I did it!!!!!!!
[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Koko is one of the best offensive pivots in the tier due to its Speed tier combined with its versatility and frightening power in Electric Terrain. Access to U-turn and Volt Switch allows Tapu Koko to pivot into teammates and generate momentum throughout the game. Tapu Koko has a solid movepool for its role, including access to utility options like Roost, Taunt, and dual screens, which increases its versatility in addition to its adequate selection of coverage moves. Tapu Koko's resistances to Dark and Flying coupled with access to Roost allows it to check some of the more problematic Pokemon in the tier, most notably Tornadus-T. However, Tapu Koko's underwhelming offensive stats make its coverage moves much weaker than its STAB moves, so bulky Pokemon that resist Electric are severely problematic from a defensive standpoint. Additionally, Tapu Koko's mediocre bulk means that it will take significant damage from any decently strong neutral attack, especially special ones.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dazzling Gleam provides a strong secondary STAB attack to hit Ground-types like Garchomp and Landorus-T while also having strong neutral coverage against many Pokemon that resist Thunderbolt, such as Tapu Bulu and Kyurem-B. Roost may appear to be an odd option on a Choice item set, but it's very useful for healing off chip damage from Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, allowing Tapu Koko to check them more consistently. If the team has adequate additional counterplay for the aforementioned Pokemon, Tapu Koko can drop Roost in favor of Hidden Power Ice for its increased damage output against Gliscor as well as its ability to cleanly OHKO Landorus-T. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire can be used to do heavy damage to Ferrothorn for teammates like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs increases the power of all of Tapu Koko's moves, somewhat making up for its poor Special Attack stat and making its Electric-type moves frighteningly powerful.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko functions as both a wallbreaker and a pivot in the early-game. As such, correct prediction is paramount to using this set successfully, as using Volt Switch against a Ground-type is a huge momentum killer, and using Dazzling Gleam on a Pokemon that can OHKO Tapu Koko and takes very little damage from it can also be problematic. Switch Tapu Koko into Pokemon that it fears little from, such as Tornadus-T and Toxapex, and continue generating momentum from there. Make aggressive plays, such as double switches, against Protect users like Celesteela and Mega Diancie in order to stop them from disrupting Tapu Koko's momentum.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko usually finds itself at home as a pivot on more offensive teams that can pressure its traditional switchins. Wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham and Heatran that appreciate the momentum that Tapu Koko provides, especially its ability to lure in bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth, make for excellent partners. If this set runs Hidden Power Fire to beat Ferrothorn, offensive Water-types such as Ash-Greninja make for good partners. Similarly, Pokemon that can lure and remove bulky Grass- and Ground-types like Protean Greninja and Swords Dance + Z-Fly Landorus-T work well with this set. Magnezone gets special mention here because it can trap and remove Ferrothorn while also benefiting from the power boost that Tapu Koko provides with Electric Surge. Finally, Toxic Spikes support from Protean Greninja and Toxapex is very useful for crippling many Tapu Koko answers like Gastrodon and Tangrowth.
[SET]
name: Z Offensive
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost / Taunt
item: Electrium Z
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set uses Wild Charge over Thunderbolt in order to weaken specially defensive Pokemon like Magearna and Chansey that normally switch into Thunderbolt. U-turn allows Tapu Koko to pivot out against Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T without having to worry about its attempt being blocked like it would with Volt Switch. Taunt can be useful for shutting down defensive Pokemon like Clefable and Ferrothorn, improving this set's ability to break down defensive teams, but Tapu Koko becomes significantly less effective at checking Tornadus-T and Toxapex without Roost.
Set Details
========
A Hasty nature is preferred over a Naive nature to switch into Tornadus-T consistently while not hindering Tapu Koko's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
Wild Charge is seldom used outside of revenge killing offensive threats, so this set should really be focused on generating momentum and attempting to lure its intended targets. As such, switch Tapu Koko into Pokemon that it checks, such as Tornadus-T, early and often in order to allow it to exert offensive pressure on the opposing team and generate momentum with U-turn. Be patient when determining when to use Gigavolt Havoc, as it can be essential for removing or weakening key bulky Pokemon, such as Magearna and Heatran, that believe they can take a hit from Tapu Koko.
Team Options
========
This Tapu Koko set is best used on offensive teams that appreciate its ability to lure specially defensive Pokemon, particularly Magearna, Jirachi, and Chansey. As such, offensive Psychic-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele make good teammates. Similarly, wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Kyurem-B that can take advantage of the bulky Grass-types that Tapu Koko baits in make for excellent teammates. Finally, other pivots that can form VoltTurn cores in conjunction with Tapu Koko, such as Landorus-T and Mega Scizor, can make it significantly easier to maintain momentum in the match.
[SET]
name: Shuca Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: U-turn / Volt Switch
move 4: Roost
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is the preferred pivoting move on this set for its ability to pivot out against Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T. However, it's important to note that Volt Switch can be used if you're confident in your ability to predict the opponent, as it has the
added bonus of being able to do consistently more damage to some of Tapu Koko's checks such as specially defensive Heatran and Magearna.
Set Details
========
Shuca Berry allows Tapu Koko to take an Earthquake from Choice Scarf Landorus-T and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice or pivot out with U-turn into a Pokemon that can take advantage of a Choice-locked Earthquake. Similarly, it allows Tapu Koko to gain momentum against slower Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor by hitting them with Hidden Power Ice, taking Earthquake, and forcing them out the following turn. Alternatively, Magnet can be used in conjunction with Volt Switch to give the set a slight power boost without locking it into a move.
Usage Tips
========
With this Tapu Koko set, you don’t need to predict much due to it not running a Choice item, especially if running U-turn. However, do not be afraid to predict when needed if you're running Volt Switch, as it can be paramount to getting necessary chip damage. When using Volt Switch, try to use it to bluff a Choice item set so that Tapu Koko can lure in a Ground-type such as Landorus-T and either remove it or heavily damage it for a teammate such as Mega Mawile or Garchomp.
Team Options
========
This set is most commonly featured on bulky offensive teams that appreciate the momentum that it provides. Wallbreakers such as Mega Charizard Y and Kyurem-B that take advantage of the bulky Grass-types that switch into Tapu Koko make for excellent partners to this set. Offensive Pokemon that appreciate its ability to lure Ground-types, such as Heatran and Garchomp, pair well with Shuca Berry Tapu Koko. These two are particularly good partners due to their ability to set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up hazard damage against the opposing team in conjunction with either U-turn or Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Koko can utilize a dual screens set on hyper offensive teams with setup sweepers, but these teams are quite niche and are often ineffective. Tapu Koko can use Calm Mind in conjunction with Fairium Z to function as a pretty scary wincon against bulky offense and balance teams, but it's generally much less consistent than other sets, as the set doesn't have room for a pivoting move. Tapu Koko can also run a physically based Choice Scarf set to revenge kill offensive threats, most notably Volcarona and Mega Alakazam, but it's very reliant on prediction to be effective and is much weaker than the Choice Specs set. Toxic can be used over Hidden Power Ice on the pivot set on rain teams, as it allows Tapu Koko to cripple checks like Gastrodon and Tangrowth for teammates, but the inability to hit Ground-types is very noticeable. Finally, Defog can be used on the pivot set due to Tapu Koko's ability to force out Toxapex and remove its Toxic Spikes, but it's important to note that it's very difficult to make room for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Pokemon**: Bulky Grass-types, such as Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Tangrowth, are very strong checks for Tapu Koko due to their natural bulk in conjunction with their resistance to Thunderbolt, but it must be noted that Ferrothorn has to be wary of a potential Hidden Power Fire. Offensive Grass-types, such as Choice Scarf Kartana and Choice Scarf Serperior, can also threaten out Tapu Koko with the threat of outspeeding it and either heavily damaging or KOing it with their STAB attacks.
**Ground-type Pokemon**: Ground-types, such as Landorus-T and Garchomp, exert an immense amount of pressure on Tapu Koko, particularly the Choice Specs set, due to their ability to prevent Tapu Koko from spamming Volt Switch. However, it must be noted that neither of the aforementioned Ground-types can switch into Hidden Power Ice very well. On the other hand, Ground-types that are not weak to Hidden Power Ice, such as Gastrodon and Excadrill, are much more consistent answers to Tapu Koko, but it must be noted that offensive Excadrill sets can be worn down over time by U-turn in conjunction with entry hazards.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive walls, such as Assault Vest Magearna and Chansey can switch into most Tapu Koko sets fairly comfortably and threaten it out with strong STAB attacks and status moves. However, these Pokemon can be taken down by the Z-Wild Charge set.
**Offensive Pressure**: Faster offensive Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny can come in against Tapu Koko with the help of U-turn and Volt Switch support and dispatch it fairly easily, but they cannot switch directly into Tapu Koko. Similarly, priority moves such as Fake Out and Bullet Punch can revenge kill Tapu Koko or wear it down further in conjunction with entry hazards.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mannat, 144451]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Leo, 328915], [Thicctornadus, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [talkingtree, 232101]]
[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Koko is one of the best offensive pivots in the tier due to its Speed tier combined with its versatility and frightening power in Electric Terrain. Access to U-turn and Volt Switch allows Tapu Koko to pivot into teammates and generate momentum throughout the game. Tapu Koko has a solid movepool for its role, including access to utility options like Roost, Taunt, and dual screens, which increases its versatility in addition to its adequate selection of coverage moves. Tapu Koko's resistances to Dark and Flying coupled with access to Roost allows it to check some of the more problematic Pokemon in the tier, most notably Tornadus-T. However, Tapu Koko's underwhelming offensive stats make its coverage moves much weaker than its STAB moves, so bulky Pokemon that resist Electric are severely problematic from a defensive standpoint. Additionally, Tapu Koko's mediocre bulk means that it will take significant damage from any decently strong neutral attack, especially special ones.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Dazzling Gleam
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Roost / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dazzling Gleam provides a strong secondary STAB attack to hit Ground-types like Garchomp and Landorus-T while also having strong neutral coverage against many Pokemon that resist Thunderbolt, such as Tapu Bulu and Kyurem-B. Roost may appear to be an odd option on a Choice item set, but it's very useful for healing off chip damage from Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, allowing Tapu Koko to check them more consistently. If the team has adequate additional counterplay for the aforementioned Pokemon, Tapu Koko can drop Roost in favor of Hidden Power Ice for its increased damage output against Gliscor as well as its ability to cleanly OHKO Landorus-T. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire can be used to do heavy damage to Ferrothorn for teammates like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs increases the power of all of Tapu Koko's moves, somewhat making up for its poor Special Attack stat and making its Electric-type moves frighteningly powerful.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko functions as both a wallbreaker and a pivot in the early-game. As such, correct prediction is paramount to using this set successfully, as using Volt Switch against a Ground-type is a huge momentum killer, and using Dazzling Gleam on a Pokemon that can OHKO Tapu Koko and takes very little damage from it can also be problematic. Switch Tapu Koko into Pokemon that it fears little from, such as Tornadus-T and Toxapex, and continue generating momentum from there. Make aggressive plays, such as double switches, against Protect users like Celesteela and Mega Diancie in order to stop them from disrupting Tapu Koko's momentum.
Team Options
========
Choice Specs Tapu Koko usually finds itself at home as a pivot on more offensive teams that can pressure its traditional switchins. Wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham and Heatran that appreciate the momentum that Tapu Koko provides, especially its ability to lure in bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn and Tangrowth, make for excellent partners. If this set runs Hidden Power Fire to beat Ferrothorn, offensive Water-types such as Ash-Greninja make for good partners. Similarly, Pokemon that can lure and remove bulky Grass- and Ground-types like Protean Greninja and Swords Dance + Z-Fly Landorus-T work well with this set. Magnezone gets special mention here because it can trap and remove Ferrothorn while also benefiting from the power boost that Tapu Koko provides with Electric Surge. Finally, Toxic Spikes support from Protean Greninja and Toxapex is very useful for crippling many Tapu Koko answers like Gastrodon and Tangrowth.
[SET]
name: Z Offensive
move 1: Wild Charge
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost / Taunt
item: Electrium Z
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set uses Wild Charge over Thunderbolt in order to weaken specially defensive Pokemon like Magearna and Chansey that normally switch into Thunderbolt. U-turn allows Tapu Koko to pivot out against Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T without having to worry about its attempt being blocked like it would with Volt Switch. Taunt can be useful for shutting down defensive Pokemon like Clefable and Ferrothorn, improving this set's ability to break down defensive teams, but Tapu Koko becomes significantly less effective at checking Tornadus-T and Toxapex without Roost.
Set Details
========
A Hasty nature is preferred over a Naive nature to switch into Tornadus-T consistently while not hindering Tapu Koko's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
Wild Charge is seldom used outside of revenge killing offensive threats, so this set should really be focused on generating momentum and attempting to lure its intended targets. As such, switch Tapu Koko into Pokemon that it checks, such as Tornadus-T, early and often in order to allow it to exert offensive pressure on the opposing team and generate momentum with U-turn. Be patient when determining when to use Gigavolt Havoc, as it can be essential for removing or weakening key bulky Pokemon, such as Magearna and Heatran, that believe they can take a hit from Tapu Koko.
Team Options
========
This Tapu Koko set is best used on offensive teams that appreciate its ability to lure specially defensive Pokemon, particularly Magearna, Jirachi, and Chansey. As such, offensive Psychic-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele make good teammates. Similarly, wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Kyurem-B that can take advantage of the bulky Grass-types that Tapu Koko baits in make for excellent teammates. Finally, other pivots that can form VoltTurn cores in conjunction with Tapu Koko, such as Landorus-T and Mega Scizor, can make it significantly easier to maintain momentum in the match.
[SET]
name: Shuca Pivot
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Ice
move 3: U-turn / Volt Switch
move 4: Roost
item: Shuca Berry
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is the preferred pivoting move on this set for its ability to pivot out against Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T. However, it's important to note that Volt Switch can be used if you're confident in your ability to predict the opponent, as it has the
added bonus of being able to do consistently more damage to some of Tapu Koko's checks such as specially defensive Heatran and Magearna.
Set Details
========
Shuca Berry allows Tapu Koko to take an Earthquake from Choice Scarf Landorus-T and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice or pivot out with U-turn into a Pokemon that can take advantage of a Choice-locked Earthquake. Similarly, it allows Tapu Koko to gain momentum against slower Ground-types like Garchomp and Gliscor by hitting them with Hidden Power Ice, taking Earthquake, and forcing them out the following turn. Alternatively, Magnet can be used in conjunction with Volt Switch to give the set a slight power boost without locking it into a move.
Usage Tips
========
With this Tapu Koko set, you don’t need to predict much due to it not running a Choice item, especially if running U-turn. However, do not be afraid to predict when needed if you're running Volt Switch, as it can be paramount to getting necessary chip damage. When using Volt Switch, try to use it to bluff a Choice item set so that Tapu Koko can lure in a Ground-type such as Landorus-T and either remove it or heavily damage it for a teammate such as Mega Mawile or Garchomp.
Team Options
========
This set is most commonly featured on bulky offensive teams that appreciate the momentum that it provides. Wallbreakers such as Mega Charizard Y and Kyurem-B that take advantage of the bulky Grass-types that switch into Tapu Koko make for excellent partners to this set. Offensive Pokemon that appreciate its ability to lure Ground-types, such as Heatran and Garchomp, pair well with Shuca Berry Tapu Koko. These two are particularly good partners due to their ability to set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up hazard damage against the opposing team in conjunction with either U-turn or Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Tapu Koko can utilize a dual screens set on hyper offensive teams with setup sweepers, but these teams are quite niche and are often ineffective. Tapu Koko can use Calm Mind in conjunction with Fairium Z to function as a pretty scary wincon against bulky offense and balance teams, but it's generally much less consistent than other sets, as the set doesn't have room for a pivoting move. Tapu Koko can also run a physically based Choice Scarf set to revenge kill offensive threats, most notably Volcarona and Mega Alakazam, but it's very reliant on prediction to be effective and is much weaker than the Choice Specs set. Toxic can be used over Hidden Power Ice on the pivot set on rain teams, as it allows Tapu Koko to cripple checks like Gastrodon and Tangrowth for teammates, but the inability to hit Ground-types is very noticeable. Finally, Defog can be used on the pivot set due to Tapu Koko's ability to force out Toxapex and remove its Toxic Spikes, but it's important to note that it's very difficult to make room for it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-type Pokemon**: Bulky Grass-types, such as Ferrothorn and Assault Vest Tangrowth, are very strong checks for Tapu Koko due to their natural bulk in conjunction with their resistance to Thunderbolt, but it must be noted that Ferrothorn has to be wary of a potential Hidden Power Fire. Offensive Grass-types, such as Choice Scarf Kartana and Choice Scarf Serperior, can also threaten out Tapu Koko with the threat of outspeeding it and either heavily damaging or KOing it with their STAB attacks.
**Ground-type Pokemon**: Ground-types, such as Landorus-T and Garchomp, exert an immense amount of pressure on Tapu Koko, particularly the Choice Specs set, due to their ability to prevent Tapu Koko from spamming Volt Switch. However, it must be noted that neither of the aforementioned Ground-types can switch into Hidden Power Ice very well. On the other hand, Ground-types that are not weak to Hidden Power Ice, such as Gastrodon and Excadrill, are much more consistent answers to Tapu Koko, but it must be noted that offensive Excadrill sets can be worn down over time by U-turn in conjunction with entry hazards.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive walls, such as Assault Vest Magearna and Chansey can switch into most Tapu Koko sets fairly comfortably and threaten it out with strong STAB attacks and status moves. However, these Pokemon can be taken down by the Z-Wild Charge set.
**Offensive Pressure**: Faster offensive Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny can come in against Tapu Koko with the help of U-turn and Volt Switch support and dispatch it fairly easily, but they cannot switch directly into Tapu Koko. Similarly, priority moves such as Fake Out and Bullet Punch can revenge kill Tapu Koko or wear it down further in conjunction with entry hazards.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mannat, 144451]]
- Quality checked by: [[curiosity, 443485], [Leo, 328915], [Thicctornadus, 395754]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [talkingtree, 232101]]
Last edited:
