Quantum Tesseract
Lazy Fuck
[OVERVIEW]
Water
========
Keldeo is one of the best offensive Pokemon on Water-type teams; its high Speed, which lets it outpace notable Monotype threats such as Nihilego and Volcarona, allows it to function as an excellent revenge killer. Its solid STAB options, Scald, Hydro Pump, and Secret Sword, make it difficult to switch into and let it also function as a wallbreaker; the last of these makes it one of the few special attackers that can take out Chansey. Keldeo's resistances to Bug, Rock, and Dark, alongside its solid bulk, allow it to function as an offensive switch-in to those attacks and beat Pokemon one-on-one that it may not OHKO. However, a lack of coverage options leaves Keldeo fairly one-dimensional in terms of what it hits, and its reliance on Choice items means that it can be setup bait even to Pokemon it might otherwise take on, such as Volcarona and Dragonite.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Keldeo's most spammable attack, as it has solid Base Power and has a chance to burn foes, which helps dissuade switch-ins. Secret Sword is Keldeo's primary Fighting STAB option and allows it to bypass special walls such as Chansey. Hydro Pump is a more powerful move and is Keldeo's best option for revenge killing Tapu Koko. Icy Wind hits Pokemon such as Dragonite that resist both of Keldeo's STAB moves and slows down foes to aid in revenge killing; in particular, this is useful for taking on Choice Scarf Latios, since the reduction of Speed will allow Keldeo to outpace it after hitting it on the switch. Hidden Power Electric is another option to deal with the likes of Mantine, Pelipper, and Tapu Fini, but Choice Scarf Keldeo isn't strong enough to make full use of it.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are used alongside a Choice Scarf to make Keldeo as fast as possible, which allows it to outspeed threats such as Swift Swim Mega Swampert, Choice Scarf Victini, and Tapu Koko. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Keldeo's damage output and let it hit as hard as possible. 4 EVs are placed into Special Defense to ensure that Porygon2 and Porygon-Z get an Attack boost from Download.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Keldeo in on boosted sweepers or faster threats such as Volcarona and Tapu Koko to force them out. Keep entry hazards up whenever possible, as Keldeo relies on the chip damage to wear down the Pokemon it forces out and to pressure its switch-ins. Using Scald on forced switches is generally helpful to spread burns and chip away at opposing checks. Be wary of Choice locking into a weaker move like Icy Wind—the opponent may take advantage of a KOed Pokemon to pivot into a setup sweeper such as Mew, which can shrug off the damage. Keep Keldeo away from paralysis whenever possible, as the halved Speed greatly reduces its effectiveness. Don't use Hydro Pump when Scald or Secret Sword would work just as well, as its low accuracy reduces its reliability.
Team Options
========
Greninja is a must-have on nearly any Water-type team, and it appreciates Keldeo taking on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko; in return, Greninja can deal with troublesome Poison-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex. Gyarados serves as an excellent check to Grass-type Pokemon and can act as a potent sweeper when given a free turn against the defensive Pokemon Keldeo forces in. Manaphy is another solid teammate, as it can take on the defensive cores that Choice Scarf Keldeo cannot effectively break such as balanced Poison and Flying teams. Mega Swampert can set up Stealth Rock for Keldeo, making it harder to switch into, and it takes pressure off Keldeo to check Tapu Koko while forcing out the likes of Toxapex. Azumarill puts a lot of pressure on Psychic-type teams and special walls for Keldeo and appreciates the reduced reliance on Aqua Jet for revenge killing. Pelipper handles Grass-type threats such as Mega Venusaur and sets rain to boost the power of Keldeo's Water-type attacks. Mantine can handle special setup sweepers that take advantage of Keldeo's Choice lock such as Volcarona and can clear entry hazards with Defog; it also functions as a defensive pivot and provides a Grass-type neutrality. Empoleon can set Stealth Rock, clear entry hazards to prevent stacking, and function as a Latios answer for Keldeo. Toxapex is neutral to Grass and can freely switch into many attackers; it can also support Keldeo's cleaning with Toxic Spikes. Mega Sharpedo can heavily pressure the Psychic teams that give Keldeo trouble and can weaken offensvie threats to aid Keldeo's revenge killing.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Electric
move 4: Icy Wind / Hydro Pump
item: Choice Specs
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Keldeo's primary STAB move, hitting most of the metagame for solid damage and can crippling switch-ins with a burn. Secret Sword is a secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to muscle past special walls such as Chansey. Hidden Power Electric hits Pokemon such as Toxapex and Mantine that resist Keldeo's STAB moves but is weaker against neutral targets. Icy Wind allows Keldeo to better handle Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latios and Dragonite. Hydro Pump gives Keldeo a bit of extra power to break switch-ins such as Zapdos and Mew, but it comes at the cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs, alongside Choice Specs, maximize Keldeo's damage output and turn it into a powerful wallbreaker. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature allow Keldeo to outpace most of the metagame, including threats such as Kyurem-B, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard Y. 4 Special Defense EVs ensure that Download gives an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost to Porygon2 and Porygon-Z.
Usage Tips
========
Early-game, bring Keldeo in as often as possible to break down the opponents's defensive core. Scald should be used when feasible to weaken Keldeo's checks and discourage physical attackers; its solid burn chance and 100% accuracy make it highly spammable. Keep entry hazards up when possible to discourage switching and weaken Keldeo's answers. Don't use Hydro Pump unnecessarily, as in many situations, Keldeo's other attacks will suffice, and it has an unfortunate miss chance. Keldeo's high Speed and solid bulk limit opportunities for the foe to revenge kill it and mean it can also function as a decent late-game sweeper, so keeping it healthy until then is often a good idea. Be wary of Choice-locking Keldeo into the wrong move so it is not turned into setup bait; Dragonite, for instance, can freely set up on a Keldeo locked into Hydro Pump or Secret Sword and deal heavy damage to the team. Avoid paralysis when possible, as the loss of Speed makes Keldeo's job much harder.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Greninja pairs particularly well with this set, as it can take over Keldeo's job as a revenge killer; in return, Keldeo can take on defensive walls such as Chansey and Zapdos that would otherwise give Greninja trouble. Mega Sharpedo appreciates Keldeo's ability to break holes in opposing teams so it can sweep late-game; Sharpedo can also eliminate Keldeo answers such as Mega Venusaur and Slowbro. Gyarados acts as an answer to Grass-type Pokemon that threaten Keldeo, particularly Mega Venusaur, and appreciates Keldeo's removing roadblocks to its sweep. Stealth Rock setters such as Swampert, Seismitoad, and Empoleon are handy for wearing down switch-ins; the first two also function as answers to Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. Pelipper can set rain to boost Water-type attacks, bring Keldeo in safely with U-turn, and take on Grass-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur for Keldeo. Kingdra appreciates Keldeo's wallbreaking ability to break past its answers; in return, Kingdra can take out Mega Venusaur and functions as an excellent cleaner. Volt Switch users such as Lanturn and Rotom-W are handy to bring in Keldeo safely; Lanturn also acts as an effective check to Electric-type Pokemon such as Alolan Raichu and can cure paralysis with Heal Bell. Toxapex can switch into offensive threats that force Keldeo out such as Greninja, can reduce the threat of setup, and can support Keldeo's wallbreaking ability with Toxic Spikes. Mantine functions as an answer to special attackers that force Keldeo out such as Choice Specs Kingdra and can remove entry hazards to allow Keldeo to come in multiple times.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
Focus Blast is an option for extra power on the Choice Specs set, but it doesn't hit any particularly important targets and is inaccurate. Hidden Power Poison may be used on the Choice Scarf set to take out Tapu Bulu, but it has no other use and gives a free turn to the rest of Tapu Bulu's team. Calm Mind may be run alongside a Z-Move or Substitute to better wallbreak but is generally inferior to the instantaneous power of Choice Specs. Life Orb gives Keldeo a similar damage boost to Choice Specs without locking it in to one attack, but the damage reduction is noticeable and the loss of HP leaves it unable to survive hits such as Choice Scarf Greninja's Extrasensory.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can switch into any of Keldeo's attacks, has reliable recovery in Synthesis, and may force it out with Giga Drain. In rain, the Choice Specs set can 2HKO it on the switch with Hydro Pump, but both of Venusaur's types have other answers in any case.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex can switch into the Choice Scarf set easily and has both Regenerator and recovery to make Keldeo's life difficult. Even Hidden Power Electric from the Choice Specs set has a poor chance to 2HKO.
**Super Effective Attackers**: Super effective attackers such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Koko, and Latios give Keldeo issues. To make matters worse, most of these Pokemon will either outspeed or survive an attack from Keldeo.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Gengar, Alolan Raichu, and Choice Scarf Greninja can outspeed Keldeo and remove it. For the Choice Specs set, the same may be done by anything faster than base 108 Speed such as Tapu Koko and Mega Gallade.
**Water-immune Pokemon**: Water-immune Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Jellicent, and Volcanion give Keldeo serious issues, especially since they or their team can almost always readily take Secret Sword.
**Bulky Fighting-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Psychic- and Fairy-type Pokemon give Keldeo issues, as Keldeo cannot bypass their Special Defense. While none of them counter all of its sets, the likes of Clefable, Mew, Slowbro, and Zapdos give Keldeo trouble.
Water
========
Keldeo is one of the best offensive Pokemon on Water-type teams; its high Speed, which lets it outpace notable Monotype threats such as Nihilego and Volcarona, allows it to function as an excellent revenge killer. Its solid STAB options, Scald, Hydro Pump, and Secret Sword, make it difficult to switch into and let it also function as a wallbreaker; the last of these makes it one of the few special attackers that can take out Chansey. Keldeo's resistances to Bug, Rock, and Dark, alongside its solid bulk, allow it to function as an offensive switch-in to those attacks and beat Pokemon one-on-one that it may not OHKO. However, a lack of coverage options leaves Keldeo fairly one-dimensional in terms of what it hits, and its reliance on Choice items means that it can be setup bait even to Pokemon it might otherwise take on, such as Volcarona and Dragonite.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Icy Wind / Hidden Power Electric
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Keldeo's most spammable attack, as it has solid Base Power and has a chance to burn foes, which helps dissuade switch-ins. Secret Sword is Keldeo's primary Fighting STAB option and allows it to bypass special walls such as Chansey. Hydro Pump is a more powerful move and is Keldeo's best option for revenge killing Tapu Koko. Icy Wind hits Pokemon such as Dragonite that resist both of Keldeo's STAB moves and slows down foes to aid in revenge killing; in particular, this is useful for taking on Choice Scarf Latios, since the reduction of Speed will allow Keldeo to outpace it after hitting it on the switch. Hidden Power Electric is another option to deal with the likes of Mantine, Pelipper, and Tapu Fini, but Choice Scarf Keldeo isn't strong enough to make full use of it.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are used alongside a Choice Scarf to make Keldeo as fast as possible, which allows it to outspeed threats such as Swift Swim Mega Swampert, Choice Scarf Victini, and Tapu Koko. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Keldeo's damage output and let it hit as hard as possible. 4 EVs are placed into Special Defense to ensure that Porygon2 and Porygon-Z get an Attack boost from Download.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Keldeo in on boosted sweepers or faster threats such as Volcarona and Tapu Koko to force them out. Keep entry hazards up whenever possible, as Keldeo relies on the chip damage to wear down the Pokemon it forces out and to pressure its switch-ins. Using Scald on forced switches is generally helpful to spread burns and chip away at opposing checks. Be wary of Choice locking into a weaker move like Icy Wind—the opponent may take advantage of a KOed Pokemon to pivot into a setup sweeper such as Mew, which can shrug off the damage. Keep Keldeo away from paralysis whenever possible, as the halved Speed greatly reduces its effectiveness. Don't use Hydro Pump when Scald or Secret Sword would work just as well, as its low accuracy reduces its reliability.
Team Options
========
Greninja is a must-have on nearly any Water-type team, and it appreciates Keldeo taking on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko; in return, Greninja can deal with troublesome Poison-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex. Gyarados serves as an excellent check to Grass-type Pokemon and can act as a potent sweeper when given a free turn against the defensive Pokemon Keldeo forces in. Manaphy is another solid teammate, as it can take on the defensive cores that Choice Scarf Keldeo cannot effectively break such as balanced Poison and Flying teams. Mega Swampert can set up Stealth Rock for Keldeo, making it harder to switch into, and it takes pressure off Keldeo to check Tapu Koko while forcing out the likes of Toxapex. Azumarill puts a lot of pressure on Psychic-type teams and special walls for Keldeo and appreciates the reduced reliance on Aqua Jet for revenge killing. Pelipper handles Grass-type threats such as Mega Venusaur and sets rain to boost the power of Keldeo's Water-type attacks. Mantine can handle special setup sweepers that take advantage of Keldeo's Choice lock such as Volcarona and can clear entry hazards with Defog; it also functions as a defensive pivot and provides a Grass-type neutrality. Empoleon can set Stealth Rock, clear entry hazards to prevent stacking, and function as a Latios answer for Keldeo. Toxapex is neutral to Grass and can freely switch into many attackers; it can also support Keldeo's cleaning with Toxic Spikes. Mega Sharpedo can heavily pressure the Psychic teams that give Keldeo trouble and can weaken offensvie threats to aid Keldeo's revenge killing.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs (Water)
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Electric
move 4: Icy Wind / Hydro Pump
item: Choice Specs
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Scald is Keldeo's primary STAB move, hitting most of the metagame for solid damage and can crippling switch-ins with a burn. Secret Sword is a secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to muscle past special walls such as Chansey. Hidden Power Electric hits Pokemon such as Toxapex and Mantine that resist Keldeo's STAB moves but is weaker against neutral targets. Icy Wind allows Keldeo to better handle Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latios and Dragonite. Hydro Pump gives Keldeo a bit of extra power to break switch-ins such as Zapdos and Mew, but it comes at the cost of coverage.
Set Details
========
252 Special Attack EVs, alongside Choice Specs, maximize Keldeo's damage output and turn it into a powerful wallbreaker. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature allow Keldeo to outpace most of the metagame, including threats such as Kyurem-B, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard Y. 4 Special Defense EVs ensure that Download gives an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost to Porygon2 and Porygon-Z.
Usage Tips
========
Early-game, bring Keldeo in as often as possible to break down the opponents's defensive core. Scald should be used when feasible to weaken Keldeo's checks and discourage physical attackers; its solid burn chance and 100% accuracy make it highly spammable. Keep entry hazards up when possible to discourage switching and weaken Keldeo's answers. Don't use Hydro Pump unnecessarily, as in many situations, Keldeo's other attacks will suffice, and it has an unfortunate miss chance. Keldeo's high Speed and solid bulk limit opportunities for the foe to revenge kill it and mean it can also function as a decent late-game sweeper, so keeping it healthy until then is often a good idea. Be wary of Choice-locking Keldeo into the wrong move so it is not turned into setup bait; Dragonite, for instance, can freely set up on a Keldeo locked into Hydro Pump or Secret Sword and deal heavy damage to the team. Avoid paralysis when possible, as the loss of Speed makes Keldeo's job much harder.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Greninja pairs particularly well with this set, as it can take over Keldeo's job as a revenge killer; in return, Keldeo can take on defensive walls such as Chansey and Zapdos that would otherwise give Greninja trouble. Mega Sharpedo appreciates Keldeo's ability to break holes in opposing teams so it can sweep late-game; Sharpedo can also eliminate Keldeo answers such as Mega Venusaur and Slowbro. Gyarados acts as an answer to Grass-type Pokemon that threaten Keldeo, particularly Mega Venusaur, and appreciates Keldeo's removing roadblocks to its sweep. Stealth Rock setters such as Swampert, Seismitoad, and Empoleon are handy for wearing down switch-ins; the first two also function as answers to Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. Pelipper can set rain to boost Water-type attacks, bring Keldeo in safely with U-turn, and take on Grass-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur for Keldeo. Kingdra appreciates Keldeo's wallbreaking ability to break past its answers; in return, Kingdra can take out Mega Venusaur and functions as an excellent cleaner. Volt Switch users such as Lanturn and Rotom-W are handy to bring in Keldeo safely; Lanturn also acts as an effective check to Electric-type Pokemon such as Alolan Raichu and can cure paralysis with Heal Bell. Toxapex can switch into offensive threats that force Keldeo out such as Greninja, can reduce the threat of setup, and can support Keldeo's wallbreaking ability with Toxic Spikes. Mantine functions as an answer to special attackers that force Keldeo out such as Choice Specs Kingdra and can remove entry hazards to allow Keldeo to come in multiple times.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Water
--------
Focus Blast is an option for extra power on the Choice Specs set, but it doesn't hit any particularly important targets and is inaccurate. Hidden Power Poison may be used on the Choice Scarf set to take out Tapu Bulu, but it has no other use and gives a free turn to the rest of Tapu Bulu's team. Calm Mind may be run alongside a Z-Move or Substitute to better wallbreak but is generally inferior to the instantaneous power of Choice Specs. Life Orb gives Keldeo a similar damage boost to Choice Specs without locking it in to one attack, but the damage reduction is noticeable and the loss of HP leaves it unable to survive hits such as Choice Scarf Greninja's Extrasensory.
Checks and Counters
===================
Water
--------
**Mega Venusaur**: Mega Venusaur can switch into any of Keldeo's attacks, has reliable recovery in Synthesis, and may force it out with Giga Drain. In rain, the Choice Specs set can 2HKO it on the switch with Hydro Pump, but both of Venusaur's types have other answers in any case.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex can switch into the Choice Scarf set easily and has both Regenerator and recovery to make Keldeo's life difficult. Even Hidden Power Electric from the Choice Specs set has a poor chance to 2HKO.
**Super Effective Attackers**: Super effective attackers such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Koko, and Latios give Keldeo issues. To make matters worse, most of these Pokemon will either outspeed or survive an attack from Keldeo.
**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Gengar, Alolan Raichu, and Choice Scarf Greninja can outspeed Keldeo and remove it. For the Choice Specs set, the same may be done by anything faster than base 108 Speed such as Tapu Koko and Mega Gallade.
**Water-immune Pokemon**: Water-immune Pokemon such as Gastrodon, Jellicent, and Volcanion give Keldeo serious issues, especially since they or their team can almost always readily take Secret Sword.
**Bulky Fighting-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Psychic- and Fairy-type Pokemon give Keldeo issues, as Keldeo cannot bypass their Special Defense. While none of them counter all of its sets, the likes of Clefable, Mew, Slowbro, and Zapdos give Keldeo trouble.
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