DKM
If you're reading this, you're too close
[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Koko is one of the best offensive pivots in the tier thanks to its high Speed, good defensive and offensive typing, and access to Roost, which allow it to reliably check and pressure Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Zapdos. These traits make it a great pick for offensive teams that need innate speed control and a reliable check to fast, offensive Pokemon such as Tornadus-T. However, Tapu Koko has rather underwhelming offensive stats and limited coverage options, meaning that bulky Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Galarian Slowking can be very problematic. Furthermore, Tapu Koko doesn't have especially good bulk, which means that it'll take a lot of damage from any decently strong attack. Even resisted hits wear it down quickly and can force it to use Roost.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Heavy-Duty Boots
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Dazzling Gleam is a good secondary STAB move that's safe to use for reliable damage. Additionally, it's super effective against Dragon-types like Hydreigon, Kyurem, and Latios that resist Thunderbolt. It's also the best option for damaging Electric-immune Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zeraora. U-turn allows Tapu Koko to reliably pivot against Ground-types like Landorus-T and keep up momentum against switch-ins such as Ferrothorn. Roost allows Tapu Koko to stay healthy throughout a match in order to check Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Zapdos more consistently. Toxic can be used instead of Dazzling Gleam to cripple Pokemon like Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and Tangrowth that can be problematic for Tapu Koko and is especially useful alongside teammates such as Garchomp and Kartana.
Tapu Koko is often used on offensively oriented teams. Its ability to keep up momentum is appreciated by a multitude of strong wallbreakers that struggle to find effective opportunities to switch in such as Kartana, Choice Specs Kyurem, and Nidoking, which can be safely brought in via U-turn against the bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn that switch into Tapu Koko. Heatran also takes advantage of Grass-types that Tapu Koko forces in, can set Stealth Rock to wear down the opposing team, and use Toxic to cripple Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert that wall Tapu Koko. Additionally, it can trap and remove Blissey with the combination of Magma Storm and Taunt. Offensive Grass-types like Rillaboom and Kartana appreciate that Tapu Koko can switch in and take advantage of their defensive checks like Corviknight and Mandibuzz while also being a good answer to Tornadus-T. Furthermore, they can work together to overwhelm other checks like defensive Tangrowth. Landorus-T can set Stealth Rock and use U-turn to bring Tapu Koko in against Pokemon like Corviknight and Slowbro while also being a good check to some opposing Ground-types. Slowbro and Slowking can both use Future Sight and Teleport to help Tapu Koko put pressure on the opposing team, especially against Ground-types that might try to switch into it. They also appreciate that Tapu Koko can handle Zapdos and Nasty Plot Tornadus-T.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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A Choice Specs set with Grass Knot to hit bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Swampert can be used in order to increase Tapu Koko's offensive potential. However, it's more reliant on prediction and worse at checking Pokemon like Tornadus-T. Dual screens can be used on hyper offense teams to support setup sweepers, but these teams aren't as common or consistent as other teams Tapu Koko is found on. Taunt can be used to help against defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Clefable, although it's hard to justify over Tapu Koko's other moves.
Checks and Counters
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**Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth are great answers to Tapu Koko thanks to their bulk and resistance to Thunderbolt. Rillaboom can also threaten to revenge kill Tapu Koko with Grassy Glide after changing the Terrain, although it should be wary of switching into Dazzling Gleam, U-turn, or Toxic.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Garchomp are immune to Tapu Koko's strongest move and can threaten it out although they dislike taking a Dazzling Gleam or Toxic. Excadrill and Nidoking are notable, as they are immune to or resist Tapu Koko's STAB moves while being immune to Toxic; however, their poor bulk means they can be worn down over time.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Blissey and Assault Vest Galarian Slowking can switch into Tapu Koko by virtue of their high Special Defense. Galarian Slowking can threaten it out with a super effective STAB attack, while Blissey can use Toxic or pivot into a teammate.
**Revenge Killers**: Dragapult, especially its Choice Specs set, can outspeed and threaten to KO Tapu Koko. Choice Scarf users like Landorus-T and Kartana can do the same, although none of these Pokemon can reliably switch in. Priority moves such as Bullet Punch from Scizor and Ice Shard from Weavile can pick off Tapu Koko if it's at low HP.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DKM, 402001]]
- Quality checked by: [[ausma, 360720], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [Estronic, 240732]]
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