Community POTW #90

[Serebii]

Well, you guys voted for it (it's the only time we're doing a vote so ) and here's the next Pokémon of the Week



It's Hydreigon, the awesome Dark/Dragon-type Pokémon. It has a load of decent sets and is capable of so much, especially with B2W2's tutors

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/635.shtml

Go nuts

[MatchMaster]

Hydreigon is an absolute monster in OU. With excellent mixed attacking stats, an extensive offensive move pool, and a good offensive typing it can be a great sweeper or wallbreaker. It even got Roost via move tutors, so a more defensive set is not out of the question. It's typing gives it six resistances, most of which are common attacking types, and lacks any double weaknesses like other Dragons in OU are cursed with. Levitate gives it an immunity as well. There are only two things holding this brutal beast back. The bigger of the two is it's awkward base 98 speed, which leaves it just below the standard base 100. It's typing, while having a good set of resistances, still has weaknesses to common attacking types. Nevertheless, even prepared teams will have some trouble getting around Hydreigon.

Special Sweeper
Item: Life Orb / Expert Belt
Nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Dark Pulse
- Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power / Focus Blast / U-Turn

Meet the standard Hydreigon of OU. With an impressive Special Attack, it can simply attack right off the bat with its powerful attacking options. Dark Pulse is the main STAB move, and is rather unique in OU, as Special Dark-type moves are quite sparse in the tier. Draco Meteor is another one of the Brutal Pokemon's selling points: Spam it and things get destroyed. Dragon Pulse is an option over it if you want to stay in for a while, but it is significantly weaker. Fire Blast is an excellent coverage move in general, allowing Hydreigon to hit Skarmory and Bronzong. The last slot is mainly filler, as Hydreigon gets good enough coverage from it's STAB and Fire Blast. Earth Power is the main option, as it hits Heatran, and is reliable. Focus Blast is another option, as it not only is more powerful and has practically the same coverage, but also hit Air Balloon Heatran, who could otherwise 2HKO with Dragon Pulse if it has a Choice Scarf. It also allows it to get around Tyranitar, who can take Earth Power fairly easily. U-Turn can get it out of unwanted match-ups.

Choice Scarf
Item: Choice Scarf
Nature: Timid / Naive
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse / Surf / Head Smash / Earth Power
- U-Turn

Hydreigon's speed, while not ideal, allows it to outspeed common base 90s who utilize Choice Scarf. Draco Meteor the main STAB move this time, as this is a hit-and run styled set. Fire Blast hits Steel-types that resist Draco Meteor. The third slot depends on what your team has. Dark Pulse is the main option for STAB. Surf works well if your team has trouble with Ground Arceus, while Head Smash OHKOs Ho-Oh, a feat that other Choice Scarf users could only dream of. Earth Power is always another option to take on Heatran. U-Turn is a need on this set, as it can get you out of unwanted situations.

Mixed Attackerr
Item: Life Orb / Expert Belt
Nature: Naive / Hasty
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Superpower
- Roost / Outrage

This set goes around the idea that Hydreigon is unpredictable and hard to wall. With the advent of the B2W2 move tutors, it has become even more effective, as it can get around Heatran without having to lock itself into Outrage, use Draco Meteor, or switch out. Instead, it can simply destroy Heatran with Superpower. Supoerpower also allows it to 2HKO Blissey without locking itself into Outrage. Roost gives Hydreigon more longevity. An alternate EV spread of 104 Atk / 240 SpA / 164 Spe can be used to 2HKO Chansey with Outrage, but requires much more team support since Hydreigon is then outrun by notable threats, and loses reasonable power.

Other Options
Hydreigon has a very extensive movepool. Probably the most viable move not mentioned is Tailwind, which can bring Hydreigon to a more reasonable speed. The only problem with it is it has trouble finding a moveslot for it. Earthquake basically has the same coverage as Superpower, but without the stat drops, but Superpower is usually superior due to it's ability to 2HKO Blissey, and being able to hit air balloon users. Stone Edge might seem tempting over Head Smash, but it fails to OHKO 248 / 0 Ho-Oh. Work Up and Charge Beam are Hydreigon's only boosting moves, but Hyreigon is better off just firing off its attacks right away. Hydreigon also gets Taunt, but there are better users of it. A defensive set is also viable, as Hydreigon lacks any double weaknesses, but Multiscale Dragonite still does this better. A Substitute + 3 attacks set is also an option, as Hydreigon forces a lot of switches. Hydreigon also has many other usable options, including Outrage, Torment, Thunder Wave, Aqua Tail, and Zen Headbutt, but the other moves are generally better.

Counters
Due to Hydreigon's excellent coverage, it is hard to directly counter. The hardest set to counter is the sweeper, as it has these traits. One of of countering it is to lure out Draco Meteor by switching into another Dragon type, or something that can't normally take it. When it does, you can switch into something that can take it fairly easily, like Gastrodon. You can then switch into something else, which can take it's attack due to the Special Attack drops. Virizion works the best with this role, as it has great special defense, and can OHKO in return, or set up if Hydreigon switches out.

[your boss]

Hydreigon@ Life Orb
Levitate
Nature: Rash
EVs: 252 sp attack 252 speed 4 att
Superpower
Dragon Pulse
Roost
Dark Pulse

Underrated but works well with its two new moves although I just started using this set recently!

[philzone]

Yay. Here is my personal set

Modest
252 spd,252 spatt,4hp
life orb
Dragon pulse/draco meteor
Fire blast /flame thrower
Surf
Charge beam

Ok. Dragon pulse gives STAB,but draco meteor give a stronger move, yet it is weaker. Fire blast for power or flamethrower for accuracy. Surf is for coverage. Charge beam may sound odd, but give strong damage vs gyrados and has the chance of boosting your sp att

[tobias1532]

I've run the special hydreigon, but since everyone else runs special hydreigon, I decided on a physical set.

Hydreigon @ choice band
Adamant nature
Earthquake
Stone Edge/Rock Slide
Outrage
Crunch
Evs: 252 ATK/ 252 SPD

Earthquake has been praised to death, deals with heatran and other grounded steels. Stone edge is for power and coverage, rock slide is for better accuracy and chance to flinch. Outrage is power STAB and crunch is the best dark STAB you've got on physical.

[Lucario Fan]

Ability: Levitate
Item: Wise Glasses/Life Orb
Moves: Dragon Pulse, Crunch, Flamethrower, Hyper Voice

[TimmahX]

How are these heads sharing the specs?
Item: Choice Specs
Nature: Timid
EVs: 252 SpAtk, 252 Spd, 4 HP
Ability: Levitate
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power / Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Surf

Dark Pulse is your main STAB attack, Flamethrower removes Steel and Ice types and is boosted in Sun, Surf handles Fire types and Ground types. Earth Power offers some nifty coverage, while Dragon Pulse gives you a secondary STAB and way to fight back about Dragons that is reliable, and Draco Meteor is your classic Dragon type nuke.

Countering Hydreigon

It has a ton of coverage with its huge movepool, so this is easier said than done. Any faster Dragon should be able to down Hydreigon, so start with that. Mantine resists a lot of his moves, and has the bulk to handle what does hit it and threaten it back with Ice Beam. Chansey and Blissey shut Hydreigon down just like they do any other special sweeper. Yanmega, Ninjask, and Accelgor all have the speed to outrun and smash Hydreigon with their STAB attacks. Toxic and Thunder Wave are great for shutting him down.

[Ilan]

Yay first! I'm editing...

Here is your prize

seriously stop doing that...

OK
One two three! in german.
@choice specs
252 sp.attack 252 speed, 4 HP
Modest
-Draco Meteor
-Flamethrower
-Dark Pulse
-Earth Power/U-Turn

A choice specs set hydreigon is one of those dragons who come in nuke with draco meteor and switch out the rest of the moves are coverage, flamethrower beat those bug/steels and ferrothorn and other stuff weak to fire..
Dark Pulse is STAB and it can hit ghost and psychic types harder.
Earth Power beat none air balloon heatrans and have decent coverage..
U-turn scouts for special walls and it is good overral
Modest for full power cause you want to nuke something you nuke with modest but timid is an option.

@durant eater set try to put earth power> Dark Pulse for better coverage.

Other Options on this set: Focus Blast hits the blobs hard but you won't KO them anyway.. :/ and it tends to miss.

[grantholomew]

Hydreigon. The new pseudo-legendary and the one that a lot of people voted for. It takes a while to evolve him, but it’s worth it.

Three-Headed Hewdraw
Hydreigon @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 SAtk/252 Spd
Modest (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse/Draco Metoer
- Dark Pulse
- Focus Blast
- Flamethrower/Fire Blast/Earth Power

[dragon zero]

Hydreigon

The pseudo legend of gen V and the only one who's sp.atk is its best offencive stat nor any base stat below 90 making it quite the threat. his atk isn't to bad either being base 105 alowing some leeway for surprising physical/mixed sets.

Special Attacker

Draco Meteor
Dark Pulse
Fire Blast
Focus Blast/U-turn

Nature: Modest/Timid
Item: Expert Belt/Life Orb/Choice Scarf
EV's: 252 Sp.Atk, 252 Speed, 4 HP

his best offensive set in my opinion. Draco Meteor is his main choice 0of attack hitting anything bar steel types for big damage. Dark Pulse gets Stab and hits the likes of Latios, Gengar etc. quite hard too. Fire Blast provides Perfect Coverage with Draco Meteor. the last move kinda depends on the item you decide to equip him Focus Blast can work with all 3 and can hit heatran and provides more perfect coverage with both Draco Meteor and Dark Pulse. U-turn is more prefered if you equiped him with the Choice Scarf allowing him to scout.


Mixed

Draco Meteor
Earthquake
Outrage
Fire Blast

Nature: Naive/hasty
Item: Life Orb
EV's: 104 Atk, 240 Sp.Atk, 164 Speed

this set looks more wallbreaker than full on sweeper. the opponent would switch in special walls like Blissey and Jirachi only to be hit by Earthquake or Outrage. It's a good set to catch the opponent off guard.

Going Uber

Draco Meteor
Fire Blast
U-Turn
Surf/Dark Pulse/Head Smash

Nature: Timid/Hasty
Item: Choice Scarf
EV's:4 Atk,252 Sp.atk, 252 Speed

thanks to his dark typing and Levitate Ability Hydreigon can switch in quite a few Uber players like Mewtwo and Groudon and also thanks to his base 98 Speed he can outrun most of the unboosted uber tier with out Choice Scarf with it he will pretty much win against +1 Rayquaza and unscarfed Palkia. Like before Draco Meteor hurts nealy every one in the uber tier as most a Dragon types but some are steel so be wary of them. Fire Blast gives perfect coverage with Draco Meteor and can make Groudon a good partner to provide the Sun to power it up. U-turn is for scouting. the last move depends once again on preferance. Surf can mkae hydreigon still hit hard even when it's raining and can hurt steel types hard in said weather. Dark Pulse hit the likes of Mewtwo and Arceus-Psychic hard and Head Smash can surprise many in the tier as few have a Def batter than their Sp.def and practically OHKO Ho-Oh.

[paipr_christian]

say "Hy" because you be "gon"

[your boss]

Here is your prize

seriously stop doing that...

I lol'd at that!

Yeah I guess so but doesn't Ground and Fighting have near similar coverage?

[Ilan]

I lol'd at that!

Yeah I guess so but doesn't Ground and Fighting have near similar coverage?

Oh right I though more about something like having a good special coverage... so maybe flamethrower cause dragon/fire have amazing coverage.

[your boss]

That is what I was thinking, Fire Blast works too

Plus I wonder what BH meant yesterday when pushing the boundaries o-0

[Missingno. Master]

Three Heads Are Deadlier Than One
Hydreigon@Wise Glasses/Life Orb
Modest nature
Levitate
252 Sp. Atk/252 Spd/4 HP
~Tailwind
~Dragon Pulse
~Flamethrower
~Surf

Hydreigon is a frightening force to behold (albeit not the one I voted for) indeed. Dat Special Attack, man. Tailwind helps with its average Speed, and the other three moves provide unresisted coverage. Dragon Pulse and Flamethrower alone hit all but one Pokemon for neutral damage. Surf is just for Heatran.

Item is for boosting Hydreigon's already nice Special Attack. Ability is non-negotiable.


Me, Myself, And DIE!!!!
Hydreigon@Muscle Band/Life Orb
Adamant nature
Levitate
252 Atk/252 Spd/4 HP
~Tailwind
~Outrage/Dragon Rush
~Crunch
~Superpower

A physical version of the previous set. Same general idea behind it. Tailwind and flawless coverage. This time the majority of the coverage is brought to you by Crunch and Superpower, whilst the Dragon move of your choice handles the rest. Bear in mind that Superpower lowers Attack, so this set isn't exactly meant for long-term sweepage.

Item is for boosting Hydreigon's already nice Attack. Ability can't be anything else.


Three-Headed Tank
Hydreigon@Leftovers
Bold nature
Levitate
252 Atk/252 Spd/4 HP
~Toxic
~Dragon Pulse
~Roost
~Roar

A more defensive take on Hydreigon. 92/90/90 defenses, while not insurmountable, are certainly nothing to sneeze at. Toxic spreads a little bad poisoning around, aided by Roar for phazing purposes. Dragon Pulse stops Hydreigon from becoming total Taunt bait, and Roost is to recover HP.

Item is for HP recovery. Ability... Yeah, you get the idea.

Other options:
*Tailwind can be dropped in favor of a Choice Scarf and a fourth move, but the sets above already give Hydreigon flawless coverage.
*Draco Meteor is a tempting option, but you should really only go with it on Choice Scarf sets, due to the Special Attack drop.

Abilities:
*Levitate: Hydreigon's one and only Ability. Makes Hydreigon immune to Ground moves. Like almost everything else with access to this, Hydreigon has no other options for an ability. And, also like almost everything else with access to this, that's not necessarily a bad thing (I say "almost everything else" because of Fan Rotom, of course). Immunity to Earthquake is always a good thing.

Partners:
Smashpassing, as always, is a good option. Heck, you don't even need to pass a whole Shell Smash to it. Ninjask is ideal, as it is built to do exactly what Hydreigon needs to be on the receiving end of; Baton Passing Speed boosts.

Counters:
Priority moves are something you want to watch out for. Particularly the likes of Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave. Steel-types with Taunt are decent at shutting down the defensive Hydreigon (actually, Steel-types in general, thanks to their immunity to Toxic).

Opinion:
Overrated, yet very cool. I was pushing for Garbodor this week, but this isn't bad.

Prediction for next week:
Coming soon...

[Meowmeow]

Hydreigon, huh? Very nice. I use this three-headed beast, so I know what it can do.

Hydreigon is the first non-legendary Dragon type to have a higher special attack stat than attack. Additionally, Hydreigon has the tools to make use of that awesome stat. 92/90/90 defensive stats with Levitate and access to Roost in BW2 lets Hydreigon become a very bulky Pokemon. On the offensive, 105/125/98 offensive stats is quite large, and it has the movepool to use it.

Hydreigon is not without downfalls. Hydreigon lacks a boosting move outside of Work Up, forcing most of this beasts sets to have to rely on raw stats and a held item. This significantly drops Hydreigon's power. Also, while being a dark type lets it switch into many threats, it curses Hydreigon with additional weaknesses to Fighting and Bug, something you are going to see. Also, base 98 speed falls short of the 100 benchmark, making revenge killing Hydreigon easy. Additionally, Hydreigon lacks a priority move.

A well-played Hydreigon can work around these shortcomings.

The first head: Straight-up attack!
Nature: Modest/Timid (Modest is better here)
EVs: 252 sp attack and speed, 4 hp
@: Life Orb/Expert Belt

Draco Meteor
Dark Pulse
Fire Blast
U-Turn/Roost/Surf

A very straightforward set.

The Second Head: Choice
Nature: Modest/Timid
EVs: same (always unless noted)
@: Choice Specs/Choice Scarf

Draco Meteor
U-Turn
Flamethrower/Fire Blast
Earth Power/Dragon Pulse

Pretty standard Choice set.

The Third Head: Mixed Attacking!
Nature: Naive/Hasty
EVs: 104 attack, 240 sp attack, 164 speed
@: Life Orb

Draco Meteor
Outrage
Earthquake
Fire Blast

Hydreigon's best shot at mixed attacking.

Physical Attacking
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 attack and speed, 4 hp
@: Life Orb/Choice Band

Outrage
Crunch
Aqua Tail
Earthquake/Superpower

A physical set is overshadowed by Hydreigon's dragon competition, but it's doable.

Other options:
Substitute is a generally great move to have.
A bulky set with Substitute, Roost, Dragon Tail and Thunder Wave or Toxic looks good, but there are some problems with such a set. First, it puts Hydreigon's offensive potential to waste. Second, Salamence does better thanks to Intimidate and access to Wish. Third, Multiscale Dragonite can do the same thing with superior bulk. Fourth, and most importantly, Hydreigon is weak to Fighting.
Work Up and Charge Beam can be used to boost stats, but Work Up is too slow and Charge Beam is not a boost every time.
Focus Blast can be used. It gets a stronger hit on Ferrothorn, but that's what Fire Blast/Flamethrower is for, correct? Besides, Earth Power is better and Focus Blast has crappy accuracy. I try to avoid using Focus Blast whenever I can.
I have mentioned Surf once, but Surf can be used on other sets. Problem is, there is something more important than Surf.

Doubles:
Hydreigon can perform fairly well in doubles. It has access to Earthquake, Surf, Heat Wave, and (heh-heh) Hyper Voice. Just watch out for those Blizzards.

Countering:
Revenge killing Hydreigon is actually fairly easy. Terrakion's Close Combat will make it squirm (and make it die). Ferrothorn, can switch into anything that is not a fire attack, but it can get worn down over time. Scizor is a fantastic counter, but faces the same problem. Heatran needs to keep an eye out for Focus Blast, Surf, and ground attacks (Air Balloon fixes that), but can still be a great way to handle this thing.

[StreetFlare]

Try this Hydra before it's Gon!
Item: Life Orb
Nature: Modest
EVs: 252 SpAtk, 252 Spd, 4 HP
Ability: Levitate
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power/Dragon Pulse
- Flamethrower/Surf/U-Turn
- Roost

Now, this set is tough. Hits most things hard, depending on what you want to hit. Dark Pulse provides decent STAB against Psychic and Ghost, Earth Power gives you a reasonable hit on Rock and Fire-types, while Dragon Pulse has greater neutral coverage plus the ability to really hurt Multiscale Dragonite. Flamethrower covers Bug and Ice. Surf hits Fire, Rock and Ground (none of which you really should worry about), while U-turn lets you get the dragon outta the way if you're in trouble. Roost backs up your power with a healing move, allowing the Dragon to stay in longer. Item is for extra power.

Other Options
This Dragon may be just below standard speed, but it has access to Tailwind. Gives you something to think about....
Physical and mixed sets aren't out of the question, thanks to it's high offense.

Partners
Tailwind is a great help, so Whimsicott/the Kamis are useful here, thanks to Prankster. Similarly, Venomoth or Lilligant can quiverpass Hydregon some boosts - if you thought it was a beast before, imagine it with +2 or +3 Sp. Attack, Sp. Def AND Speed. Basically, anything that boosts it's speed helps.

Another major need is a Psychic or Flying-type to deal with Fighting types and an Electric or Rock or Ice-type to hit Flying. Once those types are gone, plus the speed boost, not many things are going to hurt Hydregon too much.

[overlordmewtwo]

*King Ghidorah's theme plays*

Ah, Hydreigon. I love this thing. It reminds me of King Ghidorah (as if that wasn't obvious already). This thing is one of the best Pokemon to have graced the competitive scene, as it is so versatile and can do so much. It even shows its face in Ubers every once in a while. I'll cut to the chase and post a few sets:

The Choiced Set
Timid/Modest nature
Item: Choice Scarf/Specs
EVs: 252 Sp.Attk, 252 Speed, 4 HP
Moves: Draco Meteor
Dark Pulse
Dragon Pulse
Focus Blast/U-turn

Your basic Choiced set. Specs or Scarf for if you'd like power or speed. Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse are there for sheer power and beating down opponents. I prefer Dark Pulse for dealing with Psychics, but there are other options. The final slot depends on whether you'd like to scout for your opponent's next move or pound incoming Steel types. This set is outrun by several other Choice Scarf users, so be careful.

The Sub-set
Timid nature
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 Speed, 252 Sp.Attk, 4 HP
Moves: Substitute
Dragon Pulse
Dark Pulse
Focus Blast

This is my personal favorite set. Hydreigon does have decent bulk, and this set takes advantage of that bulk. EVs can be adjusted so that HP is larger, but I prefer striking power. Anyway, Substitute for scouting, Dragon Pulse and Focus Blast for perfect coverage, and Dark Pulse for Psychics.

Counters for OU: If you can outrun this thing, you can beat it. Terrakion is one of the best counters for this thing, as it can get a Justified boost if it switches into Dark Pulse. Other counters that can beat it when it's not holding a Choice Scarf are as follows: Genesect (once it's legally released), Alakazam (although it can't switch in directly to Hydreigon's attacks), Latios, Latias, Cobalion, Lucario, and Imposter Ditto. Blissey is a good check to this thing, as most of Hydreigon's attacks are special.

Counters for Ubers: Much more than OU. Most Pokemon in this tier can take hits that Hydreigon can dish out. Others flat-out outrun and smash this thing to a pulp. To name a few: Mewtwo, Rayquaza (under the influence of a Dragon Dance), Darkrai with Focus Blast, Palkia, Deoxys (Attack and Normal), Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem (Black and White).

Even so, this thing is like King Ghidorah in that it can rip holes in an enemy team if given a chance.

[Coyote_Dynamo]

Item: life orb
Nature: Modest
EV's 252 SpA/252 Spe/ 4Hp or Def
Moves: Fire blast
Focus blast
Surf
Hidden power ice/ Draco meteor/ charge beam

[Vandslaux]

Hydreigon @ Expert Belt
Mild
some form of mixed EVs idk
Dark Pulse
Roost
Fire Blast
Superpower

Amazing stallbreaker, hits most defensive pokemon hard.

Amoonguss: Fire Blast
Slowbro: Dark Pulse
Heatran: Superpower
Ferrothorn: Fire Blast
Blissey: Superpower
Jellicent: Dark Pulse
Rotom-W: usually seen as offensive, though SpD sets can't touch each other
Celebi: Dark Pulse
Skarmory: Fire Blast
Bronzong: Fire Blast
Forretress: Fire Blast

And more.