Azelf (Full Revamp)

[Venom]

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Fire Blast / Taunt
item: Focus Sash
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 28 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set uses Azelf's Speed and Focus Sash to help win out against many common leads. It OHKOs Gengar (outspeeding non Choice Scarf variants and surviving Choice Scarf variant's attacks with Focus Sash) with Psychic, OHKOs non bulky Gyarados with Explosion (and always gets a Stealth Rock off), and 2HKOs Bronzong with Fire Blast. It also has the ability to OHKO Roserade and Infernape with Psychic (though beware that both often run Focus Sash when leading), and Ninjask with Fire Blast.</p>

<p>Fire Blast is preferred for its chance to OHKO Weavile and Yanmega, but Taunt can be used to ensure that slower leads, such as Bronzong, Hippowdon, and Swampert, never set up Stealth Rock. All 252 Special Attack EVs aren't necessary, and can be transferred to Attack to allow Explosion to do as much as possible. However, going below 321 Special Attack is not recommended, as this is the minimum amount required to 2HKO the typical 338 HP / 330 SpD Bronzong with Leftovers 75% of the time.</p>

[SET]
name: Plot Sweeper
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Grass Knot / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Life Orb / Expert Belt / Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>After a Nasty Plot boost, there will be few things campable of stopping its rampage through an opposing team. With Life Orb, Azelf can even threaten to 3HKO Blissey and 2HKO Snorlax with a boosted Psychic. Flamethrower tears through Steel-types which resist its STAB attacks, as well as OHKOing a Weavile switching in. Grass Knot helps cover Tyranitar and Water or Ground-types and will OHKO after a boost, while Hidden Power Fighting is an excellent choice for dealing with all Dark-types as well as Heatran. Leftovers can aid in taking assaults such as Swampert's Waterfall, Infernape's Close Combat, and Dusknoir's Shadow Sneak better, although at the same time you lose some power and won't OHKO a Weavile switch-in.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Stealth Rock / Taunt
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This particular Azelf is designed to support the team by setting up defensive screens which will enable Pokemon like Dragon Dance Salamence or Baton Pass Gliscor to set up much easier and possibly allow for an easy sweep against your opponent. With both Reflect and Light Screen halving the damage of physical and special attacks, respectively, the opponent will be hard-pressed to prevent something like the aforementioned Salamence from setting up several Dragon Dances and proceeding to sweep.</p>

<p>Reflect and Light Screen are rather obvious and Light Clay prolongs the duration of each screen to eight turns. The third move slot is a matter of preference. Stealth Rock can help to eliminate Focus Sashes and build up further residual damage, while Taunt can prevent an opponent from setting up themselves. Finally, once Azelf has completed its job, simply explode, hopefully taking an opponent's Pokemon with you along the way. If you do not desire to explode, Taunt can be used over Explosion which will allow Azelf to utilize both Taunt and Stealth Rock.</p>

<p>Maximum Speed is necessary to at worst tie with base 115 Speed Pokemon and to outrun many others. Maximum HP is also expected and allows Azelf to survive attacks that would normally slaughter it under a Reflect, such as a Choice Band Tyranitar's Crunch.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Choice
move 1: Trick / U-turn / Explosion
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Grass Knot
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 36 Atk / 252 SpA / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs helps to take down some of its potential counters, as they may be unable to take repeated punishment from its boosted attacks. Trick is useful for crippling common switch-ins such as Blissey, Cresselia and Snorlax whereas Explosion can make this an even bigger threat and works very well on a team loaded with special attackers, to lure in Blissey and explode right in her face. U-turn is also very useful, allowing Azelf to scout for its counters and get in a light hit. As an added bonus, it's super effective on Tyranitar and Weavile and can help to wear them down. Choice Scarf ensures Azelf will outrun everything—most notably Weavile—and is worth considering over Choice Specs. Rash is an acceptable nature if one elects to use it.</p>

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Explosion
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Flamethrower
move 4: Grass Knot / Hidden Power Ground / U-turn
item: Life Orb
nature: Naive
evs: 36 Atk / 252 SpA / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is a slight variation of the previous set. Unlike the previous set, you are not restricted to a single attack. Standard fare as far as the move set goes in the first three slots. U-turn wears down switch-ins, but Grass Knot is a more powerful option for taking down Tyranitar. Hidden Power Ground is also a decent option to consider so you are not entirely walled by Heatran.</p>

[SET]

name: Physical Choice
move 1: U-turn / Trick
move 2: Zen Headbutt
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Ice Punch / Fire Punch
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
nature: Adamant / Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Physical choiced Azelf may not have as many options as its special counterpart; but with equally impressive of an Attack score and a respectable move pool it should not be overlooked. By equipping Azelf with a Choice Scarf it can become an effective revenge killer whereas with a Choice Band it can be a decent physical threat.</p>

<p>U-turn, as previously mentioned, is available for scouting and to prevent Azelf from becoming Pursuit bait early in the game. However, Trick is also a respectable option to cripple switch-ins such as Cresselia and Bronzong. Zen Headbutt is your best physical STAB option whereas Explosion is useful for when Azelf is nearly fainted and you wish to take one last Pokemon down with you. Ice Punch is the final choice and with a Choice Scarf can enable Azelf to revenge kill Dragon Dance Salamence and does quite a bit to defensive Zapdos. Fire Punch is also usable since this set is entirely walled by any Steel-type; and one should be particularly concerned about Scizor and Metagross due to the threat of Pursuit.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Thunderbolt is generally a good move, but doesn't offer better type coverage over Azelf's other attacks. However, Thunderbolt does let you hurt Gyarados and Togekiss. Shadow Ball hits its fellow Psychics. Hidden Power Ice is relatively weak, but easily OHKOes Salamence provided it has at least a 10% boost. Focus Sash is a good alternative on the Life Orb set. It can ensure Azelf's survival against the likes of Weavile and helps it to survive to Explode on a foe. Given Focus Sash is unreliable if Stealth Rock is in play, this strategy would be best used if Azelf is leading your team. Taunt or Safeguard can work on the Nasty Plot set, completely ruining the opponent's attempt at statusing you, but you have to give up Grass Knot / Hidden Power Fighting and thus get walled by Tyranitar. Taunt is generally superior since it also stops things like Celebi from Baton Passing and setting up, and prevents Calm Mind Blissey from setting up on you and ruining your chances of sweeping. Safeguard, however, lasts longer than Taunt and gives team support. Azelf can also set up Rain Dance and Sunny Day, but there are generally better Pokemon for that job.</p>


[EVs]

<p>Timid is the preferred nature for the Nasty Plot set. A minimum of 352 Speed (220 EVs if Azelf is using Hidden Power Fighting, 216 otherwise) is needed to outrun Timid Gengar; although you can just maximize your Speed on most sets. Max Special Attack, with the remaining EVs in HP. 36 HP EVs guarantees Azelf will survive a Choice Band Pursuit from Jolly Weavile, assuming it doesn't switch out, of course. You can also always sacrifice one Special Attack point and put it in HP. This will put its HP at 301, which lets it survive three Blissey Seismic Tosses as long as Stealth Rock or Sandstorm aren't in play. Obviously, don't use it with Life Orb. For any physical set you'll just want to maximize Attack and Speed
</p>

<p>The Choice Specs and Life Orb sets should have the same spread as the Nasty Plot set, but with a Naive nature and the remaining EVs in Attack to boost Explosion/U-turn.</p>

<p>Choice Scarf doesn't require much in the way of Speed. 76 EVs will hit 285 Speed to outrun Choice Scarf Medicham and almost everything else. 168 EVs hits 308, allowing Azelf to outrun Jolly Ninjask. Use a Rash nature, and max Special Attack with any remaining EVs in Attack.</p>

[Opinion]

<p>Azelf's excellent Speed, massive Special Attack and ability to boost with Nasty Plot make it one of the best special sweepers in the game. If that wasn't enough, it even has a very powerful Explosion to take out Blissey and Cresselia as well as Trick to disable many of its common switch-ins. It is very fragile though, which isn't helped by its weakness to Pursuit. Because of this, its opportunities to safely switch in can be limited, although it is immune to the ever popular Earthquake. Azelf is such a massive threat that it must always be considered when constructing a team. Ignore this harmless looking pixie at your peril.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Spiritomb is arguably the best switch-in with immunity to Explosion and Psychic, while still not being weak to any of its other moves. Furthermore, it can easily kill Azelf off with any number of means be it Sucker Punch, Pursuit, Shadow Ball, or Dark Pulse. Additionally, Spiritomb also doesn't terribly mind Trick. Houndoom resists Grass and is immune to Fire and Psychic, making him an excellent counter to most sets that do not pack Hidden Power Fighting or Explosion. He threatens Azelf with Dark Pulse, Pursuit, and even Sucker Punch. Heatran takes its attacks incredibly well and has the added advantage of resisting Explosion; although he must be careful of the odd Hidden Power Ground. His powerful Fire attacks will make short work of Azelf. Tyranitar can take just about anything well besides Nasty Plot boosted Grass Knots and Hidden Power Fighting and he has an immensely powerful Pursuit to make short-work of Azelf's life.</p>

<p>Blissey and Cresselia both shrug off Azelf's hits well and can cripple it with Thunder Wave; although both of them absolutely despise Trick. Uxie, Mesprit, Gardevoir, and Togekiss are also capable of taking one boosted hit and paralyzing it. Snorlax can soak up hits reasonably well and has access to Body Slam, Crunch, Pursuit, and Yawn to kill or incapacitate Azelf. Again, Snorlax must be weary of Trick though.</p>

<p>Although he fears predicted Flamethrowers, Weavile is very useful against Azelf. He outspeeds Azelf and can OHKO with CB Pursuit or Night Slash. However, it should be noted that Azelf will survive Choice Band Pursuit from a Jolly Weavile if the Azelf has 16 HP EVs. Scizor can switch in on anything but a Fire move and can threaten Azelf with Bullet Punch or OHKO with a Choice Band Pursuit if it chooses to switch.</p>

 

[Stathakis]

I'll definately look at the wording a bit later, but just a mention on the physical choice set, it really doesn't do much to heatran bar explosion, so you probably will want to take the bit about revenge killing it out.

 

[Venom]

thanks

 

[User 12783]

Plot Sweeper:

If you have access to it, Hidden Power Fighting is an excellent choice for dealing with all Dark-types as well as Heatran.

Life Orb:

<p>This is a slight variation of the previous sets. Unlike the previous sets, you are not restricted to a single attack. U-turn wears down switch-ins, but Grass Knot is a more powerful option for taking down Tyranitar. Flamethrower is for the Metagross and Bronzong that tend to switch-in a lot into Azelf, and Explosion is for for when Azelf is out of options.</p>

Excellent and well proofread, Venom ;)

 

[stvn]

quoting me from the Azelf thread:

MixZelf @Life Orb
Naive Nature, Levitate
252 Atk, 40 SpA, 216 Spe
- Zen Headbutt
- Fire Blast
- U-turn / Ice Punch / Grass Knot
- Explosion

Zen Headbutt does 50-58% to the now standard Blissey and is a 100% 2HKO with Rocks up. Some of the new Rotoms get 2HKOed too. Fire Blast if anyone tries to bring Steel types thinking you are all physical.
I particulary run U-turn (does 60%+ on 252 HP Tar and hurt Psychics a lot) but Ice Punch/GK are good options if you would like to hit Mence/Zapdos or Pert respectively.
Explosion is Explosion, and with Life Orb + 252 Atk it kills everything not resistant (and even some are killed, like Heatran), but you could run anything from the 3rd slot there.

I made a team with this set just to test it, and the results were pretty amazing. Defensive Gyarados can be a problem though, but it is not that it can switch into any other Azelf set, and there is always U-turn/Explosion/Stealth Rock.
talking about SR, as you can see, this set does even better with it.

The Life Orb set should look like this, in my opinion.

 

[Zoro]

This set uses Azelf's Speed and Focus Sash to help beat the common leads, Gengar, Gyarados and Bronzong (the top three leads on Shoddy).

Change this as this isnt true now.

 

[Malfunction]

First of all, you don't need to put the ability tags, since you have only one ability to choose from.
Second, I noticed some mistakes, comments in red, fixes in bold.

<p>This set uses Azelf's Speed and Focus Sash to help beat the common leads, Gengar, Gyarados and Bronzong (the top three leads on Shoddy). (You don't need the bolded part, since they might not be common in other times.) It OHKOs Gengar (outspeeding non Scarf variants and surviving Scarf variants with Focus Sash) with Psychic, OHKOs non bulky Gyarados with Explosion (and always gets a Stealth Rock off), and 2HKOs Bronzong with Fire Blast. It also has the ability to OHKO Roserade and Infernape with Psychic (though beware that both often run Focus Sash when leading), and Ninjask with Fire Blast.</p>

<p>Fire Blast is preferred for its chance to OHKO Weavile and Yanmega, but Taunt can be used to ensure that slower leads, such as Bronzong, Hippowdon and Swampert, never set up Stealth Rock. All 252 Special Attack EVs aren't necessary, and can be transferred to Attack to allow Explosion to do as much as possible. However, going below 321 Special Attack is not recommended, as this is the minimum amount required to 2HKO the typical 338 HP / 330 SpD Bronzong with Leftovers 75% of the time.(Can you add to the bolded part? Like when you shouldn't use all Sp attack and so?)</p>

<p>After a single Nasty Plot boost, Azelf will have few things capable of stopping its rampage through an opposing team. With Life Orb, Azelf can even threaten to 3HKO Blissey and 2HKO Snorlax with a boosted Psychic (what bliss/lax? Standard? Max Sp.Def?). Flamethrower tears through Steel-types which resist its STAB attack, as well as OHKOs a Weavile switching in. Grass Knot helps cover Tyranitar and will OHKO after a boost. If you have access to it, Hidden Power Fighting is an excellent choice for dealing with all Dark-types as well as Heatran. Leftovers can aid in taking assaults such as Swampert's Waterfall, Infernape's Close Combat, and Dusknoir's Shadow Sneak better, although at the same time you lose some power and won't OHKO a Weavile switch-in.</p>

<p>Physical Choice Azelf might not have as many options as a Special Sweeper Azelf will, but has some pretty useful physical options that should not be overlooked. Choice Scarf is the recommended item here, as Choice Scarf Azelf makes a great revenge killer as well as a good scouter thanks to U-turn. Choice Band is also a viable item on this set; Azelf will lose some Speed but will hit the opponent harder. U-turn, as previously mentioned, is here for scouting the opponent's team, and to escape when there is trouble. Ice Punch is the main option here due to the fact Ice Punch hits Salamence and Shaymin-S, two of the most popular Pokemon in OU. With the use of a Choice Scarf and Ice Punch, Azelf becomes a great revenge killer for those Salamence and Shaymin-S, since the given EVs with an Adamant nature allow you to outspeed Shaymin-S and Salamence after a Dragon Dance. You have the option of Zen Headbutt and Trick; Zen Headbutt can be useful with a Choice Scarf, letting you outspeed Gengar and OHKO with Zen Headbutt, and is a STAB move in general, while Trick will allow you to trick away the Choice item you hold into some of the common switch-ins to Azelf, such as Bronzong and other Steel-types, who will become a pain once they realize the Azelf they are dealing with is physical.</p>

<p>With a Jolly nature and a Choice Band, Azelf will outspeed a non-Scarfed max Speed Gengar and Infernape, both of which can be OHKOed with Zen Headbutt. As previously mentioned in the former paragraph, Choice Scarf is used for revenge killing those pesky Dragon-types, and other Choice Scarf users such as Gengar. (The following sentence does not fit in this paragraph, move it up) Fire Punch can be an option on this set as well for the annoying Steel-types.</p>

If I find any other things, I'll edit here.
Thanks for your time.

 

[gec]

RaikouLover and I have been using this set to great success recently, so I decided to write a peer edit on it. Feel free to add it to your post Venom. First peer edit too, so don't be harsh ^.^

[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Taunt / Stealth Rock
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 6 Def

<p>Following in the footsteps of the myriad of other Dual Screen Pokemon, Azelf is able to support a team with the ability of reducing damage taken from Physical and Special moves by 50%. However, What separates Azelf from other Dual Screen users is two key factors - Explosion, and the element of suprise.</p>

<p>While most Pokemon following this trend gain Taunt as a move, one of Azelf's biggest selling points is Explosion. This move has a number of uses, first of all, allowing one of your Pokemon to come in safely (most of the time). This allows Azelf to work almost identically to Dual Screen Mewtwo in Ubers - setting up 8 turn Screens for your team and finally Exploding on an opposing Pokemon. The use of Taunt on this set is fairly simple. Taunt ensures the set up of an opposing Pokemon will be halted, hopefully allowing you to set up either Reflect or Light Screen while they switch. Stealth Rock can be used over Taunt to provide further support, but Taunt is recommended here because it aids your set up. </p>

<p>Another key aspect of this set as mentioned earlier is the suprise factor. While Azelf is mainly used a lead Pokemon able of setting up Stealth Rock, this set will surely prove to be a suprise to your opponent. An example of how this works is when countering the common "suicide lead" Azelf. While your opponent may bring in a Tyranitar to Pursuit a lead Azelf, this set can actually set up on that same Tyranitar. A 405 Attack, Choice Band Pursuit deals 42.09% - 49.44% to this Azelf after a Reflect, meaning that if Tyranitar switches in on a Reflect, Azelf will always be able to set up Light Screen and finally Explode, allowing a Pokemon of yours to come in unscathed.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set allow for maximizing of Azelf's defences while still pumping up its great 115 base Speed.</p>

 

[twash]

RaikouLover and I have been using this set to great success recently, so I decided to write a peer edit on it. Feel free to add it to your post Venom. First peer edit too, so don't be harsh ^.^

[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Taunt / Stealth Rock
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

<p>Following in the footsteps of the myriad of other dual screen Pokémon, Azelf is able to support a team with the ability of reducing damage taken from physical and special moves by 50%. However, what separates Azelf from other dual screen users is two key factors - Explosion, and the element of suprise.</p>

<p>While most Pokemon following this trend gain Taunt as a move, one of Azelf's biggest selling points is Explosion. This move has a number of uses, first of all, allowing one of your Pokémon to almost always come in safely. This allows Azelf to work almost identically to dual screen Mewtwo in Ubers; setting up 8 turn screens for your team and finally Exploding on an opposing Pokémon. The use of Taunt on this set is fairly simple. Taunt ensures the set up of an opposing Pokémon will be halted, hopefully allowing you to set up either Reflect or Light Screen while they switch. Stealth Rock can be used over Taunt to provide further support, but Taunt is recommended here because it aids your set up. </p>

<p>Another key aspect of this set as mentioned earlier is the suprise factor. While Azelf is mainly used a lead Pokemon able of setting up Stealth Rock, this set will surely prove to be a suprise to your opponent. An example of how this works is when countering the common "suicide lead" Azelf. While your opponent may bring in a Tyranitar to Pursuit a lead Azelf, this set can actually set up on that same Tyranitar. A 405 Attack, Choice Band Pursuit deals 42.09% - 49.44% to this Azelf after a Reflect, meaning that if Tyranitar switches in on a Reflect, Azelf will always be able to set up Light Screen and finally Explode, allowing a Pokémon of yours to come in unscathed.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set allow for maximizing of Azelf's defences while still pumping up its great 115 base Speed.</p>

Really not sure on the "surprise" paragraph. I personally wouldn't find it surprising to see a dual screen Azelf, and to be honest the Tyranitar bit could just be changed to "The EVs mean you take a maximum of 49.44% damage from Tyranitar's Choice Band Pursuit after Reflect, meaning you will always be able to set up both screens." would be fine. You forgot Sandstream too.

 

[Venom]

quoting me from the Azelf thread:

The current LO Azelf is okay

Change this as this isnt true now.

Would you care to give some reason why? I'm not taking something that you pulled out of your ass randomly.

RaikouLover and I have been using this set to great success recently, so I decided to write a peer edit on it. Feel free to add it to your post Venom. First peer edit too, so don't be harsh ^.^

[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Taunt / Stealth Rock
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 6 Def

<p>Following in the footsteps of the myriad of other Dual Screen Pokemon, Azelf is able to support a team with the ability of reducing damage taken from Physical and Special moves by 50%. However, What separates Azelf from other Dual Screen users is two key factors - Explosion, and the element of suprise.</p>

<p>While most Pokemon following this trend gain Taunt as a move, one of Azelf's biggest selling points is Explosion. This move has a number of uses, first of all, allowing one of your Pokemon to come in safely (most of the time). This allows Azelf to work almost identically to Dual Screen Mewtwo in Ubers - setting up 8 turn Screens for your team and finally Exploding on an opposing Pokemon. The use of Taunt on this set is fairly simple. Taunt ensures the set up of an opposing Pokemon will be halted, hopefully allowing you to set up either Reflect or Light Screen while they switch. Stealth Rock can be used over Taunt to provide further support, but Taunt is recommended here because it aids your set up. </p>

<p>Another key aspect of this set as mentioned earlier is the suprise factor. While Azelf is mainly used a lead Pokemon able of setting up Stealth Rock, this set will surely prove to be a suprise to your opponent. An example of how this works is when countering the common "suicide lead" Azelf. While your opponent may bring in a Tyranitar to Pursuit a lead Azelf, this set can actually set up on that same Tyranitar. A 405 Attack, Choice Band Pursuit deals 42.09% - 49.44% to this Azelf after a Reflect, meaning that if Tyranitar switches in on a Reflect, Azelf will always be able to set up Light Screen and finally Explode, allowing a Pokemon of yours to come in unscathed.</p>

<p>The EVs on this set allow for maximizing of Azelf's defences while still pumping up its great 115 base Speed.</p>

To be honest I'd like to see this in play, I don't know if this works or not, I mean I can take your judgment for something but does it really work?

thanks Twash and Arme

 

[Imran]

I have taken the liberty of updating the comments on the Nasty Plot set, as I feel they are a little old and lacking. I also think we should add one more speed EV for the ability to outspeed neutral Shaymin’s Speed Forme (I don’t know how common, but worth it for 4 Evs IMO). I also don’t see why we aren’t Maxing out speed to draw with Starmie, Raikou, Ambipom etc… So I reccomned the main EV spread should be 32 HP / 252 Sp. Atk / 224 Spe and I wrote up a new paragraph in set comments to deal with the Speed Evs:

<p>After a Nasty Plot boost, Azelf will have few things capable of stopping its rampage through an opposing team. With Life Orb, Azelf can even threaten to 3HKO Blissey and 2HKO Snorlax with a boosted Psychic. Flamethrower tears through Steel-types which resist its STAB attack <s removed>, as well as OHKOing an incoming Weavile. Grass Knot helps cover Tyranitar and will OHKO after a boost, it will also OHKO Swampert, something that nothing else bar explosion manages to accomplish unboosted. <If you have access to it removed> Hidden Power Fighting is an excellent choice for dealing with all Dark-types as well as Heatran. Leftovers can aid in taking assaults such as Swampert's Waterfall, Infernape's Close Combat, and Dusknoir's Shadow Sneak better, although at the same time you lose some power and won't OHKO a Weavile switch-in. The Speed EVs given allow you to outspeed Neutral Shaymin’s Speed Forme, but should you max out your Speed, you will tie with other threats such as opposing Starmie, Raikou and Ambipom. You will also gain a Speed tie with other Azelf who may also max it out.</p>

 

[Evil Hamster]

Would you care to give some reason why? I'm not taking something that you pulled out of your ass randomly.

Top October leads in OU. Obviously skewed slightly thanks to Deoxys-E's removal from the metagame, but as of now the three most common leads are Azelf, Tyranitar and Bronzong. Gengar is #5 whilst Gyarados is down at #12. What I think UsainBolt is trying to get at is that it might be better just to remove the bit about the 'three top leads', seeing as that will change month by month, to something slightly less specific like 'This set uses Azelf's Speed and Focus Sash to help beat a wide range of common leads such as Bronzong, Gengar, Hippowdon and Gyarados.'

To be honest I'd like to see this in play, I don't know if this works or not, I mean I can take your judgment for something but does it really work?

Personally I think it's worth putting in; despite never having used it myself I've had the dual-screen set used against me a few times and for the most part it's been pretty successful.

Empoleon might warrant a mention in counters, seeing as it takes on the Nasty Plotter pretty well if it carries Roar or a Choice Specs Surf. Obviously it hates +2 LO Hidden Power Fighting, but from my experience the few NP Azelf I've faced seem to run Grass Knot more often than HP Fighting. Haven't checked the stats though.

 

[Venom]

thanks Evil Hamster, and I'll be testing it, not because I don't trust your judgment, but I don't feel right putting something I haven't played around with up there.

 

[Great Sage]

Don't give specific numbers for lead rankings, as those are bound to change. Just say that those Pokemon are popular leads or something like that. You might want to rename the Life Orb set, since other sets also have Life Orb.

 

[Imran]

<p>After a Nasty Plot boost, there will be few things capable of stopping Azelf's rampage through an opposing team. With it's huge Sp. Atk stat and ability to outspeed the majority of the metagame it is an excellent choice for a late game sweeper. With Life Orb, Azelf can even threaten to 3HKO Blissey and 2HKO Snorlax with a boosted Psychic. Flamethrower tears through Steel-types which resist its STAB attack, as well as OHKOing an incoming Weavile. Grass Knot helps cover Tyranitar and will OHKO after a boost, it will also OHKO Swampert, something that nothing else bar explosion manages to accomplish unboosted. Hidden Power Fighting is an excellent choice for dealing with all Dark-types, especially Tyranitar who will try to come in to Pursuit you. It will also deal with Heatran. Leftovers can aid in taking assaults such as Swampert's Waterfall, Infernape's Close Combat, and Dusknoir's Shadow Sneak better, although at the same time you lose some power and won't OHKO a Weavile switch-in. The Speed EVs given allow you to outspeed Shaymin’s Speed Forme with a neutral nature, but should you max out your Speed, you will tie with other threats such as opposing Starmie, Raikou and Ambipom. You will also gain a Speed tie with other Azelf who may also max it out.</p>

Tidied it up, and i still support the EV change, possibly even to 4 / 252 / 252 as most Azelf tend to just max out anyway, the speed tie could be crucial. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[yoshi!]

Why is a SpD IV of 28 needed for the SR set? I didn't see it in set comments =/

 

[Legacy Raider]

Venom, I really hope you include the Dual Screen set in your analysis. I've been using it to great effect and I'm finding it to be actually better than D-E (in that it gets more done). The only reason it didn't get much play before was because of D-E's faster Taunt.

 

[Toothache]

Houndoom now has Sucker Punch, which can be mentioned in his part of the Counters section, another reason for Azelf to fear him.

 

[Syberia]

Why is a SpD IV of 28 needed for the SR set? I didn't see it in set comments =/

Probably to meet Shoddy's IV restrictions.

 

[yoshi!]

Probably to meet Shoddy's IV restrictions.

Then surely it should be on all sets, not just the SR one?

 

[Poppin]

Found a set that works >_>. Might as well post it here. Editing in damage calculations after this post >_>.

[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Nasty Plot
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Flamethrower / Shadow Ball
item: Salac Berry
nature: Modest
ability: Levitate
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Among several users of the SubSalac combination, Azelf is capable of using it from its base 125 Special Attack and base 115 Speed. Combined with Nasty Plot and Substitute, Azelf can be a great threat to many teams if this can be pulled off correctly. Substitute will be great in for Azelf to dodge that fatal Paralysis, Burn and Toxic thrown at it. This set will always work better with Toxic Spikes and/or Stealth Rock setup.Spiritomb, however will be always a problem if it isn't taken out early. The advantage of a Speed Boost puts Azelf above many of its Scarfed, faster threat such as Heracross, Alakazam, Gengar and Tyranitar (yes, Tyranitar) making sweeping a lot more easier for Azelf.</p>

<p>This set is simple, switch Azelf in on something it can get a Substitute up on, setup and sweep. Psychic, Azelf's main STAB move hits many things hard, before and after a Nasty Plot is setup. The last moveslot is a bit complicated, if not valuable to Azelf's survivalbility. Hidden Power Fighting nails Dark and Steel types and can OHKO a maximum HP/minimum Special Defense Tyranitar after a Nasty Plot in a Sandstorm. Flamethrower keeps Bronzong from coming in, Gyro Ball Azelf and end its sweep, it also hits Shaymin-S if it decides to switch in on Azelf. Flamethrower can keep Celebi at bay as well; however, Celebi only poses a threat if Azelf had no Substitute up with 73 HP or lower or if it carries Silver Wind, U-Turn, Shadow Ball or Leaf Storm. Scizor and Shedinja are also nailed hard by Flamethrower. With Flamethrower in the last slot, Azelf will be sadly walled by Tyranitar and Heatran. Shadow Ball hits Dusknoir before it can KO with Shadow Sneak, assuming that Azelf has a Substitute and a Nasty Plot that is. It also keeps other Psychics at bay; however, this gives Dark and Steel types (barring Metagross) a free switch in . Grass Knot keeps Swampert from Roaring Azelf away. It also hits Tyranitar and Cresselia harder than Psychic. Thunderbolt, surprisingly could work in the last slot as well since a combination of Psychic and Thunderbolt is only resisted by Magnezone and Celebi; keep it noted that Tyranitar and Weavile will get a free switch in, Weavile won't survive a Nasty Plot boosted Thunderbolt with Stealth Rock, however. Of all of these options, Hidden Power Fighting and Psychic are highly recommended as a combination since they require less effort to take out Azelf's threats. Keep it noted that after a Nasty Plot, a 4/0 Adamant Scizor will be 2HKO'd by Psychic. Calm Mind can go over Nasty Plot if you think that Azelf needs to take Special hits better.</p>

<p>The EVs allow for Azelf to hit the Salac Berry boost after 3 Subsitutes. This means that Azelf can actually stand a chance against Tyranitar switch ins. The latter can go into Speed and Special Attack. If you want Azelf to win against Blissey variants who run Special Attacks over Seismic Toss, you can run an alternate EV Spread of 132 SpD / 120 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP (136 SpD / 120 SpA / 248 Spe / 4 HP if Hidden Power Fighting is being ran) so that Azelf still hits the Substitute number, maintains its high base Speed and still have the ability to OHKO a maximum HP/minimum SpD Tyranitar under a Sandstorm with Hidden Power Fighting after a Nasty Plot, doing a minimum of 99% damage.</p>

<h3>Damage Calculations</h3>

<pre>
+2 Psychic vs max HP / max Special Defense Swampert (Curse) 63.12%-74.50%
+2 Psychic vs 352 HP / 352 Special Defense Tentacruel (204 HP/ 172 SpD) 126.14%-148.86% (always an OHKO)
+2 Hidden Power Fighting vs 402 HP / 311 Special Defense Tyranitar (Lead) 82.59%-97.51% (will OHKO with Stealth Rock on the average)
+2 Hidden Power Fighting vs maximum HP/352 Special Defense Umbreon (Support) 55.33%-65.48% (a 2HKO on average with Leftovers factored in)
+2 Psychic vs max HP / minimum Special Defense Skarmory 66.47%-78.14%
+4 Psychic vs 651 HP / 396 Special Defense Blissey (Cleric) 45.62%-53.61% (a 3HKO 100% of the time)
+6 Psychic vs 615 HP / 396 Special Defense Blissey (Cleric) 60.52%-71.43% (always a 2HKO)

</pre>

 

[Caelum]

ss4 azelf, too many options in the final slot. Thunderbolt should be there as well. Psychic + Thunderbolt gives surprisingly good coverage in UU being resisted only by Celebi and Magnezone iirc.

 

[Poppin]

Got it, I'll delete Grass Knot since Swampert would be its only reason to be used.

 

[darkie]

is this still being worked on?

 

[Phoenix_21]

Tyranitar doesn't even get a mention in the counters, I think a little bit could be added. NP'd Grass knot and HP Fighting hurt tar alot, obviously, but it takes on some of the other sets brilliantly because it laughs its ass off at Flamethrower and Psychic.

Lead CBTar only lets SR lead or Dual Screen Azelf do one thing out of the many things it tries to because of CB Crunch (despite Reflect) and if it switches in on Choice set in an NVE move Azelfs gone at no cost to TTar. If Azelfs Tricks a Scarf onto CBTar is it locked into Trick still? If it is then its Pursuit fodder - its only choices are give you your desired item back or leave you weaker but faster...