Current Progress said:
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD / 216 Spe
- Can defeat nearly every common entry hazard user bar obscure ones like Aerodactyl and Golem
- Has incredible coverage with the moves listed above
- Doesn't slow down momentum like Rapid Spin users due
- Isn't outclassed by Azelf due to Magic Bounce
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Xatu's other sets focus on using its typing and Magic Bounce defensively, this set uses its decent Special Attack and movepool to defeat nearly every common entry hazard setter in the tier. This set functions much better on offensive teams, as it does not ruin momentum like Blastoise and Hitmontop do and can pose a threat itself. Psyshock functions as Xatu's primary STAB move, as it can defeat many common hazard setters, such as Nidoqueen and Qwilfish. If using a Modest nature, it is the preferred move over Psychic due to its ability to 2HKO offensive Snorlax after Stealth Rock. However, if using a Timid nature, Psychic is the preferred option, as it will always OHKO standard Nidoqueen, unlike Psyshock. Grass Knot is a key move on this set, as it allows Xatu to defeat the two best Stealth Rock setters in the tier: Rhyperior and Swampert. Heat Wave is used for the purpose of severely denting Steel-types as well as OHKOing on the switch. In fact, it is powerful enough to 2HKO Bronzong and 3HKO Registeel 100% of the time. Finally, Roost is used to mitigate Life Orb recoil and potentially Stealth Rock damage that Xatu has taken.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Using the given EV spread, Xatu is able to outspeed everything up to maximum Speed base 90s. The choice between a Modest and a Timid nature depends on your personal preference. If outspeeding threats such as Timid Nidoking, Jolly Heracross, and Timid Roserade is essential, then a Timid nature is preferred. If 2HKOing Snorlax after Stealth Rock is mandatory, then a Modest nature takes precedence. U-turn is an option on this set, as it allows Xatu to escape from special walls such as Porygon2 and Umbreon and bring in a Fighting-type partner. However, using U-turn forces Xatu to give up one of its coverage moves or Roost, all of which are vital to this set's success.</p>
<p>This set struggles against Empoleon, as it is not 2HKOed by Heat Wave and can 2HKO Xatu at worst with Ice Beam. This set also struggles against certain special walls such as Porygon2 and Umbreon due to Xatu's limited power, as well as common offensive Pokemon such as Zapdos. Therefore, Xatu's best partners are divided into two groups: Pokemon that can deal with these threats, and offensive Pokemon that benefit from the prevention of Stealth Rock. Rhyperior and Swampert can both check offensive Pokemon such as Zapdos, Victini, and Raikou. Offensive Pokemon that benefit from the prevention of Stealth Rock include Yanmega, Victini, Darmanitan, Zapdos, Weavile, and Chandelure. Darmanitan, Zapdos, and Victini in particular benefit from Xatu's ability to lure and defeat Rhyperior and Swampert with Grass Knot.</p>
[SET COMMENTS]
- Uses Xatu's incredible offensive movepool to defeat nearly every common entry hazard setter
- Function better on offensive teams than Xatu's other set due to its greater power and speed
- Psyshock is the main STAB move, as with a Modest nature, Xatu is able to 2HKO offensive Snorlax, as well as OHKO hazard setters such as Nidoqueen and Qwilfish
- Grass Knot defeats SR users like Omastar, Swampert and Rhyperior
- Heat Wave deals a large amount of damage to Steel-types
- Roost migates Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage
- Given EVs allow Xatu to outspeed neutral base 85s
- A Timid nature with a spread of 40 Hp / 252 SpA / 216 Spe can be used to outspeed standard Offensive Roserade
- If using this spread, then Psychic is recommended over Psyshock, as it has a guaranteed chance to OHKO Nidoqueen
- U-Turn can be used to switch out from an unfavorable situation
- This set cannot beat Empoleon, as it can 2HKO Xatu at worst with Ice Beam, while being to take all of Xatu's coverage moves
- This set also struggles to defeat special walls such as Umbreon and Porygon2 due to Xatu's limited power
- Rhyperior and Swampert can check most variations of Victini, Zapdos, and Raikou and also setup Stealth Rock to support your team
- Offensive Pokemon that benefit from the prevention of Stealth Rock, such as Yanmega, Victini, Darmanitan, Zapdos, Weavile, and Chandelure are solid partners for this set
- Darmanitan, Zapdos, and Victini in particular benefit from Xatu's ability to lure and take out Rhyperior and Swampert.
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