Xatu (Done)

S1nn0hC0nfirm3d

aka Ho3nConfirm3d
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[OVERVIEW]

Xatu is a defensive pivot with Magic Bounce, meaning it can switch into and deny entry hazards and other harmful status moves and then follow up with Teleport to gain momentum. Most notably, Mudsdale fails to set up Stealth Rock, Vileplume cannot recover with Strength Sap, and other walls like Talonflame are unable to spread status. Xatu is great at checking Fighting- and Ground-types like Passimian, Silvally-Ground, and Mudsdale, and its expansive movepool lets it accomplish different roles or include additional coverage as needed. However, it often fails to excel in these roles. In particular, most Stealth Rock users like Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon carry strong STAB attacks that deter Xatu from switching in. These matchups show off Xatu's middling bulk and relevant weaknesses; while Xatu nets safe switches on certain moves with the right reads, it can fold to strong coverage like Sirfetch'd's Knock Off and +2 Silvally-Ground's Rock Slide. Even if Xatu is played well, it is still too passive to adequately deal with some offensive threats like Drapion, Starmie, and Grimmsnarl.

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Foul Play / Grass Knot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Teleport
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Foul Play hits Ghost-types like Golurk and Dhelmise while also targeting Copperajah and +2 Silvally-Ground. Grass Knot also pressures Silvally-Ground along with other Ground-types like Mudsdale and Rhydon. Given its decent Speed tier, Teleport is Xatu's preferred vehicle for pivoting to ensure its support is brought in safely. Rocky Helmet is best for chipping U-turn users like Talonflame and Passimian, and, with Roost stalling, it can put Copperajah into range of Foul Play. Colbur Berry is preferred if Xatu is the primary check to Fighting-types to avoid a KO from Knock Off. With a Timid nature and 16 Speed EVs, Xatu outspeeds Jolly Sirfetch'd.

Wallbreakers and revenge killers like Alolan Exeggutor, Sirfetch'd, Salazzle, and Tauros benefit from Xatu's slow pivot. Additional pivots like Silvally-Ground, Rotom-C, and Tsareena form a VoltTurn core with Xatu; Silvally-Ground also excels at forcing out Rock-types, while Rotom-C and Tsareena offer Defog and Rapid Spin support in case Xatu fails to prevent Stealth Rock. Offensive threats like Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum benefit from Xatu's ability to bring them in unscathed with Teleport, along with its ability to check their physically defensive counters in Mudsdale and Quagsire. Supportive walls like Mudsdale and Vaporeon cover some sweepers like Tyrantrum and Blastoise that Xatu cannot stop on its own. Steel-types like Stakataka, Copperajah, and Togedemaru support Xatu as specially defensive pivots, with Xatu in turn providing beneficial Ground- and Fighting-type matchups.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Xatu is customizable with its coverage and EVs. Night Shade provides consistent damage output from an otherwise weak Pokemon, whereas Heat Wave threatens Steel-types like Escavalier and Togedemaru. U-turn is an option over Teleport for faster pivoting, keeping Xatu safe from incoming attacks rather than its teammates. Future Sight and Teleport work together, especially if paired with Fighting-types like Sirfetch'd, which appreciate the extra firepower versus Poison-types and physical walls. Thunder Wave offers speed control and widens the pool of Pokemon that Xatu's Teleport can bring in to revenge kill the foe. At the cost of Teleport, Defog is warranted when Xatu is the team's only answer to entry hazards. Dazzling Gleam can be used to lure in and severely damage certain Dark-types like Guzzlord and Scrafty.

Running no item allows Xatu to avoid Poltergeist while also weakening Knock Off. Eject Button gets Xatu off the field when entry hazard setters like Stakataka and Copperajah attack it, helping with pivoting and maintaining Magic Bounce's threat. Heavy-Duty Boots gives Xatu the ability to switch in unhindered if the team uses no other entry hazard control. Xatu may opt for a Bold nature and more Defense investment at the cost of reaching worse Speed tiers below Jolly Sirfetch'd; with Bold, 16 Speed EVs let Xatu outspeed Golurk, while 64 Speed EVs outpace Adamant Tyrantrum. Extra bulk lets Xatu more effectively check some threats like Copperajah and Tsareena. Conversely, greater Speed investment can allow it to outspeed some mid-Speed wallbreakers like positive-nature Decidueye and neutral-nature Toxicroak.

Dual screens are used on some hyper offense teams, largely thanks to Thunder Wave + Teleport creating safe setup opportunities. Xatu itself can be a setup sweeper with Cosmic Power + Stored Power, with Magic Bounce providing a necessary defense against Toxic. Alongside Cosmic Power, Weakness Policy can make Xatu much more threatening. Choice Scarf sets work mostly for the surprise factor and access to Trick: this move debilitates Xatu's defensive counters.

Checks and Counters
====

**Rock-types**: Offensive Rock-types like Aerodactyl and Tyrantrum break through Xatu with ease, and they can even afford to set up on it and tank its boosted Foul Play. Defensive Rock-types are a problem too, as Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon are Stealth Rock users that deter Xatu from coming in due to their STAB attacks; the former two also wall Xatu and outdamage the recovery from Roost with the perfectly accurate Gyro Ball and Moonblast, respectively.

**Dark-types and Dark-type Coverage**: Xatu struggles to deter Dark-types like Grimmsnarl, Guzzlord, and Drapion from switching in, relying on its ability to pivot into a strong teammate to avoid losing its team momentum. When Xatu opts for Rocky Helmet, it endangers itself against Knock Off users like Sirfetch'd, Tsareena, and Passimian.

**Electric-types**: Volt Switch users like Rotom-C and Heliolisk outspeed Xatu and force it out, gaining momentum while they do so.

**Ghost-types**: Xatu fails as a physical wall versus strong Ghost-types like Golurk and Decidueye. However, itemless and Foul Play Xatu has more manageable matchups against them.

**Wallbreakers and Sweepers**: Many wallbreakers like Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon can force out Xatu due to its passivity. Additionally, Swords Dance users like Silvally-Ground and Toxicroak can breeze past Xatu with little to no chip damage needed to score a KO. Other setup sweepers like Blastoise and Escavalier may set up if Xatu lacks the adequate response to them, like Thunder Wave or Foul Play.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [poh, 298730]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [Rabia, 336073]]
 
Last edited:
[OVERVIEW]
Xatu is a defensive pivot with Magic Bounce, meaning it can switch into and deny entry hazards and other harmful status moves and follow up with Teleport to gain momentum. Most notably, Mudsdale fails to setup Stealth Rock, Vileplume cannot recover with Strength Sap, and other walls like Talonflame are unable to spread status. Xatu is versatile with an expansive movepool with the liberty to function as multiple different roles or include additional coverage as needed, though it will likely still keep its function as a check to Fighting- and Ground-types like Passimian, Silvally-Ground, and Mudsdale. Out of these positions, entry hazard prevention isn't necessarily Xatu's strongest role, as most Stealth Rock users like Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon carry strong STAB attacks that deter Xatu from switching in. These matchups showoff Xatu's middling bulk and relevant weaknesses, so note that while Xatu nets switch-ins on certain moves with the right reads, it can fold to strong coverage like Machamp's Knock Off and +2 Silvally-Ground's Rock Slide with the wrong reads. Even if Xatu is played well, it is still too passive to adequately deal with some offensive threats like Drapion, Starmie, and Grimmsnarl.

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Foul Play / Grass Knot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Teleport
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
Foul Play hits Ghost-types like Golurk and Dhelmise while also targeting Copperajah and +2 Silvally-Ground. Grass Knot also pressures Silvally-Ground along with other Ground-types like Mudsdale and Rhydon. Given a decent speed tier, Teleport is Xatu's vehicle for pivoting so that its support is brought in safely. Teleport also functions well with Thunder Wave at the cost of an attack. Rocky Helmet is best for chipping U-turn users like Talonflame and Passimian and, with Roost stalling, it can put Copperajah into range of Foul Play. Colbur Berry works better if Xatu is the primary check to Fighting-types as to avoid a KO from Knock Off. With a Timid nature and 16 Speed EVs, Xatu outspeeds Jolly Sirfetch'd.

To capitalize with Teleport, try pairing Xatu with wallbreakers and revenge killers alike such as Alolan Exeggutor Dragalge, Machamp, Salazzle, and Tauros. Additional pivots like Silvally-Ground, Rotom-C, and Tsareena form a VoltTurn core with Xatu; Silvally-Ground is also great at forcing out Rock-types, and the latter two also offer Defog and Rapid Spin support in case Xatu fails to prevent Stealth Rock. Other offensive threats with good synergy are Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum, mostly because they rely on Xatu to bring them in unscathed and they rely on Xatu as a counter to Mudsdale and Quagsire. Supportive walls like Mudsdale and Vaporeon cover some sweepers like Tyrantrum and Blastoise, respectively, that Xatu cannot stop on its own. Steel-types like Stakataka, Copperajah, and Togedamru support Xatu as specially defensive pivots, with Xatu's synergy stemming from its positive Ground- and Fighting-type matchups.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
As a defensive pivot, Xatu is customizable with its coverage and investment. Opting for Night Shade is one way to provide consistent damage in an otherwise tight movepool, whereas Heat Wave is notable for hurting some targets like Escavalier and Togedemaru. U-turn is an option over Teleport for faster pivoting, keeping Xatu safe rather than its switch-ins. Future Sight + Teleport work together, especially if paired with Fighting-types like Sirfetch'd that appreciate the extra firepower versus Poison-types and physical walls. Air Slash is another STAB attack that can check Figthing-types while also covering notable Grass-types like Vileplume and Tsareena; it's usually only used for compression alongside Thunder Wave, though, as Psychic or Foul Play would be stronger for all the targets Air Slash hits bar Scrafty. Dazzling Gleam also sees some use as a lure for certain Dark-types like Guzzlord and Scrafty.

Running no item is a perk versus Poltergeist users with the side effect of weakening Knock Off. Eject Button gets Xatu off the field if the opponent attacks rather than setting an entry hazard, which helps not only with pivoting but to also keep the threat of Magic Bounce around for at least another turn granted Xatu survives. Heavy-Duty Boots works if the team uses no other entry hazard remover. Xatu may opt for a Bold nature and more defensive investment at the cost of reaching different speed tiers below Jolly Sirfetch'd; 16 Speed EVs would be for Machamp and Golurk, and 64 Speed Evs would be for Adamant Tyrantrum. The extra bulk comes in handy when checking some threats like Copperajah and Tsareena. Conversely, being quicker helps with a handful of mid-speed wallbreakers like Decidueye and Toxicroak.

Alternative sets for Xatu work thanks to its expansive movepool. Dual screens sees use on some hyper offense builds, largely thanks to Thunder Wave + Teleport creating safe setup opportunities. Xatu itself can be a setup sweeper thanks to Cosmic Power + Stored Power, with Magic Bounce providing a necessary defense against Toxic. Weakness Policy is a popular item on this set to provide offensive boosts to Stored Power. Choice Scarf sets work mostly for the surprise factor and access to Trick; a good way debilitate Xatu's defensive counters.

Checks and Counters
====

**Rock-types**: Offensive Rock-types like Aerodactyl and Tyrantrum break through Xatu with ease, and can even afford to setup once while Xatu is out and tank the boosted Foul Play. Defensive Rock-types are a problem too as Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon are Stealth Rock users that scare Xatu from coming in due to their STAB attacks; the former two also wall Xatu and beat it out when it uses Roost thanks to the power of Gyro Ball and Moonblast, respectively.

**Dark-types and Dark-type Coverage**: Xatu doesn't have much to deter Dark-types like Grimsnarl, Guzzlord, and Drapion from switching in besides pivoting out itself. When Xatu opts for Rocky Helmet, it endangers itself by becoming vulnerable to Knock Off users like Machamp, Tsareena, and Passimian.

**Electric-types**: Volt Switch users like Rotom-C and Heliolisk are faster than Xatu and force it out, gaining momentum while they do so.

**Wallbreakers and Sweepers**: Many wallbreakers and sweepers can force out Xatu due to its passivity, with Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon all being a concern. Swords Dance users like Silvally-Ground, Decidueye, and Toxicroak can breeze past Xatu with little to no chip damage needed. Other setup sweepers like Blastoise and Escavalier may setup versus Xatu if it lacks the adequate coverage for them, like Thunder Wave and Foul Play.

**Ghost-types**: can mention that xatu can run itemless and foul play but ofc it gets shafted by poltergeist

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [poh, 298730]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
 
Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC): Add Comma
[OVERVIEW]
Xatu is a defensive pivot with Magic Bounce, meaning it can switch into and deny entry hazards and other harmful status moves and follow moves, following up with Teleport to gain momentum. Most notably, Mudsdale fails to setup set up Stealth Rock, Vileplume cannot recover with Strength Sap, and other walls like Talonflame are unable to spread status. Xatu is versatile with has an expansive movepool with the liberty to function as fill multiple different roles or include additional coverage as needed, though it will likely still keep its function as a check to needed. Besides the aforementioned, it can check physical attackers and/or ___, all while checking (fill in blank with another example role. if desired, pick one of and/or. I imagine this new sentence makes sense?) Fighting- and Ground-types like Passimian, Silvally-Ground, and Mudsdale. Out of these positions, entry hazard prevention isn't necessarily Xatu's strongest role, However, it often fails to excel in these roles, including in entry hazard prevention, (I imagine this makes sense? tinker as needed) as most Stealth Rock users like Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon carry strong super effective STAB attacks that deter Xatu from switching in. These matchups showoff show off Xatu's middling bulk and relevant weaknesses, so weaknesses; note that while Xatu nets switch-ins on certain moves with the right reads, it can fold to strong coverage like Machamp's Knock Off and +2 Silvally-Ground's Rock Slide with the wrong reads. Even if Xatu is played well, it is still too passive to adequately deal with some offensive threats like Drapion, Starmie, and Grimmsnarl. (removed bold on M)

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Foul Play / Grass Knot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Teleport
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
Foul Play hits Ghost-types like Golurk and Dhelmise while also targeting Copperajah and +2 Silvally-Ground. Grass Knot also pressures Silvally-Ground along with other Ground-types like Mudsdale and Rhydon. Given a decent speed its decent Speed tier, Teleport is Xatu's preferred vehicle for pivoting so that to ensure its support is brought in safely. Rocky Helmet is best for chipping U-turn users like Talonflame and Passimian and, with Roost stalling, it can put Copperajah into range of Foul Play. Colbur Berry works better if Xatu is the primary check to Fighting-types, (AC) as to avoid a KO from Knock Off. With a Timid nature and 16 Speed EVs, Xatu outspeeds Jolly Sirfetch'd.

To capitalize with on Teleport, try pairing Xatu with wallbreakers and revenge killers alike such as Alolan Exeggutor, (removed bold) Machamp, Salazzle, and Tauros. Additional pivots like Silvally-Ground, Rotom-C, and Tsareena form a VoltTurn core with Xatu; Silvally-Ground is also great at forcing out Rock-types, and the latter two also offer Defog and Rapid Spin support in case Xatu fails to prevent Stealth Rock. Other offensive threats with good synergy are Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum, mostly because they rely on Xatu to bring them in unscathed and counter Mudsdale and Quagsire. Supportive walls like Mudsdale and Vaporeon cover some sweepers like Tyrantrum and Blastoise, respectively, that Xatu cannot stop on its own. Steel-types like Stakataka, Copperajah, and Togedemaru support Xatu as specially defensive pivots, with Xatu's synergy stemming from its Xatu in turn providing positive Ground- and Fighting-type matchups.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
As a defensive pivot, Xatu is customizable with its coverage and investment. Opting for Night Shade is one way to provide consistent damage in an otherwise tight movepool, whereas Heat Wave is notable for hurting some EVs. Night Shade provides consistent damage on an otherwise weak Pokemon, whereas Heat Wave hurts some specific (I imagine this makes sense?) targets like Escavalier and Togedemaru. U-turn is an option over Teleport for faster pivoting, keeping Xatu safe rather than its switch-ins. Future Sight + and Teleport work together, especially if paired with Fighting-types like Sirfetch'd that Sirfetch'd, which appreciate the extra firepower versus Poison-types and physical walls. Thunder Wave offers speed control and pivoting synergy with Teleport to bring in a revenge killer at the cost of an attack. widens the pool of Pokemon that Xatu's Teleport can bring in to revenge kill the foe. (I wasn't quite sure what you meant; was it this? if not, pls correct/tinker or clarify) At the cost of Teleport, Defog is warranted when Xatu is the team's only check answer to entry hazards. Dazzling Gleam also sees some use as a lure for Xatu to lure in certain Dark-types like Guzzlord and Scrafty.

Running no item is a perk versus Poltergeist users with the side effect of weakening Knock Off. and also weakens Knock Off some Eject Button gets Xatu off the field if the opponent foe attacks rather than setting an entry hazard, which helps not only with pivoting but to also keep both helps with pivoting and keeps the threat of Magic Bounce reflecting entry hazards around for at least another turn hazards around, granted Xatu survives, for at least another turn. Heavy-Duty Boots with Defog (I imagine?) works if the team uses no other entry hazard remover. Xatu may opt for a Bold nature and more defensive (specify "Defense", "mixed defensive", or "Special Defense") investment at the cost of reaching different speed worse Speed tiers below Jolly Sirfetch'd; with Bold, 16 Speed EVs would be for Machamp and Golurk, and 64 Speed Evs EVs would be for Adamant Tyrantrum. The extra bulk comes in handy when checking some threats like Copperajah and Tsareena. Conversely, being quicker helps with a handful of mid-Speed wallbreakers like Decidueye and Toxicroak.

Alternative sets for Xatu work thanks to its expansive movepool. Dual screens sees use on some hyper offense builds, teams, largely thanks to Thunder Wave + Teleport creating safe setup opportunities. Xatu itself can be a setup sweeper thanks to Cosmic Power + Stored Power, with Magic Bounce providing a necessary defense against Toxic. Weakness Policy is a popular item on this set to provide offensive boosts to Stored Power. Choice Scarf sets work mostly for the surprise factor and access to Trick: (semicolon -> colon) this move debilitates Xatu's defensive counters.

Checks and Counters
====

**Rock-types**: Offensive Rock-types like Aerodactyl and Tyrantrum break through Xatu with ease, and they can even afford to setup set up once while Xatu is out in and tank the boosted Foul Play. Defensive Rock-types are a problem too, (AC) as Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon are Stealth Rock users that scare Xatu from coming in due to their STAB attacks; the former two also wall Xatu and out damage outdamage the recovery from Roost thanks to the power of with the perfectly accurate (I imagine accuracy is the point of referencing these non-rock-type moves? if not, pls clarify) Gyro Ball and Moonblast, respectively.

**Dark-types and Dark-type Coverage**: Xatu doesn't have much to deter Dark-types like Grimmsnarl, Guzzlord, and Drapion from switching in besides pivoting out itself. When Xatu opts for Rocky Helmet, it endangers itself by becoming vulnerable to against Knock Off users like Machamp, Tsareena, and Passimian.

**Electric-types**: Volt Switch users like Rotom-C and Heliolisk are faster than Xatu and force it out, gaining momentum while they do so.

**Ghost-types**: Xatu fails as a physical wall versus strong Ghost-types like Golurk and Decidueye. Running no item to avoid Poltergeist and attacking back with Foul Play makes these matchups more manageable. However, itemless Foul Play Xatu has more manageable matchups against them.

**Wallbreakers and Sweepers**: Many wallbreakers and sweepers can force out Xatu due to its passivity, with Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon all being a concern. Swords Dance users like Silvally-Ground and Toxicroak can breeze past Xatu with little to no chip damage needed. Other setup sweepers like Blastoise and Escavalier may setup versus Xatu if it lacks the adequate coverage for them set up if Xatu lacks the adequate response to them, like Thunder Wave and or Foul Play.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [poh, 298730]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [username2, userid2]]
finland-GP.gif
1/2
 
just started amchecking, take my changes lightly
add remove comment
[OVERVIEW]
Xatu is a defensive pivot with Magic Bounce, meaning it can switch into and deny entry hazards and other harmful status moves, following up with Teleport to gain momentum. Most notably, Mudsdale fails to set up Stealth Rock, Vileplume cannot recover with Strength Sap, and other walls like Talonflame are unable to spread status. Xatu has an expansive movepool with the liberty to fill multiple different roles or include additional coverage as needed. Besides the aforementioned, Fighting- and Ground-types like Passimian, Silvally-Ground, and Mudsdale. <- this sentence seems to be missing a conclusion However, it often fails to excel in these roles, including in entry hazard prevention, as most Stealth Rock users like Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon carry strong STAB attacks that deter Xatu from switching in. These matchups show off Xatu's middling bulk and relevant weaknesses; note that while Xatu nets switch-ins on certain moves with the right reads, it can fold to strong coverage like Machamp's Knock Off and +2 Silvally-Ground's Rock Slide with the wrong reads. Even if Xatu is played well, it is still too passive to adequately deal with some offensive threats like Drapion, Starmie, and Grimmsnarl.

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Foul Play / Grass Knot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Teleport
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
Foul Play hits Ghost-types like Golurk and Dhelmise while also targeting Copperajah and +2 Silvally-Ground. Grass Knot also pressures Silvally-Ground along with other Ground-types like Mudsdale and Rhydon. Given its decent Speed tier, Teleport is Xatu's preferred vehicle for pivoting to ensure its support is brought in safely. Rocky Helmet is best for chipping U-turn users like Talonflame and Passimian and, with Roost stalling, it can put Copperajah into range of Foul Play. Colbur Berry works better is preferred if Xatu is the primary check to Fighting-types, as to avoid a KO from Knock Off. With a Timid nature and 16 Speed EVs, Xatu outspeeds Jolly Sirfetch'd.

To capitalize on Teleport, try pairing Xatu with wallbreakers and revenge killers alike such as Alolan Exeggutor, Machamp, Salazzle, and Tauros. Wallbreakers and revenge killers like Alolan Exeggutor, Machamp, Salazzle, and Tauros benefit from Xatu's slow pivot in Teleport. Additional pivots like Silvally-Ground, Rotom-C, and Tsareena form a VoltTurn core with Xatu; Silvally-Ground is also great excels at forcing out Rock-types, and the latter two also while Rotom-C and Tsareena offer Defog and Rapid Spin support in case Xatu fails to prevent Stealth Rock. Other offensive threats with good synergy are Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum, mostly because they rely on Xatu to bring them in unscathed and counter Mudsdale and Quagsire. Offensive threats like Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum benefit from Xatu's ability to bring them in unscathed with Teleport, along with its ability to check their physically defensive counters in Mudsdale and Quagsire. Supportive walls like Mudsdale and Vaporeon cover some sweepers like Tyrantrum and Blastoise, respectively, that Xatu cannot stop on its own. Steel-types like Stakataka, Copperajah, and Togedemaru support Xatu as specially defensive pivots, with Xatu in turn providing positive beneficial Ground- and Fighting-type matchups.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Xatu is customizable with its coverage and EVs. Night Shade provides consistent damage on an otherwise weak Pokemon, whereas Heat Wave hurts some specific targets threatens Steel-types like Escavalier and Togedemaru. U-turn is an option over Teleport for faster pivoting, keeping Xatu safe rather than its switch-ins. Future Sight and Teleport work together, especially if paired with Fighting-types like Sirfetch'd, which appreciate the extra firepower versus Poison-types and physical walls. Thunder Wave offers speed control and widens the pool of Pokemon that Xatu's Teleport can bring in to revenge kill the foe. At the cost of Teleport, Defog is warranted when Xatu is the team's only answer to entry hazards. Dazzling Gleam also sees some use for Xatu can be used to lure in certain Dark-types like Guzzlord and Scrafty.

Running no item is a perk versus allows Xatu to avoid Poltergeist, comma while users and also weakening s Knock Off some. Eject Button gets Xatu off the field if the foe attacks rather than setting an entry hazard, which both helps with pivoting and keepings the threat of Magic Bounce reflecting hazards around, granted Xatu survives, implied for at least another turn. Heavy-Duty Boots works gives Xatu the ability to switch in unhindered if the team uses no other entry hazard remover. Xatu may opt for a Bold nature and more Defense investment at the cost of reaching worse Sspeed unsure about this capitalization tiers below Jolly Sirfetch'd; with Bold, 16 Speed EVs would be for let Xatu outspeed Machamp and Golurk, and while 64 Speed EVs would be for outpace Adamant Tyrantrum. The eExtra bulk comes in handy when checking lets Xatu more effectively check some threats like Copperajah and Tsareena. Conversely, being quicker helps with a handful of Speed investments allow it to outspeed some mid-Speed wallbreakers like Decidueye and Toxicroak.

Alternative sets for Xatu work thanks to its expansive movepool. Dual screens sees use is used on some hyper offense teams, largely thanks to Thunder Wave + Teleport creating safe setup opportunities. Xatu itself can be a setup sweeper thanks to Cosmic Power + Stored Power, with Magic Bounce providing a necessary defense against Toxic. Alongside Cosmic Power, Weakness Policy is a popular item on this set to provide offensive boosts to Stored Power. allows Xatu to boost its offensive stats in the event that it is hit with a super effective move. Choice Scarf sets work mostly for the surprise factor and access to Trick: this move debilitates Xatu's defensive counters.

Checks and Counters
====

**Rock-types**: Offensive Rock-types like Aerodactyl and Tyrantrum break through Xatu with ease, and they can even afford to set up once while on Xatu is in and tank the its boosted Foul Play. Defensive Rock-types are a problem too, as Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon are Stealth Rock users that scare Xatu from coming in due to their STAB attacks; the former two also wall Xatu and outdamage the recovery from Roost with the perfectly accurate Gyro Ball and Moonblast, respectively.

**Dark-types and Dark-type Coverage**: Xatu doesn't have much struggles to deter Dark-types like Grimmsnarl, Guzzlord, and Drapion from switching in, comma besides pivoting out itself relying on its ability to pivot into a strong teammate to deter these Pokemon. When Xatu opts for Rocky Helmet, it endangers itself against Knock Off users like Machamp, Tsareena, and Passimian.

**Electric-types**: Volt Switch users like Rotom-C and Heliolisk are faster than outspeed Xatu and force it out, gaining momentum while they do so.

**Ghost-types**: Xatu fails as a physical wall versus strong Ghost-types like Golurk and Decidueye. However, itemless and / or Foul Play Xatu has more manageable matchups against them.

**Wallbreakers and Sweepers**: Many wallbreakers and sweepers like Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon can force out Xatu due to its passivity, with Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon all being a concern. Additionally, Swords Dance users like Silvally-Ground and Toxicroak can breeze past Xatu with little to no chip damage needed to score a KO. Other setup sweepers like Blastoise and Escavalier may set up if Xatu lacks the adequate response to them, like Thunder Wave or Foul Play.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [poh, 298730]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [username2, userid2]]
 
Last edited:
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[OVERVIEW]

Xatu is a defensive pivot with Magic Bounce, meaning it can switch into and deny entry hazards and other harmful status moves (remove comma) following and then follow up with Teleport to gain momentum. Most notably, Mudsdale fails to set up Stealth Rock, Vileplume cannot recover with Strength Sap, and other walls like Talonflame are unable to spread status. Xatu is great at checking Fighting- and Ground-types like Passimian, Silvally-Ground, and Mudsdale, and its expansive movepool lets Xatu it accomplish different roles or include additional coverage as needed. However, it often fails to excel in these roles. In particular, most Stealth Rock users like Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon carry strong STAB attacks that deter Xatu from switching in. These matchups show off Xatu's middling bulk and relevant weaknesses; while Xatu nets switch-ins safe switches on certain moves with the right reads, it can fold to strong coverage like Machamp's Knock Off and +2 Silvally-Ground's Rock Slide. Even if Xatu is played well, it is still too passive to adequately deal with some offensive threats like Drapion, Starmie, and Grimmsnarl.

[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Foul Play / Grass Knot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Teleport
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====

Foul Play hits Ghost-types like Golurk and Dhelmise while also targeting Copperajah and +2 Silvally-Ground. Grass Knot also pressures Silvally-Ground along with other Ground-types like Mudsdale and Rhydon. Given its decent Speed tier, Teleport is Xatu's preferred vehicle for pivoting to ensure its support is brought in safely. Rocky Helmet is best for chipping U-turn users like Talonflame and Passimian,(comma) and, with Roost stalling, it can put Copperajah into range of Foul Play. Colbur Berry is preferred if Xatu is the primary check to Fighting-types (remove comma) as to avoid a KO from Knock Off. With a Timid nature and 16 Speed EVs, Xatu outspeeds Jolly Sirfetch'd.

Wallbreakers and revenge killers like Alolan Exeggutor, Machamp, Salazzle, and Tauros benefit from Xatu's slow pivot in Teleport. Additional pivots like Silvally-Ground, Rotom-C, and Tsareena form a VoltTurn core with Xatu; Silvally-Ground is also great excels at forcing out Rock-types, while Rotom-C and Tsareena offer Defog and Rapid Spin support in case Xatu fails to prevent Stealth Rock. Offensive threats like Drapion, Toxicroak, and Tyrantrum benefit from Xatu's ability to bring them in unscathed with Teleport, along with its ability to check their physically defensive counters in Mudsdale and Quagsire. Supportive walls like Mudsdale and Vaporeon cover some sweepers like Tyrantrum and Blastoise that Xatu cannot stop on its own. Steel-types like Stakataka, Copperajah, and Togedemaru support Xatu as specially defensive pivots, with Xatu in turn providing beneficial Ground- and Fighting-type matchups.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Xatu is customizable with its coverage and EVs. Night Shade provides consistent damage on output from an otherwise weak Pokemon, whereas Heat Wave threatens Steel-types like Escavalier and Togedemaru. U-turn is an option over Teleport for faster pivoting, keeping Xatu safe from incoming attacks rather than its switch-ins teammates. Future Sight and Teleport work together, especially if paired with Fighting-types like Sirfetch'd, which appreciate the extra firepower versus Poison-types and physical walls. Thunder Wave offers speed control and widens the pool of Pokemon that Xatu's Teleport can bring in to revenge kill the foe. At the cost of Teleport, Defog is warranted when Xatu is the team's only answer to entry hazards. Dazzling Gleam can be used to lure in and severely damage certain Dark-types like Guzzlord and Scrafty.

Running no item allows Xatu to avoid Poltergeist (remove comma) while also weakening Knock Off. Eject Button gets Xatu off the field if the foe attacks rather than setting an entry hazard, which both helps with pivoting and keeping the threat of Magic Bounce reflecting hazards around for at least another turn when entry hazard setters like Stakataka and Copperajah attack it, helping with pivoting and maintaining Magic Bounce's threat. Heavy-Duty Boots gives Xatu the ability to switch in unhindered if the team uses no other entry hazard remover control. Xatu may opt for a Bold nature and more Defense investment at the cost of reaching worse speed Speed tiers below Jolly Sirfetch'd; with Bold, 16 Speed EVs let Xatu outspeed Machamp and Golurk, while 64 Speed EVs outpace Adamant Tyrantrum. Extra bulk lets Xatu more effectively check some threats like Copperajah and Tsareena. Conversely, Speed investments greater Speed investment can allow it to outspeed some mid-Speed wallbreakers like positive-nature Decidueye and neutral-nature Toxicroak.

Dual screens is are used on some hyper offense teams, largely thanks to Thunder Wave + Teleport creating safe setup opportunities. Xatu itself can be a setup sweeper thanks to with Cosmic Power + Stored Power, with Magic Bounce providing a necessary defense against Toxic. Alongside Cosmic Power, Weakness Policy allows Xatu to boost its offensive stats in the event that it is hit with a super effective move can make Xatu much more threatening. Choice Scarf sets work mostly for the surprise factor and access to Trick: this move debilitates Xatu's defensive counters.

Checks and Counters
====

**Rock-types**: Offensive Rock-types like Aerodactyl and Tyrantrum break through Xatu with ease, and they can even afford to set up on Xatu it and tank its boosted Foul Play. Defensive Rock-types are a problem too, as Stakataka, Diancie, and Rhydon are Stealth Rock users that scare deter Xatu from coming in due to their STAB attacks; the former two also wall Xatu and outdamage the recovery from Roost with the perfectly accurate Gyro Ball and Moonblast, respectively.

**Dark-types and Dark-type Coverage**: Xatu struggles to deter Dark-types like Grimmsnarl, Guzzlord, and Drapion from switching in, relying on its ability to pivot into a strong teammate to deter these Pokemon avoid losing its team momentum ("struggles to deter.... to deter" feels contradictory). When Xatu opts for Rocky Helmet, it endangers itself against Knock Off users like Machamp, Tsareena, and Passimian.

**Electric-types**: Volt Switch users like Rotom-C and Heliolisk outspeed Xatu and force it out, gaining momentum while they do so.

**Ghost-types**: Xatu fails as a physical wall versus strong Ghost-types like Golurk and Decidueye. However, itemless and / or (unless you mean itemless Xatu with or without Foul Play, then say that instead) Foul Play Xatu has more manageable matchups against them.

**Wallbreakers and Sweepers**: Many wallbreakers and sweepers like Starmie, Exploud, and Duraludon can force out Xatu due to its passivity. Additionally, Swords Dance users like Silvally-Ground and Toxicroak can breeze past Xatu with little to no chip damage needed to score a KO. Other setup sweepers like Blastoise and Escavalier may set up if Xatu lacks the adequate response to them, like Thunder Wave or Foul Play.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d, 231074]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [poh, 298730]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], ]]
gp 2/2 when done GP Team
 
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