[OVERVIEW]
The incredible ability Psychic Surge allows Tapu Lele to act as a check to Extreme Speed users and gives it the ability to support priority-weak members of its team. Psychic Terrain also gives a potent boost to Psychic-type attacks, which alongside strong STAB moves and an excellent Special Attack stat makes Tapu Lele extremely difficult to switch into and allows it to effectively break defensive cores. However, a low base Speed means it can still be outpaced even with Sticky Web support or Diancite's Speed boost. Tapu Lele's lack of useful coverage options also means it has difficulty dealing with most Steel-type Pokemon, although it can wear them down with powerful resisted attacks.
[SET]
name: Diancite Sweeper
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Nature's Madness / Calm Mind
move 4: Shadow Ball / Psychic
item: Diancite
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack; it can threaten many common offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Terrakion with an OHKO and deals heavy damage to almost any switch-in, while Psyshock trades raw power for the ability to hit specially defensive Pokemon and thus better deal with the likes of Blissey, opposing Calm Mind users, and specially defensive Magearna. Moonblast is a weaker secondary STAB attack that allows Tapu Lele to handle Dark-type Pokemon such as Yveltal and Weavile as well as deal additional damage to the likes of Zygarde. Nature's Madness removes half of the foe's HP, allowing Tapu Lele to wear down or cripple would-be switch-ins such as Magearna without having to activate Diancite and give up Psychic Surge. Calm Mind is another option that boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Special Defense to allow it to break most defensive teams and decrease the need to predict switches. Shadow Ball hits Lunala, Mew, and Necrozma-DM hard, but it deals little damage unless it hits super effectively. Focus Blast hits Steel-type Pokemon, deals solid damage to Blissey, and rounds out Tapu Lele's perfect coverage if used alongside Shadow Ball, but it is generally inferior to the above options.
Set Details
========
Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and allows it to take on priority users such as Extreme Speed Zygarde and Entei despite its paper-thin defenses. Diancite increases Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Speed at the cost of its defenses and gives it the excellent Magic Bounce ability after Mega Evolving, which gives Tapu Lele free opportunities to switch in against many defensive Pokemon and allows it to better take on Toxic or Confide Blissey. 252 Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and Diancite's additional 60 Base Speed allow Tapu Lele to outpace almost the entire unboosted metagame and a large portion of its setup sweepers, particularly threatening offensive Pokemon such as Kartana. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Tapu Lele's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
When using Tapu Lele to revenge kill boosted Altarianite Zygarde, attempt to make sure it is not running a Jolly nature with Return; any other set at +1 can be beaten, but Jolly Return will simply OHKO Tapu Lele and continue the sweep largely unimpeded. Once Tapu Lele Mega Evolves, its chance to sweep offense is on a timer; while it is still a very effective Pokemon, Tapu Lele outside of Psychic Terrain is far easier to switch into or revenge kill. For this reason, it can often be worthwhile to refrain from Mega Evolving until necessary. Use Nature's Madness to hit would-be switch-ins, as it ignores type resistances and can cripple checks like Magearna and Double Dance Necrozma-DM that lack reliable recovery. If you need to boost, attempt to do so on passive Pokemon such as Blissey, on Pokemon Tapu Lele forces out such as Terrakion, or on weak special attackers such as support Arceus formes and Manectite Mew. Tapu Lele is too frail to readily switch in, but in a pinch, it can come in on an Extreme Speed or Fighting-type attack pre-Mega Evolution or on status moves such as Toxic post-Mega Evolution.
Team Options
========
Ho-Oh switches into and takes on most of the Steel-type Pokemon that give Tapu Lele trouble, such as Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Aggronite Mew. In return, Tapu Lele punishes reckless Stealth Rock plays and can take on annoying threats such as Terrakion for Ho-Oh. Despite the clash between Extreme Speed and Psychic Terrain, Entei makes a great partner for Tapu Lele; it can take on annoying Steel-type Pokemon and takes pressure off Tapu Lele to revenge kill Altarianite Zygarde, while in return Tapu Lele gives the defensive Pokemon that like to switch into Entei trouble. Stealth Rock users such as Primal Groudon, Terrakion, Shuckle, and Landorus-T are great for wearing down switch-ins such as Mew and breaking Lunala's Shadow Shield for Tapu Lele. Darkrai appreciates Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain, which allows it to take on opposing Pixilate Extreme Speed users with ease, and enjoys Tapu Lele's ability to put pressure on Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Magearna; in return, Darkrai takes on Pokemon like Mew that give Tapu Lele trouble and can weaken their shared checks to let Tapu Lele clean. Azelf and Ultra Necrozma appreciate the boost to their Psychic-type attacks that Tapu Lele provides; the latter also enjoys protection from Pixilate Extreme Speed, which would otherwise readily revenge kill it. Pivots such as Magearna, Yveltal, Mandibuzz, and Gliscor are handy to get Tapu Lele in safely, as it has difficulty switching into even resisted attacks.
[SET]
name: Lucarionite Wallbreaker
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Psyshock / Focus Blast
item: Lucarionite
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack to absurd levels, allowing it to OHKO even bulky Pokemon such as support Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Ho-Oh after a single boost. Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack and allows it to blow past essentially every Pokemon that does not resist it. Moonblast hits Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon and gives Tapu Lele a slightly stronger STAB option after Psychic Terrain runs out. Psyshock hits specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Sablenite Magearna for extra damage. Focus Blast is another option to deal with Steel-type Pokemon a bit better, but it is weaker than Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks against almost all Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and makes it almost impossible to switch into. Lucarionite boosts Tapu Lele's Speed and Special Attack stats and grants it the ability Adaptability, which increases the power of its STAB moves. 252 Speed EVs and Lucarionite allow Tapu Lele to outpace essentially every defensive Pokemon and many offensive ones.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Tapu Lele in on Pokemon it forces out, such as Gliscor, Toxapex, and Altarianite Zygarde. While Sticky Web is invaluable against offense, most bulky teams are slow enough that Tapu Lele can do without it. If there's a chance Tapu Lele may be forced to switch out, it can be advantageous to refrain from Mega Evolving to keep Psychic Surge for later on. Don't be afraid to set up against teams with Magearna; at +1, Tapu Lele can 2HKO even Sablenite Magearna if they don't use Pain Split, and Tapu Lele is specially bulky enough to take a hit at +1 Special Defense readily. It can sometimes be a good idea to sacrifice Tapu Lele to allow another Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma to sweep an opposing team without being revenge killed by Extreme Speed users.
Team Options
========
Shuckle can set Sticky Web for Tapu Lele, allowing it to outpace almost the entire metagame and aid it in sweeping past offensive teams. Azelf can deal with annoying Steel-type Pokemon with Fire Blast, is a huge benefit in Sticky Web mirror matches, and appreciates the extra power on Psyshock for taking on Blissey and Ho-Oh once it Mega Evolves. Tapu Lele can also force the opponent to switch in and weaken shared checks for Azelf such as Lunala and Blue Orb Magearna. Terrakion deals with special walls that might otherwise annoy Tapu Lele such as Ho-Oh and can use Taunt to prevent Defog or recovery. Primal Groudon checks the likes of Aggronite Mew and Magearna for Tapu Lele and can set Stealth Rock to break Lunala's Shadow Shield. Tapu Lele, meanwhile, can take on Dragon-type Pokemon such as Giratina and Zygarde-C that give Primal Groudon trouble. Other Psychic-type Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma and Choice Specs Lunala appreciate the power boost from Psychic Terrain, and can in turn aid in wearing down their shared answers such as Magearna. Ho-Oh is useful for dealing with Steel-type Pokemon that Tapu Lele cannot readily break, such as Necrozma-DM and Aggronite Mew.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunderbolt is an option on the Diancite set to hit Metagross and Skarmory harder, but it is generally inferior to other options. Taunt may be used to prevent recovery, but most defensive Pokemon that can answer Tapu Lele have Magic Bounce, so its utility is largely limited to anti-leading Sticky Web teams. Hidden Power Fire may be used to beat Buzzwole and Kartana, but it's too weak to seriously threaten most other Steel-type Pokemon, and the latter is OHKOed by Psychic in Psychic Terrain, leaving it little niche over Focus Blast. Terrain Extender may be used to support Psychic spam team archetypes with additional Terrain turns but has little utility outside of those teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-type Pokemon**: The likes of Necrozma-DM, Metagross, Aggronite Mew, and Magearna can give Tapu Lele issues. Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Tapu Lele's STAB attacks, and it lacks any reliable coverage options to take them out. Most Steel-type Pokemon can threaten Tapu Lele with an OHKO, and several also have recovery to do so throughout the match. Most Steel-type Pokemon have difficulty switching into the Lucarionite set, however, particularly after a Calm Mind boost. Even those with a secondary Psychic typing that allows them to wall Tapu Lele's attacks more reliably do not appreciate the damage taken from Nature's Madness.
**Lunala**: Lunala resists Psychic-type attacks and takes Moonblast with ease thanks to Shadow Shield and its excellent bulk. While it is weak to Shadow Ball, Shadow Shield prevents that from OHKOing it, and it can OHKO Tapu Lele in return with its powerful Moongeist Beam.
**Faster Pokemon**: While the Diancite set is extremely fast, Pokemon that outspeed it such as Diancite Shaymin-S, Diancite Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Xerneas, are all major threats to it thanks to its extremely low bulk. The Lucarionite set is outsped by more Pokemon, but thanks to its adequate special bulk after setting up it is generally only weak to faster physical attackers, and it can still outpace most of the metagame with Sticky Web support.
**Psychic-type Pokemon**: Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Mew, Azelf, and Victini, resist Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks and can take every coverage attack bar Shadow Ball reasonably well. While they have difficulty switching into Tapu Lele or forcing it out after boosts, they serve as solid checks and can impede its sweep.
**Specially Defensive Tanks**: Specially defensive tanks such as Blissey and Ho-Oh can give Tapu Lele some trouble if it doesn't run Psyshock, but if it does they have severe difficulties taking it on.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Quantum Tesseract, 297239]]
- Quality checked by: [[Chazm, 376369], [In The Hills, 324242], [andyboy, 257571]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [JockeMS, 53214]]
The incredible ability Psychic Surge allows Tapu Lele to act as a check to Extreme Speed users and gives it the ability to support priority-weak members of its team. Psychic Terrain also gives a potent boost to Psychic-type attacks, which alongside strong STAB moves and an excellent Special Attack stat makes Tapu Lele extremely difficult to switch into and allows it to effectively break defensive cores. However, a low base Speed means it can still be outpaced even with Sticky Web support or Diancite's Speed boost. Tapu Lele's lack of useful coverage options also means it has difficulty dealing with most Steel-type Pokemon, although it can wear them down with powerful resisted attacks.
[SET]
name: Diancite Sweeper
move 1: Psychic / Psyshock
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Nature's Madness / Calm Mind
move 4: Shadow Ball / Psychic
item: Diancite
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack; it can threaten many common offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Terrakion with an OHKO and deals heavy damage to almost any switch-in, while Psyshock trades raw power for the ability to hit specially defensive Pokemon and thus better deal with the likes of Blissey, opposing Calm Mind users, and specially defensive Magearna. Moonblast is a weaker secondary STAB attack that allows Tapu Lele to handle Dark-type Pokemon such as Yveltal and Weavile as well as deal additional damage to the likes of Zygarde. Nature's Madness removes half of the foe's HP, allowing Tapu Lele to wear down or cripple would-be switch-ins such as Magearna without having to activate Diancite and give up Psychic Surge. Calm Mind is another option that boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Special Defense to allow it to break most defensive teams and decrease the need to predict switches. Shadow Ball hits Lunala, Mew, and Necrozma-DM hard, but it deals little damage unless it hits super effectively. Focus Blast hits Steel-type Pokemon, deals solid damage to Blissey, and rounds out Tapu Lele's perfect coverage if used alongside Shadow Ball, but it is generally inferior to the above options.
Set Details
========
Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and allows it to take on priority users such as Extreme Speed Zygarde and Entei despite its paper-thin defenses. Diancite increases Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Speed at the cost of its defenses and gives it the excellent Magic Bounce ability after Mega Evolving, which gives Tapu Lele free opportunities to switch in against many defensive Pokemon and allows it to better take on Toxic or Confide Blissey. 252 Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and Diancite's additional 60 Base Speed allow Tapu Lele to outpace almost the entire unboosted metagame and a large portion of its setup sweepers, particularly threatening offensive Pokemon such as Kartana. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Tapu Lele's damage output.
Usage Tips
========
When using Tapu Lele to revenge kill boosted Altarianite Zygarde, attempt to make sure it is not running a Jolly nature with Return; any other set at +1 can be beaten, but Jolly Return will simply OHKO Tapu Lele and continue the sweep largely unimpeded. Once Tapu Lele Mega Evolves, its chance to sweep offense is on a timer; while it is still a very effective Pokemon, Tapu Lele outside of Psychic Terrain is far easier to switch into or revenge kill. For this reason, it can often be worthwhile to refrain from Mega Evolving until necessary. Use Nature's Madness to hit would-be switch-ins, as it ignores type resistances and can cripple checks like Magearna and Double Dance Necrozma-DM that lack reliable recovery. If you need to boost, attempt to do so on passive Pokemon such as Blissey, on Pokemon Tapu Lele forces out such as Terrakion, or on weak special attackers such as support Arceus formes and Manectite Mew. Tapu Lele is too frail to readily switch in, but in a pinch, it can come in on an Extreme Speed or Fighting-type attack pre-Mega Evolution or on status moves such as Toxic post-Mega Evolution.
Team Options
========
Ho-Oh switches into and takes on most of the Steel-type Pokemon that give Tapu Lele trouble, such as Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Aggronite Mew. In return, Tapu Lele punishes reckless Stealth Rock plays and can take on annoying threats such as Terrakion for Ho-Oh. Despite the clash between Extreme Speed and Psychic Terrain, Entei makes a great partner for Tapu Lele; it can take on annoying Steel-type Pokemon and takes pressure off Tapu Lele to revenge kill Altarianite Zygarde, while in return Tapu Lele gives the defensive Pokemon that like to switch into Entei trouble. Stealth Rock users such as Primal Groudon, Terrakion, Shuckle, and Landorus-T are great for wearing down switch-ins such as Mew and breaking Lunala's Shadow Shield for Tapu Lele. Darkrai appreciates Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain, which allows it to take on opposing Pixilate Extreme Speed users with ease, and enjoys Tapu Lele's ability to put pressure on Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Magearna; in return, Darkrai takes on Pokemon like Mew that give Tapu Lele trouble and can weaken their shared checks to let Tapu Lele clean. Azelf and Ultra Necrozma appreciate the boost to their Psychic-type attacks that Tapu Lele provides; the latter also enjoys protection from Pixilate Extreme Speed, which would otherwise readily revenge kill it. Pivots such as Magearna, Yveltal, Mandibuzz, and Gliscor are handy to get Tapu Lele in safely, as it has difficulty switching into even resisted attacks.
[SET]
name: Lucarionite Wallbreaker
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Psyshock / Focus Blast
item: Lucarionite
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack to absurd levels, allowing it to OHKO even bulky Pokemon such as support Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Ho-Oh after a single boost. Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack and allows it to blow past essentially every Pokemon that does not resist it. Moonblast hits Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon and gives Tapu Lele a slightly stronger STAB option after Psychic Terrain runs out. Psyshock hits specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Sablenite Magearna for extra damage. Focus Blast is another option to deal with Steel-type Pokemon a bit better, but it is weaker than Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks against almost all Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and makes it almost impossible to switch into. Lucarionite boosts Tapu Lele's Speed and Special Attack stats and grants it the ability Adaptability, which increases the power of its STAB moves. 252 Speed EVs and Lucarionite allow Tapu Lele to outpace essentially every defensive Pokemon and many offensive ones.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Tapu Lele in on Pokemon it forces out, such as Gliscor, Toxapex, and Altarianite Zygarde. While Sticky Web is invaluable against offense, most bulky teams are slow enough that Tapu Lele can do without it. If there's a chance Tapu Lele may be forced to switch out, it can be advantageous to refrain from Mega Evolving to keep Psychic Surge for later on. Don't be afraid to set up against teams with Magearna; at +1, Tapu Lele can 2HKO even Sablenite Magearna if they don't use Pain Split, and Tapu Lele is specially bulky enough to take a hit at +1 Special Defense readily. It can sometimes be a good idea to sacrifice Tapu Lele to allow another Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma to sweep an opposing team without being revenge killed by Extreme Speed users.
Team Options
========
Shuckle can set Sticky Web for Tapu Lele, allowing it to outpace almost the entire metagame and aid it in sweeping past offensive teams. Azelf can deal with annoying Steel-type Pokemon with Fire Blast, is a huge benefit in Sticky Web mirror matches, and appreciates the extra power on Psyshock for taking on Blissey and Ho-Oh once it Mega Evolves. Tapu Lele can also force the opponent to switch in and weaken shared checks for Azelf such as Lunala and Blue Orb Magearna. Terrakion deals with special walls that might otherwise annoy Tapu Lele such as Ho-Oh and can use Taunt to prevent Defog or recovery. Primal Groudon checks the likes of Aggronite Mew and Magearna for Tapu Lele and can set Stealth Rock to break Lunala's Shadow Shield. Tapu Lele, meanwhile, can take on Dragon-type Pokemon such as Giratina and Zygarde-C that give Primal Groudon trouble. Other Psychic-type Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma and Choice Specs Lunala appreciate the power boost from Psychic Terrain, and can in turn aid in wearing down their shared answers such as Magearna. Ho-Oh is useful for dealing with Steel-type Pokemon that Tapu Lele cannot readily break, such as Necrozma-DM and Aggronite Mew.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Thunderbolt is an option on the Diancite set to hit Metagross and Skarmory harder, but it is generally inferior to other options. Taunt may be used to prevent recovery, but most defensive Pokemon that can answer Tapu Lele have Magic Bounce, so its utility is largely limited to anti-leading Sticky Web teams. Hidden Power Fire may be used to beat Buzzwole and Kartana, but it's too weak to seriously threaten most other Steel-type Pokemon, and the latter is OHKOed by Psychic in Psychic Terrain, leaving it little niche over Focus Blast. Terrain Extender may be used to support Psychic spam team archetypes with additional Terrain turns but has little utility outside of those teams.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-type Pokemon**: The likes of Necrozma-DM, Metagross, Aggronite Mew, and Magearna can give Tapu Lele issues. Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Tapu Lele's STAB attacks, and it lacks any reliable coverage options to take them out. Most Steel-type Pokemon can threaten Tapu Lele with an OHKO, and several also have recovery to do so throughout the match. Most Steel-type Pokemon have difficulty switching into the Lucarionite set, however, particularly after a Calm Mind boost. Even those with a secondary Psychic typing that allows them to wall Tapu Lele's attacks more reliably do not appreciate the damage taken from Nature's Madness.
**Lunala**: Lunala resists Psychic-type attacks and takes Moonblast with ease thanks to Shadow Shield and its excellent bulk. While it is weak to Shadow Ball, Shadow Shield prevents that from OHKOing it, and it can OHKO Tapu Lele in return with its powerful Moongeist Beam.
**Faster Pokemon**: While the Diancite set is extremely fast, Pokemon that outspeed it such as Diancite Shaymin-S, Diancite Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Xerneas, are all major threats to it thanks to its extremely low bulk. The Lucarionite set is outsped by more Pokemon, but thanks to its adequate special bulk after setting up it is generally only weak to faster physical attackers, and it can still outpace most of the metagame with Sticky Web support.
**Psychic-type Pokemon**: Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Mew, Azelf, and Victini, resist Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks and can take every coverage attack bar Shadow Ball reasonably well. While they have difficulty switching into Tapu Lele or forcing it out after boosts, they serve as solid checks and can impede its sweep.
**Specially Defensive Tanks**: Specially defensive tanks such as Blissey and Ho-Oh can give Tapu Lele some trouble if it doesn't run Psyshock, but if it does they have severe difficulties taking it on.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Quantum Tesseract, 297239]]
- Quality checked by: [[Chazm, 376369], [In The Hills, 324242], [andyboy, 257571]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [JockeMS, 53214]]
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