[1v1] Hoopa-Unbound [QC 2/3]

Yung Dramps

awesome gaming
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Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, it is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon.

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.


Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa-U to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa-U to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature and a Choice Specs further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa-Unbound's most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage, such as Mega Slowbro. It also has a 20% chance to flinch, which can help it muscle past certain Sturdy users like Donphan.

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko.

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, as well as Buzzwole lacking extreme special defense investment.

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder.
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa-U. Do not send out Hoopa-U against powerful physical attackers like Mega Charizard X, Blaziken and Mega Pinsir.

  • Try to send out Hoopa-U predicting a special attacker like Heatran or a wall like Mega Venusaur, Mega Slowbro or Ferrothorn
  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.
  • Use Dark Pulse against Pokemon Hoopa-U outspeeds but cannot KO like Donphan and Dragonite for a chance to flinch and KO the following turn.
Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as Mega Heracross and Genesect, while not necessary, are appreciated. These can include the likes of Mega Charizard X and Nihilego.


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt


Set Details
  • The defense EVS serve to tank Timid Koko's Gigavolt Havoc. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele.

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists, such as Greninja. It also helps against Jumpluff due to bypassing Substitute.

  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina.

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor.

  • Zen Headbutt is useful for defeating Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
  • Once again, avoid sending out Hoopa-U against strong physical attackers such as Mega Pinsir and Landorus-Therian.
  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.
  • Hoopa can be sent out against some Fairies such as Primarina and Tapu Fini due to Gunk Shot.
Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizards and Mega Tyranitar. Hoopa-U in turn can help cover it's weaknesses to Tapu Fini, Primarina and Mega Venusaur.

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. 252 HP and 72 defense EVs can be used to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Meteor Mash and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. Trick can be an option to disable certain walls such as Leftovers Celesteela and Chansey and KO them easier. A bulky Trick Room set with a Z-crystal can be used to take down Mega Charizard X and Y.


Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax and more.


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa-U has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling.


Fairy Types: Hoopa-U's Dark types leaves it vulnerable to the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped by Banded Gunk Shot.


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, fast Mega Heracross and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.
 
Last edited:
amateur qc, change what you wish
Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, Hoopa is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon.

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.

Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock/Psychic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast/Thunderbolt


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa’s most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage. (Would list some threats, what would be cool is stuff it can beat after a dark pulse flinch if you want to look a little bit into that.)

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko, while Psychic is more powerful and hits things like Buzzwole harder.

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn.

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder. (There are a lot of bulky waters but not many are prominent, I'd just say Primarina + Fini)
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa. If they have nothing but physical attackers, don’t use Hoopa, period.

  • Try to send out Hoopa predicting a special attacker like Tapu Koko.

  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.

Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as bulky Mega Charizard X and Nihilego, while not necessary, are appreciated. (This sounds a bit shaky, you make it sound like Zard and Nihilego are the bug mons. Would consider rephrasing, and make a mention of notable bug mons.)


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Trick/Sleep Talk


Set Details
  • The EVs other than the physical Attack investment serve the same purpose as the Specs set. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele.

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists.

  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina.

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor.

  • Trick can be used to cripple certain walls such as Celesteela. Sleep Talk may seem strange, but it can actually be a cool surprise option for facing off against Jumpluff. (Yes, I know both of these options are actually useless in practice, but I really struggle to think of anything to fill that last slot, please help me out here) (Add Chansey / Blissey)

Usage Tips
  • When it comes to physical and special attackers, the same advice as the Specs set applies.

  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.

Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizards and Mega Tyranitar.

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. Zen Headbutt can also be run to beat Mega Venusaur all the time. If you’re feeling like a trickster, you can run 128 Defense EVs to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Iron Head and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. This isn’t recommended though, as Mega Metagross typically runs Meteor Mash.


Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax (against Specs), and more.


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them (with the exception of maybe Magnezone if they are dumb enough to not run/use Electroweb) can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling.


Fairy Types: Hoopa’s solid Special Defense can’t save it from the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped by Banded Gunk Shot.


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, Mega Pinsir and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.
You've done a really good job of this! A lot of it might have to change depending on the suspect result, but otherwise it's really really good
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, Hoopa-U is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon.

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.


Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock / Psychic (Slash Spacing)
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt (Again)


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature and Choice Specs further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa’s most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage. (Give some examples of Pokemon that it can defeat with Dark Pulse)

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko, while Psychic is more powerful and hits things Pokemon like Buzzwole harder. Also mention Mega Venusaur

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn.

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder.
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa. If they have nothing but physical attackers, don’t use Hoopa, period. Avoid sending it against powerful physical attackers.

  • Try to send out Hoopa predicting a special attacker like Tapu Koko.

  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.
  • Also add in that Dark Pulse should be used against Pokemon that Hoopa-Unbound cannot KO such as Donphan and Dragonite to get a flinch or two to pickup the win

Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as bulky Mega Charizard X and Nihilego, while not necessary, are appreciated. (Rephrase this and give examples of some Bug types)


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Zen Headbutt here
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Trick/Sleep Talk


Set Details
  • The EVs other than the physical Attack investment serve the same purpose as the Specs set. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele. I'd rather mention the purpose of these EVs separately. Also don't forget to mention Choice Band and Adamant nature here

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists. (Give examples of some mons which HF KOs) Also helpful against Jumpluff

  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina.

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor.

  • Trick can be used to cripple certain walls such as Celesteela. Sleep Talk may seem strange, but it can actually be a cool surprise option for facing off against Jumpluff. (Yes, I know both of these options are actually useless in practice, but I really struggle to think of anything to fill that last slot, please help me out here) Zen Headbutt should be a staple in my opinion and not in Other Option (Add it below Hyperspace Fury; in the 2nd place). Trick is fine. Either slash it besides Fire Punch or send it in Other Options.
Usage Tips
  • When it comes to physical and special attackers, the same advice as the Specs set applies. (Mention that advice here with new wording) And in addition to that add in that this set can also defeat some Fairy-types like ( Lele, Primarina, Fini)

  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.

Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizard and Mega Tyranitar. Expand on this saying how Hoopa-U helps Terrakion in return

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. Zen Headbutt can also be run to beat Mega Venusaur all the time. (Move to the main) If you’re feeling like a trickster, you can run 128 Defense EVs to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Iron Head and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. This isn’t recommended though, as Mega Metagross typically runs Meteor Mash. Why don't you just say 76 Def EVs with max HP investment to take an Adamant MMash and KO back with the Dark STAB (The max HP would also help against Special Koko at the same time and would give it mixed bulk in general)


Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax (against Specs), and more. (Snorlax lives Banded Hyperspace Fury/Drain Punch)


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them (with the exception of maybe Magnezone if they are dumb enough to not run/use Electroweb) can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling.


Fairy Types: Hoopa’s solid Special Defense can’t save it from the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped by Banded Gunk Shot.


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, Mega Pinsir (It doesn't usually run Bug type Attacks but Giga Impact KOes so that should go in Physical Attackers. Replace with Fast Mega Heracross) and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.
Be sure to change Hoopa with Hoopa-U since they are different Pokemon. Also this is the first QC stamp, the earlier one was an AM check so keep the title 1/3 only.
Good Analysis
QC 1/3
 
AM QC

Great analysis!
Here is a few suggestions.
Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, it is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon.

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.


Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock / Psychic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa-U to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa-U to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature and a Choice Specs further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa-Unbound's most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage, such as Mega Slowbro.

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko, while Psychic is more powerful and hits Pokemon like Buzzwole and Mega Venusaur harder.

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn.

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder.
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa. Do not send out Hoopa against powerful physical attackers.

  • Try to send out Hoopa-U predicting a special attacker like Tapu Koko.

  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.
  • Use Dark Pulse against Pokemon Hoopa-U outspeeds but cannot KO like Donphan and Dragonite for a chance to flinch and KO the following turn.
Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as Mega Heracross and Genesect, while not necessary, are appreciated. These can include the likes of Mega Charizard X and Nihilego.


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt


Set Details
  • The EVs other than the physical Attack investment serve the same purpose as the Specs set. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele.

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists, such as Greninja and Mega Slowbro. It also helps against Jumpluff due to bypassing Substitute.In what universe does Mega Slowbro resist Hyperspace Fury?
  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina.

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor.

  • Zen Headbutt is useful for defeating Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
  • Once again, avoid sending out Hoopa-U against strong physical attackers.
  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.
  • Hoopa can be switched in against some Fairies such as Primarina and Tapu Fini due to Gunk Shot.
Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizards and Mega Tyranitar. Hoopa-U in turn can help cover it's weaknesses to Tapu Fini, Primarina and Mega Venusaur.

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. 252 HP and 72 defense EVs can be used to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Meteor Mash and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. Trick can be an option to disable certain walls such as Leftovers Celesteela and Chansey and KO them easier.


Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax and more.


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa-U has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling.
Mention how it beats non-Signal Beam Magnezone.


Fairy Types: Hoopa-U's solid Special Defense can’t save it from the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped oneshot by Banded Choice Band Gunk Shot.


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, fast Mega Heracross and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Revert the Magnezone change as Electroweb + Z-Thunder / Zap Cannon defeats it.
252+ SpA Magnezone Electroweb vs. 64 HP / 100 SpD Hoopa-Unbound: 73-87 (23 - 27.4%) -- 57.2% chance to 4HKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Gigavolt Havoc (185 BP) vs. 64 HP / 100 SpD Hoopa-Unbound: 244-288 (76.9 - 90.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Gigavolt Havoc (190 BP) vs. 64 HP / 100 SpD Hoopa-Unbound: 250-295 (78.8 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

While you're at it, expand Zen Headbutt's description adding that it's Hoopa-U's other STAB + the flinch chance
 

lost heros

Meme Master
Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, it is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon.

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.


Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock / Psychic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa-U to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa-U to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature and a Choice Specs further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa-Unbound's most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage, such as Mega Slowbro. Mention the 20% flinch chance as well.

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko, while Psychic is more powerful and hits Pokemon like Buzzwole and Mega Venusaur harder. Psyshock and Psychic actually do very similar damage amounts to Mega Venusaur and really should beat it regardless. As for Buzzwole, HP Fire can usually take it out unless it heavily invests in HP and SpD. As such I'm not really sure what Psychic really hits over Psyshock and it's coverage moves.

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn. and Mega Scizor

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder.
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa. Do not send out Hoopa against powerful physical attackers. Give some examples: Mega Charizard X, Blaziken etc.

  • Try to send out Hoopa-U predicting a special attacker like Tapu Koko. Give a different example, as any Tapu Koko can be either physical or special and your set isn't a guarantee win against Modest Koko anyways. But also Hoopa-U is really good against walls like Mega Slowbro, Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur. So I'd give a mention of those.

  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.
  • Use Dark Pulse against Pokemon Hoopa-U outspeeds but cannot KO like Donphan and Dragonite for a chance to flinch and KO the following turn.
Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as Mega Heracross and Genesect, while not necessary, are appreciated. These can include the likes of Mega Charizard X and Nihilego.


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt


Set Details
  • The EVs other than the physical Attack investment serve the same purpose as the Specs set. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele. Repeat the reasons for the EV spread here. Don't just say refer back.

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists, such as Greninja. It also helps against Jumpluff due to bypassing Substitute.

  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina.

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor.

  • Zen Headbutt is useful for defeating Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
  • Once again, avoid sending out Hoopa-U against strong physical attackers. such as
  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.
  • Hoopa can be switched in against some Fairies such as Primarina and Tapu Fini due to Gunk Shot. Change "Switched in" to "sent out against". This is 1v1. There are no switches.
Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizards and Mega Tyranitar. Hoopa-U in turn can help cover it's weaknesses to Tapu Fini, Primarina and Mega Venusaur.

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. 252 HP and 72 defense EVs can be used to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Meteor Mash and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. Trick can be an option to disable certain walls such as Leftovers Celesteela and Chansey and KO them easier. Also mention Bulky Trick Room + Z Crystal sets that can take down Mega Charizard X and Y.


Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax and more.


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa-U has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling. It can beat Magnezone, though! Take out the bit about magnezone.


Fairy Types: Hoopa-U's solid Special Defense can’t save it from the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped by Banded Gunk Shot. Change the intro here to focus more on the typing rather than the stats. Something like "Hoopa-U's dark-typing leaves it vulnerable to Fairy-type Pokemon..."


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, fast Mega Heracross and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.
Good analysis. Implement Changes in bold. Also make sure all mentions of Hoopa are changed to Hoopa-U

QC 2/3
 
Overview
  • Hoopa-Unbound possesses colossal 160/170 attacking stats, mixed offenses which are unmatched by any other Pokemon in the tier.

  • This immense strength is supplemented by STAB Dark Pulse and Hyperspace Fury (the latter of which can break Substitutes/Protect), along with a slew of powerful coverage, whether it be Thunderbolt, Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire on the Special side, or Gunk Shot and the elemental punches on the Physical side. This makes it both powerful and unpredictable.

  • Hoopa-Unbound also has a very high 130 Special Defense, which can live quite a lot with proper investment.

  • Unfortunately, it is crippled by a laughably low 60 base Defense, meaning it can be easily disposed of by many top physical attackers.

  • It’s 80 Speed, while decent, is not enough to get the jump on many prominent Pokemon. Like?

  • Hoopa-Unbound’s typing leaves a lot to be desired defensively: While it has few weaknesses, it also has no resistances. Of the two weaknesses it does have, one of them (Fairy) is common and easy to exploit.


Choice Specs
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire] This should either be slashed with Thunderbolt or just left off entirely and placed in other options.
- Focus Blast / Thunderbolt These are both better than HP Fire.


Set Details
  • 144 Speed allows Hoopa-U to outspeed Bulky Icium Kyurem-Black and OHKO it with Focus Blast, as well as creeping other threats such as Tapu Fini. Outspeeding. I don’t think you’re allowed to speed creep.
  • 64 HP and 100 SpD allow Hoopa-U to take Timid Special Gigavolt Havoc from Tapu Koko. I’m a bit skeptical that these are the best EVs since any Tapu Koko except Timid is probably going to win.
  • The rest is put into Special Attack for maximum offensive firepower, with a Modest nature and a Choice Specs further complementing it.
Moves
  • Dark Pulse is Hoopa-Unbound's most powerful and spammable STAB attack, hitting many threats for high damage, such as Mega Slowbro. It also has a 20% chance to flinch, which can help it muscle past certain Sturdy users like Donphan.

  • Psyshock allows Hoopa-U to beat Chansey, Blissey and Charge Tapu Koko. I think you could say it is used over Psychic because of these mons.

  • HP Fire can KO some Steel types, notably Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, as well as Buzzwole lacking extreme special defense investment. I don’t think this is very good.

  • Focus Blast can be a cool surprise option to OHKO Gyarados if it mega evolves Turn 1. Alternatively, Thunderbolt hits bulky Waters and Celesteela harder.
Usage Tips
  • If your opponent has more than one physical attacker, be wary when using Hoopa-U. Do not send out Hoopa-U against powerful physical attackers like Mega Charizard X, Blaziken and Mega Pinsir.

  • Try to send out Hoopa-U predicting a special attacker like Heatran or a wall like Mega Venusaur, Mega Slowbro or Ferrothorn
  • If you have Focus Blast, use it against Gyarados turn 1. They will almost always mega evolve turn 1 to evade your STABs or Thunderbolt.
  • Use Dark Pulse against Pokemon Hoopa-U outspeeds but cannot KO like Donphan and Dragonite for a chance to flinch and KO the following turn.
Team Options
  • Kyurem-Black is an excellent partner, as it helps against a lot of the physical attackers and Sturdy users Hoopa struggles with, such as Landorus-T, Donphan, Golem, Garchomp and Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black.

  • Steel types such as Mega Metagross and Magearna take care of this set’s Fairy troubles.

  • Dedicated answers to Bug types such as Mega Heracross and Genesect, while not necessary, are appreciated. These can include the likes of Mega Charizard X and Nihilego.


Choice Band
Hoopa-Unbound @ Choice Band
Ability: Magician
EVs: 64 HP / 200 Atk / 100 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Gunk Shot
- Fire Punch
- Zen Headbutt

These Evs seem suspect to me.

Set Details

  • The defense EVS serve to tank Timid Koko's Gigavolt Havoc. Since this set can’t beat Kyurem-Black, the speed investment is instead important to outspeed Tapu Lele. Bulky Tapu Lele.

Moves
  • Hyperspace Fury is a ludicrously powerful STAB, doing big damage on even resists, such as Greninja. It also helps against Jumpluff due to bypassing Substitute.

  • Gunk Shot is this set’s main niche, allowing Hoopa to get past mons the Specs set loses to, primarily fairies such as Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Tapu Lele, Assault Vest Tapu Bulu and Primarina. Assault vest Tapu Bulu isn’t a thing. Don’t you beat Tapu Fini and Primarina with the other set anway?

  • Fire Punch does the same thing as HP Fire on the Specs set, allowing Hoopa to beat Ferrothorn and the rare Scizor. I think Drain Punch is better.

  • Zen Headbutt is useful for defeating Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
  • Once again, avoid sending out Hoopa-U against strong physical attackers such as Mega Pinsir and Landorus-Therian.
  • Hyperspace Fury is better than Fire Punch against Celesteela, as it does more damage and bypasses Protect.
  • Hoopa can be sent out against some Fairies such as Primarina and Tapu Fini due to Gunk Shot.
Team Options
  • Once again, Kyurem-Black functions as one of Hoopa’s best partners, and is even more important for this set, as it can’t defeat opposing Kyurem-Black.

  • Mega Charizard X and Y help out against Mega Mawile and Magearna, two Fairies this set can’t beat, as well as Mega Metagross and Genesect.

  • Terrakion is a cool partner that can do good against other Mega Charizards and Mega Tyranitar. Hoopa-U in turn can help cover it's weaknesses to Tapu Fini, Primarina and Mega Venusaur.

Other Options
A Choice Scarf set is possible to beat some conventional checks such as Durant and Kartana. On the Band set, Drain Punch can be run for Mega Tyranitar. 252 HP and 72 defense EVs can be used to take max Attack Adamant Mega Metagross’ Meteor Mash and KO it back with Specs Dark Pulse/Band Hyperspace Fury. Trick can be an option to disable certain walls such as Leftovers Celesteela and Chansey and KO them easier. A bulky Trick Room set with a Z-crystal can be used to take down Mega Charizard X and Y.
The defensive set is also better against like Mega-Gyarados, Charizard, etc. I think the defensive set is better than Band.

Z-Reflect can be used to beat Donphan, Golem, etc.



Checks and Counters

Physical Attackers: Due to it’s very low physical Defense, Hoopa-U is checked by most, if not all physical attackers that outspeed it or take a hit. This includes Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Choice Scarf Kyurem-Black, Kartana, Snorlax and more. Mega-Metagross? With a Dark Type that OHKOs it?


Sturdy Users: Seeing as Hoopa-U has no way to get around Sturdy users barring Dark Pulse flinch hax, every one of them can easily KO Hoopa with their respective Z-moves, whether it be Golem with Continental Crush, or Sawk with All-Out Pummeling. Not no way.


Fairy Types: Hoopa-U's Dark types leaves it vulnerable to the many powerful fairies that inhabit 1v1, such as Magearna, Mega Mawile, Choice Specs Tapu Fini, Primarina and Tapu Lele. The latter three must beware of Choice Band, however, as they can be bopped by Banded Gunk Shot. Mega-Altaria is a Fairy type. Just so you don’t have to mention the same mons every time.


Bug Types: While not super common, Pokemon like Durant, Genesect, fast Mega Heracross and Buzzwole (If lacking Psychic) can take advantage of Hoopa-Unbound’s 4x Bug weakness and dispose of it quickly.

This wouldn’t even be a bad spot to mention Alakazam, since every single set Hoopa uses is Choiced.
 

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