There's basically three reasons imo:Why is Keldeo S-Rank despite being checked and countered by many common Pokemon?
Now I understand that it's fast, hits hard, and can wear down its checks with Scald burns
but it has many common counters and many checks, including Latios, Celebi, Amoonguss, MegaSaur, Alakazam, Thundurus, Talonflame, Mega Manectric, Vaporeon...and on and on. The Mega Latis and Celebi can even set up on it.
So I fail to understand why Keldeo is that good taking into account its many (very common) counters and checks.
- Sub and CM give it utility against offensive and defensive teams respectively. Sub also let's you wait to see what they send in, and respond appropriately. Being able to hit of both ends makes it more difficult to check overall.
- Meta-defining. You need a Keldeo check or you're going to be screwed. This is true with a lot of things, but seems to be true for Keldeo moreso than others. It's also more common because there's no real oppertunity cost associated with it, unlike Megas. Other legends, even Latios, are a step or two below (Latios is slightly lower because reliance on Draco leaves it with less staying power). Keldeo is more difficult to play around than other things because...
- It can BS past or cripple most of its would be counters with Scald. Latios + Celebi can avoid the 2HKO often, but burn damage + hazard damage and a +1 STAB move racks up quickly. Most of that doesn't even affect Keldeo and the check 1v1, for example a burned Mega Venu stops a decent amount of threats less than a non-burned one. Standard Tank Mega Venu can take any hit from Mega Lopunny comfortably. A burned one? A 2HKO 50% of the time.
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