UU Xatu

[Sapphire.]

QC Checks: Kushalos, radianthero156, Ernesto
GP Checks: GatoDelFuego, horyzhnz


Overview
########

Xatu is often overlooked as a Psychic-type Pokemon in the UU tier. However, it stands out among most of them, thanks to its access to the rare Magic Bounce ability, allowing it to deflect most non-damaging moves for its own use. It also has decent Speed and Special Attack, as well as access to U-turn to keep the momentum. Xatu even has reliable recovery in Roost. However, Xatu has a bad defensive typing, and faces stiff competition with many Psychic-types in the tier, such as Azelf, which sports much higher offensive stats, and Cresselia, which has superior bulk.


Utility
########
name: Utility
move 1: Psychic / Night Shade
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 4: Roost
ability: Magic Bounce
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm


Moves
========

Psychic is Xatu's primary STAB attack, hitting the Fighting- and Poison-types that fill the tier for super effective damage. Night Shade can be used instead of Psychic to deal consistent damage, and it usually breaks Substitutes. U-turn provides valuable momentum for the team, and allows Xatu to escape dangerous Pokemon. The third moveslot is a toss-up. Thunder Wave is the preferred choice, supporting your team's sweepers as well as crippling Choice Scarf users and offensive threats such as Darmanitan and Heracross without Guts. Toxic, however, lets Xatu put a timer on walls or dangerous sweepers. Lastly, Roost allows Xatu to heal off damage it may have taken, improving its longevity.


Set Details
========

The given EVs maximize Xatu's special bulk, allowing it to check many special attackers in the tier such as Shaymin and Roserade. Leftovers gives Xatu a form of passive recovery. Magic Bounce is the only reason to use Xatu, as it deflects non-damaging moves. A physically defensive set can be used to check many physical attackers in the tier, but Xatu's bad defensive typing makes it hard to do so. A Calm nature is used because it further increases Xatu's special bulk. Even though it lowers U-turn's power, the damage is irrelevant as it is mainly used for momentum. It also helps against Foul Play users such as Umbreon, though they still do a lot of damage to Xatu.


Usage Tips
========

If you predict that your opponent will use a status move, switch into Xatu to deflect it. Use Thunder Wave or Toxic whenever given an opportunity, as it allows Xatu to cripple many Pokemon in the tier. Lastly, use Roost sparingly, as against stall-based teams, it will be a very important move. However, be careful about using a status move if you see Heracross, as it may have the ability Guts.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that create VoltTurn cores such as Raikou and Rotom-H make great partners. Rotom-H in particular has excellent type synergy with Xatu. Pokemon that appreciate entry hazards off the field such as Yanmega, Chandelure, and Darmanitan make good partners. Pokemon such as Swampert and Blastoise that can take care of Rhyperior, a hard counter to Xatu, make good partners. Grass-type Pokemon such as Roserade and Shaymin also make great partners, taking the Electric-type moves aimed at Xatu, even though they share the same Ice-type weakness.


Other Options
########

Xatu can use Wish, but it won't be passing huge Wishes due to its low HP stat. It also has to run Protect if it wants to heal itself. Feather Dance is a cool option, allowing Xatu to lower the opponent's Attack. Reflect and Light Screen can be used, though it is highly outclassed by Azelf and Cresselia in that regard. Tailwind can be used to speed up slower Pokemon, but Thunder Wave is usually a better option. Lastly, Foul Play can be used to punish physical sweepers that try to set up, but has little use apart from that. An offensive set can also be used, but is outclassed again by Azelf and Sigilyph, who sport higher Speed and Special Attack, and in Sigilyph's case, Magic Guard.


Checks & Counters
########

**Dark-types** Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon can force Xatu out with their STAB attacks. Mega Absol in particular can use Xatu as setup fodder, as it fears none of the status moves that Xatu carries thanks to its own Magic Bounce, and only fears U-turn.

**Rock-types** Rock-types such as Rhyperior and Mega Aerodactyl can deal a lot of damage to Xatu with their Rock-type STAB, and Rhyperior is immune to Thunder Wave.

**Nidoqueen and Nidoking** Nidoqueen and Nidoking can check Xatu because they are immune to both Toxic and Thunder Wave and can hit back super effectively with Ice Beam, though they have to be wary of Psychic.

**Electric-types** Electric-types such as Rotom-H and Raikou are immune to Thunder Wave, and can KO Xatu with their powerful STAB attacks. Both can also use Volt Switch to keep momentum, while the latter can use Substitute and set up on Xatu.

 

[HypnoEmpire]

You state that it has decent Special Attack, then go on to say that it has little to no offensive presence. You might want to reword that. Also, I'm not QC or anything but I think Xatu is a great Dual Screener and it deserves a set of its own. It's able to set itself apart from Azelf because Xatu has Magic Bounce, reliable recovery in Roost, and other support moves like Tailwind which Azelf lacks. The utility set should probably have Tailwind. I would personally run Foul Play over Psychic or Night Shade for an offensive option. In C&C, why are Scarfed Pokemon there? There are a lot of Pokemon in UU that can outspeed Xatu, especially since you have no Speed investment at all. In Set Details, you say that the physically defensive set can let it check prominent physical attackers in the tier, but that simply isn't the case. Thunder Wave seems like the superior option over Toxic because it cripples sweepers far more than Toxic does. You didn't even talk about Roost in Moves and why you would run it. I'm not really sure why you talk about Rhyperior instead of Mega Aerodactyl, a bigger Rock-type threat. If it's because Rhyperior isn't affected by Thunder Wave, then state it. Ground-types should be added to C&C because they are immune to Thunder Wave. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are immune to both Toxic and Thunder Wave, so those could go to C&C, but say how they have to watch out for Psychic.

 

[Kushalos]

qc 1/3 i'm not sure if xatu deserves an offensive set right now, but another qc member can prove me wrong.

 

[Martin]

Offensive Xatu is a threat, but I am going to have to agree with Kush on this one. It is simply outclassed by stuff like Jirachi, Azelf, Mew and Meloetta as an offensive 'mon due to the formers superior typing and versitility, the latters immunity to Ghost-type moves, Azelf's overall better stats and Mew... being Mew - the king of unpredictability.

 

[radianthero156]

hmm, i like offensive xatu. heat wave/giga drain with an LO basically does at least 80% to most of the stuff that would set SR (forretress, pert, perior, jirachi, celebi, etc). i know azelf can hit the same stuff harder with more speed/sp.atk and fire blast/gk, but i don't see why it outclasses the bird, because azelf doesn't have magic bounce, which is the sole reason for running xatu on the first place. imo offensive deserves other options at the very least, and remove the part that 'it's outclassed by azelf', because it isn't really. also, remove the mention of baton pass from OO, because xatu w/o magic bounce is NU material pretty much.

other than that, qc 2/3

 

[Sapphire.]

Okay, I spoke with Limitless about offensive Xatu on IRC, and he said it wasn't viable, so I added it to OO. Ernesto, please QC check this. n_n

 

[Ernesto]

Your explanation of natures is a bit weird because it sounds as though Night Shade has something to do with them. Honestly you might as well put Calm as the only nature though, as it helps against confusion (and Foul Play Sableye I guess, although it's still doing a lot; maybe random stuff like Foul Play Amoonguss?) and I doubt it makes a difference in U-turn's damage output.

In C&C you're forgetting a big one, Mega Absol. I know it falls into the Dark-types category but it's a special case because it only fears U-turn, and it can use Xatu as setup bait which is big.

Trusting you to add that stuff because I'm going to bed,

 

[RotomPoison]

Hi. Amcheck.

Changes in blue
Remove in red
Comments in bold

changes

Overview
########
Xatu is often overlooked as a Psychic-type Pokemon in the UU tier. However, it stands out among most of them., It hanks to its access to the rare Magic Bounce ability, allowing it to deflect most non-damaging moves for its own use. It also has decent Speed and Special Attack, as well as access to U-turn for momentum. Xatu even has reliable recovery in Roost. However, Xatu is not without its faults. It has a bad defensive typing, and faces stiff competition with many Psychic-types in the tier such as Azelf, which sports much higher offensive stats, and Cresselia, which has more superior bulk. Nonetheless, Xatu can be a great addition to your team.

Utility
########
name: Utility
move 1: Psychic / Night Shade
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 4: Roost
ability: Magic Bounce
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========
Psychic is Xatu's primary STAB attack, hitting Fighting- and Poison-types that fill the tier for super effective damage. Night Shade can be used instead of Psychic to deal consistent damage, and it usually breaks Substitutes. U-turn provides valuable momentum for the team, and allows Xatu to escape dangerous Pokemon. The third moveslot is a toss up. Thunder Wave is the preferred choice, supporting your team's sweepers as well as crippling Choice Scarf users as well as offensive threats such as Darmanitan and Heracross if its not running Guts. Toxic, however, lets Xatu put a timer on walls or dangerous sweepers. Lastly, Roost allows Xatu to heal off damage it may have taken from Stealth Rock(you're supposed to stop these from going up at all), and improvesing its longevity.

Set Details
========
The given EVs maximizes Xatu's special bulk, allowing it to check many special attackers in the tier such as Shaymin and Roserade. Leftovers gives Xatu a form of passive recovery, and in conjunction with Roost, it makes Xatu bulky. Magic Bounce is the only reason to use Xatu, as it deflects non-damaging moves and uses it for itself. A physically defensive set can be used to check many physical attackers in the tier, but its bad defensive typing makes it hard to do so. A Calm nature is used because it further increases Xatu's special bulk,. Even though it lowers U-turn's power, though ite doesn't amakge a bigs differrelevancet as Xatu is not investing main Attack, as welly as confusion edamage from moves such as Dynamic Punch from Machamomp aend Hturricane from Vivillon. (Foul Play/Confusion is just assumed everywhere) It also helps against Foul Play users such as Umbreon, though, they still do a lot of damage to Xatu. (Umbreons Foul Play is an exception because it's a relevant example)

Usage Tips
========
If you predict that your opponent will use non-dam stagintus moves, switch into Xatu to deflect it. Use Thunder Wave or Toxic whenever given an lopportunity, as it allows Xatu to cripple many Pokemon in the tier. Lastly, use Roost sparingly, as against stall-based teams, it will be a very important move. (I know this more of a QC thing, but maybe make a mention of being careful about throwing around a status move when there's a possible Guts Heracross around)

Team Options
========
Pokemon that create VoltTurn cores such as Raikou and Rotom-H make great partners. Rotom-H in particular has excellent type synergy with Xatu. Pokemon who appreciate entry hazards off the field such as Yanmega, Chandelure, and Darmanitan make good partners. Pokemon that can remove Rhyperior, a hard counter to Xatu, such as Swampert and Blastoise make good partners. Grass-type Pokemon such as Roserade and Shaymin also make great partners, taking the Electric-type moves aimed at Xatu, though they share the same Ice-type weakness.

Other Options
########
Xatu can use Wish, but it won't be passing huge Wishes due to it's low HP stat. It also has to run Protect if it wants to heal itself. Featherdance is a cool option, allowing Xatu to lower the opponent's Attack. Reflect and Light Screen can be used, though it is highly outclassed by Azelf and Cresselia in that regard. Tailwind can be used to speed up slower Pokemon, but Thunder Wave is usually a better option. Lastly, Foul Play can be used to punish physical sweepers that try to set up, but has little use other than that. An offensive set can also be used, but is outclassed again by Azelf, (remove comma) and Sigilyph, whicho sports betthigher Speed and Special Attack, and in Sigilyphs case, Magic Guard.

Checks & Counters
########

**Dark-types** Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon can force Xatu out with their STAB attacks. Mega Absol in particular can use Xatu as setup fodder, as it fears none of either statuses that Xatu carries thanks to its own Magic Bounce, and only fears U-turn.

**Rock-types** Rock-types such as Rhyperior, because it's immune to Thunder Wave, and Mega Aerodactyl, but is crippled by Thunder Wave, can deal a lot of damage to Xatu with their Rock-type STAB, and Rhyperior is immune to Thunder Wave.

**Nidoqueen and Nidoking** Nidoqueen and Nidoking can check Xatu because they are immune to Toxic and Thunder Wave, and can hit super effectively with Ice Beam, though they have to be wary of Psychic or Psyshock. (Psyshock isn't on the set)

**Electric-types** Electric-types such as Rotom-H and Raikou are immune to Thunder Wave and can KO Xatu with their powerful STAB attacks. The fBormerth can use Volt Switch to keep momentum, while the latter can use Substitute and set up on Xatu.

copypaste

Overview
########

Xatu is often overlooked as a Psychic-type Pokemon in the UU tier. However, it stands out among most of them, thanks to its access to the rare Magic Bounce ability, allowing it to deflect most non-damaging moves for its own use. It also has decent Speed and Special Attack, as well as access to U-turn for momentum. Xatu even has reliable recovery in Roost. However, Xatu is not without its faults. It has a bad defensive typing, and faces stiff competition with many Psychic-types in the tier such as Azelf, which sports much higher offensive stats, and Cresselia, which has superior bulk. Nonetheless, Xatu can be a great addition to your team.


Utility
########
name: Utility
move 1: Psychic / Night Shade
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 4: Roost
ability: Magic Bounce
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Psychic is Xatu's primary STAB attack, hitting Fighting- and Poison-types that fill the tier for super effective damage. Night Shade can be used instead of Psychic to deal consistent damage, and it usually breaks Substitutes. U-turn provides valuable momentum for the team, and allows Xatu to escape dangerous Pokemon. The third moveslot is a toss up. Thunder Wave is the preferred choice, supporting your team's sweepers as well as crippling Choice Scarf users as well as offensive threats such as Darmanitan and Heracross if its not running Guts. Toxic, however, lets Xatu put a timer on walls or dangerous sweepers. Lastly, Roost allows Xatu to heal off damage it may have taken, improving its longevity.


Set Details
========

The given EVs maximize Xatu's special bulk, allowing it to check many special attackers in the tier such as Shaymin and Roserade. Leftovers gives Xatu a form of passive recovery. Magic Bounce is the only reason to use Xatu, as it deflects non-damaging moves. A physically defensive set can be used to check many physical attackers in the tier, but its bad defensive typing makes it hard to do so. A Calm nature is used because it further increases Xatu's special bulk. Even though it lowers U-turn's power, the damage is irrelevant as it is mainly used for momentum. It also helps against Foul Play users such as Umbreon, though, they still do a lot of damage to Xatu.


Usage Tips
========

If you predict that your opponent will use a status move, switch into Xatu to deflect it. Use Thunder Wave or Toxic whenever given an opportunity, as it allows Xatu to cripple many Pokemon in the tier. Lastly, use Roost sparingly, as against stall-based teams, it will be a very important move.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that create VoltTurn cores such as Raikou and Rotom-H make great partners. Rotom-H in particular has excellent type synergy with Xatu. Pokemon who appreciate entry hazards off the field such as Yanmega, Chandelure, and Darmanitan make good partners. Pokemon that can remove Rhyperior, a hard counter to Xatu, such as Swampert and Blastoise make good partners. Grass-type Pokemon such as Roserade and Shaymin also make great partners, taking the Electric-type moves aimed at Xatu, though they share the same Ice-type weakness.


Other Options
########

Xatu can use Wish, but it won't be passing huge Wishes due to it's low HP stat. It also has to run Protect if it wants to heal itself. Featherdance is a cool option, allowing Xatu to lower the opponent's Attack. Reflect and Light Screen can be used, though it is highly outclassed by Azelf and Cresselia in that regard. Tailwind can be used to speed up slower Pokemon, but Thunder Wave is usually a better option. Lastly, Foul Play can be used to punish physical sweepers that try to set up, but has little use other than that. An offensive set can also be used, but is outclassed again by Azelf and Sigilyph, who sport higher Speed and Special Attack, and in Sigilyphs case, Magic Guard.


Checks & Counters
########

**Dark-types** Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon can force Xatu out with their STAB attacks. Mega Absol in particular can use Xatu as setup fodder, as it fears none of either statuses that Xatu carries thanks to its own Magic Bounce, and only fears U-turn.

**Rock-types** Rock-types such as Rhyperior, and Mega Aerodactyl can deal a lot of damage to Xatu with their Rock-type STAB, and Rhyperior is immune to Thunder Wave.

**Nidoqueen and Nidoking** Nidoqueen and Nidoking can check Xatu because they are immune to Toxic and Thunder Wave, and can hit super effectively with Ice Beam, though they have to be wary of Psychic.

**Electric-types** Electric-types such as Rotom-H and Raikou are immune to Thunder Wave and can KO Xatu with their powerful STAB attacks. Both can use Volt Switch to keep momentum, while the latter can use Substitute and set up on Xatu.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Sapphire.

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

Hide

Overview
########
Xatu is often overlooked as a Psychic-type Pokemon in the UU tier. However, it stands out among most of them., It hanks to its access to the rare Magic Bounce ability, allowing it to deflect most non-damaging moves for its own use. It also has decent Speed and Special Attack, as well as access to U-turn for momentum. Xatu even has reliable recovery in Roost. However, Xatu is not without its faults. It filler phrases like this are bad and should stop being used has a bad defensive typing, and faces stiff competition with many Psychic-types in the tier such as Azelf, which sports much higher offensive stats, and Cresselia, which has more superior bulk. Nonetheless, Xatu can be a great addition to your team.

Utility
########
name: Utility
move 1: Psychic / Night Shade
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 4: Roost
ability: Magic Bounce
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========
Psychic is Xatu's primary STAB attack, hitting Fighting- and Poison-types that fill the tier for super effective damage. Night Shade can be used instead of Psychic to deal consistent damage, and it usually breaks Substitutes. U-turn provides valuable momentum for the team, and allows Xatu to escape dangerous Pokemon. The third moveslot is a toss-up. Thunder Wave is the preferred choice, supporting your team's sweepers as well as crippling Choice Scarf users as well as offensive threats such as Darmanitan and Heracross if its not running Guts. Toxic, however, lets Xatu put a timer on walls or dangerous sweepers. Lastly, Roost allows Xatu to heal off damage it may have taken from Stealth Rock(you're supposed to stop these from going up at all), and improvesing its longevity.

Set Details
========
The given EVs maximizes Xatu's special bulk, allowing it to check many special attackers in the tier such as Shaymin and Roserade. Leftovers gives Xatu a form of passive recovery, and in conjunction with Roost, it makes Xatu bulky. Magic Bounce is the only reason to use Xatu, as it deflects non-damaging moves and uses it for itself. A physically defensive set can be used to check many physical attackers in the tier, but its Xatu's bad defensive typing makes it hard to do so. A Calm nature is used because it further increases Xatu's special bulk,. Even though it lowers U-turn's power, though ite doesn't amakge a bigs differrelevancet as Xatu is not investing main Attack, as welly as confusion edamage from moves such as Dynamic Punch from Machamomp aend Hturricane from Vivillon. (Foul Play/Confusion is just assumed everywhere) It also helps against Foul Play users such as Umbreon, though, they still do a lot of damage to Xatu. (Umbreons Foul Play is an exception because it's a relevant example)

Usage Tips
========
If you predict that your opponent will use non-dam stagintus moves, stick with "non-damaging", as Stealth Rock isn't a status move switch into Xatu to deflect it. Use Thunder Wave or Toxic whenever given an lopportunity, as it allows Xatu to cripple many Pokemon in the tier. Lastly, use Roost sparingly, as against stall-based teams, it will be a very important move. (I know this more of a QC thing, but maybe make a mention of being careful about throwing around a status move when there's a possible Guts Heracross around)

Team Options
========
Pokemon that create VoltTurn cores such as Raikou and Rotom-H make great partners. Rotom-H in particular has excellent type synergy with Xatu. Pokemon who that appreciate entry hazards off the field such as Yanmega, Chandelure, and Darmanitan make good partners. Pokemon that can remove Rhyperior, a hard counter to Xatu, such as Swampert and Blastoise make good partners. Grass-type Pokemon such as Roserade and Shaymin also make great partners, taking the Electric-type moves aimed at Xatu, though they share the same Ice-type weakness.

Other Options
########
Xatu can use Wish, but it won't be passing huge Wishes due to its low HP stat. It also has to run Protect if it wants to heal itself. Featherdance is a cool option, allowing Xatu to lower the opponent's Attack. Reflect and Light Screen can be used, though it is highly outclassed by Azelf and Cresselia in that regard. Tailwind can be used to speed up slower Pokemon, but Thunder Wave is usually a better option. Lastly, Foul Play can be used to punish physical sweepers that try to set up, but has little use other than that. An offensive set can also be used, but is outclassed again by Azelf, (remove comma) and Sigilyph, whicho sports betthigher Speed and Special Attack, and in Sigilyphs case, Magic Guard.

Checks & Counters
########

**Dark-types** Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon can force Xatu out with their STAB attacks. Mega Absol in particular can use Xatu as setup fodder, as it fears none of either statuses moves that Xatu carries thanks to its own Magic Bounce, and only fears U-turn.

**Rock-types** Rock-types such as Rhyperior, because it's immune to Thunder Wave, and Mega Aerodactyl, but is crippled by Thunder Wave, can deal a lot of damage to Xatu with their Rock-type STAB, and Rhyperior is immune to Thunder Wave.

**Nidoqueen and Nidoking** Nidoqueen and Nidoking can check Xatu because they are immune to Toxic and Thunder Wave, (RC) and can hit super effectively with Ice Beam, though they have to be wary of Psychic or Psyshock. (Psyshock isn't on the set)

**Electric-types** Electric-types such as Rotom-H and Raikou are immune to Thunder Wave and can KO Xatu with their powerful STAB attacks. The fBormerth can use Volt Switch to keep momentum, while the latter can use Substitute and set up on Xatu.

1/2

I'd really want to stamp this, as the changes were good, but there wasn't exactly enough to judge that this is a great check. Most of that comes from the writing; good work to both of you though.

 

[horyzhnz]

Sapphire.
add or change
remove
comments

xatu pls

Overview
########

Xatu is often overlooked as a Psychic-type Pokemon in the UU tier. However, it stands out among most of them, thanks to its access to the rare Magic Bounce ability, allowing it to deflect most non-damaging moves for its own use. It also has decent Speed and Special Attack, as well as access to U-turn for to keep the momentum. Xatu even has reliable recovery in Roost. However, Xatu has a bad defensive typing, and faces stiff competition with many Psychic-types in the tier,(AC) such as Azelf, which sports much higher offensive stats, and Cresselia, which has superior bulk.


Utility
########
name: Utility
move 1: Psychic / Night Shade
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Thunder Wave / Toxic
move 4: Roost
ability: Magic Bounce
item: Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm


Moves
========

Psychic is Xatu's primary STAB attack, hitting the Fighting- and Poison-types that fill the tier for super effective damage. Night Shade can be used instead of Psychic to deal consistent damage, and it usually breaks Substitutes. U-turn provides valuable momentum for the team, and allows Xatu to escape dangerous Pokemon. The third moveslot is a toss-up. Thunder Wave is the preferred choice, supporting your team's sweepers as well as crippling Choice Scarf users as well as and offensive threats such as Darmanitan and Heracross if its not running Guts Heracross without Guts. Toxic, however, lets Xatu put a timer on walls or dangerous sweepers. Lastly, Roost allows Xatu to heal off damage it may have taken,(AC) improving its longevity.


Set Details
========

The given EVs maximize Xatu's special bulk, allowing it to check many special attackers in the tier such as Shaymin and Roserade. Leftovers gives Xatu a form of passive recovery. Magic Bounce is the only reason to use Xatu, as it deflects non-damaging moves. A physically defensive set can be used to check many physical attackers in the tier, but Xatu's bad defensive typing makes it hard to do so. A Calm nature is used because it further increases Xatu's special bulk. Even though it lowers U-turn's power, the damage is irrelevant as it is mainly used for (add spaces) momentum. It also helps against Foul Play users such as Umbreon, though,(RC) they still do a lot of damage to Xatu.


Usage Tips
========

If you predict that your opponent will use a status move, switch into Xatu to deflect it. Use Thunder Wave or Toxic whenever given an opportunity, as it allows Xatu to cripple many Pokemon in the tier. Lastly, use Roost sparingly, as against stall-based teams, it will be a very important move. However, be careful about using a status move if you see Heracross, as it may have the ability Guts.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that create VoltTurn cores such as Raikou and Rotom-H make great partners. Rotom-H in particular has excellent type synergy with Xatu. Pokemon that appreciate entry hazards off the field such as Yanmega, Chandelure, and Darmanitan make good partners. Pokemon such as Swampert and Blastoise that can remove take care of Rhyperior, a hard counter to Xatu, such as Swampert and Blastoise make good partners. Grass-type Pokemon such as Roserade and Shaymin also make great partners, taking the Electric-type moves aimed at Xatu, even though they share the same Ice-type weakness.


Other Options
########

Xatu can use Wish, but it won't be passing huge Wishes due to its low HP stat. It also has to run Protect if it wants to heal itself. Featherdance Feather Dance is a cool option, allowing Xatu to lower the opponent's Attack. Reflect and Light Screen can be used, though it is highly outclassed by Azelf and Cresselia in that regard. Tailwind can be used to speed up slower Pokemon, but Thunder Wave is usually a better option. Lastly, Foul Play can be used to punish physical sweepers that try to set up, but has little use other than apart from that. An offensive set can also be used, but is outclassed again by Azelf and Sigilyph, who sport (space) higher Speed and Special Attack, and in Sigilyph's case, Magic Guard.


Checks & Counters
########

**Dark-types** Dark-types such as Krookodile and Hydreigon can force Xatu out with their STAB attacks. Mega Absol in particular can use Xatu as setup fodder, as it fears none of either the status moves that Xatu carries thanks to its own Magic Bounce, and only fears U-turn.

**Rock-types** Rock-types such as Rhyperior,(RC) and Mega Aerodactyl can deal a lot of damage to Xatu with their Rock-type STAB, and Rhyperior is immune to Thunder Wave.

**Nidoqueen and Nidoking** Nidoqueen and Nidoking can check Xatu because they are immune to both Toxic and Thunder Wave and can hit back super effectively with Ice Beam, though they have to be wary of Psychic.

**Electric-types** Electric-types such as Rotom-H and Raikou are immune to Thunder Wave,(AC) and can KO Xatu with their powerful STAB attacks. Both can also use Volt Switch to keep momentum, while the latter can use Substitute and set up on Xatu.

sup. A few things were reworded, and Featherdance is now two words in XY, but ye nice job sapph + gato

GP 2/2