OU Tapu Koko

MANNAT

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[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:

Colonel M

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:cwl:

Jokes aside I think Dual Screens is okay to keep out of OO. Cheese has been still used on occasion and Koko is one of the best setters of dual screens. Even if QC disagrees or you disagree it should be a lot higher than Scarf and CM. Speaking of, I'd argue these should be in the reverse order for mention.
 

Leo

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MPL Champion
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.
mention mega lati in targets here
Toxic Spikes support from offensive Pokemon like Toxapex
:blobpex:
  • Taunt can be useful for shutting down defensive Pokemon like Clefable and Ferrothorn, improving this set's ability to break down defensive teams.
mention the downsides of giving up roost
  • Shuca Berry allows Tapu Koko to take an Earthquake from Choice Scarf Landorus-T and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice or U-turning out into a Pokemon that can abuse choice-locked Earthquake.
mention that it also allows it to take an eq from slower mons that it cant ko with 1 hp ice like boosted gliscor and garchomp and gain momentum by forcing them out

2/3
 

Empress

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I did it!!!!!!!



[OVERVIEW]

Tapu Koko is one of the best offensive pivots in the tier due to its speed 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, having access to utility options like Roost, Taunt, and Dual Screens dual screens to increase its versatility in addition to its adequate coverage movepool moves. Tapu Koko's defensive typing, mainly its resistances to dark and flying, Dark and Flying coupled with access to Roost allow 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 STABs STAB moves, making bulky Pokemon that resist electric Electric severely problematic from a defensive standpoint. Additionally, Tapu Koko's mediocre bulk leaves it taking means that it will take (phrasing) significant damage from any decently strong neutral attack, especially those coming from special attackers ones. (wordiness)

[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-locked Choice item set, but it's very useful for its ability to allow Tapu Koko to heal off chip damage from Pokemon that it's supposed to check, (redundant) like Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, (RC) so that it can check them more consistently. If the team has adequate additional counterplay for the aforementioned Pokemon, then Tapu Koko can drop Roost in favor of Hidden Power Ice for its increased high (It's not replacing a damaging move) damage output against Gliscor as well as its ability to cleanly OHKO Landorus-T. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire can be used to lure KO (Moves do not lure Pokemon) Ferrothorn for teammates such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs increase the power of all of Tapu Koko's moves, somewhat mitigating its poor Special Attack stat and making its Electric-type moves frighteningly powerful. (Does it obtain any notable KO benchmarks?)

Usage Tips
========

Choice Specs Tapu Koko functions as both a (wall?)breaker and a pivot in the early-game stages of games. As such, correct prediction is paramount to use this set successfully, as using Volt Switching into against a Ground-type is a huge momentum loss killer, and using Dazzling Gleam on a Pokemon that can OHKO Tapu Koko that and takes very little damage from it can also be problematic. Switch Tapu Koko into Pokemon that it fears little from and can switch into easily, such as Tornadus-T and non-Toxic (If Tornadus-T must also not run Toxic for Tapu Koko to threaten it, then you can leave this as is.) Toxapex lacking Toxic, and then continue generating momentum from there. Make aggressive plays, such as double switches, against Protect users like Celesteela and Mega Diancie, (RC) 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 switch-(AH)ins. 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, such as Mega Medicham and Heatran, make for excellent partners for Tapu Koko. If using this set runs (dangling modifier) Hidden Power Fire to lure beat Ferrothorn, offensive Water-types such as Ash-Greninja make for good partners that can abuse Tapu Koko's ability to lure Ferrothorn. (Redundant, and "abuse" is a banned phrase) Similarly, (AC) Pokemon that can lure and remove bulky Grass- and Ground-types like Protean Greninja and SD Z Swords Dance + Z-Fly Landorus-T make good partners to work well with (repetition) this set. Magnezone gets a nod special mention here because it can trap and remove Ferrothorn while also benefiting from the Electric Terrain power boost that Tapu Koko provides with Electric Surge. Finally, Toxic Spikes support from Protean Greninja and Toxapex (remove extra space)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 is used as the pivoting move of choice on this set, as it allows Tapu Koko to pivot out against Ground-types like Gliscor and Landorus-T, as well as switches to them, (I don't understand what this means) 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 Z-Wild Charge 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. Offensive Psychic-types, such as Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele, appreciate Tapu Koko's ability to lure the aforementioned specially defensive Pokemon fit such criteria. (repetition and wordiness; I'm still not happy with this change, though. We can talk, or we can wait for the second GPer.) In a similar vein 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, such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Kyurem-B, make for excellent teammates. Finally, other pivots that can form VoltTurn cores in conjunction with Tapu Koko, such as Landorus-T and Mega Scizor, synergize with Tapu Koko quite well, as they can (redundant) 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 due to it allowing Tapu Koko 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. (I understand you're supposed to cut down on fluff, but what do the other moves do? Anything important to note here?)

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry allows Tapu Koko to take an Earthquake from Choice Scarf Landorus-T and retaliate with Hidden Power Ice or U-turning U-turn out into a Pokemon that can abuse choice-locked take advantage of a Choice-locked Earthquake. Similarly, it also 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 in the ensuing on the following ("Ensuing" carries a connotation of "as a result of", so it's not the best word choice here in reference to the next turn. The turn will happen regardless.) turn. Alternatively, Magnet can be used in conjunction with Volt Switch to give the set a slight power boost without making it choice-locked locking it into a move.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike Choice Specs Tapu Koko, this With this Tapu Koko set, you don't doesn't need to predict as (don't compare it to other sets until you get to Other Options) much due to it not being choice-locked running a Choice item, especially if it's using running U-turn. However, do not be able afraid to predict when needed when using the Volt Switch set, as it can be paramount to getting necessary chip damage. When using Volt Switch, try to use it to bluff a choice-locked Choice item set, (RC) so that you Tapu Koko can lure in a Ground-type such as the aforementioned 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, such as Mega Charizard Y and Kyurem-B, make for excellent partners for this set. If Tapu Koko runs using (This change prevents a dangling modifier) Shuca Berry, offensive Pokemon that appreciate its ability to lure Ground-types, such as Heatran and Garchomp, pair well with this set. These two are particularly good partners due to their ability to set up Stealth Rock, which can be punishing for the opposing team to switch into in conjunction with either U-turn or Volt Switch. (Is this because of the chip damage, the momentum, or something else? Please clarify.)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Tapu Koko can utilize a Dual Screens dual screens set on hyper setup-oriented hyperoffensive teams with setup sweepers, but these teams are quite niche in the current metagame and are ineffective the majority of the time. Additionally, Tapu Koko can use Calm Mind in conjunction with Fairium Z to function as a pretty scary wincon condition against bulky offense and balance teams, but it's generally much less consistent than other sets, as it doesn't run a pivoting move. Tapu Koko can also run a physically-(RH) based Choice Scarf set to revenge kill offensive threats, most notably Volcarona and Mega Alakazam, but it's quite weak and (You say that it's weaker later; I removed this one because you imply that the Choice Specs set relies on prediction too, which is an important point.) very prediction reliant on prediction to be effective without having the power boost that and is much weaker than the Choice Specs provides set. Toxic can be used over Hidden Power Ice on the pivot set on rain teams, because as it allows Tapu Koko to cripple checks like Gastrodon and Tangrowth for teammates, but the inability to hit Ground-types is very noticable 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 give up a moveslot 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 weary wary of a potential Hidden Power Fire Tapu Koko. Offensive Grass-types, such as Choice Scarf Kartana and Choice Scarf Serperior, (AC) can also threaten out Kartana Tapu Koko with the threat of outspeeding it and either heavily damaging or OHKOing 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 at all. (redundant) On the other hand, Ground-types that are not weak to Hidden Power Ice, such as Gastrodon and Excadrill, are much more consistent answers for 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, (RC) can switch into most Tapu Koko sets fairly comfortably and threaten it out with strong STAB attacks and status moves, respectively. (Do you need this?) However, these Pokemon can be taken down by the Z-Wild Charge set.

**Offensive Pressure**: Faster offensive Pokemon, (RC) 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 Tapu Koko so that it's easier to wear down further in conjunction with entry hazards or revenge kill outright. (Is this what you were trying to say? I might've changed the meaning of this sentence, so read it carefully.)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[LL, 144451]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
I'll call it done. GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

talkingtree

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GP 2/2
add remove comments
[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, having including access to utility options like Roost, Taunt, and dual screens, (AC) which increases to increase its versatility, (AC) 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, making 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 its ability to allow Tapu Koko to heal healing off chip damage from Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Tapu Fini, (AC) allowing Tapu Koko to so that it can check them more consistently. If the team has adequate additional counterplay for the aforementioned Pokemon, (remove extra space) Tapu Koko can drop Roost in favor of Hidden Power Ice for its increased damage output against Gliscor compared to Dazzling Gleam (this is already pretty strongly implied, and the extra phrase makes the flow a bit clunky) as well as its ability to cleanly OHKO Landorus-T. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire can be used to do heavy damage to Frrothorn Ferrothorn for teammates such as like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs increase increases the power of all of Tapu Koko's moves, somewhat mitigating 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 use using this set successfully, as using Volt Switch against a Ground-type is a huge (remove extra space) 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, (AC) 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 due to it allowing Tapu Koko 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 (remove extra space) pivot out with U-turn out into a Pokemon that can take advantage of a Choice-locked Earthquake. Similarly, it (remove extra space) 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 in 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 when using 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 for to this set. If Tapu Koko runs Shuca Berry, offensive Offensive Pokemon that appreciate its ability to lure Ground-types, such as Heatran and Garchomp, pair well with this set Shuca Berry Tapu Koko. These two are particularly good partners due to their ability to set up Stealth Rock, which can be punishing for rack up hazard damage against the opposing team to switch into in conjunction with either U-turn or Volt Switch, as it can rack up hazard damage.

[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 the majority of the time. (The old wording makes it sound like running screens is a really bad idea, but if it's the first thing mentioned in OO then I assume it's not *that* bad) 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 it the set doesn't run 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 give up a moveslot 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 OHKOing 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 for 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]]

 

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