[OVERVIEW]
Reuniclus is one of the best Pokemon in the tier as a result of its amazing ability, good offensive prowess, and defensive profile. Magic Guard invalidates the passive damage bulkier threats like Ferrothorn, Slowking, Rotom-W, Tentacruel, Skarmory, and Gliscor rely on, including sandstorm, entry hazards, and status, giving Reuniclus a great matchup against their team structures, especially when accompanied by Spikes. Its great coverage moves like Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Thunder make it just as scary to offensive threats switching in as the defensive ones it sets up on. For general defensive purposes, it can switch into and force out popular threats like Gliscor, Terrakion, Garchomp, Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, defensive Heatran, and Alakazam lacking Signal Beam or Shadow Ball. It also has good set versatility; on top of Calm Mind, it can run a powerful 3 attacks set that immediately threatens bulkier teams and a Trick Room set that flips the script on faster offensive teams. However, very strong Pokemon like Keldeo, Excadrill, Latios, Kyurem-B, and offensive Heatran can overwhelm Reuniclus as a result of its its low Speed and lack of resistances. Pokemon that can prevent Reuniclus from setting up safely like Trick Choice Scarf Latios, Perish Song Celebi and Politoed, and Encore Alakazam and Politoed can punish the Calm Mind set. Reuniclus is also very vulnerable to Pursuit from the omnipresent Tyranitar, which often runs Chople Berry to take Focus Blast, as well as Scizor. Its Calm Mind set loses to Jirachi and can get walled by common Pokemon depending on coverage, like Excadrill if lacking Focus Blast and Dragonite and Latios if lacking Hidden Power Ice.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic / Thunder / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice / Thunder
move 4: Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder hits common Water-types like Politoed, Slowking, Jellicent, and Starmie as well as Skarmory super effectively and has generally good coverage against other other common Pokemon like Heatran and Tyranitar. It can also paralyze, giving Reuniclus a way to punish switch-ins. Hidden Power Ice makes Reuniclus one of the best answers to Gliscor and hits other Ground- and Dragon-types like Garchomp, Landorus-T, Latios, and Dragonite. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran while threatening Ferrothorn and Skarmory more immediately so they can't set up entry hazards when Reuniclus isn't boosted. It also hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Psyshock is an option to let Reuniclus more confidently win Calm Mind wars against users like Latias and better threaten specially bulky Pokemon like Volcarona, Rotom-W, and Chansey.
Set Details
========
Defense investment is preferred for checking physical attackers properly and better taking Pursuit. A set with more Special Defense investment can be considered to better handle Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam running Signal Beam or Shadow Ball, Magnezone, and mixed Garchomp. Life Orb can be run over Leftovers with Psyshock to more easily beat other Calm Mind Reuniclus, but dropping Leftovers generally leaves Reuniclus too easily pressured.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Reuniclus fits on sand teams because they enjoy it checking Fighting- and Ground-types and Alakazam while it appreciates the sand and entry hazards wearing down its switch-ins. Tyranitar sets sand, gets up Stealth Rock, and Pursuit traps Pokemon that can keep Reuniclus from sweeping, like Choice Scarf Latios, Encore Alakazam, Perish Song Celebi, and opposing Reuniclus. It can also take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Ferrothorn and Skarmory set up Spikes to wear down most of Reuniclus's common switch-ins, like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. Ferrothorn switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. It also provides further support with Stealth Rock and Knock Off and appreciates Reuniclus checking Fighting-types like Terrakion and Breloom. Skarmory checks offensive Ground-types like Landorus-T, Excadrill, and Garchomp as well as Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Scizor. Reuniclus works very well alongside other Psychic-types because they can overwhelm their shared switch-ins, mainly Tyranitar, Heatran, and Ferrothorn. As such, Alakazam and Latios are fantastic partners because they have a better matchup against offensive teams that Reuniclus can sometimes get overwhelmed by. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill most Pokemon and punish opposing Reuniclus with Encore. Latios switches into Water-, Grass-, and Electric-types like Keldeo, Celebi, and Thundurus-T, with Colbur Berry Latios being particularly good at wearing down shared checks by forcing entry hazard damage with Roar. Gliscor can provide Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon so Reuniclus can break through them. Gastrodon checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to help Reuniclus break through bulky targets. Excadrill pressures opposing Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Reuniclus countering Fighting-types and Gliscor if running Hidden Power Ice. Landorus-T can set Stealth Rock and pivot Reuniclus in safely with U-turn. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock, spread status, check Dragon- and Steel-types like Latios and Ferrothorn, and wear down Tyranitar while benefitting from Reuniclus taking on Fighting- and Psychic-types like Terrakion, Alakazam, and Breloom. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Terrakion can take out Steel-types and Tyranitar while also wearing down various other Pokemon so Reuniclus can more easily sweep. Rotom-W checks Water-types like Keldeo and Starmie, pivots Reuniclus in safely with Volt Switch, matches up well into Steel-types, and burns Pokemon to make Reuniclus more likely to overwhelm them.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Signal Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set distinguishes itself from the Calm Mind set thanks to its more immediate power and ability to pressure opposing sand and rain teams thanks to its defensive profile letting it come in on Pokemon like Tentacruel and Ferrothorn. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran while also breaking through Ferrothorn and Skarmory. It also hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Hidden Power Ice makes Reuniclus one of the best answers to every Gliscor set while also hitting other Ground- and Dragon-types like Latios, Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite and having good neutral coverage. Signal Beam hits Psychic- and Dark-types like Latios, opposing Reuniclus, Slowking, Starmie, and Tyranitar in one slot, making it a another good midground move.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread lets Reuniclus take Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor. 192 HP and 64 Defense can be used to avoid being 2HKOed by Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat.
Team Options
========
Sand teams enjoy 3 attacks Reuniclus's more immediate offensive prowess for breaking through opposing sand and rain teams and it checking Fighting-types and Alakazam. Tyranitar sets sand, gets up Stealth Rock, and Pursuit traps Psychic-types like Alakazam, Latios, and opposing Reuniclus. It can also take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Ferrothorn and Skarmory set up Spikes to wear down most of Reuniclus's common switch-ins, like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. Ferrothorn switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. It also provides further support with Stealth Rock and Knock Off and appreciates Reuniclus checking Fighting-types like Terrakion and Breloom. Reuniclus works very well alongside other Psychic-types because they can overwhelm their shared switch-ins, mainly Tyranitar, Heatran, and Ferrothorn. As such, Alakazam and Latios are fantastic partners because they have a better matchup against offensive teams that Reuniclus can sometimes get overwhelmed by. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill most Pokemon, punish opposing Reuniclus with Encore, and enjoys Reuniclus wallbreaking for it. Latios switches into Water-, Grass-, and Electric-types like Keldeo, Celebi, and Thundurus-T and sweeps late-game with a Choice Scarf set. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock, spread status, and check Dragon- and Steel-types like Latios and Ferrothorn while benefitting from Reuniclus breaking Pokemon that check it like Tentacruel and Politoed. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Terrakion can take out Steel-types and Tyranitar while also wearing down various other Pokemon, while Reuniclus can check Psychic-types like Alakazam and opposing Reuniclus for them. Gliscor can provide Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon so Reuniclus can break through them more easily. Gastrodon checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to help Reuniclus break through bulky targets. Excadrill pressures opposing Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Reuniclus countering Fighting-types and Gliscor if running Hidden Power Ice. Landorus-T can set Stealth Rock and pivot Reuniclus in safely with U-turn. Rotom-W can pivot Reuniclus in safely with Volt Switch, check Water- and Steel-types like Keldeo and Heatran, and burn opposing Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Signal Beam / Recover
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Quiet
evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Trick Room flips the script on offensive teams trying to overwhelm Reuniclus with their power and higher Speed. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, Scizor, and Ferrothorn and hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Hidden Power Ice hits Ground- and Dragon-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, Latios, Landorus-T, Dragonite, and Salamence. Signal Beam is another good midground move that hits Psychic- and Dark-types like Latios, opposing Reuniclus, Slowking, Starmie, and Tyranitar in one slot, which is important to get the most out of Trick Room. Recover lets Reuniclus play defense and get more chances to set up Trick Room multiple times. However, it leaves Reuniclus wanting for coverage.
Set Details
========
This EV spread avoids a 2HKO from Choice Band Terrakion's Choice Combat while maximizing power. A spread of 208 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD can be used for tanking Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on weatherless teams due to it being able to strongly threaten offensive teams that can overwhelm them, mainly rain teams. Magnezone is a key member of this team style, trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Jirachi lacking U-turn so Reuniclus can get the most out of its Trick Room turns and avoid risking Focus Blast. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Reuniclus is more easily able to KO its targets so it can make the most out of Trick Room's limited turns while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn so it can more easily set up Trick Room against threats that 2HKO it, like Garchomp and Alakazam packing Shadow Ball or Signal Beam. It can also take strong attacks from Pokemon that overwhelm Reuniclus, like Latios, Tyranitar, and Dragonite. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Dragonite, and Kyurem-B fit on these teams, weakening the opposition so Reuniclus can sweep in one attempt. Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios provide a safety net against offensive teams so Reuniclus isn't the only way to defeat them. Dragonite similarly helps against offensive teams with Pokemon that can break past Reuniclus to sweep like Volcarona thanks to its strong Extreme Speed and ability to take advantage of the holes Reuniclus breaks with Dragon Dance. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Tyranitar, Jirachi, Politoed, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent so Reuniclus can more easily break through them. Swords Dance Scizor appreciates Reuniclus threatening rain teams and can set up on Tyranitar to sweep through the aggressive offensive teams that can keep Reuniclus from setting up. Volcarona enjoys Reuniclus wearing down switch-ins like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Jellicent.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Trick with a Sticky Barb or Flame Orb can be used on the Calm Mind set over Calm Mind or a coverage move to lure in and cripple switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Jirachi, which aids Reuniclus and the Psychic-types this set should be paired with. However, giving up Calm Mind makes it worse against the bulky teams the Calm Mind set is meant to threaten while giving up a coverage move makes Reuniclus unable to break through its checks if it doesn't manage to hit Trick on its desired target. Reuniclus has a great support movepool, making it potentially possible to run a support set with moves like Knock Off and Thunder Wave. However, its defensive typing isn't good enough to outperform other defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Gliscor, and Skarmory. A set with Calm Mind, Acid Armor, Psychic, and Recover holding Rocky Helmet may seem appealing when paired with Toxic Spikes Tentacruel on rain teams to make Reuniclus beat Tyranitar and eventually impervious to all non-critical hits. However, this set takes too long to get going, and can be easily checked or forced out by Pokemon that are immune to Toxic Spikes or poison like Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, Trick Latios, and Encore Alakazam.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can take most of Reuniclus's attacks, Pursuit trap it, and set up Stealth Rock on it if it's running Chople Berry. However, it struggles to take Focus Blast, and the Choice Scarf set can easily be scouted given Reuniclus's bulk. It also tends to get worn down easily by entry hazards and Reuniclus's teammates.
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Offensive Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, Thundurus-T, Dragonite, Scizor, and Alakazam packing Signal Beam or Shadow Ball can force Reuniclus to use Recover or switch out, and Dragonite and Scizor can even set up on it. However, they struggle to take repeated hits from it and can have the tables turned on them by the Trick Room set.
**Jirachi**: Jirachi can take repeated hits from every set thanks to its bulk and recovery in Wish while also being able to break through Reuniclus with Iron Head flinches or even pivot its strong teammates in safely to overwhelm it with U-turn. However, Calm Mind variants with Thunder can break through it with paralysis, and it can get overwhelmed if Reuniclus has boosted too many times or it's been worn down.
**Anti-Setup Pokemon**: Pokemon like Trick Latios, Taunt Jellicent, Perish Song Celebi and Politoed, and Encore Alakazam and Politoed keep Calm Mind variants under control. However, they can struggle to take repeated hits from Reuniclus, are vulnerable to being worn down, and can't reliably stop the Trick Room set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BluBirD252, 347088], [Finchinator, 114198]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [dex, 277988]]
Reuniclus is one of the best Pokemon in the tier as a result of its amazing ability, good offensive prowess, and defensive profile. Magic Guard invalidates the passive damage bulkier threats like Ferrothorn, Slowking, Rotom-W, Tentacruel, Skarmory, and Gliscor rely on, including sandstorm, entry hazards, and status, giving Reuniclus a great matchup against their team structures, especially when accompanied by Spikes. Its great coverage moves like Focus Blast, Hidden Power Ice, and Thunder make it just as scary to offensive threats switching in as the defensive ones it sets up on. For general defensive purposes, it can switch into and force out popular threats like Gliscor, Terrakion, Garchomp, Tentacruel, Ferrothorn, defensive Heatran, and Alakazam lacking Signal Beam or Shadow Ball. It also has good set versatility; on top of Calm Mind, it can run a powerful 3 attacks set that immediately threatens bulkier teams and a Trick Room set that flips the script on faster offensive teams. However, very strong Pokemon like Keldeo, Excadrill, Latios, Kyurem-B, and offensive Heatran can overwhelm Reuniclus as a result of its its low Speed and lack of resistances. Pokemon that can prevent Reuniclus from setting up safely like Trick Choice Scarf Latios, Perish Song Celebi and Politoed, and Encore Alakazam and Politoed can punish the Calm Mind set. Reuniclus is also very vulnerable to Pursuit from the omnipresent Tyranitar, which often runs Chople Berry to take Focus Blast, as well as Scizor. Its Calm Mind set loses to Jirachi and can get walled by common Pokemon depending on coverage, like Excadrill if lacking Focus Blast and Dragonite and Latios if lacking Hidden Power Ice.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic / Thunder / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice / Thunder
move 4: Recover
item: Leftovers
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunder hits common Water-types like Politoed, Slowking, Jellicent, and Starmie as well as Skarmory super effectively and has generally good coverage against other other common Pokemon like Heatran and Tyranitar. It can also paralyze, giving Reuniclus a way to punish switch-ins. Hidden Power Ice makes Reuniclus one of the best answers to Gliscor and hits other Ground- and Dragon-types like Garchomp, Landorus-T, Latios, and Dragonite. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran while threatening Ferrothorn and Skarmory more immediately so they can't set up entry hazards when Reuniclus isn't boosted. It also hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Psyshock is an option to let Reuniclus more confidently win Calm Mind wars against users like Latias and better threaten specially bulky Pokemon like Volcarona, Rotom-W, and Chansey.
Set Details
========
Defense investment is preferred for checking physical attackers properly and better taking Pursuit. A set with more Special Defense investment can be considered to better handle Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam running Signal Beam or Shadow Ball, Magnezone, and mixed Garchomp. Life Orb can be run over Leftovers with Psyshock to more easily beat other Calm Mind Reuniclus, but dropping Leftovers generally leaves Reuniclus too easily pressured.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Reuniclus fits on sand teams because they enjoy it checking Fighting- and Ground-types and Alakazam while it appreciates the sand and entry hazards wearing down its switch-ins. Tyranitar sets sand, gets up Stealth Rock, and Pursuit traps Pokemon that can keep Reuniclus from sweeping, like Choice Scarf Latios, Encore Alakazam, Perish Song Celebi, and opposing Reuniclus. It can also take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Ferrothorn and Skarmory set up Spikes to wear down most of Reuniclus's common switch-ins, like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. Ferrothorn switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. It also provides further support with Stealth Rock and Knock Off and appreciates Reuniclus checking Fighting-types like Terrakion and Breloom. Skarmory checks offensive Ground-types like Landorus-T, Excadrill, and Garchomp as well as Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Scizor. Reuniclus works very well alongside other Psychic-types because they can overwhelm their shared switch-ins, mainly Tyranitar, Heatran, and Ferrothorn. As such, Alakazam and Latios are fantastic partners because they have a better matchup against offensive teams that Reuniclus can sometimes get overwhelmed by. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill most Pokemon and punish opposing Reuniclus with Encore. Latios switches into Water-, Grass-, and Electric-types like Keldeo, Celebi, and Thundurus-T, with Colbur Berry Latios being particularly good at wearing down shared checks by forcing entry hazard damage with Roar. Gliscor can provide Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon so Reuniclus can break through them. Gastrodon checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to help Reuniclus break through bulky targets. Excadrill pressures opposing Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Reuniclus countering Fighting-types and Gliscor if running Hidden Power Ice. Landorus-T can set Stealth Rock and pivot Reuniclus in safely with U-turn. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock, spread status, check Dragon- and Steel-types like Latios and Ferrothorn, and wear down Tyranitar while benefitting from Reuniclus taking on Fighting- and Psychic-types like Terrakion, Alakazam, and Breloom. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Terrakion can take out Steel-types and Tyranitar while also wearing down various other Pokemon so Reuniclus can more easily sweep. Rotom-W checks Water-types like Keldeo and Starmie, pivots Reuniclus in safely with Volt Switch, matches up well into Steel-types, and burns Pokemon to make Reuniclus more likely to overwhelm them.
[SET]
name: 3 Attacks
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Signal Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set distinguishes itself from the Calm Mind set thanks to its more immediate power and ability to pressure opposing sand and rain teams thanks to its defensive profile letting it come in on Pokemon like Tentacruel and Ferrothorn. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran while also breaking through Ferrothorn and Skarmory. It also hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Hidden Power Ice makes Reuniclus one of the best answers to every Gliscor set while also hitting other Ground- and Dragon-types like Latios, Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Dragonite and having good neutral coverage. Signal Beam hits Psychic- and Dark-types like Latios, opposing Reuniclus, Slowking, Starmie, and Tyranitar in one slot, making it a another good midground move.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread lets Reuniclus take Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor. 192 HP and 64 Defense can be used to avoid being 2HKOed by Choice Band Terrakion's Close Combat.
Team Options
========
Sand teams enjoy 3 attacks Reuniclus's more immediate offensive prowess for breaking through opposing sand and rain teams and it checking Fighting-types and Alakazam. Tyranitar sets sand, gets up Stealth Rock, and Pursuit traps Psychic-types like Alakazam, Latios, and opposing Reuniclus. It can also take out or weaken Steel-types with coverage moves. Ferrothorn and Skarmory set up Spikes to wear down most of Reuniclus's common switch-ins, like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. Ferrothorn switches into Dragon-types like Latios and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch and Superpower as well as Water-types like Starmie and Politoed. It also provides further support with Stealth Rock and Knock Off and appreciates Reuniclus checking Fighting-types like Terrakion and Breloom. Reuniclus works very well alongside other Psychic-types because they can overwhelm their shared switch-ins, mainly Tyranitar, Heatran, and Ferrothorn. As such, Alakazam and Latios are fantastic partners because they have a better matchup against offensive teams that Reuniclus can sometimes get overwhelmed by. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill most Pokemon, punish opposing Reuniclus with Encore, and enjoys Reuniclus wallbreaking for it. Latios switches into Water-, Grass-, and Electric-types like Keldeo, Celebi, and Thundurus-T and sweeps late-game with a Choice Scarf set. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock, spread status, and check Dragon- and Steel-types like Latios and Ferrothorn while benefitting from Reuniclus breaking Pokemon that check it like Tentacruel and Politoed. Fighting-types like Keldeo and Terrakion can take out Steel-types and Tyranitar while also wearing down various other Pokemon, while Reuniclus can check Psychic-types like Alakazam and opposing Reuniclus for them. Gliscor can provide Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon so Reuniclus can break through them more easily. Gastrodon checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to help Reuniclus break through bulky targets. Excadrill pressures opposing Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Reuniclus countering Fighting-types and Gliscor if running Hidden Power Ice. Landorus-T can set Stealth Rock and pivot Reuniclus in safely with U-turn. Rotom-W can pivot Reuniclus in safely with Volt Switch, check Water- and Steel-types like Keldeo and Heatran, and burn opposing Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Signal Beam / Recover
item: Life Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Quiet
evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Trick Room flips the script on offensive teams trying to overwhelm Reuniclus with their power and higher Speed. Focus Blast beats many common switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, Scizor, and Ferrothorn and hits neutral targets quite hard, giving Reuniclus a good midground move to use. Hidden Power Ice hits Ground- and Dragon-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, Latios, Landorus-T, Dragonite, and Salamence. Signal Beam is another good midground move that hits Psychic- and Dark-types like Latios, opposing Reuniclus, Slowking, Starmie, and Tyranitar in one slot, which is important to get the most out of Trick Room. Recover lets Reuniclus play defense and get more chances to set up Trick Room multiple times. However, it leaves Reuniclus wanting for coverage.
Set Details
========
This EV spread avoids a 2HKO from Choice Band Terrakion's Choice Combat while maximizing power. A spread of 208 HP / 200 SpA / 100 SpD can be used for tanking Choice Specs Latios's Draco Meteor.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on weatherless teams due to it being able to strongly threaten offensive teams that can overwhelm them, mainly rain teams. Magnezone is a key member of this team style, trapping Steel-types like Skarmory and Jirachi lacking U-turn so Reuniclus can get the most out of its Trick Room turns and avoid risking Focus Blast. Jirachi sets up Stealth Rock so Reuniclus is more easily able to KO its targets so it can make the most out of Trick Room's limited turns while also safely pivoting it in with U-turn so it can more easily set up Trick Room against threats that 2HKO it, like Garchomp and Alakazam packing Shadow Ball or Signal Beam. It can also take strong attacks from Pokemon that overwhelm Reuniclus, like Latios, Tyranitar, and Dragonite. Powerful Dragon-type wallbreakers like Choice Specs Latios, Dragonite, and Kyurem-B fit on these teams, weakening the opposition so Reuniclus can sweep in one attempt. Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp and Latios provide a safety net against offensive teams so Reuniclus isn't the only way to defeat them. Dragonite similarly helps against offensive teams with Pokemon that can break past Reuniclus to sweep like Volcarona thanks to its strong Extreme Speed and ability to take advantage of the holes Reuniclus breaks with Dragon Dance. Offensive Starmie wears down Pokemon like Tyranitar, Jirachi, Politoed, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent so Reuniclus can more easily break through them. Swords Dance Scizor appreciates Reuniclus threatening rain teams and can set up on Tyranitar to sweep through the aggressive offensive teams that can keep Reuniclus from setting up. Volcarona enjoys Reuniclus wearing down switch-ins like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Jellicent.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Trick with a Sticky Barb or Flame Orb can be used on the Calm Mind set over Calm Mind or a coverage move to lure in and cripple switch-ins like Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Jirachi, which aids Reuniclus and the Psychic-types this set should be paired with. However, giving up Calm Mind makes it worse against the bulky teams the Calm Mind set is meant to threaten while giving up a coverage move makes Reuniclus unable to break through its checks if it doesn't manage to hit Trick on its desired target. Reuniclus has a great support movepool, making it potentially possible to run a support set with moves like Knock Off and Thunder Wave. However, its defensive typing isn't good enough to outperform other defensive Pokemon like Ferrothorn, Gliscor, and Skarmory. A set with Calm Mind, Acid Armor, Psychic, and Recover holding Rocky Helmet may seem appealing when paired with Toxic Spikes Tentacruel on rain teams to make Reuniclus beat Tyranitar and eventually impervious to all non-critical hits. However, this set takes too long to get going, and can be easily checked or forced out by Pokemon that are immune to Toxic Spikes or poison like Jirachi, Skarmory, Scizor, Trick Latios, and Encore Alakazam.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can take most of Reuniclus's attacks, Pursuit trap it, and set up Stealth Rock on it if it's running Chople Berry. However, it struggles to take Focus Blast, and the Choice Scarf set can easily be scouted given Reuniclus's bulk. It also tends to get worn down easily by entry hazards and Reuniclus's teammates.
**Faster Offensive Pokemon**: Offensive Pokemon like Latios, Keldeo, Thundurus-T, Dragonite, Scizor, and Alakazam packing Signal Beam or Shadow Ball can force Reuniclus to use Recover or switch out, and Dragonite and Scizor can even set up on it. However, they struggle to take repeated hits from it and can have the tables turned on them by the Trick Room set.
**Jirachi**: Jirachi can take repeated hits from every set thanks to its bulk and recovery in Wish while also being able to break through Reuniclus with Iron Head flinches or even pivot its strong teammates in safely to overwhelm it with U-turn. However, Calm Mind variants with Thunder can break through it with paralysis, and it can get overwhelmed if Reuniclus has boosted too many times or it's been worn down.
**Anti-Setup Pokemon**: Pokemon like Trick Latios, Taunt Jellicent, Perish Song Celebi and Politoed, and Encore Alakazam and Politoed keep Calm Mind variants under control. However, they can struggle to take repeated hits from Reuniclus, are vulnerable to being worn down, and can't reliably stop the Trick Room set.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[BluBirD252, 347088], [Finchinator, 114198]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [dex, 277988]]
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