Hydreigon has been an excellent Pokemon to use to simply abuse the power of its base 125 special attack. This generation the way Hydreigon has been used hasn't changed much, however his new partners have allowed him to be more successful at his job of switching in for KOs and switching out without fear of Pursuit. Lets take a look!
Base Stats:
HP: 92
Attack: 105
Defense: 90
Special Attack: 125
Special Defense: 90
Speed: 98
Hydreigon (M) @ Choice Specs/Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid/Modest Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Dragon Pulse / Uturn
- Fire Blast
Hydreigon's typing, stats, and ability all make it a very viable Pokemon to try out in the meta-game. Without the same amount of Blissey/Chansey usage in the DW tier Hydreigon's ability to switch in for the kill has greatly increased. This set is simply a result of the current meta-game, which could evolve with DW slowly merging into the standard BW OU. Hydreigon's Draco Meteor Timid nature is only 10 points away from Timid Latios. With base 90 defenses, base 92 HP, and being dark typed so it isn't pursuit weak Hydregion is free with power. Dragon Pulse is in a main slot for Specs Hydregion, because it has a strong enough stab and can stay in for numerous rounds with no reduced damage like Draco meteor. Don't worry about Dark Pulse because Specs Draco Meteor gets the job done. Scarf Hydreigon however may need Dark Pulse on various teams. Uturn is always a decent option with Hydreigon's base 105 attack stat or even a physical move of your choice.
Hydreigon (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- U-turn
- Surf / Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
Just keep bluffing until close to the end. This set is probably just as feared as Hydreigon's Choice Specs set, because Hydreigon's speed (so close to base 100) is perfect for bluffing a scarf or specs and may allow you to obtain a free kill by fooling your opponent completely. It's power output is similar to that of Choice Hydreigon, but method of use may prove to be more effective.
Checks/Counters
Hydreigon's speed and lack of recovery is the first thing that hender's him vs a well balanced team. He can only switch in so much like too many great Pokemon. His main counters would be Chansey and Blissey. Virizion may prove to be a problem to choice Hydreigon because it can switch in on two of his 4 moves. Not only that but of course if Hydreigon is -2 in special attack Virizion can set up on him freely. Lastly Virizion is a counter because it doesn't have to worry about whether you are running expert belt or specs if it switches in on the right move, because it can simply out speed Hydreigon and KO next turn.
Common checks would primarily be powerful priority moves. With techniloom roaming around and obvious priority users Hydreigon is often forced to switch out or KO'd depending on the opposing Pokemon's boosts/item. Hydreigon's role in many case however is one that Switches in and out for various KO's, moreover checks for Hydreigon that Outspeed or force Hydregion out are just making the process of Hydreigon coming out to damage the rest of their team longer.
Partnered with either stall or VoltTurn teams Hydreigon can easily play the role of a sniper on the battlefield.
Hydreigon has great stats, a great movepool, and great potential to even be effective mixed. Discuss here!
Base Stats:
HP: 92
Attack: 105
Defense: 90
Special Attack: 125
Special Defense: 90
Speed: 98
Hydreigon (M) @ Choice Specs/Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid/Modest Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Dragon Pulse / Uturn
- Fire Blast
Hydreigon's typing, stats, and ability all make it a very viable Pokemon to try out in the meta-game. Without the same amount of Blissey/Chansey usage in the DW tier Hydreigon's ability to switch in for the kill has greatly increased. This set is simply a result of the current meta-game, which could evolve with DW slowly merging into the standard BW OU. Hydreigon's Draco Meteor Timid nature is only 10 points away from Timid Latios. With base 90 defenses, base 92 HP, and being dark typed so it isn't pursuit weak Hydregion is free with power. Dragon Pulse is in a main slot for Specs Hydregion, because it has a strong enough stab and can stay in for numerous rounds with no reduced damage like Draco meteor. Don't worry about Dark Pulse because Specs Draco Meteor gets the job done. Scarf Hydreigon however may need Dark Pulse on various teams. Uturn is always a decent option with Hydreigon's base 105 attack stat or even a physical move of your choice.
Hydreigon (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- U-turn
- Surf / Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
Just keep bluffing until close to the end. This set is probably just as feared as Hydreigon's Choice Specs set, because Hydreigon's speed (so close to base 100) is perfect for bluffing a scarf or specs and may allow you to obtain a free kill by fooling your opponent completely. It's power output is similar to that of Choice Hydreigon, but method of use may prove to be more effective.
Checks/Counters
Hydreigon's speed and lack of recovery is the first thing that hender's him vs a well balanced team. He can only switch in so much like too many great Pokemon. His main counters would be Chansey and Blissey. Virizion may prove to be a problem to choice Hydreigon because it can switch in on two of his 4 moves. Not only that but of course if Hydreigon is -2 in special attack Virizion can set up on him freely. Lastly Virizion is a counter because it doesn't have to worry about whether you are running expert belt or specs if it switches in on the right move, because it can simply out speed Hydreigon and KO next turn.
Common checks would primarily be powerful priority moves. With techniloom roaming around and obvious priority users Hydreigon is often forced to switch out or KO'd depending on the opposing Pokemon's boosts/item. Hydreigon's role in many case however is one that Switches in and out for various KO's, moreover checks for Hydreigon that Outspeed or force Hydregion out are just making the process of Hydreigon coming out to damage the rest of their team longer.
Partnered with either stall or VoltTurn teams Hydreigon can easily play the role of a sniper on the battlefield.
Hydreigon has great stats, a great movepool, and great potential to even be effective mixed. Discuss here!