[OVERVIEW]
Zeraora serves as a much-needed physical wallbreaker for Electric, bringing ample useful coverage moves and benefiting its team in means no other Electric-type can. Close Combat allows Zeraora to make waves in the Normal matchup, which Electric typically struggles with, especially in taking down Chansey. In addition, its access to Knock Off is extremely useful in further taking down the Normal defensive core, as well as removing items like Leftovers from other Pokemon that are looking to switch into Zeraora such as Hippowdon. Its blazing Speed allows it to outspeed nearly the entire unboosted metagame, barring Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Deoxys-S. It even can outspeed a few notable slower Choice Scarf users that threaten Electric such as Tapu Bulu. However, Zeraora's pure Electric typing leaves much to be desired, as it doesn't offer any unique beneficial secondary typing and leaves it very reliant on Plasma Fists as its strongest attack, except against foes weak to its coverage moves. Furthermore, its mediocre bulk means that it cannot easily switch into oncoming attacks except from Pokemon that do not threaten it at all, as it needs to remain healthy throughout the battle to continuously wallbreak. While Zeraora is Electric's go-to physical attacker, it still does face competition from the likes of Thundurus, which can very effectively remove Mega Venusaur and is overall very effective in the Poison matchup.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Plasma Fists
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Tail
item: Choice Band
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Plasma Fists is Zeraora's most powerful physical STAB attack, dealing huge damage to foes especially under Electric Terrain. Close Combat is extremely handy coverage for Zeraora, allowing it to take on bulky Normal- and Steel-types like Porygon2 and Ferrothorn. Knock Off most importantly hits Psychic-types like Latios for big damage while also providing utility by removing items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf. Iron Tail ensures Zeraora is effective against Fairy-types, most notably outspeeding and OHKOing Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu after minor chip while also helping with Mega Altaria; however, be wary of its low accuracy, only using it when completely necessary.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature ensures that Zeraora is as strong as possible while still outspeeding fast and threatening Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. Volt Absorb is Zeraora's only ability, which can come in handy with Plasma Fists's secondary effect and also prevents foes like Zapdos from using Volt Switch to gain momentum. Choice Band boosts Zeraora's Attack, which enables it to gain notable 2HKOs such as against Porygon2.
Usage Tips
========
As a physical wallbreaker, Zeraora is best used to continuously come in throughout the battle to force switches and deal huge blows while under Electric Terrain. Be sure to remove common Electric-immune Pokemon from the opponent's team such as Excadrill, Swampert, and Gliscor as soon as possible so that Zeraora can take full advantage of its powerful Plasma Fists in Electric Terrain. As Zeraora is the most vital Pokemon in the Normal matchup, use it sparingly to deal huge blows with Close Combat and take advantage of Knock Off to remove Eviolite from Chansey and Porygon2 to further aid its teammates in case it is unable to overcome the opponent alone. Take advantage of partners with a slow pivoting move such as Rotom-W and Zapdos to safely bring in Zeraora throughout the battle, giving Zeraora opportunities to wallbreak. Furthermore, avoid switching Zeraora directly into oncoming attacks, as it needs to remain healthy throughout the battle to be effective. In matchups where Zeraora is of little use such as Poison and Ground, try to take advantage of the utility of Knock Off as much as possible to attempt to disrupt the opposing team's item usage. Be wary of the defense drops that accompany Close Combat, as Zeraora will take huge blows following its use, leaving it easily checked, especially by Pokemon with priority such as Breloom and Dragonite. Considering Zeraora is a Choice-locked attacker, try to think ahead when choosing what move to use. An inappropriate choice can allow a foe to freely switch into Zeraora and can even allow a foe to punish Zeraora by using a setup move. Avoid burns at all costs, as they hinder Zeraora's physical prowess, inhibiting its function as a wallbreaker.
Team Options
========
As the vast majority of Electric-types are special attackers, they all vastly appreciate Zeraora's function as a physical wallbreaker to remove specially defensive walls such as Chansey. Air Balloon Alolan Golem is an excellent partner, as it serves the double purpose of both a Stealth Rock setter, slowly chipping down foes for Zeraora, and a trapper, notably trapping and removing Choice Scarf Excadrill for Zeraora. Tapu Koko is a very important Pokemon for every Electric team due to its ability to set Electric Terrain upon switching in, which further boosts Zeraora's Plasma Fists, making it an even more potent wallbreaker. It also serves very well in the Dragon matchup, where, with Zeroara, it can take down Pokemon that otherwise wall most Electric-types. Alolan Raichu is another great partner for Zeraora as a special sweeper that greatly appreciates Zeraora's ability to remove special walls. In addition, Alolan Raichu can check Pokemon faster than Zeraora, including Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Excadrill, while under Electric Terrain. Additionally, Alolan Raichu can take on Poison-types that Zeraora can't do much against such as Mega Venusaur and Nidoking. Rotom-W and Zapdos are both amazing defensive partners that together help deal with Electric-immune Pokemon that Zeraora has difficulty with such as Hippowdon and Landorus. In addition, they can remove entry hazards from the field, act as slow pivots, and neuter foes with status. Rotom-W in particular can also take on Ground-types that Zeraora is unable to deal with such as Gliscor and Hippowdon. Thundurus can be another effective teammate in helping deal with the troublesome Normal matchup by providing additional Knock Off support and Fighting-type coverage. Additionally, Thundurus can help deal with Mega Venusaur with a Supersonic Skystrike set for Zeraora to effectively rip through the remainder of Poison-type teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Outrage is a niche move that enables Zeraora to be more effective in the difficult Dragon matchup, most notably being able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Latias, an otherwise difficult Pokemon for Electric to handle, after prior chip damage. However, outside of this matchup, it seldom finds much use, and is setup bait for Dragon teams with Mega Altaria. Zeraora can also take advantage of a Bulk Up set alongside Flyinium Z and Bounce to act as a means of taking down Mega Venusaur, which otherwise walls Zeraora and most Electric-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-immune Pokemon**: As Zeraora is reliant on using its STAB move, Plasma Fists, under Electric Terrain to blast past foes, Electric-immune Pokemon such as Diggersby and Excadrill prevent Zeraora from being effective as a wallbreaker and force it to rely on its coverage moves to tackle them.
**Dragon- and Grass-types**: Zeraora finds little use against both Dragon- and Grass-types, as they resist its primary STAB attack. Although certain Pokemon like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn are threatened by Zeraora's typical coverage, it has difficulty dealing with Pokemon such as Garchomp and Mega Venusaur.
**Revenge Killers**: Although Zeraora has blazing high Speed, faster Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and most Choice Scarf Pokemon, including Victini and Excadrill, threaten Zeraora, forcing it out of the field.
**Burns**: As a physical wallbreaker, Zeraora is completely inhibited by burns, which prevent it from working as a wallbreaker at all. As such, it should avoid switching into Scald and should be wary of Will-O-Wisp.
*Protect**: As a Choice-locked attacker, Zeraora is prone to being scouted by opposing Protect users like Toxapex and Celesteela. This enables the opponent to freely switch out to a teammate that can take on whatever move Zeraora has chosen.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Moosical, 215618]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Decemm, 362454], [Eien, 100418]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Zeraora serves as a much-needed physical wallbreaker for Electric, bringing ample useful coverage moves and benefiting its team in means no other Electric-type can. Close Combat allows Zeraora to make waves in the Normal matchup, which Electric typically struggles with, especially in taking down Chansey. In addition, its access to Knock Off is extremely useful in further taking down the Normal defensive core, as well as removing items like Leftovers from other Pokemon that are looking to switch into Zeraora such as Hippowdon. Its blazing Speed allows it to outspeed nearly the entire unboosted metagame, barring Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and Deoxys-S. It even can outspeed a few notable slower Choice Scarf users that threaten Electric such as Tapu Bulu. However, Zeraora's pure Electric typing leaves much to be desired, as it doesn't offer any unique beneficial secondary typing and leaves it very reliant on Plasma Fists as its strongest attack, except against foes weak to its coverage moves. Furthermore, its mediocre bulk means that it cannot easily switch into oncoming attacks except from Pokemon that do not threaten it at all, as it needs to remain healthy throughout the battle to continuously wallbreak. While Zeraora is Electric's go-to physical attacker, it still does face competition from the likes of Thundurus, which can very effectively remove Mega Venusaur and is overall very effective in the Poison matchup.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Plasma Fists
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Iron Tail
item: Choice Band
ability: Volt Absorb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Plasma Fists is Zeraora's most powerful physical STAB attack, dealing huge damage to foes especially under Electric Terrain. Close Combat is extremely handy coverage for Zeraora, allowing it to take on bulky Normal- and Steel-types like Porygon2 and Ferrothorn. Knock Off most importantly hits Psychic-types like Latios for big damage while also providing utility by removing items such as Eviolite and Choice Scarf. Iron Tail ensures Zeraora is effective against Fairy-types, most notably outspeeding and OHKOing Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu after minor chip while also helping with Mega Altaria; however, be wary of its low accuracy, only using it when completely necessary.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature ensures that Zeraora is as strong as possible while still outspeeding fast and threatening Pokemon like Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. Volt Absorb is Zeraora's only ability, which can come in handy with Plasma Fists's secondary effect and also prevents foes like Zapdos from using Volt Switch to gain momentum. Choice Band boosts Zeraora's Attack, which enables it to gain notable 2HKOs such as against Porygon2.
Usage Tips
========
As a physical wallbreaker, Zeraora is best used to continuously come in throughout the battle to force switches and deal huge blows while under Electric Terrain. Be sure to remove common Electric-immune Pokemon from the opponent's team such as Excadrill, Swampert, and Gliscor as soon as possible so that Zeraora can take full advantage of its powerful Plasma Fists in Electric Terrain. As Zeraora is the most vital Pokemon in the Normal matchup, use it sparingly to deal huge blows with Close Combat and take advantage of Knock Off to remove Eviolite from Chansey and Porygon2 to further aid its teammates in case it is unable to overcome the opponent alone. Take advantage of partners with a slow pivoting move such as Rotom-W and Zapdos to safely bring in Zeraora throughout the battle, giving Zeraora opportunities to wallbreak. Furthermore, avoid switching Zeraora directly into oncoming attacks, as it needs to remain healthy throughout the battle to be effective. In matchups where Zeraora is of little use such as Poison and Ground, try to take advantage of the utility of Knock Off as much as possible to attempt to disrupt the opposing team's item usage. Be wary of the defense drops that accompany Close Combat, as Zeraora will take huge blows following its use, leaving it easily checked, especially by Pokemon with priority such as Breloom and Dragonite. Considering Zeraora is a Choice-locked attacker, try to think ahead when choosing what move to use. An inappropriate choice can allow a foe to freely switch into Zeraora and can even allow a foe to punish Zeraora by using a setup move. Avoid burns at all costs, as they hinder Zeraora's physical prowess, inhibiting its function as a wallbreaker.
Team Options
========
As the vast majority of Electric-types are special attackers, they all vastly appreciate Zeraora's function as a physical wallbreaker to remove specially defensive walls such as Chansey. Air Balloon Alolan Golem is an excellent partner, as it serves the double purpose of both a Stealth Rock setter, slowly chipping down foes for Zeraora, and a trapper, notably trapping and removing Choice Scarf Excadrill for Zeraora. Tapu Koko is a very important Pokemon for every Electric team due to its ability to set Electric Terrain upon switching in, which further boosts Zeraora's Plasma Fists, making it an even more potent wallbreaker. It also serves very well in the Dragon matchup, where, with Zeroara, it can take down Pokemon that otherwise wall most Electric-types. Alolan Raichu is another great partner for Zeraora as a special sweeper that greatly appreciates Zeraora's ability to remove special walls. In addition, Alolan Raichu can check Pokemon faster than Zeraora, including Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Excadrill, while under Electric Terrain. Additionally, Alolan Raichu can take on Poison-types that Zeraora can't do much against such as Mega Venusaur and Nidoking. Rotom-W and Zapdos are both amazing defensive partners that together help deal with Electric-immune Pokemon that Zeraora has difficulty with such as Hippowdon and Landorus. In addition, they can remove entry hazards from the field, act as slow pivots, and neuter foes with status. Rotom-W in particular can also take on Ground-types that Zeraora is unable to deal with such as Gliscor and Hippowdon. Thundurus can be another effective teammate in helping deal with the troublesome Normal matchup by providing additional Knock Off support and Fighting-type coverage. Additionally, Thundurus can help deal with Mega Venusaur with a Supersonic Skystrike set for Zeraora to effectively rip through the remainder of Poison-type teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Outrage is a niche move that enables Zeraora to be more effective in the difficult Dragon matchup, most notably being able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Latias, an otherwise difficult Pokemon for Electric to handle, after prior chip damage. However, outside of this matchup, it seldom finds much use, and is setup bait for Dragon teams with Mega Altaria. Zeraora can also take advantage of a Bulk Up set alongside Flyinium Z and Bounce to act as a means of taking down Mega Venusaur, which otherwise walls Zeraora and most Electric-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-immune Pokemon**: As Zeraora is reliant on using its STAB move, Plasma Fists, under Electric Terrain to blast past foes, Electric-immune Pokemon such as Diggersby and Excadrill prevent Zeraora from being effective as a wallbreaker and force it to rely on its coverage moves to tackle them.
**Dragon- and Grass-types**: Zeraora finds little use against both Dragon- and Grass-types, as they resist its primary STAB attack. Although certain Pokemon like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn are threatened by Zeraora's typical coverage, it has difficulty dealing with Pokemon such as Garchomp and Mega Venusaur.
**Revenge Killers**: Although Zeraora has blazing high Speed, faster Pokemon like Mega Aerodactyl and most Choice Scarf Pokemon, including Victini and Excadrill, threaten Zeraora, forcing it out of the field.
**Burns**: As a physical wallbreaker, Zeraora is completely inhibited by burns, which prevent it from working as a wallbreaker at all. As such, it should avoid switching into Scald and should be wary of Will-O-Wisp.
*Protect**: As a Choice-locked attacker, Zeraora is prone to being scouted by opposing Protect users like Toxapex and Celesteela. This enables the opponent to freely switch out to a teammate that can take on whatever move Zeraora has chosen.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Moosical, 215618]]
- Quality checked by: [[maroon, 305839], [Decemm, 362454], [Eien, 100418]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited:
