Monotype Specially Defensive Articuno (Flying) [QC: 2/2] [GP: 1/1]

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TheRealBigC

TheRealBigC

[SET]
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Substitute / U-turn
- Haze

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno has carved itself an important position in Flying’s roster as the type’s premier special wall and Ice Beam sponge, serving as a bulwark against key foes such as Choice Specs Greninja, Choice Specs Dragapult, Calm Mind Ursaluna-B, Frosmoth, and Nasty Plot Slowbro, which are otherwise extremely threatening to Flying teams. Freeze-Dry is the only offensive move Articuno needs, pressuring many crucial targets throughout the metagame such as both Landorus formes, Toxapex, Quagsire, Ogerpon-W, Manaphy, and Enamorus. Aside from hitting Water-types for super effective damage, Freeze-Dry is also particularly useful on this relatively passive set due to its high 32 PP. This allows Articuno to stay threatening over longer games despite only using one attacking move as well as repeatedly fish for freezes against neutral targets such as Hatterene and Galarian Weezing. Substitute blocks Toxic from Toxapex, Quagsire, Clodsire, and Mandibuzz, allowing Articuno to duel these Pokemon and come out on top. Furthermore, Substitute combined with Roost and Pressure allows Articuno to stall out foes such as Frosmoth and Ursaluna-B, draining their PP so Articuno’s teammates can come in and take advantage of them. As an alternative to Substitute, U-turn can be used to make Articuno less passive and safely bring in teammates against faster foes, which is especially beneficial for teammates such as Choice Band Dragonite and Galarian Moltres. Haze rounds out this set by preventing Articuno from becoming setup fodder against foes such as Sinistcha, Ursaluna-B, Manaphy, and Hatterene. Furthermore, Haze can be used to neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill’s boosts, as with these EVs Articuno will always outspeed it and survive a +6 Aqua Jet from full HP. The given EVs allow Articuno to outrun uninvested Landorus-T, Adamant Torterra, and maximum Speed Azumarill while maximizing special bulk.

Gliscor is an excellent partner to Articuno, nullifying Electric-type attacks and Toxic aimed at Articuno, absorbing Knock Off to prevent the removal of Articuno’s Heavy-Duty Boots, and threatening Steel-types such as Heatran and Hisuian Goodra with its STAB Earthquake. In exchange, Gliscor appreciates Articuno taking Ice Beam from threats such as Greninja and handling Water-types such as Walking Wake and Manaphy. Alternatively, physically defensive Landorus-T complements Articuno by threatening Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Kleavor and absorbing Electric-type hits while forming a defensive core with it. Landorus-T similarly appreciates Articuno taking on foes such as Frosmoth and Ogerpon-W while being offensively threatening against Steel- and Fire-types that wall Articuno such as Empoleon, Ceruledge, and Hisuian Arcanine. Physically defensive Corviknight is another teammate that forms a defensive core with Articuno, serving as a check to many physical sweepers that would otherwise take advantage of it, such as Scizor, Baxcalibur, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit, especially if running Iron Defense. Moreover, Corviknight can block Toxic aimed at Articuno and clear Stealth Rock using Defog in the event that Articuno has its item removed. In return, Articuno can deal with various special threats that would threaten or take advantage of Corviknight, such as Choice Specs Dragapult, Manaphy, and Slowbro. The combination of Articuno, Corviknight, and specially defensive Gliscor also allows Flying to safely handle all standard variants of Flutter Mane, which is of great use due to how threatening this Pokemon can be to Flying teams if left unchecked. Moltres pairs nicely with Articuno, checking various physical threats such as Chien-Pao, Kingambit, and Ogerpon-H, while Articuno answers Water-types for it. Zapdos and Thundurus-T can take out barriers to Articuno such as Empoleon and Corviknight with their Electric-type STAB moves; physically defensive Zapdos using Heat Wave can also answer Iron Treads and compounds nicely with Articuno’s special walling capabilities and neutrality to Ice. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Dragonite, Galarian Moltres, and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T enjoy Articuno removing impediments to their sweeping such as Quagsire, Clodsire, Slowbro, and Amoonguss. Choice Scarf Enamorus supports Articuno by revenge killing foes such as Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and both Urshifu formes, and can use Healing Wish to cure Articuno’s status condition and bring it back to full HP in a pinch. Galarian Zapdos is an alternative Choice Scarf user that also hits the aforementioned targets while lacking a Stealth Rock weakness, possessing the ability to pivot with U-turn, and being more useful against types such as Bug. Physically defensive Gyarados can also aid Articuno by serving as a response to sweepers like Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Dragonite; to return the favor, Articuno deals with Quagsire and Clodsire. It should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential teammates for Articuno, as virtually every Flying option appreciates it soaking up Ice Beams and walling special threats.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Flying
--------
Hurricane can be used over Substitute or U-turn as a way to make Articuno more threatening against foes such as Iron Valiant, Iron Defense Zamazenta, and Abomasnow; however, it has poor accuracy and using it foregoes the generally greater utility of these two moves. An alternative EV spread of 240 HP / 84 SpD / 184 Spe allows Articuno to outspeed maximum Speed Pelipper, Frosmoth, and Hisuian Braviary while still avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Greninja.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Flying analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/neko.542526/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ashbala.518038/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
 
Last edited:
[SET]
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Substitute / U-Turn
- Haze

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno has carved itself an important position in Flying’s roster as the type’s premier special wall and Ice Beam sponge, serving as a bulwark against key foes such as Choice Specs Greninja, Choice Specs Dragapult, Calm Mind Ursaluna-B, Frosmoth, and Nasty Plot Slowbro who are otherwise extremely threatening to Flying teams. Freeze-Dry is the only offensive move Articuno needs, pressuring many crucial targets throughout the metagame such as Landorus, Toxapex, Quagsire, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Manaphy, and Enamorus. Aside from hitting Water-types for super effective damage, Freeze-Dry is also particularly useful on this relatively passive set due to its high 32 PP. This allows Articuno to stay threatening over longer games despite only using one attacking move, as well as repeatedly fish for freezes against neutral targets such as Hatterene and Galarian Weezing. Substitute blocks Toxic from Toxapex, Quagsire, Clodsire, and Mandibuzz, allowing Articuno to duel these Pokemon and come out on top. Furthermore, Substitute combined with Roost and Pressure allows Articuno to stall out foes such as Frosmoth and Ursaluna-B, draining their PP so Articuno’s teammates can come in and take advantage of them. As an alternative to Substitute, U-Turn can be used to make Articuno less passive and safely bring in teammates against faster foes (you could mention mons that take advantage of cuno, if you want). Haze rounds out this set by preventing Articuno from becoming set-up fodder against foes such as Sinistcha, Ursaluna-B, Manaphy, and Hatterene. Furthermore, Haze can be used to neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill’s boosts, as with these EVs Articuno will always outspeed it and survive a +6 Aqua Jet from full HP. The given EVs allow Articuno to outrun uninvested Landorus-Therian, Adamant Torterra, and maximum Speed Azumarill while maximizing special bulk.

Gliscor is an excellent partner to Articuno, nullifying Electric attacks and Toxic aimed at Articuno, absorbing Knock Off to prevent the removal of Articuno’s Heavy-Duty Boots, and threatening Steel-types such as Heatran and Hisuian Goodra with its STAB Earthquake. In exchange, Gliscor appreciates Articuno taking Ice Beams from threats such as Greninja and handling Water-types such as Walking Wake and Manaphy. (Alternatively? Fitting 2 grounds is quite rare) Physically defensive Landorus-Therian complements Articuno by threatening Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Kleavor and absorbing Electric hits whilst forming a defensive core with it. Landorus similarly appreciates Articuno taking on foes such as Frosmoth and Ogerpon-Wellspring while being offensively threatening against Steel- and Fire-types that wall Articuno such as Ceruledge, Hisuian Arcanine, and Empoleon. Physically defensive Corviknight is another teammate that forms a defensive core with Articuno, serving as a check to many physical sweepers who would otherwise take advantage of it such as Scizor, Baxcalibur, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit (if Iron Defense (esp for bax)?). Moreover, Corviknight can block Toxic aimed at Articuno, and clear Stealth Rock using Defog in the event that Articuno has its item removed. In return, Articuno can deal with various special threats that would threaten or take advantage of Corviknight, such as Choice Specs Dragapult, Manaphy, and Slowbro. Moltres pairs nicely with Articuno, checking various physical threats such as Chien-Pao, Kingambit, and Ogerpon-Hearthflame (pon sometimes comes on on top vs molt), while Articuno answers Water-types for it. Zapdos and Thundurus-Therian can take out barriers to Articuno such as Empoleon and Corviknight with their Electric STAB moves; physically defensive Zapdos using Heat Wave can also answer Iron Treads, and compounds nicely with Articuno’s special walling capabilities and Ice neutrality. Dragon Dance Dragonite enjoys Articuno removing impediments to its sweeping such as Quagsire, Slowbro, and Amoonguss.(maybe you could generalize this to setup sweepers in general, including Torn-T and Goltres? Specially nice if cuno is uturn too. Band nite/G.Zap would be a nice mention too tho, as it covers for Cuno's bad damage, and appreciates the wearing down thing it does) Choice Scarf Enamorus supports Articuno by revenge killing foes such as Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Urshifu, and can use Healing Wish to cure Articuno’s status conditions and bring it back to full HP in a pinch. Physically defensive Gyarados can also aid Articuno by serving as a response to sweepers like Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Dragonite (can be bundled with scarf G.Zap too?); to return the favor, Articuno deals with Quagsire and Clodsire.(gyar sort of fell out of favor) It should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential teammates for Articuno, as virtually every Flying option appreciates it soaking up Ice Beams and walling special threats.

*it irks me that not a single FM is mentioned in the analysis, but you can note that with Glisc/Cuno/Corv core you should be able to deal with most variants of FM (which is extremely threatening to the type) at least. One of the nice things Cuno does to Flying at least.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
Hurricane can be used over Substitute or U-Turn as a way to make Articuno more threatening against foes such as Iron Valiant, Volcarona (sort of still lose the trade on this, more on really just punishing Val and ID Zama sometimes), and Abomasnow; however, it has poor accuracy and using it foregoes the generally greater utility of these two moves. An alternative EV spread of 240 HP / 84 SpD / 184 Spe allows Articuno to outspeed maximum Speed Pelipper, Frosmoth, and Hisuian Braviary while still avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Greninja.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Flying analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Quality checked by:

Grammar checked by:
QC 1/2, thankie the real big C
 
Neko said:
[SET]
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Substitute / U-Turn
- Haze

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno has carved itself an important position in Flying’s roster as the type’s premier special wall and Ice Beam sponge, serving as a bulwark against key foes such as Choice Specs Greninja, Choice Specs Dragapult, Calm Mind Ursaluna-B, Frosmoth, and Nasty Plot Slowbro who are otherwise extremely threatening to Flying teams. Freeze-Dry is the only offensive move Articuno needs, pressuring many crucial targets throughout the metagame such as Landorus, Toxapex, Quagsire, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Manaphy, and Enamorus. Aside from hitting Water-types for super effective damage, Freeze-Dry is also particularly useful on this relatively passive set due to its high 32 PP. This allows Articuno to stay threatening over longer games despite only using one attacking move, as well as repeatedly fish for freezes against neutral targets such as Hatterene and Galarian Weezing. Substitute blocks Toxic from Toxapex, Quagsire, Clodsire, and Mandibuzz, allowing Articuno to duel these Pokemon and come out on top. Furthermore, Substitute combined with Roost and Pressure allows Articuno to stall out foes such as Frosmoth and Ursaluna-B, draining their PP so Articuno’s teammates can come in and take advantage of them. As an alternative to Substitute, U-Turn can be used to make Articuno less passive and safely bring in teammates against faster foes (you could mention mons that take advantage of cuno, if you want). Haze rounds out this set by preventing Articuno from becoming set-up fodder against foes such as Sinistcha, Ursaluna-B, Manaphy, and Hatterene. Furthermore, Haze can be used to neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill’s boosts, as with these EVs Articuno will always outspeed it and survive a +6 Aqua Jet from full HP. The given EVs allow Articuno to outrun uninvested Landorus-Therian, Adamant Torterra, and maximum Speed Azumarill while maximizing special bulk.

Gliscor is an excellent partner to Articuno, nullifying Electric attacks and Toxic aimed at Articuno, absorbing Knock Off to prevent the removal of Articuno’s Heavy-Duty Boots, and threatening Steel-types such as Heatran and Hisuian Goodra with its STAB Earthquake. In exchange, Gliscor appreciates Articuno taking Ice Beams from threats such as Greninja and handling Water-types such as Walking Wake and Manaphy. (Alternatively? Fitting 2 grounds is quite rare) Physically defensive Landorus-Therian complements Articuno by threatening Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Kleavor and absorbing Electric hits whilst forming a defensive core with it. Landorus similarly appreciates Articuno taking on foes such as Frosmoth and Ogerpon-Wellspring while being offensively threatening against Steel- and Fire-types that wall Articuno such as Ceruledge, Hisuian Arcanine, and Empoleon. Physically defensive Corviknight is another teammate that forms a defensive core with Articuno, serving as a check to many physical sweepers who would otherwise take advantage of it such as Scizor, Baxcalibur, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit (if Iron Defense (esp for bax)?). Moreover, Corviknight can block Toxic aimed at Articuno, and clear Stealth Rock using Defog in the event that Articuno has its item removed. In return, Articuno can deal with various special threats that would threaten or take advantage of Corviknight, such as Choice Specs Dragapult, Manaphy, and Slowbro. Moltres pairs nicely with Articuno, checking various physical threats such as Chien-Pao, Kingambit, and Ogerpon-Hearthflame (pon sometimes comes on on top vs molt), while Articuno answers Water-types for it. Zapdos and Thundurus-Therian can take out barriers to Articuno such as Empoleon and Corviknight with their Electric STAB moves; physically defensive Zapdos using Heat Wave can also answer Iron Treads, and compounds nicely with Articuno’s special walling capabilities and Ice neutrality. Dragon Dance Dragonite enjoys Articuno removing impediments to its sweeping such as Quagsire, Slowbro, and Amoonguss.(maybe you could generalize this to setup sweepers in general, including Torn-T and Goltres? Specially nice if cuno is uturn too. Band nite/G.Zap would be a nice mention too tho, as it covers for Cuno's bad damage, and appreciates the wearing down thing it does) Choice Scarf Enamorus supports Articuno by revenge killing foes such as Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Urshifu, and can use Healing Wish to cure Articuno’s status conditions and bring it back to full HP in a pinch. Physically defensive Gyarados can also aid Articuno by serving as a response to sweepers like Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Dragonite (can be bundled with scarf G.Zap too?); to return the favor, Articuno deals with Quagsire and Clodsire.(gyar sort of fell out of favor) It should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential teammates for Articuno, as virtually every Flying option appreciates it soaking up Ice Beams and walling special threats.

*it irks me that not a single FM is mentioned in the analysis, but you can note that with Glisc/Cuno/Corv core you should be able to deal with most variants of FM (which is extremely threatening to the type) at least. One of the nice things Cuno does to Flying at least.

[OTHER OPTIONS]
Hurricane can be used over Substitute or U-Turn as a way to make Articuno more threatening against foes such as Iron Valiant, Volcarona (sort of still lose the trade on this, more on really just punishing Val and ID Zama sometimes), and Abomasnow; however, it has poor accuracy and using it foregoes the generally greater utility of these two moves. An alternative EV spread of 240 HP / 84 SpD / 184 Spe allows Articuno to outspeed maximum Speed Pelipper, Frosmoth, and Hisuian Braviary while still avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Greninja.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Flying analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Quality checked by:

Grammar checked by:
QC 1/2, thankie the real big C
Click to expand...
Implemented, thank you Neko :blobnom:
 
good work TheRealBigC

QC 2/2

Ashbala.gif
 
1/1 GP Team done
add remove comment
[SET]
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Substitute / U-Turn U-turn
- Haze

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno has carved itself an important position in Flying’s roster as the type’s premier special wall and Ice Beam sponge, serving as a bulwark against key foes such as Choice Specs Greninja, Choice Specs Dragapult, Calm Mind Ursaluna-B, Frosmoth, and Nasty Plot Slowbro, (ac) who which Pokemon are referred to as which/that instead of who just for future reference are otherwise extremely threatening to Flying teams. Freeze-Dry is the only offensive move Articuno needs, pressuring many crucial targets throughout the metagame such as Landorus Landorus-T if therian, Landorus if base, both Landorus formes (if you mean both), Toxapex, Quagsire, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Manaphy, and Enamorus. Aside from hitting Water-types for super effective damage, Freeze-Dry is also particularly useful on this relatively passive set due to its high 32 PP. This allows Articuno to stay threatening over longer games despite only using one attacking move (rc) as well as repeatedly fish for freezes against neutral targets such as Hatterene and Galarian Weezing. Substitute blocks Toxic from Toxapex, Quagsire, Clodsire, and Mandibuzz, allowing Articuno to duel these Pokemon and come out on top. Furthermore, Substitute combined with Roost and Pressure allows Articuno to stall out foes such as Frosmoth and Ursaluna-B, draining their PP so Articuno’s teammates can come in and take advantage of them. As an alternative to Substitute, U-Turn U-turn can be used to make Articuno less passive and safely bring in teammates against faster foes, which is especially beneficial for teammates such as Choice Band Dragonite or and Galarian Moltres. Haze rounds out this set by preventing Articuno from becoming set-up setup fodder against foes such as Sinistcha, Ursaluna-B, Manaphy, and Hatterene. Furthermore, Haze can be used to neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill’s boosts, as with these EVs Articuno will always outspeed it and survive a +6 Aqua Jet from full HP. The given EVs allow Articuno to outrun uninvested Landorus-Therian, Adamant Torterra, and maximum Speed Azumarill while maximizing special bulk.

Gliscor is an excellent partner to Articuno, nullifying Electric-type attacks and Toxic aimed at Articuno, absorbing Knock Off to prevent the removal of Articuno’s Heavy-Duty Boots, and threatening Steel-types such as Heatran and Hisuian Goodra with its STAB Earthquake. In exchange, Gliscor appreciates Articuno taking Ice Beams from threats such as Greninja and handling Water-types such as Walking Wake and Manaphy. Alternatively, physically defensive Landorus-Therian complements Articuno by threatening Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Kleavor and absorbing Electric-type hits whilst while forming a defensive core with it. Landorus-T similarly appreciates Articuno taking on foes such as Frosmoth and Ogerpon-Wellspring while being offensively threatening against Steel- and Fire-types that wall Articuno such as Ceruledge, Hisuian Arcanine, and Empoleon Empoleon, Ceruledge, and Hisuian Arcanine matching previous Steel- and Fire-types; this is subjective and a personal preference; you don't have to make this change if you don't want. Physically defensive Corviknight is another teammate that forms a defensive core with Articuno, serving as a check to many physical sweepers who that would otherwise take advantage of it, (ac) such as Scizor, Baxcalibur, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit, especially if running Iron Defense. Moreover, Corviknight can block Toxic aimed at Articuno (rc) and clear Stealth Rock using Defog in the event that Articuno has its item removed. In return, Articuno can deal with various special threats that would threaten or take advantage of Corviknight, such as Choice Specs Dragapult, Manaphy, and Slowbro. The combination of Articuno, Corviknight, and specially defensive Gliscor also allows Flying to safely handle all standard variants of Flutter Mane, which is of great use due to how threatening this Pokemon can be to Flying teams if left unchecked. Moltres pairs nicely with Articuno, checking various physical threats such as Chien-Pao, Kingambit, and Ogerpon-Hearthflame, while Articuno answers Water-types for it. Zapdos and Thundurus-Therian can take out barriers to Articuno such as Empoleon and Corviknight with their Electric-type STAB moves; physically defensive Zapdos using Heat Wave can also answer Iron Treads (rc) and compounds nicely with Articuno’s special walling capabilities and neutrality to Ice neutrality. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Dragonite, Galarian Moltres, and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T enjoy Articuno removing impediments to their sweeping such as Quagsire, Clodsire, Slowbro, and Amoonguss. Choice Scarf Enamorus supports Articuno by revenge killing foes such as Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Urshifu Urshifu-S, Urshifu-R, or "both Urshifu formes" depending which you mean, and can use Healing Wish to cure Articuno’s status conditions and bring it back to full HP in a pinch. Galarian Zapdos is an alternative Choice Scarf user who that also hits the aforementioned targets while lacking a Stealth Rock weakness, possessing the ability to pivot with U-Turn U-turn, and being more useful against types such as Bug. Physically defensive Gyarados can also aid Articuno by serving as a response to sweepers like Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Dragonite; to return the favor, Articuno deals with Quagsire and Clodsire. It should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential teammates for Articuno, as virtually every Flying option appreciates it soaking up Ice Beams and walling special threats.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hurricane can be used over Substitute or U-Turn U-turn as a way to make Articuno more threatening against foes such as Iron Valiant, Iron Defense Zamazenta, and Abomasnow; however, it has poor accuracy and using it foregoes the generally greater utility of these two moves. An alternative EV spread of 240 HP / 84 SpD / 184 Spe allows Articuno to outspeed maximum Speed Pelipper, Frosmoth, and Hisuian Braviary while still avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Greninja.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Flying analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/neko.542526/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ashbala.518038/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
 
ken said:
1/1 GP Team done
add remove comment
[SET]
Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Specially Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 208 SpD / 52 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Roost
- Substitute / U-Turn U-turn
- Haze

[SET COMMENTS]
Articuno has carved itself an important position in Flying’s roster as the type’s premier special wall and Ice Beam sponge, serving as a bulwark against key foes such as Choice Specs Greninja, Choice Specs Dragapult, Calm Mind Ursaluna-B, Frosmoth, and Nasty Plot Slowbro, (ac) who which Pokemon are referred to as which/that instead of who just for future reference are otherwise extremely threatening to Flying teams. Freeze-Dry is the only offensive move Articuno needs, pressuring many crucial targets throughout the metagame such as Landorus Landorus-T if therian, Landorus if base, both Landorus formes (if you mean both), Toxapex, Quagsire, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Manaphy, and Enamorus. Aside from hitting Water-types for super effective damage, Freeze-Dry is also particularly useful on this relatively passive set due to its high 32 PP. This allows Articuno to stay threatening over longer games despite only using one attacking move (rc) as well as repeatedly fish for freezes against neutral targets such as Hatterene and Galarian Weezing. Substitute blocks Toxic from Toxapex, Quagsire, Clodsire, and Mandibuzz, allowing Articuno to duel these Pokemon and come out on top. Furthermore, Substitute combined with Roost and Pressure allows Articuno to stall out foes such as Frosmoth and Ursaluna-B, draining their PP so Articuno’s teammates can come in and take advantage of them. As an alternative to Substitute, U-Turn U-turn can be used to make Articuno less passive and safely bring in teammates against faster foes, which is especially beneficial for teammates such as Choice Band Dragonite or and Galarian Moltres. Haze rounds out this set by preventing Articuno from becoming set-up setup fodder against foes such as Sinistcha, Ursaluna-B, Manaphy, and Hatterene. Furthermore, Haze can be used to neutralize Belly Drum Azumarill’s boosts, as with these EVs Articuno will always outspeed it and survive a +6 Aqua Jet from full HP. The given EVs allow Articuno to outrun uninvested Landorus-Therian, Adamant Torterra, and maximum Speed Azumarill while maximizing special bulk.

Gliscor is an excellent partner to Articuno, nullifying Electric-type attacks and Toxic aimed at Articuno, absorbing Knock Off to prevent the removal of Articuno’s Heavy-Duty Boots, and threatening Steel-types such as Heatran and Hisuian Goodra with its STAB Earthquake. In exchange, Gliscor appreciates Articuno taking Ice Beams from threats such as Greninja and handling Water-types such as Walking Wake and Manaphy. Alternatively, physically defensive Landorus-Therian complements Articuno by threatening Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Kleavor and absorbing Electric-type hits whilst while forming a defensive core with it. Landorus-T similarly appreciates Articuno taking on foes such as Frosmoth and Ogerpon-Wellspring while being offensively threatening against Steel- and Fire-types that wall Articuno such as Ceruledge, Hisuian Arcanine, and Empoleon Empoleon, Ceruledge, and Hisuian Arcanine matching previous Steel- and Fire-types; this is subjective and a personal preference; you don't have to make this change if you don't want. Physically defensive Corviknight is another teammate that forms a defensive core with Articuno, serving as a check to many physical sweepers who that would otherwise take advantage of it, (ac) such as Scizor, Baxcalibur, Chien-Pao, and Kingambit, especially if running Iron Defense. Moreover, Corviknight can block Toxic aimed at Articuno (rc) and clear Stealth Rock using Defog in the event that Articuno has its item removed. In return, Articuno can deal with various special threats that would threaten or take advantage of Corviknight, such as Choice Specs Dragapult, Manaphy, and Slowbro. The combination of Articuno, Corviknight, and specially defensive Gliscor also allows Flying to safely handle all standard variants of Flutter Mane, which is of great use due to how threatening this Pokemon can be to Flying teams if left unchecked. Moltres pairs nicely with Articuno, checking various physical threats such as Chien-Pao, Kingambit, and Ogerpon-Hearthflame, while Articuno answers Water-types for it. Zapdos and Thundurus-Therian can take out barriers to Articuno such as Empoleon and Corviknight with their Electric-type STAB moves; physically defensive Zapdos using Heat Wave can also answer Iron Treads (rc) and compounds nicely with Articuno’s special walling capabilities and neutrality to Ice neutrality. Setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Dragonite, Galarian Moltres, and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T enjoy Articuno removing impediments to their sweeping such as Quagsire, Clodsire, Slowbro, and Amoonguss. Choice Scarf Enamorus supports Articuno by revenge killing foes such as Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Urshifu Urshifu-S, Urshifu-R, or "both Urshifu formes" depending which you mean, and can use Healing Wish to cure Articuno’s status conditions and bring it back to full HP in a pinch. Galarian Zapdos is an alternative Choice Scarf user who that also hits the aforementioned targets while lacking a Stealth Rock weakness, possessing the ability to pivot with U-Turn U-turn, and being more useful against types such as Bug. Physically defensive Gyarados can also aid Articuno by serving as a response to sweepers like Chien-Pao, Baxcalibur, and Dragonite; to return the favor, Articuno deals with Quagsire and Clodsire. It should be noted that this is by no means an exhaustive list of potential teammates for Articuno, as virtually every Flying option appreciates it soaking up Ice Beams and walling special threats.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hurricane can be used over Substitute or U-Turn U-turn as a way to make Articuno more threatening against foes such as Iron Valiant, Iron Defense Zamazenta, and Abomasnow; however, it has poor accuracy and using it foregoes the generally greater utility of these two moves. An alternative EV spread of 240 HP / 84 SpD / 184 Spe allows Articuno to outspeed maximum Speed Pelipper, Frosmoth, and Hisuian Braviary while still avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Greninja.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Flying analysis by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/therealbigc.532450/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/neko.542526/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ashbala.518038/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ken.594478/
Click to expand...
Implemented, thank you ken!
 
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