UU Azelf

Hilomilo

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[OVERVIEW]

Azelf sits in a nigh-unmatched Speed tier, which, alongside its access to great utility options like Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and Taunt, allows it to excel on hyper offensive teams as an extremely reliable suicide lead. Azelf also possesses fantastic offensive stats and can capitalize on its access to powerful moves like Explosion and Fire Blast to wear opposing teams down before fainting. Unfortunately, Azelf's defenses are among the worst in the tier, which keeps it from taking advantage of its good offenses outside of its role as a suicide lead. This also makes Azelf extremely predictable, which can allow common Pokemon in Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Beedrill, and Weavile to be used as adequate countermeasures. Azelf is also hurt by the prevalence of entry hazard removal in the tier, which can prevent it from keeping Stealth Rock up and, due to its frailty, setting it more than once.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Knock Off / Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Azelf to support its team by dealing useful chip damage to foes. Explosion is an extremely powerful attack coming off Azelf's high Attack and is useful for heavily weakening a foe after Stealth Rock has been set. Taunt prevents opposing leads from setting their own entry hazards and also prevents the use of Defog from the likes of Latias, Mandibuzz, Empoleon, and Scizor. Knock Off provides the utility of removing crucial items from foes, such as Gliscor's Toxic Orb and Krookodile's Choice Scarf, while also allowing Azelf to scout for Z-Crystals on foes. Fire Blast is an alternative to Knock Off, hitting Pokemon that don't take much damage from Explosion, such as Buzzwole, Scizor, and Cobalion, for super effective damage. Dazzling Gleam is an option for hitting Dark-types like Krookodile and Hydreigon harder. However, both are already hit fairly hard by Explosion.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed allows Azelf to outspeed a good portion of the metagame, notably outpacing other leads such as Terrakion, Froslass, and Gliscor. Maximum investment in Attack is also quite important, as it puts as much power behind Explosion as possible. The remaining 4 EVs go into Special Attack to boost the power of Fire Blast if it's being used. A Jolly nature is used if Azelf uses Knock Off, making it as fast as possible without cutting into its bulk. However, a Naive nature is an option if Fire Blast is being used to prevent cutting into its power. Levitate is Azelf's only possible ability, but it is useful for avoiding Ground-type attacks from the likes of Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gliscor, which Azelf can then reliably set Stealth Rock against.

Usage Tips
========

Azelf functions best as a suicide lead on hyper offensive teams, which means that more often than not, it is best to bring Azelf into play first. However, some opponents may use counters, making it necessary to bring out a teammate capable of dealing with these threats first. Due to Azelf's poor bulk, Stealth Rock should almost always be used first, though Taunt should be used against opposing leads that are likely to set their own entry hazards or inflict Azelf with status, such as Froslass, Hippowdon, and Terrakion. Knock Off can also be used in certain situations, such as against Choice Scarf users like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Infernape. This allows for Azelf to set Stealth Rock while also crippling these Pokemon, though it's worth noting that it likely won't be able to use Explosion. Azelf will usually opt to use Stealth Rock and then Explosion soon after. It is possible, however, to preserve Azelf for later on in the match after setting Stealth Rock, as with Focus Sash and Explosion, it can act as a decent revenge killer to boosted sweepers.

Team Options
========

Azelf's role as a suicide lead allows it to fit quite comfortably on hyper offensive teams, adequately supporting offensive threats that enjoy entry hazard support for securing KOs, such as Infernape, Celebi, Hydreigon, and Mamoswine. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, Volcanion, and Togekiss, appreciate Azelf's ability to prevent opposing leads from setting it with Taunt. Frailer offensive Pokemon, such as Infernape, Starmie, Talonflame, and Venomoth, are also appreciative of Azelf due to its ability to allow for a safe opportunity to switch in with Explosion. Ghost-types like Decidueye, Doublade, and Chandelure are capable of acting as spinblockers for Azelf, thus preventing its Stealth Rock from being removed. Tornadus can use its Defiant ability to deter Defog, which can otherwise prove troublesome for Azelf.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Azelf can use Nasty Plot to function as a powerful sweeper, especially given its diverse special movepool. However, Azelf's frailty and poor typing prevent it from reliably setting up very often, which makes Celebi a preferable Nasty Plot sweeper. A set with Stealth Rock + 3 attacks is also an option, but it generally isn't worth it due to the utility that Taunt provides Azelf with. Trick is an option alongside a Choice item for crippling defensive foes. However, Azelf generally prefers holding a Focus Sash and usually lacks space in its movepool. Azelf can run a set with dual screens thanks to its good Speed but will usually prove more effective as a suicide lead with Stealth Rock. Electrium Z + Thunder can work as an adequate lure for Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, which can help Azelf in supporting Flying- and Fire-types fairly easily. However, it takes away from Azelf's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock due to the lack of Focus Sash, which can be quite troublesome.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite its good Speed, Azelf's poor defenses leave it heavily threatened by foes that outpace it, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, and Crobat. Choice Scarf users, such as Hydreigon, Mienshao, and Infernape, also prove troublesome due to their ability to outspeed and pressure Azelf. It should be noted, however, that Azelf can still set Stealth Rock against the majority of these threats.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types pose a huge threat to Azelf due to their ability to threaten it with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Absol can prevent the use of Stealth Rock thanks to Magic Bounce while KOing Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Sucker Punch. Alolan Muk and Krookodile also prove troublesome, as the former can dispose of Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Shadow Sneak, while the latter often wields a Choice Scarf and uses it to outspeed and KO Azelf. Weavile is also quite troublesome, due to its ability to outspeed Azelf and whittle it down to its Focus Sash. All these Pokemon fear Explosion, however.

**Strong Priority**: Azelf's frailty leaves it heavily threatened by most forms of relevant priority. Examples include Talonflame's Gale Wings Brave Bird, Scizor's Bullet Punch, Mega Absol's Sucker Punch, and Zygarde-10%'s Extreme Speed.

**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Azelf is usually unable to set Stealth Rock more than once, which makes any means of entry hazard removal very difficult for it to deal with. Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Tentacruel and Defog from Latias, Scizor, and Empoleon are all capable of easily removing Azelf's Stealth Rock after it's fainted.
 
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Mention elec z+thunder in oo as a mega aero lure for stuff like birds, fighting types etc. In c&c you should put more emphasis on the fact that as long as its sash is intact, azelf will pretty much always accomplish its job of getting rocks up, making ''countering'' it specially difficult. Even the the few things that can deny rocks like absol and faster taunt users still fear getting ohkoed by explosion. Otherwise looks fine QC:1/3
 

Eyan

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Looks good. I'd probably just add Alolan Muk to the list of countermeasures to Azelf that the opposing team can have. It's pretty big considering it can Knock Off + Shadow Sneak / Pursuit, so if it's led against Azelf, you kinda play an immediate, albeit minor, 50/50. QC 2/3
 
Hello, this is a GP amcheck. Just some tiny edits - loved the analysis.

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[OVERVIEW]

Azelf sits in a nigh unmatched Speed tier, which alongside its access to great utility options like Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and Taunt, allows it to excel on excel on hyper offensive teams as an extremely reliable suicide lead. Azelf also possesses fantastic offensive stats and can capitalize on its access to powerful moves like Explosion and Fire Blast to wear opposing teams down before fainting. Unfortunately, Azelf's defenses are among the worst in the tier, which keeps it from abusing its good offenses outside of as a suicide lead. This also makes Azelf extremely predictable, which can allow for common Pokemon in Mega Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Mega Beedrill to be used as adequate countermeasures. Azelf is also hurt by the prevalence of entry hazard removal in the tier, which can prevent it from keeping Stealth Rock up, and due to its frailty, setting it more than once.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Knock Off / Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Azelf to support its team by setting entry hazards, which deals useful chip damage to foes. Explosion is an extremely powerful attack coming off of Azelf's high Attack, and is useful for heavily weakening a foe after Stealth Rock has been set. Taunt prevents opposing leads from setting their own entry hazards, and also prevents the use of Defog from the likes of Latias, Mandibuzz, Empoleon, and Scizor. Knock Off provides the utility of removing crucial items from foes, such as Gliscor's Toxic Orb and Krookodile's Choice Scarf, while also allowing Azelf to scout for Z-Crystals on foes. Fire Blast is an alternative to Knock Off, hitting Pokemon that don't take much damage from Explosion, such as Buzzwole, Scizor, and Cobalion, for super effective damage. Dazzling Gleam is an option for hitting Dark-types like Krookodile and Hydreigon harder. However, both are already hit fairly hard by Explosion.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with (Did you mean to say "with a Jolly/+Speed nature"? If not, 'with' can be removed) allows Azelf to outspeed a good portion of the metagame, notably outpacing other leads such as Terrakion, Froslass, and Gliscor. Maximum investment in Attack is also quite important, as it puts as much power behind Explosion as possible. The remaining 4 EVs go into Special Attack to boost the power of Fire Blast if it's being used. A Jolly nature is used if Azelf uses Knock Off, making it as fast as possible without cutting into its bulk. However, a Naive nature is an option if Fire Blast is being used to prevent cutting into its power. Levitate is Azelf's only possible ability, but is useful for avoiding Ground-type attacks from the likes of Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gliscor, who Azelf can then reliably set Stealth Rock against.

Usage Tips
========

Azelf functions best as a suicide lead on hyper offensive teams, which means that more often than not, it is best to bring Azelf into play first. However, some opponents may use means of countermeasures counters to Azelf, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Taunt Crobat, which makes making it necessary to bring out a teammate capable of dealing with these threats first better to bring out first. Due to Azelf's poor bulk, Stealth Rock should almost always be used first, though Taunt should be used against opposing leads that are likely to set their own entry hazards or inflict Azelf with status, such as Terrakion, Hippowdon, and Klefki. Knock Off can also be used in certain situations, such as against Choice Scarf users like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Infernape. This allows for Azelf to set Stealth Rock while also crippling these Pokemon, thought it's worth noting that it likely won't be able to use Explosion. Azelf will usually opt to use Stealth Rock, then Explosion soon after. It is possible, however, to preserve Azelf for later on in the match after setting Stealth Rock, as with Focus Sash and Explosion it can act as a decent revenge killer of boosted sweepers.

Team Options
========

Azelf's nature role as a suicide lead allows it to fit quite comfortably on hyper offensive teams, adequately supporting offensive threats that enjoy entry hazard support for securing KOs, such as Infernape, Celebi, Hydreigon, and Mamoswine. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Houndoom, Volcanion, and Togekiss, appreciate Azelf's ability to prevent opposing leads from setting it with Taunt. Frailer offensive Pokemon, such as Infernape, Starmie, Talonflame, and Venomoth, are also appreciative of Azelf, due to its ability to allow for a safe switch-in opportunity with Explosion. Ghost-types like Decidueye, Doublade, and Chandelure are capable of acting as spinblockers for Azelf, thus preventing its Stealth Rock from being removed. Tornadus can use its Defiant ability to deter Defog, which can otherwise prove troublesome for Azelf.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Azelf can use Nasty Plot to function as a powerful sweeper, especially given its diverse special movepool. However, Azelf's frailty and poor typing prevent it from reliably setting up very often, which makes Celebi a more preferable Nasty Plot sweeper. A set with Stealth Rock + 3 attacks is also an option, but generally isn't worth it due to the utility that Taunt provides Azelf with. Trick is an option alongside a Choice item for crippling defensive foes. However, Azelf generally prefers holding a Focus Sash, and usually lacks space in its movepool. Azelf can run a set with dual screens thanks to its good Speed, but will usually prove more effective as a suicide lead with Stealth Rock. Electrium Z + Thunder can work as an adequate lure for Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, which can help Azelf in supporting Flying- and Fire-types fairly easily. However, it takes away from Azelf's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock due to the lack of Focus Sash, which can be quite troublesome.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite its good Speed, Azelf's poor defenses leave it heavily threatened by foes that outpace it, such as Mega Aerdactyl Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, and Crobat. Choice Scarf users, such as Hydreigon, Mienshao, and Infernape, also prove troublesome due to their ability to outspeed and pressure Azelf. It should be noted, however, that Azelf can still set Stealth Rock against the majority of these threats.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types pose a huge threat to Azelf due to their ability to threaten it with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Absol can prevent the use of Stealth Rock thanks to Magic Bounce, while also KOing Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Sucker Punch. Alolan Muk and Krookodile also prove troublesome, as the former can dispose of Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Shadow Sneak, while the latter often wields a Choice Scarf and uses it to outspeed and KO Azelf. All Pokemon must fear Explosion, however.

**Strong Priority**: Azelf's frailty leaves it heavily threatened by most forms of relevant priority. Examples include Talonflame's Gale Wings Brave Bird, Scizor's Bullet Punch, Mega Absol's Sucker Punch, and Zygarde-10%'s Extreme Speed.

**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Azelf is usually unable to set Stealth Rock more than once, which makes any means of entry hazard removal very difficult for it to deal with. Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Tentacruel, and Defog from Latias, Scizor, and Empoleon, are all capable of easily removing Azelf's Stealth Rock after it's fainted.
 
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Eyan

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GP 1/2
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[OVERVIEW]

Azelf sits in a nigh unmatched Speed tier, which alongside its access to great utility options like Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and Taunt, allows it to excel on excel on hyper offensive teams as an extremely reliable suicide lead. Azelf also possesses fantastic offensive stats and can capitalize on its access to powerful moves like Explosion and Fire Blast to wear opposing teams down before fainting. Unfortunately, Azelf's defenses are among the worst in the tier, which keeps it from abusing its good offenses outside of as a suicide lead. This also makes Azelf extremely predictable, which can allow for common Pokemon in Mega Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Mega Beedrill to be used as adequate countermeasures. Azelf is also hurt by the prevalence of entry hazard removal in the tier, which can prevent it from keeping Stealth Rock up, (rc) and, (ac) due to its frailty, setting it more than once.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Knock Off / Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Azelf to support its team by setting an entry hazards, which deals useful chip damage to foes. Explosion is an extremely powerful attack coming off of Azelf's high Attack, (rc) and is useful for heavily weakening a foe after Stealth Rock has been set. Taunt prevents opposing leads from setting their own entry hazards, (rc) and also prevents the use of Defog from the likes of Latias, Mandibuzz, Empoleon, and Scizor. Knock Off provides the utility of removing crucial items from foes, such as Gliscor's Toxic Orb and Krookodile's Choice Scarf, while also allowing Azelf to scout for Z-Crystals on foes. Fire Blast is an alternative to Knock Off, hitting Pokemon that don't take much damage from Explosion, such as Buzzwole, Scizor, and Cobalion, for super effective damage. Dazzling Gleam is an option for hitting Dark-types like Krookodile and Hydreigon harder. However, both are already hit fairly hard by Explosion.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with (Did you mean to say "with a Jolly/+Speed nature"? If not, 'with' can be removed)(ye, probably just careless here) allows Azelf to outspeed a good portion of the metagame, notably outpacing other leads such as Terrakion, Froslass, and Gliscor. Maximum investment in Attack is also quite important, as it puts as much power behind Explosion as possible. The remaining 4 EVs go into Special Attack to boost the power of Fire Blast if it's being used. A Jolly nature is used if Azelf uses Knock Off, making it as fast as possible without cutting into its bulk. However, a Naive nature is an option if Fire Blast is being used to prevent cutting into its power. Levitate is Azelf's only possible ability, but it is useful for avoiding Ground-type attacks from the likes of Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gliscor, who which Azelf can then reliably set Stealth Rock against.

Usage Tips
========

Azelf functions best as a suicide lead on hyper offensive teams, which means that more often than not, it is best to bring Azelf into play first. However, some opponents may use means of countermeasures counters (in Pokemon, counter is a technical term that doesn't have the same meaning as countermeasure. I'd change "means of countermeasures" to just "countermeasures", though) to Azelf, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Taunt Crobat, which makes making it necessary to bring out (original wording implies that it's preferred to bring out these teammates, which isn't the same as necessary like you change it to.) a teammate capable of dealing with these threats first better to bring out first. Due to Azelf's poor bulk, Stealth Rock should almost always be used first, though Taunt should be used against opposing leads that are likely to set their own entry hazards or inflict Azelf with status, such as Terrakion, Hippowdon, and Klefki. Knock Off can also be used in certain situations, such as against Choice Scarf users like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Infernape. This allows for Azelf to set Stealth Rock while also crippling these Pokemon, thought it's worth noting that it likely won't be able to use Explosion. Azelf will usually opt to use Stealth Rock, then Explosion soon after. It is possible, however, to preserve Azelf for later on in the match after setting Stealth Rock, as with Focus Sash and Explosion, (ac) it can act as a decent revenge killer of to boosted sweepers.

Team Options
========

Azelf's nature role as a suicide lead allows it to fit quite comfortably on hyper offensive teams, adequately supporting offensive threats that enjoy entry hazard support for securing KOs, such as Infernape, Celebi, Hydreigon, and Mamoswine. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Houndoom (I'm probably blind and missed this in QC. Houndoominite is banned), (rc) Volcanion, and Togekiss, appreciate Azelf's ability to prevent opposing leads from setting it with Taunt. Frailer offensive Pokemon, such as Infernape, Starmie, Talonflame, and Venomoth, are also appreciative of Azelf, (rc) due to its ability to allow for a safe switch-in opportunity to switch in with Explosion. Ghost-types like Decidueye, Doublade, and Chandelure are capable of acting as spinblockers for Azelf, thus preventing its Stealth Rock from being removed. Tornadus can use its Defiant ability to deter Defog, which can otherwise prove troublesome for Azelf.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Azelf can use Nasty Plot to function as a powerful sweeper, especially given its diverse special movepool. However, Azelf's frailty and poor typing prevent it from reliably setting up very often, which makes Celebi a more preferable Nasty Plot sweeper. A set with Stealth Rock + 3 attacks is also an option, but it generally isn't worth it due to the utility that Taunt provides Azelf with. Trick is an option alongside a Choice item for crippling defensive foes. However, Azelf generally prefers holding a Focus Sash, (rc) and usually lacks space in its movepool. Azelf can run a set with dual screens thanks to its good Speed, (rc) but will usually prove more effective as a suicide lead with Stealth Rock. Electrium Z + Thunder can work as an adequate lure for Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, which can help Azelf in supporting Flying- and Fire-types fairly easily. However, it takes away from Azelf's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock due to the lack of Focus Sash, which can be quite troublesome.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite its good Speed, Azelf's poor defenses leave it heavily threatened by foes that outpace it, such as Mega Aerdactyl Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, and Crobat. Choice Scarf users, such as Hydreigon, Mienshao, and Infernape, also prove troublesome due to their ability to outspeed and pressure Azelf. It should be noted, however, that Azelf can still set Stealth Rock against the majority of these threats.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types pose a huge threat to Azelf due to their ability to threaten it with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Absol can prevent the use of Stealth Rock thanks to Magic Bounce, while also KOing Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Sucker Punch. Alolan Muk and Krookodile also prove troublesome, as the former can dispose of Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Shadow Sneak, while the latter often wields a Choice Scarf and uses it to outspeed and KO Azelf. All these Pokemon must fear Explosion, however.

**Strong Priority**: Azelf's frailty leaves it heavily threatened by most forms of relevant priority. Examples include Talonflame's Gale Wings Brave Bird, Scizor's Bullet Punch, Mega Absol's Sucker Punch, and Zygarde-10%'s Extreme Speed.

**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Azelf is usually unable to set Stealth Rock more than once, which makes any means of entry hazard removal very difficult for it to deal with. Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Tentacruel, (rc) and Defog from Latias, Scizor, and Empoleon, (rc) are all capable of easily removing Azelf's Stealth Rock after it's fainted.

 

Lumari

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add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]
Azelf sits in a nigh-unmatched (AH) Speed tier, which, (AC) alongside its access to great utility options like Stealth Rock, Knock Off, and Taunt, allows it to excel on hyper offensive teams as an extremely reliable suicide lead. Azelf also possesses fantastic offensive stats and can capitalize on its access to powerful moves like Explosion and Fire Blast to wear opposing teams down before fainting. Unfortunately, Azelf's defenses are among the worst in the tier, which keep keeps it from abusing taking advantage of its good offenses outside of its role as a suicide lead. This also makes Azelf extremely predictable, which can allow for common Pokemon in Mega Aerodactyl, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and Mega Beedrill to be used as adequate countermeasures. Azelf is also hurt by the prevalence of entry hazard removal in the tier, which can prevent it from keeping Stealth Rock up and, due to its frailty, setting it more than once.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Knock Off / Fire Blast
item: Focus Sash
ability: Levitate
nature: Jolly / Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Azelf to support its team by setting an entry hazard, which deals dealing useful chip damage to foes. Explosion is an extremely powerful attack coming off Azelf's high Attack and is useful for heavily weakening a foe after Stealth Rock has been set. Taunt prevents opposing leads from setting their own entry hazards and also prevents the use of Defog from the likes of Latias, Mandibuzz, Empoleon, and Scizor. Knock Off provides the utility of removing crucial items from foes, such as Gliscor's Toxic Orb and Krookodile's Choice Scarf, while also allowing Azelf to scout for Z-Crystals on foes. Fire Blast is an alternative to Knock Off, hitting Pokemon that don't take much damage from Explosion, such as Buzzwole, Scizor, and Cobalion, for super effective damage. Dazzling Gleam is an option for hitting Dark-types like Krookodile and Hydreigon harder. However, both are already hit fairly hard by Explosion.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed allows Azelf to outspeed a good portion of the metagame, notably outpacing other leads such as Terrakion, Froslass, and Gliscor. Maximum investment in Attack is also quite important, as it puts as much power behind Explosion as possible. The remaining 4 EVs go into Special Attack to boost the power of Fire Blast if it's being used. A Jolly nature is used if Azelf uses Knock Off, making it as fast as possible without cutting into its bulk. However, a Naive nature is an option if Fire Blast is being used to prevent cutting into its power. Levitate is Azelf's only possible ability, but it is useful for avoiding Ground-type attacks from the likes of Swampert, Hippowdon, and Gliscor, which Azelf can then reliably set Stealth Rock against.

Usage Tips
========

Azelf functions best as a suicide lead on hyper offensive teams, which means that more often than not, it is best to bring Azelf into play first. However, some opponents may use counters, making it necessary to bring out a teammate capable of dealing with these threats first. Due to Azelf's poor bulk, Stealth Rock should almost always be used first, though Taunt should be used against opposing leads that are likely to set their own entry hazards or inflict Azelf with status, such as Terrakion, Hippowdon, and Klefki. (doesn't Prankster make that a waste of effort?) Knock Off can also be used in certain situations, such as against Choice Scarf users like Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Infernape. This allows for Azelf to set Stealth Rock while also crippling these Pokemon, though it's worth noting that it likely won't be able to use Explosion. Azelf will usually opt to use Stealth Rock (RC) and then Explosion soon after. It is possible, however, to preserve Azelf for later on in the match after setting Stealth Rock, as with Focus Sash and Explosion, it can act as a decent revenge killer to boosted sweepers.

Team Options
========

Azelf's role as a suicide lead allows it to fit quite comfortably on hyper offensive teams, adequately supporting offensive threats that enjoy entry hazard support for securing KOs, such as Infernape, Celebi, Hydreigon, and Mamoswine. Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, Volcanion, and Togekiss, appreciate Azelf's ability to prevent opposing leads from setting it with Taunt. Frailer offensive Pokemon, such as Infernape, Starmie, Talonflame, and Venomoth, are also appreciative of Azelf due to its ability to allow for a safe opportunity to switch in with Explosion. Ghost-types like Decidueye, Doublade, and Chandelure are capable of acting as spinblockers for Azelf, thus preventing its Stealth Rock from being removed. Tornadus can use its Defiant ability to deter Defog, which can otherwise prove troublesome for Azelf.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Azelf can use Nasty Plot to function as a powerful sweeper, especially given its diverse special movepool. However, Azelf's frailty and poor typing prevent it from reliably setting up very often, which makes Celebi a preferable Nasty Plot sweeper. A set with Stealth Rock + 3 attacks is also an option, but it generally isn't worth it due to the utility that Taunt provides Azelf with. Trick is an option alongside a Choice item for crippling defensive foes. However, Azelf generally prefers holding a Focus Sash and usually lacks space in its movepool. Azelf can run a set with dual screens thanks to its good Speed but will usually prove more effective as a suicide lead with Stealth Rock. Electrium Z + Thunder can work as an adequate lure for Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl, which can help Azelf in supporting Flying- and Fire-types fairly easily. However, it takes away from Azelf's ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock due to the lack of Focus Sash, which can be quite troublesome.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Despite its good Speed, Azelf's poor defenses leave it heavily threatened by foes that outpace it, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Pidgeot, and Crobat. Choice Scarf users, such as Hydreigon, Mienshao, and Infernape, also prove troublesome due to their ability to outspeed and pressure Azelf. It should be noted, however, that Azelf can still set Stealth Rock against the majority of these threats.

**Dark-types**: Dark-types pose a huge threat to Azelf due to their ability to threaten it with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Absol can prevent the use of Stealth Rock thanks to Magic Bounce (RC) while also KOing Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Sucker Punch. Alolan Muk and Krookodile also prove troublesome, as the former can dispose of Azelf with the combination of Knock Off and Shadow Sneak, while the latter often wields a Choice Scarf and uses it to outspeed and KO Azelf. All these Pokemon must fear Explosion, however.

**Strong Priority**: Azelf's frailty leaves it heavily threatened by most forms of relevant priority. Examples include Talonflame's Gale Wings Brave Bird, Scizor's Bullet Punch, Mega Absol's Sucker Punch, and Zygarde-10%'s Extreme Speed.

**Rapid Spin and Defog**: Azelf is usually unable to set Stealth Rock more than once, which makes any means of entry hazard removal very difficult for it to deal with. Rapid Spin from Mega Blastoise, Starmie, and Tentacruel and Defog from Latias, Scizor, and Empoleon are all capable of easily removing Azelf's Stealth Rock after it's fainted.
 
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