However Rayquaza does have its flaws; a weakness to Stealth Rocks and relatively thin defenses make it rather hard to switch in, and a sub-par base 95 Speed doesn't exactly help it sweep any better either. Regardless, Rayquaza still remains one of the most threatening sweepers in the Uber tier, and can demolish teams in a heartbeat if given the chance.</p>
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake / Stone Edge
move 4: Overheat / ExtremeSpeed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rayquaza is an extremely powerful sweeper and can devastate entire teams with just one turn of setup. After a single Dragon Dance, Rayquaza's Attack skyrockets to 598 while its Speed rests at an impressive 462, which gets the jump on every unboosted Pokemon in the game bar Deoxys-S and Ninjask. Outrage and Earthquake complement each other nicely, hitting nearly every single Pokemon in the tier for at least neutral damage. The choice of the last move, depends largely upon what you want Rayquaza to do. If Steel-types like Skarmory and Forretress give Rayquaza trouble, then Overheat can be used to roast them. ExtremeSpeed, on the other hand, allows Rayquaza to take down weakened foes who are faster than Rayquaza, such as Scarf Palkia and Scarf Garchomp. While using Overheat, Rayquaza should go for a Hasty or Naive nature to prevent the drop in power.</p>
<p>Since Jolly Rayquaza can't always OHKO Lugia with Outrage, Stone Edge can be used over Earthquake to give it just a little more edge in power. An Adamant nature is also viable to increase the damage output, but it leaves Rayquaza prone to being revenge killed by Scarf Dialga. Also, Rayquaza should always run ExtremeSpeed while running Adamant ((backspace)or any other Attack-boosting nature) to beat Deoxys-A.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Wobbuffet is an excellent partner to Rayquaza to help it set up, since it can trap and eliminate Scarf users such as Palkia, Dialga, and Garchomp, all of whom can check Rayquaza thanks to their superior Speed. Wobbuffet can even use Encore and Safeguard to create an opening for Rayquaza to set up and sweep. Scizor makes a good teammate with its STAB U-turn and nifty priority in the form of STAB Bullet Punch. The infamous Double Dance strategy can be used with Salamence, thanks to Salamence being able to KO most of Rayquaza's checks or severely weaken most of Rayquaza's checks, and vice versa, allowing for a cleaner sweep.</p>
<p>Rayquaza loves proper team support. (duh..) Like most other sweepers, Rayquaza prefers entry hazards to be set up. Stealth Rock is extremely useful, since it allows Rayquaza to OHKO Lugia. Forretress and Deoxys-S can set up entry hazards with ease. Forretress deserves a special mention, since it has good synergy with Rayquaza and can spin away enemy entry hazards. Paralysis support is also advised, since it makes Scarf users such as Palkia unable to revenge kill Rayquaza. Lead Kyogre can fulfill this role well and also acts as a good Palkia lure.</p>
<p>Speedy Scarf users such as Palkia, Darkrai, Mewtwo, Terrakion, Jirachi, and Shaymin-S can all revenge kill Rayquaza, even after a Dragon Dance, no matter what EV spread Rayquaza is running. Groudon and Lugia can take most hits and hit back with either Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Lugia, however, needs to run a Bold or an Impish nature to live an +1 Outrage factoring in Stealth Rock damage. Skarmory walls the entire moveset unless Rayquaza runs Overheat. Skarmory can stall out Rayquaza with Toxic and Roost. Finally, powerful priority users such as Scizor or Weavile can revenge kill Rayquaza with Bullet Punch or Ice Shard, respectively.</p>
(don't mention counters in set comments unless you're going to lead onto how to stop them)
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: ExtremeSpeed
move 3: Dragon Claw / Waterfall
move 4: Earthquake / Overheat
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rayquaza is often seen boosting its Attack and Speed by Dragon Dance, but it is capable of utilizing Swords Dance to double its Attack. After a Swords Dance, Rayquaza reaches a ground-breaking 876 Attack. Although Rayquaza's meager base 95 Speed may seem rather underwhelming, fear not because Rayquaza gets ExtremeSpeed, (comma) which allows it to bypass its low Speed and hit many foes first anyway. After just one Swords Dance, Rayquaza can OHKO a significant part of the metagame with ExtremeSpeed, given Stealth Rock support. Darkrai is always OHKOed by a +2 ExtremeSpeed factoring in Stealth Rock damage, while offensive Mewtwo and Choice Scarf Palkia are also prone to being OHKOed with Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Dragon Claw is the primary STAB move. After a Swords Dance, it will always OHKO Great Wall Giratina, and do insane amounts of damage to anything not resisting it. Waterfall can be used over Dragon Claw if Groudon is a problem though. Assuming Rayquaza is using an Adamant nature, a +2 Waterfall does a whopping 77.7% - 91.6% to the standard supporter. With Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes, it has a fairly high chance to OHKO. Earthquake helps Rayquaza hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus, Dialga, and Metagross who could otherwise eat ExtremeSpeeds and Dragon Claws all day. Overheat makes short work of any Forretress or Ferrothorn hoping to wall Rayquaza.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Jolly nature is especially useful this generation with the the rise of the two new Dragon-types, Zekrom and Reshiram. Both usually run max Speed, and can outpace and OHKO Rayquaza with their powerful Dragon-type attacks if Rayquaza is running an Adamant nature. While using Jolly, running an alternate EV spread of 34 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 216 Spe is an option. It outspeeds Pokemon with base 90 Speed, and also gets a safe OHKO on Dragon Dance Rayquaza with ExtremeSpeed when Stealth Rock is up.</p>
<p>Entry hazard support is crucial for Swords Dance Rayquaza. Stealth Rock is near mandatory, since it allows Rayquaza to always OHKO Darkrai with a +2 ExtremeSpeed. Choice Scarf Palkia and offensive Mewtwo also have a high chance of being OHKOed with Stealth Rock down. Skarmory, Deoxys-S, Forretress, and Groudon can all set up hazards reliably. Forretress and Deoxys-S can also prevent hazards with either Rapid Spin or a fast Taunt, respectively. Wobbuffet can eliminate most of Rayquaza's checks; Tickle Wobbuffet paired with a Pursuit user can even take down Lugia. Body Slam Jirachi can switch in on most of Rayquaza's checks. It can then use Body Slam to paralyze and make them incapable of checking Rayquaza. Lucario also works in a similar way as compared to Jirachi. Jirachi can also take Dragon-type hits for Rayquaza, while Rayquaza can switch into any Ground-type move aimed at Jirachi.</p>
<p>Most powerful Scarf users can take down Rayquaza. Palkia, Jirachi, Terrakion, and Garchomp all make good checks. However, Garchomp needs to be at near-full health to live a +2 Life Orb-boosted ExtremeSpeed from Adamant Rayquaza. Extremely bulky physical walls, such as Lugia, Groudon, and Skarmory, can be annoying if Rayquaza either lacks the appropriate coverage move, or is outsped. Lugia can outspeed it easily and set up dual screens. It can then Roost off the damage, or OHKO Rayquaza with Ice Beam if Rayquaza has taken Stealth Rock damage. Extreme Killer Arceus can pose a threat to Rayquaza since an unboosted Life Orb ExtremeSpeed from Standard Normal Arceus has a high chance of OHKOing Rayquaza with Stealth Rock. Scizor can revenge weakened variants with Bullet Punch, and resists ExtremeSpeed.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Outrage / Dragon Tail / Brick Break
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Mixed Rayquaza is one of the most powerful wallbreakers in the entire Uber tier. Base 150 Attack and Special Attack go a long way in helping Rayquaza pick walls apart. This set attempts to lure in and obliterate usual Rayquaza switch-ins with its powerful special attacks. A Draco Meteor coming off 399 Special Attack will severely dent anything not resisting it, including Groudon and Lugia, both of which are cleanly 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. Any Steel-types courageous enough to face a Draco Meteor are swiftly barbecued by a Fire Blast. ExtremeSpeed allows Rayquaza to take down weakened Pokemon, and does decent damage even without investment. Outrage gives Rayquaza a powerful physical STAB move while Dragon Tail allows Rayquaza to scout any switch-ins. Brick Break can be used to punch holes in the pink blobs, Blissey and Chansey. Mixquaza, unlike other variants of Rayquaza, This set can be used as an effective offensive lead to put immediate pressure on the oppenent. While being used as a lead, Lum Berry is a very useful item since it allows Rayquaza to check any Darkrai hoping to set up on it. Focus Sash helps Rayquaza survive super effective hits which would normally OHKO it, but is near useless mid-game. However, Life Orb is by far the most useful item, as it allows Rayquaza to significantly increase its damage output.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As for the choice of nature, both Naive and Hasty are viable. However, Hasty is recommended since special attacks are far more common in Ubers. Also, a Speed-boosting nature helps Rayquaza outspeed all Pokemon with base 90 Speed.</p>
<p>Since mixed Rayquaza lacks the sheer offensive power of Dragon Dance Rayquaza or Swords Dance Rayquaza, entry hazards go a long way in helping Rayquaza break down walls. Pokemon such as Forretress and Deoxys-S are both adept at setting up Stealth Rock. Lucario is an amazing partner because of the great synergy it shares with Rayquaza, and the fact that Rayquaza lures in and KOs both Groudon and Lugia, two of Lucario's greatest counters. Bulk Up Dialga makes a great partner too, since it can plow though teams once Groudon is gone. Mixed Rayquaza can utilize the Double Dragon strategy quite effectively with Dragon Dance Salamence or Choice Band Garchomp. Once Rayquaza has killed or sufficiently weakened dedicated walls such as Groudon and Lugia, Salamence or Garchomp can cleave through the rest of the team with their brute strength. However, this strategy isn't lightly adopted, since it makes the team doubly weak to Dragon- and Ice-type attacks. Scarf Jirachi and Terrakion are both good teammates, since they cover Rayquaza's weaknesses while Rayquaza can in return eliminate their checks.</p>
<p>Similar to the other sets, Mixed Rayquaza is easily taken out by powerful Scarf users such as Kyogre and Dialga. However, since Mixed Rayquaza has no way of boosting its mediocre Speed, Pokemon with base 100 Speed and above, such as Salamence and Palkia, can outspeed Rayquaza without a Scarf. This makes Rayquaza somewhat less effective as a sweeper. Darkrai and Mewtwo are also effective checks to MixQuaza. Darkrai can put it to sleep with Dark Void, while Mewtwo OHKOes outright with Ice Beam. Scizor can easily revenge a weakened Rayquaza with Bullet Punch. Weavile and Mamoswine, though nearly non-existent in Ubers, can still revenge kill Rayquaza with Ice Shard.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Dragon Claw
move 2: Outrage / Overheat
move 3: ExtremeSpeed
move 4: Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Air Lock (it only has one ability)
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band allows Rayquaza to dish out some serious damage right off the bat without the need for any prior setup. The majority of the Uber tier is 2HKOed by an Outrage coming of Rayquaza's boosted 150 base Attack stat. Choice Band Garchomp gives this set some stiff competition with its better Speed stat and excellent dual STABs. However, Rayquaza has two key things going for it; powerful priority in the form of ExtremeSpeed and a higher base Attack allow Rayquaza to be a more effective sweeper and cleaner in Ubers. Earthquake has excellent neutral coverage in the Uber tier due to lack of Flying-types other than Lugia and Ho-Oh. If Steel-types like Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress are a problem, though, then Overheat can be used to scorch any Steel-type switch-ins them profoundly. However, it requires a decent bit of prediction to succeed and can often backfire. Unlike the mixed set, (comma) which takes down walls by attacking them on their weaker side, Choice Band Rayquaza aims to decimate walls by smashing through them with brute force. Both Lugia and Groudon take huge amounts of damage from Outrage. Outrage even has a small chance of OHKOing Lugia with Stealth Rock.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Though Adamant is the preferred nature, Jolly is still viable since it allows Rayquaza to outspeed all positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon with base 90 Speed, such as Reshiram and Zekrom. However, Rayquaza will have to sacrifice a significant bit of power in return for that extra Speed, and loses the possibility of OHKOing Lugia with Stealth Rocks up altogether.</p>
<p>Paralysis support is extremely useful for Rayquaza since Rayquaza has a sub-par base Speed stat which makes it prone to revenge killing. Entry hazards are useful because they help soften up bulkier Pokemon and make them vulnerable to being OHKOed by a powerful Outrage. Pokemon that can keep hazards off the field, such as Deoxys-S and Forretress, are appreciated due to Rayquaza's unfortunate Stealth Rock weakness. Magnezone makes a fantastic companion to Rayquaza, as it can trap and eliminate most Steel-types, and allow Rayquaza to spam Outrage without the fear of being used as setup bait. Also, Rayquaza and Magnezone have perfect synergy with each other.</p>
<p>Sturdy Steel-types such as Skarmory will have very little problem switching in and setting up hazards on any of Rayquaza's moves besides Overheat. Rayquaza can be easily revenge killed after it earns a KO or if the opponent predicts a move used.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>A Choice Specs set is very much possible, as it can severely dent typical Rayquaza switch-ins with a powerful Draco Meteor or Fire Blast. However, the mixed set already does this, while maintaining the freedom to switch moves. A Focus Sash Dragon Dance lead is viable, and almost always gets at least one killl. However, it lacks power and can't sweep late game.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>The best way to tackle Rayquaza is by revenge killing it. Scarf users such as Palkia, Terrakion, Mewtwo, Dakrai, Jirachi, and Garchomp can all check the Dragon Dance set and take out Rayquaza easily due to its frailty. Meanwhile, Terrakion, Scarf Dialga and Jirachi are capable of revenge killing the Swords Dance set. Palkia, Garchomp, and Salamence can also revenge kill most Rayquaza sets other than the Dragon Dance set. However, they take a hefty amount of damage from a boosted ExtremeSpeed. Lugia can check the Swords Dance set quite well, as it can outspeed it, set up Reflect, (comma) and threaten a KO with Ice Beam. Support Groudon also does a decent job at checking Rayquaza, and can phaze it away with Dragon Tail, doing a decent chunk of damage. Skarmory can also handle Dragon Dance and Swords Dance Rayquaza if they lack Overheat.</p>
I did mention how to check the counters I mentioned in AC. They are just in the paragraph before, so you probably didn't connect the two. But I've the moved the paragraph containing the checks above so it will make more sense.
EDIT
-Got in Aerons check. But this is NOT done. I'll want to confirm with him once before i mark this Done.
@Gigity
-if you Draco Meteor to break the sub, you are essentially at the mercy of whatever switches in. Also I doubt Mew ever uses BP without Screens. Also Mixquaza is not a phazer, its a wall breaker. Its job is not with Mew but rather with Groudon and Lugia and co. If you want to finish off BP Mew just use Lugia / Groudon to Roar it off.
EDIT
-Got in Aerons check. But this is NOT done. I'll want to confirm with him once before i mark this Done.
@Gigity
-if you Draco Meteor to break the sub, you are essentially at the mercy of whatever switches in. Also I doubt Mew ever uses BP without Screens. Also Mixquaza is not a phazer, its a wall breaker. Its job is not with Mew but rather with Groudon and Lugia and co. If you want to finish off BP Mew just use Lugia / Groudon to Roar it off.
Just some nitpicks
This sort of overhype really doesn't belong in an analysis imo, especially while mewtwo exists.
Well? Can it be walled or can't it? You don't sound too confident...if you're second guessing your hype, you shouldn't be hyping.
What sweeper can't demolish teams in a heartbeat should it be given a chance?
While rayquaza has a higher attack stat, Absol gets STAB on sucker punch.
Rogue comma missed in proofread
The past mixquaza spread was 40 Atk, 252 SpA, 216 Spe but the little extra Attack probably doesn't matter much. Speed tying at worst with other Rayquaza is actually better than a little more Attack.
Mewtwo lacks Psytrike in DPP Ubers. Relying on Ice Beam and Aura Sphere on coverage means even Blissey beats it. Ho-Oh and Kyogre both rape Mewtwo in DPP. Scizor and Jirachi owns you. Mewtwo lacks initial power in DPP.
Rayquaza's Draco Meteor has huge amount of initial power without the need to set up. Even with Psytrike, Rayquaza outdamages Mewtwo with Outrage or Draco Meteor.
Unlike Mewtwo, Rayquaza can boosts its Speed with Dragon Dance or boost up faster with Swords Dance. If you are expecting Dragon Dance Rayquaza, but it turns out to be Swords Dance Rayquaza, your check is screwed unless you are using Lugia or Groudon.
Scarf Palkia beats Dragon Dance Rayquaza but loses to Swords Dance ones. This is just an example. In Mewtwo's case, it's always the Calm Mind attacker when sweeping. Scarf Kyogre, Zekrom, Victini and Ho-Oh can always revenge kill Psycho Killer Mewtwo.
I won't say Mewtwo is a better sweeper than Rayquaza even in BW. In DPP, Rayquaza clearly has more power and much deadlier moves.
Mewtwo lacks Psytrike in DPP Ubers. Relying on Ice Beam and Aura Sphere on coverage means even Blissey beats it. Ho-Oh and Kyogre both rape Mewtwo in DPP. Scizor and Jirachi owns you. Mewtwo lacks initial power in DPP.
Rayquaza's Draco Meteor has huge amount of initial power without the need to set up. Even with Psytrike, Rayquaza outdamages Mewtwo with Outrage or Draco Meteor.
Unlike Mewtwo, Rayquaza can boosts its Speed with Dragon Dance or boost up faster with Swords Dance. If you are expecting Dragon Dance Rayquaza, but it turns out to be Swords Dance Rayquaza, your check is screwed unless you are using Lugia or Groudon.
Scarf Palkia beats Dragon Dance Rayquaza but loses to Swords Dance ones. This is just an example. In Mewtwo's case, it's always the Calm Mind attacker when sweeping. Scarf Kyogre, Zekrom, Victini and Ho-Oh can always revenge kill Psycho Killer Mewtwo.
I won't say Mewtwo is a better sweeper than Rayquaza even in BW. In DPP, Rayquaza clearly has more power and much deadlier moves.
I think you should just replace "deadly" with iconic
Yeah, but I would rather be at the mercy of whatever dragon tail drags out after mew BP's than be at the mercy of what Outrage fails to OHKO when mew BP's. I do not think that it should be the main slash at all, but it is definitely worth a mention.
Ok so Green Mage I hope you got your answer ! Trickroom even posted it twice ! BAD trickroom !
@Calze- I calced it and it doesnt seem so. With the older spread it does 74.7% - 88% to Wish Bliss while with the newer one it does 72.4% - 85.3%. Not too much of a difference when you look at it. So I doubt the 40 Attack does anything extra.
EDIT: Also Gigity, I'll let trickroom take the call on whether it gets a mention or no.
EDIT: I removed the repititive stuff(mainly checks) from AC after asking AeronAe1. So now this is done. However any QC can still continue so you can still post in this thread if you want :p
@Calze- I calced it and it doesnt seem so. With the older spread it does 74.7% - 88% to Wish Bliss while with the newer one it does 72.4% - 85.3%. Not too much of a difference when you look at it. So I doubt the 40 Attack does anything extra.
EDIT: Also Gigity, I'll let trickroom take the call on whether it gets a mention or no.
EDIT: I removed the repititive stuff(mainly checks) from AC after asking AeronAe1. So now this is done. However any QC can still continue so you can still post in this thread if you want :p
I was somehow under the impression that this was a 5th gen analysis. My mistake.
It is a 5th gen analysis. However, if you had bothered to read properly you would have realised that the particular line refers to gen4(DPP).
Umm...that is why i said 'my mistake'...
Would Yache berry ever be viable on any of the sets? It has pretty much the same bulk as garchomp at 105/95/95 who runs a similar set and allows it to survive stuff like modest max sp. atk kyogre's ice beam. Plus it has extremespeed that allows it not to be taken out by other forms of priority. I know it might not be the best choice, but I think it at least deserves a mention.
well i run yache berry at times, but tbh it doesnt really matter. haban is a better option....fucking scarf palkia.(that is if you want a resist berry)
Er isn't the best wallbreaker in DPP Ubers Specs Kyogre? There's also Deoxys-A to consider ... if nothing else, since all the Ubers are capable of wiping out teams in the blink of an eye, there would be no real "best" wallbreaker, would there (or it would be highly subjective)?
Also this:
Style problem in my opinion. I'd rewrite to "Rayquaza has a huge movepool, including the strongest priority move in the game (Extremespeed) as well as a fantastic ability ...".
Theorymon asked me to revamp this analysis with ways to fix Rayquaza's problems and certain calcs. So I'm going to revisit this analysis Also we had a conversation on IRC which I will post here.
TL;DR Mixed becomes the second set, CB gets removed.
CB ray sucks though. if u lock yourself in on extremespeed and CM/SD ghostceus comes in......god help you
