Metagame SV OU Metagame Discussion v4 [Volcarona Banned]

[Anchor9]

Please isolate out Archaludon. Let’s see the win rate with vs. without Arch.

Sorry! I killed the Arch win rate with my Ampharos for OU! Team and games.

 

[Just A Shroom God]

Sorry! I killed the Arch win rate with my Ampharos for OU! Team and games.

Please isolate out Archaludon. Let’s see the win rate with vs. without Arch.

The no-defense arch thinkin he slick coming in on my resisted bug move only to realize he got hit with dat Tera Bug Choice Band Tinted Lens U-Turn from Lokix doing half then got KO'd by Tera Fairy Dazzling Gleam Ampharos

 

[Anchor9]

The no-defense arch thinkin he slick coming in on my resisted bug move only to realize he got hit with dat Tera Bug Choice Band Tinted Lens U-Turn from Lokix doing half then got KO'd by Tera Fairy Dazzling Gleam Ampharos

Look at this replay of Ampharos doing more work than both my rain abusers. https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9ou-2046846391?p2

 

[gregdawiz]

I do think that when comparing Gouging Fire to Volc compare to Volc, it's a bit easier to figure out the set, and that you do have to put a bit of effort into positioning and set up since that can end up being a little awkward, which is something the moth has less issues with. Gouging Fire is obscenely strong, but not uncounterable and honestly while a bit of a matchup fish, it's not nearly as hard to figure out what type of set it is compared to something like Volcarona. Volc is probably a bigger issue than it, since it's way more of s matchup fish, amd typically harder to deal with due to always having tera blast coverage paired with quiver dance which is definitely a scarier setup move to deal with compared to ddance. Speed booster bulk up tusk deals with Gouging Fire decently well, as do the aforementioned Valiant and Iron Boulder. Point being Gouging Fire is technically a fairer Volc when you think about it due to the fact Gouging Fire technically has to put more effort in to get similar results.

Honestly though if Kyurem goes, Roaring Moon needs to be looked at because that mon is dumb as all hell still and still has no answers

I also wouldn't be opposed to looking at Volc. I think that thing can be dumb in quite a lot of matches and lowkey broken. The one thing that sets it apart from Gouging Fire is protosynthesis can give Gouging Fire some of that setup without having to put in the work. But I dont really like either mon tbh. RM i'd also be willing to look at too.That mon can do a lot of different powerful things which is similar to when it was banned.

So do you guys think kyurem will get banned or nope? Im a returning player trying to build my own team to ladder with, im thinking if kyurem doesnt get banned, im probably going to base my team around him. Have some ideas but havent actually made anything solid yet cos im waiting to see the suspect test results.

Idk Kyurem seems to be getting mixed results. I'm seeing a lot of Bans and DNBs from players I think are intelligent and experienced. So rn I'm doubting it hits the supermajority needed to ban. Which i'm cool with bro just feels like Gen 9 Mamoswine

 

[ianlazerbeem]

Please isolate out Archaludon. Let’s see the win rate with vs. without Arch.

In my experience rain is not any stronger than it used to be.. it’s just Archaludon as a singular mon bulldozing through teams and patching up some significant weaknesses that are common in rain structures.

Yep. Strong chance Kyurem gets banned. It’s uniquely stressful on the builder.

No I agree with you, Arch is def the reason rain is as good as it is right now. Not only bulldozing through by itself but also due to the patching up you mentioned it makes every other rain Mon better, eg Barraskewda is much better if it can flip turn into arch for free every time. Can't really isolate Archless rain bc it doesn't exist

 

[Soiramio3000]

What do you consider higher tier? I can only comment up to about mid 1700s beyond that is past my domain. I probably see it once every 4 battles. Doesn't feel top 10 in usage. But i have to watch myself everytime I see it. Strong pokemon

I am not sure maaaayyyybeeee
1000-1400 low tier
1401-1650 mid tier
1651+ high tier?

I am still not sure about the mid tier and high tier.
just anything from 1400+

 

[Avira]

High ladder is 1800+. 1650 is still mid ladder. There are definitely strategies and Pokemon that are more commonly seen at the upper echelons of the ladder than the lower parts of it.

 

[Finchinator]

High ladder is the enemies we make along the way, not anything you can truly measure

 

[Welcome to mars]

I define High ladder as the place paved in the blood of the midladder players you engaged in gouging fire match ups with

high ladder is where you face your biggest rivals who survived with the sheer hate they have for you , where welcome to earth battles, where welcome to earth battles… uhh idk

its where all one in a life time showdowns happen everytime you load in

and im pretty sure its where seedler came from, don’t know but that was a funny set

 

[awyp]

I am not sure maaaayyyybeeee
1000-1400 low tier
1401-1650 mid tier
1651+ high tier?

I am still not sure about the mid tier and high tier.
just anything from 1400+

This is just my opinion but it's probably like (For SV OU)

1000-1400 Low Ladder
1401-1700 Mid Ladder
1701-1850 Mid-High Ladder
1851+ High Ladder

But I feel like Mid-High Ladder is a real thing because there is definitely a difference between 1700-1800s compared to high 1800s in terms of skill level and matchups.

 

[Just A Shroom God]

my experience with laddering
(I'm the second but with the skill of the first)

 

[SnackWasTaken]

I am not sure maaaayyyybeeee
1000-1400 low tier
1401-1650 mid tier
1651+ high tier?

I am still not sure about the mid tier and high tier.
just anything from 1400+

I’d probably say 1000-1350 low tier
1351-1650 mid tier
1651+ high tier
But that’s just what I think.

 

[Heatranator]

So with the month ending soon, what mons do you think will rise and fall? I believe that toxapex, iron crown and ogerpon wellspring will fall, while I can't see any mons rising definitively, there are a few that might. Those are Latias, Comfey, Iron Treads and Zapdos.

 

[Anchor9]

So with the month ending soon, what mons do you think will rise and fall? I believe that toxapex, iron crown and ogerpon wellspring will fall, while I can't see any mons rising definitively, there are a few that might. Those are Latias, Comfey, Iron Treads and Zapdos.

I pray Ampharos is rising. Have I gained enough followers for the cause?

 

[Heatranator]

I pray Ampharos is rising. Have I gained enough followers for the cause?

Wait till the next month my child, you need to gather more followers for your cause to see the fruits of your labours. I know your pain, I tried to keep Araquanid in OU.

 

[TurquoiseLink]

So with the month ending soon, what mons do you think will rise and fall? I believe that toxapex, iron crown and ogerpon wellspring will fall, while I can't see any mons rising definitively, there are a few that might. Those are Latias, Comfey, Iron Treads and Zapdos.

I think there's a non-zero chance Tyranitar rises. I've been playing Tyranitar/Excadrill cores and meeting a lot of mirrors.

 

[Morkal]

Articuno and Galarian Slowking

Core Highlight - Double Bulk Pivot

Introduction

Core Highlights are a new type of OU post that I'll be making in addition to my single Pokemon essay posts and comparatively brief multi-set posts. These types of posts will highlight two to three Pokemon that function well together on the same team and will usually center around one niche mon and how it compliments one meta staple. I figured this would be a nice way to get people to look at the OU benefits of more niche mons by showcasing how they enable the most powerful or consistent Pokemon in the metagame to be even more powerful or cover their weak points. In this highlight, we'll be looking at the double special bulk pivot core of Articuno and Galarian Slowking. Special thanks to Mystletainn for the new EV and Nature optimization, also special thanks to YubelVT for the additional movepool suggestion!

The Sets

Articuno

Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Fairy/Ground/Ice/Steel/Poison
EVs: 240 HP / 184 SpD / 84 Spe (Oudated EVs and Nature) - 240 HP / 88 SpA / 96 SpD / 84 Spe
Modest Nature (Outdated EVs and Nature) - Calm
- U-turn
- Freeze-Dry
- Blizzard/Haze/Light Screen/Reflect/Roar/Tailwind/Tera Blast
- Roost

Slowking-Galar

Slowking-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Slack Off
- Chilly Reception

Slowking-Galar

Glowking is one of the most reliable specially bulky pivots in OU; great defensive typing, solid defenses, a fantastic ability in Regenerator, an amazing slow pivot move in Chilly Reception, reliable recovery in Slack Off, and STAB Future Sight to forces switches. Glowking, while being excellent, has notable issues with meta staples such as Gliscor, and usually has to pair with Pokemon that cripple your momentum or ability to shift into offensive threats more safely. Glowking's weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground-type attacks in particular stifle its ability to switch in against several pesky archetypes. With Articuno, this becomes far less of an issue, and the two are incredibly synergetic with one another due to their typing, movepools, and stat spreads.

Articuno

Articuno's functionality is to pair with Glowking on teams that want more efficient ways to pressure opposing threats such as Darkrai, Dragapult, Gliscor, and others. Let's jump into why these two Pokemon pair so well together with some cliff-note categories before we go into some additional specifics about how Articuno matches up against specific threats and enables your team as a whole.

Synergy Summary

Articuno/Slowking-Galar​

• Stats - Articuno's bulk on both the physical and special sides is notably higher than Glowking's (Articuno packs a solid 90/100/125 while Glowking packs 95/80/110), allowing Articuno more flexibility in EV distribution and nature allocation to reach offensive and speed benchmarks so it can leverage its much higher stat spread effectively.
• Movepool - Glowking's typical OU moveset is insanely beneficial to Articuno's functionality and vice-versa. Glowking's pivot move Chilly Reception sets up Snow, which boosts Articuno's Defense even further - this makes Articuno extremely hard to break on both the Physical and Special sides alongside its reliable recovery in Roost and proper EV investment.
• Typing - Articuno's Ice/Flying-typing has a critical immunity to Ground-type attacks while also being neutral to Dark and Ghost-type attacks, while Glowking's Poison/Psychic-typing likewise has key resistances and neutralities that make up for Ice/Flying's defensive shortcomings.
• Utility - Articuno's ability to compliment either the speed or defenses of your team while chipping with U-Turn compliments Glowking's ability to apply offensive pressure with Future Sight along with possibly putting opponents on a timer via Sludge Bomb poisoning.
• Abilities - Glowking's Regenerator allows it to naturally stay healthy while pairing nicely with Articuno's pressure to wear down the opponent's PP throughout longer matches; this can potentially allow you to muscle past stall cores that Glowking would otherwise have trouble with in addition to discouraging the relentless spam of low PP nukes and priority moves such as Draco Meteor, Psycho Boost, Sucker Punch, and Thunderclap.

So let's dive into the Articuno set, starting with its EV allotment - due to the Glowking Chilly Reception pairing, defense EV investment isn't needed thanks to the natural defense boost Articuno gets in Snow (with notably impressive feats like living 252 Atk Landorus-Therian's quadruple SE Stone Edge). 84 EVs invested bring Articuno up to 227 speed, allowing it to hit benchmarks like outpacing neutral nature 0 EV speed Gliscor, Gouging Fire, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Raging Bolt, and Rillaboom along with 56 EV Archaludon and Jolly 252 EV Kingambit. HP EVs are set to 240 while the remaining 184 EVs are dumped into special defense to further enhance Articuno's natural bulk and hit specific benchmarks such as only being 3HKO'd by Modest Archaludon 252 SpA's Draco Meteor and avoiding the OHKO from +1 Modest Archaludon's Electro Shot. Speaking of which, a modest nature on Articuno is required due to its ability to retain the 2HKO on the most common Tera Water Gliscor variants with Freeze-Dry and some others, but Articuno doesn't mind losing out on a Calm nature due to naturally stupendous special bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is a requirement on Articuno due to its 4x Stealth Rock weakness, and that benefit alone outweighs any potential benefit to other item picks such as the passive recovery of Leftovers.

Articuno's required three moves on this set are Roost, U-turn, and Freeze-Dry. Roost is necessary for Articuno to have reliable recovery and can have some niche defensive benefits such as losing its Electric-type weakness while additionally softening its quadruple Rock-type weakness and gaining a temporary Ice-type resistance. U-turn is necessary for pivoting and can actually chunk some of the more physically frail threats like Darkrai, Deoxys-Speed, Meowscarada, and Weavile even with the -Atk nature thanks to Articuno's base 85 attack. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's STAB of choice due to its ability to threaten Tera Water Gliscor along with Physical Dondozo, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Meowscarada, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Pelipper, Raging Bolt, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Samurott-Hisui, Serperior, and Walking Wake. Let's take a quick look at both Offensive and Defensive calculations for Articuno before we wrap things up by looking at Articuno's fourth moveslot and terastallization options. Articuno can both dish out and take a surprisingly high amount of damage to and from some of the metagame's strongest threats.

(Note, due to new EV optimizations, these calculations are outdated - Articuno is a little bulkier now. The best way would be to use these calculations would be more as "ballpark" ranges)

Offensive

Freeze-Dry Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0+ SpA

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dondozo: 224-266 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 200-236 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 158-188 (48.9 - 58.2%) -- 97.3% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Enamorus: 192-228 (66.4 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Gliscor: 396-468 (112.5 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Tera Water Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (60.8 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Iron Valiant: 120-142 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Landorus-Therian: 424-504 (132.9 - 157.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (100.5 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ogerpon-Wellspring: 328-388 (108.9 - 128.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 420-496 (130 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 176-210 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 212-252 (62.1 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roaring Moon: 158-188 (45 - 53.5%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott-Hisui: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 106-126 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Walking Wake: 372-444 (108.7 - 129.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

U-turn Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0- Atk

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 88-104 (31.3 - 37%) -- 68.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Deoxys-Speed: 88-104 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Boulder: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 88-104 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 34.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Serperior: 82-98 (28.1 - 33.6%) -- 94.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 112-134 (39.8 - 47.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive

Defense Calculations in Snow (Chilly Reception)

0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 242-288 (63.5 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.7%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

40 Atk Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Superpower vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 75-90 (19.6 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 61-73 (16 - 19.1%) -- possible 6HKO
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

76 Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 92-110 (24.1 - 28.8%) -- approx. 98.2% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 66-78 (17.3 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 98-116 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-146 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 96.6% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 184-218 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Excadrill Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 182-216 (47.7 - 56.6%) -- 82% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Gliscor Facade (140 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-152 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 264-312 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

4 Atk Great Tusk Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 109-130 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 2.2% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO

252 Atk Great Tusk Temper Flare vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 76-90 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 12.5% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Quark Drive Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 214-252 (56.1 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 56-66 (14.6 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 296-350 (77.6 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-153 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-136 (29.3 - 35.6%) -- approx. 20.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 168-196 (44 - 51.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 316-376 (82.9 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 120-144 (31.4 - 37.7%) -- approx. 82.9% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 247-292 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 144-171 (37.7 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 163-193 (42.7 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 217-256 (56.9 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 246-289 (64.5 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 93-111 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 108-127 (28.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO

160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 64-76 (16.7 - 19.9%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+2 160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 127-150 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 126-153 (33 - 40.1%) -- approx. 100% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Zamazenta Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 276-328 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 106-126 (27.8 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+3 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 175-207 (45.9 - 54.3%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO

Special Defense Calculations

252+ SpA Archaludon Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 160-190 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Archaludon Flash Cannon vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 200-236 (52.4 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 70-84 (18.3 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 125-148 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 250-294 (65.6 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Psycho Boost vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 172-203 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO
180 SpA Dragapult Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 118-141 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage

252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 189-223 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 117-138 (30.7 - 36.2%) -- 48.9% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 180-212 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 143-169 (37.5 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 79-94 (20.7 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 236-278 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 284-336 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 150-178 (39.3 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 192-228 (50.3 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 234-276 (61.4 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage

252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 153-180 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 226-267 (59.3 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 81-96 (21.2 - 25.1%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Surf vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Rain: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ SpA Raging Bolt Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 186-222 (48.8 - 58.2%) -- 95.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderbolt vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 240-284 (62.9 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Skeledirge Torch Song vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 134-158 (35.1 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 109-129 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 3HKO after burn damage

0 SpA Slowking-Galar Future Sight vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
8 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Sun: 168-198 (44 - 51.9%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 158-188 (41.4 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 144-169 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Hydro Steam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 220-259 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Fourth Moveslot Options + Tera Type​

My recommendation for Articuno would be to use Tera Blast with Tera Ground as your fourth moveslot option, as this allows you to turn the tables on Rain Archaludon by baiting Electro Shot, in addition to other potent threats such as Gholdengo, Glimmora, Heatran, Iron Boulder, Kingambit, Raging Bolt, and others. Tera Ground gives Articuno a critical newfound immunity and resistance to Electric and Rock-type attacks respectively along with removing Articuno's weaknesses to Steel and Fire-type attacks, and Tera Blast Ground's coverage compliments Freeze-Dry extensively well. Let's take a look at some additional calculations to see exactly what Articuno's Tera Blast Ground can muscle past.

Tera Blast Ground

Tera Blast Ground Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0 SpA

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Archaludon: 170-204 (45.8 - 54.9%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Archaludon: 182-216 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (76.4 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 224 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (64.4 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 258-306 (71.4 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (62.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glimmora: 436-516 (142 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gouging Fire: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 340-408 (105.2 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 212+ SpD Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Iron Boulder: 168-200 (52.3 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Iron Crown: 170-204 (51.6 - 62%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (60.4 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (52.2 - 62.4%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (64.3 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (53.6 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 200-236 (49.1 - 57.9%) -- 57.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Skeledirge: 180-212 (43.7 - 51.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Slowking-Galar: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Torkoal: 242-288 (70.5 - 83.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 64 SpD Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

As for Articuno's other movepool options, the majority of them are courtesy of its bountiful utility options. Haze is a niche but useful tool for resetting boosts, while Reflect or Light Screen can be critical for your team in a pinch defensively. Roar is a neat tech for phasing, while access to Tailwind can allow your team's slower and bulkier threats to blitz past important speed benchmarks including opposing pesky Booster Energy sweepers. As for Tera-type choices, I still recommend Tera Ground for the Electric-type immunity and Rock-type resistance, but Tera Fairy provides a critical Dragon-type immunity along with a neat resistance to both Dark and Fighting-type attacks that synergizes well with Glowking. Tera Ice boosts up the power of Freeze-Dry while also getting rid of Articuno's Electric-type weakness, softening its Rock-type weakness, and giving Articuno a niche but situationally good Ice-type resistance. Tera Poison and Steel can both be helpful against stall teams and allows Articuno to avoid being hit by Toxic.

Conclusion

Slowking-Galar is one of the best Pokemon in the OU meta, and anything that can help it both pivot while taking advantage of its numerous fantastic qualities will always have a place in OU. Articuno is one of those Pokemon and the two pair together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're looking for a strong defensive core with great synergy that most teams likely won't be prepared for, consider giving the Articuno/Glowking duo a try. It can fit onto multiple archetypes and I promise you won't be disappointed with how these two complement each other along with the rest of your team.​

 

[Heatranator]

Articuno and Galarian Slowking
View attachment 599139View attachment 599140
Core Highlight - Double Bulk Pivot

Introduction

Core Highlights are a new type of OU post that I'll be making in addition to my single Pokemon essay posts and comparatively brief multi-set posts. These types of posts will highlight two to three Pokemon that function well together on the same team and will usually center around one niche mon and how it compliments one meta staple. I figured this would be a nice way to get people to look at the OU benefits of more niche mons by showcasing how they enable the most powerful or consistent Pokemon in the metagame to be even more powerful or cover their weak points. In this highlight, we'll be looking at the double special bulk pivot core of Articuno and Galarian Slowking.

The Sets

Articuno

Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Fairy/Ground/Ice/Steel/Poison
EVs: 240 HP / 184 SpD / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- U-turn
- Freeze-Dry
- Haze/Light Screen/Reflect/Roar/Tailwind/Tera Blast
- Roost

Slowking-Galar

Slowking-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Slack Off
- Chilly Reception
View attachment 599155
Slowking-Galar

Glowking is one of the most reliable specially bulky pivots in OU; great defensive typing, solid defenses, a fantastic ability in Regenerator, an amazing slow pivot move in Chilly Reception, reliable recovery in Slack Off, and STAB Future Sight to forces switches. Glowking, while being excellent, has notable issues with meta staples such as Gliscor, and usually has to pair with Pokemon that cripple your momentum or ability to shift into offensive threats more safely. Glowking's weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground-type attacks in particular stifle its ability to switch in against several pesky archetypes. With Articuno, this becomes far less of an issue, and the two are incredibly synergetic with one another due to their typing, movepools, and stat spreads.

View attachment 599149
Articuno

Articuno's functionality is to pair with Glowking on teams that want more efficient ways to pressure opposing threats such as Darkrai, Dragapult, Gliscor, and others. Let's jump into why these two Pokemon pair so well together with some cliff-note categories before we go into some additional specifics about how Articuno matches up against specific threats and enables your team as a whole.​

• Stats - Articuno's bulk on both the physical and special sides is notably higher than Glowking's (Articuno packs a solid 90/100/125 while Glowking packs 95/80/110), allowing Articuno more flexibility in EV distribution and nature allocation to reach offensive and speed benchmarks so it can leverage its much higher stat spread effectively.
• Movepool - Glowking's typical OU moveset is insanely beneficial to Articuno's functionality and vice-versa. Glowking's pivot move Chilly Reception sets up Snow, which boosts Articuno's Defense even further - this makes Articuno extremely hard to break on both the Physical and Special sides alongside its reliable recovery in Roost and proper EV investment.
• Typing - Articuno's Ice/Flying-typing has a critical immunity to Ground-type attacks while also being neutral to Dark and Ghost-type attacks, while Glowking's Poison/Psychic-typing likewise has key resistances and neutralities that make up for Ice/Flying's defensive shortcomings.
• Utility - Articuno's ability to compliment either the speed or defenses of your team while chipping with U-Turn compliments Glowking's ability to apply offensive pressure with Future Sight along with possibly putting opponents on a timer via Sludge Bomb poisoning.
• Abilities - Glowking's Regenerator allows it to naturally stay healthy while pairing nicely with Articuno's pressure to wear down the opponent's PP throughout longer matches; this can potentially allow you to muscle past stall cores that Glowking would otherwise have trouble with in addition to discouraging the relentless spam of low PP nukes and priority moves such as Draco Meteor, Psycho Boost, Sucker Punch, and Thunderclap.

View attachment 599189​

So let's dive into the Articuno set, starting with its EV allotment - due to the Glowking Chilly Reception pairing, defense EV investment isn't needed thanks to the natural defense boost Articuno gets in Snow (with notably impressive feats like living 252 Atk Landorus-Therian's quadruple SE Stone Edge). 84 EVs invested bring Articuno up to 227 speed, allowing it to hit benchmarks like outpacing neutral nature 0 EV speed Gliscor, Gouging Fire, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Raging Bolt, and Rillaboom along with 56 EV Archaludon and Jolly 252 EV Kingambit. HP EVs are set to 240 while the remaining 184 EVs are dumped into special defense to further enhance Articuno's natural bulk and hit specific benchmarks such as only being 3HKO'd by Modest Archaludon 252 SpA's Draco Meteor and avoiding the OHKO from +1 Modest Archaludon's Electro Shot. Speaking of which, a modest nature on Articuno is required due to its ability to retain the 2HKO on the most common Tera Water Gliscor variants with Freeze-Dry and some others, but Articuno doesn't mind losing out on a Calm nature due to naturally stupendous special bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is a requirement on Articuno due to its 4x Stealth Rock weakness, and that benefit alone outweighs any potential benefit to other item picks such as the passive recovery of Leftovers.

Articuno's required three moves on this set are Roost, U-turn, and Freeze-Dry. Roost is necessary for Articuno to have reliable recovery and can have some niche defensive benefits such as losing its Electric-type weakness while additionally softening its quadruple Rock-type weakness and gaining a temporary Ice-type resistance. U-turn is necessary for pivoting and can actually chunk some of the more physically frail threats like Darkrai, Deoxys-Speed, Meowscarada, and Weavile even with the -Atk nature thanks to Articuno's base 85 attack. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's STAB of choice due to its ability to threaten Tera Water Gliscor along with Physical Dondozo, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Meowscarada, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Pelipper, Raging Bolt, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Samurott-Hisui, Serperior, and Walking Wake. Let's take a quick look at both Offensive and Defensive calculations for Articuno before we wrap things up by looking at Articuno's fourth moveslot and terastallization options. Articuno can both dish out and take a surprisingly high amount of damage to and from some of the metagame's strongest threats.

Offensive

Freeze-Dry Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0+ SpA

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dondozo: 224-266 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 200-236 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 158-188 (48.9 - 58.2%) -- 97.3% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Enamorus: 192-228 (66.4 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Gliscor: 396-468 (112.5 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Tera Water Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (60.8 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Iron Valiant: 120-142 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Landorus-Therian: 424-504 (132.9 - 157.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (100.5 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ogerpon-Wellspring: 328-388 (108.9 - 128.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 420-496 (130 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 176-210 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 212-252 (62.1 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roaring Moon: 158-188 (45 - 53.5%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott-Hisui: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 106-126 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Walking Wake: 372-444 (108.7 - 129.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

U-turn Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0- Atk

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 88-104 (31.3 - 37%) -- 68.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Deoxys-Speed: 88-104 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Boulder: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 88-104 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 34.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Serperior: 82-98 (28.1 - 33.6%) -- 94.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 112-134 (39.8 - 47.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive

Defense Calculations in Snow (Chilly Reception)

0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 242-288 (63.5 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.7%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

40 Atk Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Superpower vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 75-90 (19.6 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 61-73 (16 - 19.1%) -- possible 6HKO
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

76 Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 92-110 (24.1 - 28.8%) -- approx. 98.2% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 66-78 (17.3 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 98-116 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-146 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 96.6% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 184-218 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Excadrill Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 182-216 (47.7 - 56.6%) -- 82% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Gliscor Facade (140 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-152 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 264-312 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

4 Atk Great Tusk Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 109-130 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 2.2% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO

252 Atk Great Tusk Temper Flare vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 76-90 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 12.5% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Quark Drive Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 214-252 (56.1 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 56-66 (14.6 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 296-350 (77.6 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-153 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-136 (29.3 - 35.6%) -- approx. 20.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 168-196 (44 - 51.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 316-376 (82.9 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 120-144 (31.4 - 37.7%) -- approx. 82.9% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 247-292 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 144-171 (37.7 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 163-193 (42.7 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 217-256 (56.9 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 246-289 (64.5 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 93-111 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 108-127 (28.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO

160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 64-76 (16.7 - 19.9%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+2 160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 127-150 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 126-153 (33 - 40.1%) -- approx. 100% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Zamazenta Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 276-328 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 106-126 (27.8 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+3 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 175-207 (45.9 - 54.3%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO

Special Defense Calculations

252+ SpA Archaludon Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 160-190 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Archaludon Flash Cannon vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 200-236 (52.4 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 70-84 (18.3 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 125-148 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 250-294 (65.6 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Psycho Boost vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 172-203 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO
180 SpA Dragapult Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 118-141 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage

252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 189-223 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 117-138 (30.7 - 36.2%) -- 48.9% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 180-212 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 143-169 (37.5 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 79-94 (20.7 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 236-278 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 284-336 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 150-178 (39.3 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 192-228 (50.3 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 234-276 (61.4 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage

252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 153-180 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 226-267 (59.3 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 81-96 (21.2 - 25.1%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Surf vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Rain: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ SpA Raging Bolt Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 186-222 (48.8 - 58.2%) -- 95.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderbolt vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 240-284 (62.9 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Skeledirge Torch Song vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 134-158 (35.1 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 109-129 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 3HKO after burn damage

0 SpA Slowking-Galar Future Sight vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
8 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Sun: 168-198 (44 - 51.9%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 158-188 (41.4 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 144-169 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Hydro Steam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 220-259 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Fourth Moveslot Options + Tera Type​

My recommendation for Articuno would be to use Tera Blast with Tera Ground as your fourth moveslot option, as this allows you to turn the tables on Rain Archaludon by baiting Electro Shot, in addition to other potent threats such as Gholdengo, Glimmora, Heatran, Iron Boulder, Kingambit, Raging Bolt, and others. Tera Ground gives Articuno a critical newfound immunity and resistance to Electric and Rock-type attacks respectively along with removing Articuno's weaknesses to Steel and Fire-type attacks, and Tera Blast Ground's coverage compliments Freeze-Dry extensively well. Let's take a look at some additional calculations to see exactly what Articuno's Tera Blast Ground can muscle past.

Tera Blast Ground

Tera Blast Ground Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0 SpA

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Archaludon: 170-204 (45.8 - 54.9%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Archaludon: 182-216 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (76.4 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 224 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (64.4 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 258-306 (71.4 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (62.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glimmora: 436-516 (142 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gouging Fire: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 340-408 (105.2 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 212+ SpD Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Iron Boulder: 168-200 (52.3 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Iron Crown: 170-204 (51.6 - 62%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (60.4 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (52.2 - 62.4%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (64.3 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (53.6 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 200-236 (49.1 - 57.9%) -- 57.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Skeledirge: 180-212 (43.7 - 51.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Slowking-Galar: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Torkoal: 242-288 (70.5 - 83.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 64 SpD Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

As for Articuno's other movepool options, the majority of them are courtesy of its bountiful utility options. Haze is a niche but useful tool for resetting boosts, while Reflect or Light Screen can be critical for your team in a pinch defensively. Roar is a neat tech for phasing, while access to Tailwind can allow your team's slower and bulkier threats to blitz past important speed benchmarks including opposing pesky Booster Energy sweepers. As for Tera-type choices, I still recommend Tera Ground for the Electric-type immunity and Rock-type resistance, but Tera Fairy provides a critical Dragon-type immunity along with a neat resistance to both Dark and Fighting-type attacks that synergizes well with Glowking. Tera Ice boosts up the power of Freeze-Dry while also getting rid of Articuno's Electric-type weakness, softening its Rock-type weakness, and giving Articuno a niche but situationally good Ice-type resistance. Tera Poison and Steel can both be helpful against stall teams and allows Articuno to avoid being hit by Toxic.

View attachment 599190
Conclusion

Slowking-Galar is one of the best Pokemon in the OU meta, and anything that can help it both pivot while taking advantage of its numerous fantastic qualities will always have a place in OU. Articuno is one of those Pokemon and the two pair together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're looking for a strong defensive core with great synergy that most teams likely won't be prepared for, consider giving the Articuno/Glowking duo a try. It can fit onto multiple archetypes and I promise you won't be disappointed.​

It's nice to see how lower tier mons can work with higher tier mons extremely well. A combo I could see working is G-Articuno + either Kingambit or Ting-lu. One can hit on the special side while the other walls on the physical side/hits on the physical side.

 

[gregdawiz]

Articuno and Galarian Slowking
View attachment 599139View attachment 599140
Core Highlight - Double Bulk Pivot

Introduction

Core Highlights are a new type of OU post that I'll be making in addition to my single Pokemon essay posts and comparatively brief multi-set posts. These types of posts will highlight two to three Pokemon that function well together on the same team and will usually center around one niche mon and how it compliments one meta staple. I figured this would be a nice way to get people to look at the OU benefits of more niche mons by showcasing how they enable the most powerful or consistent Pokemon in the metagame to be even more powerful or cover their weak points. In this highlight, we'll be looking at the double special bulk pivot core of Articuno and Galarian Slowking.

The Sets

Articuno

Articuno @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Fairy/Ground/Ice/Steel/Poison
EVs: 240 HP / 184 SpD / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- U-turn
- Freeze-Dry
- Haze/Light Screen/Reflect/Roar/Tailwind/Tera Blast
- Roost

Slowking-Galar

Slowking-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Slack Off
- Chilly Reception
View attachment 599155
Slowking-Galar

Glowking is one of the most reliable specially bulky pivots in OU; great defensive typing, solid defenses, a fantastic ability in Regenerator, an amazing slow pivot move in Chilly Reception, reliable recovery in Slack Off, and STAB Future Sight to forces switches. Glowking, while being excellent, has notable issues with meta staples such as Gliscor, and usually has to pair with Pokemon that cripple your momentum or ability to shift into offensive threats more safely. Glowking's weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, and Ground-type attacks in particular stifle its ability to switch in against several pesky archetypes. With Articuno, this becomes far less of an issue, and the two are incredibly synergetic with one another due to their typing, movepools, and stat spreads.

View attachment 599149
Articuno

Articuno's functionality is to pair with Glowking on teams that want more efficient ways to pressure opposing threats such as Darkrai, Dragapult, Gliscor, and others. Let's jump into why these two Pokemon pair so well together with some cliff-note categories before we go into some additional specifics about how Articuno matches up against specific threats and enables your team as a whole.

Synergy Summary

Articuno/Slowking-Galar​

• Stats - Articuno's bulk on both the physical and special sides is notably higher than Glowking's (Articuno packs a solid 90/100/125 while Glowking packs 95/80/110), allowing Articuno more flexibility in EV distribution and nature allocation to reach offensive and speed benchmarks so it can leverage its much higher stat spread effectively.
• Movepool - Glowking's typical OU moveset is insanely beneficial to Articuno's functionality and vice-versa. Glowking's pivot move Chilly Reception sets up Snow, which boosts Articuno's Defense even further - this makes Articuno extremely hard to break on both the Physical and Special sides alongside its reliable recovery in Roost and proper EV investment.
• Typing - Articuno's Ice/Flying-typing has a critical immunity to Ground-type attacks while also being neutral to Dark and Ghost-type attacks, while Glowking's Poison/Psychic-typing likewise has key resistances and neutralities that make up for Ice/Flying's defensive shortcomings.
• Utility - Articuno's ability to compliment either the speed or defenses of your team while chipping with U-Turn compliments Glowking's ability to apply offensive pressure with Future Sight along with possibly putting opponents on a timer via Sludge Bomb poisoning.
• Abilities - Glowking's Regenerator allows it to naturally stay healthy while pairing nicely with Articuno's pressure to wear down the opponent's PP throughout longer matches; this can potentially allow you to muscle past stall cores that Glowking would otherwise have trouble with in addition to discouraging the relentless spam of low PP nukes and priority moves such as Draco Meteor, Psycho Boost, Sucker Punch, and Thunderclap.

View attachment 599189​

So let's dive into the Articuno set, starting with its EV allotment - due to the Glowking Chilly Reception pairing, defense EV investment isn't needed thanks to the natural defense boost Articuno gets in Snow (with notably impressive feats like living 252 Atk Landorus-Therian's quadruple SE Stone Edge). 84 EVs invested bring Articuno up to 227 speed, allowing it to hit benchmarks like outpacing neutral nature 0 EV speed Gliscor, Gouging Fire, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Raging Bolt, and Rillaboom along with 56 EV Archaludon and Jolly 252 EV Kingambit. HP EVs are set to 240 while the remaining 184 EVs are dumped into special defense to further enhance Articuno's natural bulk and hit specific benchmarks such as only being 3HKO'd by Modest Archaludon 252 SpA's Draco Meteor and avoiding the OHKO from +1 Modest Archaludon's Electro Shot. Speaking of which, a modest nature on Articuno is required due to its ability to retain the 2HKO on the most common Tera Water Gliscor variants with Freeze-Dry and some others, but Articuno doesn't mind losing out on a Calm nature due to naturally stupendous special bulk. Heavy-Duty Boots is a requirement on Articuno due to its 4x Stealth Rock weakness, and that benefit alone outweighs any potential benefit to other item picks such as the passive recovery of Leftovers.

Articuno's required three moves on this set are Roost, U-turn, and Freeze-Dry. Roost is necessary for Articuno to have reliable recovery and can have some niche defensive benefits such as losing its Electric-type weakness while additionally softening its quadruple Rock-type weakness and gaining a temporary Ice-type resistance. U-turn is necessary for pivoting and can actually chunk some of the more physically frail threats like Darkrai, Deoxys-Speed, Meowscarada, and Weavile even with the -Atk nature thanks to Articuno's base 85 attack. Freeze-Dry is Articuno's STAB of choice due to its ability to threaten Tera Water Gliscor along with Physical Dondozo, Dragapult, Dragonite, Enamorus, Great Tusk, Landorus-T, Meowscarada, Ogerpon-Wellspring, Pelipper, Raging Bolt, Rillaboom, Roaring Moon, Samurott-Hisui, Serperior, and Walking Wake. Let's take a quick look at both Offensive and Defensive calculations for Articuno before we wrap things up by looking at Articuno's fourth moveslot and terastallization options. Articuno can both dish out and take a surprisingly high amount of damage to and from some of the metagame's strongest threats.

Offensive

Freeze-Dry Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0+ SpA

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dondozo: 224-266 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 200-236 (63 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 158-188 (48.9 - 58.2%) -- 97.3% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Enamorus: 192-228 (66.4 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Gliscor: 396-468 (112.5 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 244 HP / 16 SpD Tera Water Gliscor: 198-234 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Great Tusk: 264-312 (60.8 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Iron Valiant: 120-142 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Landorus-Therian: 424-504 (132.9 - 157.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 384-456 (100.5 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ogerpon-Wellspring: 328-388 (108.9 - 128.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 420-496 (130 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 176-210 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 212-252 (62.1 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Roaring Moon: 158-188 (45 - 53.5%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott-Hisui: 224-266 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 168-198 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 106-126 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Articuno Freeze-Dry vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Walking Wake: 372-444 (108.7 - 129.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

U-turn Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0- Atk

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 88-104 (31.3 - 37%) -- 68.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Deoxys-Speed: 88-104 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Iron Boulder: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 212-252 (72.3 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ogerpon-Wellspring: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 88-104 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Roaring Moon: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 34.9% chance to 3HKO
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Samurott-Hisui: 96-114 (29.9 - 35.5%) -- 22.6% chance to 3HKO

0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Serperior: 82-98 (28.1 - 33.6%) -- 94.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Articuno U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 112-134 (39.8 - 47.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive

Defense Calculations in Snow (Chilly Reception)

0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 0 Def Archaludon Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

32 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 242-288 (63.5 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 51-60 (13.3 - 15.7%) -- possible 7HKO
+2 136+ Def Corviknight Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

40 Atk Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Superpower vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 75-90 (19.6 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO

0 Atk Dondozo Liquidation vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 61-73 (16 - 19.1%) -- possible 6HKO
252+ Def Dondozo Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

76 Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 92-110 (24.1 - 28.8%) -- approx. 98.2% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 66-78 (17.3 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 98-116 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ Atk Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-146 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 96.6% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Dragonite Fire Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 184-218 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Excadrill Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 182-216 (47.7 - 56.6%) -- 82% chance to 2HKO
+2 0 Atk Gliscor Facade (140 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-152 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 264-312 (69.2 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

4 Atk Great Tusk Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 109-130 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 2.2% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 49-58 (12.8 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO

252 Atk Great Tusk Temper Flare vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Great Tusk Ice Spinner vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 59-70 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 76-90 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 12.5% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Quark Drive Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 214-252 (56.1 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 56-66 (14.6 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Psyshock vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 83-98 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Iron Head vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 296-350 (77.6 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 5 allies fainted Kingambit Sucker Punch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 129-153 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-136 (29.3 - 35.6%) -- approx. 20.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kyurem Scale Shot (4 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 168-196 (44 - 51.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 316-376 (82.9 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Protean Meowscarada Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 120-144 (31.4 - 37.7%) -- approx. 82.9% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Wellspring Mask Ogerpon-Wellspring Ivy Cudgel vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 247-292 (64.8 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Rillaboom Wood Hammer vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Protosynthesis Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 144-171 (37.7 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 163-193 (42.7 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO

+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 217-256 (56.9 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Protosynthesis Tera Flying Roaring Moon Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 246-289 (64.5 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Ceaseless Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 93-111 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Sharpness Samurott-Hisui Razor Shell vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 108-127 (28.3 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO

160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 64-76 (16.7 - 19.9%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+2 160+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 127-150 (33.3 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 126-153 (33 - 40.1%) -- approx. 100% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Zamazenta Close Combat vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 112-132 (29.3 - 34.6%) -- 6% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Zamazenta Stone Edge vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 276-328 (72.4 - 86%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 106-126 (27.8 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+3 88 Def Zamazenta Body Press vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Articuno in Snow: 175-207 (45.9 - 54.3%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO

Special Defense Calculations

252+ SpA Archaludon Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 160-190 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Archaludon Flash Cannon vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 200-236 (52.4 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 70-84 (18.3 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 125-148 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Darkrai Dark Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 250-294 (65.6 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Speed Psycho Boost vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 172-203 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO
180 SpA Dragapult Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 118-141 (30.9 - 37%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage

252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 189-223 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 176-208 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 117-138 (30.7 - 36.2%) -- 48.9% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 96-114 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 169-201 (44.3 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Enamorus Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 180-212 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tera Stellar Enamorus Tera Blast (100 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 143-169 (37.5 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 79-94 (20.7 - 24.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 236-278 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Gholdengo Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 94-112 (24.6 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Gholdengo Make It Rain vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 284-336 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 102-120 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Hatterene Mystical Fire vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 150-178 (39.3 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 192-228 (50.3 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 234-276 (61.4 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after trapping damage

252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Iron Valiant Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 153-180 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 105-124 (27.5 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 226-267 (59.3 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 157-186 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 81-96 (21.2 - 25.1%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Pelipper Surf vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Rain: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ SpA Raging Bolt Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 114-135 (29.9 - 35.4%) -- 22.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 186-222 (48.8 - 58.2%) -- 95.3% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Raging Bolt Thunderbolt vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 240-284 (62.9 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Skeledirge Torch Song vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 134-158 (35.1 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Skeledirge Hex (130 BP) vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 109-129 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 97.7% chance to 3HKO after burn damage

0 SpA Slowking-Galar Future Sight vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 100-118 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
8 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno in Sun: 168-198 (44 - 51.9%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 158-188 (41.4 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Dragon Pulse vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 144-169 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Flamethrower vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 204-240 (53.5 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Hydro Steam vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 135-160 (35.4 - 41.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
244 SpA Choice Specs Walking Wake Draco Meteor vs. 240 HP / 184 SpD Articuno: 220-259 (57.7 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Fourth Moveslot Options + Tera Type​

My recommendation for Articuno would be to use Tera Blast with Tera Ground as your fourth moveslot option, as this allows you to turn the tables on Rain Archaludon by baiting Electro Shot, in addition to other potent threats such as Gholdengo, Glimmora, Heatran, Iron Boulder, Kingambit, Raging Bolt, and others. Tera Ground gives Articuno a critical newfound immunity and resistance to Electric and Rock-type attacks respectively along with removing Articuno's weaknesses to Steel and Fire-type attacks, and Tera Blast Ground's coverage compliments Freeze-Dry extensively well. Let's take a look at some additional calculations to see exactly what Articuno's Tera Blast Ground can muscle past.

Tera Blast Ground

Tera Blast Ground Damage Calculations - Modest Nature, 0 SpA

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Archaludon: 170-204 (45.8 - 54.9%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Archaludon: 182-216 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (76.4 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 224 HP / 0 SpD Cinderace: 230-272 (64.4 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 258-306 (71.4 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (62.8 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gholdengo: 198-234 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Glimmora: 436-516 (142 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gouging Fire: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 340-408 (105.2 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 212+ SpD Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Iron Boulder: 168-200 (52.3 - 62.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Iron Crown: 170-204 (51.6 - 62%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (60.4 - 72.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Kingambit: 206-246 (52.2 - 62.4%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (64.3 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Pecharunt: 204-240 (53.6 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Raging Bolt: 200-236 (49.1 - 57.9%) -- 57.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 132+ SpD Skeledirge: 180-212 (43.7 - 51.5%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO

0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Slowking-Galar: 126-150 (31.9 - 38%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Torkoal: 242-288 (70.5 - 83.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Tera Ground Articuno Tera Blast (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 64 SpD Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

As for Articuno's other movepool options, the majority of them are courtesy of its bountiful utility options. Haze is a niche but useful tool for resetting boosts, while Reflect or Light Screen can be critical for your team in a pinch defensively. Roar is a neat tech for phasing, while access to Tailwind can allow your team's slower and bulkier threats to blitz past important speed benchmarks including opposing pesky Booster Energy sweepers. As for Tera-type choices, I still recommend Tera Ground for the Electric-type immunity and Rock-type resistance, but Tera Fairy provides a critical Dragon-type immunity along with a neat resistance to both Dark and Fighting-type attacks that synergizes well with Glowking. Tera Ice boosts up the power of Freeze-Dry while also getting rid of Articuno's Electric-type weakness, softening its Rock-type weakness, and giving Articuno a niche but situationally good Ice-type resistance. Tera Poison and Steel can both be helpful against stall teams and allows Articuno to avoid being hit by Toxic.

View attachment 599190
Conclusion

Slowking-Galar is one of the best Pokemon in the OU meta, and anything that can help it both pivot while taking advantage of its numerous fantastic qualities will always have a place in OU. Articuno is one of those Pokemon and the two pair together like peanut butter and jelly. If you're looking for a strong defensive core with great synergy that most teams likely won't be prepared for, consider giving the Articuno/Glowking duo a try. It can fit onto multiple archetypes and I promise you won't be disappointed with how these two complement each other along with the rest of your team.​

Sorry if this is a bit of a one-liner but seeing people able to make Articuno of all things work in OU functionally well is one of the best thing's I've seen out of this board. If anyone tries this core, please send me your replays I need to see how well this works.

 

[BolTingBlazie]

So with the month ending soon, what mons do you think will rise and fall? I believe that toxapex, iron crown and ogerpon wellspring will fall, while I can't see any mons rising definitively, there are a few that might. Those are Latias, Comfey, Iron Treads and Zapdos.

I could maybe see a Tornadus-T rise in the next few months considering how good rain is and how easy it is to fit on rain with other rain mons, also treads is definitely rising.

Skewda probably will rise.

Latias is strong and might rise

Excadrill UU maybe?

Agree with drops though

 

[YubelVT]

I define High ladder as the place paved in the blood of the midladder players you engaged in gouging fire match ups with

high ladder is where you face your biggest rivals who survived with the sheer hate they have for you , where welcome to earth battles, where welcome to earth battles… uhh idk

its where all one in a life time showdowns happen everytime you load in

and im pretty sure its where seedler came from, don’t know but that was a funny set

look ima be real seedler was one of the most obvious sets to ever be devised. like imagine gen 7 hawlucha but better in basically every way and that's seedler

 

[Some Noob know it all]

What do you consider higher tier? I can only comment up to about mid 1700s beyond that is past my domain. I probably see it once every 4 battles. Doesn't feel top 10 in usage. But i have to watch myself everytime I see it. Strong pokemon

I sort of lurk on here, rarely posting. I observed their conversation regarding the positioning of the low, mid-level, and high ladder. This question is subjective unless supported by equated data. To determine the mid-ladder, the median of all ELO scores of Pokémon Showdown users would be the most accurate representation. However, this data is compromised due to the sheer number of players who engage in only one or two games and never play again.

Since we lack comprehensive data, and the existing data is skewed for the previously mentioned reason, the best way to estimate the mid-ladder in the OU (OverUsed) ladder might be to consider the sum of the top 100 users. This sum, divided by 2, could provide a reasonable approximation. To account for potential variability, a certain range (+x and -y) could be added or subtracted. However, this detailed calculation is time-consuming.

To simplify, we can use a quick method: subtract 1000 from the current rank 1 ELO (2071), resulting in 1071. Dividing this by 2 and adding 1000 yields 1535.5. If we set the x and y components to 100, the mid-ladder range would be 1485.5 to 1585.5.

Edit: When ChatGPT's spelled and grammar are corrected in this text, it removed the reason for subtracting and adding 1000. The reason is because 1000 is the baseline ELO that all users have

Note: the math above doesn't give a 100% factual answer, it is an estimate based on data we have publicly (or at least what I know is publicly available)

Without the complete data of all users' in-game ELO, determining the precise mid-ladder position is challenging. As mentioned earlier, this question remains subjective due to the lack of comprehensive data. Mid-ladder is commonly understood as the middle of the ladder. Some individuals suggesting top 500 as mid-ladder makes no mathematical sense considering the widespread player base of Showdown and OU in general.

 

[MaahirMomtaz12]

Pincurchin really needs an evolution or some stat buffs. It has no HP, 95 less BST than Rillaboom and lowest BST of the fully evolved terrain setters, and doesn’t have proper moves like Rising Voltage or Volt Switch.

I believe it's the only Electric-type that can't learn Volt Switch

 

[Heatranator]

I believe it's the only Electric-type that can't learn Volt Switch

It can't learn volt switch, I checked. Man, they really wanted to screw over pincurchin.

 

[Anchor9]

Behold! I have come up with the greatest Meta set for Pincurchin!


Pincurchin @ Focus Sash
Ability: Electric Surge
Tera Type: Electric
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Memento

Press Memento. At least it’s an easy way to get an abuser in.