Here's a guest appearance by Aurorus in GCN's "Dino Dino Jungle" from 2003:
[OVERVIEW]
Aurorus is blessed with two amazing abilities that allow it to perform many different roles. Refrigerate boosts Aurorus's Normal-type moves to frightening levels of power and turns them into Ice-type attacks, which are already rather hard to switch into in NU, while Snow Warning allows Aurorus to disrupt other weathers such as rain and sun, act as a fantastic weather supporter on hail teams, perform the role of a suicide lead capable of breaking Focus Sash without attacking, and cripple Pokemon such as Gourgeist, Musharna, and Vileplume that rely on weather-based recovery moves for healing. In addition, Aurorus has access to fantastic coverage options for both physical and special attacking sets, which makes switching into it safely very difficult. Aurorus also acts as a great offensive check to some Flying-types in the tier, specifically the ever-dangerous Fletchinder; despite its lackluster typing, due to its high HP stat it's bulky enough to take most strong neutral hits. Unfortunately, Aurorus possesses one of the worst possible defensive typings. Not only is Aurorus weak to Stealth Rock, it's also weak to common offensive types such as Grass, Water, and Ground, as well as having a nasty 4x weakness to both Fighting and Steel. Aurorus is also rather slow, even with a Choice Scarf equipped.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice / Blizzard
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Frost Breath
item: Choice Specs
ability: Refrigerate / Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hyper Voice is the most powerful STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost and allows Aurorus to bypass Substitute. If Snow Warning is the chosen ability, Blizzard is Aurorus's main STAB move; it hits roughly as hard as Refrigerate Hyper Voice after factoring in end-of-turn residual damage from hail. Earth Power gives fantastic coverage alongside Hyper Voice or Blizzard, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. Freeze-Dry is used to hit Water-types such as Prinplup and Lanturn super effectively. The last move is up to preference, as Aurorus only really needs its first three moves to be effective. Frost Breath is useful to break Calm Mind users such as Uxie or Musharna even once they have boosted their Special Defense. Psychic allows Aurorus to 2HKO Assault Vest Hariyama after Stealth Rock, which is noteworthy, as Thick Fat Hariyama is one of the most common Ice-type switch-ins in NU. Sleep Talk can be used to turn Aurorus into a sleep absorber. Ancient Power can be used to hit Ice-type Pokemon such as Articuno and Cryogonal harder, as well as offer a chance for boosts.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is used to hit as hard as possible off the bat. Aurorus is generally used as a hit-and-run attacker, so being able to change moves isn't crucial to its success. The choice between Snow Warning and Refrigerate comes down to residual damage from hail, Hyper Voice's superior PP, and Hyper Voice's ability to hit through Substitutes. Refrigerate is the better choice if you are concerned about the rest of the team taking hail damage or about Blizzard's measly 8 PP or want to bypass Substitute with Hyper Voice. However, if Aurorus's teammates don't mind hail damage, Snow Warning can be run to disrupt weather-based healing moves, such as Synthesis and Moonlight, and opposing weather teams. The given EV spread allows Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock five times while having maximum attacking power and Speed. Aurorus doesn't need the additional Speed granted by a Timid nature because it would not outspeed anything relevant with the added Speed, and the boost in power provided by a Modest nature is extremely helpful.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Aurorus in on free switches or on weak or resisted hits from Pokemon that can't seriously threaten it, such as Xatu, Fletchinder, and Swellow. Use Hyper Voice liberally, as very little can switch into it repeatedly. If your opponent has an offensive threat that Aurorus is needed to check, be sure to preserve Aurorus and keep entry hazards off your side of the field.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Sawk pair well with Aurorus to break defensive cores, and especially with Snow Warning Aurorus, which limits the recovery of popular Pokemon that resist Fighting. Setup sweepers such as Fletchinder, Klinklang, and Gurdurr enjoy Aurorus's ability to soften up walls and make sweeping late-game a lot easier. Keeping Stealth Rock off the field is crucial for Aurorus, as it is actually quite bulky at full HP even with no investment; due to its hit-and-run style, losing 25% of its HP every time it switches in is very detrimental. Some viable entry hazard removers include Kabutops, Pelipper, and Prinplup.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Freeze-Dry / Encore
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Aurorus finds ample opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as it forces plenty of switches against slower Pokemon. It also gives hail teams a hail setter and Stealth Rock user in one slot. With Snow Warning, Blizzard is Aurorus's most powerful and reliable STAB move. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types such as Mantine, Prinplup, and Pelipper super effectively, preventing them from Defogging against Aurorus. Earth Power hits Fire- and Steel-types such as Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile, which otherwise wall Aurorus, super effectively. Encore can be effective when Aurorus is used as a lead to lock slower leads into Stealth Rock and prevents foes from setting up boosts. Rock Tomb can be used as well, as it allows Aurorus to deal heavy damage to and slow down Cryogonal, which would otherwise be able to spin away Stealth Rock. However, Encore and Freeze-Dry are generally more effective, as being able to beat Cryogonal is only a very situational benefit.
Set Details
========
The hail damage from Snow Warning allows Aurorus to beat lead Archeops and Crustle in one turn, meaning Aurorus works as a fantastic counterlead to common entry hazard leads. A Timid nature should be used if running Rock Tomb in order to outspeed the likes of Cryogonal and Pyroar after the Speed drop.
Usage Tips
========
This Aurorus functions best as a lead in order to get up Stealth Rock and capitalize on its excellent matchup versus common entry hazard setters and removers. Setting up Stealth Rock is the first priority, as it gets important chip damage on the opposing team, and it is generally a fairly safe move to go for even if your opponent has a Xatu, as they will be extremely hesitant to switch into Aurorus in fear of a Blizzard. Utilize Aurorus's coverage moves and utility in order to keep up Stealth Rock by scaring away Defog users with a potential Freeze-Dry or slowing down Cryogonal wit Rock Tomb in order to prevent it from effectively using Rapid Spin. An additional thing to keep in mind is that it can be worth preserving Aurorus even if it is at low HP, as Snow Warning can break Focus Sash or Sturdy later.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Aurorus's ability to set up Stealth Rock and wear down Ice-type resistances include Jynx, Fletchinder, Scyther, and Articuno. Other offensive teammates that appreciate Stealth Rock include Tauros, Magmortar, Mismagius, Pyroar, Kabutops, and Pinsir. While Aurorus matches up well against lead hazard setters, it's still a wise idea to bring an offensive hazard remover to help support Aurorus, in the event that it's able to switch out and keep its Focus Sash intact. Good examples are Kabutops and Claydol.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Rock Slide
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Blizzard is Aurorus's most powerful and reliable STAB move when using Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types such as Ludicolo and Poliwrath super effectively. Earth Power hits Fire- and Steel-types such as Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile, which easily take Aurorus's Ice-type STAB moves, super effectively. Rock Slide targets the likes of Cryogonal, Articuno, and Jynx while doing considerable damage to Regice and Lapras—all Pokemon that otherwise give Aurorus trouble.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are needed to outspeed base 105 and 110 Speed Pokemon such as Archeops, Pyroar, Mismagius, and Scyther. Maximum Special Attack is used to hit as hard as possible. Snow Warning allows Choice Scarf Aurorus to beat weather sweepers such as Victreebel, Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Exeggutor by replacing the current weather condition with hail and subsequently outspeeding them.
Usage Tips
========
This set's main function is to stop opposing weather teams. Bring it in on a weather sweeper, remove their weather, and KO them or force them out. This set is best used as a revenge killer, as Aurorus cannot switch into many attacks and manual weather setting activates after Snow Warning. Despite being most effective at revenge killing weather sweepers, it's also effective at revenge killing various fast offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Liepard, and Lilligant.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Sawk and Hariyama appreciate that two of their common counters, Musharna and Vileplume, have their recovery cut in half during hail, making these Pokemon much easier to wear down. Aurorus can sweep late-game once Pokemon that resist Ice have been worn down, so pairing Aurorus with Pokemon such as Nasty Plot Jynx and Life Orb Vanilluxe can help with a late-game Blizzard sweep; however, with more than once Ice-type on the team, entry hazard removal from the likes of Kabutops and Prinplup becomes very important.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Return
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Refrigerate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is the most powerful physical STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost. Earthquake gives fantastic coverage alongside Return, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, and Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. It also allows Aurorus to hit Lanturn super effectively. Zen Headbutt allows Aurorus to 2HKO Hariyama and Poliwrath, both of which would otherwise wall it. Stone Edge is used to hit Water-types such as Prinplup hard, with two of the most popular defensive Water-types, Pelipper and Mantine, being hit super effectively. In general Stone Edge is the best neutral coverage move Aurorus has for the fourth slot. Facade can also be used over Stone Edge, as it prevents Aurorus from becoming useless after it has been burned by the likes of Fletchinder.
Set Details
========
Choice Band is used to hit as hard as possible off the bat. Aurorus is generally used as a hit-and-run attacker, so being able to change moves isn't crucial to its success. The given EV spread allows Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock five times while having maximum attacking power and Speed. Aurorus doesn't need the additional Speed granted by a Jolly nature because this would not allow it to outspeed anything relevant, and the boost in power provided by an Adamant nature is extremely helpful.
Usage Tips
========
People may expect Aurorus to be using special moves, which you can use to your advantage by scoring surprise KOs, such as by luring in special walls or Pokemon that resist Ice. Bring Aurorus in free switches or on weak or resisted hits from Pokemon that cannot seriously threaten it, such as Xatu and Swellow. Be sure to keep entry hazards off the field in order to maintain Aurorus's longevity if your opponent has a threat such as Scyther or Swellow, which Aurorus can check.
Team Options
========
Keeping Stealth Rock off the field is crucial for Aurorus, as it is quite bulky at full HP even with no investment; due to its hit-and-run style, losing 25% of its HP every time it switches in is very detrimental. Some viable entry hazard removers include Kabutops, Pelipper, and Prinplup. This set is less of a switch-in to Fletchinder, as it is crippled by Will-O-Wisp; therefore, it would be a wise idea to pair it with additional Fletchinder checks.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Hyper Voice / Nature Power
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Earth Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish attempts to remedy Aurorus's low Speed stat and give it the chance to sweep the opponent's team with Aurorus's power and coverage moves. Hyper Voice is the most powerful STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost. It also allows Aurorus to bypass Substitute. Nature Power is also very useful on a Rock Polish set, as the lack of power is less crucial when cleaning up late-game and being able to bypass Sucker Punch from the likes of Cacturne, Kangaskhan, and Pawniard can be vital. Earth Power gives fantastic coverage alongside Hyper Voice or Nature Power, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. Freeze-Dry is used to hit Water-types super effectively, including Pelipper and Mantine, which are 4x weak to it.
Set Details
========
Life Orb and a Modest nature are used to give Aurorus as much attacking power as possible. Refrigerate is used to capitalize on Hyper Voice's ability to bypass Substitute and greater PP than Blizzard, as well as not having Aurorus's main STAB move be weather dependent. Hyper Voice's immediate damage is preferable to Blizzard's chip damage, as Rock Polish Aurorus cannot afford to wait for hail to claim KOs.
Usage Tips
========
Do not attempt to sweep until anything that can revenge kill Aurorus, such as Pokemon that can outspeed it even at +2 or that have access to strong priority, have been knocked out. Bring Aurorus in on a free switch, such as from a U-turn or Volt Switch or after a teammate has been knocked out, or on a weak or resisted hit from a Pokemon that cannot seriously threaten it, such as Xatu, Swellow, or Fletchinder.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that generate free turns are very helpful for Aurorus to set up. A great example is Uxie with Yawn and U-turn. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk, Magmortar, and mixed Samurott can help weaken the opposing team for Aurorus to sweep. Pokemon that can wear down common problematic priority users such as Kabutops, Hariyama, Gurdurr, and Samurott are good partners. Garbodor does this job nicely, as the chip damage it inflicts with Rocky Helmet, Aftermath, and hazards quickly wears down common priority users, allowing Aurorus to sweep freely. Ferroseed can also beat non-Fighting-type priority users, notably Kabutops, which is a problem for Aurorus and Garbodor.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Icy Rock is an option when Stealth Rock Aurorus is used as a lead, as it prolongs hail to a much more usable duration. However, on an offensive team, where Aurorus's goal is to break through opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock, Focus Sash is crucially important. A physical Rock Polish set is a possibility, but it faces stiff competition from Shell Smash users such as Huntail, Carracosta, and Barbaracle. Note that Thunderbolt is never stronger than Freeze-Dry versus Water- or Flying-types thanks to Freeze-Dry getting STAB, so it should never be used.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Aurorus's poor defensive typing, it is not hard to revenge kill before it has set up a Rock Polish. Pokemon such as Sawk, Ludicolo, Klinklang, Archeops, Kangaskhan, and Samurott can all revenge kill Aurorus easily.
**Priority**: Aurorus is weak to Aqua Jet, Mach Punch, and Bullet Punch, so it's rather easy to revenge kill even if Aurorus has already set up a Rock Polish. Common users of these moves include Gurdurr, Hariyama, Basculin, Carracosta, and Samurott.
**Bulky Pokemon that Resist Ice**: Thick Fat Hariyama only has to fear Psychic from the Choice Specs set and can retaliate with Close Combat or Bullet Punch. The Choice Band set gives it more trouble, but it can still survive any hit and threaten to OHKO back with Bullet Punch. Offensive Articuno can switch into any of Aurorus's attacks barring Stone Edge and stall Aurorus out of PP with Pressure. Cryogonal can shrug off any hit specially offensive Aurorus throws at it and stall it out with Toxic and Recover; however, it has to be wary of physical sets.
[OVERVIEW]
Aurorus is blessed with two amazing abilities that allow it to perform many different roles. Refrigerate boosts Aurorus's Normal-type moves to frightening levels of power and turns them into Ice-type attacks, which are already rather hard to switch into in NU, while Snow Warning allows Aurorus to disrupt other weathers such as rain and sun, act as a fantastic weather supporter on hail teams, perform the role of a suicide lead capable of breaking Focus Sash without attacking, and cripple Pokemon such as Gourgeist, Musharna, and Vileplume that rely on weather-based recovery moves for healing. In addition, Aurorus has access to fantastic coverage options for both physical and special attacking sets, which makes switching into it safely very difficult. Aurorus also acts as a great offensive check to some Flying-types in the tier, specifically the ever-dangerous Fletchinder; despite its lackluster typing, due to its high HP stat it's bulky enough to take most strong neutral hits. Unfortunately, Aurorus possesses one of the worst possible defensive typings. Not only is Aurorus weak to Stealth Rock, it's also weak to common offensive types such as Grass, Water, and Ground, as well as having a nasty 4x weakness to both Fighting and Steel. Aurorus is also rather slow, even with a Choice Scarf equipped.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hyper Voice / Blizzard
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Frost Breath
item: Choice Specs
ability: Refrigerate / Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hyper Voice is the most powerful STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost and allows Aurorus to bypass Substitute. If Snow Warning is the chosen ability, Blizzard is Aurorus's main STAB move; it hits roughly as hard as Refrigerate Hyper Voice after factoring in end-of-turn residual damage from hail. Earth Power gives fantastic coverage alongside Hyper Voice or Blizzard, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. Freeze-Dry is used to hit Water-types such as Prinplup and Lanturn super effectively. The last move is up to preference, as Aurorus only really needs its first three moves to be effective. Frost Breath is useful to break Calm Mind users such as Uxie or Musharna even once they have boosted their Special Defense. Psychic allows Aurorus to 2HKO Assault Vest Hariyama after Stealth Rock, which is noteworthy, as Thick Fat Hariyama is one of the most common Ice-type switch-ins in NU. Sleep Talk can be used to turn Aurorus into a sleep absorber. Ancient Power can be used to hit Ice-type Pokemon such as Articuno and Cryogonal harder, as well as offer a chance for boosts.
Set Details
========
Choice Specs is used to hit as hard as possible off the bat. Aurorus is generally used as a hit-and-run attacker, so being able to change moves isn't crucial to its success. The choice between Snow Warning and Refrigerate comes down to residual damage from hail, Hyper Voice's superior PP, and Hyper Voice's ability to hit through Substitutes. Refrigerate is the better choice if you are concerned about the rest of the team taking hail damage or about Blizzard's measly 8 PP or want to bypass Substitute with Hyper Voice. However, if Aurorus's teammates don't mind hail damage, Snow Warning can be run to disrupt weather-based healing moves, such as Synthesis and Moonlight, and opposing weather teams. The given EV spread allows Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock five times while having maximum attacking power and Speed. Aurorus doesn't need the additional Speed granted by a Timid nature because it would not outspeed anything relevant with the added Speed, and the boost in power provided by a Modest nature is extremely helpful.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Aurorus in on free switches or on weak or resisted hits from Pokemon that can't seriously threaten it, such as Xatu, Fletchinder, and Swellow. Use Hyper Voice liberally, as very little can switch into it repeatedly. If your opponent has an offensive threat that Aurorus is needed to check, be sure to preserve Aurorus and keep entry hazards off your side of the field.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Sawk pair well with Aurorus to break defensive cores, and especially with Snow Warning Aurorus, which limits the recovery of popular Pokemon that resist Fighting. Setup sweepers such as Fletchinder, Klinklang, and Gurdurr enjoy Aurorus's ability to soften up walls and make sweeping late-game a lot easier. Keeping Stealth Rock off the field is crucial for Aurorus, as it is actually quite bulky at full HP even with no investment; due to its hit-and-run style, losing 25% of its HP every time it switches in is very detrimental. Some viable entry hazard removers include Kabutops, Pelipper, and Prinplup.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Blizzard
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Freeze-Dry / Encore
item: Focus Sash
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Aurorus finds ample opportunities to set up Stealth Rock, as it forces plenty of switches against slower Pokemon. It also gives hail teams a hail setter and Stealth Rock user in one slot. With Snow Warning, Blizzard is Aurorus's most powerful and reliable STAB move. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types such as Mantine, Prinplup, and Pelipper super effectively, preventing them from Defogging against Aurorus. Earth Power hits Fire- and Steel-types such as Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile, which otherwise wall Aurorus, super effectively. Encore can be effective when Aurorus is used as a lead to lock slower leads into Stealth Rock and prevents foes from setting up boosts. Rock Tomb can be used as well, as it allows Aurorus to deal heavy damage to and slow down Cryogonal, which would otherwise be able to spin away Stealth Rock. However, Encore and Freeze-Dry are generally more effective, as being able to beat Cryogonal is only a very situational benefit.
Set Details
========
The hail damage from Snow Warning allows Aurorus to beat lead Archeops and Crustle in one turn, meaning Aurorus works as a fantastic counterlead to common entry hazard leads. A Timid nature should be used if running Rock Tomb in order to outspeed the likes of Cryogonal and Pyroar after the Speed drop.
Usage Tips
========
This Aurorus functions best as a lead in order to get up Stealth Rock and capitalize on its excellent matchup versus common entry hazard setters and removers. Setting up Stealth Rock is the first priority, as it gets important chip damage on the opposing team, and it is generally a fairly safe move to go for even if your opponent has a Xatu, as they will be extremely hesitant to switch into Aurorus in fear of a Blizzard. Utilize Aurorus's coverage moves and utility in order to keep up Stealth Rock by scaring away Defog users with a potential Freeze-Dry or slowing down Cryogonal wit Rock Tomb in order to prevent it from effectively using Rapid Spin. An additional thing to keep in mind is that it can be worth preserving Aurorus even if it is at low HP, as Snow Warning can break Focus Sash or Sturdy later.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon that appreciate Aurorus's ability to set up Stealth Rock and wear down Ice-type resistances include Jynx, Fletchinder, Scyther, and Articuno. Other offensive teammates that appreciate Stealth Rock include Tauros, Magmortar, Mismagius, Pyroar, Kabutops, and Pinsir. While Aurorus matches up well against lead hazard setters, it's still a wise idea to bring an offensive hazard remover to help support Aurorus, in the event that it's able to switch out and keep its Focus Sash intact. Good examples are Kabutops and Claydol.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Freeze-Dry
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Rock Slide
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Snow Warning
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Blizzard is Aurorus's most powerful and reliable STAB move when using Snow Warning. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types such as Ludicolo and Poliwrath super effectively. Earth Power hits Fire- and Steel-types such as Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile, which easily take Aurorus's Ice-type STAB moves, super effectively. Rock Slide targets the likes of Cryogonal, Articuno, and Jynx while doing considerable damage to Regice and Lapras—all Pokemon that otherwise give Aurorus trouble.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are needed to outspeed base 105 and 110 Speed Pokemon such as Archeops, Pyroar, Mismagius, and Scyther. Maximum Special Attack is used to hit as hard as possible. Snow Warning allows Choice Scarf Aurorus to beat weather sweepers such as Victreebel, Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Exeggutor by replacing the current weather condition with hail and subsequently outspeeding them.
Usage Tips
========
This set's main function is to stop opposing weather teams. Bring it in on a weather sweeper, remove their weather, and KO them or force them out. This set is best used as a revenge killer, as Aurorus cannot switch into many attacks and manual weather setting activates after Snow Warning. Despite being most effective at revenge killing weather sweepers, it's also effective at revenge killing various fast offensive Pokemon such as Archeops, Liepard, and Lilligant.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Sawk and Hariyama appreciate that two of their common counters, Musharna and Vileplume, have their recovery cut in half during hail, making these Pokemon much easier to wear down. Aurorus can sweep late-game once Pokemon that resist Ice have been worn down, so pairing Aurorus with Pokemon such as Nasty Plot Jynx and Life Orb Vanilluxe can help with a late-game Blizzard sweep; however, with more than once Ice-type on the team, entry hazard removal from the likes of Kabutops and Prinplup becomes very important.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Return
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Refrigerate
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is the most powerful physical STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost. Earthquake gives fantastic coverage alongside Return, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, and Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. It also allows Aurorus to hit Lanturn super effectively. Zen Headbutt allows Aurorus to 2HKO Hariyama and Poliwrath, both of which would otherwise wall it. Stone Edge is used to hit Water-types such as Prinplup hard, with two of the most popular defensive Water-types, Pelipper and Mantine, being hit super effectively. In general Stone Edge is the best neutral coverage move Aurorus has for the fourth slot. Facade can also be used over Stone Edge, as it prevents Aurorus from becoming useless after it has been burned by the likes of Fletchinder.
Set Details
========
Choice Band is used to hit as hard as possible off the bat. Aurorus is generally used as a hit-and-run attacker, so being able to change moves isn't crucial to its success. The given EV spread allows Aurorus to switch into Stealth Rock five times while having maximum attacking power and Speed. Aurorus doesn't need the additional Speed granted by a Jolly nature because this would not allow it to outspeed anything relevant, and the boost in power provided by an Adamant nature is extremely helpful.
Usage Tips
========
People may expect Aurorus to be using special moves, which you can use to your advantage by scoring surprise KOs, such as by luring in special walls or Pokemon that resist Ice. Bring Aurorus in free switches or on weak or resisted hits from Pokemon that cannot seriously threaten it, such as Xatu and Swellow. Be sure to keep entry hazards off the field in order to maintain Aurorus's longevity if your opponent has a threat such as Scyther or Swellow, which Aurorus can check.
Team Options
========
Keeping Stealth Rock off the field is crucial for Aurorus, as it is quite bulky at full HP even with no investment; due to its hit-and-run style, losing 25% of its HP every time it switches in is very detrimental. Some viable entry hazard removers include Kabutops, Pelipper, and Prinplup. This set is less of a switch-in to Fletchinder, as it is crippled by Will-O-Wisp; therefore, it would be a wise idea to pair it with additional Fletchinder checks.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Hyper Voice / Nature Power
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Earth Power
item: Life Orb
ability: Refrigerate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish attempts to remedy Aurorus's low Speed stat and give it the chance to sweep the opponent's team with Aurorus's power and coverage moves. Hyper Voice is the most powerful STAB move Aurorus gets thanks to the Refrigerate boost. It also allows Aurorus to bypass Substitute. Nature Power is also very useful on a Rock Polish set, as the lack of power is less crucial when cleaning up late-game and being able to bypass Sucker Punch from the likes of Cacturne, Kangaskhan, and Pawniard can be vital. Earth Power gives fantastic coverage alongside Hyper Voice or Nature Power, as it allows Aurorus to hit Steel- and Fire-types such as Klinklang, Mawile, and Magmortar super effectively. Freeze-Dry is used to hit Water-types super effectively, including Pelipper and Mantine, which are 4x weak to it.
Set Details
========
Life Orb and a Modest nature are used to give Aurorus as much attacking power as possible. Refrigerate is used to capitalize on Hyper Voice's ability to bypass Substitute and greater PP than Blizzard, as well as not having Aurorus's main STAB move be weather dependent. Hyper Voice's immediate damage is preferable to Blizzard's chip damage, as Rock Polish Aurorus cannot afford to wait for hail to claim KOs.
Usage Tips
========
Do not attempt to sweep until anything that can revenge kill Aurorus, such as Pokemon that can outspeed it even at +2 or that have access to strong priority, have been knocked out. Bring Aurorus in on a free switch, such as from a U-turn or Volt Switch or after a teammate has been knocked out, or on a weak or resisted hit from a Pokemon that cannot seriously threaten it, such as Xatu, Swellow, or Fletchinder.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that generate free turns are very helpful for Aurorus to set up. A great example is Uxie with Yawn and U-turn. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk, Magmortar, and mixed Samurott can help weaken the opposing team for Aurorus to sweep. Pokemon that can wear down common problematic priority users such as Kabutops, Hariyama, Gurdurr, and Samurott are good partners. Garbodor does this job nicely, as the chip damage it inflicts with Rocky Helmet, Aftermath, and hazards quickly wears down common priority users, allowing Aurorus to sweep freely. Ferroseed can also beat non-Fighting-type priority users, notably Kabutops, which is a problem for Aurorus and Garbodor.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Icy Rock is an option when Stealth Rock Aurorus is used as a lead, as it prolongs hail to a much more usable duration. However, on an offensive team, where Aurorus's goal is to break through opposing leads and set up Stealth Rock, Focus Sash is crucially important. A physical Rock Polish set is a possibility, but it faces stiff competition from Shell Smash users such as Huntail, Carracosta, and Barbaracle. Note that Thunderbolt is never stronger than Freeze-Dry versus Water- or Flying-types thanks to Freeze-Dry getting STAB, so it should never be used.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: Due to Aurorus's poor defensive typing, it is not hard to revenge kill before it has set up a Rock Polish. Pokemon such as Sawk, Ludicolo, Klinklang, Archeops, Kangaskhan, and Samurott can all revenge kill Aurorus easily.
**Priority**: Aurorus is weak to Aqua Jet, Mach Punch, and Bullet Punch, so it's rather easy to revenge kill even if Aurorus has already set up a Rock Polish. Common users of these moves include Gurdurr, Hariyama, Basculin, Carracosta, and Samurott.
**Bulky Pokemon that Resist Ice**: Thick Fat Hariyama only has to fear Psychic from the Choice Specs set and can retaliate with Close Combat or Bullet Punch. The Choice Band set gives it more trouble, but it can still survive any hit and threaten to OHKO back with Bullet Punch. Offensive Articuno can switch into any of Aurorus's attacks barring Stone Edge and stall Aurorus out of PP with Pressure. Cryogonal can shrug off any hit specially offensive Aurorus throws at it and stall it out with Toxic and Recover; however, it has to be wary of physical sets.
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