Uxie
[Overview]
<p>When thinking of bulky Psychic-type Pokemon, Uxie does not often come to mind. It is overshadowed by Cresselia, who has a much higher base HP and similar defenses. However, Uxie is unique as it can learn both Imprison and Trick Room, completely stopping opponents from setting up Trick Room. With an average base HP and superb defenses, Uxie is rather bulky and can tank a couple of hits before going down. If you're looking for a counter to Trick Room teams, look no further; this pixie does just that.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Imprison
move 1: Imprison
move 2: Trick Room
move 3: Psychic / Helping Hand
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry
nature: Calm
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set uses Uxie's full potential; it abuses Imprison to shut down other Trick Room users. Imprison also prevents your opponent from using Protect, which is essentially found on every Pokemon in the metagame. Although Trick Room is mainly on the set for Imprison, it can even be used when facing faster Pokemon such as Garchomp and Zapdos. Psychic is Uxie's strongest STAB attack, hitting common Pokemon, such as Hitmontop and Toxicroak, for super effective damage. Helping Hand can be used instead of Psychic to support Uxie's partner. However, Taunt will easily shut down Uxie if it does not run Psychic, so this is not recommended. Finally, Protect is necessary for Uxie and the effects of Imprison to last as long as possible.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Sitrus Berry allows Uxie to heal a quarter of its health in a pinch, but Leftovers heals a consistent 1/16 of its HP every turn. However, because of the fast pace of the VGC metagame, a Sitrus Berry is recommended. A Calm nature with 252 SpD and HP EVs allow Uxie to tank Special Attacks and prevents physical attackers such as Tyranitar from OHKOing it.</p>
<p>Uxie partners well with sweepers that are able to quickly KO Pokemon while Uxie assists them. For example, Garchomp has great synergy with Uxie. It can dish out fast Earthquakes while Uxie is not affected by it. Uxie also works well with Tyranitar, taking care of its Fighting-type weakness with Psychic. Uxie can even set up Trick Room to assist with Tyranitar's low speed. Metagross also works well with Uxie, taking advantage of Trick Room with its low Speed.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA with Bold nature can also be run if you would prefer tanking physical attacks rather than special attacks. Leftovers can be used instead of Sitrus Berry, but does not heal as much. However, Leftovers is still a decent item, healing a small amount of HP of every turn as well as negating sandstorm and hail's residual damage. Mental Herb can be considered if you are afraid of being Taunted. Lum Berry prevents Uxie from randomly being affected by a status condition. Uxie has access to several other support moves such as Reflect, Light Screen, Magic Coat, Thunder Wave, Rain Dance, and Sunny Day. Reflect and Light Screen assist the rest of your team, but Cresselia completely outclasses Uxie in setting them up as she has more bulk. Magic Coat can turn your opponents moves against them, bouncing back support moves such as Taunt and Spore. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats so that slower sweepers can come in and take them out. Rain Dance and Sunny Day can even be used to surprise your opponent and set up weather to assist your team.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Although Uxie is relatively bulky, it still falls to super effective attacks. Tyranitar easily takes care of Uxie, as it is immune to Psychic and KOes it with a powerful STAB Crunch. Scizor is able to use Bug Bite and eat Uxie's Sitrus Berry and resists Psychic. Chandelure can use Imprison before Uxie can, before quickly taking it down with Shadow Ball. Dark-type Pokemon in general give Uxie trouble, as they are immune to Psychic and can retaliate with a super effective STAB attack. Any Pokemon carrying Taunt can also severely limit Uxie's abilities.</p>
