PU Articuno (QC 3/3) (GP 2/2)

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno carves itself a good niche in the PU metagame, as it has respectable bulk, a useful ability, and a decent Speed tier. These traits allow Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, which is made even more deadly with the combination of Substitute and its ability Pressure. Articuno's good bulk also allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and deal with them with its STAB moves in return. Articuno's STAB moves pressure a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed and Lanturn, and the small number of pure Steel-types makes its STAB moves easier to spam. However, Articuno does have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits its opportunities to switch in freely. As a result, Articuno must be partnered with a teammate that can remove entry hazards. In addition, Articuno's poor defensive typing prevents it from being a fully defensive wall, and its average offenses make it too weak to be a fully offensive sweeper. Articuno competes with other Ice-types in the tier, namely Aurorus, Jynx, and Abomasnow, all of which are more versatile and stronger offensively. Despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, and Stoutland, Articuno sits in a slightly awkward Speed tier, leaving it outpaced by common threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru. Finally, Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams, as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers. Those teams also tend to set up Stealth Rock more easily and are able to apply more pressure to the hazard remover.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the foe's PP. Roost is Articuno's reliable source of recovery that keeps it healthy throughout the match and also allows Articuno to continue using Substitute. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move and has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Pyroar and is stronger than Freeze-Dry at the expense of accuracy.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Mesprit, Skuntank, and Shiftry. Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible. Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the foe's PP much faster and stall out moves. Leftovers gives Articuno passive recovery and helps it set up more Substitutes.

Usage Tips
========

Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Probopass, or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to simply attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice- or Flying- coverage well. Switch Articuno into passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten it offensively, such as Gastrodon and defensive Mesprit, but be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Then, set up Substitute or just attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed. Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and have moves with low PP in order to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or have missed. Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it should almost always use Roost to recover, though this makes it lose momentum, makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch. Articuno is best used as a Pokemon that breaks down the opponent's team for teammates to sweep, so focus primarily on chipping and whittling down the foes rather than sweeping late-game on its own.

Team Options
========

Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means entry hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable, as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Pyroar and Eelektross. Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground- and Fighting-types such as Golurk, Primeape, and Gurdurr are good partners. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Weezing and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them. Fire-types like Ninetales and Pyroar check Articuno well, so Articuno welcomes checks to them such as Regirock and Lanturn. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Gastrodon and Jynx, that threaten them. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, such as Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null, and Eelektross, are also appreciated. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit, and Clefairy chips Articuno's checks and counters and helps it beat them more easily. Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn, and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely. Late-game cleaners and sweepers such as Lilligant, Carracosta, and Gurdurr appreciate Articuno's ability to stall out and break down walls for them. Wallbreakers like Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't stall out, namely Type: Null, are appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and specially offensive Skuntank's Dark Pulse. An Agility + Flyinium Z set can be a threatening late-game sweeper but can be tricky to pull off because it is still often too weak offensively to sweep unless all of its checks and counters have been eliminated or severely weakened. Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but Articuno must drop one of its STAB moves or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role. Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel- or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively but, once again, forces Articuno to drop an important attack or status move.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Articuno loses half of its health when switching into Stealth Rock, which limits its longevity and defensive capabilities.

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Alolan Raichu, Lycanroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and strength to OHKO or 2HKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it one-on-one, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move via Encore and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling Articuno to truly beat it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion
[OVERVIEW]

  • Good bulk and speed tier allows it to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier in conjunction with its ability Pressure. (mention passive foes like clefairy and gastro) (mention that sub/pressure stall them out; not just pressure)
  • Its high bulk blanket checks many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank and Swanna and can threaten them out with its STAB moves in return.
  • Great offensive STAB coverage pressures a lot of defensive cores; this is facilitated in part due to the small number of pure Steel types. (give an example of a core it pressures.)
  • A 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means Articuno requires hazard control support. (rocks also limit the oppertunies it has to switch in)
  • Competes with Jynx and Abomasnow, as both can boost their offenses as well as utilize multiple different sets.
  • (talk about how its speed tier leaves it outpaced by faster mons such as primeape and kang)

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

  • Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' PP.
  • Roost gives Articuno a reliable source of recovery to continue using Substitute.
  • Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. (mention qwilfish over lanturn as frz dry does very little to lanturn)
  • Hurricane is its other STAB move that is stronger than Freeze-Dry, but less accurate. (so? what is hurricane used for?)

Set Details
========

  • Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to be as fast as possible to set up Substitute or attack. (other speed details?) (?)
  • Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit hard and punch necessary holes.
  • Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling out moves.
  • (You need to mention that lefties gives it passive recovery)

Usage Tips
========

  • Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank or Audino. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to attack if the opponent cannot switch in to its Ice and Flying coverage.
  • Switch in on passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, non-offensive Mesprit, and Lilligant. Be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, however. Then, set up Substitute or simply attack if a Substitute is not needed. (why would you attack vs these mons? you always go for sub in the position)
  • Repeatedely set up Substitute against foes that are slower and have low PP moves to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or missed.
  • If Stealth Rock are on the field, make sure to heal back up to a healthy amount so Articuno can still switch in to one round of hazards. (or maybe something like "be careful when switching out articuno at a low amount of hp if rocks are up"?) (?)

Team Options
========

  • Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, Swanna, Lurantis and Kabutops are mandatory. Hitmonchan can take on many special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar and Eelektross while Lurantis can take on physical attacking Rock-types such as Lycanroc. (i wouldnt mention kabutops)
  • Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting- and Fire-types are good partners (will list examples when i have more time). (probo isnt really common but ok) (also can you mention the pokemon..)
  • Pokemon that handle Fire-types, (examples of fire-types pls) such as Regirock, Lanturn and Altaria make solid teammates. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null and Eelektross are also appreciated.
  • (stealth rock support from stuff like mesprit. mesprit can also provide healing wish support and get it in safely with u-turn. same goes for eelektross with voltswitch)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • A bulkier spread can help Articuno tank hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. (expand)
  • An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late game sweeper, but can be tricky to pull off.
  • (anything else here?)
  • Sub + toxic
  • hp fighting/ground
  • defog (yeah its usually bad, but ive seen kushalos use it and its cool)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, Silvally-Steel, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Raichu-A, Lyranroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move and switch out to an appropriate teammate.
am check, i have no idea if this is ready for qc tho since you have some notes for yourself
 

yogi

I did not succumb...
is a Tutor Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

  • Good bulk and speed tier allows it to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier in conjunction with its ability Pressure. (anything specifically? I think something like ferroseed is worth a mention for example) (specifically pp stalling too)
  • Articuno's high bulk allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and force them out with its STAB moves in return. (sorry just wanted to practice some gping, and I didn't like how it sounded)
  • Great offensive STAB coverage pressures a lot of defensive cores; this is facilitated in part due to the small number of pure Steel types.
  • A 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means Articuno requires hazard control support.
  • has trouble against offensive teams especially, meaning in some match-ups it can struggle
  • Competes with Jynx and Abomasnow, as both can boost their offenses as well as utilize multiple different sets. (I wouldn't say directly competes role-wise, but yes in terms of the ice slot for a team)

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

  • Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' PP.
  • Roost gives Articuno a reliable source of recovery to continue using Substitute.
  • Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon.
  • Hurricane is its other STAB move that is stronger than Freeze-Dry, but less accurate. (it hits?)

Set Details
========

  • Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to be as fast as possible to set up Substitute or attack. (other speed details?) (outspeeds things like? does it outspeed anything important that it can also pp stall?)
  • Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit hard and punch necessary holes.
  • Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling out moves.

Usage Tips
========

  • Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank or Audino. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to attack if the opponent cannot switch in to its Ice and Flying coverage. (is audino actually a counter?) (also expand a little more on the situations where it's okay to just attack)
  • Switch in on passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, non-offensive Mesprit, and Lilligant. Be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, however. Then, set up Substitute or simply attack if a Substitute is not needed. (all three of the pokemon have ways to cripple it if it doesn't press substitute, and two of them are not ohko'd, so i'd definitely expand this scenario)
  • Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and have low PP moves to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or missed. (good)
  • If Stealth Rock are on the field, make sure to heal back up to a healthy amount so Articuno can still switch in to one round of hazards. (or maybe something like "be careful when switching out articuno at a low amount of hp if rocks are up"?) (really it should avoid switching into stealth rocks all-together, and should only do so if absolutely needed as it basically forces it to roost leaving it more vulnerable to status and such)

Team Options
========

  • Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, Swanna, Lurantis, and Kabutops are mandatory. Hitmonchan can take on many special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar and Eelektross while Lurantis can take on physical attacking Rock-types such as Lycanroc. (I wouldn't mention swanna as a partner. stacks weaknesses too much really. overall too big a list so pick 3 and expand specifically on those) (mention assault vest hitmonchan specifically)
  • Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting- and Fire-types are good partners (will list examples when i have more time). (yeah add partners, you already know though lol)
  • Pokemon that handle Fire-types, such as Regirock, Lanturn and Altaria make solid teammates. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null, and Eelektross are also appreciated. (not a fan of altaria especially because you have defoggers with better synergy)
  • I say this a lot but slow volt turners are always good
  • things to break through specially defensive walls like audino and type: null are good too
mention what articuno does for them!

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • A bulkier spread can help Articuno tank hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. (what spread?)
  • An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late game sweeper, but can be tricky to pull off.
  • (anything else here?)
  • toxic can be a good choice but means it has to drop coverage which sucks, or substitute
  • hp ground ig?

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, Silvally-Steel, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely. (actually, depending on what move aggron locks itself into, it can be stalled out of pp)

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Raichu-A, Lyranroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move and switch out to an appropriate teammate. (both involve pp stalling actually)
Looks good. QC 1/3. S/o allstarapology for some decent suggestions.
CY2jDxS.gif
 
Last edited:

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

  • Good bulk and speed tier allows Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, in conjunction with Substitute and its ability Pressure.
  • Articuno's high bulk allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and force them out with its STAB moves in return.
  • Great offensive STAB coverage pressures a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed + Lanturn; this is facilitated in part due to the small number of pure Steel types.
  • A 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means Articuno is limited in its opportunities to switch in freely; therefore it requires hazard control support.
  • Competes with other Ice-types in the tier, such as Jynx and Abomasnow, as both can boost their offenses as well as utilize multiple different sets.
  • Articuno does sit in an slightly awkward speed tier, leaving it outpaced by threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru, despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, Magmortar and Passimian.
  • Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers to deter it from stalling out certain Pokemon. Those teams also tend to have an easier time setting up Stealth Rock and pressuring the Defog or Rapid Spin user.
  • i'd also mention its bad defensive typing and also why it's too weak to be ran fully offensively or fully defensively

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

  • Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' PP.
  • Roost gives Articuno a reliable source of recovery to continue using Substitute. i'd mention more so that it allows articuno to stay healthy as a whole
  • Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon.
  • Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan, Pyroar, and Passimian, and is stronger than Freeze-Dry, despite being less accurate.
Smogon uses the Oxford Comma, so lists with 3 or more things are 1, 2, and 3.
Set Details
========

  • Maximum speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Passimian, Mesprit, Skuntank and Shiftry, to either set up Substitute or attack.
  • Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible and punch necessary holes.
  • Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling out moves.
  • Leftovers gives Articuno passive recovery and helps it set up more Substitute.

Usage Tips
========

  • Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice and Flying coverage. For example, when facing teams that rely on Lanturn or Carracosta as a Flying resist, simply click Freeze-Dry. Or, when facing teams that lack a good Ice answer, simply click Freeze-Dry. you could prob combine the last two sentences
  • Switch in on passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, non-offensive Mesprit, and Lilligant. Be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave, however. Then, set up Substitute or simply attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed.
  • Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and have low PP moves to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or missed.
  • Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it is almost always forced to Roost, which loses it momentum and makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch.
  • use it to break down teams for pokemon to run through them

Team Options
========

  • Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, Eelektross and even Lycanroc.
  • Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting- and Fire-types are good partners. Good examples of these Pokemon include Passimian, Magmortar, Golurk, and Gurdurr. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Altaria, Palossand, and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them.
  • Pokemon that handle Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar, make solid teammates. Good Fire-type checks include Regirock, Lanturn and Altaria. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Palossand and Jynx, that threaten them.
  • Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null and Eelektross are also appreciated.
  • I'd mention cleaners as well, since Articuno can weaken and stall out walls for them
  • Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit and Palossand chip Articuno's checks and counters and help Articuno beat them more easily.
  • Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely.
  • Wallbreakers that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't outstall, namely Type: Null, are appreciated. Strong wallbreakers include Passimian, Drampa, and Aggron.
i'd mix up sentence variety a bit, but the content is solid
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and Skuntank's Dark Pulse.
  • An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late game sweeper, but can be tricky to pull off. explain why
  • Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but it must drop one of its STAB moves, or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role.
  • Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel-types or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively. say why it's detrimental

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Raichu-A, Lyranroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling to truly beat it by itself.
2/3
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
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[OVERVIEW]

Articuno carves itself a good niche in the PU metagame as it has respectable bulk, a useful ability, and a decent speed tier. These traits allow Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, which is made even more deadly with the combination of Substitute and its ability Pressure. Articuno's high bulk also allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and deal with them with its STAB moves in return. Articuno's STAB coverage pressures a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed and Lanturn, and the small number of pure Steel-types makes its STAB moves even more spammable. However, Articuno does have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock which limits its opportunities to switch in freely. As a result, Articuno must be partnered with a teammate that can remove hazards. In addition, Articuno's poor defensive typing prevents it from being a fully defensive wall, while its average offenses make it too weak to be a fully offensive sweeper. Articuno competes with other Ice-types in the tier, namely Aurorus, Jynx, and Abomasnow, all of which are more versatile and stronger offensively. Despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, and Magmortar, Articuno sits in an slightly awkward speed tier, leaving it outpaced by common threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru. Finally, Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers. Those teams also tend to set up Stealth Rock more easily and are able to apply more pressure to the hazard remover.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' PP. Roost is Articuno's reliable source of recovery that keeps it healthy throughout the match; it also allows Articuno to continue using Substitute. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Pyroar, and is stronger than Freeze-Dry at the expense of accuracy.

Set Details
========

Maximum speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Mesprit, Skuntank and Shiftry. Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible. Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling out moves. Leftovers gives Articuno passive recovery and helps it set up more Substitute.

Usage Tips
========

Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice or Flying coverage. For example, when facing teams that rely on Lanturn or Carracosta as a Flying resist or when facing teams that lack a good Ice answer, simply click Freeze-Dry. Otherwise, choose the appropriate super effective attack. i get that the point here is "lots of teams cant check cuno well so spam moves vs those" but the phrasing is a bit over-convoluted Switch in on passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, non-offensive defensive .-. Mesprit, and Lilligant i mean u dont rly want ur cuno slept, esp when it's ur lilli check so idk about this one, but be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Then, set up Substitute or just attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed. Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and that have moves with low PP in order to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or missed. Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it should almost always use Roost to recover, which unfortunately loses it momentum, makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch. Articuno is best used as a Pokemon that breaks down the opponent's team for teammates to sweep, so focus primarily on chipping and whittling down the opponent's team, rather than sweeping late game.

Team Options
========

Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, Eelektross and even Pokemon like Lycanroc. Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting- and Fire-types are good partners. Good examples of these Pokemon include Passimian rip monkey, Magmortar, Golurk, and Gurdurr. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Altaria, Palossand, and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them. Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar check Articuno well, so Articuno welcomes Fire-type checks like Regirock, Lanturn and Altaria. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Palossand and Jynx, that threaten them. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null and Eelektross are also appreciated. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit and Palossand chips Articuno's checks and counters and helps Articuno beat them more easily. Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely. Late game cleaners and sweepers such as Lilligant, Carracosta, and Gurdurr appreciate Articuno's ability to stall out and break down walls for them. Wallbreakers that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't outstall, namely Type: Null, are appreciated. Strong wallbreakers include Magmortar, Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and Skuntank's Dark Pulse. An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late game sweeper, but can be tricky to pull off because it is still often too weak offensively to sweep unless all of its checks counters have been eliminated or severely weakened. Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but it must drop one of its STAB moves, or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role. Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel-types or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively but, once again, forces Articuno to drop an important attack or status move.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: This should be p obvious and I have no idea why it's not already here at 2/3

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Raichu-A, Lyranroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling to truly beat it by itself.
qcstamp.gif
3/3
 

Aaronboyer

Something Worth Fighting For
is a Contributor to Smogon
Amateur GP Check, Implement what you want ADD REMOVE (COMMENTS)
[OVERVIEW]

Articuno carves itself a good niche in the PU metagame as it has respectable bulk, a useful ability, and a decent speed tier. These traits allow Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, which is made even more deadly with the combination of Substitute and its ability Pressure. Articuno's high bulk also allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and deal with them with its STAB moves in return. Articuno's STAB coverage pressures a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed and Lanturn, and the small number of pure Steel-types makes its STAB moves even more spammable easier to spam. However, Articuno does have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock which limits its opportunities to switch in freely. As a result, Articuno must be partnered with a teammate that can remove hazards. In addition, Articuno's poor defensive typing prevents it from being a fully defensive wall, while its average offenses make it too weak to be a fully offensive sweeper. Articuno competes with other Ice-types in the tier, namely Aurorus, Jynx, and Abomasnow, all of which are more versatile and stronger offensively. Despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, and Magmortar, Articuno sits in an a slightly awkward speed tier, leaving it outpaced by common threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru. Finally, Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers. Those teams also tend to set up Stealth Rock more easily and are able to apply more pressure to the hazard remover.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' PP. Roost is Articuno's reliable source of recovery that keeps it healthy throughout the match; it also allows Articuno to continue using Substitute. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Pyroar (remove this comma), and is stronger than Freeze-Dry at the expense of accuracy.

Set Details
========

Maximum speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Mesprit, Skuntank (add a comma here), and Shiftry. Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible. Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling out moves. Leftovers gives give Articuno passive recovery and helps help it set up more Substitute.

Usage Tips
========

Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to simply attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice or Flying coverage well. Switch in on into passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, and defensive Mesprit, but be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Then, set up Substitute or just attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed. Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and that have moves with low PP in order to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or missed. Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it should almost always use Roost to recover, which unfortunately loses it its momentum, makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch. Articuno is best used as a Pokemon that breaks down the opponent's team for teammates to sweep, so focus primarily on chipping and whittling down the opponent's team, rather than sweeping late game on its own.

Team Options
========

Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, Eelektross and even Pokemon like Lycanroc. Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting- and Fire-types are good partners. Good examples of these Pokemon include Magmortar, Golurk, and Gurdurr. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Altaria, Palossand, and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them. Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar check Articuno well, so Articuno welcomes Fire-type checks like Regirock, Lanturn(add a comma here), and Altaria. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Palossand and Jynx, that threaten them. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null and Eelektross are also appreciated. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit(add a comma here), and Palossand chips Articuno's checks and counters and helps Articuno beat them more easily. Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn(add a comma here), and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely. Late game cleaners and sweepers such as Lilligant, Carracosta, and Gurdurr appreciate Articuno's ability to stall out and break down walls for them. Wallbreakers that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't outstall stall out, namely Type: Null, are appreciated. Strong wallbreakers include Magmortar, Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and Skuntank's Dark Pulse. An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late game sweeper(remove this comma), but can be tricky to pull off because it is still often too weak offensively to sweep unless all of its checks counters have been eliminated or severely weakened. Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but it must drop one of its STAB moves, or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role. Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel-types or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively but, once again, forces Articuno to drop an important attack or status move.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Articuno loses half of its health when switching into Stealth Rock, which limits its longevity and defensive capabilities.

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Raichu-A, Lyranroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling to truly beat it by itself.
 
Last edited:

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
use this for implementing and also note that Smogon uses the serian comma, which is a comma in a list of three or more.

Pretty solid amcheck; feel free to PM me if you have any questions or ask on the GP discord.

GP 1/2
Aaronboyer ADD REMOVE (COMMENTS)
me add remove comments (AC/RC = add/remove comma; AH/RH = add/remove hyphen)
[OVERVIEW]

Articuno carves itself a good niche in the PU metagame, (AC) as it has respectable bulk, a useful ability, and a decent Speed tier. These traits allow Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, which is made even more deadly with the combination of Substitute and its ability Pressure. Articuno's high good bulk (or high defenses, but high bulk isn't a thing) also allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and deal with them with its STAB moves in return. Articuno's STAB coverage pressures moves pressure a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed and Lanturn, and the small number of pure Steel-types makes its STAB moves even more spammable easier to spam. (would keep spammable but up to you either works) However, Articuno does have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, (AC) which limits its opportunities to switch in freely. As a result, Articuno must be partnered with a teammate that can remove entry hazards. In addition, Articuno's poor defensive typing prevents it from being a fully defensive wall, (RC) while its average offenses make it too weak to be a fully offensive sweeper. Articuno competes with other Ice-types in the tier, namely Aurorus, Jynx, and Abomasnow, all of which are more versatile and stronger offensively. Despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, and Magmortar, Articuno sits in an a slightly awkward Speed tier, leaving it outpaced by common threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru. Finally, Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams, (AC) as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers. Those teams also tend to set up Stealth Rock more easily and are able to apply more pressure to the hazard remover.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and to avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the opponents' foes PP. Roost is Articuno's reliable source of recovery that keeps it healthy throughout the match; it also allows Articuno to continue using Substitute. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Pyroar (remove this comma), and is stronger than Freeze-Dry at the expense of accuracy.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Mesprit, Skuntank (add a comma here), and Shiftry. Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible. Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the opponent's foe's PP much faster and facilitates in stalling stall out moves. Leftovers gives give (keep gives, in a mons context leftovers is singular) Articuno passive recovery and helps help (keep helps same as before) it set up more Substitutes.

Usage Tips
========

Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank, (AC) or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to simply attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice or Flying coverage well. Switch Articuno in on into passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten Articuno it offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, and defensive Mesprit, but be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Then, set up Substitute or just attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed. Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and that have moves with low PP in order to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or have missed. Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it should almost always use Roost to recover, which unfortunately loses it its momentum, makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch. Articuno is best used as a Pokemon that breaks down the opponent's team for teammates to sweep, so focus primarily on chipping and whittling down the opponent's team, (RC) foes rather than sweeping late-(AH)game on its own.

Team Options
========

Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means entry hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable, (AC) as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, Eelektross and even Pokemon like Lycanroc. (where does this fit in with fire and elec? how does it link at all?) not really clear) Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground-, Fighting-, (AC) and Fire-types are good partners. Good examples of these Pokemon include Magmortar, Golurk, and Gurdurr. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Altaria, Palossand, and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them. Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar check Articuno well, so Articuno welcomes Fire-type checks to them like Regirock, Lanturn(add a comma here), and Altaria. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Palossand and Jynx, that threaten them. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, like such as Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null and Eelektross, (AC) are also appreciated. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit(add a comma here), and Palossand chips Articuno's checks and counters and helps Articuno it beat them more easily. Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn(add a comma here), and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely. Late-(AH)game cleaners and sweepers such as Lilligant, Carracosta, and Gurdurr appreciate Articuno's ability to stall out and break down walls for them. Wallbreakers like Magmortar, Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't outstall stall out, namely Type: Null, are appreciated. Strong wallbreakers include Magmortar, Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron. (wanna note you mention magmortar like 3 different times for different things here)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and Skuntank's Dark Pulse. (defensive skunk too? not super clear) An Agility + Flyinium-Z set can be a threatening late-(AH)game sweeper(remove this comma), but can be tricky to pull off because it is still often too weak offensively to sweep unless all of its checks and counters have been eliminated or severely weakened. Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but it must drop one of its STAB moves, (RC) or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role. Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel-types or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively but, once again, forces Articuno to drop an important attack or status move.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Articuno loses half of its health when switching into Stealth Rock, which limits its longevity and defensive capabilities.

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno's STAB moves entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Alolan Raichu-A, Lyranroc Lycanroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and their strength to OHKO or 2HKO or OHKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it 1v1 one-on-one, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move (with encore? not super clear) and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling Articuno to truly beat it by itself.



 

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno carves itself a good niche in the PU metagame, as it has respectable bulk, a useful ability, and a decent Speed tier. These traits allow Articuno to stall out and beat many passive foes in the tier, such as Clefairy, Ferroseed, and Gastrodon, which is made even more deadly with the combination of Substitute and its ability Pressure. Articuno's good bulk also allows it to blanket check many offensive Pokemon like Mesprit, Lilligant, Skuntank, and Swanna and deal with them with its STAB moves in return. Articuno's STAB moves pressure a lot of defensive cores, namely those with Ferroseed and Lanturn, and the small number of pure Steel-types makes its STAB moves easier to spam. However, Articuno does have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, which limits its opportunities to switch in freely. As a result, Articuno must be partnered with a teammate that can remove entry hazards. In addition, Articuno's poor defensive typing prevents it from being a fully defensive wall while, and its average offenses make it too weak to be a fully offensive sweeper. Articuno competes with other Ice-types in the tier, namely Aurorus, Jynx, and Abomasnow, all of which are more versatile and stronger offensively. Despite outspeeding the likes of Mesprit, Skuntank, and Magmortar, Articuno sits in a slightly awkward Speed tier, leaving it outpaced by common threats like Kangaskhan, Primeape, and Togedemaru. Finally, Articuno has trouble in some matchups versus more offensively based teams, as it can be more easily pressured by strong wallbreakers. Those teams also tend to set up Stealth Rock more easily and are able to apply more pressure to the hazard remover.

[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Hurricane
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Substitute allows Articuno to buffer weaker attacks and avoid status. It is also the key component to stalling out the foe's PP. Roost is Articuno's reliable source of recovery that keeps it healthy throughout the match; it and also allows Articuno to continue using Substitute. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's primary STAB move, which and has super effective coverage on Water-types like Lanturn and Gastrodon. Hurricane is its other STAB move that hits Pokemon such as Hitmonchan and Pyroar and is stronger than Freeze-Dry at the expense of accuracy.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Articuno to outrun Pokemon like Mesprit, Skuntank, and Shiftry. Maximum Special Attack investment lets Articuno hit as hard as possible. Pressure allows Articuno to whittle the foe's PP much faster and stall out moves. Leftovers gives Articuno passive recovery and helps it set up more Substitutes.

Usage Tips
========

Send out Articuno as early as possible if the opponent does not have a direct counter to it, such as Togedemaru, Miltank, or Type: Null. Since Articuno's offensive coverage is very threatening, don't hesitate to simply attack if the opponent cannot switch into its Ice-(AH) or Flying-type coverage well. Switch Articuno into passive Pokemon or Pokemon that don't threaten it offensively, such as Gastrodon, Palossand, and defensive Mesprit, but be cautious of status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave. Then, set up Substitute or just attack without a Substitute if they are within range of being KOed. Repeatedly set up Substitute against foes that are slower and have moves with low PP in order to stall them out, such as Ferroseed's Gyro Ball and Regirock's Stone Edge. Use Roost when moves have either run out of PP or have missed. Avoid switching in Articuno when Stealth Rock is on the field unless absolutely necessary. If it must switch in, it should almost always use Roost to recover, though this makes it lose momentum, makes it vulnerable to attacks or status, or gives the opponent a free switch. Articuno is best used as a Pokemon that breaks down the opponent's team for teammates to sweep, so focus primarily on chipping and whittling down the foes rather than sweeping late-game on its own.

Team Options
========

Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock means entry hazard control is required. Therefore, hazard removers like Hitmonchan, Skuntank, and Lurantis are mandatory. Hitmonchan is notable, (AC) as it can take on many strong special attacking Fire- and Electric-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, and Eelektross. Articuno appreciates answers to Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Probopass and Togedemaru, so offensive Ground- and Fighting-types are good partners. Good examples of these Pokemon includesuch as Golurk, Primeape, (AC) and Gurdurr are good partners. In return, Articuno can help pressure Pokemon like Palossand and Mesprit that serve as defensive checks to them. Fire-types like Magmortar and Pyroar check Articuno well, so Articuno welcomes checks to them such as Regirock and Lanturn. In return, Articuno can beat Ground- and Ice-types, like Palossand (moved up to NU, find a different ground type example) and Jynx, that threaten them. Pokemon that take on Electric-types, such as Lanturn, Gastrodon, Type: Null, (AC) and Eelektross, are also appreciated. Stealth Rock support from the likes of Regirock, Mesprit, and Palossand (find another example) chips Articuno's checks and counters and helps it beat them more easily. Pivots, namely slow U-turn and Volt Switch users like Eelektross, Mesprit, Lanturn, and Type: Null, can help Articuno come in more safely. Late-game cleaners and sweepers such as Lilligant, Carracosta, and Gurdurr appreciate Articuno's ability to stall out and break down walls for them. Wallbreakers,(RC) like Stoutland, Drampa, and Aggron,(RC) that break through defensive Pokemon that Articuno can't outstall out, namely Type: Null, are appreciated.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A bulkier spread of 64 HP / 192 SpA / 252 Spe can help Articuno tank some hits, such as from Weezing's Sludge Bomb. A spread of 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe can be used, at the expense of power, to have a better chance of keeping its Substitute intact from weak attacks like defensive Mesprit's Psychic and specially offensive Skuntank's Dark Pulse. An Agility + Flyinium-Z Z (remove hyphen) set can be a threatening late-game sweeper but can be tricky to pull off because it is still often too weak offensively to sweep unless all of its checks and counters have been eliminated or severely weakened. Toxic can be used to wear down defensive checks, but itArticuno must drop one of its STAB moves or Substitute, making it less flexible in its role. Hidden Power Fighting or Ground can be used to hit Steel- or Ice-types like Togedemaru and Alolan Sandslash super effectively but, once again, forces Articuno to drop an important attack or status move.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Articuno loses half of its health when switching into Stealth Rock, which limits its longevity and defensive capabilities.

**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, Probopass, and Aggron all threaten Articuno with their STAB move while walling Articuno entirely.

**Faster Offensive Threats**: Pokemon such as Archeops, Alolan Raichu, Lycanroc, and Pyroar are all capable of utilizing their advantageous offensive typing and strength to OHKO or 2HKO Articuno.

**Special Walls**: Pokemon like Type: Null and Audino can take on Articuno's average offensive stats. The former can set up on it and beat it one-on-one, while the latter can lock Articuno into a move via Encore and switch out to an appropriate teammate. However, Audino must resort to PP stalling Articuno to truly beat it.
 

yogi

I did not succumb...
is a Tutor Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Latiasite missed a few mentions, so be sure to take out all Miltank and Palossand references.
 

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