UU Xatu (WRITTEN) [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

[Twilight]

[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's access to both U-turn and Magic Bounce allows it to be an effective user of dual screens for hyper offensive teams that appreciate its ability to bring sweepers in safely and keep its screens up. Xatu's great ability in Magic Bounce prevents its screens from being removed by Defog and lets it bounce back Taunt and entry hazards. U-turn stops Xatu from being an overly passive dual screens setter and allows it to slowly pivot out to bring in a partner like Scizor or Linoone safely. However, Xatu is extremely weak to common attacking types from threats like Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes it unable to lead and set up screens against a majority of the tier. This gives Xatu a lot of competition as a screen setter with Azelf, which is capable of setting up screens against a lot more threats due to its greater Speed tier and fewer weaknesses. Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile can also take advantage of Xatu very easily, the latter being able to remove Xatu's Light Clay with Knock Off, which leaves its frail teammates with fewer turns to boost their stats.

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 108 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

U-turn provides Xatu with the ability to generate momentum by slowly pivoting out and giving a teammate free switches in to take full advantage of dual screens. Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon, which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, and allows Xatu to potentially set up another screen against them. However, Xatu should not risk doing this without the benefit of Light Screen unless absolutely necessary, as Latias has a chance to KO it with Devastating Drake and can always do so with Gigavolt Havoc, while Hydreigon can commonly use boosting items such as Choice Specs and Life Orb to KO Xatu. Xatu can also use Thunder Wave to punish key threats like Lucario and Infernape by crippling their Speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free setup opportunity.

Set Details
========

The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon and give it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. Xatu can also outspeed Adamant Tsareena and everything slower with this investment, which lets it set up screens against other threats like Volcanion, Bewear, and Bisharp that would KO it otherwise. However, Bisharp and Tsareena are both common users of Knock Off, which could detriment the effectiveness of Xatu's screens, so they should only be used as an opportunity to set up screens as a last resort. The Defense investment allows Xatu to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch from full health, as long as Reflect is up after tanking the initial hit. The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature allows Xatu to always take a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon to paralyze it with Thunder Wave. Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent the opponent from removing its dual screens with Defog when it is on the field, as well as bouncing back entry hazards from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert. Xatu also prevents faster Pokemon from being able to use Taunt on it, which would otherwise prevent Xatu from setting up screens or crippling a foe with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

Xatu's primary role is to set up dual screens to help setup sweepers boost their stats to start breaking or sweeping. Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric that can threaten to KO it. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile that can punish and force out these threats to provide an opportunity for Xatu to set up dual screens against another foe. Xatu should attempt to set up on Pokemon like Celebi and Cobalion that are unable to effectively threaten it with their coverage options. However, Xatu should avoid unnecessary damage whenever possible by setting up screens against more passive Pokemon, such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Chesnaught, to improve its chances of setting up screens again later on in a match. Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Swampert, Xatu can switch into them to reflect back entry hazards, which can be amazing for teammates like Venomoth that do not appreciate switching into hazards and benefit from entry hazards wearing down its foes. However, this should not always be prioritized, as it can waste multiple turns of your screens, creating fewer opportunities for teammates to easily set up. Xatu can also utilize Magic Bounce to bounce back status-inducing moves like Toxic from Pokemon such as Hippowdon and the aforementioned Swampert to cripple them while also using these passive entry hazard users as a free opportunity to set up screens. Once Xatu has set up dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor, Feraligatr, and Latias safely so they can take advantage of Xatu's dual screens as much as possible. Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Latias from freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is a great partner for Xatu that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types as well as Latias, which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up a lot of damage in conjunction with Xatu using U-turn to chip down Pokemon to help many of the setup users. Krookodile also has Taunt to prevent entry hazards and Defog from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar, which helps take pressure off Xatu having to switch in to utilize Magic Bounce. Wallbreakers like Latias and Mega Altaria work well with Xatu, as they provide a lot of defensive utility alongside having strong breaking prowess. They also handle Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that can prevent Xatu from setting screens immediately. Scizor is another great partner alongside Xatu, as it appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up with Swords Dance and proceed to sweep or wallbreak. Scizor also helps revenge kill and force out Pokemon like Kyurem and Mamoswine, which Xatu invites and struggles to set up screens against. Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot more easily. Feraligatr in particular has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu as a free opportunity to set up a Dragon Dance. Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners for Xatu. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason, as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice-locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO it or force it out. Venomoth appreciates Xatu being able to prevent Stealth Rock from going up, which Venomoth is weak to. Venomoth also appreciates screens providing it with the boost in defense to set up safely; for instance, Venomoth is capable of taking a Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch and then KOing in return with Savage Spin-Out.

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

A defensive Xatu set with an EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe can be used on stall and semi-stall teams as a consistent pivot into the tier's entry hazard setters such as Mega Aggron, Hippowdon, and Swampert that can also outspeed Scizor to potentially KO it with Heat Wave. However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers like Gligar and Mega Altaria due to its weakness to common offensive Stealth Rock setters like Terrakion and Krookodile as well as Pursuit trappers such as Mega Aerodactyl.

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

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon is capable of outspeeding Xatu and KOing it with Devastating Drake or a Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulse. Choice Scarf variants can potentially cause it to flinch to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead against it to set up screens. Krookodile and Bisharp also limit the effectiveness of screens due to their ability to threaten Xatu with their Dark-type STAB moves, especially Knock Off, which makes Xatu lose its Light Clay. Krookodile is also faster than Xatu, which prevents Xatu from being able to set up a screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay.

**Electric-types and Electric-type Coverage**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster than Xatu and threaten to KO it, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them, and they can also generate momentum against it with Volt Switch. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. Xatu must also be careful around Latias, as it can run Electric-type coverage and use Gigavolt Havoc to OHKO Xatu.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They can also both freely use Substitute to avoid Thunder Wave, and the latter can set up on it with Calm Mind.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can also Pursuit trap Xatu, allowing another member to potentially remove it more easily and stop it from setting up dual screens.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it from leading. Both of them can also pressure Krookodile, which is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave, while Kyurem can set up a Substitute to avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Passive Knock Off users like Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Alomomola are able to punish Xatu by removing its Light Clay, which reduces the number of turns Xatu's partners can take advantage of the screens.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[Amane Misa, 312356], [Martha, 384270], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [FireFlame479, 231476]]

 

[Taptricity]

Hello I’ll be your friendly amcheck here. Everything I’ve corrected will be in bold. Implement whatever you want. Overall, great job!

[OVERVIEW]

• Xatu's natural bulk and access to Magic Bounce allow it to be an effective user of both Reflect and Light Screen. Magic Bounce is a unique tool, which allows it to prevent itself from being vulnerable to Taunt as well as stopping screens being removed by Defog from its side of the field. (you could definitely mention that it also bounces entry hazards onto the other side of the field to prevent your offensive mons from being chipped even more)
• Xatu has access to U-turn, which prevents it from being a passive dual screens setter and can get a slow U-turn out to get in a partner like Scizor and Linoone in safely. (Gatr too)
• Xatu only really fits on hyper offensive teams that appreciate the ease of setting up by virtue of the dual screens, due to Xatu being outclassed to perform the roles of a Calm Mind or defensive pivot by Pokemon like Latias.
• Xatu is also extremely weak to common attacking types in the tier from the likes of Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes it struggle to be an effective lead a majority of the time (I’d remove this tiny tidbit because you’re implying that Xatu can be a lead when you should almost never lead with it over your rocker. The powerful moves bit is fine) Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile also take advantage of it, the latter being able to heavily damage Xatu and remove Light Clay with Knock Off, which is detrimental to the partners that want the extra turns to safely set up.
• For these reasons, Xatu is very reliant on being able to get a free turn to set up both Reflect and Light Screen after a teammate goes down or from a double.
• A point about how it faces competition with Screens Azelf.

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

• U-turn provides Xatu with a slow pivot out to generate momentum for a teammate and give them a free switch-in to take advantage of the dual screens.
• Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish key threats like Infernape, Lucario, and Mega Altaria by crippling their speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free set up opportunity (Their lowered speed can also allow Xatu to outspeed them and have an opportunity to set up another Screen). It can also punish Pokemon like Latias and Choice Scarf Hydreigon which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, however, Xatu should not risk trying to do this without the benefit on Light Screen unless absolutely necessary. The former having a chance to KO it with Dragonium Z and guarantee in doing so with Electrium Z.

Set Details
========

• The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed Tsareena (Xatu does not outspeed Tsareena with this spread. Replace that.) and everything below, this allowing it to freely set up screens against other threats like Mega Blastoise, Bewear, and Bisharp (only Adamant Bisharp though, and that’s something you can’t really detect at team preview with its nature), which is important as they can KO Xatu without the boost in its defenses from the screens. Bisharp and Tsareena being common Knock Off users which could detriment the effectiveness of screens after losing its Light Clay.
• The Speed EVs also lets Xatu outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon allowing it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. (This point can be merged with the above as it’s still in relation to its Speed investment.)
• The Defense investment allows Xatu to eat at least two Choice Band Scizor Bullet Punch from full as long as Reflect is up for the second hit.
• The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature lets Xatu always eat a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon and set up a screen against it or paralyze with Thunder Wave.
• Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent hazards being freely set against it but most importantly prevents the opponent from being able to remove your screens (when it’s on the field). It also prevents faster Pokemon being able to Taunt Xatu to prevent it from trying to set up screens or cripple something with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

• Xatu's primary role is to set up screens for set up sweepers to take advantage of to start breaking or sweeping.
• Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games (all the more reason to remove that implication in the Overview), due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric (also because of offensive rockers being more present atm) which can threaten to KO it, the former two being able to do so with an Electrium Z and LO respectively. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile which can punish them better.
• Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Empoleon, Xatu can prioritize using its ability in Magic Bounce to prevent hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes being set up which can be amazing for teammates like Feraligatr(Venomoth and Mega Houndoom are better examples that you do touch upon below but include them here) that do not appreciate switching into hazards. It can also be used to bounce back status like Toxic from Pokemon like Alomomola (Alomomola can just Knock Off your Light Clay instead though) and Swampert to cripple and make them easier to breakthrough.
• However, this should not always be prioritized (I’d stress that this is mostly important in the late-game when you’re much better off just cleaning and ending the game instead of going for more Screens) as it can waste multiple turns of your screens which creates fewer turns for teammates to easily set up.
• Once Xatu has set dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor and Latias (the god of Screens Gatr too) without them having to take any chip damage so that they can take advantage of the screens and maximize the number of screens turns.
• Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Mega Altaria (wouldn’t say Mega Altaria is the best example since Scizor exists on 99% of these HOs and goes for the BP and revenges it. You’d be better off U-turning and bringing in Zor imo) and Latias freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them.
• If Xatu can avoid unnecessary damage it should do so, as it may be able to set up screens again later on in the game.

Team Options
========

• Krookodile is a great partner that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types and Latias which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock for the many set up users that Xatu wants to support, as well as having access to Taunt to prevent hazards being set or Defog (talk about some hazard setters and removers that are easy Krook Taunt fodder) being used which takes the pressure off Xatu having to switch in to take advantage of Magic Bounce.
• Maybe this is my slight bias here but you’ve used Infernape as a Rocks lead on certain Screens HOs and it’s shown to be pretty alright with Taunt preventing hazards and Xatu providing a Ground immunity. Infernape outspeeding Celebi and non Scarf Hydreigon also gives it a use of Krookodile. tldr: I see nothing wrong with including it here.)
• Bulky (ehhh bulky’s kinda overselling it if it’s not behind Screens) wallbreakers like Latias provide a lot of defensive utility alongside its breaking prowess. Handles the Electric-types (definitely include examples) that can prevent Xatu setting screens immediately.
• Scizor is another great partner that appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up and sweep/break. It helps handle Pokemon like Latias, (Mega Altaria) Kyurem, and Mamoswine.
• Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot easier. Linoone greatly appreciating the ease of ability to use its one-time Belly Drum to look to clean through a team. On the other hand, Feraligatr has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu.
• Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO or force it out. (maybe include Cobalion as well for Screens)
• Venomoth and Mega Houndoom are partners that can work alongside Xatu as they appreciate it potentially preventing hazards like Stealth Rock going up, which they don't appreciate switching into. They also appreciate screens providing them with the boost in defense to set up safely (like how Scizor’s Bullet Punch could straight up destroy Venomoth without the Reflect) which they otherwise struggle with due to their mediocre defenses.

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

• A defensive Xatu set can be used to perform the role of a more consistent pivot into the tiers entry hazard users such as Mega Aggron (Honestly idk what this set’s spread is but Mega Aggron has a good chance of 2HKOing Xatu with max HP+max Def and a Bold nature. Maybe this isn’t the best Pokémon to mention.), Hippowdon, and Swampert (Also it’s an interesting Pokémon for some Stall builds thanks to Magic Bounce and it’s defenses) However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers due to its weakness to common threats in the tier like Terrakion and Krookodile, which threaten it with Stone Edge and Knock Off respectively to set up Stealth Rock.
• Xatu can act as a stallbreaker on some balance teams with a set consisting of Calm Mind + Stored Power, but this requires multiple boosts to be effective and faces a lot of competition from users like Calm Mind Chandelure and Latias.

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

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon outspeeds and is capable of KOing Xatu with a Life Orb boosted Dark Pulse or a Dragonium Z. Choice Scarf variants can potentially flinch it to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead to set up screens for these reasons.

**Electric-types**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster and threaten to KO Xatu, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. (Maybe also mention Electric-type coverage like Electrium Lati)

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They both can also use it as a free opportunity to set up a Substitute, preventing Xatu from being able to use Thunder Wave against them, to wallbreak while the latter can proceed to set up multiple Calm Mind boosts.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can proceed to also Pursuit trap Xatu allowing another member to potentially remove it easier and prevent screens being set.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it easily leading it. Both also being able to pressure Krookodile who is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave because of its Ground-typing, while Kyurem can proceed to set up a Substitute to take avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Knock Off users like Krookodile and Bisharp can limit the effectiveness of screens due to the number of active turns being shortened to five turns without Light Clay. Krookodile also being faster than Xatu to prevent it from being able to set up one screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay. This makes it much harder for Xatu and its teammates to take advantage of the screens.

**Merge Hydreigon and Knock Off users into Dark-types and have that as the top section**

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[Amane Misa]

I will be going over BackAtYouBro's check... my comments are in //this format.

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

• Xatu's natural bulk and access to Magic Bounce allow it to be an effective user of both Reflect and Light Screen. Magic Bounce is a unique tool, which allows it to prevent itself from being vulnerable to Taunt as well as stopping screens being removed by Defog from its side of the field. (you could definitely mention that it also bounces entry hazards onto the other side of the field to prevent your offensive mons from being chipped even more) //sure, but also give examples of hazard setters Xatu can potentially switch in on.
• Xatu has access to U-turn, which prevents it from being a passive dual screens setter and can get a slow U-turn out to get in a partner like Scizor and Linoone in safely. (Gatr too) //the Feraligatr addition isn't that necessary because this is just the Overview and you don't wanna overwhelm it, more examples should go into the actual analysis.
• Xatu only really fits //correct "only really" to "mostly" because there used to be a very successful stall team with Xatu. on hyper offensive teams that appreciate the ease of setting up by virtue of the dual screens, due to Xatu being outclassed to perform the roles of a Calm Mind or defensive pivot by Pokemon like Latias.
• Xatu is also extremely weak to common attacking types in the tier from the likes of Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes it struggle to be an effective lead a majority of the time (I’d remove this tiny tidbit because you’re implying that Xatu can be a lead when you should almost never lead with it over your rocker. The powerful moves bit is fine) //yeah, instead of "effective lead" say "effective screens setter". Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile also take advantage of it, the latter being able to heavily damage Xatu and remove Light Clay with Knock Off, which is detrimental to the partners that want the extra turns to safely set up.
• For these reasons, Xatu is very reliant on being able to get a free turn to set up both Reflect and Light Screen after a teammate goes down or from a double.
• A point about how it faces competition with Screens Azelf. //that could go right after the Terrakion and Mega Manectric line.

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

• U-turn provides Xatu with a slow pivot out to generate momentum for a teammate and give them a free switch-in to take advantage of the dual screens.
• Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish key threats like Infernape, Lucario, and Mega Altaria //add Hydreigon here as the first example because you're also EV'd to live one Dark Pulse for the purpose of paralyzing it. by crippling their speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free set up opportunity (Their lowered speed can also allow Xatu to outspeed them and have an opportunity to set up another Screen). //yeah, sure It can also punish Pokemon like Latias and Choice Scarf Hydreigon which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, however, Xatu should not risk trying to do this without the benefit on Light Screen unless absolutely necessary. The former having a chance to KO it with Dragonium Z //you can even say that if Hydreigon is Choice Specs, Xatu is basically fucked up. and guarantee in doing so with Electrium Z.

Set Details
========

• The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed Tsareena (Xatu does not outspeed Tsareena with this spread. Replace that.) //it does, if Tsareena is Adamant, so specify Adamant Tsareena and everything below, this allowing it to freely set up screens against other threats like Mega Blastoise, Bewear, and Bisharp (only Adamant Bisharp though, and that’s something you can’t really detect at team preview with its nature), which is important as they can KO Xatu without the boost in its defenses from the screens. Bisharp and Tsareena being common Knock Off users which could detriment the effectiveness of screens after losing its Light Clay.
• The Speed EVs also lets Xatu outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon allowing it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. (This point can be merged with the above as it’s still in relation to its Speed investment.) //if anything I'd Choice Scarf Hydreigon first because you're going to encounter it much more than Tsareena and Bewear.
• The Defense investment allows Xatu to eat at least two Choice Band Scizor Bullet Punch from full as long as Reflect is up for the second hit.
• The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature lets Xatu always eat a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon and set up a screen against it or paralyze with Thunder Wave. //no reason to not paralyze Hydreigon before setting up a screen.
• Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent hazards being freely set against it //give examples of the hazard setters it can freely switch in on. but most importantly prevents the opponent from being able to remove your screens (when it’s on the field) //nitpicky, but sure... if you say "most importantly" I would mention it before the hazards example.. It also prevents faster Pokemon being able to Taunt Xatu to prevent it from trying to set up screens or cripple something with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

• Xatu's primary role is to set up screens for set up sweepers to take advantage of to start breaking or sweeping.
• Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games (all the more reason to remove that implication in the Overview), due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric (also because of offensive rockers being more present atm) //U-turn + Stealth Rock support is also very cool to chip stuff. which can threaten to KO it, the former two being able to do so with an Electrium Z and LO respectively. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile which can punish them better.
• //add a point that talks about on what Pokemon and on what situations Xatu should be brought in to set up screens.
• Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Empoleon //Empoleon isn't the best example here because it often carries Knock Off... you can mention Swampert over it., Xatu can prioritize using its ability in Magic Bounce to prevent hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes being set up which can be amazing for teammates like Feraligatr(Venomoth and Mega Houndoom are better examples that you do touch upon below but include them here) //is Mega Houndoom even good on screens? that do not appreciate switching into hazards. It can also be used to bounce back status like Toxic from Pokemon like Alomomola (Alomomola can just Knock Off your Light Clay instead though) and Swampert to cripple and make them easier to breakthrough. //yeah, remove the Alomomola example. you can mention earlier in the point that the passive hazard setters it can come in on can potentially be used as fodders of setting up screens.
• However, this should not always be prioritized (I’d stress that this is mostly important in the late-game when you’re much better off just cleaning and ending the game instead of going for more Screens) //it really depends - on some games you'd wanna setup screens lategame for Linoone or something. as it can waste multiple turns of your screens which creates fewer turns for teammates to easily set up.
• Once Xatu has set dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor and Latias (the god of Screens Gatr too) //sure without them having to take any chip damage so that they can take advantage of the screens and maximize the number of screens turns.
• Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Mega Altaria (wouldn’t say Mega Altaria is the best example since Scizor exists on 99% of these HOs and goes for the BP and revenges it. You’d be better off U-turning and bringing in Zor imo) //and because Mega Altaria can just click Refresh... so just replace it with another example. and Latias freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them.
• If Xatu can avoid unnecessary damage it should do so, as it may be able to set up screens again later on in the game. //you can combine it with the point that talks about when Xatu should be set up screens.

Team Options
========

• Krookodile is a great partner that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types and Latias which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock for the many set up users that Xatu wants to support, as well as having access to Taunt to prevent hazards being set or Defog (talk about some hazard setters and removers that are easy Krook Taunt fodder) //sure being used which takes the pressure off Xatu having to switch in to take advantage of Magic Bounce.
• Maybe this is my slight bias here but you’ve used Infernape as a Rocks lead on certain Screens HOs and it’s shown to be pretty alright with Taunt preventing hazards and Xatu providing a Ground immunity. Infernape outspeeding Celebi and non Scarf Hydreigon also gives it a use of Krookodile. tldr: I see nothing wrong with including it here.) //Krookodile is literally the perfect Stealth Rock setter here, I would not advise using anything other than that. It also synergizes with Xatu much better than Infernape. Mega Manectric is also a big threat to screens just like it is to every HO and Krookodile annoys it.
• Bulky (ehhh bulky’s kinda overselling it if it’s not behind Screens) //ehh just say Latias and Mega Altaria because they're honestly the only Pokemon who provide this kind of utility in screens teams. wallbreakers like Latias provide a lot of defensive utility alongside its breaking prowess. Handles the Electric-types (definitely include examples) //yes that can prevent Xatu setting screens immediately.
• Scizor is another great partner that appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up and sweep/break. It helps handle Pokemon like Latias, (Mega Altaria) Kyurem, and Mamoswine.
• Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot easier. Linoone greatly appreciating the ease of ability to use its one-time Belly Drum to look to clean through a team. On the other hand, Feraligatr has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu.
• Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO or force it out. (maybe include Cobalion as well for Screens) //I dislike Cobalion because most of its stops are defensive so screens won't help it that much
• Venomoth and Mega Houndoom //again, is Mega Houndoom even good on screens? are partners that can work alongside Xatu as they appreciate it potentially preventing hazards like Stealth Rock going up, which they don't appreciate switching into. They also appreciate screens providing them with the boost in defense to set up safely (like how Scizor’s Bullet Punch could straight up destroy Venomoth without the Reflect) //yeah which they otherwise struggle with due to their mediocre defenses.

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

• A defensive Xatu set can be used to perform the role of a more consistent pivot into the tiers entry hazard users such as Mega Aggron (Honestly idk what this set’s spread is but Mega Aggron has a good chance of 2HKOing Xatu with max HP+max Def and a Bold nature. Maybe this isn’t the best Pokémon to mention.) //max HP, enough Speed to outspeed Scizor, and the rest should be put in Defense., Hippowdon, and Swampert (Also it’s an interesting Pokémon for some Stall builds thanks to Magic Bounce and it’s defenses) However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers //examples due to its weakness to common threats in the tier like Terrakion and Krookodile, which threaten it with Stone Edge and Knock Off respectively to set up Stealth Rock.
• Xatu can act as a stallbreaker on some balance teams with a set consisting of Calm Mind + Stored Power, but this requires multiple boosts to be effective and faces a lot of competition from users like Calm Mind Chandelure and Latias. //and is easily stopped by the kinds of Hydreigon, Mega Aerodactyl, and Latias.

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

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon outspeeds and is capable of KOing Xatu with a Life Orb boosted Dark Pulse or a Dragonium Z. Choice Scarf variants can potentially flinch it to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead to set up screens for these reasons. //I mean, you have Thunder Wave to literally screw with Hydreigon's most common set. Hydreigon is a threat, yeah, but just classify it as Dark-types and mention more goons like Krookodile too.

**Electric-types**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster and threaten to KO Xatu, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. (Maybe also mention Electric-type coverage like Electrium Lati) //sure, but also mention that they can utilize Volt Switch to take advantage of Xatu switching out to gain momentum.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They both can also use it as a free opportunity to set up a Substitute, preventing Xatu from being able to use Thunder Wave against them, to wallbreak while the latter can proceed to set up multiple Calm Mind boosts.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can proceed to also Pursuit trap Xatu allowing another member to potentially remove it easier and prevent screens being set.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it easily leading it. Both also being able to pressure Krookodile who is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave because of its Ground-typing, while Kyurem can proceed to set up a Substitute to take avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Knock Off users like Krookodile and Bisharp can limit the effectiveness of screens due to the number of active turns being shortened to five turns without Light Clay. Krookodile also being faster than Xatu to prevent it from being able to set up one screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay. This makes it much harder for Xatu and its teammates to take advantage of the screens. //instead of using the offensive Dark-types as examples here, use them on the Dark-types section and here you should mention passive Pokemon that Xatu might wanna set up screens on like Empoleon and Alomomola.

**Merge Hydreigon and Knock Off users into Dark-types and have that as the top section** //no, because not only Dark-types carry Knock Off.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

nice work to both Twilight and BackAtYouBro. 1/3.

 

[Twilight]

This is ready for its second check

 

[autumn]

[OVERVIEW]

• Xatu's natural bulk and access to Magic Bounce allow it to be an effective user of both Reflect and Light Screen. Magic Bounce is a unique tool, which allows it to prevent itself from being vulnerable to Taunt as well as stopping screens being removed by Defog from its side of the field. It can also bounce back entry hazards that Pokemon such as Swampert and Chesnaught can set up.
• Xatu has access to U-turn, which prevents it from being a passive dual screens setter and can get a slow U-turn out to get in a partner like Scizor and Linoone in safely.
• Xatu mostly fits on hyper offensive teams that appreciate the ease of setting up by virtue of the dual screens, due to Xatu being outclassed to perform the roles of a Calm Mind or defensive pivot by Pokemon like Latias. (this reads more like a usage tip saying what it fits on so it you wanna compare it to other psychics like latias you can say how one dimensional its role is as a screens setter)
• Xatu is also extremely weak to common attacking types in the tier from the likes of Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes it struggle to be an effective screens setter.
• This gives Xatu a lot of competition as a screen setter compared to Azelf who is capable of setting up screens against these threats, due to its greater Speed tier. (mmane is faster than azelf so it's not just speed tier that lets it set up on manectric)
• Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile also take advantage of it, the latter being able to heavily damage Xatu and remove Light Clay with Knock Off, which is detrimental to the partners that want the extra turns to safely set up.
• For these reasons, Xatu is very reliant on being able to get a free turn to set up both Reflect and Light Screen after a teammate goes down or from a double.

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

• U-turn provides Xatu with a slow pivot out to generate momentum for a teammate and give them a free switch-in to take advantage of the dual screens.
• Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish Pokemon like Latias and Choice Scarf Hydreigon which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle and allows Xatu to potentially set up another screen, however, Xatu should not risk trying to do this without the benefit of Light Screen unless absolutely necessary. The former having a chance to KO it with Dragonium Z and guarantee in doing so with Electrium Z, while the former can potentially utilize a Choice Specs or Life Orb to KO Xatu. (you're saying choice scarf hydreigon can ohko xatu with specs/lo)
• Xatu can also use Thunder Wave to punish key setup threats like Lucario and Infernape by crippling their speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free setup opportunity.

Set Details
========

• The Speed EVs lets Xatu outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon allowing it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of.
• The Speed EVs also allow Xatu to outspeed Adamant Tsareena and everything below, this allowing it to freely set up screens against other threats like Volcanion, Bewear, and Bisharp, which is important as they can KO Xatu without the boost in its defenses from the screens. However, Bisharp and Tsareena are both common Knock Off users, which could detriment the effectiveness of Xatu's screens after losing its Light Clay.
• The Defense investment allows Xatu to eat at least two Choice Band Scizor Bullet Punch from full as long as Reflect is up for the second hit.
• The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature lets Xatu always eat a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon to paralyze it with Thunder Wave and proceed to set up a screen afterward. (by unboosted do you mean before light screen? i'd say without screens because unboosted usually implies +0)
• Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent the opponent from removing its dual screens with Defog when it is on the field, while also being able to prevent entry hazards being set by Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert as Xatu can reflect them back. Xatu also prevents faster Pokemon from being able to Taunt it to prevent it from setting up screens or crippling something with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

• Xatu's primary role is to set up screens for set up sweepers to take advantage of to start breaking or sweeping.
• Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games, due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric which can threaten to KO it, the former two being able to do so with an Electrium Z and LO respectively. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile which can punish them better.
• Xatu should attempt to set up on Pokemon like Celebi and Cobalion which are unable to KO it. However, if Xatu can avoid unnecessary damage it should do so, as it can set up screens again later on in the game. However, this should not be prioritized if screens are no longer needed or if you require an extra sac. So Xatu should ideally set up against more passive Pokemon such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Chesnaught that can't threaten it. (I don't really think you need the last line because it doesn't really work with the first. Right now you're talking about setting up on Celebi/Cobalion then saying it's ideal to set up on passive Pokemon, which can read as confusing because the first two aren't necessarily passive, they just dont match up well agaisnt Xatu)
• Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Swampert, Xatu can prioritize using its ability in Magic Bounce to prevent hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes being set up which can be amazing for teammates like Venomoth that do not appreciate switching into hazards, while also using these passive entry hazard users as a free opportunity to set up dual screens. Xatu can also use Magic Bounce to bounce back status like Toxic from Pokemon like Hippowdon and the aforementioned Swampert to cripple them. (make it clearer that you can switch into these pokemon to bouce back hazards because "prioritise its ability" might not show that to newer players)
• However, this should not always be prioritized as it can waste multiple turns of your screens, creating fewer opportunities for teammates to easily set up.
• Once Xatu has set dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor, Feraligatr, and Latias without them having to take any chip damage so that they can take advantage of the screens and maximize the number of screens turns.
• Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Mega Altaria and Latias freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them. (last check said remove alt because uturn to scizor is better / it can refresh so just lati is fine)

Team Options
========

• Krookodile is a great partner that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types and Latias which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock which can rack up damage in conjunction with U-turn from Xatu and help many of the setup users that Xatu wants to support. Krookodile also has access to Taunt to prevent entry hazards being setup or Defog being used by Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar respectively, which helps takes pressure off Xatu having to switch in to utilize Magic Bounce.
• Wallbreakers like Latias and Mega Altaria provide a lot of defensive utility alongside their breaking prowess. They also both handle Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that can prevent Xatu setting screens immediately.
• Scizor is another great partner that appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up and sweep/break. It helps handle Pokemon like Mega Altaria, Kyurem, and Mamoswine.
• Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot easier. Linoone greatly appreciating the ease of ability to use its one-time Belly Drum to look to clean through a team. On the other hand, Feraligatr has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu. (and it can use that to set up DD)
• Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO or force it out.
• Venomoth is a good partner that can work alongside Xatu as they appreciate it potentially preventing hazards like Stealth Rock going up, which it doesn't appreciate switching into. Venomoth also appreciates screens providing it with the boost in defense to set up safely, for instance, Venomoth is capable of setting up without being revenge killed by a Choice Band boosted Scizor Bullet Punch.

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

• A defensive Xatu with an EV spread of 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe can be used to perform the role of a consistent pivot into the tiers entry hazard users such as Mega Aggron, Hippowdon, and Swampert, while also being able to outspeed Scizor to potentially KO it with Heat Wave if carrying it. However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers like Gligar and Mega Altaria, due to its weakness to common threats in the tier like Terrakion and Krookodile, which threaten it with Stone Edge and Knock Off respectively to set up Stealth Rock. (also pursuit makes defensive xatu annoying because it doesn't really have a way to take advantage of it like uturning into a sweeper can)
• Xatu can act as a stallbreaker on some balance teams with a set consisting of Calm Mind + Stored Power, but this requires multiple boosts to be effective and faces a lot of competition from users like Calm Mind Chandelure and Latias. Xatu is also easily prevented from setting up by a majority of common threats like Mega Aerodactyl, Hydreigon, and the aforementioned Latias

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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types like Hydreigon are capable of outspeeding and KOing Xatu with a Life Orb boosted Dark Pulse or a Dragonium Z. Choice Scarf variants can potentially flinch it to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead against it to set up screens. Krookodile and Bisharp also limit the effectiveness of screens due to their ability to threaten Xatu with their Dark STAB moves, especially Knock Off, which shortens the number of active turns of screens down to five with the loss of Light Clay. Krookodile is also faster than Xatu, which prevents it from being able to set up one screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay. This makes it much harder for Xatu and its teammates to take advantage of the screens.

**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster and threaten to KO Xatu, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them and can proceed to generate momentum on Xatu with Volt Switch. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. Xatu must also be careful around threats like Latias and Infernape as they can also run Electric-type coverage and potentially turn them into a powerful Gigavolt Havoc to threaten and KO Xatu. (tpunch infernape isn't really seen enough to be a big threat to xatu honestly)

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They both can also use it as a free opportunity to set up a Substitute, preventing Xatu from being able to use Thunder Wave against them, to wallbreak while the latter can proceed to set up multiple Calm Mind boosts.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can proceed to also Pursuit trap Xatu allowing another member to potentially remove it easier and prevent screens being set.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it easily leading it. Both also being able to pressure Krookodile who is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave because of its Ground-typing, while Kyurem can proceed to set up a Substitute to take avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Knock Off users like Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Alomomola are able to punish Xatu by removing its Light Clay, reducing the number of turns Xatus partners can take advantage of its screens. Preventing Xatu from being able to set screens up reliably even though they are fairly passive.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[Amane Misa, 312356], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 2/3

 

[Twilight]

This has been written and I implemented everything. Some of which I resolved by rewording the sentence or being clearer about what I meant. If there are still points where I haven't been clear enough regarding Martha's check let me know and I'll fix it. I'll also make sure this is neatened up for GP before sending off so ready for last check plz

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

you're contradicting yourself in the overview, both saying that it is an effective screens setter and not an effective screens setter in different parts. fix that.

The Defense investment allows Xatu to eat at two Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor at full as long as Reflect is up after tanking the initial hit

give this analysis another real good look over before sending it to gp please so it'll be easier for me later

maybe mention that defensive can be used on stall or semistall primarily, since that's what it was used on back when the set saw actual uu play

cm stored power xatu does not exist and should not be an other option

qc 3/3, tag me when you're done giving this a thorough read and i'll gp

 

[Twilight]

A Cake Wearing A Hat this is ready for GP. Fixed everything I could spot, I probs missed a lot so I apologize in advance

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

i had to make a 4AM decision on whether to take melatonin or drink a mountain dew just now


i'll let you guess which one i chose given that i'm doing this.

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

add remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's combination of natural bulk and access to both U-turn and Magic Bounce allow allows it to be an effective user of both Reflect and Light Screen dual screens for hyper offensive teams that appreciate their sweepers having an easier time setting up under the influence of screens. (quality change: xatu has no natural bulk. it's used because of magic bounce and slow uturn. that's it.) Xatu has access to a great ability in Magic Bounce, which allows it to prevent itself from being vulnerable to Taunt and prevents its screens from being removed by Defog. Xatu can also use Magic Bounce to reflect back entry hazards from Pokemon such as Swampert and Chesnaught. Xatu's access to U-turn prevents it from being an overly passive dual screens setter and allows it to get off a slow pivot out in order to safely bring in a partner like Scizor and Linoone. (all redundant and repetitive and in set details) its ability to bring sweepers in safely and keep its screens up. Xatu is extremely weak to common attacking types from threats like Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes Xatu struggle to be a successful lead it unable to lead and set up screens against a majority of the tier. This gives Xatu a lot of competition as a screen setter with Azelf who, (AC) which is capable of setting up screens against a lot more threats, (RC) due to its greater Speed tier and mono Psychic typing giving it fewer weaknesses and thus more opportunities to set up dual screens. Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile can also take advantage of Xatu very easily, the latter being able to remove Xatus Xatu's Light Clay with Knock Off, which reduces the number of turns dual screens remain active, this being detrimental to the partners that greatly appreciate the extra turns of screens to boost their stats which leaves its frail teammates with fewer turns to boost their stats. (run-on)

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 248 252 HP / 112 108 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

U-turn provides Xatu with the ability to generate momentum by slowly pivoting out and giving a teammate free switches in to take full advantage of dual screens. Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon, which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, (AC) and allows Xatu to potentially set up another screen against them. However, Xatu should not risk doing this without the benefit of Light Screen unless absolutely necessary, as Latias has a chance to KO it with Dragonium Z and guarantee in doing so with Electrium Z Devastating Drake and can always do so with Gigavolt Havoc, while Hydreigon can commonly use boosting items such as Choice Specs or Life Orb to KO Xatu also. Xatu can also use Thunder Wave to punish key setup (redundant) threats like Lucario and Infernape by crippling their speed Speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free setup opportunity.

Set Details
========

The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon and give it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. The Speed EVs allow Xatu to Xatu can also outspeed Adamant Tsareena and everything slower with this investment, which lets Xatu it set up screens against other threats like Volcanion, Bewear, and Bisharp as they can KO Xatu without the boost in its defenses from screens that would KO it otherwise. However, Bisharp and Tsareena are both common Knock Off users of Knock Off, which could detriment the effectiveness of Xatu's screens and, (AC) so they should only be used as an opportunity to set up screens as a last resort. The Defense investment allows Xatu to eat two avoid the 2HKO from Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor from full health, as long as Reflect is up after tanking the initial hit. The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature allows Xatu to always eat take a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon to paralyze it with Thunder Wave. Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent the opponent from removing its dual screens with Defog, (RC) when it is on the field, while also being able to as well as bounce back entry hazards being set by from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert. Xatu also prevents faster Pokemon from being able to Taunt it, which would otherwise prevent Xatu from setting up screens or crippling something with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

Xatu's primary role is to set up dual screens to help set up sweepers boost their stats to start breaking or sweeping. Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games, due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric which that can threaten to KO it, (RC) as the former two can utilize Electrium Z and Life Orb respectively. (covered earlier) Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile which that can punish and force out these threats out to provide an opportunity for Xatu to set up dual screens against another foe. Xatu should attempt to set up on Pokemon like Celebi and Cobalion which that are unable to effectively threaten it with their coverage options. However, if Xatu can avoid unnecessary damage it should do so Xatu should avoid unnecessary damage whenever possible by setting up screens against more passive Pokemon, (AC) such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Chesnaught, to improve Xatu's its chances of setting up screens again later on in a match. Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Swampert, Xatu can switch into them to use its ability Magic Bounce and reflect back entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Spikes, (really don't need all that basic info on what moves are entry hazards and etc.) which can be amazing for teammates like Venomoth that do not appreciate switching into hazards and benefit from entry hazards wearing down its foes. However, this should not always be prioritized, (AC) as it can waste multiple turns of your screens, creating fewer opportunities for teammates to easily set up. Xatu can also use Magic Bounce to bounce back status status-inducing moves like Toxic from Pokemon such as Hippowdon and the aforementioned Swampert to cripple them while also using these passive entry hazard users as a free opportunity to set up screens. Once Xatu has set up dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor, Feraligatr, and Latias without them having to take unnecessary chip damage, safely so that they can take advantage and maximize the number of screens turns of Xatu's dual screens as much as possible. Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Latias from freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is a great partner for Xatu that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types as well as Latias, which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up a lot of damage in conjunction with Xatu using U-turn to chip down Pokemon to help many of the setup users. Krookodile also has access to Taunt to prevent entry hazards being setup or Defog being used to remove screens by and Defog from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar respectively, which helps take pressure off Xatu having to switch in to utilize Magic Bounce. Wallbreakers like Latias and Mega Altaria work well with Xatu, (AC) as they provide a lot of defensive utility alongside having strong breaking prowess. They These examples also handle Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that can prevent Xatu from setting screens immediately. Scizor is another great partner alongside Xatu, which as it appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up a with Swords Dance and proceed to sweep or wallbreak. Scizor also helps revenge kill and force out Pokemon like Kyurem and Mamoswine, which Xatu invites in and struggles to set up screens against. Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot easier more easily. Linoone greatly appreciating the ability to use its one-time Belly Drum to begin sweeping a lot easier. On the other hand, (redundant) Feraligatr in particular has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu as a free opportunity to set up a Dragon Dance. Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners for Xatu. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason, (AC) as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice locked Choice-locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO it or force it out. Venomoth is another great partner as it appreciates Xatu being able to prevent entry hazards like Stealth Rock from going up, which Venomoth doesn't switch into well is weak to. Venomoth also appreciates screens providing it with the boost in defense to set up safely,; (remove comma add semicolon) for instance, Venomoth is capable of setting up without being revenge killed by taking a Choice Band boosted Scizor Scizor's Bullet Punch and then being able to KO KOing in return with Savage Spin-Out.

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

A defensive Xatu set with an EV spread of 248 252 HP / 244 240 Def / 16 Spe can be used on stall and semi-stall teams as a consistent pivot into the tiers entry hazard users setters such as Mega Aggron, Hippowdon, and Swampert, (RC) while also being able to that can also outspeed Scizor to potentially KO it with Heat Wave if carrying it. However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers like Gligar and Mega Altaria, (RC) due to its weakness to common threats in the tier like Terrakion and Krookodile, which threaten it with Stone Edge and Knock Off respectively to set up Stealth Rock, this set also being very vulnerable to Pursuit trapping from the likes of Mega Aerodactyl and the aforementioned Krookodile offensive Stealth Rock setters like Terrakion and Krookodile as well as Pursuit trappers such as Mega Aerodactyl. (really don't need all that info.)

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

**Dark-types**: Dark-types like Hydreigon are Hydreigon is capable of outspeeding and KOing Xatu with Devastating Drake or a Life Orb boosted Orb-boosted Dark Pulse or a Dragonium Z. Choice Scarf variants can potentially flinch cause it to flinch to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead against it to set up screens. Krookodile and Bisharp also limit the effectiveness of screens due to their ability to threaten Xatu with their Dark-type STAB moves, especially Knock Off, which shortens the number of active turns of screens down to five with the loss of Light Clay makes Xatu lose its Light Clay. (dex info.) Krookodile is also faster than Xatu, which prevents Xatu from being able to set up a screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay. This makes it much harder for Xatu and its teammates to take advantage of the screens. (obvious)

**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage Coverage**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster than Xatu and threaten to KO Xatu it, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them, (AC) and they can proceed to also generate momentum on Xatu against it with Volt Switch. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. Xatu must also be careful around threats like Latias, (AC) as it can also run Electric-type coverage and potentially turn them into a powerful Gigavolt Havoc to KO Xatu and can use Gigavolt Havoc to OHKO Xatu.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They can also both use Xatu as a free opportunity to set up a Substitute, which prevents Xatu from being able to use Thunder Wave against them, and the latter can proceed to set up multiple Calm Mind boosts as a result of Xatu being unable to break their Substitute freely use Substitute to avoid Thunder Wave, and the latter can set up on it with Calm Mind.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can also proceed to Pursuit trap Xatu, (AC) allowing another member to potentially remove it easier more easily and stop it from setting dual screens being set.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it easily leading it from leading. Both of them can also being able to pressure Krookodile, who which is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave because of its Ground-typing, while Kyurem can proceed to set up a Substitute to avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Passive Knock Off users like Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Alomomola are able to punish Xatu by removing its Light Clay, which prevents Xatu from being able to set screens up reliably even though they are fairly passive and in turn reduces the number of turns Xatu's partners can take advantage of the screens.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[Amane Misa, 312356], [Martha, 384270], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [, ]]

gp 1/2

 

[Twilight]

done ready for last gp check

 

[Fireflame]

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

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[OVERVIEW]

Xatu's access to both U-turn and Magic Bounce allows it to be an effective user of dual screens for hyper offensive teams that appreciate its ability to bring sweepers in safely and keep its screens up. However,(AC) Xatu is extremely weak to common attacking types from threats like Terrakion and Mega Manectric, which makes it unable to lead and set up screens against a majority of the tier. This gives Xatu a lot of competition as a screen setter with Azelf, which is capable of setting up screens against a lot more threats due to its greater Speed tier and fewer weaknesses. Common Dark-types like Hydreigon and Krookodile can also take advantage of Xatu very easily, the latter being able to remove Xatu's Light Clay with Knock Off, which leaves its frail teammates with fewer turns to boost their stats. (I'm going to disagree with the removal of some "redundant and repetitive" information in set details that used to be here. I know that Xatu is not that good, but having only one sentence talking about its benefits and the rest of the overview talking about its weaknesses seems unappealing for readers unfamiliar with the tier, like myself. I think a second sentence explaining at least its ability to bounce back hazards as well as benefits it gives as a dual screens setter that differentiates it from other screens setters would be nice. Regardless if bouncing back hazards and using U-turn is set details info, if this is literally what makes Xatu even pickable in the tier then it should be mentioned in the overview. New readers would read this overview before looking at set details. If I saw the overview written as it is now I wouldn't even bother reading the rest of the analysis and I would just pick Azelf instead, because the benefits of Magic Bounce and U-turn aren't mentioned.)

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Light Clay
ability: Magic Bounce
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 108 Def / 76 SpD / 72 Spe

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

U-turn provides Xatu with the ability to generate momentum by slowly pivoting out and giving a teammate free switches in to take full advantage of dual screens. Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon, which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, and allows Xatu to potentially set up another screen against them. However, Xatu should not risk doing this without the benefit of Light Screen unless absolutely necessary, as Latias has a chance to KO it with Devastating Drake and can always do so with Gigavolt Havoc, while Hydreigon can commonly use boosting items such as Choice Specs or and Life Orb to KO Xatu. Xatu can also use Thunder Wave to punish key threats like Lucario and Infernape by crippling their Speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free setup opportunity.

Set Details
========

The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon and give it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. Xatu can also outspeed Adamant Tsareena and everything slower with this investment, which lets it set up screens against other threats like Volcanion, Bewear, and Bisharp that would KO it otherwise. However, Bisharp and Tsareena are both common users of Knock Off, which could detriment the effectiveness of Xatu's screens, so they should only be used as an opportunity to set up screens as a last resort. The Defense investment allows Xatu to avoid the 2HKO from Bullet Punch from Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch from full health, as long as Reflect is up after tanking the initial hit. The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature allows Xatu to always take a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon to paralyze it with Thunder Wave. Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent the opponent from removing its dual screens with Defog when it is on the field, as well as bounce bouncing back entry hazards from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert. Xatu also prevents faster Pokemon from being able to use Taunt on it, which would otherwise prevent Xatu from setting up screens or crippling something a foe with Thunder Wave.

Usage Tips
========

Xatu's primary role is to set up dual screens to help set up setup sweepers boost their stats to start breaking or sweeping. Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games,(RC) due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric that can threaten to KO it. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile that can punish and force out these threats to provide an opportunity for Xatu to set up dual screens against another foe. Xatu should attempt to set up on Pokemon like Celebi and Cobalion that are unable to effectively threaten it with their coverage options. However, Xatu should avoid unnecessary damage whenever possible by setting up screens against more passive Pokemon, such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Chesnaught, to improve its chances of setting up screens again later on in a match. Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Swampert, Xatu can switch into them to reflect back entry hazards, which can be amazing for teammates like Venomoth that do not appreciate switching into hazards and benefit from entry hazards wearing down its foes. However, this should not always be prioritized, as it can waste multiple turns of your screens, creating fewer opportunities for teammates to easily set up. Xatu can also use utilize Magic Bounce to bounce back status-inducing moves like Toxic from Pokemon such as Hippowdon and the aforementioned Swampert to cripple them while also using these passive entry hazard users as a free opportunity to set up screens. Once Xatu has set up dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor, Feraligatr, and Latias safely so that they can take advantage of Xatu's dual screens as much as possible. Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Latias from freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them.

Team Options
========

Krookodile is a great partner for Xatu that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types as well as Latias, which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up a lot of damage in conjunction with Xatu using U-turn to chip down Pokemon to help many of the setup users. Krookodile also has Taunt to prevent entry hazards and Defog from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar, which helps take pressure off Xatu having to switch in to utilize Magic Bounce. Wallbreakers like Latias and Mega Altaria work well with Xatu, as they provide a lot of defensive utility alongside having strong breaking prowess. These examples They also handle Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that can prevent Xatu from setting screens immediately. Scizor is another great partner alongside Xatu, as it appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up with Swords Dance and proceed to sweep or wallbreak. Scizor also helps revenge kill and force out Pokemon like Kyurem and Mamoswine, which Xatu invites in and struggles to set up screens against. Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot more easily. Feraligatr in particular has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu as a free opportunity to set up a Dragon Dance. Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners for Xatu. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason, as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice-locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO it or force it out. Venomoth appreciates Xatu being able to prevent Stealth Rock from going up, which Venomoth is weak to. Venomoth also appreciates screens providing it with the boost in defense to set up safely; for instance, Venomoth is capable of taking a Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch and then KOing in return with Savage Spin-Out.

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

A defensive Xatu set with an EV spread of 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe can be used on stall and semi-stall teams as a consistent pivot into the tiers tier's entry hazard setters such as Mega Aggron, Hippowdon, and Swampert that can also outspeed Scizor to potentially KO it with Heat Wave. However, it is hard to justify using this over common entry hazard removers like Gligar and Mega Altaria due to its weakness to common offensive Stealth Rock setters like Terrakion and Krookodile as well as Pursuit trappers such as Mega Aerodactyl.

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

**Dark-types**: Hydreigon is capable of outspeeding Xatu and KOing Xatu it with Devastating Drake or a Life Orb-boosted Dark Pulse. Choice Scarf variants can potentially cause it to flinch to prevent screens going up, so Xatu cannot safely lead against it to set up screens. Krookodile and Bisharp also limit the effectiveness of screens due to their ability to threaten Xatu with their Dark-type STAB moves, especially Knock Off, which makes Xatu lose its Light Clay. Krookodile is also faster than Xatu, which prevents Xatu from being able to set up a screen that has been extended in duration by Light Clay.

**Electric-types and Electric-type Coverage**: Mega Manectric and Zeraora are both faster than Xatu and threaten to KO it, preventing it from being able to set up screens safely against them, and they can also generate momentum against it with Volt Switch. They are also immune to Thunder Wave, so Xatu is unable to punish them. Xatu must also be careful around Latias, as it can run Electric-type coverage and can use Gigavolt Havoc to OHKO Xatu.

**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types like Gengar and Chandelure can threaten Xatu due to their ability to potentially KO it. They can also both freely use Substitute to avoid Thunder Wave, and the latter can set up on it with Calm Mind.

**Rock-types**: Nihilego, Mega Aerodactyl, and Terrakion can all prevent Xatu from being able to set up screens safely. Mega Aerodactyl can also Pursuit trap Xatu, allowing another member to potentially remove it more easily and stop it from setting up dual screens.

**Ice-types**: Mamoswine and Kyurem can easily threaten to KO Xatu and prevent it from leading. Both of them can also pressure Krookodile, which is a common partner alongside Xatu. Mamoswine is also immune to Thunder Wave, while Kyurem can set up a Substitute to avoid being paralyzed.

**Knock Off**: Passive Knock Off users like Tentacruel, Empoleon, and Alomomola are able to punish Xatu by removing its Light Clay, which reduces the number of turns Xatu's partners can take advantage of the screens.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Twilight, 344575]]
- Quality checked by: [[Amane Misa, 312356], [Martha, 384270], [A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157], [, ]]

GP 2/2