Taken over from Arcticblast. Sorry ablast :(
[OVERVIEW]
Undoubtedly the most punk rock of all Pokemon, Tapu Koko's loud and intense effects on the Doubles OU metagame cannot be ignored: its high Speed stat, Electric typing, and immense power through Electric Surge make it one of the most potent offensive threats around, dropping wicked Thunderbolts onto anything that doesn't resist them. On top of its power boost, Electric Terrain also has great utility, providing a blanket sleep immunity for everything grounded. Tapu Koko's Electric typing additionally makes it one of the premier answers to common Pokemon in the metagame, such as Mega Salamence and Tapu Fini. Unfortunately, Tapu Koko is rather linear, and it is heavily reliant on Electric Terrain and Life Orb for its damage output, as a base 95 Special Attack is pitifully low for an offensive Pokemon. Additionally, its most reliable Fairy-type STAB attack is Dazzling Gleam, which is even weaker when factoring in spread-reduced damage. Tapu Koko is also incredibly frail, often taking half HP or even more from resisted moves and simply fainting to strong neutral hits. Nonetheless, Tapu Koko is a great addition to offensively oriented teams that need a fast attacker.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Volt Switch / Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt is powerful and difficult to switch into with Electric Terrain; this is the move you're probably using the most. Hidden Power Ice allows Tapu Koko to hit non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Salamence much harder than Dazzling Gleam. Dazzling Gleam, while much weaker, gives Tapu Koko a relatively strong spread STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Salamence and Hoopa-U hard. Volt Switch gives Tapu Koko a strong move that can be used to scout switches or get another Pokemon in easily. Alternatively, Taunt stops the foe from setting up, including stat boosting moves and speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Protect lets Tapu Koko block powerful attacks headed its way and do all the other wonderful things Protect does, such as stall out field conditions, but you should use it wisely, as it uses up a turn of Electric Terrain. Teams that run both Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini can use a unique set of Nature Power, Volt Switch, Hidden Power Ice, and Protect. Nature Power transforms into Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain and Moonblast in Misty Terrain, thus giving Tapu Koko a strong STAB option in both Terrains. Keep in mind, however, that it can be disabled by Taunt.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature make use of Tapu Koko's blistering Speed and ensure that it outruns the most Pokemon it can while being able to Speed tie Mega Gengar and opposing Tapu Koko. Maximum Special Attack EVs with a Life Orb boost Tapu Koko's otherwise mediocre Special Attack stat and make it hit as hard as possible. If you're using Nature Power, Normalium Z is a pretty swell item that helps Tapu Koko OHKO Tapu Fini with Gigavolt Havoc and Zygarde with Twinkle Tackle, depending on the active Terrain.
Usage Tips
========
Most of the time Tapu Koko will be using Thunderbolt. Because Electric is such a strong typing, many Pokemon will opt not to stay in against it, for fear of taking heavy damage. Typically, switch out if Electric Terrain is gone, as Tapu Koko is very weak without it. Use Protect when Tapu Koko is immediately threatened, thus letting Tapu Koko's partner soften up whatever is on the other side to put it into Thunderbolt's KO range. Moves other than Thunderbolt are honestly situational at best. Dazzling Gleam is a good move to use when Tapu Koko or its partner can possibly pick up two KOs or when you're staring down a Hydreigon or Scrafty. Hidden Power Ice snipes down Pokemon 4x weak to Ice, but you won't use it much otherwise. Thunderbolt will almost always do more damage to each target unless it's resisted. If Thunderbolt is resisted and Dazzling Gleam is super effective, such as against Kyurem-B, or Dazzling Gleam is 4x effective, such as against Scrafty, Dazzling Gleam will do more, but otherwise it is better to just use Thunderbolt. Tapu Koko is effective at almost all stages of the game, whether it's keeping Mega Salamence at bay through the early-game or cleaning up late-game.
Team Options
========
While Tapu Koko requires some team support, it's a strong standalone Pokemon that fits on many teams. Tapu Koko appreciates teammates that can stop Choice Scarf Landorus-T more than anything else. Wide Guard users like Celesteela, Tailwind users, such as Shaymin-S and Suicune, and Pokemon that can outright OHKO it, such as bulky Water-types and Kyurem-B, are all great options. Pokemon with Ice-type coverage are good partners, as they can hit every Electric-resistant Pokemon or Ground-type hard, with Kyurem-B being a notable option. Kyurem-B also benefits from Electric Terrain's boost, allowing it to beat Celesteela with Fusion Bolt. Tapu Koko's ability to beat bulky Water-types and Flying-types enables the Pokemon they normally wall to use their moves freely, such as Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Mega Charizard Y. If using Nature Power, Tapu Fini is a great partner to get access to Moonblast. Tapu Fini additionally takes on Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Hoopa-U for Tapu Koko.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Assault Vest is an excellent item on Tapu Koko thanks to its access to Nature's Madness and Sky Drop, trading power for bulk and utility; this set is niche, however, and neither of those moves is appealing on Life Orb sets. Electrium Z and Fairium Z are both effective Z-Crystals should you choose to run one; Electrium Z is by far the most ruinous, whereas Fairium Z gives Tapu Koko a strong Fairy-type move. On rain teams, Tapu Koko can use Thunder instead, and it also has access to Rain Dance to support those teams. Tapu Koko can use its base 115 Attack and run a physical or mixed set; however, its physical movepool consists of U-turn and a bunch of recoil moves (Brave Bird and Wild Charge), making its reign of terror short-lived. Focus Sash is a good alternative to Life Orb if you're looking to trade a little power for added safety; however, Tyranitar and Alolan Ninetales are both common Pokemon in the metagame, so Focus Sash usually isn't the best item. Choice Specs is an option to further increase Tapu Koko's damage output; however, it does not appreciate locking itself into Thunderbolt, as a lot of common Pokemon are immune to Electric-type moves, such as Landorus-T and Zygarde.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss can easily switch into Tapu Koko and essentially wall it completely. Tapu Bulu overrides Electric Terrain, whereas Ferrothorn and Amoonguss can threaten Tapu Koko with Gyro Ball and Sludge Bomb, respectively.
**Electric-immune Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Thundurus-T and Alolan Marowak take no damage from Thunderbolt and can threaten Tapu Koko back with super effective coverage moves. While most Ground-types take massive damage from Hidden Power Ice, if they outspeed Tapu Koko, they'll usually OHKO it with their STAB attacks, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Dragon Dance Zygarde.
**Icy Wind and Trick Room**: Tapu Koko relies heavily on its high Speed; going last is basically a death sentence for it because of its frailty. Beware of Hoopa-U, which can both set Trick Room and tear Tapu Koko apart with Hyperspace Hole should Tapu Koko dare to Taunt it.
**Bulky Attackers**: Very bulky Pokemon such as Tyranitar laugh off everything Tapu Koko can throw at them except for Nature's Madness. Assault Vest Landorus-T can bait Tapu Koko into attacking, tank a hit, and do massive damage in return, and Hoopa-U can shrug off most hits and can either threaten Tapu Koko with Hyperspace Hole or set up Trick Room.
[OVERVIEW]
Undoubtedly the most punk rock of all Pokemon, Tapu Koko's loud and intense effects on the Doubles OU metagame cannot be ignored: its high Speed stat, Electric typing, and immense power through Electric Surge make it one of the most potent offensive threats around, dropping wicked Thunderbolts onto anything that doesn't resist them. On top of its power boost, Electric Terrain also has great utility, providing a blanket sleep immunity for everything grounded. Tapu Koko's Electric typing additionally makes it one of the premier answers to common Pokemon in the metagame, such as Mega Salamence and Tapu Fini. Unfortunately, Tapu Koko is rather linear, and it is heavily reliant on Electric Terrain and Life Orb for its damage output, as a base 95 Special Attack is pitifully low for an offensive Pokemon. Additionally, its most reliable Fairy-type STAB attack is Dazzling Gleam, which is even weaker when factoring in spread-reduced damage. Tapu Koko is also incredibly frail, often taking half HP or even more from resisted moves and simply fainting to strong neutral hits. Nonetheless, Tapu Koko is a great addition to offensively oriented teams that need a fast attacker.
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Volt Switch / Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt is powerful and difficult to switch into with Electric Terrain; this is the move you're probably using the most. Hidden Power Ice allows Tapu Koko to hit non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Salamence much harder than Dazzling Gleam. Dazzling Gleam, while much weaker, gives Tapu Koko a relatively strong spread STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Salamence and Hoopa-U hard. Volt Switch gives Tapu Koko a strong move that can be used to scout switches or get another Pokemon in easily. Alternatively, Taunt stops the foe from setting up, including stat boosting moves and speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Protect lets Tapu Koko block powerful attacks headed its way and do all the other wonderful things Protect does, such as stall out field conditions, but you should use it wisely, as it uses up a turn of Electric Terrain. Teams that run both Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini can use a unique set of Nature Power, Volt Switch, Hidden Power Ice, and Protect. Nature Power transforms into Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain and Moonblast in Misty Terrain, thus giving Tapu Koko a strong STAB option in both Terrains. Keep in mind, however, that it can be disabled by Taunt.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature make use of Tapu Koko's blistering Speed and ensure that it outruns the most Pokemon it can while being able to Speed tie Mega Gengar and opposing Tapu Koko. Maximum Special Attack EVs with a Life Orb boost Tapu Koko's otherwise mediocre Special Attack stat and make it hit as hard as possible. If you're using Nature Power, Normalium Z is a pretty swell item that helps Tapu Koko OHKO Tapu Fini with Gigavolt Havoc and Zygarde with Twinkle Tackle, depending on the active Terrain.
Usage Tips
========
Most of the time Tapu Koko will be using Thunderbolt. Because Electric is such a strong typing, many Pokemon will opt not to stay in against it, for fear of taking heavy damage. Typically, switch out if Electric Terrain is gone, as Tapu Koko is very weak without it. Use Protect when Tapu Koko is immediately threatened, thus letting Tapu Koko's partner soften up whatever is on the other side to put it into Thunderbolt's KO range. Moves other than Thunderbolt are honestly situational at best. Dazzling Gleam is a good move to use when Tapu Koko or its partner can possibly pick up two KOs or when you're staring down a Hydreigon or Scrafty. Hidden Power Ice snipes down Pokemon 4x weak to Ice, but you won't use it much otherwise. Thunderbolt will almost always do more damage to each target unless it's resisted. If Thunderbolt is resisted and Dazzling Gleam is super effective, such as against Kyurem-B, or Dazzling Gleam is 4x effective, such as against Scrafty, Dazzling Gleam will do more, but otherwise it is better to just use Thunderbolt. Tapu Koko is effective at almost all stages of the game, whether it's keeping Mega Salamence at bay through the early-game or cleaning up late-game.
Team Options
========
While Tapu Koko requires some team support, it's a strong standalone Pokemon that fits on many teams. Tapu Koko appreciates teammates that can stop Choice Scarf Landorus-T more than anything else. Wide Guard users like Celesteela, Tailwind users, such as Shaymin-S and Suicune, and Pokemon that can outright OHKO it, such as bulky Water-types and Kyurem-B, are all great options. Pokemon with Ice-type coverage are good partners, as they can hit every Electric-resistant Pokemon or Ground-type hard, with Kyurem-B being a notable option. Kyurem-B also benefits from Electric Terrain's boost, allowing it to beat Celesteela with Fusion Bolt. Tapu Koko's ability to beat bulky Water-types and Flying-types enables the Pokemon they normally wall to use their moves freely, such as Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, and Mega Charizard Y. If using Nature Power, Tapu Fini is a great partner to get access to Moonblast. Tapu Fini additionally takes on Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Hoopa-U for Tapu Koko.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Assault Vest is an excellent item on Tapu Koko thanks to its access to Nature's Madness and Sky Drop, trading power for bulk and utility; this set is niche, however, and neither of those moves is appealing on Life Orb sets. Electrium Z and Fairium Z are both effective Z-Crystals should you choose to run one; Electrium Z is by far the most ruinous, whereas Fairium Z gives Tapu Koko a strong Fairy-type move. On rain teams, Tapu Koko can use Thunder instead, and it also has access to Rain Dance to support those teams. Tapu Koko can use its base 115 Attack and run a physical or mixed set; however, its physical movepool consists of U-turn and a bunch of recoil moves (Brave Bird and Wild Charge), making its reign of terror short-lived. Focus Sash is a good alternative to Life Orb if you're looking to trade a little power for added safety; however, Tyranitar and Alolan Ninetales are both common Pokemon in the metagame, so Focus Sash usually isn't the best item. Choice Specs is an option to further increase Tapu Koko's damage output; however, it does not appreciate locking itself into Thunderbolt, as a lot of common Pokemon are immune to Electric-type moves, such as Landorus-T and Zygarde.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Ferrothorn, and Amoonguss can easily switch into Tapu Koko and essentially wall it completely. Tapu Bulu overrides Electric Terrain, whereas Ferrothorn and Amoonguss can threaten Tapu Koko with Gyro Ball and Sludge Bomb, respectively.
**Electric-immune Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Thundurus-T and Alolan Marowak take no damage from Thunderbolt and can threaten Tapu Koko back with super effective coverage moves. While most Ground-types take massive damage from Hidden Power Ice, if they outspeed Tapu Koko, they'll usually OHKO it with their STAB attacks, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Dragon Dance Zygarde.
**Icy Wind and Trick Room**: Tapu Koko relies heavily on its high Speed; going last is basically a death sentence for it because of its frailty. Beware of Hoopa-U, which can both set Trick Room and tear Tapu Koko apart with Hyperspace Hole should Tapu Koko dare to Taunt it.
**Bulky Attackers**: Very bulky Pokemon such as Tyranitar laugh off everything Tapu Koko can throw at them except for Nature's Madness. Assault Vest Landorus-T can bait Tapu Koko into attacking, tank a hit, and do massive damage in return, and Hoopa-U can shrug off most hits and can either threaten Tapu Koko with Hyperspace Hole or set up Trick Room.
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