NU Xatu

Martin

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[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's practically exclusive access to Magic Bounce allows it to function as a consistent method of entry hazard control versus defensive hazard setters. Additionally, having access to U-turn, Roost, and a handful of good offensive moves like Psychic, Grass Knot, and Heat Wave lets it function as a decent pivot that is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently. However, it is weak to the STAB moves of a number of common Stealth Rock and Spikes users, namely including Froslass, Rhydon, and Piloswine, forcing it to play mind games with them to consistently block hazards. Its attempts to block entry hazards can also be foiled by Mold Breaker users like Druddigon. Furthermore, its very underwhelming stats leave it easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to Knock Off and Pursuit, and it is consequently very reliant on using Roost in order to continuously check the Pokemon that it needs to check. It is also heavily reliant on U-turn to maintain pressure and momentum due to its low firepower and the number of common Pokemon that resist its chosen combination of attacks, which includes Guzzlord, Houndoom, Delphox, and Incineroar.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe

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

Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a somewhat reliable pivot. Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move that allows Xatu to hit Emboar and Hitmonlee super effectively and 2HKO the standard Garbodor set. Grass Knot hots Rhydon and Seismitoad extremely hard and also dents Steelix. Heat Wave is an option that hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot, deals heavy damage to Sneasel that try to switch in on Xatu, and 2HKOes Klinklang that try to switch in and set up on Xatu.

Set Details
========

Magic Bounce allows Xatu to act as a hazard and status deterrent. The listed HP EVs minimize Stealth Rock damage when Xatu fails to prevent them from being set up, and 16 Speed EVs make Xatu faster than Adamant Emboar. Xatu's Defense is maximized to ensure consistency versus Steelix and Garbodor; it also allows Xatu to take full advantage of its defensive typing. Rocky Helmet is the preferred item because it is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in. Colbur Berry is an alternative that helps Xatu circumvent Knock Off and Pursuit to some degree.

Usage Tips
========

Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix from setting entry hazards, and try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either the opponent's setters are removed or preventing entry hazards from getting set up no longer matters. Be wary when playing around Pursuit users like Houndoom and Skuntank, especially if Xatu doesn't carry Colbur Berry, as they fear very little from it. A special mention goes to Sneasel here due to its ability to always threaten Xatu with STAB Icicle Crash. Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them setting hazards; aggressive play also applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor. If you expect that a problematic Pokemon, such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu can't dent, is going to switch in, use U-turn to grab momentum and avoid being taken advantage of.

Team Options
========

Togedemaru is total Steelix bait, meaning that it greatly benefits from Xatu's ability to prevent its otherwise free use of Stealth Rock. In return, Xatu benefits from Togedemaru's ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt, Rotom-C, and Vanilluxe firmly in check. Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon, benefit from Xatu's ability to keep the hazard off of the field. Hitmonlee, Hariyama, and other responses to Dark-types help relieve the pressure on Xatu exerted by Pokemon like Sneasel and Houndoom. Similarly, checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad, are useful to help alleviate the issues that Xatu runs into versus dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt. Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons. Pokemon like Sneasel and Piloswine appreciate Xatu soft checking Hitmonlee by taking its Fighting-type attacks with ease. Klinklang benefits from Xatu’s ability to shut down Seismitoad and Steelix.

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

Thunder Wave can be used instead of coverage moves to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch. However, this comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note versus Steelix other than stall for PP. Toxic is useful for crippling Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon, but it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave. Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but Xatu prefers its non-static attacking options in this metagame. Signal Beam is an option to target Malamar while also hitting Psychic-types like Mesprit and Slowbro; Shadow Ball achieves similar things, although it trades the ability to hit Malamar and Sneasel for the ability to hit Delphox, Sigilyph, and Mismagius super effectively. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Guzzlord while still denting Sneasel, but it doesn't target much beyond this. A set of Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a bulky sweeper on defensive teams, compressing roles due to its ability to also function as hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other Calm Mind users and is mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move. An offensive set is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph. Tailwind is an option that can be used to turn dangerous wallbreakers like Emboar into monsters versus offense, but Xatu struggles to fit it with its other moves, as it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave and Toxic and is better used by Pokemon like Whimsicott.

Checks and Counters
========

**Dark-types**: Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Dark-type attacks. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur Berry + Heat Wave variants.

**Offensive Pressure**: Due to Xatu's passiveness, it has a habit of inviting a large number of dangerous Pokemon in. Whether this be dangerous wallbreakers like Vanilluxe and Sigilyph, extremely strong pivots like Rotom-C and Vikavolt, or Pokemon that can use it as setup fodder and force it out, such as Mismagius, Delphox, and Klinklang, Xatu's own team is put under very heavy pressure throughout the match.

**Anti-Xatu Entry Hazard Setters**: Mold Breaker Druddigon and Pinsir can both use Stealth Rock without fearing Magic Bounce. Rhydon and Piloswine are examples of bulky Stealth Rock users that carry STAB moves to hit Xatu super effectively. Archeops and Froslass are both suicide leads that pose as threats to Xatu due to having Head Smash and Ice Beam, respectively, and Life Orb variants of Froslass OHKO Xatu with either Ice Beam and Shadow Ball. Offensive Seismitoad variants can take advantage of the fact that Xatu is a safe switch-in to defensive sets by outrunning Xatu and 2HKOing it with Hydro Pump as it switches in.
 
Last edited:

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
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Sorry for the wait; this is QC ready. I'll try to get Probopass up ASAP too.
 

Disjunction

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Overview
========

* Only legal fully-evolved Pokemon with access to Magic Bounce; allows it to function as a consistent method of hazard control versus defensive setters. idt it's necessary to mention it's fully-evolved. you can just talk about how magic bounce is broken and be done with it
* Access to U-turn, Roost, and handful of good offensive moves list the offensive moves allows it to function as a decent pivot which is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently.
* Weak to STAB of a number of common SR/Spikes users (see: Froslass, Rhydon, Piloswine), forcing it to play mindgames with them to consistently block hazards; also can't block vs Mold Breaker Drudd.
* Very underwhelming stat spread leaves it very easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to KOff and Pursuit, and it is concequently very reliant on clicking Roost constantly in order to maintain its matchup vs stuff it needs to check.

mention how it is overly dependent on u-turn for offensive pressure/momentum since it's weak offensive. depends on stuff like psychic/grass or sometimes psychic/fire coverage which is resisted by a big host of nu mons like guzzguzz, houndoom, delphox, etc

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet / Colbur Berry
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

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

* Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match.
* U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a reliable pivot.
* Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move which allows Xatu to hit Emboar super effectively and to 2HKO standard Garbodor.
* Grass Knot chunks Rhydon while also hitting Steelix reasonably hard; it also allows Xatu to nail Barbaracle that try to set up in its face, having a chance to KO from full health.
* Heat Wave is also an option which hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot while allowing Xatu to deal heavy damage to Sneasel which attack into its Colbur Berry.

Set Details
========

* Magic Bounce allows it to act as a hazard and status deterrent
* HP EVs minimise SR damage on the off-chance that it slips past Xatu. 16 Spe outruns adamat Emboar. Max Defense to maximize consistency when blocking Lix's rocks/Garbodor's Spikes/TSpikes and to take full advantage of its defensive typing.
* 240 HP / 228 Def / 40 Spe with a Timid nature is also an option if the added bulk provided by bold isn't necessary; it allows Xatu to outrun unboosted jolly Barbaracle to hit it with Grass Knot before it can use Stone Edge
* Helmet is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in.
* Colbur Berry helps circumvent KOff and Pursuit

Usage Tips
========

* Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix laying hazards; try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either they are removed or it no longer matters of SR goes up on your side.
* Be careful when faced with Sneasel as it has the option of using Icicle Crash, which hits Xatu through its Colbur Berry. I get what you're trying to communicate here, but I think it would be better to gear this point toward playing cautiously around pursuit users and then mentioning sneasel specifically because of how many options it has to hit xatu with. Speaking of Sneasel, be wary of Pursuit users in general, as Pokemon like Houndoom and Skuntank fear very little from it.
* Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them laying hazards; same applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor.

Team Options
========

* Togedemaru because of how said Pokemon is total Steelix bait; benefits from its ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt/Rotom-C/Vanilluxe firmly in check.
* SR-weak Pokemon like Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon benefit from its ability to keep the hazard off of the field.
* Responses to Dark-types, such as Hitmonlee, help relieve pressure from Pokemon like Sneasel.
* Checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad are useful to help alleviate the matchup vs. dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt.
* Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons.
* Pokemon which appreciate Hitmonlee being soft checked, such as Sneasel and Piloswine, appreciate Xatu's ability to take its Fighting-type STAB with ease.

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

* Toxic is useful for catching Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon. This comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note other than stall for PP versus Steelix, however.
* Thunder Wave can be used to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch, although it faces the same issues as Toxic.
* Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but in this metagame it prefers its attacking options.
* A set with Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a win condition on defensive teams which compresses roles with hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other CM users while being mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move.
* Offensive is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph.

Checks and Counters
========

**Rock-types**: Barbaracle is faster than the listed Xatu set and can OHKO with its choice of Stone Edge or Continental Crush. Rhydon needs to be wary of staying in versus Grass Knot, but it is a Stealth Rock user which poses as a threat to Xatu due to its STAB Stone Edge. Archeops is faster than Xatu and can OHKO with STAB Stone Edge; it is also a suicide lead which can set Stealth Rock versus Xatu thanks to STAB Head Smash.

**Electric- and Ice-types**: Vikavolt fears little from Xatu's attacks, being able to take Psychic comfortably and proceed to click Roost, and hits back hard with Thunderbolt or Volt Switch. That said, it needs to be wary of Heat Wave variants. Rotom-C is in the same boat, although they are faster than Xatu and can't recover damage that it takes with Roost. Vanilluxe outruns and OHKOs Xatu with Blizzard, although it can't switch into Heat Wave. Froslass discourages Xatu's attempts to block its Spikes with the threat of STAB Ice Beam, with Life Orb variants outrunning and OHKOing Xatu from full health.

**Ghost- and Dark-types**: Mismagius uses Xatu as Nasty Plot fodder and deals heavy damage with STAB Shadow Ball. Rotom is faster than Xatu and can cause issues for it with both of its STABs. Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Darkest Lariat or Dark Pulse, respectively. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur + Heat Wave variants.

**Heavy offensive pressure**: Xatu's stats aren't anything special, so overloading it with Pokemon that it needs to keep in check can lead to it being forced to use Roost more often than is desirable, whether that means by running more offensively invested Steelix variants or running a large number of Pokemon that share it as a check.

I can't help but feel that heavy offensive pressure, rock-, electric-, ice-, and ghost-types could just be in one category like "Offensive Breakers" or something like that. xatu's so weak and exploitable that a lot of monsters like mismagius, delphox, vikavolt, ice cream, etc all switch in pretty easily on it and put pressure on the opposing team as a result. dark-types should keep their own section because pursuit is especially relevant.

mold breaker deserves a mention here. drud and even pinsir take advantage of xatu and set up rocks on it and such.

tl;dr give dark-types their own section, offensive mons another, and mold breaker the third.
1/3
 

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Implemented this. I expanded on Mold Breaker to make it more of a blanket category that encompasses different types of "anti-xatu" hazard laying as opposed to a one-liner about Mold Breaker mons because I feel that it's important to highlight them in a C&C section.
 

etern

is a Community Leaderis a Top Tiering Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a defending SCL Championis a Former Smogon Metagame Tournament Circuit Champion
NU Leader
Moves:
  • Mention Grass Knot also hits Seismitoad, something Xatu will often switch into.
Usage Tips:
  • Would be nice if you mentioned when Xatu should pivot out with U-Turn, i.e on a predicted Pursuit Trapper etc
Team Options:
  • Dark-types that can pivot into Psychics like Delphox & Sigilyph which Xatu cant really harm, also helps with the Ghost-type weakness which Xatu teams tend to have
OO:
  • Signal Beam for Malamar weak teams
  • Tailwind for offensive teams
  • Make TWave the first dotpoint, ahead of Toxic
2/3, write this up
 

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Done a read over for which/that to make sure I've not done my thing of saying which over and over when that is more applicable.
 
Hey I know this has 3 checks, but I would really prefer Colbur to be deslashed from the set. Also would like to see mentions of Klinklang in the analysis, mention it as a teammate because Xatu switches in on Steelix and Seismitoad, list in checks and counters because the standard Xatu set is setup fodder for it, and lastly mention it as a Heat Wave target. This looks fine otherwise.
 

GP 1/2
remove add

Overview [OVERVIEW]
========


Xatu's practically exclusive access to Magic Bounce allows it to function as a consistent method of entry hazard control versus defensive hazard setters. Additionally, having access to U-turn, Roost, and handful of good offensive moves like Psychic, Grass Knot, and Heat Wave allows lets it to function as a decent pivot which that is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently. However, it is weak to the STAB moves of a number of common Stealth Rock and Spikes users, namely including Froslass, Rhydon, and Piloswine, forcing it to play mind(space)games with them to consistently block hazards. Its attempts to block entry hazards can also be foiled by Mold Breaker users like Druddigon. Furthermore, its very underwhelming stats spread leaves it very easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to Knock Off and Pursuit, and it is consequently very reliant on using Roost excessively in order to maintain its matchup vs continuously check Pokemon that it needs to check. It is also heavily reliant on U-turn to maintain pressure and momentum due to its low firepower and a the number of common Pokemon that resist its chosen combination of attacks, such as which includes Guzzlord, Houndoom, Delphox, and Incineroar.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

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

Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a somewhat reliable pivot. Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move that allows Xatu to hit Emboar and Hitmonlee super effectively while also and 2HKOing the standard Garbodor set. Grass Knot takes a chunk out of Rhydon's and Seismitoad's HP bars while also hitting and hits Steelix reasonably hard. Heat Wave is also an option that hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot, (comma) while allowing Xatu to deals heavy damage to Sneasel that either try to switch in on Xatu, (comma) and 2HKOing 2HKOes Klinklang that try to switch in and set up on Xatu.

Set Details
========

Magic Bounce allows it Xatu to act as a hazard and status deterrent. The listed HP EVs minimize Stealth Rock damage when it doesn't succeed Xatu fails to prevent them being set up, meanwhile and 16 Speed EVs allow Xatu to outrun make Xatu faster than Adamant Emboar. Xatu's Defense is then maximized to ensure consistency versus Steelix and Garbodor; it also allows it Xatu to take full advantage of its defensive typing. Rocky Helmet is the preferred item because it is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in. Colbur Berry is also an option alternative that helps Xatu circumvent Knock Off and Pursuit to some degree.

Usage Tips
========

Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix laying from setting hazards, and try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either they the opponent's setters are removed or it Stealth Rock getting set up no longer matters of Stealth Rock slips past its defensive line. Be wary when playing around Pursuit users like Houndoom and Skuntank, especially if Xatu doesn't carry Colbur Berry, as Pokemon like Houndoom and Skuntank they fear very little from it. A special mention goes to Sneasel here due to its ability to always threaten Xatu if it carries Colbur Berry due to its access to with STAB Icicle Crash. Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them laying setting hazards; same aggressive play also applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor. If you expect that a problematic Pokemon, (comma) such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu can't dent, is going to switch in, such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu cant dent, take the opportunity use U-turn to grab momentum and with U-turn to avoid being taken advantage of.

Team Options
========

Togedemaru is total Steelix bait, meaning that it greatly benefits heavily from Xatu's ability to prevent its otherwise free use of Stealth Rock using Togedemaru to set up Stealth Rock for free. In return, Xatu benefits from its Togedemaru's ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt, Rotom-C, and Vanilluxe firmly in check. Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon, benefit from Xatu's ability to keep the hazard off of the field. Hitmonlee, Hariyama, and other responses to Dark-types help relieve the pressure from exerted by Pokemon like Sneasel and Houndoom. Similarly, checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad, (comma) are useful to help alleviate the issues that Xatu runs into versus dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt. Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons. Pokemon like Sneasel and Piloswine that appreciate Hitmonlee being soft checked appreciate Xatu's ability to take its Fighting-type STAB with ease Xatu soft checking Hitmonlee by taking its Fighting-type attacks with ease. Klinklang benefits from Xatu’s ability to shut down Seismitoad and Steelix.

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

Thunder Wave can be used instead of coverage moves to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch. However, this comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note versus Steelix other than stall for PP. Toxic is useful for catching Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon, but it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave. Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but in this metagame, (comma) Xatu it prefers its attacking options. Signal Beam is an option to target Malamar while also hitting Psychic-types like Mesprit and Slowbro; Shadow Ball achieves similar things, although it trades the ability to hit Malamar and Sneasel for the ability to hit Delphox, Sigilyph, and Mismagius super effectively. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Guzzlord while still denting Sneasel, but it doesn't target much beyond this. A set of Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a win condition wincon on defensive teams, compressing roles with due to its ability to function as hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other CM Calm Mind users while being and is mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move. An offensive set is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph. Tailwind is an option that can be used to turn dangerous wallbreakers like Emboar into monsters versus offense, but Xatu struggles to fit it around with its other moves, facing the same issues that it faces with Thunder Wave and Toxic, (comma) while facing heavy competition from Pokemon like Whimsicott.

Checks and Counters
========

**Dark-types**: Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Darkest Lariat or Dark Pulse, respectively Dark-type attacks. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur Berry + Heat Wave variants.

**Offensive Pressure**: Due to Xatu's passiveness, it has a habit of inviting a large number of dangerous Pokemon in against it. Whether this be dangerous wallbreakers like Vanilluxe and Sigilyph, extremely strong pivots like Rotom-C and Vikavolt, or Pokemon that can force it out and use it for setup fodder, such as Mismagius, Delphox, and Klinklang, (comma) Xatu's it means that it invites them to put its own team is put under very heavy pressure throughout the match.

**Anti-Xatu Entry Hazard Setters**: Mold Breaker Druddigon and Pinsir can both use Stealth Rock without fearing Magic Bounce. Rhydon and Piloswine are examples of bulky Stealth Rock users that carry STAB moves to hit Xatu super effectively. Archeops and Frosslass are both suicide leads that pose as threats to Xatu due to Head Smash and Ice Beam, respectively, and Life Orb variants of Frosslass OHKO Xatu with either Ice Beam and Shadow Ball. Offensive Seismitoad variants can take advantage of the fact that Xatu is usually a safe switch-in to it defensive sets by outrunning Xatu and 2HKOing it with Hydro Pump as it switches in.
 
Last edited:

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus

GP 1/2
remove add

Overview [OVERVIEW]
========


Xatu's practically exclusive access to Magic Bounce allows it to function as a consistent method of entry hazard control versus defensive hazard setters. Additionally, having access to U-turn, Roost, and handful of good offensive moves like Psychic, Grass Knot, and Heat Wave allows lets it to function as a decent pivot which that is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently. However, it is weak to the STAB moves of a number of common Stealth Rock and Spikes users, namely including Froslass, Rhydon, and Piloswine, forcing it to play mind(space)games with them to consistently block hazards. Its attempts to block entry hazards can also be foiled by Mold Breaker users like Druddigon. Furthermore, its very underwhelming stats spread leaves it very easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to Knock Off and Pursuit, and it is consequently very reliant on using Roost excessively in order to maintain its matchup vs continuously check Pokemon that it needs to check. It is also heavily reliant on U-turn to maintain pressure and momentum due to its low firepower and a the number of common Pokemon that resist its chosen combination of attacks, such as which includes Guzzlord, Houndoom, Delphox, and Incineroar.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

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

Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a somewhat reliable pivot. Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move that allows Xatu to hit Emboar and Hitmonlee super effectively while also and 2HKOing the standard Garbodor set. Grass Knot takes a chunk out of Rhydon's and Seismitoad's HP bars while also hitting and hits Steelix reasonably hard. Heat Wave is also an option that hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot, (comma) while allowing Xatu to deals heavy damage to Sneasel that either try to switch in on Xatu, (comma) and 2HKOing 2HKOes Klinklang that try to switch in and set up on Xatu.

Set Details
========

Magic Bounce allows it Xatu to act as a hazard and status deterrent. The listed HP EVs minimize Stealth Rock damage when it doesn't succeed Xatu fails to prevent them being set up, meanwhile and 16 Speed EVs allow Xatu to outrun make Xatu faster than Adamant Emboar. Xatu's Defense is then maximized to ensure consistency versus Steelix and Garbodor; it also allows it Xatu to take full advantage of its defensive typing. Rocky Helmet is the preferred item because it is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in. Colbur Berry is also an option alternative that helps Xatu circumvent Knock Off and Pursuit to some degree.

Usage Tips
========

Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix laying from setting hazards, and try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either they the opponent's setters are removed or it Stealth Rock getting set up no longer matters of Stealth Rock slips past its defensive line. Be wary when playing around Pursuit users like Houndoom and Skuntank, especially if Xatu doesn't carry Colbur Berry, as Pokemon like Houndoom and Skuntank they fear very little from it. A special mention goes to Sneasel here due to its ability to always threaten Xatu if it carries Colbur Berry due to its access to with STAB Icicle Crash. Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them laying setting hazards; same aggressive play also applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor. If you expect that a problematic Pokemon, (comma) such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu can't dent, is going to switch in, such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu cant dent, take the opportunity use U-turn to grab momentum and with U-turn to avoid being taken advantage of.

Team Options
========

Togedemaru is total Steelix bait, meaning that it greatly benefits heavily from Xatu's ability to prevent its otherwise free use of Stealth Rock using Togedemaru to set up Stealth Rock for free. In return, Xatu benefits from its Togedemaru's ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt, Rotom-C, and Vanilluxe firmly in check. Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon, benefit from Xatu's ability to keep the hazard off of the field. Hitmonlee, Hariyama, and other responses to Dark-types help relieve the pressure from exerted by Pokemon like Sneasel and Houndoom. Similarly, checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad, (comma) are useful to help alleviate the issues that Xatu runs into versus dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt. Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons. Pokemon like Sneasel and Piloswine that appreciate Hitmonlee being soft checked appreciate Xatu's ability to take its Fighting-type STAB with ease Xatu soft checking Hitmonlee by taking its Fighting-type attacks with ease. Klinklang benefits from Xatu’s ability to shut down Seismitoad and Steelix.

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

Thunder Wave can be used instead of coverage moves to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch. However, this comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note versus Steelix other than stall for PP. Toxic is useful for catching Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon, but it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave. Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but in this metagame, (comma) Xatu it prefers its attacking options. Signal Beam is an option to target Malamar while also hitting Psychic-types like Mesprit and Slowbro; Shadow Ball achieves similar things, although it trades the ability to hit Malamar and Sneasel for the ability to hit Delphox, Sigilyph, and Mismagius super effectively. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Guzzlord while still denting Sneasel, but it doesn't target much beyond this. A set of Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a win condition wincon on defensive teams, compressing roles with due to its ability to function as hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other CM Calm Mind users while being and is mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move. An offensive set is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph. Tailwind is an option that can be used to turn dangerous wallbreakers like Emboar into monsters versus offense, but Xatu struggles to fit it around with its other moves, facing the same issues that it faces with Thunder Wave and Toxic, (comma) while facing heavy competition from Pokemon like Whimsicott.

Checks and Counters
========

**Dark-types**: Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Darkest Lariat or Dark Pulse, respectively Dark-type attacks. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur Berry + Heat Wave variants.

**Offensive Pressure**: Due to Xatu's passiveness, it has a habit of inviting a large number of dangerous Pokemon in against it. Whether this be dangerous wallbreakers like Vanilluxe and Sigilyph, extremely strong pivots like Rotom-C and Vikavolt, or Pokemon that can force it out and use it for setup fodder, such as Mismagius, Delphox, and Klinklang, (comma) Xatu's it means that it invites them to put its own team is put under very heavy pressure throughout the match.

**Anti-Xatu Entry Hazard Setters**: Mold Breaker Druddigon and Pinsir can both use Stealth Rock without fearing Magic Bounce. Rhydon and Piloswine are examples of bulky Stealth Rock users that carry STAB moves to hit Xatu super effectively. Archeops and Frosslass are both suicide leads that pose as threats to Xatu due to Head Smash and Ice Beam, respectively, and Life Orb variants of Frosslass OHKO Xatu with either Ice Beam and Shadow Ball. Offensive Seismitoad variants can take advantage of the fact that Xatu is usually a safe switch-in to it defensive sets by outrunning Xatu and 2HKOing it with Hydro Pump as it switches in.
Sorry for the wait; implemented this.
 

Mr. Uncompetitive

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[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's practically exclusive access to Magic Bounce allows it to function as a consistent method of entry hazard control versus defensive hazard setters. Additionally, having access to U-turn, Roost, and a handful of good offensive moves like Psychic, Grass Knot, and Heat Wave lets it function as a decent pivot that is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently. However, it is weak to the STAB moves of a number of common Stealth Rock and Spikes users, namely including Froslass, Rhydon, and Piloswine, forcing it to play mind games with them to consistently block hazards. Its attempts to block entry hazards can also be foiled by Mold Breaker users like Druddigon. Furthermore, its very underwhelming stats leave it easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to Knock Off and Pursuit, and it is consequently very reliant on using Roost in order to continuously check the Pokemon that it needs to check. It is also heavily reliant on U-turn to maintain pressure and momentum due to its low firepower and the number of common Pokemon that resist its chosen combination of attacks, which includes Guzzlord, Houndoom, Delphox, and Incineroar.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

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

Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a somewhat reliable pivot. Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move that allows Xatu to hit Emboar and Hitmonlee super effectively and 2HKO the standard Garbodor set. Grass Knot takes a chunk ("a chunk" sounds a bit too modest given the 4x effectiveness...maybe "a large chunk" or some other wording depending on how much damage it actually does?) out of Rhydon's and Seismitoad's HP and hits Steelix reasonably hard. Heat Wave is an option that hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot, deals heavy damage to Sneasel that try to switch in on Xatu, and 2HKOes Klinklang that try to switch in and set up on Xatu.

Set Details
========

Magic Bounce allows Xatu to act as a hazard and status deterrent. The listed HP EVs minimize Stealth Rock damage when Xatu fails to prevent them from being set up, and 16 Speed EVs make Xatu faster than Adamant Emboar. Xatu's Defense is maximized to ensure consistency versus Steelix and Garbodor; it also allows Xatu to take full advantage of its defensive typing. Rocky Helmet is the preferred item because it is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in. Colbur Berry is an alternative that helps Xatu circumvent Knock Off and Pursuit to some degree.

Usage Tips
========

Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix from setting entry hazards, and try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either the opponent's setters are removed or Stealth Rock preventing entry hazards from getting set up no longer matters. Be wary when playing around Pursuit users like Houndoom and Skuntank, especially if Xatu doesn't carry Colbur Berry, as they fear very little from it. A special mention goes to Sneasel here due to its ability to always threaten Xatu with STAB Icicle Crash. Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them setting hazards; aggressive play also applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor. If you expect that a problematic Pokemon, such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu can't dent, is going to switch in, use U-turn to grab momentum and avoid being taken advantage of.

Team Options
========

Togedemaru is total Steelix bait, meaning that it greatly benefits from Xatu's ability to prevent its otherwise free use of Stealth Rock. In return, Xatu benefits from Togedemaru's ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt, Rotom-C, and Vanilluxe firmly in check. Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon, benefit from Xatu's ability to keep the hazard off of the field. Hitmonlee, Hariyama, and other responses to Dark-types help relieve the pressure on Xatu exerted by Pokemon like Sneasel and Houndoom. Similarly, checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad, are useful to help alleviate the issues that Xatu runs into versus dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt. Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons. Pokemon like Sneasel and Piloswine appreciate Xatu soft checking Hitmonlee by taking its Fighting-type attacks with ease. Klinklang benefits from Xatu’s ability to shut down Seismitoad and Steelix.

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

Thunder Wave can be used instead of coverage moves to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch. However, this comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note versus Steelix other than stall for PP. Toxic is useful for catching crippling (better word choice imo) Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon, but it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave. Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but in this metagame, Xatu prefers its attacking options. Signal Beam is an option to target Malamar while also hitting Psychic-types like Mesprit and Slowbro; Shadow Ball achieves similar things, although it trades the ability to hit Malamar and Sneasel for the ability to hit Delphox, Sigilyph, and Mismagius super effectively. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Guzzlord while still denting Sneasel, but it doesn't target much beyond this. A set of Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a wincon bulky sweeper (this is the correct terminology) on defensive teams, compressing roles with due to its ability to also function as hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other Calm Mind users and is mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move. An offensive set is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph. Tailwind is an option that can be used to turn dangerous wallbreakers like Emboar into monsters versus offense, but Xatu struggles to fit it with its other moves, facing as it faces the same issues that it faces with as Thunder Wave and Toxicwhile Toxic facing heavy competition from and is better used by Pokemon like Whimsicott.

Checks and Counters
========

**Dark-types**: Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Dark-type attacks. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur Berry + Heat Wave variants.

**Offensive Pressure**: Due to Xatu's passiveness, it has a habit of inviting a large number of dangerous Pokemon in. Whether this be dangerous wallbreakers like Vanilluxe and Sigilyph, extremely strong pivots like Rotom-C and Vikavolt, or Pokemon that can force it out and use it for as setup fodder and force it out (think it makes more sense to mention the "setup fodder" bit first), such as Mismagius, Delphox, and Klinklang, Xatu's own team is put under very heavy pressure throughout the match.

**Anti-Xatu Entry Hazard Setters**: Mold Breaker Druddigon and Pinsir can both use Stealth Rock without fearing Magic Bounce. Rhydon and Piloswine are examples of bulky Stealth Rock users that carry STAB moves to hit Xatu super effectively. Archeops and Frosslass Froslass are both suicide leads that pose as threats to Xatu due to having Head Smash and Ice Beam, respectively, and Life Orb variants of Frosslass Froslass OHKO Xatu with either Ice Beam and Shadow Ball. Offensive Seismitoad variants can take advantage of the fact that Xatu is a safe switch-in to defensive sets by outrunning Xatu and 2HKOing it with Hydro Pump as it switches in.
 
Last edited:

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
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Additions, (AC) = add comma
Removals, (RC) = remove comma
Comments


[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's practically exclusive access to Magic Bounce allows it to function as a consistent method of entry hazard control versus defensive hazard setters. Additionally, having access to U-turn, Roost, and a handful of good offensive moves like Psychic, Grass Knot, and Heat Wave lets it function as a decent pivot that is capable of taking on common Pokemon like Steelix consistently. However, it is weak to the STAB moves of a number of common Stealth Rock and Spikes users, namely including Froslass, Rhydon, and Piloswine, forcing it to play mind games with them to consistently block hazards. Its attempts to block entry hazards can also be foiled by Mold Breaker users like Druddigon. Furthermore, its very underwhelming stats leave it easily pressured, especially in conjunction with its weakness to Knock Off and Pursuit, and it is consequently very reliant on using Roost in order to continuously check the Pokemon that it needs to check. It is also heavily reliant on U-turn to maintain pressure and momentum due to its low firepower and the number of common Pokemon that resist its chosen combination of attacks, which includes Guzzlord, Houndoom, Delphox, and Incineroar.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Roost
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Bold
evs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk

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

Roost is important to keep Xatu healthy throughout the match. U-turn allows Xatu to grab momentum versus Pokemon that it forces out, allowing it to function as a somewhat reliable pivot. Psychic is a reasonably strong STAB move that allows Xatu to hit Emboar and Hitmonlee super effectively and 2HKO the standard Garbodor set. Grass Knot takes a chunk ("a chunk" sounds a bit too modest given the 4x effectiveness...maybe "a large chunk" or some other wording depending on how much damage it actually does?) out of Rhydon's and Seismitoad's HP and hits Steelix reasonably hard. Heat Wave is an option that hits Steelix harder than Grass Knot, deals heavy damage to Sneasel that try to switch in on Xatu, and 2HKOes Klinklang that try to switch in and set up on Xatu.

Set Details
========

Magic Bounce allows Xatu to act as a hazard and status deterrent. The listed HP EVs minimize Stealth Rock damage when Xatu fails to prevent them from being set up, and 16 Speed EVs make Xatu faster than Adamant Emboar. Xatu's Defense is maximized to ensure consistency versus Steelix and Garbodor; it also allows Xatu to take full advantage of its defensive typing. Rocky Helmet is the preferred item because it is useful for pressuring Steelix that use Heavy Slam as Xatu switches in. Colbur Berry is an alternative that helps Xatu circumvent Knock Off and Pursuit to some degree.

Usage Tips
========

Use Xatu to prevent Pokemon like Steelix from setting entry hazards, and try to keep it healthy by using Roost regularly until either the opponent's setters are removed or Stealth Rock preventing entry hazards from getting set up no longer matters. Be wary when playing around Pursuit users like Houndoom and Skuntank, especially if Xatu doesn't carry Colbur Berry, as they fear very little from it. A special mention goes to Sneasel here due to its ability to always threaten Xatu with STAB Icicle Crash. Switch Xatu in on weak or resisted attacks whenever possible, and don't be afraid to play aggressively versus Pokemon like Rhydon, Piloswine, and Froslass to prevent them setting hazards; aggressive play also applies if Xatu isn't healthy enough to switch directly into Steelix or Garbodor. If you expect that a problematic Pokemon, such as a Pursuit user or a Pokemon that Xatu can't dent, is going to switch in, use U-turn to grab momentum and avoid being taken advantage of.

Team Options
========

Togedemaru is total Steelix bait, meaning that it greatly benefits from Xatu's ability to prevent its otherwise free use of Stealth Rock. In return, Xatu benefits from Togedemaru's ability to keep Pokemon like Vikavolt, Rotom-C, and Vanilluxe firmly in check. Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock, such as Vikavolt, Vanilluxe, Incineroar, and Vivillon, benefit from Xatu's ability to keep the hazard off of the field. Hitmonlee, Hariyama, and other responses to Dark-types help relieve the pressure on Xatu exerted by Pokemon like Sneasel and Houndoom. Similarly, checks to Ice- and Electric-type Pokemon, such as Cryogonal, Miltank, Roost Vikavolt, Steelix, and Seismitoad, are useful to help alleviate the issues that Xatu runs into versus dangerous Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Rotom-C, and Vikavolt. Answers to Rock-types, such as Steelix and Slowbro, are good partners for similar reasons. Pokemon like Sneasel and Piloswine appreciate Xatu soft checking Hitmonlee by taking its Fighting-type attacks with ease. Klinklang benefits from Xatu’s ability to shut down Seismitoad and Steelix.

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

Thunder Wave can be used instead of coverage moves to catch Pokemon like Sneasel and Delphox on the switch. However, this comes at the cost of being unable to do anything of note versus Steelix other than stall for PP. Toxic is useful for catching crippling (better word choice imo) Pokemon that Xatu invites in, such as Incineroar, Slowbro, and Guzzlord, as they switch in while still targeting Rhydon, but it faces the same issues as Thunder Wave. Night Shade provides consistent damage regardless of type effectiveness, but in this metagame, Xatu prefers its attacking options. Signal Beam is an option to target Malamar while also hitting Psychic-types like Mesprit and Slowbro; Shadow Ball achieves similar things, although it trades the ability to hit Malamar and Sneasel for the ability to hit Delphox, Sigilyph, and Mismagius super effectively. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Guzzlord while still denting Sneasel, but it doesn't target much beyond this. A set of Calm Mind / Psyshock / Roost / Heat Wave can function as a wincon bulky sweeper (this is the correct terminology) on defensive teams, compressing roles with due to its ability to also function as hazard control, but it faces heavy competition from other Calm Mind users and is mostly outclassed by Sigilyph, which is already a fairly poor user of the move. An offensive set is also an option to provide role compression, but it also faces heavy competition from Sigilyph. Tailwind is an option that can be used to turn dangerous wallbreakers like Emboar into monsters versus offense, but Xatu struggles to fit it with its other moves, facing as it faces the same issues that it faces with as Thunder Wave and Toxicwhile Toxic facing heavy competition from and is better used by Pokemon like Whimsicott.

Checks and Counters
========

**Dark-types**: Incineroar and Guzzlord fear nothing from Xatu and threaten it back with Dark-type attacks. Sneasel, Skuntank, and Houndoom all outrun Xatu and can Pursuit trap it, although Sneasel needs to be wary of Colbur Berry + Heat Wave variants.

**Offensive Pressure**: Due to Xatu's passiveness, it has a habit of inviting a large number of dangerous Pokemon in. Whether this be dangerous wallbreakers like Vanilluxe and Sigilyph, extremely strong pivots like Rotom-C and Vikavolt, or Pokemon that can force it out and use it for as setup fodder and force it out (think it makes more sense to mention the "setup fodder" bit first), such as Mismagius, Delphox, and Klinklang, Xatu's own team is put under very heavy pressure throughout the match.

**Anti-Xatu Entry Hazard Setters**: Mold Breaker Druddigon and Pinsir can both use Stealth Rock without fearing Magic Bounce. Rhydon and Piloswine are examples of bulky Stealth Rock users that carry STAB moves to hit Xatu super effectively. Archeops and Frosslass Froslass are both suicide leads that pose as threats to Xatu due to having Head Smash and Ice Beam, respectively, and Life Orb variants of Frosslass Froslass OHKO Xatu with either Ice Beam and Shadow Ball. Offensive Seismitoad variants can take advantage of the fact that Xatu is a safe switch-in to defensive sets by outrunning Xatu and 2HKOing it with Hydro Pump as it switches in.
 

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