Monai
UUPL Champion
[OVERVIEW]
Blessed with a titanic Attack stat, decent Speed, powerful coverage options, and set versatility, Kyurem-B makes its name as one of the most devastating wallbreakers in OU. Its famously dangerous STAB Outrage can OHKO nearly any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, while its good coverage threatens the Pokemon that can take Outrage. Teravolt nullifies the abilities an opponent may use to pivot around Kyurem-B, such as Volt Absorb, Sturdy, and Levitate. Kyurem-B also has solid bulk and some useful resistances to Water and Electric, letting it take a hit in a pinch.
However, Kyurem-B lacks a usable physical Ice-type move, forcing it to rely on mixed or special sets. It also tends to be unreliable defensively, as, despite its bulk and numerous resistances, its typing curses it with weaknesses to common attacking types like Fighting, Dragon, and Rock. It's also extremely vulnerable to residual damage due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and vulnerability to common battle conditions like sand and Spikes. Finally, its Speed tier leaves it outrun by common Pokemon like Latios, Terrakion, Keldeo, and Alakazam, all of which greatly threaten it.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Earth Power
item: Choice Band
ability: Teravolt
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Outrage is the primary move of this set, threatening literally every foe that does not resist it. Dragon Claw is used as a secondary, safer STAB option. Fusion Bolt hits Skarmory and other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi hard. Kyurem-B can also use it to devastating effect against rain teams due to Teravolt letting Kyurem-B ignore Thundurus-T's Volt Absorb. The last moveslot doesn't see much use, but Ice Beam can destroy Gliscor and Landorus-T without being forced to Outrage while Earth Power is much stronger against Heatran.
Set Details
=========
An Adamant nature is preferred to always OHKO max HP Tyranitar after Stealth Rock with Outrage. A Jolly nature is an option to always outspeed positive-natured Landorus-T and Excadrill and neutral-natured Thundurus-T. However, the drop in power is generally not worthwhile, and its reward is inconsistent. While both Adamant and Jolly reduce the power of Kyurem-B’s special coverage, it is still powerful enough to handle its targets.
Team Options
=========
Choice Band Kyurem-B is a straightforward wallbreaker; teammates appreciate its unparalleled damage output and must, in turn, shore up Kyurem-B’s many defensive shortcomings. Latios is an ideal partner, as it can answer and threaten many of the offensive Pokemon that would outrun and OHKO Kyurem-B, such as Keldeo, Thundurus-T, and common Fighting coverage aimed at Kyurem-B. Latios can also utilize many sets to take advantage of Kyurem-B’s power, using a Choice Scarf to clean up teams barraged by Kyurem-B’s Outrages or a wallbreaker set to assist in breaking down the enemy team. Magnezone is another potent option, as it can trap and remove the Steel-types that would stomach Kyurem-B’s Dragon-type moves with Magnet Pull. Jirachi can set up Stealth Rock and immediately pivot out, generating momentum for Kyurem-B and giving it ample opportunities to fire off powerful attacks. Starmie can keep Stealth Rock off the field with Rapid Spin and handle the offensive Pokemon that outrun Kyurem-B, like Latio and Keldeo. However, Excadrill similarly removes entry hazards and sports a potent STAB combination when paired with Magnezone.
[SET]
name: Substitute Attacker
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
ability: Teravolt
nature: Mild
evs: 56 HP / 228 SpA / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
This set takes a different approach, forgoing Kyurem-B’s powerful physical Dragon-type STAB in favor of its Ice-type STAB and wide special movepool. Kyurem-B has many opportunities to set up a Substitute since it forces so many switches and takes little damage from foes such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent. Fusion Bolt has great neutral coverage alongside Ice Beam, doing huge damage to Water-types like Politoed, Keldeo, and Tentacruel. Kyurem-B can also easily spam it against rain teams due to Teravolt letting Kyurem-B ignore Thundurus-T's Volt Absorb. Earth Power is preferred in the last slot, as it threatens many Steel-types that would otherwise take Ice Beam and Fusion Bolt well, such as Jirachi, Heatran, and Magnezone, and hits Rotom-W hard thanks to Teravolt. Hidden Power Fire 2HKOes Ferrothorn and OHKOes Scizor outside of rain, but it is weaker against the aforementioned Steel-types and is hampered by rain. Focus Blast can be used for its good overall coverage and ability to hit Tyranitar harder than any other move Kyurem-B can run. However, the decrease in damage against Jirachi, Heatran, and Ferrothorn compared to Earth Power and Hidden Power Fire is significant, and the unreliable accuracy can be game-breaking.
Set Details
=========
56 HP EVs give Kyurem-B 101 HP Substitutes, enabling them to survive one Seismic Toss or Night Shade. 224 Speed EVs allows Kyurem-B to outspeed neutral-natured Landorus-T and Excadrill and Timid Heatran. 236 Speed EVs can be run to outspeed Jolly Mamoswine and Dragonite, but these sets are exceptionally rare.
Team Options
=========
Substitute Kyurem-B's teammates should take advantage of this set's surprise factor and its ability to pressure sand and rain teams effectively while punishing common switch-ins to its Choice Band set, such as Ferrothorn. Latios checks many offensive Pokemon for Kyurem-B, like Keldeo and Breloom, and overwhelms teams alongside Kyurem-B. However, unlike the Choice Band set, this set's investment into bulk and use of Leftovers allows it to more comfortably switch into foes that target Latios, such as Starmie. Rapid Spin support is particularly appreciated with this set, as entry hazards limit Kyurem-B's setup opportunities. Tentacruel, specifically, pairs very well with this set, thanks to its ability to spin reliably over the course of the game and consistently spread passive damage through Toxic or Toxic Spikes. Both Politoed and Tyranitar also pair well with this Kyurem-B set. Politoed enables Rain Dish Tentacruel and contests Tyranitar's Sand Stream, which is detrimental to Kyurem-B's longevity. In turn, Kyurem-B pressures Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, and Tentacruel. Tyranitar may seem counterintuitive, as sand cuts into Kyurem-B's longevity, but Tyranitar's ability to Pursuit trap Pokemon like Latios and Alakazam allows Kyurem-B to attack without worrying about being immediately revenge killed. Tyranitar also threatens Reuniclus, which can otherwise use Kyurem-B as setup fodder.
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf leverages Kyurem-B's decent Speed stat and massive power to try and clean up teams late-game. However, it struggles to switch in and has poor longevity, compromising its utility in the mid- to late-game. A physically-based Substitute attacker set can be used with Magnezone support, but without a boosting item, this set is outdone by other Substitute users like Thundurus-T, Mamoswine, and Garchomp. A Substitute shuffler set consisting of Substitute, Roost, Dragon Tail, and either Ice Beam or Hone Claws can be paired with Spikes support to easily beat defensive teams that cannot easily break Kyurem-B's Substitute. However, this set is quite passive and is unable to threaten faster teams. Dragon Gem allows Kyurem-B to match the power of Choice Band for a single move while retaining the ability to switch moves afterward. However, Kyurem-B is often forced to switch after using Outrage anyways due to confusion, and this limits its potential if it finds another opportunity to attack. Chople Berry allows Kyurem-B to take Fighting coverage from Pokemon like Alakazam and Thundurus-T and OHKO them back.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel Types**: Steel-types like Jirachi, Ferrothorn, Heatran, Skarmory, and Scizor are able to take Kyurem-B's Outrage and either threaten it offensively or take advantage of it to set up entry hazards. Jirachi, Leech Seed Ferrothorn, and physically defensive Skarmory also have good longevity, making them able to do this multiple times throughout a game. However, Ferrothorn is unable to significantly threaten the Substitute set without Gyro Ball, while Heatran, Skarmory, and Scizor are severely damaged by Kyurem-B's coverage options. Heatran and Scizor also lack the longevity to stomach Kyurem-B's Outrage throughout the game.
**Faster Offensive Threats**: While they lack the ability to switch in reliably, faster offensive Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Garchomp, and Terrakion can switch in after Kyurem-B has KOed a foe and threaten to KO it back.
**Residual Damage**: Kyurem-B is very vulnerable to residual damage due to its vulnerability to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and sand, severely limiting its longevity and putting it into KO range of Pokemon like Latios and Reuniclus very quickly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monai, 482455]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ophion, 433215], [Links, 487106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[dex, 277988]]
Blessed with a titanic Attack stat, decent Speed, powerful coverage options, and set versatility, Kyurem-B makes its name as one of the most devastating wallbreakers in OU. Its famously dangerous STAB Outrage can OHKO nearly any Pokemon that doesn't resist it, while its good coverage threatens the Pokemon that can take Outrage. Teravolt nullifies the abilities an opponent may use to pivot around Kyurem-B, such as Volt Absorb, Sturdy, and Levitate. Kyurem-B also has solid bulk and some useful resistances to Water and Electric, letting it take a hit in a pinch.
However, Kyurem-B lacks a usable physical Ice-type move, forcing it to rely on mixed or special sets. It also tends to be unreliable defensively, as, despite its bulk and numerous resistances, its typing curses it with weaknesses to common attacking types like Fighting, Dragon, and Rock. It's also extremely vulnerable to residual damage due to its weakness to Stealth Rock and vulnerability to common battle conditions like sand and Spikes. Finally, its Speed tier leaves it outrun by common Pokemon like Latios, Terrakion, Keldeo, and Alakazam, all of which greatly threaten it.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Earth Power
item: Choice Band
ability: Teravolt
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Outrage is the primary move of this set, threatening literally every foe that does not resist it. Dragon Claw is used as a secondary, safer STAB option. Fusion Bolt hits Skarmory and other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi hard. Kyurem-B can also use it to devastating effect against rain teams due to Teravolt letting Kyurem-B ignore Thundurus-T's Volt Absorb. The last moveslot doesn't see much use, but Ice Beam can destroy Gliscor and Landorus-T without being forced to Outrage while Earth Power is much stronger against Heatran.
Set Details
=========
An Adamant nature is preferred to always OHKO max HP Tyranitar after Stealth Rock with Outrage. A Jolly nature is an option to always outspeed positive-natured Landorus-T and Excadrill and neutral-natured Thundurus-T. However, the drop in power is generally not worthwhile, and its reward is inconsistent. While both Adamant and Jolly reduce the power of Kyurem-B’s special coverage, it is still powerful enough to handle its targets.
Team Options
=========
Choice Band Kyurem-B is a straightforward wallbreaker; teammates appreciate its unparalleled damage output and must, in turn, shore up Kyurem-B’s many defensive shortcomings. Latios is an ideal partner, as it can answer and threaten many of the offensive Pokemon that would outrun and OHKO Kyurem-B, such as Keldeo, Thundurus-T, and common Fighting coverage aimed at Kyurem-B. Latios can also utilize many sets to take advantage of Kyurem-B’s power, using a Choice Scarf to clean up teams barraged by Kyurem-B’s Outrages or a wallbreaker set to assist in breaking down the enemy team. Magnezone is another potent option, as it can trap and remove the Steel-types that would stomach Kyurem-B’s Dragon-type moves with Magnet Pull. Jirachi can set up Stealth Rock and immediately pivot out, generating momentum for Kyurem-B and giving it ample opportunities to fire off powerful attacks. Starmie can keep Stealth Rock off the field with Rapid Spin and handle the offensive Pokemon that outrun Kyurem-B, like Latio and Keldeo. However, Excadrill similarly removes entry hazards and sports a potent STAB combination when paired with Magnezone.
[SET]
name: Substitute Attacker
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Earth Power / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
ability: Teravolt
nature: Mild
evs: 56 HP / 228 SpA / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
This set takes a different approach, forgoing Kyurem-B’s powerful physical Dragon-type STAB in favor of its Ice-type STAB and wide special movepool. Kyurem-B has many opportunities to set up a Substitute since it forces so many switches and takes little damage from foes such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent. Fusion Bolt has great neutral coverage alongside Ice Beam, doing huge damage to Water-types like Politoed, Keldeo, and Tentacruel. Kyurem-B can also easily spam it against rain teams due to Teravolt letting Kyurem-B ignore Thundurus-T's Volt Absorb. Earth Power is preferred in the last slot, as it threatens many Steel-types that would otherwise take Ice Beam and Fusion Bolt well, such as Jirachi, Heatran, and Magnezone, and hits Rotom-W hard thanks to Teravolt. Hidden Power Fire 2HKOes Ferrothorn and OHKOes Scizor outside of rain, but it is weaker against the aforementioned Steel-types and is hampered by rain. Focus Blast can be used for its good overall coverage and ability to hit Tyranitar harder than any other move Kyurem-B can run. However, the decrease in damage against Jirachi, Heatran, and Ferrothorn compared to Earth Power and Hidden Power Fire is significant, and the unreliable accuracy can be game-breaking.
Set Details
=========
56 HP EVs give Kyurem-B 101 HP Substitutes, enabling them to survive one Seismic Toss or Night Shade. 224 Speed EVs allow
Team Options
=========
Substitute Kyurem-B's teammates should take advantage of this set's surprise factor and its ability to pressure sand and rain teams effectively while punishing common switch-ins to its Choice Band set, such as Ferrothorn. Latios checks many offensive Pokemon for Kyurem-B, like Keldeo and Breloom, and overwhelms teams alongside Kyurem-B. However, unlike the Choice Band set, this set's investment into bulk and use of Leftovers allows it to more comfortably switch into foes that target Latios, such as Starmie. Rapid Spin support is particularly appreciated with this set, as entry hazards limit Kyurem-B's setup opportunities. Tentacruel, specifically, pairs very well with this set, thanks to its ability to spin reliably over the course of the game and consistently spread passive damage through Toxic or Toxic Spikes. Both Politoed and Tyranitar also pair well with this Kyurem-B set. Politoed enables Rain Dish Tentacruel and contests Tyranitar's Sand Stream, which is detrimental to Kyurem-B's longevity. In turn, Kyurem-B pressures Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, and Tentacruel. Tyranitar may seem counterintuitive, as sand cuts into Kyurem-B's longevity, but Tyranitar's ability to Pursuit trap Pokemon like Latios and Alakazam allows Kyurem-B to attack without worrying about being immediately revenge killed. Tyranitar also threatens Reuniclus, which can otherwise use Kyurem-B as setup fodder.
Other Options
=============
Choice Scarf leverages Kyurem-B's decent Speed stat and massive power to try and clean up teams late-game. However, it struggles to switch in and has poor longevity, compromising its utility in the mid- to late-game. A physically-based Substitute attacker set can be used with Magnezone support, but without a boosting item, this set is outdone by other Substitute users like Thundurus-T, Mamoswine, and Garchomp. A Substitute shuffler set consisting of Substitute, Roost, Dragon Tail, and either Ice Beam or Hone Claws can be paired with Spikes support to easily beat defensive teams that cannot easily break Kyurem-B's Substitute. However, this set is quite passive and is unable to threaten faster teams. Dragon Gem allows Kyurem-B to match the power of Choice Band for a single move while retaining the ability to switch moves afterward. However, Kyurem-B is often forced to switch after using Outrage anyways due to confusion, and this limits its potential if it finds another opportunity to attack. Chople Berry allows Kyurem-B to take Fighting coverage from Pokemon like Alakazam and Thundurus-T and OHKO them back.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel Types**: Steel-types like Jirachi, Ferrothorn, Heatran, Skarmory, and Scizor are able to take Kyurem-B's Outrage and either threaten it offensively or take advantage of it to set up entry hazards. Jirachi, Leech Seed Ferrothorn, and physically defensive Skarmory also have good longevity, making them able to do this multiple times throughout a game. However, Ferrothorn is unable to significantly threaten the Substitute set without Gyro Ball, while Heatran, Skarmory, and Scizor are severely damaged by Kyurem-B's coverage options. Heatran and Scizor also lack the longevity to stomach Kyurem-B's Outrage throughout the game.
**Faster Offensive Threats**: While they lack the ability to switch in reliably, faster offensive Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, Keldeo, Garchomp, and Terrakion can switch in after Kyurem-B has KOed a foe and threaten to KO it back.
**Residual Damage**: Kyurem-B is very vulnerable to residual damage due to its vulnerability to Stealth Rock, Spikes, and sand, severely limiting its longevity and putting it into KO range of Pokemon like Latios and Reuniclus very quickly.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Monai, 482455]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ophion, 433215], [Links, 487106]]
- Grammar checked by: [[dex, 277988]]
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