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

Mega Breloom · Jun 22, 2023

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?

I'm seeing the exact same teams, the only difference are some tera types, not most defensive/fat mons run tera fairy while they used to run water for Urshifu or other for Volc, besides that there are not changes on sets/mons used.

Magcargo · Jun 22, 2023

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 STAT LEVEL 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 528117 View 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 528184 View 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

Another bonus of Strong Jaw Crunch is that it smacks Ghost-types pretty hard. For a Spinner like Avalugg, this is pretty great for obvious reasons. Other utility moves like Stealth Rock also help distinguish it from its cousin.

From my experience using regular Avalugg, Tera Water seems like it'd be pretty neat to give this Pokemon a better MU vs some rain threats.

June Heat · Jun 22, 2023

Which way do we think the Dog ban will go? Obviously a lot of people think it’s broken, but from what I can tell people who are getting reqs are leaning towards no ban.

awyp · Jun 22, 2023

June Heat said:
Which way do we think the Dog ban will go? Obviously a lot of people think it’s broken, but from what I can tell people who are getting reqs are leaning towards no ban.

I will be shocked if it gets banned but to be honest it's tough to tell, I think it might be close.

AM · Jun 22, 2023

June Heat said:
Which way do we think the Dog ban will go? Obviously a lot of people think it’s broken, but from what I can tell people who are getting reqs are leaning towards no ban.

That suspect thread is dead so if it was going to be banned you’d see like 10 pages by now of circular debates with half of those posts being +6 Body Press Calcs on a Tyranitar or any mon weak to fighting to say it’s broken. Safe to say the dog is staying.

1LDK · Jun 22, 2023

AM said:
That suspect thread is dead so if it was going to be banned you’d see like 10 pages by now of circular debates with half of those posts being +6 Body Press Calcs on a Tyranitar or any mon weak to fighting to say it’s broken. Safe to say the dog is staying.

+6 252+ Def Choice Band Tera Fighting Zamazenta Helping Hand Power Spot boosted Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Tyranitar on a critical hit: 12600-14832 (3695 - 4349.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

???????????

LoseToRU? · Jun 22, 2023

AndViet said:
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.

Yeah ladder is a mess imo.

I haven't really had an issue with either Sneas or Ursa tbh, but im literally cheating by using tera dark glasses Gambit so idk.

+2 252+ Atk Black Glasses Tera Dark Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Sneasler: 312-368 (100.3 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Black Glasses Supreme Overlord 1 ally fainted Tera Dark Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 434-512 (100.9 - 119%) -- guaranteed OHKO

I'd like to see the meta without Val, Enam, Gambit, Pult, and Garg.
Hot take I know but that's just me.
If we're gonna keep tera as is then we need to let some other mons breathe.

My biggest issue as of rn is how u really can't run off-meta.

Anytime you try to spice it up in the builder you will get punished.

The moment you stray away from on-meta cores you're setting yourself up for failure.

There's little reason to run some heat when Booster Val can come in, when Garg hard walls, when Gambit OHKOs you w sucker, etc.

Same thing happened last gen to a lesser extent, like if I wanted to have fun w BD Poliwrath rain, it's gatekept by band Rilla.
If I wanted to take some UU mon and do like a bulky set up spread, band Urshi just invalidated it.

Those mons I listed and maybe some more like E-Nite are just so insane w Tera that there really is no room for anything cool.

The "coolest" things I've seen is like fire spin Volcan... and the one time a Thundy Volted on my lead H-Rott into RH Amoong to stop Cease.. but I still won that game cuz next time his Thundy was in I just tera Ground my Enam, Agility, and cleaned.

Literally the only other time was some Liligant QD set that relied on cheese powder.. so idk man my past few weeks in 1900's has just been the same 10 mons on HO and dedicated stall.

AM said:
That suspect thread is dead so if it was going to be banned you’d see like 10 pages by now of circular debates with half of those posts being +6 Body Press Calcs on a Tyranitar or any mon weak to fighting to say it’s broken. Safe to say the dog is staying.

See I was thinking the opposite, no one is talking about an obvious ban.
You could def be right tho I just didn't see it from that perspective lol.

Mega Breloom · Jun 22, 2023

AM said:
That suspect thread is dead so if it was going to be banned you’d see like 10 pages by now of circular debates with half of those posts being +6 Body Press Calcs on a Tyranitar or any mon weak to fighting to say it’s broken. Safe to say the dog is staying.

To be fair that doesn't mean much, Wake's thread was pretty active and it was far from being banned.

June Heat · Jun 22, 2023

AM said:
That suspect thread is dead so if it was going to be banned you’d see like 10 pages by now of circular debates with half of those posts being +6 Body Press Calcs on a Tyranitar or any mon weak to fighting to say it’s broken. Safe to say the dog is staying.

It’s just weird though. Polls show that a large number of people think it’s broken, but they don’t really fight back. When people do try to make an argument for it being broken once again no push back. It’s like one or two people made long posts about Zamazenta, and the player base decided “enough said”. Personally I think Zama is under explored, and there should be talks on how to break it.

SnackWasTaken · Jun 22, 2023

LoseToRU? said:
Yeah ladder is a mess imo.

I haven't really had an issue with either Sneas or Ursa tbh, but im literally cheating by using tera dark glasses Gambit so idk.

+2 252+ Atk Black Glasses Tera Dark Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Sneasler: 312-368 (100.3 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252+ Atk Black Glasses Supreme Overlord 1 ally fainted Tera Dark Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Ursaluna: 434-512 (100.9 - 119%) -- guaranteed OHKO

You may have a point. However, countering a Mon with a broken Mon doesn’t prove much. I know you’ve said it’s bad but just saying.

EDIT: nvm you already said that I missed that part

LoseToRU? · Jun 22, 2023

June Heat said:
It’s just weird though. Polls show that a large number of people think it’s broken, but they don’t really fight back. When people do try to make an argument for it being broken once again no push back. It’s like one or two people made long posts about Zamazenta, and the player base decided “enough said”. Personally I think Zama is under explored, and there should be talks on how to break it.

Zama is v underexplored and still in its infancy as a mon.

I wrote a long post about Tera Steel offensive variants and Tera Electric/Ice ID+BP variants and how they beat all their checks.
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...-let-the-dogs-out.3722894/page-2#post-9666765

That said, I have more recent posts on that thread, and if Zama stays then I really don't care, but it would just be another MU fish mon that you need a dedicated check for or it tears through your team.

SnackWasTaken said:
You may have a point. However, countering a Mon with a broken Mon doesn’t prove much. I know you’ve said it’s bad but just saying.

EDIT: nvm you already said that I missed that part

Yeah never been a fan of "broken checks broken".

Last gen Mel was broken but it checked broken Weav and Pult, and to some extent you can't avoid it in a meta.
If I had my way all 3 would be banned, but at some point you just have to accept there will be S tier mons that don't have much counterplay.
So, idc that they're not banned at all.

But right now it's "broken sometimes checks broken" due to tera.
I don't want to get into a tera rant, but like I've been saying, if we're going to keep this gimmick then there's a handful of mons that need to be suspected.

SnackWasTaken · Jun 22, 2023

SnackWasTaken said:
You may have a point. However, countering a Mon with a broken Mon doesn’t prove much. I know you’ve said it’s bad but just saying.

LoseToRU? said:
Zama is v underexplored and still in its infancy as a mon.

I wrote a long post about Tera Steel offensive variants and Tera Electric/Ice ID+BP variants and how they beat all their checks.
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...-let-the-dogs-out.3722894/page-2#post-9666765

That said, I have more recent posts on that thread, and if Zama stays then I really don't care, but it would just be another MU fish mon that you need a dedicated check for or it tears through your team.

Yeah never been a fan of "broken checks broken".

Last gen Mel was broken but it checked broken Weav and Pult, and to some extent you can't avoid it in a meta.
If I had my way all 3 would be banned, but at some point you just have to accept there will be S tier mons that don't have much counterplay.
So, idc that they're not banned at all.

But right now it's "broken sometimes checks broken" due to tera.
I don't want to get into a tera rant, but like I've been saying, if we're going to keep this gimmick then there's a handful of mons that need to be suspected.

Yeah. Tera broke Regieleki, Espathra, Volcarona, Kingambit, Annihilape, and many more. Tera fairy and water take walls to an extreme. Tera pushed Calyrex-Shadow out of freaking Ubers, and god forbid GF takes some more meth and Shedinja comes into the DLC. Tera needs to make like Rick Astley and say goodbye.

Return to Zero · Jun 22, 2023

SnackWasTaken said:
Yeah. Tera broke Regieleki, Espathra, Volcarona, Kingambit, Annihilape, and many more. Tera fairy and water take walls to an extreme. Tera pushed Calyrex-Shadow out of freaking Ubers, and god forbid GF takes some more meth and Shedinja comes into the DLC. Tera needs to make like Rick Astley and say goodbye.

Tera has just stopped being fun for me. Either it's predictable and seen coming a mile away yet has to be respected the same, or it's so blindingly out of nowhere like Tera Bug Clodisre that the idea of skillful prediction becomes comedy. Now that the new shine has worn off and I'm used to it, Tera has really just started feeling like a big mark on a metagame I'd otherwise be really interested in. I've kinda fallen off and stopped playing as much because of it.

I completely agree with this, but I feel it's worth mentioning Rick Astley said he was never gonna make you cry/never gonna say goodbye. Unless he told a lie and hurt you...

dudebones · Jun 22, 2023

Return to Zero said:
Tera has just stopped being fun for me. Either it's predictable and seen coming a mile away yet has to be respected the same, or it's so blindingly out of nowhere like Tera Bug Clodisre that the idea of skillful prediction becomes comedy. Now that the new shine has worn off and I'm used to it, Tera has really just started feeling like a big mark on a metagame I'd otherwise be really interested in. I've kinda fallen off and stopped playing as much because of it.

I completely agree with this, but I feel it's worth mentioning Rick Astley said he was never gonna make you cry/never gonna say goodbye. Unless he told a lie and hurt you...

L take.

Here is a team I used for suspect reqs and peaked 2K+ on the OU ladder with: https://pokepast.es/cacce25240094d71

Notice something? The team does not have a dedicated switch in for Walking Wake/Basculegion under Sun or Rain.
But I do have Tera Water Lando, which allows this kind of team to adapt to weather matchups without shaping the entire team around a dedicated check to this uncommon playstyle. This build is literally ran through by weather without the option of defensive Tera Water Lando.

In my opinion Tera, specifically defensive tera which i think is much more relevant than offensive tera, allows you to build teams without being constrained to add certain counters to matchups you know you'll run into, but are not super common in the meta.

i enjoy knowing that a build like this has the option to blow its tera for only defensive utility, thus limiting its offensive tera sweep options, in order to try and fight back against an otherwise 100-0 Rain/Sun matchup.

Defensive Tera options like the one I detailed above allow for more flexibility in team structures, and at the same time i 100% support the suspecting of certain tera abusers that really break the balance and abuse the mechanic for an oppressive offensive presence (mons like Regi, Urshifu, maybe Gambit in the future?)

Return to Zero · Jun 22, 2023

dudebones said:
L take.

Here is a team I used for suspect reqs and peaked 2K+ on the OU ladder with: https://pokepast.es/cacce25240094d71

Notice something? The team does not have a dedicated switch in for Walking Wake/Basculegion under Sun or Rain.
But I do have Tera Water Lando, which allows this kind of team to adapt to weather matchups without shaping the entire team around a dedicated check to this uncommon playstyle. This build is literally ran through by weather without the option of defensive Tera Water Lando.

In my opinion Tera, specifically defensive tera which i think is much more relevant than offensive tera, allows you to build teams without being constrained to add certain counters to matchups you know you'll run into, but are not super common in the meta.

i enjoy knowing that a build like this has the option to blow its tera for only defensive utility, thus limiting its offensive tera sweep options, in order to try and fight back against an otherwise 100-0 Rain/Sun matchup.

Defensive Tera options like the one I detailed above allow for more flexibility in team structures, and at the same time i 100% support the suspecting of certain tera abusers that really break the balance and abuse the mechanic for an oppressive offensive presence (mons like Regi, Urshifu, maybe Gambit in the future?)

Cool team. Glad you got so high up on the ladder with it and that you're having fun. No idea how this is supposed to disprove me not enjoying Tera though, especially since nothing I said (Tera feels either rote and predictable yet must be respected the same anyway or so out of left field that predicting it feels more like blind luck) has anything to do with what you said (There is a cost-benefit dynamic to Tera in using it defensively versus offensively in creative ways), so kind of a weird choice to make mentioning me your in for plugging it. I guess I'll be more careful about mentioning that I don't personally enjoy something in the future.

MegaScizor32 · Jun 22, 2023

As the meta is stabilizing more and we are seeing what the best mons are to use, I am enjoying the meta more than when Home first dropped. I feel the meta is the healthiest its been this gen. The only mon I can think of that centralizes the meta is :Kingambit:

, which

can handle.

awyp · Jun 22, 2023

MegaScizor32 said:
As the meta is stabilizing more and we are seeing what the best mons are to use, I am enjoying the meta more than when Home first dropped. I feel the meta is the healthiest its been this gen. The only mon I can think of that centralizes the meta is , which can handle.

I respectfully have to disagree, I think before HOME the meta was the best its been in terms of competitiveness and healthiness the mons that were banned were out the tier and the questionable mons weren't overcentralizing like Volcarona, Garganacl, and Kingambit. The meta right now is a bit much and I feel like with a few bans it will look very tantalizing

dudebones · Jun 22, 2023

Return to Zero said:
Cool team. Glad you got so high up on the ladder with it and that you're having fun. No idea how this is supposed to disprove me not enjoying Tera though, especially since nothing I said (Tera feels either rote and predictable yet must be respected the same anyway or so out of left field that predicting it feels more like blind luck) has anything to do with what you said (There is a cost-benefit dynamic to Tera in using it defensively versus offensively in creative ways), so kind of a weird choice to make mentioning me your in for plugging it. I guess I'll be more careful about mentioning that I don't personally enjoy something in the future.

Disproving that you don't enjoy something sounds impossible?

Point is the Tera free meta-game you'd be more interested in is much more constrained by threats that exist build to build than right now. I think it would limit the creative choices builders and players have when looking to create a team that is as consistent as possible against the breadth of team archetypes you can expect to encounter. I too have been blind sided by a wholly unique Tera option, sometimes resulting in a loss I couldn't predict, but tbh i'd rather have the rare encounter with a super niche tera choice than play a meta without tera where i can load up a certain build see a weather team/stall team/screens team/webs team that i have 0 counter-play against.

Complaining that something is predictable yet must be respected can be slotted in for so many main-stays in this game. Hazards are on virtually every team, can be expected to be set up early game by the same handful mons yet must be respected.

MegaScizor32 · Jun 22, 2023

AndViet said:
I respectfully have to disagree, I think before HOME the meta was the best its been in terms of competitiveness and healthiness the mons that were banned were out the tier and the questionable mons weren't overcentralizing like Volcarona, Garganacl, and Kingambit. The meta right now is a bit much and I feel like with a few bans it will look very tantalizing

I respect your opinion. I liked the meta before home too but the addition of the Hisuian mons and the banning of mons like :Volcarona:

,

,

,

, makes the meta more playable and enjoyable to me. The only mons that are hard to take down are :Zamazenta:

and

and if played right they can be handled (although i would say both are dangerous with tera). In my opinion :Garganacl:

is not to hard to defeat.

Return to Zero · Jun 22, 2023

dudebones said:
Disproving that you don't enjoy something sounds impossible?

That is what you're trying to do, apparently. I wasn't making any kind of point or argument, just saying what I personally felt. Do note my original post was using language like "Tera has stopped being fun for me" and " Tera has really just started feeling like a big mark on a metagame I'd otherwise be really interested in". I didn't say that the reasons I disliked it are why everyone else should too or that it didn't add anything positive to the metagame. Point being, your post was a really aggressive response to something that was just me throwing out how I felt on the topic when it came up in conversation. I wasn't here to debate anyone, you put that on me. Like, you think a lack of Tera would be more limiting than its presence and don't mind Tera's surprise factor as much as I do. I disagree. That's all.

As long as we're here though...

dudebones said:
Complaining that something is predictable yet must be respected can be slotted in for so many main-stays in this game. Hazards are on virtually every team, can be expected to be set up early game by the same handful mons yet must be respected.

The solid two pages of discussion from only a couple days ago about whether hazards need to be looked at and if they're actually good for the metagame or not point to, at the very least, this not being an airtight rebuttal.
I didn't expand on the point because it wasn't going to be something I thought I had to expand on, but my issue with it is that Tera is a mechanic balanced around not knowing how it will work. A lot of Tera's power depends on your ability to surprise the opponent with it, in terms of Tera type, which mon uses it, and when. Yet, plenty of Tera combinations are so effective that even when you can plainly see them coming, the loss of Tera's surprise does very little to actually help you punish it. I think that's kinda lame. Personally speaking, just so I'm clear.

Ast0rga · Jun 22, 2023

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 STAT LEVEL 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

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 528117 View 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 528184 View 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.

I hope you work as a salesman, At least as a side job or for extra cash on your free time. Cause fam you are good at selling stuff

dudebones · Jun 22, 2023

Return to Zero said:
That is what you're trying to do, apparently. I wasn't making any kind of point or argument, just saying what I personally felt. Do note my original post was using language like "Tera has stopped being fun for me" and " Tera has really just started feeling like a big mark on a metagame I'd otherwise be really interested in". I didn't say that the reasons I disliked it are why everyone else should too or that it didn't add anything positive to the metagame. Point being, your post was a really aggressive response to something that was just me throwing out how I felt on the topic when it came up in conversation. I wasn't here to debate anyone, you put that on me. Like, you think a lack of Tera would be more limiting than its presence and don't mind Tera's surprise factor as much as I do. I disagree. That's all.

As long as we're here though...

The solid two pages of discussion from only a couple days ago about whether hazards need to be looked at and if they're actually good for the metagame or not point to, at the very least, this not being an airtight rebuttal.
I didn't expand on the point because it wasn't going to be something I thought I had to expand on, but my issue with it is that Tera is a mechanic balanced around not knowing how it will work. A lot of Tera's power depends on your ability to surprise the opponent with it, in terms of Tera type, which mon uses it, and when. Yet, plenty of Tera combinations are so effective that even when you can plainly see them coming, the loss of Tera's surprise does very little to actually help you punish it. I think that's kinda lame. Personally speaking, just so I'm clear.

Not trying to "force" you to like anything. But in your original post you suggest that a tera free meta would motivate you to return to playing more.
I disagree with that solution and I presented my argument how the presence of tera preserves a degree of freedom to adapt to certain oppressive matchups. I have read countless posts similar to yours suggesting a banning of the unique gen 9 mechanic and I think a lot of people dont consider what the game would feel like to play without tera around.

Moyashi · Jun 22, 2023

dudebones said:
I have read countless posts similar to yours suggesting a banning of the unique gen 9 mechanic and I think a lot of people dont consider what the game would feel like to play without tera around.

Firstly, let's stop with "its the unique gen9 mechanic". It doesn't have any bearing on how to discuss the mechanic. Stop putting it on a pedestal and just judge it like anything else.

Second, you've only really focused on the few positive things tera does, and have kinda ignored the many questionable elements it brings to the game. Defensive pokemon increasing their reach and being able to check more things is cool, but offensive pokemon flipping bad match ups for set up opportunities, or even denying revenge killing is not. Over inflating the list of things you need to account for in the builder, as in addition to base pokemon you have to account for many tera variations of those threats. Or how tera enables HO teams to a debatable egregious degree.

Srn · Jun 22, 2023

dudebones said:
Point is the Tera free meta-game you'd be more interested in is much more constrained by threats that exist build to build than right now. I think it would limit the creative choices builders and players have when looking to create a team that is as consistent as possible against the breadth of team archetypes you can expect to encounter. I too have been blind sided by a wholly unique Tera option, sometimes resulting in a loss I couldn't predict, but tbh i'd rather have the rare encounter with a super niche tera choice than play a meta without tera where i can load up a certain build see a weather team/stall team/screens team/webs team that i have 0 counter-play against.

So hold on.

One second you're saying "tera free metagame would be more constrained than the meta with tera we have right now," but in the very next you're admitting "I've lost to tera's that I couldn't possibly account for." You kind of admit the opposite of what you're trying to argue.

Tera does more to limit teambuilding than it does allow flexibility. You can decide to tera water to create a water resist, but why are we acting like putting a water resist on your team was some huge burden that tera lifts? I'll tell you what's a huge burden:

Kingambit (tera dark, fire, ghost, flying, fairy), Iron Valiant (SD tera dark knock, SD tera ghost, CM tera ghost sub/encore shadow ball+aura sphere, CM tera elec/steel moonblast 2 coverage, Specs tera fairy moonblast, the list keeps going lol), Dragapult (CB tera ghost, CB tera fighting, Specs tera ghost/dragon, Wisphex tera ghost/fairy), Baxcalibur (DD tera ground/fairy/poison, SD Tera ice/dragon, CB tera ground/dragon), Gholdengo (Scarf Tera ghost/steel/fighting/water, NP tera fighting/water, Specs Tera steel), Garganacl (Tera water/fairy/ghost/poison/flying with block or curse or rocks or w/e) I can keep going but at this point just go read the tera type index which hasn't yet been updated to home meta so that's even MORE for you to try and account for.

Even the 36 different teras I listed for major threats far eclipses the 6 teras you get to work with to try and cover everything. Yes only one pokemon tera's and you won't be facing everything at once, but you still need to try and not lose to it. And I don't want to hear no "bro who uses tera poison garg" because it is the teambuilder's job to have some counterplay to as much as you can possibly cover, including random teras. I have literally tera poison'd my garg+block vs a breloom turn 1, cursed up to +6, and 6-0d a game before. This isn't even including how tera ghost can spinblock and further exacerbate how overwhelming hazards are right now.

In a meta without tera, a defensive great tusk would be enough for kingambit. In a meta with tera, you need multiple kingambit answers. Simple as that.

MegaScizor32 · Jun 22, 2023

Srn said:
So hold on.

One second you're saying "tera free metagame would be more constrained than the meta with tera we have right now," but in the very next you're admitting "I've lost to tera's that I couldn't possibly account for." You kind of admit the opposite of what you're trying to argue.

Tera does more to limit teambuilding than it does allow flexibility. You can decide to tera water to create a water resist, but why are we acting like putting a water resist on your team was some huge burden that tera lifts? I'll tell you what's a huge burden:

Kingambit (tera dark, fire, ghost, flying, fairy), Iron Valiant (SD tera dark knock, SD tera ghost, CM tera ghost sub/encore shadow ball+aura sphere, CM tera elec/steel moonblast 2 coverage, Specs tera fairy moonblast, the list keeps going lol), Dragapult (CB tera ghost, CB tera fighting, Specs tera ghost/dragon, Wisphex tera ghost/fairy), Baxcalibur (DD tera ground/fairy/poison, SD Tera ice/dragon, CB tera ground/dragon), Gholdengo (Scarf Tera ghost/steel/fighting/water, NP tera fighting/water, Specs Tera steel), Garganacl (Tera water/fairy/ghost/poison/flying with block or curse or rocks or w/e) I can keep going but at this point just go read the tera type index which hasn't yet been updated to home meta so that's even MORE for you to try and account for.

Even the 36 different teras I listed for major threats far eclipses the 6 teras you get to work with to try and cover everything. Yes only one pokemon tera's and you won't be facing everything at once, but you still need to try and not lose to it. And I don't want to hear no "bro who uses tera poison garg" because it is the teambuilder's job to have some counterplay to as much as you can possibly cover, including random teras. This isn't even including how tera ghost can spinblock and further exacerbate how overwhelming hazards are right now.

In a meta without tera, a defensive great tusk would be enough for kingambit. In a meta with tera, you need multiple kingambit answers. Simple as that.

You’re listing many kinds of tera type combinations and this makes teambuilding more variable. Its not limiting team-building. As players we are creating new sets and tera type combinations because tera allows for flexibility never seen before. A lot of the charm of terastilization is suprising the opponent with tera and beating them. I dont care if we can account for everything possible.

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

Mega Breloom

Magcargo

June Heat

awyp

'Alexa play Ladyfingers by Herb Alpert'

AM

1LDK

Vengeance

LoseToRU?

Mega Breloom

June Heat

SnackWasTaken

LoseToRU?

SnackWasTaken

Return to Zero

dudebones

Return to Zero

MegaScizor32

awyp

'Alexa play Ladyfingers by Herb Alpert'

dudebones

MegaScizor32

Return to Zero

Ast0rga

dudebones

Moyashi

Srn

Water (Spirytus - 96%)

MegaScizor32

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BASE STAT	LEVEL 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