This Salamence set is designed to take out the most commonly used lead in OU, Azelf, and to stand a decent chance against Metagross. In addition, it has a chance to come back into the game later and attempt a sweep.
Name: ANTI-AZELF
Pokemon: Salamence
Move 1: Dragon Claw/Outrage
Move 2: Earthquake
Move 3: Protect/Roost
Move 4: Dragon Dance
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 216HP/16Atk/252Def/24Spe
Set Comments
<p>The listed EVs mean that, against Azelf, Salamence survives a naive Azelf's Explosion, regardless of EV investment. Intimidate, paired with the defence EVs, makes Salamence a fairly sturdy physical wall. The Speed EVs enable Salamence to outspeed all those with base 115 speed and a +speed nature after one Dragon Dance. The remainder are dumped into attack to provide a little extra bite, but can also be put into HP for more longevity. <p>
<p>There are two ways this Salamence can take on Azelf, the first being to merely 2HKO it with Dragon Claw. Alternatively, it can use Dragon Dance on the first turn, hoping it does not get Taunted. It will still not score a clean OHKO on Azelf, regardless of whether Azelf holds Focus Sash or not, but as Salamence is now faster, it can still 2HKO before being knocked out itself. <p>
<p>Dragon Claw is used to dispel Azelf, scoring a 2HKO. In return, Azelf can only achieve a 3HKO with Psychic. It is listed over Outrage for consistency, but either could be used, based on personal preference. The only way Azelf can defeat this lead is to strike first with Psychic, then with Explosion. This is where Protect comes in, and why it gains preference over Roost. In addition to blocking powerful hits, it also provides free turns of leftovers recovery. Roost can be used for HP recovery, but Protect is recommended. <p>
<p>Against Metagross, Salamence only fears Explosion. Coming off a larger attack stat, and using Clear Body to suppress Intimidate, Metagross will always KO Salamence. Again, Protect can be used with prediction to block Explosion. Other than that, Salamence has little to fear from Metagross. Bullet Punch does a maximum of 80 damage, and Meteor Mash is only a 3HKO, as is Salamence's Earthquake upon Metagross. As Salamence is faster, it will win in this situation.
However, Metagross' method to take down Salamence is to use Meteor Mash twice, then Bullet Punch. <p>
Additional Comments
<p>After taking down the lead, Salamence can either stay in to try and cause more damage to the opponent's team, or switch out and return later. Switching out is usually the better option, bringing Salamence back in on a defensive pokemon that struggles to damage it while it sets up with Dragon Dance. <p>
<p>As can be seen, there are methods that both leads can use against Salamence to win. However, both are rather shaky, and Salamence can be backed up with appropriate counters. <p>
Team Options
<p>As usual, Magenzone makes a great partner for Salamence. Magnezone resists Salamence's weaknesses of Ice, Rock and Dragon, while Salamence resists Fire and Fighting, and is immune to Ground. Magnezone's main role is to take out the Steel-types that give Salamence trouble in trying to sweep late-game. Wish support is a must, to enable Salamence to come back into the game. Additionally, Rapid Spin support is of great use. Forretress fills this role well, also able to lay down its own entry hazards, then Explode. Heatran is also of great use. All Salamence hate priority attacks, and Heatran can take on Scizor well, provided it is cautious of Brick Break and Superpower. <p>
<p>This Salamence will struggle to force its way through slower, bulky leads, and is designed to work against offensive teams. Mixed Expert Belt Tyranitar can be of great use here, but one will have to shape the team to be able to cope with Sand Stream. <p>
Counters
<p>Slower leads such as Hippowdon and Gliscor, with high defense stats, will cause this set problems. Dual screen leads may cause it some problems, but unless they can hit it for super-effective damage, it has nothing to fear from them, using the time to set up itself. Anything with Torment will cause this set a few problems. Skarmory and Forretress are clear counters, resisting or immune to Salamence's attacks. Metagross and Magnezone with Magnet Rise will take it on with little difficulty.
<p>Anyways, post comments, thoughts, enquiries as you see fit. <p>
Optional Changes
<p> All damage calculations are assuming Salamence has an Adamant nature, and assuming Standard Lead sets for Metagross and Azelf. A Jolly nature can be used for more speed, but Adamant will generally prove the better choice. <p>
Name: ANTI-AZELF
Pokemon: Salamence
Move 1: Dragon Claw/Outrage
Move 2: Earthquake
Move 3: Protect/Roost
Move 4: Dragon Dance
Item: Leftovers
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 216HP/16Atk/252Def/24Spe
Set Comments
<p>The listed EVs mean that, against Azelf, Salamence survives a naive Azelf's Explosion, regardless of EV investment. Intimidate, paired with the defence EVs, makes Salamence a fairly sturdy physical wall. The Speed EVs enable Salamence to outspeed all those with base 115 speed and a +speed nature after one Dragon Dance. The remainder are dumped into attack to provide a little extra bite, but can also be put into HP for more longevity. <p>
<p>There are two ways this Salamence can take on Azelf, the first being to merely 2HKO it with Dragon Claw. Alternatively, it can use Dragon Dance on the first turn, hoping it does not get Taunted. It will still not score a clean OHKO on Azelf, regardless of whether Azelf holds Focus Sash or not, but as Salamence is now faster, it can still 2HKO before being knocked out itself. <p>
<p>Dragon Claw is used to dispel Azelf, scoring a 2HKO. In return, Azelf can only achieve a 3HKO with Psychic. It is listed over Outrage for consistency, but either could be used, based on personal preference. The only way Azelf can defeat this lead is to strike first with Psychic, then with Explosion. This is where Protect comes in, and why it gains preference over Roost. In addition to blocking powerful hits, it also provides free turns of leftovers recovery. Roost can be used for HP recovery, but Protect is recommended. <p>
<p>Against Metagross, Salamence only fears Explosion. Coming off a larger attack stat, and using Clear Body to suppress Intimidate, Metagross will always KO Salamence. Again, Protect can be used with prediction to block Explosion. Other than that, Salamence has little to fear from Metagross. Bullet Punch does a maximum of 80 damage, and Meteor Mash is only a 3HKO, as is Salamence's Earthquake upon Metagross. As Salamence is faster, it will win in this situation.
However, Metagross' method to take down Salamence is to use Meteor Mash twice, then Bullet Punch. <p>
Additional Comments
<p>After taking down the lead, Salamence can either stay in to try and cause more damage to the opponent's team, or switch out and return later. Switching out is usually the better option, bringing Salamence back in on a defensive pokemon that struggles to damage it while it sets up with Dragon Dance. <p>
<p>As can be seen, there are methods that both leads can use against Salamence to win. However, both are rather shaky, and Salamence can be backed up with appropriate counters. <p>
Team Options
<p>As usual, Magenzone makes a great partner for Salamence. Magnezone resists Salamence's weaknesses of Ice, Rock and Dragon, while Salamence resists Fire and Fighting, and is immune to Ground. Magnezone's main role is to take out the Steel-types that give Salamence trouble in trying to sweep late-game. Wish support is a must, to enable Salamence to come back into the game. Additionally, Rapid Spin support is of great use. Forretress fills this role well, also able to lay down its own entry hazards, then Explode. Heatran is also of great use. All Salamence hate priority attacks, and Heatran can take on Scizor well, provided it is cautious of Brick Break and Superpower. <p>
<p>This Salamence will struggle to force its way through slower, bulky leads, and is designed to work against offensive teams. Mixed Expert Belt Tyranitar can be of great use here, but one will have to shape the team to be able to cope with Sand Stream. <p>
Counters
<p>Slower leads such as Hippowdon and Gliscor, with high defense stats, will cause this set problems. Dual screen leads may cause it some problems, but unless they can hit it for super-effective damage, it has nothing to fear from them, using the time to set up itself. Anything with Torment will cause this set a few problems. Skarmory and Forretress are clear counters, resisting or immune to Salamence's attacks. Metagross and Magnezone with Magnet Rise will take it on with little difficulty.
<p>Anyways, post comments, thoughts, enquiries as you see fit. <p>
Optional Changes
<p> All damage calculations are assuming Salamence has an Adamant nature, and assuming Standard Lead sets for Metagross and Azelf. A Jolly nature can be used for more speed, but Adamant will generally prove the better choice. <p>
