UU Articuno

[Surgeon]

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno's ability to compress roles as both a Defog and a Heal Bell user allows it to carve a niche on stall teams as a specially bulky support Pokemon, capable of removing entry hazards against Pokemon like Hippowdon, Empoleon, and Nidoking. Pressure is also one of Articuno's most useful traits, allowing it to stall out moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic, making it hard for the opponent to spread residual damage around the team, which any bulky build would appreciate. On top of this, Articuno is able to sponge hits from very strong special attackers like Hydreigon, Mega Blastoise, and Nidoking thanks to its incredibly high Special Defense stat and overall bulk. Articuno also possesses a decent Speed tier for a bulky Pokemon, which gives it the opportunity to outspeed Pokemon like Crawdaunt and non-Timid Primarina with the right EV investment. Despite this, Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock makes it hard for it to come into play all the time and perform its role, meaning it mandates a lot more team support than most other Pokemon. Its subpar defensive typing also holds it back, providing it with only two resistances and an immunity to Ground-type attacks, aggravating its difficulty to come into play and making it weak to common offensive threats like Scizor, Mega Aerodactyl, and Cobalion. Furthermore, Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Nihilego can easily set up Stealth Rock and prevent Articuno from coming in and using Defog as well. Although Articuno is able to compress roles by running both Defog and Heal Bell on its set, it still faces heavy competition as a Defogger from Pokemon like Moltres, which has a much better defensive typing and consequently a relatively easier time finding an opportunity to Defog. Its passive nature can also provide free turns for certain setup sweepers that are particularly threatening to defensive builds like Terrakion and Infernape.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Defog allows Articuno to remove entry hazards from the field, and it can find an opportunity to do that against Pokemon like Stealth Rock Empoleon, Klefki, and Hippowdon. Heal Bell provides Articuno with the ability to heal itself and the rest of the team from any status condition. It also eases the matchup against defensive hazard setters that rely on status moves to threaten Articuno. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types like Tentacruel and Primarina super effectively and notably hits Empoleon for neutral damage.

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt, and the 4 Defense EVs in conjunction with the HP investment allow it to survive a Choice Band-boosted Bullet Punch from Scizor at maximum HP. If outspeeding Crawdaunt is not desirable, it's acceptable to fully invest in Special Defense.

Usage Tips
========

In order to utilize Articuno effectively, it's advised to switch into entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Seismitoad as often as possible to Defog their hazards away. Articuno will come out on top most of the time, as it can PP stall their moves with Pressure. However, Articuno shouldn't be switching in when Stealth Rock is already up, as it will take a lot of damage . Instead, it's best to use a different Pokemon like Gligar or Tentacruel to remove it first, if feasible. It's also encouraged to take advantage of Pressure and switch into moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Defog as often as possible in order to stall out their PP and consequently make it harder for the opponent to continually damage the team. Roost should be used proactively, as keeping Articuno as healthy as possible is extremely important, in case it's forced to come into play while Stealth Rock is up. Due to its high Special Defense stat, Articuno can also be used to sponge special attacks from Pokemon like Primarina and Starmie if necessary. Be aware and scout for coverage moves such as Krookodile's Stone Edge that could be aimed at Articuno, as they could either OHKO it or leave it at a very low amount of HP. Watch out for Heal Bell's PP, since it can run out very quickly, and defensive teams heavily rely on cleric support in order to succeed.

Team Options
========

Articuno fits best on bulkier builds that appreciate its ability to compress roles as a cleric and a Defogger and shouldn't be used outside of those types of teams due to the specific amount of support it requires. Additional forms of entry hazard removal are a must-have whenever using Articuno, as it can't keep removing hazards throughout long periods of time by itself due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock and the number of entry hazard setters that match up well against it. Pokemon like Gligar, Tentacruel, and Empoleon can provide such support. Pokemon that can sponge Rock-type attacks aimed at Articuno like Slowbro and Hippowdon pair well with Articuno. The examples given also benefit from the Heal Bell support. Steel-type checks such as Moltres and the aforementioned Tentacruel also make good partners, as Pokemon like Scizor and Cobalion can prove to be a big nuisance to Articuno. Rocky Helmet Amoonguss is also a notable partner for being able to punish Scizor's U-turn. Wish support from Pokemon like Blissey and Alomomola can be very useful, allowing Articuno to switch into special attackers more easily. It's also useful to minimize any hazard damage that Articuno is forced to take. Bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Suicune, and Slowbro share good synergy with Articuno, as they match up well against most of its checks, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Infernape, and Terrakion. In return, Articuno can keep Grass-types like Amoonguss in check and provide Heal Bell support. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Steelix also pair well with Articuno, as Pokemon like Zeraora and Mega Manectric can threaten it a lot.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

There are no other viable options available.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals a lot of damage to Articuno, making it lose half of its maximum health upon switching in, which severely limits its opportunities to come into play.

**Rock-types**: Pokemon like Terrakion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Nihilego can easily OHKO Articuno with their Rock-type STAB moves. Terrakion can set up on it with a relative ease, while Nihilego is able to use the free turns by setting up hazards, as they don't take much from Articuno's attacks. Mega Aerodactyl, however, has trouble directly switching into a potential Freeze-Dry.

**Steel-types**: Offensive Steel-types like Scizor, Cobalion, and Lucario can easily tank Articuno's attacks and use it as a setup fodder, while Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Stakataka also take little to no damage from Freeze-Dry and are able set up Stealth Rock without any drawbacks.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Pokemon like Mamoswine and Heracross can power through Articuno with ease with their strong hits due to its lack of Defense investment.

**Fire-types**: Pokemon like Infernape, Moltres, and Rotom-H can threaten Articuno with their STAB moves while not taking any notable damage from Freeze-Dry. In addition, both Infernape and Moltres can also freely set up on it.

**Electric-types**: Pokemon like Mega Manectric and Zeraora are big threats to Articuno, as they can hit it very hard with their Electric-type attacks. Zeraora can also use it as a setup fodder, as it doesn't take much from Freeze-Dry.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [martha, 384270 ], [Nuked, 382658]]
- Grammar checked by: [[lotiasite, 302985], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[Nuked]

You've got until midnight (PST) on Sunday to get this QC ready. If you have a valid reason as to why you would not be able to get it ready by this time, PM me.

 

[Surgeon]

ok should be ready for qc

 

[Hilomilo]

Overview
* This looks great! I would, however, include a line on Articuno's passiveness and how it can tend to allow threatening Pokemon to several defensive builds, like Infernape, Bisharp, and Terrakion, opportunities to set up.
* I would also consider bringing up its vulnerability to a few prevalent offensive threats, like Cobalion, Scizor, and Mega Aerodactyl, because of its typing.
* Replace the Primarina example. Specs Hydro Pump is doing 50% damage to Articuno minimum.

Set/Moves
* I'd add in your Heal Bell line that it can ease Articuno's matchup against several defensive entry hazard setters that would rely on status to damage it.
* Mention that Freeze-Dry gets neutral damage on Empoleon.

Usage Tips
* Your examples of special threats it can sponge hits from are the same as in your overview, so I'd change that up a bit since currently the two lines read a little too similarly.
* Hippowdon doesn't run Stone Edge very frequently at all, so I'd remove that mention but keep Krookodile. You could also consider focusing that line more on looking out for super effective coverage instead of just Rock-type attacks, since Flamethrower or Fire Blast Nidoking can be important to look out for.

Other Options
* I would argue that Toxic, Substitute, and maybe Haze are all worth mentions here. Toxic can allow Articuno to punish Pokemon that try setting up on it while aiding it in more efficiently wearing down opposing defensive Pokemon. Substitute can let it take advantage of Pressure while also scouting out Choiced moves on slower foes like Primarina. Haze can allow Articuno to more reliably match up against Suicune and Calm Mind variants of either Slowbro forme. Be sure to mention that all can be hard to find room for, though.

Checks and Counters
* Just for a little more substance, I'd add in your Rock-type section that Terrakion can often easily set up on Articuno and Nihilego can use it for free turns to either fire off attacks or set entry hazards.
* Fire-types section could also use some more substance, so I'd mention that Infernape and SubCM variants of Chandelure can set up Articuno with relative ease.
* Say that Zeraora can set up with Work Up or Bulk Up as it forces Articuno out in the Electric-types section.

Nice work, 1/3 when this is implemented

 

[Surgeon]

did

 

[vivalospride]

hi surgey, amcheck nwn

overview

• I’m shaky on the Klefki example since it can rlly bother it with Toxic if Articuno doesn’t have all 8 heal bells available, which isn’t too crazy of a situation considering heal bell is there to support the squad more than just help articuno get the hazards off. Maybe replace it for something like Nidoking since the fact that it removes on Nidoking is like brazy cuz like nothing removes on nidok LOL.
• Maybe put more emphasis on the heal bell + defog role compression aspect of the mon, maybe throw it in at the moltres point as to why it can be used over moltres sometimes, this might be a bit nitpicky tho.

usage tips

• Same thing as said in overview with Klefki.
• P sure like 0 people are running fblast Nidok, maybe replace it for like tbolt starmie or thunder lati.
• Mention to keep an eye on heal bell PP always as bulkier builds can often crumble when losing heal bell support.

team options

• Maybe mention Amoonguss somewhere as it p much does about the same thing slowbro does for it but also punishes cb scizor with rocky helmet and often fits on teams carrying articuno (aka stall).

other options

• Remove everything here imho. We talked about it before you put this up for qc worthy but Articuno’s niche pretty much entirely lies in the fact that it can compress the roles of hazard removal + heal bell. This sub toxic set is literally outclassed by Moltres in every single humanly possible way and haze and toxic would be ran over heal bell most likely which would defeat the purpose of using this mon in the first place.

checks and counters

• Maybe add a “strong phys attackers” section. Articuno doesn’t necessarily have poor phys def but it has a super shitty defensive typing and runs no def investment. Most phys attackers feast on this mon.

 

[autumn]

my added comments are in blue, and anything I don't comment on is good. implement this for QC 2/3

hi surgey, amcheck nwn

overview

• I’m shaky on the Klefki example since it can rlly bother it with Toxic if Articuno doesn’t have all 8 heal bells available, which isn’t too crazy of a situation considering heal bell is there to support the squad more than just help articuno get the hazards off. Maybe replace it for something like Nidoking since the fact that it removes on Nidoking is like brazy cuz like nothing removes on nidok LOL.
• Maybe put more emphasis on the heal bell + defog role compression aspect of the mon, maybe throw it in at the moltres point as to why it can be used over moltres sometimes, this might be a bit nitpicky tho.
• "Its subpar defensive typing also holds it back, providing it with only one useful resistance and an immunity to Ground-type attacks" suggests only one of its resistances is useful but both Bug and Grass are; Bug to help switch into U-turn ad Grass to switch into things like Chesnaught / Tsareena / Rotom-C on a Grass move for a Pokemon like Quagsire.

set details

• I'd suggest listing the alternate spread without Speed investment for clarity.

usage tips

• Same thing as said in overview with Klefki.
• P sure like 0 people are running fblast Nidok, maybe replace it for like tbolt starmie or thunder lati.
• Mention to keep an eye on heal bell PP always as bulkier builds can often crumble when losing heal bell support.

team options

• Maybe mention Amoonguss somewhere as it p much does about the same thing slowbro does for it but also punishes cb scizor with rocky helmet and often fits on teams carrying articuno (aka stall).
• Add Wish support to help Articuno switch into special attackers more and become less reliant on Roost as a result. It can also restore Articuno's HP when switching into Stealth Rock if it needs to.

other options

• Remove everything here imho. We talked about it before you put this up for qc worthy but Articuno’s niche pretty much entirely lies in the fact that it can compress the roles of hazard removal + heal bell. This sub toxic set is literally outclassed by Moltres in every single humanly possible way and haze and toxic would be ran over heal bell most likely which would defeat the purpose of using this mon in the first place.

checks and counters

• Maybe add a “strong phys attackers” section. Articuno doesn’t necessarily have poor phys def but it has a super shitty defensive typing and runs no def investment. Most phys attackers feast on this mon.

 

[Surgeon]

did everything, but i didnt replace the nido example with starmie or lati cause the first still fails to 2hko and im not using cuno as a cm lati check, but i do agree that fire blast nido is super niche, so i just removed it altogether bop.

 

[Nuked]

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno's ability to compress roles as both a Defog and Heal Bell user allows it to carve a niche on stall teams as a specially bulky support Pokemon, capable of removing hazards against Pokemon like Hippowdon, Stealth Rock Empoleon, and Nidoking. Access to Pressure is also one of Articuno's most useful traits, allowing it to stall out moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic, making it hard for the opponent to spread residual damage around the team, which any bulky build would appreciate. On top of this, Articuno is able to sponge hits from very strong special attackers like Hydreigon, Mega Blastoise, and Nidoking thanks to its incredibly high Special Defense stat and overall bulk. Articuno also possesses a decent Speed tier for a bulky Pokemon, which gives it the opportunity to outspeed Pokemon like Crawdaunt and non-Timid Primarina with the right EV investment. Despite this, Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock makes it hard for it to come into play all the time and perform its role, meaning it demands a lot more team support than most other Pokemon. Its subpar defensive typing also holds it back, providing it with only two resistances and an immunity to Ground-type attacks, aggravating its difficulty to come into play and making it weak to common offensive threats like Scizor, Mega Aerodactyl, and Cobalion. Furthermore, Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Nihilego can easily set up Stealth Rock and prevent Articuno from coming in and using Defog as well. Although Articuno is able to compress roles by running both Defog and Heal Bell on its set, it still faces heavy competition as a Defogger from Pokemon like Moltres, which has a much better defensive typing and consequently a relatively easier time finding an opportunity to Defog. Its passive nature can also provide free turns for certain setup sweepers that are particularly threatening to defensive builds like Terrakion and Infernape.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Defog allows Articuno to remove entry hazards from the field, and it can find an opportunity to do that against Pokemon like Stealth Rock Empoleon, Klefki, and Hippowdon. Heal Bell provides Articuno with the ability to heal itself and the rest of the team from any status condition. It also eases the matchup against defensive hazard setters that rely on status moves to threaten Articuno. Freeze-Dry is the STAB move of choice, as it can hit Water-types like Tentacruel and Primarina super-effectively. It's also notable for hitting Empoleon for neutral damage. Roost is indispensable in order to keep Articuno as healthy as possible, improving its longevity. (pretty self explanatory)

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt, while the 4 Defense EVs allows it to live a Choice Band-boosted Bullet Punch from Scizor at maximum HP. If outspeeding Crawdaunt is not desirable, it's acceptable to fully invest in Special Defense.

Usage Tips
========

In order to utilize Articuno effectively, it's advised to switch into entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Seismitoad as often as possible, and proceed to Defog their hazards away from the field. Articuno will come out on top most of the time, as it can PP stall their moves with Pressure. However, Articuno shouldn't be switching in when Stealth Rock are up and try to remove them, as it takes a lot of damage upon switch in. Instead, it's best to use a different Pokemon like Gligar or Tentacruel to remove them first, if feasible. It's also encouraged to take advantage of Pressure, and switch into moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Defog as often as possible, in order to stall out their PP, and consequently make it harder for the opponent to spread residual damage around the team. Roost should be used proactively, as keeping Articuno as healthy as possible is extremely important, in case it's forced to come into play while Stealth Rock are up. Due to its high Special Defense stat, Articuno can also be used to sponge special attacks from Pokemon like Primarina and Starmie if necessary. Be aware and scout for coverage moves such as Krookodile's Stone Edge that could be aimed at Articuno, as they could either OHKO or leave it at a very low amount of HP. Watch out for the amount of times Heal Bell has been used, since it can run out of PP pretty quickly, and defensive teams heavily rely on cleric support in order to succeed.

Team Options
========

Articuno fits best on bulkier builds that appreciate its ability to compress roles as a cleric and a defogger, and shouldn't be used outside of those types of teams due to the specific amount of support it requires. Additional forms of hazard removal are a must-have whenever using Articuno, as it can't keep removing hazards throughout long periods of time by itself due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock and the amount of entry hazard setters that matchup well against it. Pokemon like Gligar, Tentacruel, and Empoleon are examples of Pokemon that can provide such support. Pokemon that can sponge Rock-type attacks aimed at Articuno like Slowbro and Hippowdon pair well with Articuno. The examples given also benefit from the Heal Bell support. Steel-type checks such as Moltres and the aforementioned Tentacruel also make good partners, as Pokemon like Scizor and Cobalion can prove to be a big nuisance to Articuno. Rocky Helmet Amoonguss is also a notable partner for being able to punish Scizor from clicking U-Turn. Wish support from Pokemon like Blissey and Alomomola can be very useful, allowing Articuno to switch into special attackers more easily. It's also useful to minimize any hazard damage that Articuno is forced to take. Bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Suicune, and Slowbro share good synergy with Articuno, as they matchup well against most of its checks, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Infernape, and Terrakion. In return, Articuno can keep Grass-types like Amoonguss in check, and provide Heal Bell support. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Steelix also pair well with Articuno, as Pokemon like Zeraora and Mega Manectric can threaten it a lot.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

There are no other viable options available.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals a lot of damage to Articuno, making it lose half of its maximum health upon switch-in, which severely limits its opportunities to come into play.

**Rock-types**: Pokemon like Terrakion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Nihilego can easily OHKO Articuno with their Rock-type STAB moves. Terrakion can also set up on it with a relatively amount of ease, while Nihilego is able to use the free turns by setting up hazards, as they don't take much from Articuno's attacks. Mega Aerodactyl, however, has trouble directly switching into a potential Freeze-Dry.

**Steel-types**: Offensive Steel-types like Scizor, Cobalion, and Lucario can easily tank Articuno's attacks and use it as a setup fodder, while Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Stakataka also take little to no damage from Freeze-Dry and are able set up Stealth Rock without any drawbacks.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Pokemon like Mamoswine and Heracross can power through Articuno with ease with their strong hits due to its lack of Defense investment.

**Fire-types**: Pokemon like Infernape, Moltres, and Rotom-H can threaten Articuno with their STAB moves, while not taking any notable damage from Freeze-Dry. In addition, both Infernape and Moltres can also freely set up on it.

**Electric-types**: Pokemon like Mega Manectric and Zeraora are also big threats to Articuno, as they can hit it very hard with their Electric-type attacks. Zeraora can also use it as a setup fodder, as it doesn't take much from Freeze-Dry.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [martha, 384270 ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

3/3

 

[Surgeon]

did thanks! ready for gp

 

[lotiasite]

GP 1/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno's ability to compress roles as both a Defog and a Heal Bell user allows it to carve a niche on stall teams as a specially bulky support Pokemon, capable of removing hazards against Pokemon like Hippowdon, Stealth Rock Empoleon, and Nidoking. Access to Pressure is also one of Articuno's most useful traits, allowing it to stall out moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic, making it hard for the opponent to spread residual damage around the team, which any bulky build would appreciate. On top of this, Articuno is able to sponge hits from very strong special attackers like Hydreigon, Mega Blastoise, and Nidoking thanks to its incredibly high Special Defense stat and overall bulk. Articuno also possesses a decent Speed tier for a bulky Pokemon, which gives it the opportunity to outspeed Pokemon like Crawdaunt and non-Timid Primarina with the right EV investment. Despite this, Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock makes it hard for it to come into play all the time and perform its role, meaning it demands a lot more team support than most other Pokemon. Its subpar defensive typing also holds it back, providing it with only two resistances and an immunity to Ground-type attacks, aggravating its difficulty to come into play and making it weak to common offensive threats like Scizor, Mega Aerodactyl, and Cobalion. Furthermore, Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Nihilego can easily set up Stealth Rock and prevent Articuno from coming in and using Defog as well. Although Articuno is able to compress roles by running both Defog and Heal Bell on its set, it still faces heavy competition as a Defogger from Pokemon like Moltres, which has a much better defensive typing and consequently a relatively easier time finding an opportunity to Defog. Its passive nature can also provide free turns for certain setup sweepers that are particularly threatening to defensive builds like Terrakion and Infernape.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Defog allows Articuno to remove entry hazards from the field, and it can find an opportunity to do that against Pokemon like Stealth Rock Empoleon, Klefki, and Hippowdon. Heal Bell provides Articuno with the ability to heal itself and the rest of the team from any status condition. It also eases the matchup against defensive hazard setters that rely on status moves to threaten Articuno. Freeze-Dry his the STAB move of choice, as it can hit Water-types like Tentacruel and Primarina super- effectively. It's also notable for hitting and notably hits Empoleon for neutral damage.

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt, whileand the 4 Defense EVs in conjunction with the HP investment allows it to lsurvive a Choice Band-boosted Bullet Punch from Scizor at maximum HP. If outspeeding Crawdaunt is not desirable, it's acceptable to fully invest in Special Defense.

Usage Tips
========

In order to utilize Articuno effectively, it's advised to switch into entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Seismitoad as often as possible, and to proceed to Defog their hazards away from the field. Articuno will come out on top most of the time, as it can PP stall their moves with Pressure. However, Articuno shouldn't be switching in when Stealth Rock are up and try to remove themis already up, as it takes a lot of damage upon switch in. Instead, it's best to use a different Pokemon like Gligar or Tentacruel to remove ithem first, if feasible. It's also encouraged to take advantage of Pressure, (RC) and switch into moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Defog as often as possible, (RC) in order to stall out their PP, and consequently make it harder for the opponent to spread residualcontinually damage around the team. Roost should be used proactively, as keeping Articuno as healthy as possible is extremely important, in case it's forced to come into play while Stealth Rock areis up. Due to its high Special Defense stat, Articuno can also be used to sponge special attacks from Pokemon like Primarina and Starmie if necessary. Be aware and scout for coverage moves such as Krookodile's Stone Edge that could be aimed at Articuno, as they could either OHKO it or leave it at a very low amount of HP. Watch out for the amount of times Heal Bell has been used's PP, since it can run out of PP prettvery quickly, and defensive teams heavily rely on cleric support in order to succeed.

Team Options
========

Articuno fits best on bulkier builds that appreciate its ability to compress roles as a cleric and a dDefogger, and shouldn't be used outside of those types of teams due to the specific amount of support it requires. Additional forms of hazard removal are a must-have whenever using Articuno, as it can't keep removing hazards throughout long periods of time by itself due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock and the amountnumber of entry hazard setters that match(add space)up well against it. Pokemon like Gligar, Tentacruel, and Empoleon are examples of Pokemon that can provide such support. Pokemon that can sponge Rock-type attacks aimed at Articuno like Slowbro and Hippowdon pair well with Articuno. The examples given also benefit from the Heal Bell support. Steel-type checks such as Moltres and the aforementioned Tentacruel also make good partners, as Pokemon like Scizor and Cobalion can prove to be a big nuisance to Articuno. Rocky Helmet Amoonguss is also a notable partner for being able to punish Scizor's U-turn from clicking U-Turn (doesnt make sense. That or "punish for clicking uturn" or "deter scizor from clicking uturn"). Wish support from Pokemon like Blissey and Alomomola can be very useful, allowing Articuno to switch into special attackers more easily. It's also useful to minimize any hazard damage that Articuno is forced to take. Bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Suicune, and Slowbro share good synergy with Articuno, as they match(add space)up well against most of its checks, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Infernape, and Terrakion. In return, Articuno can keep Grass-types like Amoonguss in check, and provide Heal Bell support. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Steelix also pair well with Articuno, as Pokemon like Zeraora and Mega Manectric can threaten it a lot.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

There are no other viable options available.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals a lot of damage to Articuno, making it lose half of its maximum health upon switch-in, which severely limits its opportunities to come into play.

**Rock-types**: Pokemon like Terrakion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Nihilego can easily OHKO Articuno with their Rock-type STAB moves. Terrakion can also set up on it with a relatively amount of ease, while Nihilego is able to use the free turns by setting up hazards, as they don't take much from Articuno's attacks. Mega Aerodactyl, however, has trouble directly switching into a potential Freeze-Dry.

**Steel-types**: Offensive Steel-types like Scizor, Cobalion, and Lucario can easily tank Articuno's attacks and use it as a setup fodder, while Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Stakataka also take little to no damage from Freeze-Dry and are able set up Stealth Rock without any drawbacks.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Pokemon like Mamoswine and Heracross can power through Articuno with ease with their strong hits due to its lack of Defense investment.

**Fire-types**: Pokemon like Infernape, Moltres, and Rotom-H can threaten Articuno with their STAB moves, while not taking any notable damage from Freeze-Dry. In addition, both Infernape and Moltres can also freely set up on it.

**Electric-types**: Pokemon like Mega Manectric and Zeraora are also big threats to Articuno, as they can hit it very hard with their Electric-type attacks. Zeraora can also use it as a setup fodder, as it doesn't take much from Freeze-Dry.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [martha, 384270 ], [Nuked, 382658]]
- Grammar checked by: [[lotiasite, 302985], [, ]]

you tend to use too many unnecessary commas, which causes breaks in your writing that aren't supposed to be there. would be good to read up on when to use commas and when not to
also stealth rock is singular, not plural; use "is", not "are"
otherwise very good writing, good job

 

[Surgeon]

much thanks! did.

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Articuno's ability to compress roles as both a Defog and a Heal Bell user allows it to carve a niche on stall teams as a specially bulky support Pokemon, capable of removing entry hazards against Pokemon like Hippowdon, Stealth Rock (redundant) Empoleon, and Nidoking. Pressure is also one of Articuno's most useful traits, allowing it to stall out moves like Stealth Rock and Toxic, making it hard for the opponent to spread residual damage around the team, which any bulky build would appreciate. On top of this, Articuno is able to sponge hits from very strong special attackers like Hydreigon, Mega Blastoise, and Nidoking thanks to its incredibly high Special Defense stat and overall bulk. Articuno also possesses a decent Speed tier for a bulky Pokemon, which gives it the opportunity to outspeed Pokemon like Crawdaunt and non-Timid Primarina with the right EV investment. Despite this, Articuno's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock makes it hard for it to come into play all the time and perform its role, meaning it demands mandates a lot more team support than most other Pokemon. Its subpar defensive typing also holds it back, providing it with only two resistances and an immunity to Ground-type attacks, aggravating its difficulty to come into play and making it weak to common offensive threats like Scizor, Mega Aerodactyl, and Cobalion. Furthermore, Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Nihilego can easily set up Stealth Rock and prevent Articuno from coming in and using Defog as well. Although Articuno is able to compress roles by running both Defog and Heal Bell on its set, it still faces heavy competition as a Defogger from Pokemon like Moltres, which has a much better defensive typing and consequently a relatively easier time finding an opportunity to Defog. Its passive nature can also provide free turns for certain setup sweepers that are particularly threatening to defensive builds like Terrakion and Infernape.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Heal Bell
move 3: Freeze-Dry
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpD / 96 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Defog allows Articuno to remove entry hazards from the field, and it can find an opportunity to do that against Pokemon like Stealth Rock Empoleon, Klefki, and Hippowdon. Heal Bell provides Articuno with the ability to heal itself and the rest of the team from any status condition. It also eases the matchup against defensive hazard setters that rely on status moves to threaten Articuno. Freeze-Dry hits Water-types like Tentacruel and Primarina super effectively and notably hits Empoleon for neutral damage.

Set Details
========

The given Speed investment allows Articuno to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt, and the 4 Defense EVs in conjunction with the HP investment allows allow it to survive a Choice Band-boosted Bullet Punch from Scizor at maximum HP. If outspeeding Crawdaunt is not desirable, it's acceptable to fully invest in Special Defense.

Usage Tips
========

In order to utilize Articuno effectively, it's advised to switch into entry hazard setters like Hippowdon and Seismitoad as often as possible to proceed to Defog their hazards away from the field. Articuno will come out on top most of the time, as it can PP stall their moves with Pressure. However, Articuno shouldn't be switching in when Stealth Rock is already up, as it takes will take a lot of damage upon switch in. Instead, it's best to use a different Pokemon like Gligar or Tentacruel to remove it first, if feasible. It's also encouraged to take advantage of Pressure and switch into moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Defog as often as possible in order to stall out their PP and consequently make it harder for the opponent to continually damage the team. Roost should be used proactively, as keeping Articuno as healthy as possible is extremely important, in case it's forced to come into play while Stealth Rock is up. Due to its high Special Defense stat, Articuno can also be used to sponge special attacks from Pokemon like Primarina and Starmie if necessary. Be aware and scout for coverage moves such as Krookodile's Stone Edge that could be aimed at Articuno, as they could either OHKO it or leave it at a very low amount of HP. Watch out for Heal Bell's PP, since it can run out very quickly, and defensive teams heavily rely on cleric support in order to succeed.

Team Options
========

Articuno fits best on bulkier builds that appreciate its ability to compress roles as a cleric and a Defogger and shouldn't be used outside of those types of teams due to the specific amount of support it requires. Additional forms of entry hazard removal are a must-have whenever using Articuno, as it can't keep removing hazards throughout long periods of time by itself due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock and the number of entry hazard setters that match up well against it. Pokemon like Gligar, Tentacruel, and Empoleon are examples of Pokemon that can provide such support. Pokemon that can sponge Rock-type attacks aimed at Articuno like Slowbro and Hippowdon pair well with Articuno. The examples given also benefit from the Heal Bell support. Steel-type checks such as Moltres and the aforementioned Tentacruel also make good partners, as Pokemon like Scizor and Cobalion can prove to be a big nuisance to Articuno. Rocky Helmet Amoonguss is also a notable partner for being able to punish Scizor's U-turn. Wish support from Pokemon like Blissey and Alomomola can be very useful, allowing Articuno to switch into special attackers more easily. It's also useful to minimize any hazard damage that Articuno is forced to take. Bulky Water-types like Alomomola, Suicune, and Slowbro share good synergy with Articuno, as they match up well against most of its checks, such as Mega Aerodactyl, Infernape, and Terrakion. In return, Articuno can keep Grass-types like Amoonguss in check and provide Heal Bell support. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Krookodile and Mega Steelix also pair well with Articuno, as Pokemon like Zeraora and Mega Manectric can threaten it a lot.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

There are no other viable options available.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals a lot of damage to Articuno, making it lose half of its maximum health upon switch-in switching in, which severely limits its opportunities to come into play.

**Rock-types**: Pokemon like Terrakion, Mega Aerodactyl, and Nihilego can easily OHKO Articuno with their Rock-type STAB moves. Terrakion can set up on it with a relative ease, while Nihilego is able to use the free turns by setting up hazards, as they don't take much from Articuno's attacks. Mega Aerodactyl, however, has trouble directly switching into a potential Freeze-Dry.

**Steel-types**: Offensive Steel-types like Scizor, Cobalion, and Lucario can easily tank Articuno's attacks and use it as a setup fodder, while Pokemon like Mega Aggron and Stakataka also take little to no damage from Freeze-Dry and are able set up Stealth Rock without any drawbacks.

**Strong Physical Attackers**: Pokemon like Mamoswine and Heracross can power through Articuno with ease with their strong hits due to its lack of Defense investment.

**Fire-types**: Pokemon like Infernape, Moltres, and Rotom-H can threaten Articuno with their STAB moves, (don't forget to remove this one) while not taking any notable damage from Freeze-Dry. In addition, both Infernape and Moltres can also freely set up on it.

**Electric-types**: Pokemon like Mega Manectric and Zeraora are big threats to Articuno, as they can hit it very hard with their Electric-type attacks. Zeraora can also use it as a setup fodder, as it doesn't take much from Freeze-Dry.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Surgeon, 347604]]
- Quality checked by: [[Hilomilo, 313384], [martha, 384270 ], [Nuked, 382658]]
- Grammar checked by: [[lotiasite, 302985], [, ]]