Salamence @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature / Jolly Nature
- Hone Claws
- Iron Tail
- Dragon Rush
- Hurricane / Dual Wingbeat / Earthquake
This set's primary function is as a fairy lure. It pairs best on teams with a secondary Dragon-type sweeper, where Salamence's ability to lure and surprise kill things like Sylveon, Togekiss, and Hatterene and Prim can open the door for something like Regidrago, Haxorus, or Kommo-O to clean shop. Hone Claws also boosts the accuracy of the infamously shaky Hurricane and rarely explored Dragon Rush -- but you can opt for Dual Wingbeat instead and still enjoy a boost from 90 to 100% accuracy, or go Earthquake to avoid being walled by steel-types.
Beyond this primary purpose, this set also tears through traditionally bulky mons that would otherwise stomach hits from most of Salamence's typical sets. While it doesn't have the game-ending sweep potential of a Dragon Dance set, it can tear holes in the opposing team and allow its teammates to finish the job.
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Salamence Iron Tail vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Hatterene: 372-439 (116.9 - 138%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Salamence Iron Tail vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Primarina: 308-363 (102.3 - 120.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Salamence Iron Tail vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Togekiss: 499-590 (133.7 - 158.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Salamence Dragon Rush vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 476-562 (67.6 - 79.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Salamence Dragon Rush vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Milotic: 300-355 (76.3 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery