Set: Choice Scarf Krookodile

Krookodile @ Choice Scarf 

Trait: Moxie 

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd 

Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) 

- Earthquake 

- Crunch 

- Stone Edge 

- Pursuit

Krookodile can make for an excellent UU revenge killer and late-game sweeper. Its interesting typing gives it some useful STABs to work with, making it somewhat like a lower-tiered version of Scarf Tyranitar. Moxie is probably what makes this set most dangerous; since many players sacrifice team members to regain momentum, Krookodile can make things difficult for most opponents.

This set hits an Attack stat of 366 and works really well with a Choice Scarf. Krookodile is pretty efficient at trapping Ghost-types, thanks to its Dark STAB and and high physical power. Later in the match, Krookodile can be used to sweep with the appropriate move, having Moxie boost its power after every kill.

Ground / Dark is an excellent offensive typing that gives Krookodile good coverage against most opponents. Earthquake is the set's most powerful move, but it should be used carefully to avoid letting opponents switch in on immunities. Crunch is a solid and reliable secondary STAB, while Stone Edge provides useful additional coverage. Pursuit is important for eliminating Ghosts like Mismagius and Rotom.

Defensive Hitmontop stands out as one of the most common Krookodile counters, so packing a Ghost- or Flying-type is recommended. Since Krookodile tends to eliminate opposing Ghosts, including a Rapid Spin user is a good idea - clearing hazards will become much easier. Overall, Scarf Krookodile is an interesting set with solid late-game potential.

Set: ChestoRest Politoed

Politoed @ Chesto Berry
Trait: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic
- Perish Song
- Rest

Politoed tends to run some pretty offensive sets, which are great for damage output but relatively poor for survivability. Although not too different from Politoed's standard defensive set, ChestoRest is an interesting idea that has a few advantages when it comes to maintaining your choice of weather.

The most important thing a ChestoRest set provides is what is essentially a second life. This is most helpful when Politoed gets hit by a status ailment, since it can just be healed off. Depending on which ailment it took, a standard Politoed could have been crippled for the match. 

Defensive Politoed doesn't need extra type coverage, so a mono-attacking support set is adequate. Scald remains a decent method of checking threats like Gliscor and netting burns. Toxic is generally the best option for hitting switch-ins like Jellicent or Gastrodon. Perish Song has a more specialized use, but it can be crucial against a last-minute stat booster. Rest should be saved for when Politoed is about to faint; usually one use is enough for Politoed to keep up Rain long enough.

Since ChestoRest is a defensively-oriented set, Politoed's teammates should generally fit the theme as well. A more stall-based approach to Rain is viable, with teammates like Ferrothorn providing hazard support. Rain Stall is one of the most effective team archetypes around, and this set does a good job of providing for it.

Set: Choice Scarf Tyranitar

Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf 

Trait: Sand Stream 

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd 

Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk) 

- Stone Edge 

- Crunch 

- Pursuit 

- Superpower

ScarfTar was one of the most common sets in the LatiMence era of DPP, and it's been getting some usage among good players in BW as well. Although this set doesn't have the bulk or mixed attacking power of standard MixTar, its higher Speed and Attack allow it to surprise and check some dangerous threats.

One of the most important things to note is that ScarfTar needs to be more careful about switching directly into attacks. It still has a decent amount of bulk, but it should be used more as a check than as a counter to threats. In that role, ScarfTar performs admirably; it can take on the likes of Latios, Latias, SD Terrakion, Thundurus, Tornadus, Starmie and Gengar - either outspeeding with the appropriate move or trapping the threat with Pursuit.

The moveset is pretty basic for a physical Tyranitar. Stone Edge hits pretty hard with this set and gives good coverage against Flying-types and Ninetales. Crunch and Pursuit provide helpful STABs for taking on Psychic-types, although some prediction is required when choosing which to use. Superpower is helpful for hitting opposing Tyranitar and Ferrothorn. For more unusual options, some like to include an Ice- or Fire-type special move for surprising switch-ins like Gliscor or Steel-types.

ScarfTar is a different take on a standard weather starter, so the same typical Sandstorm partners work well with it. Since this set is more easily set up on, pairing it with an Excadrill that knows Rapid Spin is a good idea. ScarfTar is also proficient at eliminating Latios and Latias for special sweepers, so Pokémon like Celebi or Rotom-W are also good partners.

Set: Trick Room Reuniclus

Reuniclus @ Life Orb 

Ability: Magic Guard 

EVs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SAtk 

Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd) 

-Trick Room 

-Psychic 

-Focus Blast 

-Shadow Ball

Trick Room Reuniclus has been around for a while, but it's always been overshadowed by the standard Calm Mind variant. Although the CM set works best on bulkier teams for taking down defensive stall cores, TR Reuniclus is excellent for sweeping through more offensively-inclined teams. Its significantly lower usage also means it tends to be a lot less prepared for.

This set doesn't have the longevity of standard Reuniclus, so you'll only want to bring it out late-game or when you feel pretty confident in a sweep. Just bring it in on something it can set up on, like Conkeldurr, and begin cleaning through teams after a Trick Room. Since the majority of teams aren't stall-based, opponents can run into a lot of trouble with this set.

Reuniclus has everything in needs to work as an effective standalone TR sweeper. A Life Orb-boosted Psychic off of base 125 SAtk dishes out a lot of damage. Focus Blast is a good coverage move, particularly for hitting Steel-types and Tyranitar. Trick Room also means Reuniclus will outspeed and OHKO standard specially defensive Tyranitar, even with the Sandstorm boost. Shadow Ball is helpful for covering other Reuniclus, Latios and Latias, who would all wall the set otherwise.

TR Reuniclus has a couple of other good options. Psyshock 2HKOes Blissey after Stealth Rock, but it's a weaker move otherwise. HP Fire is also an interesting possibility in the last moveslot, as it'll net the surprise KO on Scizor. As far as teammates go, Conkeldurr is notable for taking on many Reuniclus switch-ins. The two also complement each other nicely. All in all, TR Reuniclus is a giant threat that can single-handedly sweep unprepared teams.

Set: SubToxic Gliscor

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb

Trait: Poison Heal

EVs: 244 HP / 176 Def / 88 Spd

Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)

- Substitute

- Toxic

- Earthquake

- Protect

Few sets match this one in terms of pure FFFF factor. With Poison Heal and Protect, Gliscor has the potential to be one of the most annoying and effective Toxic stallers in the game. Plenty of traditional Gliscor counters are vulnerable to poison damage, leaving them helpless against the strategy behind this set. 

Using SubToxic Gliscor is pretty simple. Just switch in on a physical attacker and safely set up a Substitute. Common switch-ins like Rotom-W or other bulky Waters will be outsped and poisoned. From that point on, it's basically a matter of wearing them down from Toxic damage.

These EVs maximize Poison Heal recovery and leave enough extra points to speed creep the 244 mark by 4 points. This is important for outspeeding Tyranitar, Jirachi, Rotom-W and a few other threats. The SubToxic combo allows Gliscor to poison opponents and continuously create subs, with Protect and Poison Heal ensuring that it doesn't lose any health at all. Earthquake is the set's only STAB, which can be used for hitting opponents weak to Ground.

A few other options exist for the last moveslot: Taunt and Ice Fang are the most notable. The former shuts down Ferrothorn and Skarmory, while the latter gives you something with which to hit other Gliscor and Balloon Excadrill. Gliscor also works really well with a Toxic Spikes user, since it won't have to manually Toxic opponents. Roserade and Tentacruel are great choices for the role. When this set is used correctly, unprepared teams can't really touch it at all.

Set: Life Orb Starmie

Starmie @ Life Orb

Trait: Natural Cure

EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd

Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)

- Hydro Pump

- Grass Knot

- Rapid Spin

- Recover

Yeah, probably not the set you were expecting. This Starmie is meant to function as a fast sweeper and Rapid Spin user for Rain teams. Removing hazards is a great way to gain momentum over your opponent, and Starmie is definitely the best choice in Rain. Other than that, Starmie's high Speed and boosted attacks can dish out plenty of damage as well.

One of the most annoying threats for Rain teams to face is Ferrothorn, which sets up freely on most team members. Starmie helps combat this issue not by taking on Ferrothorn directly, but by spinning away its hazards. This set strikes a balance between power and utility, providing both team support and sweeping potential.

Hydro Pump is notable for 2HKOing bulky Rotom-W in Rain, although Surf is good for accuracy. Both, however, net the OHKO on Thundurus in Rain. Grass Knot allows Starmie to function as a lure, netting 2HKOs on Jellicent and surprisingly, Gastrodon. This means Starmie can get past one of the best Rain counters, helping its teammates out immensely. Rapid Spin makes switching a lot easier by removing hazards, and is pretty easy to use since Starmie tends to force switches itself. Recover is needed to help Starmie survive and provide team support in longer matches.

Starmie threatens every common spin blocker, so it's pretty easy to get off a Rapid Spin. Typical Rain team members do fine alongside this set, although it's preferable to include anti-metagame sets like Rain Abuser Jirachi or Mynism's Toxicroak. Just be sure you have something to take out Ferrothorn, and Starmie will do a good job of keeping hazards off the field.

Set: Bulky Tangrowth

Tangrowth @ Leftovers

Trait: Regenerator

EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef

Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)

- Sleep Powder

- Power Whip

- Hidden Power [Ice]

- Leech Seed

Tangrowth's a pretty interesting Pokémon. Aside from functioning as a Chlorophyll Sun sweeper, it can also pull off a very effective physical tanking set. Thanks to Regenerator and its high HP and Defense stats, Tangrowth occupies a special niche in OU. Combine that with an effective defensively-oriented moveset, and you have an extremely durable physical wall.

To put things into perspective, Tangrowth's overall physical bulk beats that of Forretress and Skarmory. This lets Tangrowth take on a number of threats - Terrakion, Landorus, Dragonite and even Excadrill in a pinch. 

Sleep Powder provides a notable advantage over other physical walls, crippling common switch-ins like Heatran. Power Whip is a reliable Grass STAB, while HP Ice can net some surprise KOs on Gliscor and hit Dragons for good damage as well. Leech Seed works well along with Leftovers and Regenerator to ensure that Tangrowth won't be going down any time soon.

Although Tangrowth's physical bulk is fantastic, its Special Defense is particularly low. It also can't do much to most other Grass-types, particularly if they carry Natural Cure. For this reason, Latias may be a good choice for a partner. She also fits in well with the entry hazard-based defensive teams that Tangrowth tends to work best with. Other than that, Tangrowth remains a surprisingly bulky wall with some useful support options.

Set: Bulky Mismagius

Mismagius @ Leftovers 

Trait: Levitate 

EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd 

Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) 

- Taunt 

- Will-O-Wisp 

- Shadow Ball 

- Pain Split

Mismagius is commonly seen running an offensive Nasty Plot set. However, a bulkier approach may be a better choice for more defensively-oriented teams. Bulky Mismagius is a bit like a UU version of Stallbreaker Mew - it shuts down entry hazard users and cripples physical attackers, but has the special advantage of blocking Rapid Spin as well.

Nasty Plot Mismagius is a pretty good offensive spin blocker, but this bulky set has a lot more survivability. Thanks to its max HP investment and specifically designed moveset, Mismagius does a much better job of taking hits. A Timid nature allows for a high Speed stat as well; max EVs ensure the set outspeeds threats like Celebi and other Mismagius running HP Fighting.

Taunt is a crucial move on this set that allows Mismagius to shut down many stall team members. Used appropriately with Mismagius' other moves, Taunt allows this set to beat Blissey one-on-one. It also prevents Rapid Spin users from getting off a Foresight to hit Mismagius. Will-O-Wisp is helpful for handling physical attackers - spinners like Hitmontop and Donphan will often be crippled. Shadow Ball still does pretty good damage and provides Mismagius with a reliable STAB move. Pain Split is a decent recovery move, taking advantage of Mismagius' low HP to heal up.

This set should be included on bulky teams that utilize entry hazards. Roserade makes for one of the best Spikers in the tier and provides useful resistances. A RegiBro core would also fit in nicely by covering a lot of threats. Bulky Mismagius tends to do well at keeping your hazards on the field, so be sure the rest of your team can take advantage of them.

Set: Rapid Spin Excadrill

Excadrill @ Air Balloon

Trait: Sand Rush

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd

Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)

- Earthquake

- Rock Slide

- X-Scissor

- Rapid Spin

The differences between this set and the standard Swords Dance one are subtle, but significant. Entry hazards are pretty common among good OU teams, and they can really apply some heavy pressure as far as switching goes. Instead of sweeping, Rapid Spin Excadrill serves more of a support role: it clears away hazards to help out its teammates, revenge kills important threats, and cleans up opposing teams in the endgame.

Excadrill is arguably the best Rapid Spin user available, thanks to its ability to threaten every common spin blocker. Jellicent isn't a safe switch-in, as Earthquake is a potential 2HKO after Stealth Rock. Gengar also takes a large chunk (53.44% - 62.98%) from Rock Slide. Many games can be saved as a result of Excadrill removing troublesome entry hazards from the field.

An Adamant nature and an Air Balloon are used to maximize Excadrill's power and longevity. Earthquake still hits really hard off an Attack stat of 405, even without Swords Dance. Rock Slide provide QuakeEdge-equivalent type coverage and allows the set to revenge kill Thundurus and Volcarona. X-Scissor is a helpful move for handling Celebi, as well as weakened Latios and Latias. Rapid Spin may determine the match against hazard-based teams, as many will fail to apply enough pressure otherwise. Having your side of the field clear of hazards gives you a concrete advantage in momentum and provides more flexibility in terms of switches and predictions.

Rapid Spin Excadrill fits well as a support member on Sand teams. Having the ability to switch around freely is especially helpful for Tyranitar when engaging in weather wars. As such, typical Sand team members work well with this set. Substitute Landorus makes for an excellent offensive partner, while Rotom-W and Celebi provide solid resistances for the team. 

Set: Choice Band Escavalier

Escavalier @ Choice Band 

Trait: Swarm 

EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SDef 

Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) 

- Megahorn 

- Iron Head 

- Return 

- Pursuit

The power behind this set is staggering. Escavalier's gigantic base 135 Attack puts it on the level of OU's top physical threats, even beating its higher-tiered counterpart: Scizor. Although Escavalier suffers from an incredibly low base 20 Speed stat, its defensive stats are high enough for it to successfully pull of the role of an extremely hard-hitting bulky attacker.

Escavalier's excellent typing allows it to switch in often to spam high-powered attacks. Since Steel-types are much less common in UU, HP Fire tends to be a rare move. This means Escavalier receives free switch-ins on several Grass-types, including most Roserade and Celebi sets. 

Megahorn is the set's hardest hitting move. Even physically defensive behemoths like Donphan, Rhyperior and Slowbro are easily 2HKOed (with a clean OHKO in the case of the latter). Iron Head is a reliable secondary STAB for hitting Bug resists for extra damage. Return has a nice max base power of 102, which dishes out plenty of damage with this set. Pursuit is excellent for trapping Ghosts like Mismagius; thanks to Escavalier's bulk, the Nasty Plot set fails to 2HKO with HP Fighting at +2.

Escavalier's movepool is poor in terms of type coverage, but its power is enough to wear down nearly any opponent, even Pokémon that resist its attacks. Entry hazards are really helpful for making it easier to take down "counters." As far as teammates go, Scarf Heracross is an excellent partner to this set. It can form a double Bug offensive core with Escavalier, spamming Megahorn and later Close Combat after Ghost-types have been trapped with Pursuit.

Set: Life Orb Mamoswine

Mamoswine @ Life Orb 

Trait: Snow Cloak 

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd 

Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk) 

- Earthquake 

- Icicle Crash 

- Stone Edge

- Ice Shard 

With Icicle Crash, Mamoswine finally received a solid secondary STAB to back up its powerful Earthquake. In this metagame, it's a blessing to have a physical attacker that isn't walled by Gliscor. Mamoswine easily fits this criteria and also covers some crucial threats with its giant base 130 Attack and Ice-type priority.

Thanks to its powerful STABs and useful typing, Mamoswine plows through plenty of common OU Pokémon. Tyranitar, Jirachi and Gliscor are all cleanly OHKOed, while Rotom-W is easily 2HKOed with Stone Edge. Mamoswine's Speed isn't bad, either; this spread puts it at 259, which is fast enough to outpace a lot of common threats.

The type coverage this set provides is fantastic. Ice / Ground alone is good, but Stone Edge can be helpful for Gyarados and Rotom-W. Stealth Rock is also a viable option if you don't need the extra coverage. Ice Shard is a crucial priority move that allows Mamoswine to check Thundurus, Tornadus and Dragonite; it OHKOes all three after Stealth Rock. 

Mamoswine has issues with Skarmory and Bronzong, so be sure to include something that can deal with both. Heatran is a good choice for a partner, as it also handles Scizor reliably. Rotom-W can also work, thanks to its ability to heavily damage most Steels. Overall, Mamoswine is a heavily anti-metagame Pokémon that deserves more usage.

Set: Expert Belt Hydreigon

Hydreigon @ Expert Belt 

Ability: Levitate 

EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd 

Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) 

- Draco Meteor 

- Flamethrower 

- Focus Blast 

- Dark Pulse

Hydreigon's a pretty underrated threat in this metagame. It's got a great move pool and plenty of offensive power, but its potential is usually wasted with choiced sets that demand perfect prediction. Using an Expert Belt allows Hydreigon to bluff a Scarf or Specs set and score lots of KOs with its carefully designed move selection.

Hydreigon has some notable advantages over other wall breaking Dragons. It isn't weak to Stealth Rock like Salamence is, and it doesn't have an exploitable Pursuit weakness like Latios.  Hydreigon is unfortunately slower than the other two, but its Speed stat is still high enough to break through standard Jirachi / Rotom-W / Gliscor cores and other Pokémon at the common 244 Speed mark.

The Modest spread listed above maximizes Hydreigon's damage output and makes it fast enough to outspeed Adamant Haxorus and Base 85s. Draco Meteor is of course the set's hardest hitting move, boasting great damage and coverage. Flamethrower 2HKOes Jirachi after slight prior damage and is preferred for reliability against Steel-types, but Fire Blast is an option for extra power. Focus Blast covers Tyranitar and Heatran, and Dark Pulse gives Hydreigon a useful secondary STAB and even more type coverage.

The great thing about this set is its bluffing potential. Opponents who try to switch into a choice-locked resistance can easily be taken out the next turn. For example, a Tyranitar coming in to tank a Draco Meteor or Flamethrower will shortly be eliminated by Focus Blast. Since Hydreigon is used as a wall breaker, try to partner it with fast late-game sweepers to take advantage of its ability to break standard cores.

Set: SubRoost Lugia

Lugia @ Leftovers 

Trait: Pressure 

EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SDef 

Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk) 

- Substitute 

- Roost 

- Toxic 

- Dragon Tail

Ubers deserves more attention. It's definitely not balanced, but its unique banlist status makes in the only completed tier. This means that a lot of things are broken, and one good set can turn the game around more than it can in lower tiers.

SubRoost Lugia is a concept that builds off Lugia's giant bulk and access to Pressure and Roost. Substitute prevents opponents from crippling it with status ailments, while Lugia goes on to stall out enemies with its SubRoost Toxic strategy. This set is somewhat effective alone, but with hazards it can be nearly unstoppable.

The first thing to stand out about Lugia is its bulk. It can survive any attack from Extremekiller Arceus after a Swords Dance, and even most super effective hits will fail to KO. Lugia also makes for a great check to most Groudon, since it can easily survive Stone Edge and stall it out with Pressure.

Substitute is the key move on this set, giving Lugia a way to dodge status ailments. This lets it beat special walls like Blissey one-on-one. Roost heals Lugia up easily and makes it really difficult to take down. Toxic is used for most offensive threats; any time you get a safe turn against something like an Arceus or Dragon-type, you can go for a Toxic to cripple them. Dragon Tail is excellent with hazards, and does a pretty good amount to opposing Dragon-types.

Of course, the most important thing to pair with this set is an entry hazard user. Ferrothorn and Forretress are some good choices for partners. That means a spinblocker will also be needed. Giratina-O is one of the best options for the role; it even has access to Dragon Tail to form a dual phazer combo with Lugia. Although it plays a defensive role, SubRoost Lugia can clear through a lot of teams alone.

Set: Mixed Flygon

Flygon @ Life Orb

EVs: 80 Atk / 252 SAtk / 176 Spd

Trait: Levitate

Rash Nature (+SAtk, -SDef)

- Draco Meteor

- Fire Blast

- Earthquake

- Roost

Mixed Flygon was a 4th Generation set that saw very little use due to the sheer popularity of Choice Scarf Flygon. As Flygon makes its Generation 5 appearance in UU, Choice Scarf continues to be Flygon's most common set. Because of this, Mixed Flygon is highly unexpected and arguably more effective than ever before.

The opponent's initial switch-in to Flygon more often than not depends on what the opponent expects Flygon to "lock itself into" because of its assumed Choice Scarf. Mixed Flygon can exploit this due to its ability to switch moves, as well as recover off residual damage and weak attacks with Roost. This Flygon in particular is one of the best switch-ins to standard Registeel. Neither Iron Head nor Seismic Toss is able to hit harder than what Flygon can easily Roost off in a single turn. Just be sure to watch out for Registeel running Toxic or Ice Punch, although the latter is rare.

The given Speed EVs allow Flygon to outspeed max Speed neutral-natured base 90 Pokémon, such as Porygon-Z and Roserade. Max Special Attack coupled with a Rash nature allows Flygon to hit hard with Draco Meteor and Fire Blast. The leftover EVs are pumped into Attack to give Earthquake some bite.

The three attacking moves listed are the best coverage Flygon is going to get - in fact, it allows Flygon to hit every Pokémon in the game for at least neutral damage. STAB Draco Meteor will hit anything that doesn't resist it (and even some weaker Pokémon that do resist it) very hard. Earthquake is a reliable secondary physical STAB option that also packs a punch. Fire Blast is Flygon's best option against Grass-types and hits specially-frail Steel-types (such as Steelix) harder than Earthquake does.

Flygon has trouble with Pokémon that are bulky on both sides of the spectrum and cannot be hit super-effectively by this set (Umbreon comes to mind), as well as as faster Pokémon that can hit Flygon super-effectively with their own Dragon- or Ice-type moves. For these reasons, Registeel makes an excellent partner for Mixed Flygon because it can Toxic bulkier Pokémon (while being immune to Toxic itself) and also resists both Dragon and Ice.

On a closing note, I'm ecstatic to be part of the Faladran team! All feedback for my first post is appreciated greatly. Thanks guys!

Set: Stallbreaker Mew

Mew @ Leftovers

Trait: Synchronize

EVs: 252 HP / 220 Def / 36 Spd

Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)

- Taunt

- Will-O-Wisp

- Softboiled

- Psychic

This set was posted in a recent Smog article, but it still hasn't caught on at all. Despite its UU status, Mew's bulk and extensive move pool allow it to function effectively in OU. With the listed moveset and EVs, Mew can be extremely difficult to take down for people unaccustomed to dealing with it. 

Most people's instinctive switch-ins to Mew will be Tyranitar or Scizor. Mew can burn both of these, crippling them and preventing either from doing much damage. Although both usually run bulkier sets now, even their Choice Band sets fail to 2HKO after being burned. Mew also hard counters Conkeldurr, who can't 2HKO with Payback after a Bulk Up. The speed puts the set one point above the common 244 mark and allows it to outpace standard Breloom to get off a Taunt or Psychic first.

Taunt is Mew's method of pressuring defensive teams, which helps a lot against stall. Softboiled  gives Mew a reliable recovery move, making it really difficult to take down when used with Will-O-Wisp. Psychic completes the set by providing a solid STAB move that allows Mew to dish out major damage to Fighting-types.

This set has issues with Heatran, so be sure to pack in a solid Fire resist. It also can't do too much damage alone, outside of burning and annoying opponents. For best results, pair this set with some entry hazard users. Stallbreaker Mew forces a ton of switches, so it could weaken opponents considerably with Stealth Rock and a layer or two of Spikes up.

Set: Swords Dance Virizion

Virizion @ Lum Berry 

Trait: Justified 

EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd 

Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk) 

- Swords Dance 

- Leaf Blade 

- Close Combat 

- Stone Edge

Virizion is a pretty underrated Pokémon that tends to do well against most Rain and Sand teams. Its auspicious typing and excellent special bulk allow it to switch in often on its resistances and threaten opponents. With access to both physical and special movepools, Virizion can be a hard Pokémon to predict initially. The Swords Dance set allows it to get past bulky Waters and special walls, and catches opponents expecting the more common Calm Mind set off-guard.

Lum Berry is used over Leftovers to shrug off a possible burn from bulky Waters and protect from other status ailments. Swords Dance gives Virizion a quick boost to its Attack and allows it to become immediately threatening. Leaf Blade and Close Combat are solid STAB moves that provide good coverage. The former covers Water-types, while the latter hits threats like Tyranitar, Heatran and Ferrothorn. Stone Edge is a nice third attack that takes out Dragonite and Volcarona, who would otherwise wall the set.

Gliscor and Skarmory give this set problems, so having something to deal with both is necessary. Since Virizion functions as an offensive threat, pairing it with lures like Mixed Jirachi can help it sweep more easily. Due to its stat spread, Virizion can run a mixed set itself. HP Ice is an option on the Swords Dance set to take out Gliscor, or you could go with a more specially based set with Calm Mind, Giga Drain and Close Combat to take out Blissey.

Set: SubRoar Heatran

Heatran @ Leftovers 

Trait: Flash Fire 

EVs: 240 HP / 36 SAtk / 12 SDef / 220 Spd

Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk) 

- Substitute

- Lava Plume

- Earth Power 

- Roar 

One of the most interesting Heatran sets available never really saw that much usage. SubRoar is a creative concept that gives Heatran a balance between offense and defense. With Jirachi and Ferrothorn being common choices in the metagame, Heatran finds multiple opportunities to switch in and start setting up or phazing. When backed with entry hazards, Heatran can put a lot of pressure on opponents and do significant damage to an entire team.

The EVs maximize Heatran’s overall bulk while giving it enough speed to outpace standard Jirachi and other Pokémon that center around the 244 Speed mark, such as Gliscor and Rotom-W. Substitute is what makes this set stand out - it gives Heatran free setups on opponents like Ferrothorn and Jirachi. From then on, Heatran can abuse Roar to rack up entry hazard damage and phaze out opponents. Thanks to Heatran’s excellent typing, the Pokémon that gets phazed in may end up being something Heatran can force back out.

Lava Plume is chosen for its nice 30% burn rate, which is especially helpful against physical switch-ins like Tyranitar. Earth Power gives the set some useful coverage against opposing Heatran, who are increasingly turning towards Air Balloon-less specially defensive sets. With Stealth Rock and at least one or two layers of Spikes up, SubRoar Heatran can rack up a lot of damage once it gets its momentum going.

Set: Life Orb Vaporeon

Vaporeon @ Life Orb 

Trait: Hydration 

EVs: 176 Def / 252 SAtk / 80 Spd 

Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk) 

- Hydro Pump 

- Ice Beam 

- Hidden Power [Grass] 

- Rest

Vaporeon isn't seen too often in general, let alone as an offensive threat. This set plays similarly to offensive Shaymin in DPP, but with a lot more power packed in. When backed up with Rain support, Vaporeon becomes a dangerous bulky offensive member who also happens to be immune to status ailments, thanks to Hydration.

A Life Orb boosted Hydro Pump is a giant threat in Rain. It OHKOes opponents like Reuniclus and Conkeldurr, and even hits resisted switch-ins for considerable damage. Ice Beam gives Vaporeon some useful coverage against Grass- and Dragon-types, while HP Grass lures out and hits Gastrodon and Quagsire - the former becoming an increasingly popular counter to Rain teams. Rest works with Hydration to let Vaporeon sponge status ailments. Just heal up when necessary and let Hydration cure everything.

This set pairs really well with two key Rain sweepers - Rotom-W and Thundurus. With Vaporeon taking out Gastrodon and Quagsire, opponents may very well lose their most important counters to the two aforementioned threats.

Set: Bulky Froslass

Froslass @ Leftovers 

Trait: Snow Cloak 

EVs: 224 HP / 108 Def / 176 Spd 

Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk) 

- Taunt 

- Spikes 

- Pain Split 

- Ice Beam

This Froslass has been one of my favorite UU sets in this generation and the previous one. Although Froslass initially seems pretty frail, it can actually run an effective bulky set that manages to simultaneously cover the roles of spiker and spin blocker.

These EVs bolster Froslass' physical defense while ensuring it outspeed Base 100s like Flygon. Taunt shuts down slower opponents and can be used to set up on threats like Chansey. Spikes are of course obligatory on this set, and Froslass functions as one of the best Spikers in UU. Pain Split gives Froslass a decent recovery move that allows it to heal up and damage opponents. Finally, Ice Beam allows Froslass to hit opponents with a solid STAB move. This is particularly useful for checking weakened threats like Donphan and Zapdos.

Bulky Froslass is a great example of a Pokémon with dual roles. By stacking hazards and blocking spinners, Froslass integrates two jobs into one set, making team building very efficient. This strategy gives teammates more flexibility and allows them to run a greater variety of sets.

Set: Mixed Jirachi

Jirachi @ Leftovers
Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 108 HP / 148 Atk / 100 SAtk / 56 SDef / 96 Spd
Lonely Nature (+Atk, -Def)
- Iron Head
- Fire Punch
- Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Another Jirachi set, but this one plays completely differently. One of the best ideas to come out of the franky / ojama collaboration was this Mixed Jirachi set, which functions as both a defensive check and an offensive lure to key threats. The giant surprise factor of this Jirachi can net some nice kills on crucial opponents.

One thing that probably sticks out is the complicated EV spread. It allows Jirachi to outpace Adamant variants of Dragonite and Mamoswine, avoid being 2HKOed by Specs Latios' Surf and KO Gliscor after a small bit of prior damage. The extra Attack investment helps to make Jirachi a fairly powerful physical attacker by giving Iron Head and Fire Punch higher damage.

Besides covering special attackers like Latios, Latias and Reuniclus, Mixed Jirachi can also lure out some important opposing team members. Fire Punch is a 2HKO at the very least on Ferrothorn and Scizor, sometimes OHKOing the latter after Stealth Rock. HP Ice scores a very unexpected KO on Gliscor, opening up opportunities for physical attackers to sweep. Thunder Wave works well with Iron Head to give opponents only a 30% chance to move. 

As mentioned earlier, physical sweepers pair well with this set. Excadrill is one of the best team members, as it can sweep teams after Gliscor has been taken out and can even abuse Rock Slide's flinch rate to get past a paralyzed Skarmory. I've personally been using Scarf Terrakion as a revenge killer and late-game sweeper with this set, and a lot of teams crumble to it once Gliscor is out of the picture. Due to the sheer popularity of the specially defensive set, almost no one will expect the extra coverage moves Mixed Jirachi carries.