In-battle formes
Base
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| HP: | 55 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Attack: | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defense: | 45 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sp. Atk: | 135 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sp. Def: | 95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speed: | 120 |
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Psychic Surge Attacker
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Psychic Surge Alakazam is a terrifying wallbreaker that overwhelms opposing teams with Expanding Force. Expanding Force defines the set, becoming an incredibly strong 120 BP move further boosted by Psychic Terrain that OHKOes many strong attackers such as Zapdos, Cinderace, Terrakion, and Garchomp; Psychic Surge also protects Alakazam from opposing priority users like Triage Tapu Bulu. Psyshock allows Alakazam to threaten Chansey and Blissey, which would otherwise wall it, while Focus Blast threatens Steel- and Dark-types like Ferrothorn and Zarude that could otherwise check it. Trick is used on Choice Specs sets to cripple switch-ins such as Assault Vest Jirachi, while Nasty Plot is used on Twisted Spoon sets to boost Alakazam's damage even further. Choice Specs is the preferred item, providing immediate power and not needing to find setup opportunities, while Twisted Spoon pairs well with Nasty Plot at the cost of not boosting Alakazam's coverage moves.
Alakazam fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate its high Speed and damage output to help deal with powerful wallbreakers such as Galarian Zapdos and Cinderace. Due to Alakazam's poor bulk, slow pivots such as Blissey and Corviknight are welcome partners. Entry hazard setters such as Swampert and Ferrothorn also make good teammates, as they wear down Alakazam's checks Faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Barraskewda force Alakazam out, so Pokemon such as Ferrothorn that can switch into these threats are necessary to pair with Alakazam. Specially defensive Steel-types such as RegenVest Jirachi are able to freely switch into Alakazam, so offensive partners who can force them out, such as Zarude and Cinderace, are good teammates. Opposing Dark-types like Mandibuzz and Zarude severely limit Alakazam's effectiveness, making teammates like Kommo-o that can switch into them great partners.
No Guard
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Other Options
Shadow Ball is an option to hit RegenVest Jirachi harder, but dropping Focus Blast leaves Alakazam walled by other Steel-types. Dazzling Gleam is an alternative to Focus Blast that threatens Mandibuzz while still hitting Zarude, but faces the same problems Shadow Ball does. A No Guard set with Zap Cannon and Focus Blast can be run to spread paralysis and enable offensive partners, but lacks damage before it sets up. A Choice Scarf can also be due to Alakazam's high damage output, but it is outclassed by Azelf which has U-turn.
Checks and Counters
RegenVest Jirachi: RegenVest Jirachi can freely switch into Alakazam's attacks and force it out with U-turn, but it must be cautious of Trick, which significantly decreases its effectiveness.
Faster Offensive Pokemon: Most faster offensive Pokemon such as Talonflame and Tapu Koko can force Alakazam out, but they can not switch in safely.
Dark-types: Dark-type Pokemon such as Zarude and Hydreigon are immune to Alakazam's STAB moves and can take advantage of its Choice lock,; however, these Pokemon fear Focus Blast and must be careful switching in.
