electric tiger
[OVERVIEW]
Raikou is a great pivot in the Almost Any Ability metagame. The combination of its typing, which gives it a single weakness to Ground, and its high Speed and decent bulk allow it to switch in on many Pokemon and pressure them with its STAB moves. Additionally, STAB Volt Switch enables it to get out of unfavorable matchups and do chip damage and is great to keep your momentum up when Raikou forces a foe out. Raikou also does well as a pivot because it's extremely customizable. It can run most abilities, depending on your team's needs, so it can usually check a wide range of Pokemon. Sadly, it can easily get worn down by entry hazards, as it switches in and out a lot. Raikou also has a decent Special Attack stat, which allows it to revenge kill Pokemon and do well versus frailer offensive teams, but it struggles against stall, as it's not strong enough to break most walls. Still, it can be useful against stall by running a Magnet Pull set. While its special bulk is quite good with an Assault Vest, its physical bulk is lacking, making it unable to pivot into physical attackers too many times. It's also fairly predictable, as while it can run many abilities, it's nearly always a pivot and can be fairly easily prepared for.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Thunder / Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Assault Vest / Choice Specs
ability: Primordial Sea / Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Raikou's best and most powerful STAB move if it has Primordial Sea, helping a bit with Raikou's lack of power. Thunderbolt is for any other sets, as it's more reliable. Both of these moves allow Raikou to hit common threats in AAA for super effective damage, like Skarmory and Suicune. Volt Switch is used to pivot out of threats Raikou can't beat one-on-one while getting free damage. It's also good if you predict a Pokemon to switch out so you can get momentum on the Pokemon that switches in. Shadow Ball is a standard coverage move that is mostly used because of Raikou's lack of better options. It hits a few Pokemon harder than Raikou's STAB moves, such as Latios. Hidden Power Ice rounds off BoltBeam coverage with Raikou's STAB moves, allowing it to hit threats such as Zygarde and Landorus. Hidden Power Grass is used specifically to hit Manaphy with an Electric immunity preventing Raikou from being setup bait for it, and also to beat Water / Ground types.
Set Details
========
Assault Vest is the preferred item to help Raikou with its job of switching into Pokemon, particularly special attackers. Choice Specs can be used to increase Raikou's damage output, making it more threatening. It doesn't miss the ability to switch moves too much, as it usually wants to use its STAB moves anyway. Primordial Sea allows Raikou to switch in on Fire-types like Heatran and Victini, which greatly adds to Raikou's pivoting capabilities. Additionally, it gives a much-needed boost to Raikou's STAB moves, as it allows Raikou to use Thunder over Thunderbolt. Alternatively, Regenerator gives Raikou more longevity; although it doesn't let it beat any additional Pokemon, it helps it check them for a longer time. A Timid nature is used to maximize Raikou's Speed. The EVs are used to allow Raikou to hit as hard and as fast as possible. The leftover EVs are put into HP to increase its general bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Even though it resists Brave Bird, don't switch Raikou into Gale Wings Pokemon recklessly, as it may fail to absorb two consecutive blows due to its low Defense. It can only safely switch into Skarmory, so don't use it as your only Flying-type check. When using Primordial Sea, preserve Raikou when facing a weather team, as it can easily stop sweeps by stopping the weather. Raikou checks a lot of special attackers, so don't be afraid to switch it in on them, unless you need to keep it healthy, as it's a great way to put exert pressure and get momentum. Against most teams, it's wise to spam Electric moves. They allow Raikou to either do quite some damage or get momentum. However, watch out when the opponent has a Pokemon that often runs Volt Absorb or Motor Drive, particularly Manaphy. Raikou can outspeed and KO a lot of the Ground-types it wants to hit with Hidden Power Ice, so they aren't a huge problem. Especially when using Regenerator, spam Volt Switch to gain momentum and get health back at the same time. With Primordial Sea Raikou puts a lot of pressure on Heatran and Victini, deterring them from using Fire-type moves. It can take all attacks from Heatran pretty easily, but you can't switch it in on Victini's Choice-Band-boosted U-turn too often. When playing against stall teams, don't rely on Raikou to do any damage to the opposing team, as it can't hurt Pokemon like Goodra or Chansey at all. Rather, try to switch it in when you need it to absorb a hit with something and use Volt Switch to get chip damage. With Volt Switch Raikou can bring in wallbreakers that have trouble coming in safely, even if Volt Switch itself doesn't do major damage.
Team Options
========
Raikou is usually used on balanced or offensive teams to absorb hits and easily gain momentum. It shouldn't be used on other teams because it's not bulky enough to wall threats throughout the match. Gale Wings Skarmory makes a good core with Raikou, as it's able to keep up the offensive pressure with Swords Dance, can check the physical attackers that threaten Raikou, and has good type synergy with it. In general, Raikou likes to have a Pokemon to absorb physical hits on the team. It also appreciates having a strong wallbreaker like Latios or Heracross on the team, which it can easily bring in on walls via Volt Switch while they help Raikou to tear down stall teams in return. Entry-hazard stacking works well in combination with Raikou because Raikou forces a lot of switches. Ferrothorn and Deoxys are examples of Pokemon that can support Raikou with Spikes. Similarly, Raikou likes hazard removal. As it's grounded and tends to switch in a lot, it will be hurt badly by a combination of Stealth Rock and Spikes. This will prevent Raikou from switching in as easily and thus make it harder for your team to absorb special hits. Starmie is a good option for an offensive Rapid Spin user, while the aforementioned Skarmory can support it with Defog. Raikou synergizes well with U-turn and other Volt Switch users, like Victini, because they can keep switching to each other while checking whatever is on the field.
[SET]
name: Magnet Pull
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Aura Sphere
move 4: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Rash
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Raikou's best reliable STAB move. It allows Raikou to hit many threats for decent damage and hits most Steel-types neutrally. Volt Switch is used for pivoting and inflicting chip damage when Raikou is not facing a Steel-type and can't beat the threat. Aura Sphere is used to hit Steel-types super effectively, allowing Raikou to trap them more efficiently. Specifically, it's its best move versus common threats like Ferrothorn and Heatran. The final slot can go to multiple moves. Shadow Ball is one of Raikou's stronger coverage moves and has great coverage with Aura Sphere. It can be used to hit Pokemon like Latios and Doublade hard. A Hidden Power can round out specific coverage. Ice has great coverage with Raikou's Electric STAB moves and makes it perform better against Ground-types, while Grass is useful against Ground-types too, like Hippowdon, but doesn't make Raikou setup fodder for Motor Drive Manaphy. However, Pokemon like Zygarde will have an easier time against you.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the best option on this set, as Raikou needs it to do its job of removing Steel-types well. With Choice Specs, it can 2HKO Heatran and Ferrothorn, even with maximum Special Defense investment, while without this power boost, many Pokemon will avoid the OHKO or 2HKO, making Raikou unable to beat them at times. Magnet Pull allows Raikou to trap the Steel-types it can usually easily switch in on and KO them. Rash is the nature on this set, as Aura Sphere is event locked into it. Sadly, this makes Raikou unable to outspeed Pokemon with base 110 Speed, but Aura Sphere's importance for this set usually outweighs this. If you don't feel like you need it, you can use Timid to outspeed everything up to base 115 Speed, though. The EVs are fairly straightforward: . Raikou needs maximum Speed to outspeed positive-natured base 100s by one point, while the Special Attack EVs maximize its damage output, as Raikou is fairly weak otherwise. The final 4 EVs are put into HP to give Raikou a little more bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Raikou is able to switch in on Skarmory and defensive variants of Heatran quite well, so don't be afraid to do so to remove them for your team. More offensive Steel-types need more caution to trap, but after a KO or a free switch, Raikou can revenge kill Pokemon like Genesect and Lucario quite well. Don't let Lucario boost, though, as Raikou isn't bulky enough to tank boosted Extreme Speed. Be aware that Raikou can't trap Doublade due to its secondary Ghost typing. Be careful with what you lock Raikou in; don't lock it into an Electric STAB move if a Pokemon with an Electric immunity like Manaphy with Volt Absorb or Motor Drive is on the opposing team. Volt Switch is safe to use, though, if you've trapped something. Aura Sphere is less risky, but it can give momentum to your opponent if they have a Ghost-type like Gengar or Hoopa, both of which can put enormous offensive pressure on your team. Raikou's other moves are quite weak, so they can be taken advantage of as well. When you don't have to trap Steel-types anymore, you can generally play quite recklessly with Raikou unless you need it to revenge kill a threat like Victini. You can put a lot of pressure on the opponent by getting Raikou in on Pokemon it threatens and outspeeds and using Volt Switch to gain momentum. Raikou can also function as a catch-all lead, often being able to get a positive matchup by just Volt Switching out of most foes. Raikou can't damage most opponents on stall teams well. Try to take out their Steel-type if possible, and spam Volt Switch otherwise to get your other Pokemon in safely. You don't need to be careful with Raikou once their Steel-type has been removed.
Team Options
========
This Raikou set should be used to support Pokemon that dislike Steel-types. Gale Wings users such as Braviary and Honchkrow are good partners for this reason. These Pokemon also cover Raikou's Ground weakness. This Raikou set fits best on offensive teams, as it can pressure the opponent and gain momentum pretty easily. As Raikou can provide free switches with Volt Switch, strong sweepers such as Lucario like its presence. Motor Drive Manaphy and Ground-types tend to switch in on Raikou, so having something to take them on is a must. Pokemon like Shaymin-S can switch in on their STAB moves and hit them super effectively with their own, but they can't switch in on Manaphy's Ice Beam. Wallbreakers also enjoy the presence of Raikou on a team. It can get them in safely so they can try to break the opponent's team. Latios is a good example that also enjoys Raikou's ability to weaken Steel-types.
Other Options
=============
Levitate, Thick Fat, Desolate Land, and similar abilities can be run to give Raikou resistances or immunities to types a team struggles with. Desolate Land also gives Raikou a Fire-type Weather Ball. Weather Ball can also be used on the Primordial Sea set to beat Ground-types more easily. Intimidate is another good option to let Raikou switch in on physical attackers better. If you want an increased damage output, a Sheer Force set with Life Orb is an option; however, its power is still not great. Nevertheless, it can be a viable cleaner. Extrasensory is an option to hit Poison- and Fighting-types, although most are hit hard enough by Raikou's STAB moves. Raikou could run a mixed set with Refrigerate Extreme Speed, giving it a good tool against Gale Wings users to avoid taking damage. However, it is extremely weak, so its niche is limited. Light Screen and Reflect are viable options on Raikou, as it can set them up pretty easily when forcing something out and can use Volt Switch to bring in other Pokemon that want the support. Calm Mind can help Raikou clean teams late-game when it is done pivoting. Poison Heal is often a good option on such a set for some passive recovery while being unable to be worn down by status. Finally, Mold Breaker can be used to get past Volt Absorb and Motor Drive Pokemon, specifically Manaphy; however, it doesn't do much otherwise.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Manaphy**: Motor Drive Manaphy can wall Raikou while possibly getting a Speed boost from its STAB moves. Afterwards, it can set up and possibly sweep your team, so be extremely careful when facing it.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Zygarde can stop Raikou from getting momentum. The former two do not fear Hidden Power Ice that much, while the latter can revenge kill Raikou with Extreme Speed if it is at low health.
**Special Walls**: Raikou has no good way of getting past special walls. Although its attacks have decent power, it's nothing extraordinary. Therefore, Pokemon like Chansey and Goodra can easily wall Raikou the entire match.
**Extreme Speed Users**: Raikou's physical bulk is disappointing, so Extreme Speed users can often pick it off when it's taken a bit of damage. Dragonite and Entei are good users of the move and can even switch in on Raikou in a pinch.
[OVERVIEW]
Raikou is a great pivot in the Almost Any Ability metagame. The combination of its typing, which gives it a single weakness to Ground, and its high Speed and decent bulk allow it to switch in on many Pokemon and pressure them with its STAB moves. Additionally, STAB Volt Switch enables it to get out of unfavorable matchups and do chip damage and is great to keep your momentum up when Raikou forces a foe out. Raikou also does well as a pivot because it's extremely customizable. It can run most abilities, depending on your team's needs, so it can usually check a wide range of Pokemon. Sadly, it can easily get worn down by entry hazards, as it switches in and out a lot. Raikou also has a decent Special Attack stat, which allows it to revenge kill Pokemon and do well versus frailer offensive teams, but it struggles against stall, as it's not strong enough to break most walls. Still, it can be useful against stall by running a Magnet Pull set. While its special bulk is quite good with an Assault Vest, its physical bulk is lacking, making it unable to pivot into physical attackers too many times. It's also fairly predictable, as while it can run many abilities, it's nearly always a pivot and can be fairly easily prepared for.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Thunder / Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Assault Vest / Choice Specs
ability: Primordial Sea / Regenerator
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder is Raikou's best and most powerful STAB move if it has Primordial Sea, helping a bit with Raikou's lack of power. Thunderbolt is for any other sets, as it's more reliable. Both of these moves allow Raikou to hit common threats in AAA for super effective damage, like Skarmory and Suicune. Volt Switch is used to pivot out of threats Raikou can't beat one-on-one while getting free damage. It's also good if you predict a Pokemon to switch out so you can get momentum on the Pokemon that switches in. Shadow Ball is a standard coverage move that is mostly used because of Raikou's lack of better options. It hits a few Pokemon harder than Raikou's STAB moves, such as Latios. Hidden Power Ice rounds off BoltBeam coverage with Raikou's STAB moves, allowing it to hit threats such as Zygarde and Landorus. Hidden Power Grass is used specifically to hit Manaphy with an Electric immunity preventing Raikou from being setup bait for it, and also to beat Water / Ground types.
Set Details
========
Assault Vest is the preferred item to help Raikou with its job of switching into Pokemon, particularly special attackers. Choice Specs can be used to increase Raikou's damage output, making it more threatening. It doesn't miss the ability to switch moves too much, as it usually wants to use its STAB moves anyway. Primordial Sea allows Raikou to switch in on Fire-types like Heatran and Victini, which greatly adds to Raikou's pivoting capabilities. Additionally, it gives a much-needed boost to Raikou's STAB moves, as it allows Raikou to use Thunder over Thunderbolt. Alternatively, Regenerator gives Raikou more longevity; although it doesn't let it beat any additional Pokemon, it helps it check them for a longer time. A Timid nature is used to maximize Raikou's Speed. The EVs are used to allow Raikou to hit as hard and as fast as possible. The leftover EVs are put into HP to increase its general bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Even though it resists Brave Bird, don't switch Raikou into Gale Wings Pokemon recklessly, as it may fail to absorb two consecutive blows due to its low Defense. It can only safely switch into Skarmory, so don't use it as your only Flying-type check. When using Primordial Sea, preserve Raikou when facing a weather team, as it can easily stop sweeps by stopping the weather. Raikou checks a lot of special attackers, so don't be afraid to switch it in on them, unless you need to keep it healthy, as it's a great way to put exert pressure and get momentum. Against most teams, it's wise to spam Electric moves. They allow Raikou to either do quite some damage or get momentum. However, watch out when the opponent has a Pokemon that often runs Volt Absorb or Motor Drive, particularly Manaphy. Raikou can outspeed and KO a lot of the Ground-types it wants to hit with Hidden Power Ice, so they aren't a huge problem. Especially when using Regenerator, spam Volt Switch to gain momentum and get health back at the same time. With Primordial Sea Raikou puts a lot of pressure on Heatran and Victini, deterring them from using Fire-type moves. It can take all attacks from Heatran pretty easily, but you can't switch it in on Victini's Choice-Band-boosted U-turn too often. When playing against stall teams, don't rely on Raikou to do any damage to the opposing team, as it can't hurt Pokemon like Goodra or Chansey at all. Rather, try to switch it in when you need it to absorb a hit with something and use Volt Switch to get chip damage. With Volt Switch Raikou can bring in wallbreakers that have trouble coming in safely, even if Volt Switch itself doesn't do major damage.
Team Options
========
Raikou is usually used on balanced or offensive teams to absorb hits and easily gain momentum. It shouldn't be used on other teams because it's not bulky enough to wall threats throughout the match. Gale Wings Skarmory makes a good core with Raikou, as it's able to keep up the offensive pressure with Swords Dance, can check the physical attackers that threaten Raikou, and has good type synergy with it. In general, Raikou likes to have a Pokemon to absorb physical hits on the team. It also appreciates having a strong wallbreaker like Latios or Heracross on the team, which it can easily bring in on walls via Volt Switch while they help Raikou to tear down stall teams in return. Entry-hazard stacking works well in combination with Raikou because Raikou forces a lot of switches. Ferrothorn and Deoxys are examples of Pokemon that can support Raikou with Spikes. Similarly, Raikou likes hazard removal. As it's grounded and tends to switch in a lot, it will be hurt badly by a combination of Stealth Rock and Spikes. This will prevent Raikou from switching in as easily and thus make it harder for your team to absorb special hits. Starmie is a good option for an offensive Rapid Spin user, while the aforementioned Skarmory can support it with Defog. Raikou synergizes well with U-turn and other Volt Switch users, like Victini, because they can keep switching to each other while checking whatever is on the field.
[SET]
name: Magnet Pull
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Aura Sphere
move 4: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Rash
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Raikou's best reliable STAB move. It allows Raikou to hit many threats for decent damage and hits most Steel-types neutrally. Volt Switch is used for pivoting and inflicting chip damage when Raikou is not facing a Steel-type and can't beat the threat. Aura Sphere is used to hit Steel-types super effectively, allowing Raikou to trap them more efficiently. Specifically, it's its best move versus common threats like Ferrothorn and Heatran. The final slot can go to multiple moves. Shadow Ball is one of Raikou's stronger coverage moves and has great coverage with Aura Sphere. It can be used to hit Pokemon like Latios and Doublade hard. A Hidden Power can round out specific coverage. Ice has great coverage with Raikou's Electric STAB moves and makes it perform better against Ground-types, while Grass is useful against Ground-types too, like Hippowdon, but doesn't make Raikou setup fodder for Motor Drive Manaphy. However, Pokemon like Zygarde will have an easier time against you.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is the best option on this set, as Raikou needs it to do its job of removing Steel-types well. With Choice Specs, it can 2HKO Heatran and Ferrothorn, even with maximum Special Defense investment, while without this power boost, many Pokemon will avoid the OHKO or 2HKO, making Raikou unable to beat them at times. Magnet Pull allows Raikou to trap the Steel-types it can usually easily switch in on and KO them. Rash is the nature on this set, as Aura Sphere is event locked into it. Sadly, this makes Raikou unable to outspeed Pokemon with base 110 Speed, but Aura Sphere's importance for this set usually outweighs this. If you don't feel like you need it, you can use Timid to outspeed everything up to base 115 Speed, though. The EVs are fairly straightforward: . Raikou needs maximum Speed to outspeed positive-natured base 100s by one point, while the Special Attack EVs maximize its damage output, as Raikou is fairly weak otherwise. The final 4 EVs are put into HP to give Raikou a little more bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Raikou is able to switch in on Skarmory and defensive variants of Heatran quite well, so don't be afraid to do so to remove them for your team. More offensive Steel-types need more caution to trap, but after a KO or a free switch, Raikou can revenge kill Pokemon like Genesect and Lucario quite well. Don't let Lucario boost, though, as Raikou isn't bulky enough to tank boosted Extreme Speed. Be aware that Raikou can't trap Doublade due to its secondary Ghost typing. Be careful with what you lock Raikou in; don't lock it into an Electric STAB move if a Pokemon with an Electric immunity like Manaphy with Volt Absorb or Motor Drive is on the opposing team. Volt Switch is safe to use, though, if you've trapped something. Aura Sphere is less risky, but it can give momentum to your opponent if they have a Ghost-type like Gengar or Hoopa, both of which can put enormous offensive pressure on your team. Raikou's other moves are quite weak, so they can be taken advantage of as well. When you don't have to trap Steel-types anymore, you can generally play quite recklessly with Raikou unless you need it to revenge kill a threat like Victini. You can put a lot of pressure on the opponent by getting Raikou in on Pokemon it threatens and outspeeds and using Volt Switch to gain momentum. Raikou can also function as a catch-all lead, often being able to get a positive matchup by just Volt Switching out of most foes. Raikou can't damage most opponents on stall teams well. Try to take out their Steel-type if possible, and spam Volt Switch otherwise to get your other Pokemon in safely. You don't need to be careful with Raikou once their Steel-type has been removed.
Team Options
========
This Raikou set should be used to support Pokemon that dislike Steel-types. Gale Wings users such as Braviary and Honchkrow are good partners for this reason. These Pokemon also cover Raikou's Ground weakness. This Raikou set fits best on offensive teams, as it can pressure the opponent and gain momentum pretty easily. As Raikou can provide free switches with Volt Switch, strong sweepers such as Lucario like its presence. Motor Drive Manaphy and Ground-types tend to switch in on Raikou, so having something to take them on is a must. Pokemon like Shaymin-S can switch in on their STAB moves and hit them super effectively with their own, but they can't switch in on Manaphy's Ice Beam. Wallbreakers also enjoy the presence of Raikou on a team. It can get them in safely so they can try to break the opponent's team. Latios is a good example that also enjoys Raikou's ability to weaken Steel-types.
Other Options
=============
Levitate, Thick Fat, Desolate Land, and similar abilities can be run to give Raikou resistances or immunities to types a team struggles with. Desolate Land also gives Raikou a Fire-type Weather Ball. Weather Ball can also be used on the Primordial Sea set to beat Ground-types more easily. Intimidate is another good option to let Raikou switch in on physical attackers better. If you want an increased damage output, a Sheer Force set with Life Orb is an option; however, its power is still not great. Nevertheless, it can be a viable cleaner. Extrasensory is an option to hit Poison- and Fighting-types, although most are hit hard enough by Raikou's STAB moves. Raikou could run a mixed set with Refrigerate Extreme Speed, giving it a good tool against Gale Wings users to avoid taking damage. However, it is extremely weak, so its niche is limited. Light Screen and Reflect are viable options on Raikou, as it can set them up pretty easily when forcing something out and can use Volt Switch to bring in other Pokemon that want the support. Calm Mind can help Raikou clean teams late-game when it is done pivoting. Poison Heal is often a good option on such a set for some passive recovery while being unable to be worn down by status. Finally, Mold Breaker can be used to get past Volt Absorb and Motor Drive Pokemon, specifically Manaphy; however, it doesn't do much otherwise.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Manaphy**: Motor Drive Manaphy can wall Raikou while possibly getting a Speed boost from its STAB moves. Afterwards, it can set up and possibly sweep your team, so be extremely careful when facing it.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Zygarde can stop Raikou from getting momentum. The former two do not fear Hidden Power Ice that much, while the latter can revenge kill Raikou with Extreme Speed if it is at low health.
**Special Walls**: Raikou has no good way of getting past special walls. Although its attacks have decent power, it's nothing extraordinary. Therefore, Pokemon like Chansey and Goodra can easily wall Raikou the entire match.
**Extreme Speed Users**: Raikou's physical bulk is disappointing, so Extreme Speed users can often pick it off when it's taken a bit of damage. Dragonite and Entei are good users of the move and can even switch in on Raikou in a pinch.
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