Electrolyte
Wouldn't Wanna Know
ugh ain't she a beauty
[OVERVIEW]
The combination of its Ice typing, immense Special Attack, and above-average Speed makes Kyurem-W an extremely powerful Refrigerate wallbreaker, outpacing the saturated base 90 Speed tier while also OHKOing almost every neutral foe with Choice Specs Boomburst and 2HKOing pretty much everything else. Its decent bulk and useful resistances courtesy of its Dragon typing also make it difficult for defensive Pokemon to wear down without the right coverage. Unfortunately, its typing still makes it easily forced out by offensive Pokemon, which usually happen to carry super effective coverage against it, as well as defensive threats, which limit its opportunities to switch in with common super effective attacks such as Core Enforcer and Anchor Shot. Also, Kyurem-W is hindered by status, and its reliance on its item to secure some crucial OHKOs and 2HKOs makes it susceptible to Knock Off. Additionally, it is easily worn down by entry hazards and takes super effective damage from Stealth Rock, which limits its momentum and puts it within easy KO range of many even neutral powerful attacks. Also, it's not quite fast enough for pure offense, as it's outsped and forced out by major threats such as Mega Diancie, Mega Mewtwo X, and Mega Rayquaza, confining it to a wallbreaking role. Finally, Kyurem-W faces a lot of competition from Mega Rayquaza as a Choice Specs -ate user, as, though an Ice typing is better offensively than Flying, Mega Rayquaza has better stats and is much more unpredictable thanks to its better Speed tier. For example, Mega Rayquaza is a better user of Extreme Speed thanks to its much higher Attack stat, giving it additional revenge killing utility on top of its wallbreaking power, and it can also run a multitude of other powerful, viable sets that make it difficult to immediately counter. Still, Kyurem-W's bulk is enough to allow it to survive one even super effective attack from some offensive threats like Mega Mewtwo Y and Dialga, letting it hit back hard with Boomburst.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Earth Power / Blue Flare / Magma Storm / Secret Sword
move 3: Volt Switch / Freeze-Dry / Draco Meteor
move 4: Switcheroo / Extreme Speed / Knock Off / Moongeist Beam
item: Choice Specs
ability: Refrigerate
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Atk
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Boomburst is Kyurem-W's main STAB move and quite easily spammable with few repercussions. Boosted by Refrigerate, Choice Specs, and STAB, it is immensely powerful and cuts through many of the metagame's tanks and walls alike, including Giratina, Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, Dialga, Ho-Oh, and Mega Tyranitar. The second slot is typically used for coverage, specifically to hit Steel-types. Earth Power is most reliable, as common Steel-types that resist it such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela fall to Boomburst. Blue Flare can also be used, as it combines power with coverage against every non-Flash Fire Steel-type. Alternatively, Magma Storm is an option that trades reliability for the ability to beat Shedinja and RegenVest Steel-types thanks to its trapping and residual damage. Secret Sword is another option, as despite having the lowest Base Power of the three, it is the most reliable, hitting every common Steel-type bar Aegislash. It also hits Mega Gyarados and inflicts physical damage, complementing Kyurem-W's special power well by hitting RegenVest users that resist Boomburst and Fur Coat (I don't understand why this "and Fur Coat" is added in, especially since Secret Sword targets and other non-Imposter Chansey even harder than Magma Storm. The third slot is for additional coverage. Volt Switch lets Kyurem-B pivot out, letting it maintain offensive momentum and keep up the pressure on its typical counters while also dealing sizable damage to Water-types. Freeze-Dry specifically beats Water-types such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gyarados and grants Kyurem-W a STAB move to use even if its ability is nullified, against a Pokemon like Giratina. Draco Meteor is a powerful secondary STAB move, but its Special Attack drop leaves Kyurem-W vulnerable afterwards. The last slot is mainly used for utility. Switcheroo is a great option, as this set is a very tempting lure for Soundproof and Steel-type walls that are very crippled by receiving Choice Specs. It also removes Assault Vests and Eviolites, making it easier for Kyurem-W or its teammates to break down opposing walls. However, it makes Kyurem-W more difficult to Imposter-proof against Choice Scarf users, as they can take advantage of it to Switcheroo their Choice Scarf onto your Imposter-proof Pokemon. Extreme Speed can also be used with a Rash nature so Kyurem-W can act as a revenge killer. However, its Extreme Speed is quite weak compared to that of other typical -ate users and is risky to be locked into. Knock Off is another option to remove items without forcing Kyurem-W to lose its Choice Specs, surprising and crippling Assault Vest users and Fur Coat Chansey. Finally, Moongeist Beam can be used for a better matchup against Shedinja and to hit Mega Slowbro and Giratina for decent damage.
Set Details
========
Refrigerate is a must, providing Kyurem-W with the immensely powerful boosted and risk-free Ice-type Boomburst. Choice Specs amps up Kyurem-W's power, letting it secure important OHKOs against bulky foes such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, Mega Audino, and Dialga, as well as 2HKOs against bulky Pokemon that resist Boomburst and Fur Coat Chansey after Stealth Rock. This makes Kyurem-W incredibly difficult to switch into. Modest is the best nature, as it further boosts Kyurem-W's power. The extra Speed boost from Timid isn't particularly necessary, as the only thing it achieves is the guaranteed outpacing of maximum investment base 90 Speed Pokemon, which are rare and would not stay in anyway.
Usage Tips
========
Kyurem-W exemplifies a hit-and-run playstyle, as it is immensely powerful and even has the bulk to come out on top in many one-on-one situations where it cannot OHKO the target but is quite easily revenge killed by faster or stronger attackers or walled by defensive foes after it takes down an opposing Pokemon. Bring it in with slow pivot attacks, especially as the chip damage can sometimes be enough to bring would-be checks and counters into KO range, and Kyurem-W absolutely needs to conserve its health to take on foes such as Imposter Chansey, Xerneas, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Gengar. Use Volt Switch to scout opposing Pokemon for support moves, especially Core Enforcer and Knock Off, the former of which deals super effective damage and neuters Refrigerate and the latter of which removes Choice Specs, both stifling a core source of Kyurem-W's power. Also, though it is not completely stopped by status, Kyurem-W should still avoid paralysis, which prevents it from outspeeding and KOing base 90 Speed Pokemon such as Primal Groudon. Once in, it is vital that Kyurem-W commits itself to the correct move. Boomburst is a pretty riskless, powerful move, so it can generally be freely used. Even Ice checks such as specially defensive Registeel and Solgaleo can be chipped into 2HKO range with the help of teammates. In safer situations where it is unlikely the foe will deal much damage back, it might be a good idea to use a coverage move or a Dragon STAB attack to nail potential Steel- and Water-type checks as they come in or use Volt Switch to pivot out to a teammate. Switcheroo can also be used to cripple counters as they come in, but this is generally only useful against more offensive teams where added power is unnecessary or when Kyurem-W's team cannot break through said counters otherwise. Volt Switch is a great move early-game, as no Ground-types will switch in to block it, and it can be used to scout for abilities like Soundproof on Pokemon coming in that would otherwise be unable to counter Kyurem-W as well as the aforementioned Core Enforcer and Knock Off. Maintaining offensive momentum is key to ensure the safest and fastest breaking down of opposing walls. Once a foe is successfully taken down, Kyurem-W will likely be forced out by revenge killers or confronted by walls that can handle the move it's locked into, so make sure to have a partner ready to handle them so momentum is not lost.
Team Options
========
In order for itself to function most effectively, Kyurem-W appreciates slow pivoting to pass it offensive momentum; entry hazard support and control to 2HKO virtually every single defensive counter with Boomburst, including Fur Coat Chansey and Registeel, without having to be worn down itself; and partners to Imposter-proof it, absorb status, and confront eventual revenge killers. There are several viable Pokemon that can fulfill multiple roles at once. Bulky Steel-types such as Registeel, Aegislash, and Solgaleo pair extremely well with Kyurem-W, as they can pivot out to it, set entry hazards, Imposter-proof it, and confront offensive checks such as Mega Diancie and Mega Rayquaza. Ghost-types also make great partners, as, in addition to the above, Kyurem-W almost absolutely requires a Shedinja counter, as Shedinja is still one of its hardest counters and will almost certainly result in lost momentum if Kyurem-W locks itself into any move besides Moongeist Beam. Thus, Pokemon such as Giratina, Aegislash, and Mega Gengar also work well, especially as they can all also check Mega Mewtwo X, and Giratina and Aegislash can set hazards and provide slow pivoting support. A Shedinja of your own can also be used to Imposter-proof non-Switcheroo Kyurem-W as well as provide pivoting to bring it in safely. Many of the defensive Steel- and Ghost-types mentioned are also viable Defoggers, and Mega Gengar can even switch in to absorb Toxic Spikes. Because defensive foes need bulk-augmenting items such as Eviolite and Assault Vest to safely confront Kyurem-W, teammates that can remove such items with Knock Off, such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Audino, and Yveltal, pair with Kyurem-W well. RegenVest Mega Gyarados, along with other RevenVest users, are also effective partners to Imposter-proof Kyurem-W, providing momentum and tanking hits. In addition to all of this, Kyurem-W pairs really well with faster offensive Pokemon that capitalize upon its wallbreaking power. In particular, Mega Mewtwo X loves Zygarde-C and Giratina being kept in check, and Mega Mewtwo Y enjoys Dialga, Fur Coat Chansey, and Steel-types being worn down. They can also check and force out more offensive, wallbreaking foes that limit opportunities for Kyurem-W to come in. Stacking -ate users is also a potent strategy, as the combination of Choice Specs Refrigerate Kyurem-W and Choice Specs Aerilate Mega Rayquaza can quickly wear down opposing Steel-types and blow through opposing defenses, as most teams only carry one -ate check. Many physical attackers in the metagame especially appreciate Kyurem-W's powerful special coverage. Pokemon such as Poison Heal Regigigas and Primal Groudon form potent wallbreaking cores with Kyurem-W, as Regigigas can quite safely set up against most Steel-types while Primal Groudon simply plows past them. Poison Heal physical attackers such as Mega Mewtwo X work especially well, helping to shrug off status moves and Knock Off while also garnering momentum and safe switches in for Kyurem-W. Finally, many of the aforementioned Pokemon, including Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Gyarados, can also tackle Soundproof walls like Arceus and Mega Slowbro so Kyurem-W can spam Boomburst without fear.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
Icicle Plate and Life Orb are options on the Refrigerate set, along with a mixed set of Boomburst, Extreme Speed, Bolt Strike, and Blue Flare. Generally, however, Choice Specs is more than powerful enough. Choice Scarf is also an option to KO a lot of frailer, faster offensive threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X. However, Kyurem-W requires a lot of chip damage to effectively do so.
Checks and Counters
========
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Because Kyurem-W relies on Choice Specs for power, the first step in countering it is predicting which move it will lock itself into. Bulky Pokemon that resist Ice like Primal Kyogre are the best counters to Kyurem-W, especially if they are not hit super effectively by common coverage. On top of this, Primal Kyogre often runs Assault Vest, making it an even more secure counter. RegenVest Pokemon like Dialga, Registeel, and Solgaleo in general are particularly good at checking Kyurem-W, as they can switch in, scout what move it will lock itself into, and switch out again to the appropriate counter, healing off the damage in the process. Other Steel-types such as non-Assault Vest Registeel and Aegislash can also check Kyurem-W, though most are least 2HKOed by Blue Flare and Earth Power and need high special bulk to confront it. Fur Coat Chansey also serves as a decent counter, as it can reliably tank hits when at full health, though it can lose to entry hazards and chip damage. Finally, with the right prediction and switches, Kyurem-W's low-PP coverage moves can be PP stalled by bulkier teams, especially as it is limited in move choice by its Choice Specs. However, this requires quite a bit of consistent prediction.
**Soundproof**: Certain Soundproof Pokemon such as Mega Audino are immune to Kyurem-W's main attack, Boomburst, and with enough special bulk, they can easily tank its coverage attacks. They must be wary of its Dragon-type coverage, however, as traditional Soundproof users such as Mega Slowbro get 2HKOed.
**Sturdy Shedinja**: Without Moongeist Beam, Kyurem-W is completely walled by Sturdy Shedinja. Even if Kyurem-W does have Moongeist Beam, Sturdy Shedinja can still act as a check with the right prediction, as Moongeist Beam is a risky move for Kyurem-W to be locked into.
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Kyurem-W is fairly slow, especially as it normally runs a Modest nature, so plenty of other offensive Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Diancie outspeed it and can put it out of commission before it can attack. However, thanks to Kyurem-W's bulk, it is difficult to OHKO without using a powerful super effective STAB attack, so chip damage is required when relying on coverage moves from Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Gengar and even STAB moves from weaker Pokemon such as Xerneas.
**Entry Hazards**: Kyurem-W is easily worn down by entry hazards, as it takes super effective damage from Stealth Rock, is put on a quick timer by poison from Toxic Spikes, and relies on switching in order to maintain offensive momentum, exacerbating its susceptibility to them.
**Support Moves**: Kyurem-W is reliant on both its ability and its item for maximum power. Thus, support moves that remove its item, such as Knock Off, and that neuter its ability, such as Core Enforcer, Entrainment, and Worry Seed, can temporarily decrease its power. Status also hurts Kyurem-W, especially paralysis from moves such as Nuzzle and Glare, slowing it down and preventing it from outspeeding the walls it is supposed to take down, and sleep from Spore, making it easier for other offensive Pokemon to shut it down.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Electrolyte, 148071]]
- Quality checked by: [[GL Volkner, 330455], [Gurpreet Patel (Sent You a Friend Request), 233142], [E4 Flint, 203690]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
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