[Overview]
<p>Back in the GSC and ADV eras, Suicune was once one of the best Pokemon in the game. A
Water typing along with excellent 100 / 115 / 115 defenses make Suicune a defensive behemoth, while access to Calm Mind and a decent 90 Special Attack are icing on the cake
, using its good offensive typing to sweep. Unfortunately, a lot has changed, and Suicune struggles to stand
up to the new metagame. BW2 has ushered
in a more fast paced and highly offensive metagame, which means Suicune's bulk sometimes isn't enough to withstand even unboosted hits. The ever-present nuisances of Ferrothorn and Celebi make it hard for Suicune as well. Finally, Suicune receives stiff competition from the likes of other Pokemon such as Keldeo and Latias as a Calm Mind user in OU.</p>
<p>However, Suicune does have its perks. Suicune stands strong with its unparalleled mixed bulk, especially in comparison to other bulky Water-types. Its access to Calm Mind and good STAB can make Suicune a strong offensive threat as well
, denting teams without a resist. Suicune also benefits from the presence of rain, as its typing allows it to take on many common threats in rain while it enjoys the buffing of its own STAB move. Suicune may have taken a hit in its effectiveness, but it still stands strong as a bulky Water-type that can hit potently hard.</p>
[SET]
name: CroCune
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Scald
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A relic from the ADV era, CroCune stands as Suicune's only viable set in the BW2 OU metagame. Using its high defenses, good typing, and Calm Mind, Suicune can make for a
solid and bulky late-game sweeper. While the sleep mechanics of the fifth generation have somewhat hindered this set's effectiveness, Suicune's unparalleled bulk
allows it to survive the turns of Rest, especially when its counters have been removed from the match. Pressure is also a great asset, allowing Suicune to stall the PP of moves such as Thunder and Giga Drain.
Calm Mind is the crux of this set, as Boosting Suicune's special stats to formidable levels
with Calm Mind is this set's ultimate goal. Scald is a solid STAB move that hits fairly hard after multiple boosts; the burning chance also complements Suicune's ability to take hits. Rest is unfortunately Suicune's only form of recovery, although
it has enough bulk to endure the sleep turns. Sleep Talk is in the final moveslot so that Suicune can accomplish either
gaining extra boosts or firing
off Scalds while
it's asleep.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread
and nature invests fully into physical bulk as Calm Mind is boosting Special Defense, hence maximizing Suicune's overall bulk. Leftovers is chosen for its consistent recovery.
A Bold Nature maximizes the physical defense to make the most out of Suicune. Politoed is a useful teammate to summon rain to buff the power of Suicune's Scald, making it harder to take on. Scizor and Weavile can utilize Pursuit to check Latias, Latios, and
Celebi, all common counters to Suicune. Alternatively, Choice Band Tyranitar can trap troublesome Jellicent and Latias, and although Suicune doesn't necessarily enjoy the sandstorm due to its passive damage, it can still get its job done. Celebi or Ferrothorn make potent teammates as well, absorbing troublesome Grass- and Electric-type moves that Suicune often struggles with, while it returns the favor by taking on Fire-type moves. The latter also provides entry hazard support which can be beneficial. Gothitelle makes for a great teammate, trapping and heavily denting Suicune's common counters such as Toxicroak, Jellicent, and Vaporeon. Finally, Magnezone is very useful to remove Ferrothorn from the match.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Although Suicune has a shallow movepool, it does have some other options it could use. Suicune is perfectly capable of using its access to Calm Mind to take
a more offensive approach, but it is generally outclassed by Keldeo in this regard. Ice Beam is a solid coverage move that can handle Grass- and Dragon-types well. Roar is a good move to shuffle the opposing team on more defensive sets. Hidden Power Grass or Electric is perfectly usable if opposing Water-types pose a significant threat to the team. Toxic is also usable to wear down defensive Pokemon. Tailwind is an interesting option for a temporary speed boost to help Suicune and its teammates. Finally, Rain Dance is viable for Suicune to support Swift Swim sweepers.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Grass-types, particularly Abomasnow, Celebi, and Ferrothorn, can endure multiple Scalds and hit Suicune hard with their
STAB moves. However, the burn chance from Scald may neuter the threat of the latter. Latias and Latios can take on anything Suicune has to offer and deal extreme damage to it. Thundurus-T is a notable check to Suicune as its powerful Thunderbolt is a death sentence for Suicune. Although Suicune is reasonably bulky, its lack of recovery means powerful attacks, particularly Terrakion's Close Combat, will take their toll on it. Bulky Water-types, particularly Gastrodon, Jellicent, and Vaporeon, don't mind anything Suicune does and can wear it down with Toxic. Kyurem-B can take Suicune on and reset its boosts with Dragon Tail or smash it with Fusion Bolt. Toxicroak takes nothing from Suicune and can use it as setup fodder. Finally, defensive Ninetales can weaken Suicune's Scald with the sun and
can Roar
it out, resetting any boosts it had obtained.</p>
[Unreleased]
<p>Suicune gets Water Absorb from the Dream World. This ability will be more useful than Pressure as it allows Suicune to come in on Water-types such as Keldeo and have some form of recovery aside from Rest. Pressure's PP stalling may be missed at times, but Water Absorb will be the superior ability the majority of the time.</p>
