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A Competitive Guide
Million Daggers' Wonderful World Of Ubers
Contents:
__Introduction
__Section 1
1.1 The definition of Uber.
1.2 Meet the Ubers
1.2(a) The Offensive
1.2(b) The Defensive
1.2(c) The Multitaskers
1.2(d) The Wobb
1.3 Non-Ubers in Ubers?
1.4 Team roles
__Section 2
2.1 Team Building Basics
2.2 Implementing A Strategy
2.3 Refining your team: the metagame changes!
2.4 A Sample Team
__Section 3
3.1 Conclusion
3.2 Credits and Acknowledgments
Introduction
Hello reader, and welcome to the wonderful world of Ubers. I realise that not many people on this site battle in ubers, and many veterans, as well as newcomers, deem Tier 1 as simply too easy and 'wtfail!', respectively. Now I do not consider myself a veteran, but I'm no beginner either-- Ubers is a game of its own, rife with strategy and skill.
The fact that it's so hideously unbalanced is a testament to the role prediction plays. It's a realm where the standard is turned upside down: where Shedinja is viable and Tyranitar is merely a secondary weather generator. A place where Exeggutor and Shiftry excel, taking the top grasser spot over Celebi and Breloom.
The Uber tier, ladies and gentlemen, is not for lightweights.
Section 1
1.1: The Definition of Uber
The definition of Uber is very debatable. The view of Smogon, may be different to the view of, say, Colin of Shoddy and even then different from the view of any other Pokemon veteran.
X-Act defines 'Uberdom' as: "A set of Pokemon which, when removed from the standard metagame, produces the highest amount of usable Pokemon."
What he's saying is basically that Ubers are a group of Pokemon that, having been deemed overcentralising or decidedly uncounterable to fit in Standard play:
Many new players ask why Wobbuffet is Uber (or was at least), it has pretty miserable base stats apart from HP, its moveset is pretty limited and it doesn't look cool enough (which is surprisingly a common statement).
Wobbuffet (and to an extent, Wynaut) is Uber because of this aforementioned HP, combined with the horribly annoying Shadow Tag and it's Counter/Mirror Coat/Encore combo, which essentially ensures, if not a KO, then a free set up. The only way to beat Shadow Tag is by carrying a Shed Shell and/or the ability to U-Turn/Baton Pass on every Pokemon, thus not only being uncounterable, but also overcentralising. Proponents of this notion must also consider the abilities of the Arena Trappers (Dugtrio and Trapinch), as well as Magnet Pullers (Magneton/zone and Probopass), though they only trap a particular subset of Pokemon (non-Flyer/Levitators and Steel types, as well as not having a movepool which complements itself so well).
Another common suggestion is that we allow the weather Ubers, Groudon and Kyogre into OU, we would let a whole set of Pokemon become viable. True, the likes of Kingdra, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Sheddy would have a riot, but in order to counter the massive influx of Swift Swimmers and Chlorophyll users one must keep on their team their own weather user (leading to an obvious decline in TTar use) as well as a Groudon/Kyogre counter. Statistically, abusers of the weather would go up, whilst many Pokemon are outsourced by others who can fulfil their roles better (many bulky waters, many fire attackers, to name a few, would see less use); once again, this is, based on statistics alone, is overcentralising.
The nature of being ‘uncounterable’, is similarly based on such statistical use. A Pokemon with base stats much higher than the average (600 and above), coupled with a beastly movepool is a force to be reckoned with in the standard. For the sake of argument we will call this example, Mewtwo. Give it Boltbeam, Aura Sphere/Psychic, Dark Pulse, Taunt, Recover, Nasty Plot, CM, a whole array of Physical attacks-- what have you. Now it is capable of destroying, with the utilisation of its by no means bad defences (bulky subs, to boot), every single major OU wall.
Certainly one can switch a Pokemon into it to KO it (albeit a scarfed Pokemon or one with a priority move), but this drives us into an entirely new concept of a 'revenge kill'. The point is, an OU Pokemon cannot switch into an attack and live-- a trainer must sacrifice his or her Pokemon, in order to beat it. In other words, Mewtwo, is uncounterable in standard.
It can however, be countered to an extent by Kyogre and Ho-oh, its fellow Ubers
Counters also concern themselves with defensive Ubers. Lugia for example doesn't have particularly great attack stats. A Pokemon like Bronzong can easily switch into an Ice Beam or Psychic/Thunderbolt (though the standard often caries Thunder), if it were to copete in OU. Granted Bronzong could take the attack, but after a CM or two, Lugia would make mince meat of it, while it could do nothing in return but throw off Gyro Balls and possibly Explode (which would not KO).
Once again, Lugia, is uncounterable.
On a final note I feel I should close with the fact that a Pokemon should never be considered OU simply because it would not see useability in Ubers.
To quote Hipmonlee:
[QUOTE]The Uber tier exists to fit pokemon that would be broken in OU. If this means they never ever see use, then that is unfortunate, but that is how it will be.[/QUOTE]
The arguments that are against sending the likes of Tyranitar, Chomp and Celebi (conversley Mew and Wobb to OU), on the simple basis that they would not be used, have not undergone enough research, or spent enough time in Ubers, to be making any such suggestion.
Section 1.2: Meet the Ubers
1.1 (a): The Offensive
Ubers is a primarily Special based metagame, however the vast majority of sweepers with even attack stats in the medium to high 400s, unpredictability comes into play once more. Let's look at them all:
Attack Form Deoxys (Deoxys-A)
Significant Stats
Atk: 180
SpAtk: 180
Spd: 150
With 504 max attack on both sides, Attack Form Deoxys has the highest offensive capability in the game and the Uber's heavy hitting glass cannon (at 50 base HP and flismy 20 base Defences). It is also the prime sweeper, beaten only by its (now OU) brother, Deoxys-S and Ninjask (who needn't be botheing with this tier, unless its a CB version).
That aside, Deoxys-A, can be geared to OHKO-2HKO everything in the game. But there is a clinch, Deoxys-A will be hard pressed switching into any attack at all, SR damage coupled with LO recoil is its bane, and one of the main reasons why it is not as popular as other sweepers of its ilk.
When it does get in however, you'll have a horrible fight on your hands. It's sets, written by Ruesap, can be viewed here.
Prediction is often seen as the best counter. Common switches to D-A are Arceus (Bug ;252 HP/252 SpDef), which soaks up most, if not all attacks, attacks, bar a Specs Psycho Boost or CB Fire Punch (SR also screws it over). Giratina/Ghost Arceus stops the random Counter Sash set and can switch into any Choiced Superpowers with impunity, KOing with Shadow Claw. Ho-oh can move in on all Special sets, shrugging off Superpower, but also watching out for a Thunder or CB Thunderpunch which will OHKO 100% of the time.
Steel types, like Metagross and Scizor can swith into Ice, Psychic, Grass or Ghost attacks, KOing with Pursuit, or a CB Bullet Punch from Metagross. Spirtomb beats the Mirror Coat/Counter Sets, and beating Deoxys with its immunity to its signature attacks, Psycho Boost and Superpower, KOing with Shadow Sneak and Pursuit. CB Dugtrio, with Sucker Punch, is an excellent revenge killer for all sets.
Blissey, on the other hand, should limit switching in, as a predicted Superpower (standard on all sets) will remind her why she's OU.
Mewtwo
Significant Stats
HP: 106
Atk: 110
SpAtk: 154
Defences: 90
Spd: 130
It was the god of the primary colours, Mewtwo was better then ever at the advent of the fourth generation. The first thing you'll notice is that all of its stats are significant. It's decent defences make sure that it's most effective sets (Calm Minders), well, effective; by nullifying every Uber tank in the metagame:
Mewtwo @ Leftovers
Timid
42 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
~ Calm Mind
~ Substitute
~ Ice Beam
~ Recover / Aura Sphere
Mewtwo @ Leftovers
Timid - 54 HP, 216 Speed, 236 SpAtk
Pressure
~ Calm Mind
~ Taunt
~ Recover / Aura Sphere
~ Shadow Ball
Notice how a non-Recoverer is owned by Blissey? There you go...
216 EVs and a +Speed nature will let you outspeed non-Scarfed Darkrai and Mewtwo. Similarly, with a 204 EV investment in HP, Mewtwo can create 101 subs that cannot be broken by an S-Toss or Nightshade.
The other sets were, once again written by Ruesap, here.
Mewtwo has been popular for a reason, it's sets are, each to their own, all extremely effective. It's not uncommon to hear whole teams being swept by this mutant bastard, the Uber walls, Lugia, Giratina, Deoxys-D are all proper countered.
However, it is not without any itself. A Blissey will wall it to tears as long as it does not carry F-Punch or 101 Substitutes, whilst threatening with a 60% paralysis, 100% accurate (in rain), Thunder. Any set without Thunder is beaten by Ho-oh (Sacred Fire hits the other defence and Punishment beats CM), who switches nicely into Ice Beam and A. Sphere. CM Kyogre also comes in for a stall war, but with the advantage of a double power Surf.
Of course, CM sets are not all there is to look out for, Arceus (Ghost type is common, but watch out for Bulk Up Shadow Claws and standard Shadow Balls), like always can be geared to counter him, and sets without a fire attack are countered by X-Scissor Scizor and Pursuit Metagross, put in the Steel type's case you should aim to switch into a Choice set.
The rare status Mewtwo, which can carry either T-Wave or Will-o-wisp, can be scouted by Blissey as they will ruin all counters (Physical ones, bar Ho-oh, and Speed based ones)
Rayquaza
Significant Stats
HP: 105
Atk: 150
SpAtk: 150
A whopping dual set of attacks, coupled with a great ability in Ubers as well as DD for a stat up move. Rayquaza is one of the game's most potent late game sweepers (arguably loosing the top-spot to SD Extremespeed Arceus).
This is the standard set, rarely will you see anyone deviate from it:
Rayquaza "DDquaza" @ Life Orb
Adamant - 252 Atk, 252 Speed, 6 SpAtk
Air Lock
~ Dragon Dance
~ Outrage
~ Earthquake
~ Overheat
NOTE: Many sets run Focus Sash to get a DD in and survive an Ice Beam
(The rest of the sets can be viewed here, written by Anubis Zero)
Due to SR however and the lack of easy switch ins make it somewhat hard to use without its own SR support and Rapid Spin. Aside from that there is really not much else to say, without a reliable counter, a Rayquaza with a DD under its belt will decimate half your team until either LO recoil takes its toll or it KOs itself from confusion.
The best counters are all Steel types switching into Outrages. Forretress may come in and Spike up, Skarm can phaze it away, Steel Arceus (or any Arceus not weak to Ground or Dragon, with a minimum of 64 Def EVs and max HP) can survive an LO boosted, once DD'd Outrage and KO with Ice Beam. Metagross does the same thing, sKOing instead with Meteor Mash or Ice Punch, and finally Heatran can absorb Overheats and KO with a Scarfed Ice Beam or Dragon Pulse.
Other than those, revenge killers, basically anything with a Choice Scarf and Ice attack can come in after a KO and finish old King Quaza.
Kyogre
Significant Stats:
HP: 100
Atk: 100
SpAtk: 150
SpDef: 140
Arguably the most popular Pokemon of Ubers, and the premier weather starter.
Kyogre @ Choice Scarf
Mild - 248 SpAtk, 96 Atk, 164 Speed
Drizzle
~ Water Spout
~ Aqua Tail / Waterfall
~ Thunder
~ Ice Beam
This set, common though it may be is best explained by Ruesap (his other sets viewable here:
[QUOTE]The most popular set for the most popular uber, it seems. Choice Scarf gives Kyuber, sorry, Kyogre, great speed to go with its massive base 150 SpAtk and 150 BP Water Spout, at full health. Since you'll be outspeeding most ubers, Water Spout will be at full power until you get hit. Nothing in ubers except for Blissey can switch safely into a STAB'd Rain Dance boosted 100% health Water Spout. That's what Aqua Tail / Waterfall is for. With the given EVs, Aqua Tail 2HKOs common ubers Blissey 51% of the time (although less, given Aqua Tail's 90% accuracy). Waterfall is also an option for the flinch chance, so Blissey can't use Thunder against you if it works. Thunder is a great move with 100% accuracy because of Drizzle, and Ice Beam is for Groudon, the Latis, and Rayquaza. The Speed EVs let Kyogre reach 385 speed, and outspeed both +Speed Darkrai and the Mewtwo that aims to outspeed Darkrai.[/QUOTE]
Kyogre is uncounterable with thi moveset, except by Blissey which is, as mentioned above, 2HKO'd in the Rain. Choice Scarf'd Kyogre like this are mostly beaten by CM/Psych Up Blissey (switchng into non-physical attacks) and Palkia (switching into any Water attack and 3HKOing (less with Specs), nut perhaps Latias is the best counter with Grass Knot, a resistance to all attacks (except Ice Beam) and Wish off the damage. These sets, besides Palkia who is 2HKO'd by Thunder (after one CM), will also beat CM sets (provided it doesn't get too much of a boost). Grass Knot Arceus switches into any attack except Ice-Beam, hitting back with STAB Grass-Knot or Judgement.
Non-Ubers which beat the Choice sets include: Lapras, with Water Absorb, switching into Ice or Water attacks (Lapras beats all sets without Thunder (Restalker/Subminders), Quagsire (yes, Quagsire) who switches into any Choiced non-Icebeam (2HKOing with CB Earthquake), and Shedninja (who has warranted the use of Toxic or Hidden Power on many Ubers). Dugtrio traps it, in a Choiced Thunder, and KOs with EQ.
It is good to note, that once one has removed a large section of Kyogre's HP, Water pout's power is reuced by a significant proportion.
Groudon
Palkia
Significant Stats
Atk: 120
SpAtk: 150
Spd: 100
While Mewtwo is the king of stat-upping, Palkia is the god of Mix Attacking. The render of space is nigh uncounterable even in the unbalanced Uber metagame, due to the omnipresence of rain.
Palkia does, however, have a downside: it function well only in that aforementioned rain, otherwise it is outclassed by Latios.
This is not to say that one should pick Latios over it, by no means. Palkia has, for one, less weaknesses (an Electric neutrality in a Thunder happy metagame is quite handy, but watch out for Paralysis). It also carries a considerably higher Base attack stat and boasts the aforementioned title of being nigh uncounterable. To better explain this, we can look at its most common moveset (the others written by, you guessed it, Ruesap, right here):
Palkia @ Choice Specs/Lustrous Orb/Life Orb
Hasty 252 SpAtk, 216 Speed, 24 Atk, 16 SpDef
Pressure
~ Spacial Rend / Draco Meteor
~ Surf
~ Thunder
~ Aqua Tail
The first thing we notice is the three usable items. Choice Specs shall provide you with raw power, a Specs Surf under rain will 2HKO its brother Dialga and all non-resistant Arceus. However, without versatility Palkia's potential is wasted. Lustrous Orb multiplies Water and Dragon attacks by 1.2, 2HKOing Uber Blissey (252 Def/Neutral) all the time, under rain (52%-61%, under rain without Orb boost). Life Orb boosts all attacks at the cost of HP recoil, which is often neglible.
Under Rain, Surf beats out Draco-Meteor in terms of damage, and thus Spacial Rend is often the better choice, OHKOing all Dragons in the game (besides Dialga, Giratina and max Defence Latias).
As far as counters go, Blissey beats sets without Aqua Tail or a Rain boost, Subpunch sets will, however pose a problem. Grass Arceus can switch into every attack with relative ease (surviving an LO Spacial Rend) and KO with Grass Knot or Judgement (with STAB). Bulky Latias can switch into everything except Dragon Attacks, outspeeding (with Timid) and countering with her own Dragon Pulse. The Specs set can often be beaten with prediction; Rayquaza handles all Choiced Water attacks while Groudon can survive Aqua Tail, and start up the sun.
On a side note, Shedinja beats all Special sets, as Choice Banders and Bulk uppers carry Shadow Claw/Stone Edge.
Dialga
Latios
Significant Stats
SpAtk: 130 [without Soul Dew boost]
SpDef: 110 [without Soul Dew boost]
Spd: 110
Soul Dew is such a great item, boosting Latios' already high SpAtk and SpDef to astronomical new highs. And this reason alone gives Latios the credibility to be a CM sweeper. Often when Latios gets a boost in the opponent switches to a Physical attacker, Groudon (KOs with Shadow Claw) or Ho-oh (with Punishment), which promptly is countered with Grass Knot (in the case of Groudon) and Thunder (for Ho-oh, who can be geared to survive the attack). The problem is most sets run either Boltbeam or GrassPulse, which can be ruined by one of the aforementioned counters.
In the sun, it is common to run HP [Fire], always on the lookout for greedy Heatran. One last note is that Latios is fast, uncommonly so, it can be EVed to beat Palkia (as mentioned above), all the way to ScarfTar and Garchomp, finally maxing (not recommended) to beat neutral Darkrai.
Despite all Latios, without a physical attack is trumped by Blissey. CM Bliss (and Psych Up Bliss) tears through all sets, while the simple Toxi-Bliss will beat anything without Refresh/Safeguard/Psycho Shift. Metagross switches into many attacks with its fabulous resitances, OHKOing with CB Pursuit or Meteor Mash (watch out for random EQs from DD sets). In much the same way, TTar in Sandstream can switch in and OHKO with Crunch, but must be wary of boosted Grass Knots. Dark, Bug or Steel Arceus can beat many of its sets.
Yes, Ruesap wrote its sets
Latias
Darkrai
Significant Stats
SpAtk: 135
Atk: 90
Spd: 125
Dark Void and Bad Dreams is an excellent strategy in negating LO recoil, while simultaneously being the fastest Uber sleeper. It is very versatile with a range of attacks and movesets but quite frail and not as hard hitting as the rest of the gang. It is not a huge threat but one must always be wary to loosing a Pokemon to Bad Dreams (Darkrai is also well known for KOing Blissey on the Aromatherapy switch-in, with Focus Punch).
Darkrai "Boltbeam" @ Life Orb / Wide Lens
Timid 252 SpAtk, 176 Speed, 80 HP
Bad Dreams
~ Dark Void
~ Dark Pulse
~ Spacial Rend / Ice Beam
~ Thunder / Thunderbolt
For further sets, see Ruesap's (the Scarfer and Double Statusers are oarticularly nice, imo) analysis
Like Breloom or really, any sleeper, its counters are limited as they are all shut-down by Dark Void; however, a player can weave around this with the common Restalker (provided Darkrai does nto carry Taunt). Restalking Dialga beats all non-Taunting CM sets, shrugging off attacks and hitting with Dragon Claw , while Fighting/Bug Arceus take centre stage once more, shrugging off most hits, bar the not uncommon Ice Beam and rare Psychic (which Scarf Heracross takes advantage of this quite obscenely). Any set without an Electric attack will be hard pressed dealing with Ho-oh.
Overall Darkrai does not have counters in the general sense. It's use of Taunt shuts down Sleep Talkers, while Focus Punch beats Blissey one-on-one all the time. Using two Pokemon (one to take the sleep and the other to countr), Darkrai can be beaten. Darkrai is invaluable in Ubers, not because of its stats, but because of its sleep move and STAB on the most important Attack Type in the metagame.
Ho-oh
Significant Stats:
HP: 106
Atk: 130
SpAtk: 110
SpDef: 154
Sets written by the elusive Wiik_23 (this analysis is soon to be rewritten)
A 4x weak to SR has not been kind to Ho-oh and it can no longer ever function as a decent defensive Uber. Now it is stuck to a mediocre attacking position, partnered with Groudon.
Depending on the eye of the beholder, however, Ho-oh can be a godsend. Sacred Fire hits many Ubers in their lower defensive stat, while simultaneously waving around a 50% Burn rate. Punishment is also great for deaing Super Effective damage to CM Lugia, Mewtwo and Latias. When EVing him make sure that Ho-oh's HP is always an odd number. This lets him switch into Stealth Rock twice and survive, whereas an even numbered HP stat would mean two hits of Stealth Rock will kill him off.
It also has great dual attacking stats and great SpDef and HP. Although its major STAB is wasted upon a game rife with Waters and Dragons (and non-Physical attackers). CM Ho-oh's are beaten by Lati@s, Palkia (with a higher base speed) and Kyogre almost all the time. Kyogre also beats the CB set, though should watch out for EQ (which the Dragons are immune to). Ho-oh often contents itself with statusing its enemies with T-Wave and Burn. This is something all trainers should watch out for.
Manaphy
Significant Stats:
All stats: 100
Tail glow sweeping manaphy...
Deoxys
Deoxys-S
Debated Uber
Discuss
Significant Stats:
blah
1.2 (b): The Defensive
This section doesn't necessarily encompass the walls of Uber, rather those that can hold off many an attack and hit back hard. CMers such as Mewtwo, Latios and many others, do not belong here, because they cannot defend without set-up. Similarly others are not inducted because they are outsourced by other Pokemon (Kyogre is not included, for example because it is outclassed by Lugia and Bliisey) -- these Pokemon, for the majority of the time are there to shrug off blows and provide some much needed team support:
Lugia
Significant Stats:
HP: 106
Def: 130
SpDef 154
Spd: 110
Giratina
Deoxys-D
Dialga
http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/dp/383.png
Groudon
Latias
1.3 (b): The Multitaskers
Arceus
Mew
1.2 (d): Wobbuffet
It gets its own section!?
Wobbuffet
Significant Stats
Discuss
.....
TO BE CONTINUED. ALL UBERS VETS PLEASE READ AND CRITICIZE AND SUGGEST AND STUFF.
Contents:
__Introduction
__Section 1
1.1 The definition of Uber.
1.2 Meet the Ubers
1.2(a) The Offensive
1.2(b) The Defensive
1.2(c) The Multitaskers
1.2(d) The Wobb
1.3 Non-Ubers in Ubers?
1.4 Team roles
__Section 2
2.1 Team Building Basics
2.2 Implementing A Strategy
2.3 Refining your team: the metagame changes!
2.4 A Sample Team
__Section 3
3.1 Conclusion
3.2 Credits and Acknowledgments
Introduction
Hello reader, and welcome to the wonderful world of Ubers. I realise that not many people on this site battle in ubers, and many veterans, as well as newcomers, deem Tier 1 as simply too easy and 'wtfail!', respectively. Now I do not consider myself a veteran, but I'm no beginner either-- Ubers is a game of its own, rife with strategy and skill.
The fact that it's so hideously unbalanced is a testament to the role prediction plays. It's a realm where the standard is turned upside down: where Shedinja is viable and Tyranitar is merely a secondary weather generator. A place where Exeggutor and Shiftry excel, taking the top grasser spot over Celebi and Breloom.
The Uber tier, ladies and gentlemen, is not for lightweights.
Section 1
1.1: The Definition of Uber
The definition of Uber is very debatable. The view of Smogon, may be different to the view of, say, Colin of Shoddy and even then different from the view of any other Pokemon veteran.
X-Act defines 'Uberdom' as: "A set of Pokemon which, when removed from the standard metagame, produces the highest amount of usable Pokemon."
What he's saying is basically that Ubers are a group of Pokemon that, having been deemed overcentralising or decidedly uncounterable to fit in Standard play:
Many new players ask why Wobbuffet is Uber (or was at least), it has pretty miserable base stats apart from HP, its moveset is pretty limited and it doesn't look cool enough (which is surprisingly a common statement).
Wobbuffet (and to an extent, Wynaut) is Uber because of this aforementioned HP, combined with the horribly annoying Shadow Tag and it's Counter/Mirror Coat/Encore combo, which essentially ensures, if not a KO, then a free set up. The only way to beat Shadow Tag is by carrying a Shed Shell and/or the ability to U-Turn/Baton Pass on every Pokemon, thus not only being uncounterable, but also overcentralising. Proponents of this notion must also consider the abilities of the Arena Trappers (Dugtrio and Trapinch), as well as Magnet Pullers (Magneton/zone and Probopass), though they only trap a particular subset of Pokemon (non-Flyer/Levitators and Steel types, as well as not having a movepool which complements itself so well).
Another common suggestion is that we allow the weather Ubers, Groudon and Kyogre into OU, we would let a whole set of Pokemon become viable. True, the likes of Kingdra, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Sheddy would have a riot, but in order to counter the massive influx of Swift Swimmers and Chlorophyll users one must keep on their team their own weather user (leading to an obvious decline in TTar use) as well as a Groudon/Kyogre counter. Statistically, abusers of the weather would go up, whilst many Pokemon are outsourced by others who can fulfil their roles better (many bulky waters, many fire attackers, to name a few, would see less use); once again, this is, based on statistics alone, is overcentralising.
The nature of being ‘uncounterable’, is similarly based on such statistical use. A Pokemon with base stats much higher than the average (600 and above), coupled with a beastly movepool is a force to be reckoned with in the standard. For the sake of argument we will call this example, Mewtwo. Give it Boltbeam, Aura Sphere/Psychic, Dark Pulse, Taunt, Recover, Nasty Plot, CM, a whole array of Physical attacks-- what have you. Now it is capable of destroying, with the utilisation of its by no means bad defences (bulky subs, to boot), every single major OU wall.
Certainly one can switch a Pokemon into it to KO it (albeit a scarfed Pokemon or one with a priority move), but this drives us into an entirely new concept of a 'revenge kill'. The point is, an OU Pokemon cannot switch into an attack and live-- a trainer must sacrifice his or her Pokemon, in order to beat it. In other words, Mewtwo, is uncounterable in standard.
It can however, be countered to an extent by Kyogre and Ho-oh, its fellow Ubers
Counters also concern themselves with defensive Ubers. Lugia for example doesn't have particularly great attack stats. A Pokemon like Bronzong can easily switch into an Ice Beam or Psychic/Thunderbolt (though the standard often caries Thunder), if it were to copete in OU. Granted Bronzong could take the attack, but after a CM or two, Lugia would make mince meat of it, while it could do nothing in return but throw off Gyro Balls and possibly Explode (which would not KO).
Once again, Lugia, is uncounterable.
On a final note I feel I should close with the fact that a Pokemon should never be considered OU simply because it would not see useability in Ubers.
To quote Hipmonlee:
[QUOTE]The Uber tier exists to fit pokemon that would be broken in OU. If this means they never ever see use, then that is unfortunate, but that is how it will be.[/QUOTE]
The arguments that are against sending the likes of Tyranitar, Chomp and Celebi (conversley Mew and Wobb to OU), on the simple basis that they would not be used, have not undergone enough research, or spent enough time in Ubers, to be making any such suggestion.
Section 1.2: Meet the Ubers
1.1 (a): The Offensive
Ubers is a primarily Special based metagame, however the vast majority of sweepers with even attack stats in the medium to high 400s, unpredictability comes into play once more. Let's look at them all:
Attack Form Deoxys (Deoxys-A)
Significant Stats
Atk: 180
SpAtk: 180
Spd: 150
With 504 max attack on both sides, Attack Form Deoxys has the highest offensive capability in the game and the Uber's heavy hitting glass cannon (at 50 base HP and flismy 20 base Defences). It is also the prime sweeper, beaten only by its (now OU) brother, Deoxys-S and Ninjask (who needn't be botheing with this tier, unless its a CB version).
That aside, Deoxys-A, can be geared to OHKO-2HKO everything in the game. But there is a clinch, Deoxys-A will be hard pressed switching into any attack at all, SR damage coupled with LO recoil is its bane, and one of the main reasons why it is not as popular as other sweepers of its ilk.
When it does get in however, you'll have a horrible fight on your hands. It's sets, written by Ruesap, can be viewed here.
Prediction is often seen as the best counter. Common switches to D-A are Arceus (Bug ;252 HP/252 SpDef), which soaks up most, if not all attacks, attacks, bar a Specs Psycho Boost or CB Fire Punch (SR also screws it over). Giratina/Ghost Arceus stops the random Counter Sash set and can switch into any Choiced Superpowers with impunity, KOing with Shadow Claw. Ho-oh can move in on all Special sets, shrugging off Superpower, but also watching out for a Thunder or CB Thunderpunch which will OHKO 100% of the time.
Steel types, like Metagross and Scizor can swith into Ice, Psychic, Grass or Ghost attacks, KOing with Pursuit, or a CB Bullet Punch from Metagross. Spirtomb beats the Mirror Coat/Counter Sets, and beating Deoxys with its immunity to its signature attacks, Psycho Boost and Superpower, KOing with Shadow Sneak and Pursuit. CB Dugtrio, with Sucker Punch, is an excellent revenge killer for all sets.
Blissey, on the other hand, should limit switching in, as a predicted Superpower (standard on all sets) will remind her why she's OU.
Mewtwo
Significant Stats
HP: 106
Atk: 110
SpAtk: 154
Defences: 90
Spd: 130
It was the god of the primary colours, Mewtwo was better then ever at the advent of the fourth generation. The first thing you'll notice is that all of its stats are significant. It's decent defences make sure that it's most effective sets (Calm Minders), well, effective; by nullifying every Uber tank in the metagame:
Mewtwo @ Leftovers
Timid
42 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe
~ Calm Mind
~ Substitute
~ Ice Beam
~ Recover / Aura Sphere
Mewtwo @ Leftovers
Timid - 54 HP, 216 Speed, 236 SpAtk
Pressure
~ Calm Mind
~ Taunt
~ Recover / Aura Sphere
~ Shadow Ball
Notice how a non-Recoverer is owned by Blissey? There you go...
216 EVs and a +Speed nature will let you outspeed non-Scarfed Darkrai and Mewtwo. Similarly, with a 204 EV investment in HP, Mewtwo can create 101 subs that cannot be broken by an S-Toss or Nightshade.
The other sets were, once again written by Ruesap, here.
Mewtwo has been popular for a reason, it's sets are, each to their own, all extremely effective. It's not uncommon to hear whole teams being swept by this mutant bastard, the Uber walls, Lugia, Giratina, Deoxys-D are all proper countered.
However, it is not without any itself. A Blissey will wall it to tears as long as it does not carry F-Punch or 101 Substitutes, whilst threatening with a 60% paralysis, 100% accurate (in rain), Thunder. Any set without Thunder is beaten by Ho-oh (Sacred Fire hits the other defence and Punishment beats CM), who switches nicely into Ice Beam and A. Sphere. CM Kyogre also comes in for a stall war, but with the advantage of a double power Surf.
Of course, CM sets are not all there is to look out for, Arceus (Ghost type is common, but watch out for Bulk Up Shadow Claws and standard Shadow Balls), like always can be geared to counter him, and sets without a fire attack are countered by X-Scissor Scizor and Pursuit Metagross, put in the Steel type's case you should aim to switch into a Choice set.
The rare status Mewtwo, which can carry either T-Wave or Will-o-wisp, can be scouted by Blissey as they will ruin all counters (Physical ones, bar Ho-oh, and Speed based ones)
Rayquaza
Significant Stats
HP: 105
Atk: 150
SpAtk: 150
A whopping dual set of attacks, coupled with a great ability in Ubers as well as DD for a stat up move. Rayquaza is one of the game's most potent late game sweepers (arguably loosing the top-spot to SD Extremespeed Arceus).
This is the standard set, rarely will you see anyone deviate from it:
Rayquaza "DDquaza" @ Life Orb
Adamant - 252 Atk, 252 Speed, 6 SpAtk
Air Lock
~ Dragon Dance
~ Outrage
~ Earthquake
~ Overheat
NOTE: Many sets run Focus Sash to get a DD in and survive an Ice Beam
(The rest of the sets can be viewed here, written by Anubis Zero)
Due to SR however and the lack of easy switch ins make it somewhat hard to use without its own SR support and Rapid Spin. Aside from that there is really not much else to say, without a reliable counter, a Rayquaza with a DD under its belt will decimate half your team until either LO recoil takes its toll or it KOs itself from confusion.
The best counters are all Steel types switching into Outrages. Forretress may come in and Spike up, Skarm can phaze it away, Steel Arceus (or any Arceus not weak to Ground or Dragon, with a minimum of 64 Def EVs and max HP) can survive an LO boosted, once DD'd Outrage and KO with Ice Beam. Metagross does the same thing, sKOing instead with Meteor Mash or Ice Punch, and finally Heatran can absorb Overheats and KO with a Scarfed Ice Beam or Dragon Pulse.
Other than those, revenge killers, basically anything with a Choice Scarf and Ice attack can come in after a KO and finish old King Quaza.
Kyogre
Significant Stats:
HP: 100
Atk: 100
SpAtk: 150
SpDef: 140
Arguably the most popular Pokemon of Ubers, and the premier weather starter.
Kyogre @ Choice Scarf
Mild - 248 SpAtk, 96 Atk, 164 Speed
Drizzle
~ Water Spout
~ Aqua Tail / Waterfall
~ Thunder
~ Ice Beam
This set, common though it may be is best explained by Ruesap (his other sets viewable here:
[QUOTE]The most popular set for the most popular uber, it seems. Choice Scarf gives Kyuber, sorry, Kyogre, great speed to go with its massive base 150 SpAtk and 150 BP Water Spout, at full health. Since you'll be outspeeding most ubers, Water Spout will be at full power until you get hit. Nothing in ubers except for Blissey can switch safely into a STAB'd Rain Dance boosted 100% health Water Spout. That's what Aqua Tail / Waterfall is for. With the given EVs, Aqua Tail 2HKOs common ubers Blissey 51% of the time (although less, given Aqua Tail's 90% accuracy). Waterfall is also an option for the flinch chance, so Blissey can't use Thunder against you if it works. Thunder is a great move with 100% accuracy because of Drizzle, and Ice Beam is for Groudon, the Latis, and Rayquaza. The Speed EVs let Kyogre reach 385 speed, and outspeed both +Speed Darkrai and the Mewtwo that aims to outspeed Darkrai.[/QUOTE]
Kyogre is uncounterable with thi moveset, except by Blissey which is, as mentioned above, 2HKO'd in the Rain. Choice Scarf'd Kyogre like this are mostly beaten by CM/Psych Up Blissey (switchng into non-physical attacks) and Palkia (switching into any Water attack and 3HKOing (less with Specs), nut perhaps Latias is the best counter with Grass Knot, a resistance to all attacks (except Ice Beam) and Wish off the damage. These sets, besides Palkia who is 2HKO'd by Thunder (after one CM), will also beat CM sets (provided it doesn't get too much of a boost). Grass Knot Arceus switches into any attack except Ice-Beam, hitting back with STAB Grass-Knot or Judgement.
Non-Ubers which beat the Choice sets include: Lapras, with Water Absorb, switching into Ice or Water attacks (Lapras beats all sets without Thunder (Restalker/Subminders), Quagsire (yes, Quagsire) who switches into any Choiced non-Icebeam (2HKOing with CB Earthquake), and Shedninja (who has warranted the use of Toxic or Hidden Power on many Ubers). Dugtrio traps it, in a Choiced Thunder, and KOs with EQ.
It is good to note, that once one has removed a large section of Kyogre's HP, Water pout's power is reuced by a significant proportion.
Groudon
Palkia
Significant Stats
Atk: 120
SpAtk: 150
Spd: 100
While Mewtwo is the king of stat-upping, Palkia is the god of Mix Attacking. The render of space is nigh uncounterable even in the unbalanced Uber metagame, due to the omnipresence of rain.
Palkia does, however, have a downside: it function well only in that aforementioned rain, otherwise it is outclassed by Latios.
This is not to say that one should pick Latios over it, by no means. Palkia has, for one, less weaknesses (an Electric neutrality in a Thunder happy metagame is quite handy, but watch out for Paralysis). It also carries a considerably higher Base attack stat and boasts the aforementioned title of being nigh uncounterable. To better explain this, we can look at its most common moveset (the others written by, you guessed it, Ruesap, right here):
Palkia @ Choice Specs/Lustrous Orb/Life Orb
Hasty 252 SpAtk, 216 Speed, 24 Atk, 16 SpDef
Pressure
~ Spacial Rend / Draco Meteor
~ Surf
~ Thunder
~ Aqua Tail
The first thing we notice is the three usable items. Choice Specs shall provide you with raw power, a Specs Surf under rain will 2HKO its brother Dialga and all non-resistant Arceus. However, without versatility Palkia's potential is wasted. Lustrous Orb multiplies Water and Dragon attacks by 1.2, 2HKOing Uber Blissey (252 Def/Neutral) all the time, under rain (52%-61%, under rain without Orb boost). Life Orb boosts all attacks at the cost of HP recoil, which is often neglible.
Under Rain, Surf beats out Draco-Meteor in terms of damage, and thus Spacial Rend is often the better choice, OHKOing all Dragons in the game (besides Dialga, Giratina and max Defence Latias).
As far as counters go, Blissey beats sets without Aqua Tail or a Rain boost, Subpunch sets will, however pose a problem. Grass Arceus can switch into every attack with relative ease (surviving an LO Spacial Rend) and KO with Grass Knot or Judgement (with STAB). Bulky Latias can switch into everything except Dragon Attacks, outspeeding (with Timid) and countering with her own Dragon Pulse. The Specs set can often be beaten with prediction; Rayquaza handles all Choiced Water attacks while Groudon can survive Aqua Tail, and start up the sun.
On a side note, Shedinja beats all Special sets, as Choice Banders and Bulk uppers carry Shadow Claw/Stone Edge.
Dialga
Latios
Significant Stats
SpAtk: 130 [without Soul Dew boost]
SpDef: 110 [without Soul Dew boost]
Spd: 110
Soul Dew is such a great item, boosting Latios' already high SpAtk and SpDef to astronomical new highs. And this reason alone gives Latios the credibility to be a CM sweeper. Often when Latios gets a boost in the opponent switches to a Physical attacker, Groudon (KOs with Shadow Claw) or Ho-oh (with Punishment), which promptly is countered with Grass Knot (in the case of Groudon) and Thunder (for Ho-oh, who can be geared to survive the attack). The problem is most sets run either Boltbeam or GrassPulse, which can be ruined by one of the aforementioned counters.
In the sun, it is common to run HP [Fire], always on the lookout for greedy Heatran. One last note is that Latios is fast, uncommonly so, it can be EVed to beat Palkia (as mentioned above), all the way to ScarfTar and Garchomp, finally maxing (not recommended) to beat neutral Darkrai.
Despite all Latios, without a physical attack is trumped by Blissey. CM Bliss (and Psych Up Bliss) tears through all sets, while the simple Toxi-Bliss will beat anything without Refresh/Safeguard/Psycho Shift. Metagross switches into many attacks with its fabulous resitances, OHKOing with CB Pursuit or Meteor Mash (watch out for random EQs from DD sets). In much the same way, TTar in Sandstream can switch in and OHKO with Crunch, but must be wary of boosted Grass Knots. Dark, Bug or Steel Arceus can beat many of its sets.
Yes, Ruesap wrote its sets
Latias
Darkrai
Significant Stats
SpAtk: 135
Atk: 90
Spd: 125
Dark Void and Bad Dreams is an excellent strategy in negating LO recoil, while simultaneously being the fastest Uber sleeper. It is very versatile with a range of attacks and movesets but quite frail and not as hard hitting as the rest of the gang. It is not a huge threat but one must always be wary to loosing a Pokemon to Bad Dreams (Darkrai is also well known for KOing Blissey on the Aromatherapy switch-in, with Focus Punch).
Darkrai "Boltbeam" @ Life Orb / Wide Lens
Timid 252 SpAtk, 176 Speed, 80 HP
Bad Dreams
~ Dark Void
~ Dark Pulse
~ Spacial Rend / Ice Beam
~ Thunder / Thunderbolt
For further sets, see Ruesap's (the Scarfer and Double Statusers are oarticularly nice, imo) analysis
Like Breloom or really, any sleeper, its counters are limited as they are all shut-down by Dark Void; however, a player can weave around this with the common Restalker (provided Darkrai does nto carry Taunt). Restalking Dialga beats all non-Taunting CM sets, shrugging off attacks and hitting with Dragon Claw , while Fighting/Bug Arceus take centre stage once more, shrugging off most hits, bar the not uncommon Ice Beam and rare Psychic (which Scarf Heracross takes advantage of this quite obscenely). Any set without an Electric attack will be hard pressed dealing with Ho-oh.
Overall Darkrai does not have counters in the general sense. It's use of Taunt shuts down Sleep Talkers, while Focus Punch beats Blissey one-on-one all the time. Using two Pokemon (one to take the sleep and the other to countr), Darkrai can be beaten. Darkrai is invaluable in Ubers, not because of its stats, but because of its sleep move and STAB on the most important Attack Type in the metagame.
Ho-oh
Significant Stats:
HP: 106
Atk: 130
SpAtk: 110
SpDef: 154
Sets written by the elusive Wiik_23 (this analysis is soon to be rewritten)
A 4x weak to SR has not been kind to Ho-oh and it can no longer ever function as a decent defensive Uber. Now it is stuck to a mediocre attacking position, partnered with Groudon.
Depending on the eye of the beholder, however, Ho-oh can be a godsend. Sacred Fire hits many Ubers in their lower defensive stat, while simultaneously waving around a 50% Burn rate. Punishment is also great for deaing Super Effective damage to CM Lugia, Mewtwo and Latias. When EVing him make sure that Ho-oh's HP is always an odd number. This lets him switch into Stealth Rock twice and survive, whereas an even numbered HP stat would mean two hits of Stealth Rock will kill him off.
It also has great dual attacking stats and great SpDef and HP. Although its major STAB is wasted upon a game rife with Waters and Dragons (and non-Physical attackers). CM Ho-oh's are beaten by Lati@s, Palkia (with a higher base speed) and Kyogre almost all the time. Kyogre also beats the CB set, though should watch out for EQ (which the Dragons are immune to). Ho-oh often contents itself with statusing its enemies with T-Wave and Burn. This is something all trainers should watch out for.
Manaphy
Significant Stats:
All stats: 100
Tail glow sweeping manaphy...
Deoxys
Deoxys-S
Debated Uber
Discuss
Significant Stats:
blah
1.2 (b): The Defensive
This section doesn't necessarily encompass the walls of Uber, rather those that can hold off many an attack and hit back hard. CMers such as Mewtwo, Latios and many others, do not belong here, because they cannot defend without set-up. Similarly others are not inducted because they are outsourced by other Pokemon (Kyogre is not included, for example because it is outclassed by Lugia and Bliisey) -- these Pokemon, for the majority of the time are there to shrug off blows and provide some much needed team support:
Lugia
Significant Stats:
HP: 106
Def: 130
SpDef 154
Spd: 110
Giratina
Deoxys-D
Dialga
http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/dp/383.png
Groudon
Latias
1.3 (b): The Multitaskers
Arceus
Mew
1.2 (d): Wobbuffet
It gets its own section!?
Wobbuffet
Significant Stats
Discuss
.....
TO BE CONTINUED. ALL UBERS VETS PLEASE READ AND CRITICIZE AND SUGGEST AND STUFF.
A very good start, although if I could recommend something, it would be to cut down on some of the lengthier quotes and summarize, to make this look like more of "your own" guide. If the guide continues at this level of quality and detail, it will be very good.
