Metagame SV OU Metagame Discussion v2 [Update on Post #5186]

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Crimson Chris

Crimson Chris

furyofyuriy said:
On the Topic of Kommo-o getting shafted, an interesting problem presents itself. This isn't spoilers since it was already pulled out of the game files, but Clangorous Soul AND Clanging Scales were among the removed moves. Additionally, Decorate and Dragon Hammer were also removed, yet Alolan Egg and Alcrimie returned. So either these mons simply lost their signature attacks, or a patch might bring back some moves that were previously taken out.
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I'd assume it's simply because those mons weren't in the game yet and they are prolly gonna get added in once those mons are actually in the game.


That aside, considering next week spells the end of June (time flies), what do you guys think the Top 36 mons in usage are gonna be. Or at least a few notable new mons who will prolly stay in OU and how far up the list they'd be.
 
Vengeance417

Vengeance417

is a Pre-Contributor
furyofyuriy said:
On the Topic of Kommo-o getting shafted, an interesting problem presents itself. This isn't spoilers since it was already pulled out of the game files, but Clangorous Soul AND Clanging Scales were among the removed moves. Additionally, Decorate and Dragon Hammer were also removed, yet Alolan Egg and Alcrimie returned. So either these mons simply lost their signature attacks, or a patch might bring back some moves that were previously taken out.
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iirc, many of the legendary signature moves were removed pre-DLC in SwSh, and were then added back into the game once they arrived. I can imagine the same will apply to anything that has sig moves in this gen's DLC.
 
Fenghuang

Fenghuang

Crimson Chris said:
I'd assume it's imply because those mons weren't in the game yet and they are prolly gonna get added in once those mons are actually in the game.


That aside, considering next week spells the end of June (time flies), what do you guys think the Top 36 mons in usage are gonna be. Or at least a few notable new mons who will prolly stay in OU and how far up the list they'd be.
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My predictions are that corv drops a bit, treads rises a bit, and zamazenta stocks are looking bullish.
 
Mega Breloom

Mega Breloom

Crimson Chris said:
I'd assume it's simply because those mons weren't in the game yet and they are prolly gonna get added in once those mons are actually in the game.


That aside, considering next week spells the end of June (time flies), what do you guys think the Top 36 mons in usage are gonna be. Or at least a few notable new mons who will prolly stay in OU and how far up the list they'd be.
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I predict Gholdengo being the top 2-3 again, it got way better with the meta becoming more offensive again.
 
furyofyuriy

furyofyuriy

Mega Breloom said:
For DLCs movepool changes are expected, mainly for the tutors or new moves added to the game.
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Vengeance417 said:
iirc, many of the legendary signature moves were removed pre-DLC in SwSh, and were then added back into the game once they arrived. I can imagine the same will apply to anything that has sig moves in this gen's DLC.
Click to expand...
In the case of SwSH, none of the legendary pokemons moves that weren't Z-Moves were removed. They were confirmed to still be accessible via Metronome. There has never been a case in the history of the franchise where a move removed from a mons general moveset (that wasn't a TM/TR/MT) was added back in via a patch rather than a new game. So I think the moves that are gone are gone.
 
Fenghuang

Fenghuang

furyofyuriy said:
It's confirmed. It's in the trailer for Indigo Disk spamming meteor mash. I doubt it will get Egg moves given Beldoms whole gimmick is only learning Takedown, however Magnezone's family did so there is a chance. My guess, based off Magnezone, is that at most it will only possibly regain moves it lost access too, like Rock Polish. But we have no way of knowing until the game comes out.
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I honestly am not expecting it to get anything fun, mostly just theorymonning.
 
Morkal

Morkal

is a Community Contributor
Avalugg-Hisui
Type:
IceIC_Big.png
/
RockIC_Big.png

0713Avalugg-Hisui.png


"A special Hisuian Avalugg is worshiped by the Hisui people due to him being descended from one of the 10 ancient Pokémon who received a blessing from Arceus. He is one of the Noble Pokémon who resides in Alabaster Icelands watched by a Warden." - Bulbapedia

"Sorry for the delay everyone, I needed a small break from competitive play. My thinking speed was comparable to Slowbro's" - Morkal​

BASE STATLEVEL 100 STAT RANGES
HP:
95
300 - 394​
Attack:
127
233 - 388​
Defense:
184
335 - 513​
Sp. Atk:
34
65 - 183​
Sp. Def:
36
69 - 188​
Speed:
38
72 - 192​

Abilities:
Strong Jaw, Ice Body, Sturdy (Hidden Ability)

Attacking Movepool:
Avalanche, Body Press, Body Slam, Crunch, Earthquake, Facade, Heavy Slam, Ice Fang, Ice Spinner, Iron Head, Mountain Gale, Rock Blast, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Tera Blast

Utility Movepool:
Aurora Veil, Chilling Water, Curse, Iron Defense, Protect, Rapid Spin, Recover, Stealth Rock, Substitute

Avalugg-Hisui is my new favorite defensive Pokemon, and I've been using him since he was added to OU with the Pokemon Home update. While it may seem foolhardy to use a Pokemon with a quad-fighting weakness in a defensive capability, those aspects are, without question, outshined by its myriad of fantastic traits. It can, with very little investment, check specific combinations of potent OU threats that no other Pokemon in the tier can and shrug off attacks that even bulky Zamazenta-H would quiver at. So without further ado, let's take it slow (like Avalugg) and dive into what makes our rocky glacier pal one of the coolest Pokemon to use in OU.
​
Disclaimer: Avalugg-Hisui is physically solid and very powerful, but has exploitable weaknesses thanks to its low Special Defense. Do not just switch your Avalugg-Hisui in without thinking; I highly recommend researching which OU staples use mixed sets or vary their sets more often (such as Dragapult or Iron Valiant) and making sure your team is balanced to account for Avalugg-Hisui's shortcomings. If you plan carefully and construct your team well, you'll find that Avalugg-Hisui can often be the MVP of your core composition game after game. Also, I apologize, I didn't realize this at the time but there is a character limit for posts, so I had to remove some of the damage calculations.
Menu_HOME_0713-Hisui.png


Avalugg-Hisui Competitive Summary
This is a "too long, didn't read" for people who want a quick summary of Avalugg-Hisui's positive traits without reading the essay-length post​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's typing is great offensively, base 127 attack paired with its STABS alone allows it to nail a unique combination of vicious OU threats that no other Pokemon can super effectively; including Amoonguss, Baxcalibur, Breloom, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Garchomp, Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Landorus-Therian, Meowscarada, Pelipper, Regidraco, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Ursaluna, Zapdos, and many more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's defensive typing has a few critical resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, and Ice-type attacks, neutrality to Fire-type attacks + fantastic lure potential with Terastallization (notably Tera Ghost, which also gives Avalugg-Hisui further role compression as a spin blocker).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has an insane physical profile, with a solid 95 HP and an absolutely whopping base 184 Defense stat means that Avalugg-Hisui can shrug off even boosted super effective attacks in some cases such as +1 Dragonite Earthquake.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has access to coveted utility moves in Recover and Rapid Spin, along with access to other unique options such as Aurora Veil, Body Press + Curse/Iron Defense, Stealth Rock, and more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's access to Strong Jaw means that STAB Ice Fang along with coverage in Crunch are both boosted in power, while access to Sturdy means that fully defensive sets cannot be sniped from 100% with an unexpected Special move.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui not only has access to fantastic coverage moves such as Body Press, Crunch, and Earthquake but has one of the most powerful unboosted Body Presses in the game (let alone boosted).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui can fit on a wide array of teams (from Stall to Snow Screens to Trick Room), Trick Room in particular is vicious thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's low-speed stat.​
  • Avalugg's base 38 Speed stat outside of Trick Room might be glacially slow, but it does still outspeed a few key OU threats including Clodsire, Torkoal, Hatterene, Amoonguss, Glastrier, Slowking/Slowking-G, Slowbro/Slowbro-G, Dondozo, Garganacl, and Toxapex.​

We're going to be looking at one Avalugg-Hisui set, but even though we're going to do the bulk of analysis on this one set, we're additionally going to go over multiple additional moves in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool and the types of sets that they can be used on (this will also give you an additional frame of reference for if you want to run a different move on the main set as well, like Body Press instead of Rock Slide for example). For this first set, we're going to be splitting the bulk of the analysis into Defensive + Speed/Utility and Offensive sections in which we will go over how Avalugg-Hisui works in OU along with damage calculations + EV analysis, go over additional moves/coverage options with further damage calculations, then we'll go over fantastic team partners.

Tera Ghost
Strong Jaw - Hybrid Utility Lure Spinner
200px-Spr_8a_713H.png

Avalugg-Hisui @ Heavy-Duty Boots or Leftovers
Ability: Strong Jaw
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Ice Fang
- Rock Slide
- Recover
- Rapid Spin

Defensive Profile + Speed Tiers/Utility

Dream_Leftovers_Sprite.png
Bag_Heavy-Duty_Boots_SV_Sprite.png


With 252 HP and 252 Defense EVs on this set, Avalugg-Hisui's physical profile is an astonishing 394 HP and 513 Defense. This means that Avalugg will be shrugging off some of the most powerful hits in the game including super-effective boosted hits with ease. The original Avalugg had more issues switching in due to a complete lack of resistances beyond Ice-type attacks, but Avalugg-Hisui's new secondary Rock-typing, while adding some unfortunate new weaknesses, gives Avalugg crucial neutrality to the ever-present Fire-type attacks coursing through OU at the moment along with adding key new resistances to Normal (Extremespeed, Facade Ursaluna, etc.), Flying, and Poison-type attacks. Additionally, with Tera Ghost, Avalugg-Hisui can lure in key threats to take advantage of their Fighting moves for either a free spin, free attack, or a free Recover. The choice of item is up to you - I vastly prefer Leftovers due to the passive recovery that can make or break some critical calculations, but if you don't have something like Amoonguss or Glimmora (both wonderful partners for Avalugg-Hisui that I'll detail more in the partners' section of this post) to absorb Toxic Spikes, it might be wise to run Heavy-Duty Boots instead. I personally prefer Leftovers as I usually pair it with either Amoonguss or Glimmora (sometimes both), and the passive recovery really helps in a pinch.

So with that initial defensive amble out of the way, let's take a look at some damage calculations to see exactly what kinds of insane moves that Avalugg-Hisui can comfortably shrug off - both boosted and unboosted. Additionally, we will look at some defensive calculations with Tera Ghost involved to show just how insane Avalugg-Hisui gets with mono-Ghost typing. Since Avalugg-Hisui has so many damage calculations here (more than any other OU analysis that I've done), I'm going to be putting the damage calculations in spoiler tags throughout the post so that the whole forum page isn't just filled with obscene quantities of Pokemath data.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Unboosted Hits)
IceIC_Big.png
/
RockIC_Big.png


Super Effective:

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 74-90 (18.7 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-178 (38 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-102 (21.3 - 25.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-196 (41.6 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 112-134 (28.4 - 34%) -- 98.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 152-180 (38.5 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 68-80 (17.2 - 20.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 Def Garganacl Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 136-160 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 42.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 182-216 (46.1 - 54.8%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 77.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 176-210 (44.6 - 53.2%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Meowscarada Flower Trick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui on a critical hit: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 33.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 108-128 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- 62.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
80 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 63.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 1.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Tera Fire Breloom Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 70-84 (17.7 - 21.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- approx. 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 43-51 (10.9 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 50-59 (12.6 - 14.9%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Hyperspace Fury vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Psyblade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-53 (11.4 - 13.4%) -- possible 8HKO

252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 94-112 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-63 (13.4 - 15.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Choice Specs Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 97-115 (24.6 - 29.1%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-99 (21.3 - 25.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 36-43 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 52-62 (13.1 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 22-27 (5.5 - 6.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 30-36 (7.6 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-62 (13.4 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 92-108 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

It can survive quite a few powerful hits; including some gargantuan super-effective hits. What about boosted Pokemon though? Would Bulk Up, Dragon Dance or Swords Dance make Avalugg-Hisui crumble? Let's look at some more calculations right here.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted Hits)
IceIC_Big.png
/
RockIC_Big.png


Super Effective:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 195-231 (49.4 - 58.6%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 6HKO

+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 118-141 (29.9 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 131-155 (33.2 - 39.3%) -- 16.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 63-72 (15.9 - 18.2%) -- approx. possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 105-120 (26.6 - 30.4%) -- approx. 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 183-216 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- 10.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

So now you might be thinking "Wow it can take some strong hits, but what about the other moves it can't take normally?" This is where Tera Ghost comes in and allows for Avalugg-Hisui to act as a potent Fighting-type lure giving it a crucial immunity to Fighting and Normal-type attacks, along with removing some other critical weaknesses such as Rock, Ground, Steel, Fighting, Water, and Grass (while keeping its useful Poison resistance and gaining a new resistance to Bug-type moves). Tera Ghost not only gives these new immunities but also allows for Avalugg-Hisui to gain additional role compression as a spin blocker. Tera Ghost is easily the preferred Tera type for Avalugg-Hisui as it baits 4x Fighting moves better than most other Pokemon, in addition to granting neutrality to Ground and Steel. If you're finding Mortal Spin/Toxic to be an issue; you can run Tera Poison which gives Avalugg-Hisui resistances to Fighting, Grass, Bug, Poison, and Fairy-type attacks while also making Avalugg-Hisui immune to being poisoned, but this also means that you lose your resistance to Normal-type moves, keep your Ground-type weakness, and gain a Psychic-type weakness. As this is incredibly situational, I would recommend sticking with Tera Ghost most of the time. Here are calculations of the types of hits that Avalugg-Hisui can take once it has terastallized.

Tera Ghost Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted and Unboosted Hits)
GhostIC_Big.png


Super Effective:

0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 50-60 (12.6 - 15.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 60-72 (15.2 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 140-168 (35.5 - 42.6%) -- 91.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-98 (20.8 - 24.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 162-192 (41.1 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 100-118 (25.3 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 90-106 (22.8 - 26.9%) -- 32.1% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 41.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 158-186 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 122-146 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 13% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Black Glasses Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Black Glasses Samurott-Hisui Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-134 (28.9 - 34%) -- 98.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Samurott-Hisui Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-136 (28.9 - 34.5%) -- 99.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 118-139 (29.9 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 310-366 (78.6 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Wave Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 135-159 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- 40.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Rain: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 78.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+4 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 164-193 (41.6 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 93-111 (23.6 - 28.1%) -- approx. possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 138-165 (35 - 41.8%) -- approx. 87.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-89 (19 - 22.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 42-51 (10.6 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 56-67 (14.2 - 17%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 85-100 (21.5 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 113-133 (28.6 - 33.7%) -- 98.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 76-90 (19.2 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 151-178 (38.3 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 63-75 (15.9 - 19%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 126-148 (31.9 - 37.5%) -- 0.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-66 (13.9 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 102-121 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- 4.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-97 (20.8 - 24.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-65 (13.9 - 16.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Grassy Terrain: 187-222 (47.4 - 56.3%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 87-103 (22 - 26.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 103-122 (26.1 - 30.9%) -- 8.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 157-186 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Heavy Slam (40 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 29-35 (7.3 - 8.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 24-29 (6 - 7.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 11-13 (2.7 - 3.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 19-23 (4.8 - 5.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 31-36 (7.8 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 18-21 (4.5 - 5.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 25-30 (6.3 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

To summarize Avalugg's physical bulk in the most eloquent way possible - that is one thicc glacier boi. But raw defensive prowess isn't everything (otherwise Bastiodon would be a top-tier OU threat), so what else does Avalugg-Hisui bring to the table? Avalugg-Hisui has access to the coveted Recover which, despite its newly limited 8 PP count, is incredibly useful and allows most neutral and resisted hits to effortlessly bounce off without issue. Additionally, we have Rapid Spin which allows Avalugg-Hisui to not only clear the field of annoyances but boosts Avalugg-Hisui's speed up to 169 with 4 EVs and a Neutral Speed nature. With its base speed of 38 (113 Speed with 4 EVs/neutral nature), Avalugg-Hisui naturally outspeeds Amoonguss, Clodsire, Dondozo, Garganacl, Glastrier, Hatterene, Pincurchin, Quagsire, Slowbro, Slowbro-Galar, Slowking, Slowking-Galar, Torkoal, Toxapex, and Ursaluna (Negative Nature, Trick Room). This is already a pretty sizeable list of defensive threats

So you might be asking yourself, "Why 4 speed EVs; that seems like a bit of a waste on a Pokemon like Avalugg-Hisui, why not put that into Attack or Special Defense?" 4 Attack and 4 Special Defense EVs may allow you to slightly stomach some additional hits or hit a smidge harder, but 4 EVs in Speed with +1 from Rapid Spin allows you to outspeed uninvested neutral Skeledirge. Skeledirge sits at 168 with a neutral nature and no speed investment, so giving Avalugg-Hisui the jump on Skeledirge with 169 Speed rather than risking a speed tie is extremely valuable in select circumstances. As for what else +1 from Rapid Spin allows Avalugg-Hisui to outspeed? Pelipper, Scizor, and Alomomla are all at 166 with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature. 252 EV Speed with neutral nature Glastrier sits at 159, while Magnezone, Abomasnow, Grimmsnarl, Sylveon, and Goodra-Hisui with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature sit at 156. Uninvested Blissey with a neutral nature reaches 146, while uninvested Azumarill, Iron Hands, Kingambit, and Ursaluna all reach 136. Additionally, uninvested Hippowdon reaches 130, uninvested Ting-Lu reaches 126, and uninvested Gastrodon reaches 114 (fun bonus, +1 0 Speed EV Rapid Spin Torkoal also only reaches 114).
713Avalugg_Hisui_Dream.png

Offensive Profile

So now that we've gone over Avalugg-Hisui's gargantuan physically defensive profile and its utility and speed tiers, you might be wondering "Well okay sure it definitely contributes to the team, but can it actually do anything to the Pokemon that it tanks/walls or is it just a momentum sponge?" It absolutely can, and it doesn't need Body Press or Attack investment to do so. Avalugg-Hisui got access to the ability Strong Jaw, which gives two of its relevant moves (one for this set) a much-needed power boost - Ice Fang and Crunch. Strong Jaw boosts Ice Fang from a paltry 65 base power to nearly 100 base power, which is then further boosted by STAB. "But what about its signature move Mountain Gale? What about Ice Spinner so you can run Sturdy instead?" Mountain Gale is a great move and quite powerful, but that 85% accuracy can really hurt in some critical situations and the flinch only applies to slower threats or if you're using Avalugg-Hisui on Trick Room. Ice Spinner is 100% accurate and clears terrain, but 80 base power doesn't reach the same thresholds as Strong Jaw Ice Fang, nor does it have the flinch effect (if you were arguing for Mountain Gale use with that). Strong Jaw Ice Fang not only has a small flinch chance for slower Pokemon, but it also has a 10% freeze chance, nearly the same base power as Mountain Gale with more accuracy. Sturdy is a great ability, but with how slow Avalugg-Hisui is, I've found in testing that Sturdy is better for sole utility sets such as Aurora Veil variants.

What makes Avalugg-Hisui's STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang so dangerous with those previously mentioned factors is access to STAB Rock Slide and the offensive synergy that the two moves alone create with one another. STAB Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide hit the following current OU/OUBL Pokemon super effectively (for the new Home Pokemon that will likely drop from OU next shift, I'm only going to put Pokemon on this list that I've seen in both lower and higher OU ladders multiple times):

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang:

Amoonguss, Articuno-Galar, Braviary-Hisui, Breloom, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite (4x), Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Garchomp (4x), Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Landorus-Therian (4x), Lilligant-Hisui, Meowscarada, Moltres-Galar, Regidrago, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Thundurus-Therian, Ting-Lu, Tornadus-Therian, Ursaluna, Zapdos, Zapdos-Galar.

STAB Rock Slide:

Arcanine-Hisui, Articuno-Galar, Avalugg-Hisui, Baxcalibur, Braviary-Hisui, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Dragonite, Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Glastrier, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Moltres-Galar, Pelipper, Skeledirge, Thundurus-Therian, Tornadus-Therian, Torkoal, Volcanion, Zapdos.

Out of 57 OU Pokemon that I counted in total with the previously mentioned guidelines, Avalugg-Hisui's STAB combination hits 38 of those 57 Pokemon super effectively, roughly almost 70% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. If we want to take out any Pokemon that are an OU-toss up and focus on only solidly OU Pokemon (including Pokemon that will almost certainly not drop such as Sneasler or Ursaluna), then the new total becomes 29 out of 48 which means that roughly just over 60% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. These percentages may not be exact due to fluctuating usage and new toy syndrome, but they're accurate enough to give you a general idea of just how potent the offensive synergy between these two moves is. So now you might be thinking, "All right, that is a pretty nice selection of opposing Pokemon to hit, so what kind of damage can Avalugg-Hisui do with a neutral nature and no attack investment?" To answer that, let's take a look at some more damage calculations for both of these moves. Thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's solid base 127 Attack stat, it reaches 290 Attack with 0 EVs and a neutral nature; to show how this is quite powerful thanks to the potent offensive synergy, we'll start with STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang then look at STAB Rock Slide.

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang
IceIC_Big.png


0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Amoonguss: 254-300 (58.7 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 294-348 (76.5 - 90.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Breloom: 308-366 (118 - 140.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 384-452 (82.9 - 97.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 326-386 (102.8 - 121.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 144 HP / 0 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (75.2 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 344-408 (119 - 141.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 540-636 (128.5 - 151.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Great Tusk: 204-242 (54.9 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Great Tusk: 152-182 (35 - 41.9%) -- 83.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 282-332 (86.7 - 102.1%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Landorus-Therian: 400-472 (104.7 - 123.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lilligant-Hisui: 326-386 (116 - 137.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 344-408 (117.4 - 139.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 282-332 (87.8 - 103.4%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 278-330 (81.5 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 338-402 (96.2 - 114.5%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ting-Lu: 212-252 (41.2 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 308-366 (103 - 122.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 248-294 (57.6 - 68.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 294-348 (91.5 - 108.4%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 260-308 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

STAB Rock Slide
RockIC_Big.png


0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 240-284 (72.5 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 228-270 (59.3 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 216-254 (58.2 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (82.4 - 97.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (84.3 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 266-314 (92 - 108.6%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 158-188 (39.2 - 46.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Moth: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kleavor: 206-246 (73.3 - 87.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 218-258 (67.9 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pelipper: 200-236 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 144-170 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- 18.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 200-236 (48.6 - 57.4%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 40+ Def Skeledirge: 174-206 (42.2 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus-Therian: 266-314 (88.9 - 105%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 114-134 (33.2 - 39%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 240-284 (80.2 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 170-204 (51.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 228-270 (71 - 84.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 204-240 (53.1 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

To summarize - Avalugg-Hisui can 2HKO over half the metagame and can OHKO close to half of it with just those two STAB moves and 0 EV attack investment. This is why Avalugg-Hisui works so well in its role; its ability to simultaneously exert unexpectedly strong offensive pressure against a wide myriad of targets, sit in front of monstrous physical threats and additionally keep itself healthy while compressing multiple utility roles is unparalleled. So now that we've looked at the main Avalugg-Hisui set I've been working with, what other options can Avalugg-Hisui use?

For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to be showing each move's damage calculation with both the same 0 EV Attack with neutral nature spread from the main set - since this is what Avalugg-Hisui's attack will be uninvested, you can imagine the havoc it would cause with full 252 EVs in Attack with a positive nature.

Additional Movepool Options

Strong Jaw Crunch
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Crunch is the only other relevant move in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool that's boosted by Strong Jaw; as a result, it feasts on a wide portion of the metagame that simply can't handle even uninvested Crunch, let alone with the Strong Jaw boost. Crunch can be fit on multiple types of offensive sets, and is (along with Earthquake) one of the two best bits of extra coverage in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool. Let's take a look at some calculations to see just what Pokemon get whomped by this move.

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 242-286 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Azelf: 284-336 (97.5 - 115.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion-F: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (87.9 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (72.3 - 85.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Cresselia: 194-230 (43.6 - 51.8%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 270-318 (85.1 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gholdengo: 222-262 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gholdengo: 158-188 (41.7 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Houndstone: 212-250 (67 - 79.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 212-250 (52.4 - 61.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 212-250 (51.5 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Slowking: 252-298 (64.1 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Slowking-Galar: 250-296 (63.4 - 75.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowking-Galar: 176-208 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO

Earthquake
GroundIC_Big.png


The tried and true Earthquake, and a move that, like Crunch, will be one of the two main coverage options on any Avalugg-Hisui set. Ground pairs really nicely with both Ice and Rock-type attacks and allows Avalugg-Hisui to hit some threats that its STAB + Earthquake can't touch, so let's dive right into damage calculations so you can see the milestones that Earthquake hits a wide portion of the tier at.

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 428-504 (129.3 - 152.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 264-312 (57 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Glimmora: 384-456 (125 - 148.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 178-210 (50.8 - 60%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (105.2 - 123.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (88 - 103.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 448-528 (148.8 - 175.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (47.3 - 56%) -- 79.3% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (39.5 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kingambit: 150-178 (43.9 - 52.1%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 152-180 (38 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sneasler: 268-316 (89 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Toxapex: 124-146 (40.9 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Mountain Gale
IceIC_Big.png


Mountain Gale is best used on Trick Room Avalugg-Hisui variants for two reasons - the increased power even without Strong Jaw, and the 30% flinch chance. Mountain Gale is powerful and somewhat accurate, but that flinch chance, in particular, is why it functions the best on Trick Room. Otherwise, you're better off going with Strong Jaw Ice Fang.

Body Press
FightingIC_Big.png


Body Press coming off of Avalugg-Hisui's insane Defense stat is intimidating and definitely worth looking into for the unique coverage that Fighting-type brings in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui's STABS (or even just one of the STABS). Furthermore, Body Press can be boosted further from either Curse or Iron Defense. Let's set our eyes on some more damage calculations to see just what Body Press can do even without a single Curse or Iron Defense boost.

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 300-354 (90.6 - 106.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 268-316 (72.2 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Garganacl: 200-236 (49.5 - 58.4%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 156+ Def Garganacl: 160-190 (39.6 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 200-236 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 250-296 (71.4 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (61.6 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 214-252 (55.7 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 428-504 (107 - 126%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 300-354 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 240-284 (55.8 - 66%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

Potential Partners

Regenerator Pokemon

Alomomola, Amoonguss, Slowking-Galar (Preferred Pick)


All three of these Pokemon are potent Regenerator users. Alomomola can pass gargantuan Wishes to weakened teammates including Avalugg-Hisui, and has STAB Chilling Water to cushion switches by lowering opposing Pokemon's attack stats even further. Amoonguss can absorb Toxic Spikes and additionally put problematic Pokemon to sleep using Spore, or can clear boosts using Clear Smog + put certain Pokemon on a timer with Sludge Bomb status/Toxic or Giga Drain weakening. Slowking-Galar can absorb a wide variety of Special hits that Avalugg-Hisui does not want to take, can fire off Future Sight to punish potential Avalugg-Hisui switch-ins such as Iron Valiant, and can also use Chilly Reception to possibly tank a hit for Avalugg-Hisui while the set snow boosts Avalugg-Hisuit's defense even more (along with allowing other variants of Avalugg-Hisui to use Aurora Veil).

Offensive Utility Pokemon

Glimmora (Preferred Pick), Great Tusk, Rillaboom
96px-0970Glimmora.png
96px-0984Great_Tusk.png


These four Pokemon have been some of my favorites to run with Avalugg-Hisui and complement it quite well. Glimmora not only absorbs Toxic Spikes, but additionally can use Mortal Spin to clear hazards in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui while being faster, setting Toxic Spikes of its own using its ability, and having potent Special Attack with great coverage. Great Tusk doesn't need any introduction, he's Great Tusk, the GOAT, most sets work really well with Avalugg-Hisui. Finally, Rillaboom is a powerful attacker that additionally sets Grassy Terrain which halves Bullzoe and Earthquake's damage (which can allow Avalugg-Hisui additional switch-in opportunities), and provides passive regeneration for all grounded Pokemon (wonderful for Avalugg-Hisui that have had their Leftovers knocked or are using the Heavy-Duty Boots variant). Rillaboom also strikes fear into the heart of bulky waters that Avalugg-Hisui doesn't want to deal with, and STAB Grassy Terrain Priority Grassy Glide handles the ever-threatening Swift Swim Banded Basculegion.

Conclusion
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Avalugg-Hisui is one of the most underrated threats I have seen in my 15+ years of playing competitive Pokemon, and I wholeheartedly believe that our glacier dude has a strong niche in the current OU metagame. Is his Special Defense atrocious? Yes. Are those 4x weaknesses a pain to work around? Yes (sometimes). Does that suddenly mean that all of the other amazing qualities that I listed about Avalugg-Hisui are suddenly null and void? Absolutely not. I urge you to give Avalugg-Hisui a try on one of your teams - from the testing I've been doing with it, I can fully recommend it and it has, on many occasions, proven to be the MVP of many important matches.​
 
Lobby Eeveee

Lobby Eeveee

Morkal said:
Avalugg-Hisui
Type:View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078
View attachment 528066

"A special Hisuian Avalugg is worshiped by the Hisui people due to him being descended from one of the 10 ancient Pokémon who received a blessing from Arceus. He is one of the Noble Pokémon who resides in Alabaster Icelands watched by a Warden." - Bulbapedia

"Sorry for the delay everyone, I needed a small break from competitive play. My thinking speed was comparable to Slowbro's" - Morkal​

BASE STATLEVEL 100 STAT RANGES
HP:
95
300 - 394​
Attack:
127
233 - 388​
Defense:
184
335 - 513​
Sp. Atk:
34
65 - 183​
Sp. Def:
36
69 - 188​
Speed:
38
72 - 192​

Abilities:
Strong Jaw, Ice Body, Sturdy (Hidden Ability)

Attacking Movepool:
Avalanche, Body Press, Body Slam, Crunch, Earthquake, Facade, Heavy Slam, Ice Fang, Ice Spinner, Iron Head, Mountain Gale, Rock Blast, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Tera Blast

Utility Movepool:
Aurora Veil, Chilling Water, Curse, Iron Defense, Protect, Rapid Spin, Recover, Stealth Rock, Substitute

Avalugg-Hisui is my new favorite defensive Pokemon, and I've been using him since he was added to OU with the Pokemon Home update. While it may seem foolhardy to use a Pokemon with a quad-fighting weakness in a defensive capability, those aspects are, without question, outshined by its myriad of fantastic traits. It can, with very little investment, check specific combinations of potent OU threats that no other Pokemon in the tier can and shrug off attacks that even bulky Zamazenta-H would quiver at. So without further ado, let's take it slow (like Avalugg) and dive into what makes our rocky glacier pal one of the coolest Pokemon to use in OU.
​
Disclaimer: Avalugg-Hisui is physically solid and very powerful, but has exploitable weaknesses thanks to its low Special Defense. Do not just switch your Avalugg-Hisui in without thinking; I highly recommend researching which OU staples use mixed sets or vary their sets more often (such as Dragapult or Iron Valiant) and making sure your team is balanced to account for Avalugg-Hisui's shortcomings. If you plan carefully and construct your team well, you'll find that Avalugg-Hisui can often be the MVP of your core composition game after game. Also, I apologize, I didn't realize this at the time but there is a character limit for posts, so I had to remove some of the damage calculations.
View attachment 528070

Avalugg-Hisui Competitive Summary
This is a "too long, didn't read" for people who want a quick summary of Avalugg-Hisui's positive traits without reading the essay-length post​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's typing is great offensively, base 127 attack paired with its STABS alone allows it to nail a unique combination of vicious OU threats that no other Pokemon can super effectively; including Amoonguss, Baxcalibur, Breloom, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Garchomp, Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Landorus-Therian, Meowscarada, Pelipper, Regidraco, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Ursaluna, Zapdos, and many more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's defensive typing has a few critical resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, and Ice-type attacks, neutrality to Fire-type attacks + fantastic lure potential with Terastallization (notably Tera Ghost, which also gives Avalugg-Hisui further role compression as a spin blocker).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has an insane physical profile, with a solid 95 HP and an absolutely whopping base 184 Defense stat means that Avalugg-Hisui can shrug off even boosted super effective attacks in some cases such as +1 Dragonite Earthquake.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has access to coveted utility moves in Recover and Rapid Spin, along with access to other unique options such as Aurora Veil, Body Press + Curse/Iron Defense, Stealth Rock, and more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's access to Strong Jaw means that STAB Ice Fang along with coverage in Crunch are both boosted in power, while access to Sturdy means that fully defensive sets cannot be sniped from 100% with an unexpected Special move.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui not only has access to fantastic coverage moves such as Body Press, Crunch, and Earthquake but has one of the most powerful unboosted Body Presses in the game (let alone boosted).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui can fit on a wide array of teams (from Stall to Snow Screens to Trick Room), Trick Room in particular is vicious thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's low-speed stat.​
  • Avalugg's base 38 Speed stat outside of Trick Room might be glacially slow, but it does still outspeed a few key OU threats including Clodsire, Torkoal, Hatterene, Amoonguss, Glastrier, Slowking/Slowking-G, Slowbro/Slowbro-G, Dondozo, Garganacl, and Toxapex.​

We're going to be looking at one Avalugg-Hisui set, but even though we're going to do the bulk of analysis on this one set, we're additionally going to go over multiple additional moves in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool and the types of sets that they can be used on (this will also give you an additional frame of reference for if you want to run a different move on the main set as well, like Body Press instead of Rock Slide for example). For this first set, we're going to be splitting the bulk of the analysis into Defensive + Speed/Utility and Offensive sections in which we will go over how Avalugg-Hisui works in OU along with damage calculations + EV analysis, go over additional moves/coverage options with further damage calculations, then we'll go over fantastic team partners.

Tera Ghost
Strong Jaw - Hybrid Utility Lure Spinner
View attachment 528069
Avalugg-Hisui @ Heavy-Duty Boots or Leftovers
Ability: Strong Jaw
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Ice Fang
- Rock Slide
- Recover
- Rapid Spin

Defensive Profile + Speed Tiers/Utility

View attachment 528117View attachment 528118

With 252 HP and 252 Defense EVs on this set, Avalugg-Hisui's physical profile is an astonishing 394 HP and 513 Defense. This means that Avalugg will be shrugging off some of the most powerful hits in the game including super-effective boosted hits with ease. The original Avalugg had more issues switching in due to a complete lack of resistances beyond Ice-type attacks, but Avalugg-Hisui's new secondary Rock-typing, while adding some unfortunate new weaknesses, gives Avalugg crucial neutrality to the ever-present Fire-type attacks coursing through OU at the moment along with adding key new resistances to Normal (Extremespeed, Facade Ursaluna, etc.), Flying, and Poison-type attacks. Additionally, with Tera Ghost, Avalugg-Hisui can lure in key threats to take advantage of their Fighting moves for either a free spin, free attack, or a free Recover. The choice of item is up to you - I vastly prefer Leftovers due to the passive recovery that can make or break some critical calculations, but if you don't have something like Amoonguss or Glimmora (both wonderful partners for Avalugg-Hisui that I'll detail more in the partners' section of this post) to absorb Toxic Spikes, it might be wise to run Heavy-Duty Boots instead. I personally prefer Leftovers as I usually pair it with either Amoonguss or Glimmora (sometimes both), and the passive recovery really helps in a pinch.

So with that initial defensive amble out of the way, let's take a look at some damage calculations to see exactly what kinds of insane moves that Avalugg-Hisui can comfortably shrug off - both boosted and unboosted. Additionally, we will look at some defensive calculations with Tera Ghost involved to show just how insane Avalugg-Hisui gets with mono-Ghost typing. Since Avalugg-Hisui has so many damage calculations here (more than any other OU analysis that I've done), I'm going to be putting the damage calculations in spoiler tags throughout the post so that the whole forum page isn't just filled with obscene quantities of Pokemath data.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Unboosted Hits)
View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078

Super Effective:

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 74-90 (18.7 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-178 (38 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-102 (21.3 - 25.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-196 (41.6 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 112-134 (28.4 - 34%) -- 98.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 152-180 (38.5 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 68-80 (17.2 - 20.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 Def Garganacl Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 136-160 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 42.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 182-216 (46.1 - 54.8%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 77.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 176-210 (44.6 - 53.2%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Meowscarada Flower Trick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui on a critical hit: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 33.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 108-128 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- 62.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
80 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 63.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 1.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Tera Fire Breloom Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 70-84 (17.7 - 21.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- approx. 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 43-51 (10.9 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 50-59 (12.6 - 14.9%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Hyperspace Fury vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Psyblade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-53 (11.4 - 13.4%) -- possible 8HKO

252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 94-112 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-63 (13.4 - 15.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Choice Specs Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 97-115 (24.6 - 29.1%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-99 (21.3 - 25.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 36-43 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 52-62 (13.1 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 22-27 (5.5 - 6.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 30-36 (7.6 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-62 (13.4 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 92-108 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

It can survive quite a few powerful hits; including some gargantuan super-effective hits. What about boosted Pokemon though? Would Bulk Up, Dragon Dance or Swords Dance make Avalugg-Hisui crumble? Let's look at some more calculations right here.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted Hits)
View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078

Super Effective:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 195-231 (49.4 - 58.6%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 6HKO

+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 118-141 (29.9 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 131-155 (33.2 - 39.3%) -- 16.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 63-72 (15.9 - 18.2%) -- approx. possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 105-120 (26.6 - 30.4%) -- approx. 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 183-216 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- 10.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

So now you might be thinking "Wow it can take some strong hits, but what about the other moves it can't take normally?" This is where Tera Ghost comes in and allows for Avalugg-Hisui to act as a potent Fighting-type lure giving it a crucial immunity to Fighting and Normal-type attacks, along with removing some other critical weaknesses such as Rock, Ground, Steel, Fighting, Water, and Grass (while keeping its useful Poison resistance and gaining a new resistance to Bug-type moves). Tera Ghost not only gives these new immunities but also allows for Avalugg-Hisui to gain additional role compression as a spin blocker. Tera Ghost is easily the preferred Tera type for Avalugg-Hisui as it baits 4x Fighting moves better than most other Pokemon, in addition to granting neutrality to Ground and Steel. If you're finding Mortal Spin/Toxic to be an issue; you can run Tera Poison which gives Avalugg-Hisui resistances to Fighting, Grass, Bug, Poison, and Fairy-type attacks while also making Avalugg-Hisui immune to being poisoned, but this also means that you lose your resistance to Normal-type moves, keep your Ground-type weakness, and gain a Psychic-type weakness. As this is incredibly situational, I would recommend sticking with Tera Ghost most of the time. Here are calculations of the types of hits that Avalugg-Hisui can take once it has terastallized.

Tera Ghost Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted and Unboosted Hits)
View attachment 528100

Super Effective:

0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 50-60 (12.6 - 15.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 60-72 (15.2 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 140-168 (35.5 - 42.6%) -- 91.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-98 (20.8 - 24.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 162-192 (41.1 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 100-118 (25.3 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 90-106 (22.8 - 26.9%) -- 32.1% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 41.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 158-186 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 122-146 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 13% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Black Glasses Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Black Glasses Samurott-Hisui Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-134 (28.9 - 34%) -- 98.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Samurott-Hisui Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-136 (28.9 - 34.5%) -- 99.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 118-139 (29.9 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 310-366 (78.6 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Wave Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 135-159 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- 40.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Rain: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 78.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+4 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 164-193 (41.6 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 93-111 (23.6 - 28.1%) -- approx. possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 138-165 (35 - 41.8%) -- approx. 87.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-89 (19 - 22.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 42-51 (10.6 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 56-67 (14.2 - 17%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 85-100 (21.5 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 113-133 (28.6 - 33.7%) -- 98.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 76-90 (19.2 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 151-178 (38.3 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 63-75 (15.9 - 19%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 126-148 (31.9 - 37.5%) -- 0.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-66 (13.9 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 102-121 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- 4.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-97 (20.8 - 24.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-65 (13.9 - 16.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Grassy Terrain: 187-222 (47.4 - 56.3%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 87-103 (22 - 26.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 103-122 (26.1 - 30.9%) -- 8.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 157-186 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Heavy Slam (40 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 29-35 (7.3 - 8.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 24-29 (6 - 7.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 11-13 (2.7 - 3.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 19-23 (4.8 - 5.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 31-36 (7.8 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 18-21 (4.5 - 5.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 25-30 (6.3 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

To summarize Avalugg's physical bulk in the most eloquent way possible - that is one thicc glacier boi. But raw defensive prowess isn't everything (otherwise Bastiodon would be a top-tier OU threat), so what else does Avalugg-Hisui bring to the table? Avalugg-Hisui has access to the coveted Recover which, despite its newly limited 8 PP count, is incredibly useful and allows most neutral and resisted hits to effortlessly bounce off without issue. Additionally, we have Rapid Spin which allows Avalugg-Hisui to not only clear the field of annoyances but boosts Avalugg-Hisui's speed up to 169 with 4 EVs and a Neutral Speed nature. With its base speed of 38 (113 Speed with 4 EVs/neutral nature), Avalugg-Hisui naturally outspeeds Amoonguss, Clodsire, Dondozo, Garganacl, Glastrier, Hatterene, Pincurchin, Quagsire, Slowbro, Slowbro-Galar, Slowking, Slowking-Galar, Torkoal, Toxapex, and Ursaluna (Negative Nature, Trick Room). This is already a pretty sizeable list of defensive threats

So you might be asking yourself, "Why 4 speed EVs; that seems like a bit of a waste on a Pokemon like Avalugg-Hisui, why not put that into Attack or Special Defense?" 4 Attack and 4 Special Defense EVs may allow you to slightly stomach some additional hits or hit a smidge harder, but 4 EVs in Speed with +1 from Rapid Spin allows you to outspeed uninvested neutral Skeledirge. Skeledirge sits at 168 with a neutral nature and no speed investment, so giving Avalugg-Hisui the jump on Skeledirge with 169 Speed rather than risking a speed tie is extremely valuable in select circumstances. As for what else +1 from Rapid Spin allows Avalugg-Hisui to outspeed? Pelipper, Scizor, and Alomomla are all at 166 with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature. 252 EV Speed with neutral nature Glastrier sits at 159, while Magnezone, Abomasnow, Grimmsnarl, Sylveon, and Goodra-Hisui with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature sit at 156. Uninvested Blissey with a neutral nature reaches 146, while uninvested Azumarill, Iron Hands, Kingambit, and Ursaluna all reach 136. Additionally, uninvested Hippowdon reaches 130, uninvested Ting-Lu reaches 126, and uninvested Gastrodon reaches 114 (fun bonus, +1 0 Speed EV Rapid Spin Torkoal also only reaches 114).
View attachment 528174
Offensive Profile

So now that we've gone over Avalugg-Hisui's gargantuan physically defensive profile and its utility and speed tiers, you might be wondering "Well okay sure it definitely contributes to the team, but can it actually do anything to the Pokemon that it tanks/walls or is it just a momentum sponge?" It absolutely can, and it doesn't need Body Press or Attack investment to do so. Avalugg-Hisui got access to the ability Strong Jaw, which gives two of its relevant moves (one for this set) a much-needed power boost - Ice Fang and Crunch. Strong Jaw boosts Ice Fang from a paltry 65 base power to nearly 100 base power, which is then further boosted by STAB. "But what about its signature move Mountain Gale? What about Ice Spinner so you can run Sturdy instead?" Mountain Gale is a great move and quite powerful, but that 85% accuracy can really hurt in some critical situations and the flinch only applies to slower threats or if you're using Avalugg-Hisui on Trick Room. Ice Spinner is 100% accurate and clears terrain, but 80 base power doesn't reach the same thresholds as Strong Jaw Ice Fang, nor does it have the flinch effect (if you were arguing for Mountain Gale use with that). Strong Jaw Ice Fang not only has a small flinch chance for slower Pokemon, but it also has a 10% freeze chance, nearly the same base power as Mountain Gale with more accuracy. Sturdy is a great ability, but with how slow Avalugg-Hisui is, I've found in testing that Sturdy is better for sole utility sets such as Aurora Veil variants.

What makes Avalugg-Hisui's STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang so dangerous with those previously mentioned factors is access to STAB Rock Slide and the offensive synergy that the two moves alone create with one another. STAB Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide hit the following current OU/OUBL Pokemon super effectively (for the new Home Pokemon that will likely drop from OU next shift, I'm only going to put Pokemon on this list that I've seen in both lower and higher OU ladders multiple times):

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang:

Amoonguss, Articuno-Galar, Braviary-Hisui, Breloom, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite (4x), Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Garchomp (4x), Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Landorus-Therian (4x), Lilligant-Hisui, Meowscarada, Moltres-Galar, Regidrago, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Thundurus-Therian, Ting-Lu, Tornadus-Therian, Ursaluna, Zapdos, Zapdos-Galar.

STAB Rock Slide:

Arcanine-Hisui, Articuno-Galar, Avalugg-Hisui, Baxcalibur, Braviary-Hisui, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Dragonite, Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Glastrier, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Moltres-Galar, Pelipper, Skeledirge, Thundurus-Therian, Tornadus-Therian, Torkoal, Volcanion, Zapdos.

Out of 57 OU Pokemon that I counted in total with the previously mentioned guidelines, Avalugg-Hisui's STAB combination hits 38 of those 57 Pokemon super effectively, roughly almost 70% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. If we want to take out any Pokemon that are an OU-toss up and focus on only solidly OU Pokemon (including Pokemon that will almost certainly not drop such as Sneasler or Ursaluna), then the new total becomes 29 out of 48 which means that roughly just over 60% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. These percentages may not be exact due to fluctuating usage and new toy syndrome, but they're accurate enough to give you a general idea of just how potent the offensive synergy between these two moves is. So now you might be thinking, "All right, that is a pretty nice selection of opposing Pokemon to hit, so what kind of damage can Avalugg-Hisui do with a neutral nature and no attack investment?" To answer that, let's take a look at some more damage calculations for both of these moves. Thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's solid base 127 Attack stat, it reaches 290 Attack with 0 EVs and a neutral nature; to show how this is quite powerful thanks to the potent offensive synergy, we'll start with STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang then look at STAB Rock Slide.

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang
View attachment 528077

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Amoonguss: 254-300 (58.7 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 294-348 (76.5 - 90.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Breloom: 308-366 (118 - 140.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 384-452 (82.9 - 97.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 326-386 (102.8 - 121.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 144 HP / 0 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (75.2 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 344-408 (119 - 141.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 540-636 (128.5 - 151.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Great Tusk: 204-242 (54.9 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Great Tusk: 152-182 (35 - 41.9%) -- 83.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 282-332 (86.7 - 102.1%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Landorus-Therian: 400-472 (104.7 - 123.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lilligant-Hisui: 326-386 (116 - 137.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 344-408 (117.4 - 139.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 282-332 (87.8 - 103.4%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 278-330 (81.5 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 338-402 (96.2 - 114.5%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ting-Lu: 212-252 (41.2 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 308-366 (103 - 122.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 248-294 (57.6 - 68.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 294-348 (91.5 - 108.4%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 260-308 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

STAB Rock Slide
View attachment 528078

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 240-284 (72.5 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 228-270 (59.3 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 216-254 (58.2 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (82.4 - 97.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (84.3 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 266-314 (92 - 108.6%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 158-188 (39.2 - 46.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Moth: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kleavor: 206-246 (73.3 - 87.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 218-258 (67.9 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pelipper: 200-236 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 144-170 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- 18.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 200-236 (48.6 - 57.4%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 40+ Def Skeledirge: 174-206 (42.2 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus-Therian: 266-314 (88.9 - 105%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 114-134 (33.2 - 39%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 240-284 (80.2 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 170-204 (51.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 228-270 (71 - 84.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 204-240 (53.1 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

To summarize - Avalugg-Hisui can 2HKO over half the metagame and can OHKO close to half of it with just those two STAB moves and 0 EV attack investment. This is why Avalugg-Hisui works so well in its role; its ability to simultaneously exert unexpectedly strong offensive pressure against a wide myriad of targets, sit in front of monstrous physical threats and additionally keep itself healthy while compressing multiple utility roles is unparalleled. So now that we've looked at the main Avalugg-Hisui set I've been working with, what other options can Avalugg-Hisui use?

For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to be showing each move's damage calculation with both the same 0 EV Attack with neutral nature spread from the main set - since this is what Avalugg-Hisui's attack will be uninvested, you can imagine the havoc it would cause with full 252 EVs in Attack with a positive nature.

Additional Movepool Options

Strong Jaw Crunch
View attachment 528150

Crunch is the only other relevant move in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool that's boosted by Strong Jaw; as a result, it feasts on a wide portion of the metagame that simply can't handle even uninvested Crunch, let alone with the Strong Jaw boost. Crunch can be fit on multiple types of offensive sets, and is (along with Earthquake) one of the two best bits of extra coverage in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool. Let's take a look at some calculations to see just what Pokemon get whomped by this move.

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 242-286 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Azelf: 284-336 (97.5 - 115.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion-F: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (87.9 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (72.3 - 85.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Cresselia: 194-230 (43.6 - 51.8%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 270-318 (85.1 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gholdengo: 222-262 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gholdengo: 158-188 (41.7 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Houndstone: 212-250 (67 - 79.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 212-250 (52.4 - 61.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 212-250 (51.5 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Slowking: 252-298 (64.1 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Slowking-Galar: 250-296 (63.4 - 75.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowking-Galar: 176-208 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO

Earthquake
View attachment 528154

The tried and true Earthquake, and a move that, like Crunch, will be one of the two main coverage options on any Avalugg-Hisui set. Ground pairs really nicely with both Ice and Rock-type attacks and allows Avalugg-Hisui to hit some threats that its STAB + Earthquake can't touch, so let's dive right into damage calculations so you can see the milestones that Earthquake hits a wide portion of the tier at.

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 428-504 (129.3 - 152.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 264-312 (57 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Glimmora: 384-456 (125 - 148.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 178-210 (50.8 - 60%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (105.2 - 123.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (88 - 103.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 448-528 (148.8 - 175.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (47.3 - 56%) -- 79.3% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (39.5 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kingambit: 150-178 (43.9 - 52.1%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 152-180 (38 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sneasler: 268-316 (89 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Toxapex: 124-146 (40.9 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Mountain Gale
View attachment 528077

Mountain Gale is best used on Trick Room Avalugg-Hisui variants for two reasons - the increased power even without Strong Jaw, and the 30% flinch chance. Mountain Gale is powerful and somewhat accurate, but that flinch chance, in particular, is why it functions the best on Trick Room. Otherwise, you're better off going with Strong Jaw Ice Fang.

Body Press
View attachment 528166

Body Press coming off of Avalugg-Hisui's insane Defense stat is intimidating and definitely worth looking into for the unique coverage that Fighting-type brings in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui's STABS (or even just one of the STABS). Furthermore, Body Press can be boosted further from either Curse or Iron Defense. Let's set our eyes on some more damage calculations to see just what Body Press can do even without a single Curse or Iron Defense boost.

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 300-354 (90.6 - 106.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 268-316 (72.2 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Garganacl: 200-236 (49.5 - 58.4%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 156+ Def Garganacl: 160-190 (39.6 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 200-236 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 250-296 (71.4 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (61.6 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 214-252 (55.7 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 428-504 (107 - 126%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 300-354 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 240-284 (55.8 - 66%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

Potential Partners

Regenerator Pokemon

Alomomola, Amoonguss, Slowking-Galar (Preferred Pick)


All three of these Pokemon are potent Regenerator users. Alomomola can pass gargantuan Wishes to weakened teammates including Avalugg-Hisui, and has STAB Chilling Water to cushion switches by lowering opposing Pokemon's attack stats even further. Amoonguss can absorb Toxic Spikes and additionally put problematic Pokemon to sleep using Spore, or can clear boosts using Clear Smog + put certain Pokemon on a timer with Sludge Bomb status/Toxic or Giga Drain weakening. Slowking-Galar can absorb a wide variety of Special hits that Avalugg-Hisui does not want to take, can fire off Future Sight to punish potential Avalugg-Hisui switch-ins such as Iron Valiant, and can also use Chilly Reception to possibly tank a hit for Avalugg-Hisui while the set snow boosts Avalugg-Hisuit's defense even more (along with allowing other variants of Avalugg-Hisui to use Aurora Veil).

Offensive Utility Pokemon

Glimmora (Preferred Pick), Great Tusk, Rillaboom
View attachment 528184View attachment 528186


These four Pokemon have been some of my favorites to run with Avalugg-Hisui and complement it quite well. Glimmora not only absorbs Toxic Spikes, but additionally can use Mortal Spin to clear hazards in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui while being faster, setting Toxic Spikes of its own using its ability, and having potent Special Attack with great coverage. Great Tusk doesn't need any introduction, he's Great Tusk, the GOAT, most sets work really well with Avalugg-Hisui. Finally, Rillaboom is a powerful attacker that additionally sets Grassy Terrain which halves Bullzoe and Earthquake's damage (which can allow Avalugg-Hisui additional switch-in opportunities), and provides passive regeneration for all grounded Pokemon (wonderful for Avalugg-Hisui that have had their Leftovers knocked or are using the Heavy-Duty Boots variant). Rillaboom also strikes fear into the heart of bulky waters that Avalugg-Hisui doesn't want to deal with, and STAB Grassy Terrain Priority Grassy Glide handles the ever-threatening Swift Swim Banded Basculegion.

Conclusion
View attachment 528200

Avalugg-Hisui is one of the most underrated threats I have seen in my 15+ years of playing competitive Pokemon, and I wholeheartedly believe that our glacier dude has a strong niche in the current OU metagame. Is his Special Defense atrocious? Yes. Are those 4x weaknesses a pain to work around? Yes (sometimes). Does that suddenly mean that all of the other amazing qualities that I listed about Avalugg-Hisui are suddenly null and void? Absolutely not. I urge you to give Avalugg-Hisui a try on one of your teams - from the testing I've been doing with it, I can fully recommend it and it has, on many occasions, proven to be the MVP of many important matches.​
Click to expand...
So are you gonna make Calyrex next?
 
DaddyBuzzwole

DaddyBuzzwole

furyofyuriy said:
On the Topic of Kommo-o getting shafted, an interesting problem presents itself. This isn't spoilers since it was already pulled out of the game files, but Clangorous Soul AND Clanging Scales were among the removed moves. Additionally, Decorate and Dragon Hammer were also removed, yet Alolan Egg and Alcrimie returned. So either these mons simply lost their signature attacks, or a patch might bring back some moves that were previously taken out.
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i mean, they can just add new stuff whenever they want. things being absent from the code is basically meaningless in the age of patches and dlc. for example, another thing that wasn't in the code at the beginning was an actual playable game, which they added in patch number three
 
Komodo_Drogo

Komodo_Drogo

Kommo would probably end up being discount ironpress zama. Bulletproof + tera fairy does seem kinda interesting though. Blocks shadow ball and Sludge bomb. Paired up with ghold it would probably be a solid rocks setter too. checks Cinderace lacking zen and punishes court change hard with fighting stab.

0- SpA Kommo-o Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 210-247 (56.6 - 66.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Kommo-o: 118-140 (33.3 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Tusk matchup is iffy but there's some potential.
 
Fenghuang

Fenghuang

Komodo_Drogo said:
Kommo would probably end up being discount ironpress zama. Bulletproof + tera fairy does seem kinda interesting though. Blocks shadow ball and Sludge bomb. Paired up with ghold it would probably be a solid rocks setter too. checks Cinderace lacking zen and punishes court change hard with fighting stab.

0- SpA Kommo-o Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 210-247 (56.6 - 66.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Kommo-o: 118-140 (33.3 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Tusk matchup is iffy but there's some potential.
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I don't think court change cinderace runs libero usually.
 
MattC (Banned)

MattC (Banned)

Morkal said:
Avalugg-Hisui
Type:View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078
View attachment 528066

"A special Hisuian Avalugg is worshiped by the Hisui people due to him being descended from one of the 10 ancient Pokémon who received a blessing from Arceus. He is one of the Noble Pokémon who resides in Alabaster Icelands watched by a Warden." - Bulbapedia

"Sorry for the delay everyone, I needed a small break from competitive play. My thinking speed was comparable to Slowbro's" - Morkal​

BASE STATLEVEL 100 STAT RANGES
HP:
95
300 - 394​
Attack:
127
233 - 388​
Defense:
184
335 - 513​
Sp. Atk:
34
65 - 183​
Sp. Def:
36
69 - 188​
Speed:
38
72 - 192​

Abilities:
Strong Jaw, Ice Body, Sturdy (Hidden Ability)

Attacking Movepool:
Avalanche, Body Press, Body Slam, Crunch, Earthquake, Facade, Heavy Slam, Ice Fang, Ice Spinner, Iron Head, Mountain Gale, Rock Blast, Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Tera Blast

Utility Movepool:
Aurora Veil, Chilling Water, Curse, Iron Defense, Protect, Rapid Spin, Recover, Stealth Rock, Substitute

Avalugg-Hisui is my new favorite defensive Pokemon, and I've been using him since he was added to OU with the Pokemon Home update. While it may seem foolhardy to use a Pokemon with a quad-fighting weakness in a defensive capability, those aspects are, without question, outshined by its myriad of fantastic traits. It can, with very little investment, check specific combinations of potent OU threats that no other Pokemon in the tier can and shrug off attacks that even bulky Zamazenta-H would quiver at. So without further ado, let's take it slow (like Avalugg) and dive into what makes our rocky glacier pal one of the coolest Pokemon to use in OU.
​
Disclaimer: Avalugg-Hisui is physically solid and very powerful, but has exploitable weaknesses thanks to its low Special Defense. Do not just switch your Avalugg-Hisui in without thinking; I highly recommend researching which OU staples use mixed sets or vary their sets more often (such as Dragapult or Iron Valiant) and making sure your team is balanced to account for Avalugg-Hisui's shortcomings. If you plan carefully and construct your team well, you'll find that Avalugg-Hisui can often be the MVP of your core composition game after game. Also, I apologize, I didn't realize this at the time but there is a character limit for posts, so I had to remove some of the damage calculations.
View attachment 528070

Avalugg-Hisui Competitive Summary
This is a "too long, didn't read" for people who want a quick summary of Avalugg-Hisui's positive traits without reading the essay-length post​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's typing is great offensively, base 127 attack paired with its STABS alone allows it to nail a unique combination of vicious OU threats that no other Pokemon can super effectively; including Amoonguss, Baxcalibur, Breloom, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Garchomp, Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Landorus-Therian, Meowscarada, Pelipper, Regidraco, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Ursaluna, Zapdos, and many more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's defensive typing has a few critical resistances to Normal, Flying, Poison, and Ice-type attacks, neutrality to Fire-type attacks + fantastic lure potential with Terastallization (notably Tera Ghost, which also gives Avalugg-Hisui further role compression as a spin blocker).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has an insane physical profile, with a solid 95 HP and an absolutely whopping base 184 Defense stat means that Avalugg-Hisui can shrug off even boosted super effective attacks in some cases such as +1 Dragonite Earthquake.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui has access to coveted utility moves in Recover and Rapid Spin, along with access to other unique options such as Aurora Veil, Body Press + Curse/Iron Defense, Stealth Rock, and more.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui's access to Strong Jaw means that STAB Ice Fang along with coverage in Crunch are both boosted in power, while access to Sturdy means that fully defensive sets cannot be sniped from 100% with an unexpected Special move.​
  • Avalugg-Hisui not only has access to fantastic coverage moves such as Body Press, Crunch, and Earthquake but has one of the most powerful unboosted Body Presses in the game (let alone boosted).​
  • Avalugg-Hisui can fit on a wide array of teams (from Stall to Snow Screens to Trick Room), Trick Room in particular is vicious thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's low-speed stat.​
  • Avalugg's base 38 Speed stat outside of Trick Room might be glacially slow, but it does still outspeed a few key OU threats including Clodsire, Torkoal, Hatterene, Amoonguss, Glastrier, Slowking/Slowking-G, Slowbro/Slowbro-G, Dondozo, Garganacl, and Toxapex.​

We're going to be looking at one Avalugg-Hisui set, but even though we're going to do the bulk of analysis on this one set, we're additionally going to go over multiple additional moves in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool and the types of sets that they can be used on (this will also give you an additional frame of reference for if you want to run a different move on the main set as well, like Body Press instead of Rock Slide for example). For this first set, we're going to be splitting the bulk of the analysis into Defensive + Speed/Utility and Offensive sections in which we will go over how Avalugg-Hisui works in OU along with damage calculations + EV analysis, go over additional moves/coverage options with further damage calculations, then we'll go over fantastic team partners.

Tera Ghost
Strong Jaw - Hybrid Utility Lure Spinner
View attachment 528069
Avalugg-Hisui @ Heavy-Duty Boots or Leftovers
Ability: Strong Jaw
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Ice Fang
- Rock Slide
- Recover
- Rapid Spin

Defensive Profile + Speed Tiers/Utility

View attachment 528117View attachment 528118

With 252 HP and 252 Defense EVs on this set, Avalugg-Hisui's physical profile is an astonishing 394 HP and 513 Defense. This means that Avalugg will be shrugging off some of the most powerful hits in the game including super-effective boosted hits with ease. The original Avalugg had more issues switching in due to a complete lack of resistances beyond Ice-type attacks, but Avalugg-Hisui's new secondary Rock-typing, while adding some unfortunate new weaknesses, gives Avalugg crucial neutrality to the ever-present Fire-type attacks coursing through OU at the moment along with adding key new resistances to Normal (Extremespeed, Facade Ursaluna, etc.), Flying, and Poison-type attacks. Additionally, with Tera Ghost, Avalugg-Hisui can lure in key threats to take advantage of their Fighting moves for either a free spin, free attack, or a free Recover. The choice of item is up to you - I vastly prefer Leftovers due to the passive recovery that can make or break some critical calculations, but if you don't have something like Amoonguss or Glimmora (both wonderful partners for Avalugg-Hisui that I'll detail more in the partners' section of this post) to absorb Toxic Spikes, it might be wise to run Heavy-Duty Boots instead. I personally prefer Leftovers as I usually pair it with either Amoonguss or Glimmora (sometimes both), and the passive recovery really helps in a pinch.

So with that initial defensive amble out of the way, let's take a look at some damage calculations to see exactly what kinds of insane moves that Avalugg-Hisui can comfortably shrug off - both boosted and unboosted. Additionally, we will look at some defensive calculations with Tera Ghost involved to show just how insane Avalugg-Hisui gets with mono-Ghost typing. Since Avalugg-Hisui has so many damage calculations here (more than any other OU analysis that I've done), I'm going to be putting the damage calculations in spoiler tags throughout the post so that the whole forum page isn't just filled with obscene quantities of Pokemath data.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Unboosted Hits)
View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078

Super Effective:

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 74-90 (18.7 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-178 (38 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-102 (21.3 - 25.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-196 (41.6 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 112-134 (28.4 - 34%) -- 98.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 152-180 (38.5 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 68-80 (17.2 - 20.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 Def Garganacl Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 136-160 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 42.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 182-216 (46.1 - 54.8%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-162 (34 - 41.1%) -- 57.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 77.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 176-210 (44.6 - 53.2%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Meowscarada Flower Trick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui on a critical hit: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 138-164 (35 - 41.6%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 150-176 (38 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 33.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 108-128 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- 62.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
80 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 196-232 (49.7 - 58.8%) -- 63.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 1.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Tera Fire Breloom Tera Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 70-84 (17.7 - 21.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- approx. 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 43-51 (10.9 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Outrage vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 50-59 (12.6 - 14.9%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Hyperspace Fury vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Psyblade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-53 (11.4 - 13.4%) -- possible 8HKO

252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 94-112 (23.8 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-63 (13.4 - 15.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Choice Specs Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 39-46 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 97-115 (24.6 - 29.1%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-73 (15.4 - 18.5%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 84-99 (21.3 - 25.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 57-68 (14.4 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 36-43 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Baxcalibur Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 52-62 (13.1 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 22-27 (5.5 - 6.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 30-36 (7.6 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 53-62 (13.4 - 15.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 32-38 (8.1 - 9.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 92-108 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

It can survive quite a few powerful hits; including some gargantuan super-effective hits. What about boosted Pokemon though? Would Bulk Up, Dragon Dance or Swords Dance make Avalugg-Hisui crumble? Let's look at some more calculations right here.

Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted Hits)
View attachment 528077/View attachment 528078

Super Effective:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 164-194 (41.6 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 170-200 (43.1 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 134-158 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 80-96 (20.3 - 24.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 206-244 (52.2 - 61.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

+1 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 147-174 (37.3 - 44.1%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Glaive Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 195-231 (49.4 - 58.6%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 72.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Bitter Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 6HKO

+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 118-141 (29.9 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 124-147 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 131-155 (33.2 - 39.3%) -- 16.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 63-72 (15.9 - 18.2%) -- approx. possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 105-120 (26.6 - 30.4%) -- approx. 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 34-40 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Facade (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui: 183-216 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- 10.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

So now you might be thinking "Wow it can take some strong hits, but what about the other moves it can't take normally?" This is where Tera Ghost comes in and allows for Avalugg-Hisui to act as a potent Fighting-type lure giving it a crucial immunity to Fighting and Normal-type attacks, along with removing some other critical weaknesses such as Rock, Ground, Steel, Fighting, Water, and Grass (while keeping its useful Poison resistance and gaining a new resistance to Bug-type moves). Tera Ghost not only gives these new immunities but also allows for Avalugg-Hisui to gain additional role compression as a spin blocker. Tera Ghost is easily the preferred Tera type for Avalugg-Hisui as it baits 4x Fighting moves better than most other Pokemon, in addition to granting neutrality to Ground and Steel. If you're finding Mortal Spin/Toxic to be an issue; you can run Tera Poison which gives Avalugg-Hisui resistances to Fighting, Grass, Bug, Poison, and Fairy-type attacks while also making Avalugg-Hisui immune to being poisoned, but this also means that you lose your resistance to Normal-type moves, keep your Ground-type weakness, and gain a Psychic-type weakness. As this is incredibly situational, I would recommend sticking with Tera Ghost most of the time. Here are calculations of the types of hits that Avalugg-Hisui can take once it has terastallized.

Tera Ghost Physical Defense Calculations
(Boosted and Unboosted Hits)
View attachment 528100

Super Effective:

0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 50-60 (12.6 - 15.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 60-72 (15.2 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Ceruledge Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 116-140 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 98-116 (24.8 - 29.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Dragapult Phantom Force vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 140-168 (35.5 - 42.6%) -- 91.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-98 (20.8 - 24.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 162-192 (41.1 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 100-118 (25.3 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Treads Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 90-106 (22.8 - 26.9%) -- 32.1% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 146-174 (37 - 44.1%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 188-224 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 38.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 41.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 158-186 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 122-146 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 13% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Black Glasses Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-186 (39.5 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Black Glasses Samurott-Hisui Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-134 (28.9 - 34%) -- 98.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Samurott-Hisui Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-136 (28.9 - 34.5%) -- 99.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Neutral:

252 Atk Choice Band Arcanine-Hisui Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 156-184 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 118-139 (29.9 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 310-366 (78.6 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Wave Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 135-159 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- 40.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Basculegion Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Rain: 144-171 (36.5 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- 78.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+4 252 Atk Baxcalibur Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 164-193 (41.6 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 93-111 (23.6 - 28.1%) -- approx. possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 138-165 (35 - 41.8%) -- approx. 87.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Breloom Bulldoze vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-89 (19 - 22.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Clodsire Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 42-51 (10.6 - 12.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 56-67 (14.2 - 17%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 85-100 (21.5 - 25.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Dragonite Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 113-133 (28.6 - 33.7%) -- 98.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 76-90 (19.2 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 151-178 (38.3 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 0 Atk Garganacl Salt Cure vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 40-48 (10.1 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 0 Atk Garganacl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 63-75 (15.9 - 19%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 0 Atk Great Tusk Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 126-148 (31.9 - 37.5%) -- 0.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 91-108 (23 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Great Tusk Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
200+ Atk Choice Band Iron Hands Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 114-135 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Leaves Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Treads Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-66 (13.9 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Iron Treads Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 67-81 (17 - 20.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 136-162 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 64.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 102-121 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- 4.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor Stone Axe vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 82-97 (20.8 - 24.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 55-65 (13.9 - 16.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 88-105 (22.3 - 26.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Hustle Lilligant-Hisui Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui in Grassy Terrain: 187-222 (47.4 - 56.3%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 87-103 (22 - 26.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 103-122 (26.1 - 30.9%) -- 8.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 75-88 (19 - 22.3%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ting-Lu Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 54-64 (13.7 - 16.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Guts Ursaluna Headlong Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 157-186 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Zamazenta Heavy Slam (40 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 29-35 (7.3 - 8.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 132-156 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- 17.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Not Very Effective:

252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 24-29 (6 - 7.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Corviknight U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 11-13 (2.7 - 3.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragapult U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 Atk Kleavor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 27-32 (6.8 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Sharpness Kleavor X-Scissor vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Landorus-Therian U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 19-23 (4.8 - 5.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 28-33 (7.1 - 8.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Choice Band Roaring Moon U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 31-36 (7.8 - 9.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252+ Atk Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 33-39 (8.3 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252+ Atk Tera Ground Sneasler Dire Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 66-78 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 18-21 (4.5 - 5.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Sneasler U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 26-31 (6.5 - 7.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tera Ghost Avalugg-Hisui: 25-30 (6.3 - 7.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

To summarize Avalugg's physical bulk in the most eloquent way possible - that is one thicc glacier boi. But raw defensive prowess isn't everything (otherwise Bastiodon would be a top-tier OU threat), so what else does Avalugg-Hisui bring to the table? Avalugg-Hisui has access to the coveted Recover which, despite its newly limited 8 PP count, is incredibly useful and allows most neutral and resisted hits to effortlessly bounce off without issue. Additionally, we have Rapid Spin which allows Avalugg-Hisui to not only clear the field of annoyances but boosts Avalugg-Hisui's speed up to 169 with 4 EVs and a Neutral Speed nature. With its base speed of 38 (113 Speed with 4 EVs/neutral nature), Avalugg-Hisui naturally outspeeds Amoonguss, Clodsire, Dondozo, Garganacl, Glastrier, Hatterene, Pincurchin, Quagsire, Slowbro, Slowbro-Galar, Slowking, Slowking-Galar, Torkoal, Toxapex, and Ursaluna (Negative Nature, Trick Room). This is already a pretty sizeable list of defensive threats

So you might be asking yourself, "Why 4 speed EVs; that seems like a bit of a waste on a Pokemon like Avalugg-Hisui, why not put that into Attack or Special Defense?" 4 Attack and 4 Special Defense EVs may allow you to slightly stomach some additional hits or hit a smidge harder, but 4 EVs in Speed with +1 from Rapid Spin allows you to outspeed uninvested neutral Skeledirge. Skeledirge sits at 168 with a neutral nature and no speed investment, so giving Avalugg-Hisui the jump on Skeledirge with 169 Speed rather than risking a speed tie is extremely valuable in select circumstances. As for what else +1 from Rapid Spin allows Avalugg-Hisui to outspeed? Pelipper, Scizor, and Alomomla are all at 166 with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature. 252 EV Speed with neutral nature Glastrier sits at 159, while Magnezone, Abomasnow, Grimmsnarl, Sylveon, and Goodra-Hisui with uninvested 0 EV Speed and a neutral nature sit at 156. Uninvested Blissey with a neutral nature reaches 146, while uninvested Azumarill, Iron Hands, Kingambit, and Ursaluna all reach 136. Additionally, uninvested Hippowdon reaches 130, uninvested Ting-Lu reaches 126, and uninvested Gastrodon reaches 114 (fun bonus, +1 0 Speed EV Rapid Spin Torkoal also only reaches 114).
View attachment 528174
Offensive Profile

So now that we've gone over Avalugg-Hisui's gargantuan physically defensive profile and its utility and speed tiers, you might be wondering "Well okay sure it definitely contributes to the team, but can it actually do anything to the Pokemon that it tanks/walls or is it just a momentum sponge?" It absolutely can, and it doesn't need Body Press or Attack investment to do so. Avalugg-Hisui got access to the ability Strong Jaw, which gives two of its relevant moves (one for this set) a much-needed power boost - Ice Fang and Crunch. Strong Jaw boosts Ice Fang from a paltry 65 base power to nearly 100 base power, which is then further boosted by STAB. "But what about its signature move Mountain Gale? What about Ice Spinner so you can run Sturdy instead?" Mountain Gale is a great move and quite powerful, but that 85% accuracy can really hurt in some critical situations and the flinch only applies to slower threats or if you're using Avalugg-Hisui on Trick Room. Ice Spinner is 100% accurate and clears terrain, but 80 base power doesn't reach the same thresholds as Strong Jaw Ice Fang, nor does it have the flinch effect (if you were arguing for Mountain Gale use with that). Strong Jaw Ice Fang not only has a small flinch chance for slower Pokemon, but it also has a 10% freeze chance, nearly the same base power as Mountain Gale with more accuracy. Sturdy is a great ability, but with how slow Avalugg-Hisui is, I've found in testing that Sturdy is better for sole utility sets such as Aurora Veil variants.

What makes Avalugg-Hisui's STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang so dangerous with those previously mentioned factors is access to STAB Rock Slide and the offensive synergy that the two moves alone create with one another. STAB Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide hit the following current OU/OUBL Pokemon super effectively (for the new Home Pokemon that will likely drop from OU next shift, I'm only going to put Pokemon on this list that I've seen in both lower and higher OU ladders multiple times):

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang:

Amoonguss, Articuno-Galar, Braviary-Hisui, Breloom, Clodsire, Dragapult, Dragonite (4x), Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Garchomp (4x), Great Tusk, Hydreigon, Landorus-Therian (4x), Lilligant-Hisui, Meowscarada, Moltres-Galar, Regidrago, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Thundurus-Therian, Ting-Lu, Tornadus-Therian, Ursaluna, Zapdos, Zapdos-Galar.

STAB Rock Slide:

Arcanine-Hisui, Articuno-Galar, Avalugg-Hisui, Baxcalibur, Braviary-Hisui, Ceruledge, Cinderace, Dragonite, Enamorus, Enamorus-Therian, Glastrier, Iron Moth, Kleavor, Moltres-Galar, Pelipper, Skeledirge, Thundurus-Therian, Tornadus-Therian, Torkoal, Volcanion, Zapdos.

Out of 57 OU Pokemon that I counted in total with the previously mentioned guidelines, Avalugg-Hisui's STAB combination hits 38 of those 57 Pokemon super effectively, roughly almost 70% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. If we want to take out any Pokemon that are an OU-toss up and focus on only solidly OU Pokemon (including Pokemon that will almost certainly not drop such as Sneasler or Ursaluna), then the new total becomes 29 out of 48 which means that roughly just over 60% of the entire OU metagame gets hit super effectively by STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang and STAB Rock Slide. These percentages may not be exact due to fluctuating usage and new toy syndrome, but they're accurate enough to give you a general idea of just how potent the offensive synergy between these two moves is. So now you might be thinking, "All right, that is a pretty nice selection of opposing Pokemon to hit, so what kind of damage can Avalugg-Hisui do with a neutral nature and no attack investment?" To answer that, let's take a look at some more damage calculations for both of these moves. Thanks to Avalugg-Hisui's solid base 127 Attack stat, it reaches 290 Attack with 0 EVs and a neutral nature; to show how this is quite powerful thanks to the potent offensive synergy, we'll start with STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang then look at STAB Rock Slide.

STAB Strong Jaw Ice Fang
View attachment 528077

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Amoonguss: 254-300 (58.7 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 294-348 (76.5 - 90.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Breloom: 308-366 (118 - 140.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 384-452 (82.9 - 97.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 326-386 (102.8 - 121.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 144 HP / 0 Def Multiscale Dragonite: 270-318 (75.2 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (OHKO without Multiscale)

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 344-408 (119 - 141.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 540-636 (128.5 - 151.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Great Tusk: 204-242 (54.9 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Great Tusk: 152-182 (35 - 41.9%) -- 83.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 282-332 (86.7 - 102.1%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Landorus-Therian: 400-472 (104.7 - 123.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lilligant-Hisui: 326-386 (116 - 137.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 344-408 (117.4 - 139.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 282-332 (87.8 - 103.4%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 278-330 (81.5 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 338-402 (96.2 - 114.5%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ting-Lu: 212-252 (41.2 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 308-366 (103 - 122.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 248-294 (57.6 - 68.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 294-348 (91.5 - 108.4%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Ice Fang vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 260-308 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

STAB Rock Slide
View attachment 528078

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 240-284 (72.5 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 228-270 (59.3 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 216-254 (58.2 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (82.4 - 97.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 240-284 (67.7 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (84.3 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 254-300 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Enamorus: 266-314 (92 - 108.6%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 158-188 (39.2 - 46.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Moth: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kleavor: 206-246 (73.3 - 87.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 218-258 (67.9 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pelipper: 200-236 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 144-170 (44.5 - 52.6%) -- 18.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 200-236 (48.6 - 57.4%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 40+ Def Skeledirge: 174-206 (42.2 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus-Therian: 266-314 (88.9 - 105%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 114-134 (33.2 - 39%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-Therian: 240-284 (80.2 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 170-204 (51.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 228-270 (71 - 84.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 104 Def Zapdos: 204-240 (53.1 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

To summarize - Avalugg-Hisui can 2HKO over half the metagame and can OHKO close to half of it with just those two STAB moves and 0 EV attack investment. This is why Avalugg-Hisui works so well in its role; its ability to simultaneously exert unexpectedly strong offensive pressure against a wide myriad of targets, sit in front of monstrous physical threats and additionally keep itself healthy while compressing multiple utility roles is unparalleled. So now that we've looked at the main Avalugg-Hisui set I've been working with, what other options can Avalugg-Hisui use?

For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to be showing each move's damage calculation with both the same 0 EV Attack with neutral nature spread from the main set - since this is what Avalugg-Hisui's attack will be uninvested, you can imagine the havoc it would cause with full 252 EVs in Attack with a positive nature.

Additional Movepool Options

Strong Jaw Crunch
View attachment 528150

Crunch is the only other relevant move in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool that's boosted by Strong Jaw; as a result, it feasts on a wide portion of the metagame that simply can't handle even uninvested Crunch, let alone with the Strong Jaw boost. Crunch can be fit on multiple types of offensive sets, and is (along with Earthquake) one of the two best bits of extra coverage in Avalugg-Hisui's movepool. Let's take a look at some calculations to see just what Pokemon get whomped by this move.

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Articuno-Galar: 242-286 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Azelf: 284-336 (97.5 - 115.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Basculegion-F: 300-354 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (87.9 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Ceruledge: 256-302 (72.3 - 85.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Cresselia: 194-230 (43.6 - 51.8%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 270-318 (85.1 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gholdengo: 222-262 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gholdengo: 158-188 (41.7 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Houndstone: 212-250 (67 - 79.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 212-250 (52.4 - 61.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Skeledirge: 212-250 (51.5 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Slowking: 252-298 (64.1 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Slowking-Galar: 250-296 (63.4 - 75.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Strong Jaw Avalugg-Hisui Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowking-Galar: 176-208 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- 22.3% chance to 2HKO

Earthquake
View attachment 528154

The tried and true Earthquake, and a move that, like Crunch, will be one of the two main coverage options on any Avalugg-Hisui set. Ground pairs really nicely with both Ice and Rock-type attacks and allows Avalugg-Hisui to hit some threats that its STAB + Earthquake can't touch, so let's dive right into damage calculations so you can see the milestones that Earthquake hits a wide portion of the tier at.

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 428-504 (129.3 - 152.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Clodsire: 264-312 (57 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Glimmora: 384-456 (125 - 148.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 178-210 (50.8 - 60%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (105.2 - 123.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 340-400 (88 - 103.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 124 Def Iron Moth: 448-528 (148.8 - 175.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (47.3 - 56%) -- 79.3% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 152-180 (39.5 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kingambit: 150-178 (43.9 - 52.1%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 152-180 (38 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sneasler: 268-316 (89 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Avalugg-Hisui Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Toxapex: 124-146 (40.9 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Mountain Gale
View attachment 528077

Mountain Gale is best used on Trick Room Avalugg-Hisui variants for two reasons - the increased power even without Strong Jaw, and the 30% flinch chance. Mountain Gale is powerful and somewhat accurate, but that flinch chance, in particular, is why it functions the best on Trick Room. Otherwise, you're better off going with Strong Jaw Ice Fang.

Body Press
View attachment 528166

Body Press coming off of Avalugg-Hisui's insane Defense stat is intimidating and definitely worth looking into for the unique coverage that Fighting-type brings in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui's STABS (or even just one of the STABS). Furthermore, Body Press can be boosted further from either Curse or Iron Defense. Let's set our eyes on some more damage calculations to see just what Body Press can do even without a single Curse or Iron Defense boost.

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arcanine-Hisui: 300-354 (90.6 - 106.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Baxcalibur: 268-316 (72.2 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Garganacl: 200-236 (49.5 - 58.4%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 156+ Def Garganacl: 160-190 (39.6 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Glastrier: 200-236 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 196 HP / 0 Def Goodra-Hisui: 250-296 (71.4 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 238-282 (61.6 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Iron Treads: 214-252 (55.7 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 236 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 428-504 (107 - 126%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 300-354 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Def Avalugg-Hisui Body Press vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 240-284 (55.8 - 66%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

Potential Partners

Regenerator Pokemon

Alomomola, Amoonguss, Slowking-Galar (Preferred Pick)


All three of these Pokemon are potent Regenerator users. Alomomola can pass gargantuan Wishes to weakened teammates including Avalugg-Hisui, and has STAB Chilling Water to cushion switches by lowering opposing Pokemon's attack stats even further. Amoonguss can absorb Toxic Spikes and additionally put problematic Pokemon to sleep using Spore, or can clear boosts using Clear Smog + put certain Pokemon on a timer with Sludge Bomb status/Toxic or Giga Drain weakening. Slowking-Galar can absorb a wide variety of Special hits that Avalugg-Hisui does not want to take, can fire off Future Sight to punish potential Avalugg-Hisui switch-ins such as Iron Valiant, and can also use Chilly Reception to possibly tank a hit for Avalugg-Hisui while the set snow boosts Avalugg-Hisuit's defense even more (along with allowing other variants of Avalugg-Hisui to use Aurora Veil).

Offensive Utility Pokemon

Glimmora (Preferred Pick), Great Tusk, Rillaboom
View attachment 528184View attachment 528186


These four Pokemon have been some of my favorites to run with Avalugg-Hisui and complement it quite well. Glimmora not only absorbs Toxic Spikes, but additionally can use Mortal Spin to clear hazards in conjunction with Avalugg-Hisui while being faster, setting Toxic Spikes of its own using its ability, and having potent Special Attack with great coverage. Great Tusk doesn't need any introduction, he's Great Tusk, the GOAT, most sets work really well with Avalugg-Hisui. Finally, Rillaboom is a powerful attacker that additionally sets Grassy Terrain which halves Bullzoe and Earthquake's damage (which can allow Avalugg-Hisui additional switch-in opportunities), and provides passive regeneration for all grounded Pokemon (wonderful for Avalugg-Hisui that have had their Leftovers knocked or are using the Heavy-Duty Boots variant). Rillaboom also strikes fear into the heart of bulky waters that Avalugg-Hisui doesn't want to deal with, and STAB Grassy Terrain Priority Grassy Glide handles the ever-threatening Swift Swim Banded Basculegion.

Conclusion
View attachment 528200

Avalugg-Hisui is one of the most underrated threats I have seen in my 15+ years of playing competitive Pokemon, and I wholeheartedly believe that our glacier dude has a strong niche in the current OU metagame. Is his Special Defense atrocious? Yes. Are those 4x weaknesses a pain to work around? Yes (sometimes). Does that suddenly mean that all of the other amazing qualities that I listed about Avalugg-Hisui are suddenly null and void? Absolutely not. I urge you to give Avalugg-Hisui a try on one of your teams - from the testing I've been doing with it, I can fully recommend it and it has, on many occasions, proven to be the MVP of many important matches.​
Click to expand...
You mean to tell me I missed a Morkal post? Aside from that, it looks amazing as always
 

Ctann

is a Pre-Contributor
Fenghuang said:
I don't think court change cinderace runs libero usually.
Click to expand...
it depends whether your team needs reliable 50% further damage on u turn and maybe HJK/Gunk shot/Sucker punch, or if you’re gonna spam mostly fire anyway and prefer the unreliable 50% boost to stab.

the amount of offense running around means cinderace doesn’t get much space to court change, so team comp matters a lot
 
Fenghuang

Fenghuang

Ctann said:
it depends whether your team needs reliable 50% further damage on u turn and maybe HJK/Gunk shot/Sucker punch, or if you’re gonna spam mostly fire anyway and prefer the unreliable 50% boost to stab.

the amount of offense running around means cinderace doesn’t get much space to court change, so team comp matters a lot
Click to expand...
I could be wrong, but from what I've seen the uturn/HJK/Pyro/Sucker sorta sets don't usually run court change.
 

TakunHiwatari

Mega Breloom said:
It will be click X botton to gain an extra support ability or an OP changing the one you have. You all are laughing at Slaking because it is mid on ZU while Vigorot got banned but he will be the one laughing in the end.
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Even if it was just changing to the other abilities the mon has, that would be CHAOTIC.

Anyways, changing topic back to OU, how's everyone feeling about the meta now that Urshifu and Volcarona are gone?
 
awyp

awyp

'Alexa play Ladyfingers by Herb Alpert'
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Tiering Contributoris a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnus
RMT Leader
TakunHiwatari said:
Even if it was just changing to the other abilities the mon has, that would be CHAOTIC.

Anyways, changing topic back to OU, how's everyone feeling about the meta now that Urshifu and Volcarona are gone?
Click to expand...
In my opinion it's still not in a good place I think there's a lot of mayhem, definitely a lot of adjustments to get used to. I really miss Volcarona, I felt like it was a good glue on a lot of teams and specifically for mons like Valiant but it is what it is. My most problematic mons are Sneasler and Ursaluna, I think if they get suspect tested in conjunction with tera we'll be a in a good place until the DLCs.
 
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