[OVERVIEW]
Tapu Lele is one of the most versatile and devastating offensive forces in the Doubles OU metagame. This can mostly be owed to its ability, Psychic Surge, as it both provides invaluable support by blocking priority moves such as Fake Out for grounded teammates and provides a power boost to Psychic-type moves used by grounded Pokemon, heightening the power of Tapu Lele's Psychic-type blows to astronomical levels. With high natural offensive potential, STAB coverage that's walled only by Steel, just-enough Speed, workable bulk if invested into, and access to Taunt, Tapu Lele is highly customizable and can fulfill a bevy of roles, from a fast attacker that can crumble foes to a bulky pivot that can also keep threats in check with its respectable power. In particular, Tapu Lele is a very effective user of Taunt, as it can reliably stop any setup without fear of Fake Out thanks to the aforementioned Psychic Surge.
Still, Tapu Lele has to watch out for opposing Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, Celesteela, and Bronzong, as they can simply shrug off any blow from it and take advantage of its futile presence. In addition, Tapu Lele's bulk is average at best—its Defense paper thin in particular—and its Speed is only middling, leaving non-Choice Scarf sets prone to being beat down by faster threats in the metagame such as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Metagross, Mega Salamence, and Mega Gengar.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Focus Blast / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Tapu Lele's strongest and most spammable STAB move, capable of reliably nabbing KOs and keeping threats at bay. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with additional coverage for Dragon- and Dark-type targets such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde, and Hoopa-U, and it is stronger than Psychic when Psychic Terrain is inactive, making it more useful in some cases such as when a different island guardian is expected to come in later on in a match. Dazzling Gleam gives Tapu Lele a decent spread option that is useful for late-game cleaning or attempts to spread some chip damage to the opposing team. The last moveslot is flexible, with either Focus Blast or Shadow Ball being a solid choice; the former lets Tapu Lele dent certain Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn while also allowing it to snag a quick KO on Tyranitar, whereas Shadow Ball allows Tapu Lele to put a dent in Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and opposing Tapu Lele.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature is used to maximize Tapu Lele's offensive potential with a Choice Scarf, notably allowing it to get the jump on Deoxys-A and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Psychic Surge lets Tapu Lele set Psychic Terrain upon coming in, powering up its Psychic-type attacks immensely.
Usage Tips
========
This particular Tapu Lele set works well on teams that need a Speed controller, as it is very capable of pressuring a majority of the offensive threats in the metagame. With its ability to outrun the entire unboosted metagame with a Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele should be utilized in a way wherein it can apply as much pressure as it can. With destructive power in its Psychic-type attacks and the Speed boost from the Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele is adept at picking off faster, frailer foes with even just little chip damage beforehand. Its high Speed also lends it the ability to be useful as a revenge killer and cleaner; in particular, once any Pokemon that resist or are immune to Psychic-type attacks are removed, Tapu Lele can simply mop up opposing teams with Psychic.
Using Tapu Lele as a lead can be a good way to seize initiative and apply pressure from the get-go, utilizing its ability to threaten a good portion of the metagame with the power of its STAB moves alone. However, watch out, as Psychic Surge can activate first over normally faster abilities, such as Salamence's Intimidate and Tapu Koko's Electric Surge, removing any surprise factor and revealing key information the opponent can take advantage of. Similarly, leading with Tapu Lele against other island guardians can be quite problematic, as they override Psychic Surge, taking away much of Tapu Lele's power and forfeiting initiative early on. In addition, Tapu Lele isn't easily capable of switching in later on to regain control of Terrain against Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu. On that note, using the Psychic Terrain that comes with Psychic Surge to support teammates is recommended; blocking Fake Out and Extreme Speed for partners to safely attack can be key, and boosting the power of teammate Psychic-types can prove to be very devastating for foes.
Team Options
========
The team Tapu Lele is on should be prepared for handling opposing Trick Room due to Tapu Lele working poorly in it; sturdy defensive Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Zapdos can hold out long enough for it to expire, Taunt users such as Mega Gengar can stop it from getting set up entirely, and threats that can apply immense pressure to setters such as Hoopa-U and Groundium Z Zygarde can work for dealing with it. Checks to Mega Metagross are a must, as it walls Tapu Lele and takes advantage of Psychic Terrain; trapping it with Mega Gengar is an option as well as pressuring it with Choice Scarf Landorus-T, though a more reliable route is packing a Steel-type that can deal with it such as Aegislash or Heatran. Generally, partners that can break through Steel-types are recommended; Fire-types, such as Mega Charizard Y and Heatran, and Ground-types, such as Landorus-T and Zygarde, work well in this regard. Pairing Tapu Lele with other Psychic-types such as Hoopa-U, Mega Metagross, and Deoxys-A for destructive offense can also prove to be very effective.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psyshock and Psychic are simply powerful STAB moves and are largely interchangeable; however, Psyshock is highly preferred over Psychic, as the ability to break through foes running Calm Mind, Misty Seed, or Psychic Seed such as Zapdos is much more valuable than Psychic's 10 more Base Power, especially considering that the power of Psyshock is high enough regardless. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with a strong way to hit Dark-types such as Hoopa-U and Tyranitar as well as a way to utterly demolish Dragon-types such as Zygarde and Kyurem-B. Moonblast also works as as a stronger attack in cases when Psychic Terrain is not on the field. Taunt is useful for stopping any setup from foes that can take a blow. Protect allows Tapu Lele to defend itself, stalling out field conditions and allowing it to safely pass a turn as a teammate acts or switches in.
Set Details
========
A fairly straightforward spread of maximum Speed and Special Attack investment is used in order to let Tapu Lele outrun and threaten as much as it can, getting a Speed tie with Kyurem-B and opposing Tapu Lele in addition to getting the jump on non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Life Orb is simply used to make Tapu Lele's blows much more harder to stomach, though at the cost of recoil. Psychic Surge allows Tapu Lele to set Psychic Terrain by switching in, boosting its Psychic-type blows.
Usage Tips
========
Life Orb Tapu Lele particularly excels at devastating foes, even those that resist its attacks, with its powerful Psychic-type attacks and should be used as a way of punching holes in the opponent's team. Tapu Lele is especially useful early on in a game, as its power enables it to break down even resistant threats, limiting their defensive capabilities later on in the game and allowing Tapu Lele's teammates to have an easier time pressuring the opposing team. As the endgame draws closer, Tapu Lele can become a lethal finisher by claiming KOs with little chip damage beforehand, though its middling Speed can prove to be a bit of a concern.
On a related note, using speed control, Tailwind in particular, in conjunction with Tapu Lele is especially recommended, as this lets Tapu Lele apply maximum pressure, taking advantage of the newfound ability to outrun most foes to raze an opposing team. In cases where Tapu Lele is against a setup user that it can't immediately KO, it is a good idea to use Taunt on it to prevent any momentum loss. One should also look out for situations where Psychic Terrain can prove useful not only for Tapu Lele but also for its teammates; with its ability to block priority attacks on grounded teammates, one can make Fake Out a non-factor, for example, making Tapu Lele a good lead against leads that use the support move. One can also boost the power of STAB Psychic-type moves from teammates such as Deoxys-A and Mega Metagross to much higher levels, amping up the pressure they can apply considerably. Still, one should exert caution when it comes to switching Tapu Lele in; with its frailty and with Life Orb taking its toll, Tapu Lele should only be switched only at times when it's truly needed, such as when Psychic Terrain is required or when the situation is particularly safe like when coming in on a predicted weak blow or when a teammate gets KOed.
Team Options
========
As this Tapu Lele variant is geared towards breaking the opposing team, answers to Steel-types, the best switch-ins to Tapu Lele, are recommended. Fire- and Ground-types such as Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, Landorus-T, and Zygarde work best in this regard. Tapu Lele also appreciates pivots that it can fall back onto when it gets threatened; switch-ins for Mega Metagross are very important in particular, as well as answers to strong attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, and Tapu Koko. A variety of Pokemon can serve as an answer to some but not all of them, with Psychic Seed Zapdos decent at checking them barring Mega Charizard Y and Tyranitar dependable at taking them on except Mega Metagross, among others. Seeing as Tapu Lele fits well on offensive teams, upping the ante with another Psychic-type Pokemon is recommended, as they can also take advantage of the Psychic Terrain; Deoxys-A becomes a nightmare to take on, as its Psycho Boost become pretty much untankable, Mega Metagross is capable of checking numerous threats, as it also threatens hefty damage with Zen Headbutt, and Hoopa-U gains a boost to its already powerful Psychic-type STAB attack that can't be defended against. Speed control support is very effective with Tapu Lele, as it lets it become a much bigger threat; Tailwind setters such as Zapdos, Hydreigon, and Mega Salamence fit the bill for this one.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 112 SpA / 8 SpD / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tapu Lele has freedom of choice between Psyshock and Psychic for the most part, as they provide a decently strong Psychic-type STAB attack; Psyshock is often preferred, as its capability of checking more threats such as Calm Mind Tapu Fini and Misty or Psychic Seed Zapdos often plays to a bigger benefit than Psychic's 10 more Base Power, which is a bit negligible on a pivot set. Moonblast allows Tapu Lele to hit Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Hoopa-U as well as smash Dragon-types such as Zygarde and Mega Salamence. Taunt allows Tapu Lele to stop any setup whatsoever from the likes of Tailwind Zapdos, Trick Room Hoopa-U, and Substitute Heatran. Protect allows Tapu Lele to safely stall out a turn and any field condition such as Trick Room as a teammate switches onto the field.
Set Details
========
212 HP EVs let Tapu Lele take a Double Edge from standard Mega Salamence. In addition, the 8 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Lele take either a Shadow Ball or a Flash Cannon from Aegislash, and the 112 Speed investment lets Tapu Lele outrun Modest Kingdra in even conditions. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack for considerable power, with the Modest nature raising it even further. Sitrus Berry is used in order to provide some additional longevity as Tapu Lele takes hits for teammates. Psychic Surge enables Tapu Lele to set Psychic Terrain upon coming into the field, providing a nifty boost to its Psychic-type attacks.
Usage Tips
========
As a bulky pivot Tapu Lele set is more of a glue Pokemon, it fits well on teams that appreciate the utility it provides. Tapu Lele serves well as a check to a variety of threats, as it can take most hits, especially special ones, decently and threaten back with strong blows or Taunt. With its solid combination of bulk, power, and ability to stop any play, Tapu Lele is very effective at taking back momentum and maintaining it if needed. Unlike the other Tapu Lele variants, this particular set's investment in bulk allows it to take a blow or two reliably, after which it can dish back a strong hit or two. Still, with this variant's lack of ability to overload foes with raw damage, Taunt becomes much more of a reliable option for dealing with foes, stopping them from doing anything problematic. Tapu Lele is still a respectable offensive threat, though, which means that with speed control Tapu Lele can still apply notable pressure to opposing teams. Tapu Lele can also serve well with Psychic Surge due to its bulk lending it the ability to switch in on attacks safely, allowing it to reliably block priority for grounded teammates, boost the Psychic-type attacks of teammates, and take away any other Terrain that the opponent is taking advantage of at a given moment.
Team Options
========
Steel-types are a bane to Tapu Lele, as they both wall and threaten to KO it, making switch-ins to them and teammates that can break them a must. Fire- and Ground-types such as Heatran and Landorus work well in terms of taking them out, while one's own Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Heatran can work well as switch-ins. Speed control in general is appreciated, as Tapu Lele becomes a much more threatening attacker with it; Tailwind setters such as Zapdos and Mega Salamence can provide this while appreciating Tapu Lele's ability to keep Trick Room at bay. Another Psychic-type attacker to benefit from Psychic Terrain is recommended in order to apply considerable offensive pressure, with Mega Metagross, Deoxys-A, and Hoopa-U all becoming much more dangerous threats with what is essentially a free boost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychium Z is a stellar option for its one-time ability to devastate a target while still leaving Tapu Lele a capable attacker even without a boost from the generally more dependable Life Orb. In a similar vein, Fightinium Z with Focus Blast is useful for getting around certain Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn as well as quickly mauling Tyranitar and Snorlax with a Fighting-type move that is both strong and accurate, while Shadow Ball with Ghostium Z can be nifty to hit threats such as opposing Tapu Lele, Mega Metagross, and Aegislash, though dealing with Never-Ending Nightmare's targets is a much more spotty affair and getting the safe hit on Mega Metagross in particular requires the use of speed control. Nature's Madness can be quite useful for significantly damaging very bulky threats or foes that Tapu Lele's attacks cannot power through. Choice Specs can be used for maximum offensive potential, though losing out on Protect and the versatility in play that comes with it can be quite the grave cost. Twisted Spoon provides only a slightly weaker boost compared to Life Orb and only to Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks, but it also comes without any drawbacks. Thunderbolt is usable if the ability to break through Celesteela is desired, and Dazzling Gleam on non-Choice Scarf sets can be useful if only for the ability to liberally spread chip damage. Calm Mind can be quite handy for allowing Tapu Lele to become a destructive force, though it might be quite unnecessary in most cases.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Aegislash, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Metagross can tank Tapu Lele's STAB moves and simply hit back for huge damage. Bronzong can also take a hit and set up on Tapu Lele with Z-Trick Room, ignoring Taunt.
**Ghost-types**: Aegislash resists both of Tapu Lele's STAB types and can easily hit back with either of its STAB moves. Mega Gengar outruns non-Choice Scarf Tapu Lele and traps it, making it an easy KO.
**Victini**: Victini resists both of Tapu Lele's STAB attacks and can easily shred it with V-create.
**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk is immune to Psychic, can reliably take a Moonblast with its high special bulk, and can simply OHKO Tapu Lele with Gunk Shot.
**Faster Pokemon**: Though not as true for the bulky set, Tapu Lele dislikes facing faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Salamence, Shaymin-S, and Tapu Koko, as they can hit Tapu Lele for significant damage.
**Terrain Control**: Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, and Tapu Koko can change the active Terrain upon switching in, softening the blows of Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks. Still, this is no full counter, as hits coming from Tapu Lele's hefty Special Attack are still going to sting.
**Paralysis, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: The faster Tapu Lele variants do not want their Speed advantage removed in any way, as this leaves them prone to getting picked off by more foes than they would like. Tailwind from the likes of Zapdos and Trick Room from threats such as Bronzong and Hoopa-U can annoy to no end, but note that Taunt variants can stop these threats bar Bronzong from setting up.
Tapu Lele is one of the most versatile and devastating offensive forces in the Doubles OU metagame. This can mostly be owed to its ability, Psychic Surge, as it both provides invaluable support by blocking priority moves such as Fake Out for grounded teammates and provides a power boost to Psychic-type moves used by grounded Pokemon, heightening the power of Tapu Lele's Psychic-type blows to astronomical levels. With high natural offensive potential, STAB coverage that's walled only by Steel, just-enough Speed, workable bulk if invested into, and access to Taunt, Tapu Lele is highly customizable and can fulfill a bevy of roles, from a fast attacker that can crumble foes to a bulky pivot that can also keep threats in check with its respectable power. In particular, Tapu Lele is a very effective user of Taunt, as it can reliably stop any setup without fear of Fake Out thanks to the aforementioned Psychic Surge.
Still, Tapu Lele has to watch out for opposing Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, Celesteela, and Bronzong, as they can simply shrug off any blow from it and take advantage of its futile presence. In addition, Tapu Lele's bulk is average at best—its Defense paper thin in particular—and its Speed is only middling, leaving non-Choice Scarf sets prone to being beat down by faster threats in the metagame such as Mega Charizard Y, Mega Metagross, Mega Salamence, and Mega Gengar.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Focus Blast / Shadow Ball
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psychic is Tapu Lele's strongest and most spammable STAB move, capable of reliably nabbing KOs and keeping threats at bay. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with additional coverage for Dragon- and Dark-type targets such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde, and Hoopa-U, and it is stronger than Psychic when Psychic Terrain is inactive, making it more useful in some cases such as when a different island guardian is expected to come in later on in a match. Dazzling Gleam gives Tapu Lele a decent spread option that is useful for late-game cleaning or attempts to spread some chip damage to the opposing team. The last moveslot is flexible, with either Focus Blast or Shadow Ball being a solid choice; the former lets Tapu Lele dent certain Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn while also allowing it to snag a quick KO on Tyranitar, whereas Shadow Ball allows Tapu Lele to put a dent in Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and opposing Tapu Lele.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature is used to maximize Tapu Lele's offensive potential with a Choice Scarf, notably allowing it to get the jump on Deoxys-A and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Psychic Surge lets Tapu Lele set Psychic Terrain upon coming in, powering up its Psychic-type attacks immensely.
Usage Tips
========
This particular Tapu Lele set works well on teams that need a Speed controller, as it is very capable of pressuring a majority of the offensive threats in the metagame. With its ability to outrun the entire unboosted metagame with a Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele should be utilized in a way wherein it can apply as much pressure as it can. With destructive power in its Psychic-type attacks and the Speed boost from the Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele is adept at picking off faster, frailer foes with even just little chip damage beforehand. Its high Speed also lends it the ability to be useful as a revenge killer and cleaner; in particular, once any Pokemon that resist or are immune to Psychic-type attacks are removed, Tapu Lele can simply mop up opposing teams with Psychic.
Using Tapu Lele as a lead can be a good way to seize initiative and apply pressure from the get-go, utilizing its ability to threaten a good portion of the metagame with the power of its STAB moves alone. However, watch out, as Psychic Surge can activate first over normally faster abilities, such as Salamence's Intimidate and Tapu Koko's Electric Surge, removing any surprise factor and revealing key information the opponent can take advantage of. Similarly, leading with Tapu Lele against other island guardians can be quite problematic, as they override Psychic Surge, taking away much of Tapu Lele's power and forfeiting initiative early on. In addition, Tapu Lele isn't easily capable of switching in later on to regain control of Terrain against Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu. On that note, using the Psychic Terrain that comes with Psychic Surge to support teammates is recommended; blocking Fake Out and Extreme Speed for partners to safely attack can be key, and boosting the power of teammate Psychic-types can prove to be very devastating for foes.
Team Options
========
The team Tapu Lele is on should be prepared for handling opposing Trick Room due to Tapu Lele working poorly in it; sturdy defensive Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Zapdos can hold out long enough for it to expire, Taunt users such as Mega Gengar can stop it from getting set up entirely, and threats that can apply immense pressure to setters such as Hoopa-U and Groundium Z Zygarde can work for dealing with it. Checks to Mega Metagross are a must, as it walls Tapu Lele and takes advantage of Psychic Terrain; trapping it with Mega Gengar is an option as well as pressuring it with Choice Scarf Landorus-T, though a more reliable route is packing a Steel-type that can deal with it such as Aegislash or Heatran. Generally, partners that can break through Steel-types are recommended; Fire-types, such as Mega Charizard Y and Heatran, and Ground-types, such as Landorus-T and Zygarde, work well in this regard. Pairing Tapu Lele with other Psychic-types such as Hoopa-U, Mega Metagross, and Deoxys-A for destructive offense can also prove to be very effective.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Life Orb
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Psyshock and Psychic are simply powerful STAB moves and are largely interchangeable; however, Psyshock is highly preferred over Psychic, as the ability to break through foes running Calm Mind, Misty Seed, or Psychic Seed such as Zapdos is much more valuable than Psychic's 10 more Base Power, especially considering that the power of Psyshock is high enough regardless. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with a strong way to hit Dark-types such as Hoopa-U and Tyranitar as well as a way to utterly demolish Dragon-types such as Zygarde and Kyurem-B. Moonblast also works as as a stronger attack in cases when Psychic Terrain is not on the field. Taunt is useful for stopping any setup from foes that can take a blow. Protect allows Tapu Lele to defend itself, stalling out field conditions and allowing it to safely pass a turn as a teammate acts or switches in.
Set Details
========
A fairly straightforward spread of maximum Speed and Special Attack investment is used in order to let Tapu Lele outrun and threaten as much as it can, getting a Speed tie with Kyurem-B and opposing Tapu Lele in addition to getting the jump on non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Life Orb is simply used to make Tapu Lele's blows much more harder to stomach, though at the cost of recoil. Psychic Surge allows Tapu Lele to set Psychic Terrain by switching in, boosting its Psychic-type blows.
Usage Tips
========
Life Orb Tapu Lele particularly excels at devastating foes, even those that resist its attacks, with its powerful Psychic-type attacks and should be used as a way of punching holes in the opponent's team. Tapu Lele is especially useful early on in a game, as its power enables it to break down even resistant threats, limiting their defensive capabilities later on in the game and allowing Tapu Lele's teammates to have an easier time pressuring the opposing team. As the endgame draws closer, Tapu Lele can become a lethal finisher by claiming KOs with little chip damage beforehand, though its middling Speed can prove to be a bit of a concern.
On a related note, using speed control, Tailwind in particular, in conjunction with Tapu Lele is especially recommended, as this lets Tapu Lele apply maximum pressure, taking advantage of the newfound ability to outrun most foes to raze an opposing team. In cases where Tapu Lele is against a setup user that it can't immediately KO, it is a good idea to use Taunt on it to prevent any momentum loss. One should also look out for situations where Psychic Terrain can prove useful not only for Tapu Lele but also for its teammates; with its ability to block priority attacks on grounded teammates, one can make Fake Out a non-factor, for example, making Tapu Lele a good lead against leads that use the support move. One can also boost the power of STAB Psychic-type moves from teammates such as Deoxys-A and Mega Metagross to much higher levels, amping up the pressure they can apply considerably. Still, one should exert caution when it comes to switching Tapu Lele in; with its frailty and with Life Orb taking its toll, Tapu Lele should only be switched only at times when it's truly needed, such as when Psychic Terrain is required or when the situation is particularly safe like when coming in on a predicted weak blow or when a teammate gets KOed.
Team Options
========
As this Tapu Lele variant is geared towards breaking the opposing team, answers to Steel-types, the best switch-ins to Tapu Lele, are recommended. Fire- and Ground-types such as Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, Landorus-T, and Zygarde work best in this regard. Tapu Lele also appreciates pivots that it can fall back onto when it gets threatened; switch-ins for Mega Metagross are very important in particular, as well as answers to strong attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, and Tapu Koko. A variety of Pokemon can serve as an answer to some but not all of them, with Psychic Seed Zapdos decent at checking them barring Mega Charizard Y and Tyranitar dependable at taking them on except Mega Metagross, among others. Seeing as Tapu Lele fits well on offensive teams, upping the ante with another Psychic-type Pokemon is recommended, as they can also take advantage of the Psychic Terrain; Deoxys-A becomes a nightmare to take on, as its Psycho Boost become pretty much untankable, Mega Metagross is capable of checking numerous threats, as it also threatens hefty damage with Zen Headbutt, and Hoopa-U gains a boost to its already powerful Psychic-type STAB attack that can't be defended against. Speed control support is very effective with Tapu Lele, as it lets it become a much bigger threat; Tailwind setters such as Zapdos, Hydreigon, and Mega Salamence fit the bill for this one.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Psyshock / Psychic
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Psychic Surge
nature: Modest
evs: 212 HP / 112 SpA / 8 SpD / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Tapu Lele has freedom of choice between Psyshock and Psychic for the most part, as they provide a decently strong Psychic-type STAB attack; Psyshock is often preferred, as its capability of checking more threats such as Calm Mind Tapu Fini and Misty or Psychic Seed Zapdos often plays to a bigger benefit than Psychic's 10 more Base Power, which is a bit negligible on a pivot set. Moonblast allows Tapu Lele to hit Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Hoopa-U as well as smash Dragon-types such as Zygarde and Mega Salamence. Taunt allows Tapu Lele to stop any setup whatsoever from the likes of Tailwind Zapdos, Trick Room Hoopa-U, and Substitute Heatran. Protect allows Tapu Lele to safely stall out a turn and any field condition such as Trick Room as a teammate switches onto the field.
Set Details
========
212 HP EVs let Tapu Lele take a Double Edge from standard Mega Salamence. In addition, the 8 Special Defense EVs let Tapu Lele take either a Shadow Ball or a Flash Cannon from Aegislash, and the 112 Speed investment lets Tapu Lele outrun Modest Kingdra in even conditions. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack for considerable power, with the Modest nature raising it even further. Sitrus Berry is used in order to provide some additional longevity as Tapu Lele takes hits for teammates. Psychic Surge enables Tapu Lele to set Psychic Terrain upon coming into the field, providing a nifty boost to its Psychic-type attacks.
Usage Tips
========
As a bulky pivot Tapu Lele set is more of a glue Pokemon, it fits well on teams that appreciate the utility it provides. Tapu Lele serves well as a check to a variety of threats, as it can take most hits, especially special ones, decently and threaten back with strong blows or Taunt. With its solid combination of bulk, power, and ability to stop any play, Tapu Lele is very effective at taking back momentum and maintaining it if needed. Unlike the other Tapu Lele variants, this particular set's investment in bulk allows it to take a blow or two reliably, after which it can dish back a strong hit or two. Still, with this variant's lack of ability to overload foes with raw damage, Taunt becomes much more of a reliable option for dealing with foes, stopping them from doing anything problematic. Tapu Lele is still a respectable offensive threat, though, which means that with speed control Tapu Lele can still apply notable pressure to opposing teams. Tapu Lele can also serve well with Psychic Surge due to its bulk lending it the ability to switch in on attacks safely, allowing it to reliably block priority for grounded teammates, boost the Psychic-type attacks of teammates, and take away any other Terrain that the opponent is taking advantage of at a given moment.
Team Options
========
Steel-types are a bane to Tapu Lele, as they both wall and threaten to KO it, making switch-ins to them and teammates that can break them a must. Fire- and Ground-types such as Heatran and Landorus work well in terms of taking them out, while one's own Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Heatran can work well as switch-ins. Speed control in general is appreciated, as Tapu Lele becomes a much more threatening attacker with it; Tailwind setters such as Zapdos and Mega Salamence can provide this while appreciating Tapu Lele's ability to keep Trick Room at bay. Another Psychic-type attacker to benefit from Psychic Terrain is recommended in order to apply considerable offensive pressure, with Mega Metagross, Deoxys-A, and Hoopa-U all becoming much more dangerous threats with what is essentially a free boost.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Psychium Z is a stellar option for its one-time ability to devastate a target while still leaving Tapu Lele a capable attacker even without a boost from the generally more dependable Life Orb. In a similar vein, Fightinium Z with Focus Blast is useful for getting around certain Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn as well as quickly mauling Tyranitar and Snorlax with a Fighting-type move that is both strong and accurate, while Shadow Ball with Ghostium Z can be nifty to hit threats such as opposing Tapu Lele, Mega Metagross, and Aegislash, though dealing with Never-Ending Nightmare's targets is a much more spotty affair and getting the safe hit on Mega Metagross in particular requires the use of speed control. Nature's Madness can be quite useful for significantly damaging very bulky threats or foes that Tapu Lele's attacks cannot power through. Choice Specs can be used for maximum offensive potential, though losing out on Protect and the versatility in play that comes with it can be quite the grave cost. Twisted Spoon provides only a slightly weaker boost compared to Life Orb and only to Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks, but it also comes without any drawbacks. Thunderbolt is usable if the ability to break through Celesteela is desired, and Dazzling Gleam on non-Choice Scarf sets can be useful if only for the ability to liberally spread chip damage. Calm Mind can be quite handy for allowing Tapu Lele to become a destructive force, though it might be quite unnecessary in most cases.
Checks and Counters
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**Steel-types**: Aegislash, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Metagross can tank Tapu Lele's STAB moves and simply hit back for huge damage. Bronzong can also take a hit and set up on Tapu Lele with Z-Trick Room, ignoring Taunt.
**Ghost-types**: Aegislash resists both of Tapu Lele's STAB types and can easily hit back with either of its STAB moves. Mega Gengar outruns non-Choice Scarf Tapu Lele and traps it, making it an easy KO.
**Victini**: Victini resists both of Tapu Lele's STAB attacks and can easily shred it with V-create.
**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk is immune to Psychic, can reliably take a Moonblast with its high special bulk, and can simply OHKO Tapu Lele with Gunk Shot.
**Faster Pokemon**: Though not as true for the bulky set, Tapu Lele dislikes facing faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Salamence, Shaymin-S, and Tapu Koko, as they can hit Tapu Lele for significant damage.
**Terrain Control**: Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, and Tapu Koko can change the active Terrain upon switching in, softening the blows of Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks. Still, this is no full counter, as hits coming from Tapu Lele's hefty Special Attack are still going to sting.
**Paralysis, Tailwind, and Trick Room**: The faster Tapu Lele variants do not want their Speed advantage removed in any way, as this leaves them prone to getting picked off by more foes than they would like. Tailwind from the likes of Zapdos and Trick Room from threats such as Bronzong and Hoopa-U can annoy to no end, but note that Taunt variants can stop these threats bar Bronzong from setting up.
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