QC: [3/3]
GP: [2/2]
Credit for the CM set goes to Ubiquitous
[Overview]
<p>While none of its stats jump out as "great" or "above average", Xatu was given an incredible gift this generation in its new ability, Magic Bounce. This allows Xatu to bounce back any entry hazards such as Stealth Rock as well as non-damaging moves such as Taunt, Roar, and Toxic. This, in conjunction with its large support movepool, allows Xatu to support its team ably. However, not all is good for Xatu; its below average attacking stats make it setup bait for some Pokemon, and while it does have Roost, its defensive stats are quite lacking. Despite this, Xatu has an excellent support movepool and should be considered for any team that has a weakness to entry hazards.</p>
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 2: Roost
move 3: Psychic / Night Shade
move 4: U-turn
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The main purpose of this set is to utilize Xatu's excellent new ability Magic Bounce. This allows Xatu to bounce back entry hazards and status moves that directly effect it, such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic. Thunder Wave allows Xatu to cripple fast sweepers such as Raikou and Zapdos that like to switch into it, while Toxic threatens defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, Milotic, and Slowbro. Roost is Xatu's most reliable form of recovery, allowing it to stick around for longer and help keep hazards off of your field. Night Shade deals a solid 100 HP damage per hit, while Psychic can be used as a reliable STAB. U-turn allows Xatu to switch out of Pokemon such as Deoxys-D and bring in a counter, giving you momentum. If Night Shade is chosen over Psychic, an Impish nature should be used to allow U-turn to deal more damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature provide Xatu with as much bulk as possible to stay around longer and keep bouncing back hazards from Pokemon such as Donphan, Registeel, and Deoxys-D. A specially defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe and a Careful or Calm nature can be used instead, allowing Xatu to switch into Pokemon such as Roserade and bounce back Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sleep Powder. Xatu has access to another form of recovery in Wish; however, with Xatu's low HP stat, you will often find it underwhelming at restoring a large amount of HP, making Roost the better option. However, if Wish is chosen, Protect should be used over U-turn to allow Xatu a safe turn of recovering HP. Haze makes Xatu an excellent stop to Baton Pass teams, since with Magic Bounce it is immune to Taunt and can therefore use Haze without hindrance. Pokemon that appreciate hazards off the field make excellent partners to Xatu, such as Flying-, Fire-, and Ice-type Pokemon; the latter also appreciate the Fighting-type resistance that Xatu brings to the table.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens Support
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Wish / Roost
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p> Xatu makes an excellent dual screens user because of its ability to prevent hazards being set up and immunity to Taunt. Light Screen and Reflect are obvious move choices for any dual screens user, making it easier for teammates to set up. Wish and U-turn allow Xatu to bring a setup sweeper in safely. If Xatu is faster and uses U-turn before the foe, Wish will heal most of, if not all, the damage taken, while if Xatu is slower, it will bring a sweeper in safely. Roost can be used over Wish and gives Xatu a reliable recovery option because without Protect, Xatu might not have the chance to restore its own health.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There really are no other options move-wise, since the moveset that is suggested is the most viable for a dual screens user. Xatu can run an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Speed with a Jolly nature, allowing it to outspeed most leads and set up screens before they can attack. As always, Pokemon vulnerable to hazards make excellent teammates. Snorlax is an excellent example; its massive Special Defense covers Xatu's Ice-type weakness (and special Electric-type attacks), while Xatu covers Snorlax's Fighting-type weakness and makes setup easier with the dual screens that it sets up. Cobalion also makes an excellent partner to Xatu, as it has a 4x resistance to Rock-type attacks and packs an Ice-type resistance, while Xatu has a 4x resistance to Fighting-type attacks and a useful Ground-type immunity.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Stored Power
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Whilst it seems like Xatu is outclassed as a Calm Mind user, its ability Magic Bounce makes such setting up viable. Its immunity to Roar, Whirlwind, and status moves makes it difficult for opponents to stop it from setting up multiple Calm Minds. Xatu can support the team even without boosting with Calm Mind by just switching in and bouncing back the foe's hazards. Stored Power is the STAB move of choice since after a few Calm Minds, it hits incredibly hard. Roost provides Xatu with a reliable form of recovery, allowing it to continue boosting on Pokemon such as Chansey and Registeel.spaceAlso, with Roost, Chansey has no chance of beating this set; Xatu can continue using Calm Mind while Chansey can't inflict status or wear it down, since Magic Guard bounces back status and Roost allows it to heal off damage taken from repeated Seismic Tosses. The last move depends on how you want to play this Xatu; Toxic is more useful early-game as Xatu's counters will still be present, allowing it to cripple Pokemon such as Milotic and Zapdos; however, later in the game, Hidden Power Fighting's coverage is much more useful once you have grabbed a few Calm Mind boosts.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and nature provide Xatu with maximum physical bulk, allowing it to take physical hits easier while Calm Mind covers its special side. The Defense EVs also allow Xatu to perform as a team supporter, allowing it to switch into Pokemon such as Donphan and Registeel with little harm. If Hidden Power Fighting is chosen Xatu's IVs should be 31/30/30/30/30/30, this gives Hidden Power a base power of 70. As always, Pokemon who appreciate hazards being kept off the field make excellent teammates. Since this set beats Chansey and Registeel, Yanmega makes an excellent offensive partner, as it can sweep more easily with these threats gone. Dark-types such as Houndoom and Weavile are immune to Stored Power, and can threaten Xatu with a super effective Dark-type attack or Pursuit Xatu while it tries to escape. However, they must be careful not to switch into a boosted Hidden Power Fighting, Weavile especially. Escavalier also makes an excellent counter because it resists Stored Power, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO Xatu with a STAB Megahorn. Victini also resists Stored Power and can OHKO Xatu with a STAB V-create. Therefore, bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic make great partners to this set. Hitmontop also makes an excellent teammate as it resists Rock- and Dark-type attacks, and also resisting Escavalier's Megahorn.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Xatu has few other options it can use effectively. A Trick set with a moveset of Trick, Zen Headbutt, Roost, and U-turn, an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Speed, a Jolly nature, and equipped with a Choice Scarf can surprise Stealth Rock users and walls such as Chansey, Deoxys-D, and Donphan, rendering them almost useless for the rest of the match. On the Support set, Xatu can use FeatherDance to cripple physical attackers such as Heracross and Weavile. However, both of these options are gimmicky at best.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Xatu is a tricky Pokemon to counter because of its access to moves such as Roost, Light Screen, Reflect, and U-turn that enhance its longevity, and immunity to Taunt and status. Therefore, a Pokemon with a strong super effective attack is the best way of getting rid of Xatu. Zapdos is the perfect counter to Xatu, as it can take anything Xatu throws at it with its wonderful bulk and hit back with a super effective Thunderbolt. Dark-types such as Houndoom and Weavile can come in on Xatu with little harm outside of being statused and KO it with a super effective STAB attack or trap it with Pursuit. Escavalier too can trap Xatu with Pursuit or smack it hard with a STAB Megahorn, and doesn't fear any of its moves. Bulky setup sweepers such as Kingdra, Suicune, and Snorlax can set up on Xatu while it can do little back, unless it has Haze. None of them will fear a Toxic either since they usually carry Rest.</p>
GP: [2/2]
Credit for the CM set goes to Ubiquitous
[Overview]
<p>While none of its stats jump out as "great" or "above average", Xatu was given an incredible gift this generation in its new ability, Magic Bounce. This allows Xatu to bounce back any entry hazards such as Stealth Rock as well as non-damaging moves such as Taunt, Roar, and Toxic. This, in conjunction with its large support movepool, allows Xatu to support its team ably. However, not all is good for Xatu; its below average attacking stats make it setup bait for some Pokemon, and while it does have Roost, its defensive stats are quite lacking. Despite this, Xatu has an excellent support movepool and should be considered for any team that has a weakness to entry hazards.</p>
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 2: Roost
move 3: Psychic / Night Shade
move 4: U-turn
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The main purpose of this set is to utilize Xatu's excellent new ability Magic Bounce. This allows Xatu to bounce back entry hazards and status moves that directly effect it, such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic. Thunder Wave allows Xatu to cripple fast sweepers such as Raikou and Zapdos that like to switch into it, while Toxic threatens defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, Milotic, and Slowbro. Roost is Xatu's most reliable form of recovery, allowing it to stick around for longer and help keep hazards off of your field. Night Shade deals a solid 100 HP damage per hit, while Psychic can be used as a reliable STAB. U-turn allows Xatu to switch out of Pokemon such as Deoxys-D and bring in a counter, giving you momentum. If Night Shade is chosen over Psychic, an Impish nature should be used to allow U-turn to deal more damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature provide Xatu with as much bulk as possible to stay around longer and keep bouncing back hazards from Pokemon such as Donphan, Registeel, and Deoxys-D. A specially defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Spe and a Careful or Calm nature can be used instead, allowing Xatu to switch into Pokemon such as Roserade and bounce back Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sleep Powder. Xatu has access to another form of recovery in Wish; however, with Xatu's low HP stat, you will often find it underwhelming at restoring a large amount of HP, making Roost the better option. However, if Wish is chosen, Protect should be used over U-turn to allow Xatu a safe turn of recovering HP. Haze makes Xatu an excellent stop to Baton Pass teams, since with Magic Bounce it is immune to Taunt and can therefore use Haze without hindrance. Pokemon that appreciate hazards off the field make excellent partners to Xatu, such as Flying-, Fire-, and Ice-type Pokemon; the latter also appreciate the Fighting-type resistance that Xatu brings to the table.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens Support
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Wish / Roost
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p> Xatu makes an excellent dual screens user because of its ability to prevent hazards being set up and immunity to Taunt. Light Screen and Reflect are obvious move choices for any dual screens user, making it easier for teammates to set up. Wish and U-turn allow Xatu to bring a setup sweeper in safely. If Xatu is faster and uses U-turn before the foe, Wish will heal most of, if not all, the damage taken, while if Xatu is slower, it will bring a sweeper in safely. Roost can be used over Wish and gives Xatu a reliable recovery option because without Protect, Xatu might not have the chance to restore its own health.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>There really are no other options move-wise, since the moveset that is suggested is the most viable for a dual screens user. Xatu can run an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Speed with a Jolly nature, allowing it to outspeed most leads and set up screens before they can attack. As always, Pokemon vulnerable to hazards make excellent teammates. Snorlax is an excellent example; its massive Special Defense covers Xatu's Ice-type weakness (and special Electric-type attacks), while Xatu covers Snorlax's Fighting-type weakness and makes setup easier with the dual screens that it sets up. Cobalion also makes an excellent partner to Xatu, as it has a 4x resistance to Rock-type attacks and packs an Ice-type resistance, while Xatu has a 4x resistance to Fighting-type attacks and a useful Ground-type immunity.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Stored Power
move 3: Roost
move 4: Toxic / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Whilst it seems like Xatu is outclassed as a Calm Mind user, its ability Magic Bounce makes such setting up viable. Its immunity to Roar, Whirlwind, and status moves makes it difficult for opponents to stop it from setting up multiple Calm Minds. Xatu can support the team even without boosting with Calm Mind by just switching in and bouncing back the foe's hazards. Stored Power is the STAB move of choice since after a few Calm Minds, it hits incredibly hard. Roost provides Xatu with a reliable form of recovery, allowing it to continue boosting on Pokemon such as Chansey and Registeel.spaceAlso, with Roost, Chansey has no chance of beating this set; Xatu can continue using Calm Mind while Chansey can't inflict status or wear it down, since Magic Guard bounces back status and Roost allows it to heal off damage taken from repeated Seismic Tosses. The last move depends on how you want to play this Xatu; Toxic is more useful early-game as Xatu's counters will still be present, allowing it to cripple Pokemon such as Milotic and Zapdos; however, later in the game, Hidden Power Fighting's coverage is much more useful once you have grabbed a few Calm Mind boosts.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and nature provide Xatu with maximum physical bulk, allowing it to take physical hits easier while Calm Mind covers its special side. The Defense EVs also allow Xatu to perform as a team supporter, allowing it to switch into Pokemon such as Donphan and Registeel with little harm. If Hidden Power Fighting is chosen Xatu's IVs should be 31/30/30/30/30/30, this gives Hidden Power a base power of 70. As always, Pokemon who appreciate hazards being kept off the field make excellent teammates. Since this set beats Chansey and Registeel, Yanmega makes an excellent offensive partner, as it can sweep more easily with these threats gone. Dark-types such as Houndoom and Weavile are immune to Stored Power, and can threaten Xatu with a super effective Dark-type attack or Pursuit Xatu while it tries to escape. However, they must be careful not to switch into a boosted Hidden Power Fighting, Weavile especially. Escavalier also makes an excellent counter because it resists Stored Power, is immune to Toxic, and can OHKO Xatu with a STAB Megahorn. Victini also resists Stored Power and can OHKO Xatu with a STAB V-create. Therefore, bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic make great partners to this set. Hitmontop also makes an excellent teammate as it resists Rock- and Dark-type attacks, and also resisting Escavalier's Megahorn.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Xatu has few other options it can use effectively. A Trick set with a moveset of Trick, Zen Headbutt, Roost, and U-turn, an EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Speed, a Jolly nature, and equipped with a Choice Scarf can surprise Stealth Rock users and walls such as Chansey, Deoxys-D, and Donphan, rendering them almost useless for the rest of the match. On the Support set, Xatu can use FeatherDance to cripple physical attackers such as Heracross and Weavile. However, both of these options are gimmicky at best.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Xatu is a tricky Pokemon to counter because of its access to moves such as Roost, Light Screen, Reflect, and U-turn that enhance its longevity, and immunity to Taunt and status. Therefore, a Pokemon with a strong super effective attack is the best way of getting rid of Xatu. Zapdos is the perfect counter to Xatu, as it can take anything Xatu throws at it with its wonderful bulk and hit back with a super effective Thunderbolt. Dark-types such as Houndoom and Weavile can come in on Xatu with little harm outside of being statused and KO it with a super effective STAB attack or trap it with Pursuit. Escavalier too can trap Xatu with Pursuit or smack it hard with a STAB Megahorn, and doesn't fear any of its moves. Bulky setup sweepers such as Kingdra, Suicune, and Snorlax can set up on Xatu while it can do little back, unless it has Haze. None of them will fear a Toxic either since they usually carry Rest.</p>
