Keldeo

Sobi

Banned deucer.


[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the metagame, notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small but has all the tools needed to allow it to succeed, including Secret Sword, which gives it the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess and versatility allow it to run multiple sets, such as a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb; a revenge killer; a cleaner with Choice Scarf; and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options can't break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latias, Azumarill, and Mega Venusaur depending on what Hidden Power it forgoes. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets all sit in a very good Speed tier, they are outsped by common threats such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy this problem at the cost of some of Keldeo's power.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Hydro Pump is key for combating walls such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is insufficient to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey as well as Water-resistant Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move and is used when Keldeo cannot afford to miss Hydro Pump; its burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothorn, and it is almost always a good move to spam. In the last moveslot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Water. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used for coverage against Grass-types, such as Necturna, and Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Timid nature are needed for Keldeo to hit hard and outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs turns Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power and ease its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly weaker against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo should be used to break opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as they are able to fight at any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case you should use Hidden Power Ground. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest and most spammable move to use early-game, as a potential burn can wear down counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams thanks to its type coverage, power, and speed. It cannot fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its powerful priority Flying-type attacks. Since Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, specially defensive teammates with Wish or Healing Wish, like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon, are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help deal with Electric-types. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame, set Stealth Rock, and offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not run Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty handling bulky Water-types, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias, that wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's burn chance makes Keldeo annoying and cleans up the opposition late-game thanks to its accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially defensive Pokemon harder than Hydro Pump or Scald. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if you prefer higher damage output; it is especially helpful against Aurumoth and Mega Charizard X (both of which Keldeo outspeeds even after they set up), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground eliminates Mollux and Plasmanta, while Icy Wind slows down foes and targets switch-ins like Mega Altaria and Dragonite.

Set Details
========

The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, making it a check to Cawmodore, +1 Mega Charizard X, and Kerfluffle. A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, including Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it makes Keldeo lose to Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95+ maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing it to clean up with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill foes, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and Crucibelle, with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow it to set up. Scald is the safest option early-game, as its burn on a switch-in allows Keldeo to have an easier time late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo works best on hyper offense and balance teams to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil; therefore, Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios are good partners. As many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, Mollux, and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's burn chance helps Keldeo stick around longer against physical attackers that would bypass its Special Defense boosts; its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping Keldeo's sweep. Hidden Power Ground keeps Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi more easily and avoid status from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's longevity and power, letting it sweep effectively.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost; it should be used when running Hidden Power Ground. Alternatively, Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and mitigates residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offense and balance teams to stop foes with Calm Mind and with its STAB coverage. Keldeo should set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters are sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to wear down the opposing team with Scald. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for combating faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; Scald and Substitute should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur is an effective teammate thanks to its defensive typing and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Unaware Clefable stops Pokemon that set up on Keldeo and can use Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and can use Heal Bell if it is statused. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, as various Electric-types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, are threatening. Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Colossoil are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

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

Salac Berry can be used with Substitute + Calm Mind to make Keldeo a powerful late-game sweeper but is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to deal with bulky Water-types, primarily Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing the former to set up on Keldeo. However, the only Water-type that can switch into Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply wall Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo. Serperior can also gain Speed boosts from Icy Wind due to Contrary.

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch into Keldeo, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave, and take it down with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo. However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types**: Many powerful Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind takes a large chunk out of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
 
Last edited:

Sobi

Banned deucer.
This is ready for QC — by the way, because the skeleton was written before Kerfluffle:

[09:54:03] +cbrevan: i guess you can just write it as it is and i'll have a qc member check the write up so its up to date
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader

qc: Exclaimer / sparktrain / z
gp: a / b
[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the tier, notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small but has all the tools needed to allow Keldeo to suceed, including Secret Sword, which gives Keldeo the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess and versatility allows it to run multiple sets. It can take on the role of a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb, a revenge killer and cleaner with Choice Scarf, and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options aren't enough to break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latios, Azumarill, and Mega Venusuar depending on what Hidden Power it runs. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. I'd add something like this: "While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets sit in a very good speed tier, they are outsped by common threats such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy these problems at the cost of some of Keldeo's power.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is key for maximizing damage against walls, such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi, and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is unable to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey, as well as Water-resistant Pokemon such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move that is needed in situations where Keldeo cannot afford to miss with Hydro Pump. Additionally, Scald's burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothron faster and is almost always a good move to spam. In the last slot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used to provide coverage against Grass-types such as Necturna and Dragon-types such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread and a Timid nature is needed for Keldeo to hit as hard as possible and to outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs is used to turn Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk, Clefable, and Mega Sableye remove Mega Sableye. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power while easing its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid Life Orb's recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly less harder against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========
Keldeo should be used to break down opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as both sets are able to effectively fight at almost any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case you should use Hidden Power Ground for massive damage. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest move early-game and the most spammable, as a potential burn can wear down Keldeo counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams for its type coverage, power, and speed it provides. Keldeo cannot effectively fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, and Celebi imo remove Celebi, add Tangrowth and Amoonguss instead, as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its prioritized powerful Flying-type attacks. Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, so specially defensive teammates that can provide Wish or Healing Wish support like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help Keldeo deal with Electric-type checks. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame and set Stealth Rock. Said Ground-types also offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not opt for Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty getting through bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias that wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's chance to burn the opposing foe makes Keldeo an annoyance to face; it's safer for cleaning up the opposing team late-game thanks to its higher accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially bulky Pokemon harder than Scald or Hydro Pump. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if Scald's burn chance and reliable accuracy are not needed. It is especially helpful against Aurumoth Keldeo outspeeds at +1, might be good to mention that, Mega Charizard X same as Aurumoth, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground is Keldeo's best method of eliminating Mollux and Plasmanta. Icy Wind is a decent option if you prefer slowing down the foe for or if a Pokemon like Mega Altaria or Dragonite switching in is predicted.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as much Pokemon as possible, including some Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it would cause Keldeo to lose to Pokemon it could otherwise deal with. For example, a Modest Keldeo with Choice Scarf would be outsped by a Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95 maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B. The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, notably making it a check to Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance, and Choice Scarf Mollux oml cbro actually added this set to an analysis, replace with Kerfluffle.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing it to clean up late-game with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill Pokemon with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and even Crucibelle. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow the foe to set up on it. Scald is usually the safest option in the early-game, as it can inflict a burn on a counter that attempts to switch into Keldeo, allowing Keldeo to have an easier time in the late-game.

Team Options
========

Since many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Keldeo works best on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil. This makes Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, Choice Scarf Mollux remove, outdated set, and Latios good partners. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, along with Mollux and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald helps Keldeo survive longer against physical attackers that would otherwise get past its Special Defense boosts. Its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind boosts. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping the sweep. Hidden Power Ground prevents Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as Mega Sableye remove this, add defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi easier and avoid Toxic from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's ability to survive and throw out special attacks, allowing it to sweep effectively.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, Volkraken Volkraken's standard set is Choice Scarf, idk if you have to make the indication that this is non-Choice Scarf that Keldeo will outspeed, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage to them. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost, and should be used to boost Hidden Power Ground. Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and helps mitigate residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop foes with Calm Mind and its STAB coverage. Keldeo should be aiming to set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters have been sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to help wear down the opposing team with Scald burns. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for taking out faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; both moves should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, Sableye remove, base forme is garbage, non- Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur can be used as an effective teammate thanks to its resistances to said types and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Clefable can use Unaware to stop Pokemon that set up on Keldeo and Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and use Heal Bell if it gets a status condition. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, being threateing. Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Colossoil are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable is a huge force in the metagame this is found mostly on stall teams nowadays that obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Mega Pigeot remove this guy, Talonflame, and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, and Necturna.add Tangrowth and Amoonguss to this list

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

Salac Berry can be used in conjunction with Substitute + Calm Mind to create a powerful late-game sweeper out of Keldeo, but it is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to help against bulky Water types, but it primarily beats Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing Manaphy to set up on Keldeo. However, the only Pokemon that can switch into Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply walls Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo (Icy Wind may seem appealing due to being super effective, but be wary of the Speed boost due to Contrary).

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch in, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave on it, and paraflinch it with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo, allowing them to revenge kill it. However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types** Many powerful Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias can switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind can take a large chunk of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
I think this looks good information-wise now. Notably added Kerfluffle everywhere because Keldeo hates its guts and removed Mega Sableye (rip one of Keldeo's uses going away)

QC 3/3
 

Conni

katharsis
hey there!
AMCHECK
remove add (comment)


[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the tier metagame (CAP is a metagame, not a tier), notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small but has all the tools needed to allow Keldeo to suceed succeed, including Secret Sword, which gives Keldeo the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess capabilities and versatility allows it to run multiple sets. It can take on the role of a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb, a revenge killer and , (AC) a cleaner with Choice Scarf, and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options aren't enough to break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latios Latias (you've mentioned Latios twice, so I'm assuming that this should be Latias), Azumarill, and Mega Venusuar depending on what Hidden Power it runs. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets sit in a very good Speed tier, they are outsped by common threats such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy these problems at the cost of some of Keldeo's power take care of this problem at the cost of Keldeo's boosted capabilities.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is key for maximizing damage against walls combatting walls, such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi, and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is unable to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey, as well as Water-resistant Pokemon such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move that is needed in situations where Keldeo cannot afford to miss with Hydro Pump. Additionally, Scald's burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothron Ferrothorn faster and is almost always a good move to spam. In the last slot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword because Secret Sword isn't as effective, and are immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves and Water-type moves are completely useless. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used to provide coverage against Grass-types such as Necturna and Dragon-types such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread and a Timid nature is needed for Keldeo to hit as hard as possible and to outspeed as much as possible hit as hard and to outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs is used to turn Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power while easing its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid Life Orb's recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly less harder against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========
Keldeo should be used to break down opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as both sets are able to effectively fight at almost any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which that case, (AC) you should use Hidden Power Ground for massive damage. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest move early-game and the most spammable, as a potential burn can wear down Keldeo counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams for its type coverage, power, and speed it provides. Keldeo cannot effectively fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its prioritized powerful powerful prioritized Flying-type attacks. Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, so specially defensive teammates that can provide Wish or Healing Wish support like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help Keldeo deal with Electric-type checks. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame and set Stealth Rock. Said The aforementioned Ground-types also offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not opt for Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty getting through bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias that otherwise wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's chance to burn the opposing foe makes Keldeo an annoyance to face; it's safer for cleaning up the opposing team late-game thanks to its higher accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially bulky specially defensive Pokemon harder than Scald or Hydro Pump. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if Scald's burn chance and reliable accuracy are not needed. It is especially helpful against Aurumoth (which Keldeo outspeeds at +1), Mega Charizard X (Keldeo also outspeeds at +1), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground is Keldeo's best method of eliminating Mollux and Plasmanta. Icy Wind is a decent option if you prefer slowing down the foe for or if a Pokemon like Mega Altaria or Dragonite switching in is predicted if you predict a Pokemon like Mega Altaria or Dragonite to switch in.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as much Pokemon as possible, including some Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it would cause Keldeo to lose to Pokemon it could otherwise deal with. For example, a Modest Keldeo with Choice Scarf would be outsped by a Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95 maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B. The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, notably making it a check to Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance, and Kerfluffle.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing it to clean up late-game with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill Pokemon with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and even Crucibelle. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow the foe to set up on it. Scald is usually the safest option in the during early-game, as it can inflict a burn on a counter that attempts to switch into Keldeo, allowing Keldeo to have an easier time in the during late-game.

Team Options
========

Since many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Keldeo works best on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil. This makes Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios good partners. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, along with Mollux and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald helps Keldeo survive longer against physical attackers that would otherwise get past its Special Defense boosts. Its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind boosts. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping the sweep. Hidden Power Ground prevents Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi easier and avoid Toxic from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's ability to survive and throw out special attacks, allowing it to sweep effectively.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage to them. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost, and should be used to boost Hidden Power Ground. Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and helps mitigate residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop foes with Calm Mind and its STAB coverage. Keldeo should be aiming to set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters have been sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to help wear down the opposing team with Scald burns. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for taking out faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; both moves should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur can be used as an effective teammate thanks to its resistances to said the aforementioned types and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Clefable can use Unaware to stop Pokemon that set up on Keldeo and Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and use Heal Bell if it gets a status condition. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, being threateing which can be threatening. Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Colossoil are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran;(replace semicolon with comma) Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux;(replace semicolon with comma) and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame, and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

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

Salac Berry can be used in conjunction with Substitute + Calm Mind to create a powerful late-game sweeper out of Keldeo, but it is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to help against bulky Water types, but it primarily beats Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing Manaphy to set up on Keldeo. However, the only Pokemon that can switch into Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply wall Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo (Icy Wind may seem appealing due to being super effective, but be wary of the Speed boost due to Contrary).

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch into it, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave on it, and paraflinch it with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo, allowing them to revenge kill it. However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types** Many powerful Psychic-types such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias can switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind can take a large chunk of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
Hey Conni, thanks for the amcheck. I implemented most of it, except for some stuff, which I'll point out in the hide tag below.
Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess capabilities
"prowess" -> "capabilities" in my opinion is a subjective change that alters the diction to suit you; both words fit here and there's no reason to change one to the other.

remedy these problems at the cost of some of Keldeo's power take care of this problem at the cost of Keldeo's boosted capabilities.
Again, you change the writer's voice; if you had changed "these problems" to "this problem", that would've been fine.

In the last slot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword because Secret Sword isn't as effective, and are immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves and Water-type moves are completely useless.
Here, I think you change the meaning because "isn't as effective" doesn't explicitly say that Mollux and Plasmanta are resistant to the move — same for "completely useless"

If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which that case...
You create a run-on here; "in which case" is fine and is a phrase that means "which, if true". If it's true that the opponent sends out a counter, you should do so and so. With your change, though, adding a semicolon after "Plasmanta" would've made the sentence grammatically correct but the change would be subjective still.

Said The aforementioned Ground-types
"Said" is an adjective that means aforementioned so this is a subjective change.

specially bulky specially defensive
In my opinion, bulky and defensive are the same thing so no need for change.

Scald is usually the safest option in the during early-game, as it can inflict a burn on a counter that attempts to switch into Keldeo, allowing Keldeo to have an easier time in the during
Again, "in the early-game" and "during the early-game" are both fine for me, no need to change them.

resistances to said the aforementioned types and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks.
Said = aforementioned.

Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, being threateing which can be threatening.
If you read this sentence again, it doesn't make sense with your change.

With your change: Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric-types, which can be threatening.

Original: Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric-types being threatening.

Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Colossoil are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran;(replace semicolon with comma) Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux;(replace semicolon with comma)
It's fine to use semicolons in lists when each part of the list already has commas in it and to make each part more apparent


Don't let this dishearten you, though. I really appreciate the check - thanks again! ^.^
 
Last edited:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
AMCHECK:
This will not count as one of the two required checks unless it is stamped by an official GP member.

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma

Sorry if it was another amcheck. I need to claim these analyses when I can.

[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the metagame, notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small,(AC) but it (flows better) has all the tools needed to allow Keldeo to succeed, including Secret Sword, which gives Keldeo the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon,(AC) such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess and versatility allows allow it to run multiple sets. It can take on the role of a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb, a revenge killer, a cleaner with Choice Scarf, and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options aren't enough to break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latias, Azumarill, and Mega Venusuar depending on what Hidden Power it runs. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats,(AC) such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets sit in a very good Speed tier, they are outsped by common threats,(AC) such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy this problem at the cost of some of Keldeo's power. (Don't think this needs to be in the Overview. You can mention this in that set description. Also, it's kind of implied through the absence of Choice Scarf at the beginning of the previous sentence)

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
[Add line break]
Hydro Pump is key for combatting combating walls, such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi, and it (not an independent clause beforehand) is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is unable to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey, as well as Water-resistant Pokemon,(AC) such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move that and is needed in situations where Keldeo cannot afford to miss with Hydro Pump. Additionally, Scald's burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothorn faster and is almost always a good move to spam. In the last slot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves and Water-type moves are completely useless (this doesn't need to be here; being immune to Water-type moves means that they're useless). Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used to provide coverage against Grass-types,(AC) such as Necturna,(AC) and Dragon-types,(AC) such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========
[Add line break]
The given EV spread and a Timid nature is are needed for Keldeo to hit as hard as possible and to outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs is used to turn Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power while easing its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid Life Orb's recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly less harder against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========
[Add line break]
Keldeo should be used to break down opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as both sets are able to effectively fight at almost any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice-(add hyphen)locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case, (AC) you should use Hidden Power Ground for massive damage. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest move to use early-game and the most spammable, as a potential burn can wear down Keldeo counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams for due to (something about that was weird to me, but subjective otherwise) its type coverage, power, and speed that it provides. Keldeo cannot effectively fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its powerful prioritized priority Flying-type attacks. Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, so specially defensive teammates that can provide Wish or Healing Wish support,(AC) like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help Keldeo deal with Electric-type checks. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame and set up Stealth Rock. Said These Ground-types also offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not opt for Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types,(AC) like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty getting through bulky Water-types,(AC) such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias that otherwise wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's chance to burn the opposing foe makes Keldeo an annoyance to face;(remove semicolon),(AC) and it's also safer for cleaning up the opposing team late-game thanks to its higher accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially defensive Pokemon harder than Scald or Hydro Pump. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if Scald's burn chance and reliable accuracy are not needed. It is especially helpful against Aurumoth and (which Keldeo outspeeds at +1),(RC) Mega Charizard X (which Keldeo also outspeeds at +1), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor (condensing to remove the other parenthesis). Hidden Power Ground is Keldeo's best method of eliminating Mollux and Plasmanta. Icy Wind is a decent option if you prefer slowing down the foe for or if you predict a Pokemon like Mega Altaria or Dragonite to switch in.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as much Pokemon as possible, including some Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it would cause Keldeo to lose to Pokemon it could otherwise deal with;(add semicolon) for.(remove period) For example, a Modest Keldeo with Choice Scarf would be outsped by a Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95 maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp (Garchomp is base 102) and Kyurem-B. The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. (moved it above; I find that it flows better if you talk about the EVs before the specified nature) Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, notably making it a check to Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance, and Kerfluffle.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing which allows it to clean up late-game with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill Pokemon with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and even Crucibelle. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow the foe to set up on it. Scald is usually the safest option during early-game (or "safest option during the early-game". I just chose this way because it's shorter), as it can inflict a burn on a counter that attempts to switch into Keldeo, allowing Keldeo to have an easier time in the late-game.

Team Options
========

Since many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner (tbh I would put this right before the "Ground-type teammates" sentence, since you talk about a specific type disadvantage to a team archetype and then back to type weaknesses). Keldeo works best on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil. This makes Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios good partners. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, along with Mollux,(AC) and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald helps Keldeo survive longer against physical attackers (only with the burn chance) that would otherwise get past its Special Defense boosts. Its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind boosts. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping the Keldeo's sweep. Hidden Power Ground prevents Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi easier and avoid Toxic from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's ability to survive survivability and throw out special attacks power, allowing it to sweep effectively. ("Increases Keldeo's ability to survive" can be shortened, and "increases Keldeo's ability to throw out special attacks" is kind awkward)

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage to them. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost, and should be used to boost Hidden Power Ground. Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and helps mitigate residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop foes with Calm Mind and its STAB coverage. Keldeo should be aiming to set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters have been sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to help wear down the opposing team with Scald burns. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for taking out faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; both moves should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur can be used as an effective teammate thanks to its resistances to said those (subjective, but I do prefer those > said. "Said" just feels too formal) types and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Clefable can use Clefable's Unaware to ability can stop Pokemon that set up on Keldeo,(AC) and it can use Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame (Since Unaware is an ability, Clefable doesn't really "use" Unaware, it just has Unaware). In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and can use Heal Bell if it gets a status condition. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set,(RC) with various Electric types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, being threatening. Pursuit trappers,(AC) such as Tyranitar and Colossoil,(AC) are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame, and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

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

Salac Berry can be used in conjunction with Substitute + Calm Mind to create make Keldeo a powerful late-game sweeper out of Keldeo (flows better), but it is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to help against deal with (reduce redundancy) bulky Water types, but it primarily beats Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types,(AC) such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W,(AC) are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing Manaphy to set up on Keldeo (this part seems awkward considering the rest of the sentence). However, the only Pokemon that can switch into a Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply wall Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo.(end sentence) Serperior can also gain Speed boosts from Icy Wind due to Contrary, despite it being super effective (Icy Wind may seem appealing due to being super effective, but be wary of the Speed boost due to Contrary). (making it into another sentence is less awkward then putting it in parenthesis)

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch into it Keldeo, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave on it, and paraflinch it with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo,(RC) allowing them to revenge kill it (this is implied from the above). However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types** Many powerful Psychic-types,(AC) such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross,(AC) outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias can switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind can take a large chunk of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
Fireflame479 Thanks for the check! I implemented the vast majority of it, bar some of the commas around examples because I didn't really find them necessary and the sentence was fine with / without the change. I also did not change "said" because honestly it's fine as is :x Nevertheless, thanks again for the check ^.^

P.S. no offence amcheckers but please no more amchecks ;__;
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[/CENTER]
[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the metagame, notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small but has all the tools needed to allow Keldeo to succeed, including Secret Sword, which gives Keldeo the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess and versatility allow it to run multiple sets. It can take on the role of a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb, a revenge killer, a cleaner with Choice Scarf, and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options aren't enough to break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latias, Azumarill, and Mega Venusuar Venusaur depending on what Hidden Power it runs. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets sit in a very good Speed tier, they are outsped by common threats such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy this problem at the cost of some of Keldeo's power.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Hydro Pump is key for combating walls, such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi, and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is unable insufficient to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey, as well as Water-resistant Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move and is needed in situations where Keldeo cannot afford to miss Hydro Pump. Additionally, Scald's burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothorn faster, (AC) and it is almost always a good move to spam. In the last slot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Keldeo's Water-type moves. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used to provide coverage against Grass-types,(AC) such as Necturna,(AC) and Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Timid nature are needed for Keldeo to hit as hard as possible and to outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs is used to turn Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power while easing its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid Life Orb's recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly less harder hard against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo should be used to break down opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as both sets are able to effectively fight at almost any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, (RH) they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case (RC) you should use Hidden Power Ground for massive damage. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest move to use early-game and the most spammable, as a potential burn can wear down Keldeo counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams thanks to its type coverage, power, and speed that it provides. Keldeo cannot effectively fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss, as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its powerful priority Flying-type attacks. Also, since Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, so specially defensive teammates that can provide Wish or Healing Wish support, like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help Keldeo deal with Electric-type checks. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame and set Stealth Rock (RC) Said Ground-types also as well as offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not opt for Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types, like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty getting through bulky Water-types, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias that otherwise wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's chance to burn the opposing foe makes Keldeo an annoyance to face, and it's also safer for cleaning up the opposing team late-game thanks to its higher accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially defensive Pokemon harder than Scald or Hydro Pump. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if Scald's burn chance and reliable accuracy are not needed. It is especially helpful against Aurumoth and Mega Charizard X (both of which Keldeo outspeeds at +1 even after they set up), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground is Keldeo's best method of eliminating Mollux and Plasmanta. Icy Wind is a decent option if you prefer slowing down the foe or if you predict a Pokemon like Mega Altaria or Dragonite to switch in.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, notably making it a check to Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance, and Kerfluffle. A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as much many Pokemon as possible, including some Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it would cause Keldeo to lose to Pokemon it could otherwise deal with; for example, a Modest Keldeo with Choice Scarf would be outsped by a Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95 or higher maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, notably making it a check to Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X after one Dragon Dance, and Kerfluffle.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, which allows it to clean up late-game with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill Pokemon with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and even Crucibelle. (why "even" Crucibelle, not much of a surprise that Keldeo can RK a Rock / Poison type) If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow the foe to set up on it. Scald is usually the safest option early-game, as it can inflict a burn on a counter that attempts to switch into Keldeo, allowing Keldeo to have an easier time in the late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo works best on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil. This makes Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios good partners. Since many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, Mollux, and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's burn chance helps Keldeo survive longer against physical attackers that would otherwise get past its Special Defense boosts. Its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind boosts. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping Keldeo's sweep. Hidden Power Ground prevents Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi easier more easily and avoid Toxic from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's survivability longevity and power, allowing it to sweep effectively.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage to them. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost, and should be used to boost when running (assuming this is what you mean) Hidden Power Ground. Alternatively, Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and helps mitigate residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offensive and balance teams for its ability to stop foes with Calm Mind and its STAB coverage. Keldeo should be aiming to set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters have been sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to help wear down the opposing team with Scald burns. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for taking out faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; both moves should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur can be used as an effective teammate thanks to its resistances to said types defensive typing and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Clefable can use Unaware to stop Pokemon that set up on Keldeo, and it can use Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and can use Heal Bell if it gets a status condition. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, with various Electric-types, (AH) such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, being threatening. Pursuit trappers, such as Tyranitar and Colossoil, are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame, and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

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

Salac Berry can be used in conjunction with Substitute + Calm Mind to make Keldeo a powerful late-game sweeper, but it is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage overall. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to deal with bulky Water types, but it primarily beats Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types, such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W, are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing the former to set up on Keldeo. However, the only Pokemon that can switch into Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply wall Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo. Serperior can also gain Speed boosts from Icy Wind due to Contrary.

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch into Keldeo, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave on it, and paraflinch take it down with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo. However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types**: (add colon) Many powerful Psychic-types, such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross, outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias can switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind can take a large chunk of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
 
Last edited:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Keldeo is a premier offensive Pokemon in the CAP metagame thanks to its powerful combination of high offensive stats and good neutral coverage that allows it to threaten a large portion of the metagame. Keldeo's Water / Fighting typing gives it advantageous matchups against Chansey, Colossoil, and Heatran while also allowing it to switch into the Dark-, Fire-, and Ice-types in the metagame, notably Syclant and Weavile. Keldeo's movepool is small but has all the tools needed to allow it to succeed, including Secret Sword, which gives ir it the ability to pressure specially defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Most importantly, Keldeo's offensive prowess and versatility allow it to run multiple sets, such as that of a wallbreaker with Choice Specs and Life Orb; a revenge killer; a cleaner with Choice Scarf; and even a sweeper with Substitute + Calm Mind.

However, Keldeo's coverage options can't break through every Pokemon in the metagame, so it will find itself walled by Plasmanta, Mollux, Mega Venusaur, Latios, Latias, Azumarill, and Mega Venusaur depending on what Hidden Power it forgoes. It's also threatened by powerful offensive threats such as Talonflame, Aurumoth, Mega Metagross, and Mega Gardevoir. While Choice Specs, Life Orb, and Substitute + Calm Mind sets all sit in a very good Speed tier, they are outsped by common threats such as Kerfluffle, Mega Metagross, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle. However, Choice Scarf can remedy this problem at the cost of some of Keldeo's power.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Scald
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb / Expert Belt
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Hydro Pump is key for combating walls,(RC) such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi,(RC) and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is insufficient to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey as well as Water-resistant Pokemon,(RC) such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move and is used when Keldeo cannot afford to miss Hydro Pump; its burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothorn, and it is almost always a good move to spam. In the last slot moveslot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Water. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used for coverage against Grass-types, such as Necturna, and Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Timid nature are needed for Keldeo to hit hard and outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs turns Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power and eases ease its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid the latter's recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly weaker against neutral targets such as Clefable.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo should be used to break opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as they are able to fight at any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case you should use Hidden Power Ground. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest and most spammable move to use early-game, as a potential burn can wear down counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams thanks to its type coverage, power, and speed. It cannot fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its powerful priority Flying-type attacks. Since Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, specially defensive teammates with Wish or Healing Wish, like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon, are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help deal with Electric-types. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as Colossoil it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame, set Stealth Rock, and offer Ground-type coverage if you do Keldeo does not run Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types,(RC) like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta,(RC) are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty handling bulky Water-types, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias, that wall Keldeo.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Icy Wind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's burn chance makes Keldeo annoying and cleans up the opposition late-game thanks to its accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially defensive Pokemon harder than Hydro Pump or Scald. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if you prefer higher damage output;(add semicolon) it.(remove period) It is especially helpful against Aurumoth and Mega Charizard X (both of which Keldeo outspeeds even after they set up), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground eliminates Mollux and Plasmanta, while Icy Wind slows down foes and targets switch-ins like Mega Altaria or and Dragonite.

Set Details
========

The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, making it a check to Cawmodore, +1 Mega Charizard X, and Kerfluffle. A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, including Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it causes makes Keldeo to lose to Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95+ maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing it to clean up with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill foes, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and Crucibelle, with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow it to set up. Scald is the safest option early-game, as its burn on a switch-in allows Keldeo to have an easier time late-game.

Team Options
========

Keldeo works best on hyper offensive offense and balance teams to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil; therefore, Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios are good partners. As many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, Mollux, and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Scald
move 2: Secret Sword
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Substitute
move 4: Calm Mind
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Justified
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Scald's burn chance helps Keldeo stick around longer against physical attackers that would bypass its Special Defense boosts; its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping Keldeo's sweep. Hidden Power Ground keeps Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi more easily and avoid status from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's longevity and power, letting it sweep effectively.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost; it should be used when running Hidden Power Ground. Alternatively, Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and mitigates residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo.

Usage Tips
========

Keldeo is helpful on hyper offensive offense and balance teams to stop foes with Calm Mind and with its STAB coverage. Keldeo should set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters are sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to wear down the opposing team with Scald. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for combatting combating faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; Scald and Substitute should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit.

Team Options
========

Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur is an effective teammate thanks to its defensive typing and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Unaware Clefable stops Pokemon that set up on Keldeo and can use Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and can use Heal Bell if it is statused. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, as various Electric-types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, are threatening. Pursuit trappers,(RC) such as Tyranitar and Colossoil,(RC) are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

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

Salac Berry can be used with Substitute + Calm Mind to make Keldeo a powerful late-game sweeper but is not very reliable. Hidden Power Flying can help punish Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Necturna, Celebi, and Breloom on the switch in, but it is weak, and Scald, Hydro Pump, or Secret Sword can deal more damage. Hidden Power Bug defeats Celebi and helps against Psychic-types such as Latias, Latios, and Slowbro. Hidden Power Electric can be used to deal with bulky Water-types, primarily Gyarados. Taunt can be used to pressure walls like Pyroak and Chansey, and it also helps Keldeo avoid being statused, especially by Thunder Wave.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types,(RC) such as Manaphy, Slowbro, Krilowatt, and Rotom-W,(RC) are too bulky for unboosted Keldeo to defeat, allowing the former to set up on Keldeo. However, the only Water-type that can switch into Choice Specs-boosted Secret Sword is Slowbro.

**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss simply wall Keldeo, and Necturna, Celebi, and Serperior overpower it, although the latter cannot take many Secret Swords from Keldeo. Serperior can also gain Speed boosts from Icy Wind due to Contrary.

**Fairy-types**: Clefable, Kerfluffle, Mega Diancie, Mega Gardevoir, Sylveon, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill all easily defeat Keldeo with their super effective STAB attacks. However, Mega Diancie, Kerfluffle, and Mega Gardevoir cannot switch into Keldeo, and Mega Altaria also has difficulty due to Icy Wind. Kerfluffle and Mega Diancie also have to watch out for Choice Scarf variants.

**Flying-types**: Many Flying-types such as Talonflame and Tornadus-T outspeed and defeat Keldeo. Togekiss can survive a hit from Keldeo, use Thunder Wave, and take it down with Air Slash.

**Electric-types**: Choice Scarf Magnezone, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus all outspeed and OHKO non-Choice Scarf Keldeo. However, they cannot switch into Keldeo reliably.

**Psychic-types**: Many powerful Psychic-types,(RC) such as Latios, Latias, Alakazam, Jirachi, and Mega Metagross,(RC) outspeed Keldeo and defeat it, while Keldeo can do little in return. Latios and Latias switch in relatively well, although Icy Wind takes a large chunk out of their HP; Mega Latias can take Icy Wind, though. Moreover, most of the aforementioned Psychic-types hate switching in on Scald, especially Jirachi and Metagross.
GP 2/2


Nice job!
 
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