Keldeo Movesets & Competitive Sets

Calm Mind turns Keldeo into a scary late-game cleaner that hits Thundurus-T and Amoonguss harder and becomes difficult to revenge kill with the likes of Noivern and Choice Scarf Hydreigon. Scald threatens switch-ins like Tangrowth, Amoonguss, and Slowking with a burn while providing strong neutral damage against Skarmory and Scizor. Secret Sword breaks through Chansey, Zarude, Rotom-W, and Hydreigon. Air Slash hits Grass-types like Amoonguss and Tangrowth hard and allows Keldeo to possibly flinch down checks like Salamence and Slowking. Icy Wind can be used over Air Slash to OHKO on Salamence and still hit the aforementioned Grass-types hard after a Calm Mind boost, but it is weak otherwise and keeps Keldeo from meaningfully damaging Slowking. Leftovers gives Keldeo passive recovery to have more setup chances against the likes of Scizor and Mandibuzz and is also useful for offsetting Stealth Rock and sand damage. Life Orb is an option for increased wallbreaking power, able to OHKO Chansey with Secret Sword and Amoonguss with Air Slash after Stealth Rock with a boost, but causes Keldeo to get worn down quickly. Life Orb is solely used on hyper offense teams, as longevity is less needed. Calm Mind Keldeo best fits on bulky offense and balance teams as a strong late-game sweeper and is also valued on hyper offense teams for its good matchup against opposing offense. Entry hazard support is essential in softening up bulky Grass-types for Keldeo; Hippowdon, Skarmory, and Nidoqueen make excellent teammates as a result. Hippowdon also can bait Tangrowth and Slowking into taking Toxic and wear them down with sand damage. Meanwhile, Nidoqueen directly pressures Primarina for Keldeo. Pivots like Thundurus-T and Choice Scarf Diggersby pressure Slowking and Primarina throughout a game to keep them from switching into Keldeo without any care. They also wear down Amoonguss and Tangrowth with their repeated pivoting moves. Teammates such as Crobat, Noivern, and the aforementioned Diggersby can keep faster threats to Keldeo like Azelf and Starmie in line. Swords Dance Scizor, particularly Safety Goggles variants, takes advantage of Amoonguss and Tangrowth incredibly well, and can lure in and remove Salamence's item with Knock Off, allowing Keldeo to overwhelm it more easily with Air Slash. On hyper offense teams, Autotomize Celesteela and Nasty Plot Azelf take on Tangrowth and Amoonguss and overwhelm Primarina and Slowking for Keldeo, as they will often be the opposing team's main line of defense against these threats.

Hydro Pump rinses the likes of Scizor, Hippowdon, Nihilego, and Thundurus-T. Even frailer resistant Pokemon such as Zarude and opposing Keldeo can't handle it more than once. Secret Sword smashes Chansey, Hydreigon, and Celesteela while chunking Tentacruel and offensive Primarina. Scald is useful against frailer offensive teams, where the extra power from Hydro Pump is unnecessary, letting Keldeo cleave through them without risk of missing. Scald also lets it fish for burns on checks like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Slowking, making them worse checks to Keldeo in the long run. Icy Wind destroys Salamence and Noivern, two Pokemon that could otherwise switch into Keldeo decently. It also hits Amoonguss and non-Assault Vest Tangrowth quite hard. Air Slash can KO Amoonguss from higher ranges than Icy Wind and 2HKOes Assault Vest Tangrowth with Stealth Rock up, but otherwise provides worse coverage. Keldeo's amazing wallbreaking good defensive utility let it fit on all kinds of offensive and balanced teams. Scizor is a phenomenal teammate that can switch into Grass-types that bother Keldeo like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Zarude. It can bring Keldeo in safely on the likes of Skarmory and Rotom-H to launch a free Hydro Pump. If running Swords Dance, Scizor can also sweep late-game after Keldeo has successfully broken down the opponent's team. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Nihilego, Hippowdon, Nidoqueen, and Excadrill makes it much more difficult for Pokemon like Slowking and Tangrowth to repeatedly switch into Keldeo. The former two can also check Salamence and Noivern for Keldeo, while the latter three can serve as decent checks to Raikou. Nidoqueen can also pressure Tangrowth and Primarina quite well. Fast pivots such as Noivern and Crobat can outspeed and threaten Pokemon that scare Keldeo out such as Azelf, Raikou, and Zygarde-10%, which is much appreciated. Both can also bring Keldeo in on targets that it freely preys upon, with Noivern baiting in Hippowdon and Nihilego and Crobat baiting in Scizor and Skarmory. Electric-types like Raikou, Rotom-W, and Thundurus-T form good cores with Keldeo, as they can break down the likes of Slowking and Primarina for it. They can also check Togekiss, which can punish Keldeo locked into Secret Sword quite hard. Answers to Slowking, and thus the combination of Future Sight + Teleport, are mandatory when using Keldeo. Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Zarude can switch into Slowking safely and prevent it from using Teleport for free, breaking the FuturePort chain. Grass-types like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Zarude can aid in Keldeo's eternal fight against bulky Water-types while also being able to check the likes of Gyarados and Primarina.

Keldeo is an amazing Pokemon for Water teams, as its additional Fighting typing and high Speed allow it to pose a threat to opposing Steel-, Dark-, and Normal-types that would otherwise pose a threat to the team, such as Bisharp, Hydreigon, and Snorlax. As a stallbreaker, Keldeo punishes walls like Toxapex, Gastrodon, and defensive Seismitoad by stopping their dangerous passive moves like Toxic, Haze, Recover, and entry hazards with Taunt. With Calm Mind, it can set up to beat these walls while also letting Keldeo KO Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Corviknight. These boosts with Calm Mind also allow it to break Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Mew, and Aegislash with Hydro Pump. Scald can be used as an alternative to Hydro Pump due to its more reliable accuracy and chance to burn opposing Pokemon; however, the caveat to using this move is that it is significantly weaker than Hydro Pump without Calm Mind boosts. Keldeo's STAB move in Focus Blast allows it to break Steel-, Dark-, and Normal-types like Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Hydreigon, Indeedee, and Snorlax that Water teams would otherwise have a tough time getting through. Keldeo runs maximum EVs in both Speed and Special Attack so that it can maximize its offensive presence and outspeed key Pokemon like Hydreigon and Indeedee. This offensive presence is supported by Leftovers, which allows Keldeo to become more threatening when it sets up and also recovers health. Keldeo forms a very strong offensive core with Pokemon like Primarina and Crawdaunt. Primarina appreciates Keldeo's ability to stallbreak and allows it to clean late-game with its Calm Mind set. Crawdaunt can also switch into Psychic-type attacks from the likes of Reuniclus and use its powerful Knock Off and Liquidation to break teams down. While Keldeo's ability to be an oppressive offensive threat is incredibly valuable, it still needs support from a lot of other Pokemon to achieve this goal. Defensive Pokemon in Seismitoad and Toxapex provide the team with an Electric immunity and a Grass neutrality, respectively. Seismitoad also provides Stealth Rock support while Toxapex offers support through Toxic, Toxic Spikes, spreading Scald burns, and wearing down opposing Pokemon to make it easier for Keldeo to break through them. Rotom-W is also a great partner, as it is able to switch into Flying-type attacks from the likes of Corviknight and Togekiss and can answer back with its own STAB Electric-type moves. It also provides Defog support to prevent Keldeo from being worn down by Sticky Web, Toxic Spikes, and other entry hazards. Pelipper can assist Keldeo by getting rid of key Grass-type Pokemon like Vileplume and Virizion with its STAB Hurricane, as well as support Keldeo with Drizzle, bolstering the power of Keldeo's Hydro Pump. Cloyster is another teammate that helps deal with Grass-types as well as Dragon- and Flying-types for Keldeo and appreciates its ability to keep Stealth Rock and other hazards off the field with Taunt. Lastly, Araquanid is a great support Pokemon, as it can not only threaten Psychic-types like Gardevoir, but also use Sticky Web to allow Keldeo to threaten more Pokemon, namely Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Indeedee.

While donning the Choice Specs, Keldeo becomes a very threatening wallbreaker that is very hard to switch into for types like Normal, Dark, and Ground. With STAB Hydro Pump, Keldeo is able to burst through walls like Mandibuzz and Corviknight thanks to its raw power. This along with its STAB Aura Sphere eviscerating most Normal- and Steel-types like Indeedee, Bewear, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp makes it extremely hard to switch into. Secret Sword is a good alternative to Aura Sphere if the little extra power and the ability to hit the Defense stat as opposed to the Special Defense stat is preferred, which is key in dealing with Pokemon like Snorlax. Keldeo also uses Icy Wind to hit some would-be threats on the switch such as Noivern, Vileplume, and Dragapult, and Scald to have a more reliable Water-type STAB move when needed. In order for it to maximize its offensive presence, Keldeo runs full EV investment in both Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature. This boost in Speed allows it to outspeed key Pokemon like Mimikyu, Modest Alolan Raichu, and non-Choice Scarf Jirachi naturally. Keldeo's offensive presence and ability to break open holes in the opposing team make it great as a partner for setup sweepers like Gyarados and Cloyster. Keldeo also helps get rid of prominent Grass-types like Appletun and Vileplume with Icy Wind. Crawdaunt and Primarina are offensive partners that can help out Keldeo by getting rid of annoying Psychic- and Dragon-types, respectively, while switching into their respective types. Crawdaunt in particular, while able to greatly improve the Steel matchup alongside Keldeo, also helps check Jellicent which completely walls Keldeo. Rotom-W is also a very invaluable teammate for Keldeo, as it can take Flying-type attacks from the likes of Corviknight and Togekiss and threaten them out with its own Electric-type STAB move and pivot using Volt Switch. It can also use a Substitute + Nasty Plot set that can break Pokemon like Jellicent and Toxapex, as well as provide support through Defog, which prevents Keldeo from getting worn down from hazards. Seismitoad allows Keldeo to have Stealth Rock support as well as providing it a switch-in to Electric-type attacks. Toxapex also helps take Grass-type attacks for Keldeo as a defensive pivot while using Toxic or Toxic Spikes to help wear down the opposing team. Pelipper sets rain, which gives Keldeo ludicrous amounts of power with its Hydro Pump and allows partners like Dracovish to help clean teams that were weakened by Keldeo's wallbreaking power. Araquanid is also very helpful in assisting Keldeo with Sticky Web to slow down faster threats like Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Indeedee.

Keldeo holds a niche over Urshifu-R on Fighting teams, as its much higher Speed lets it combat threats such as Choice Band Galarian Zapdos and Garchomp, and it also defeats physical walls like Skarmory and Galarian Weezing. Hydro Pump is Keldeo's strongest move, allowing it to easily break through bulky Pokemon such as Celesteela and Aegislash, which Fighting-type teams can often struggle against. Secret Sword defeats Pokemon that would otherwise switch into its Water-type attacks easily, such as Volcanion, Gastrodon, and Chansey. Scald is used alongside Hydro Pump to avoid risking a miss when Hydro Pump's power isn't needed, compensate for Hydro Pump's lacking PP, and burn foes that can switch into Keldeo such as Kommo-o and Dragonite. Flip Turn allows Keldeo to maintain momentum and take advantage of common switch-ins such as Toxapex, Slowking, and Galarian Slowking. Icy Wind can be used over Flip Turn to ease Keldeo's matchup against the aforementioned Dragon-types in Kommo-o and Dragonite, helping Fighting teams deal with them and shutting down their setup opportunities with Dragon Dance by reducing their Speed. Cobalion provides a Fairy and Psychic neutrality and can deal with Pokemon such as Clefable and Hatterene, albeit in a limited fashion, as its bulk leaves much to be desired. It also provides utility with Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave. Toxicroak checks Water-types like Toxapex and Tapu Fini, and it can sweep Fairy-type teams, which Keldeo struggles against, with Swords Dance and Gunk Shot. Choice Band Galarian Zapdos is a threatening wallbreaker that muscles past Pokemon that Fighting struggles to combat, such as Slowbro, Celesteela, and Toxapex. Choice Scarf Terrakion provides a revenge killer, late-game cleaner, and way to defeat Flying-type Pokemon such as Thundurus-T and Zapdos. It also outspeeds and beats Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. Choice Scarf Buzzwole provides a defensive backbone for Fighting teams, as it can switch into threatening Water- and Ground-type attacks from Pokemon such as Barraskewda, Excadrill, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T.

Keldeo's incredible Special Attack stat and STAB combination make it a potent wallbreaker when equipped with Choice Specs. It matches up positively against common top tier threats like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Excadrill. Furthermore, Keldeo's STAB moves have excellent neutral coverage; common Water-type checks like Ferrothorn and Seismitoad fear its Fighting-type attacks, while Fighting-resistant foes like Clefable and Tornadus-T cannot stomach Water Spout. Keldeo also has a solid Speed tier, outspeeding and threatening opposing wallbreakers like Nidoking, Thundurus-T, and Kyurem. Water Spout OHKOes common defensive foes like Corviknight and Buzzwole and even nets 2HKOs against frailer Water-resistant Pokemon like Rotom-W, Hydreigon, and Urshifu-R. Secret Sword does good damage against common Water-type checks like Seismitoad and Ferrothorn while also hitting special walls like Blissey and Gastrodon. Steam Eruption is a more reliable Water-type attack if Keldeo is at low health and can cripple some of its checks like Toxapex. Focus Blast gives Keldeo another strong STAB attack, OHKOing Rotom-W after Stealth Rock, Seismitoad after minor chip, and Ferrothorn outright, though its poor accuracy makes it less reliable. Alternatively, Water Shuriken can be used to revenge kill faster threats like Aerodactyl, Cinderace, and Sand Rush Excadrill. Due to its reliance on Water Spout, Keldeo appreciates teammates with entry hazard removal options like Tornadus-T, Corviknight, and Clefable, as they can prevent Keldeo from taking unnecessary entry hazard damage. Future Sight support from Slowking deters Assault Vest users that otherwise check Keldeo like Toxapex and Tornadus-T from switching in. Teammates that can pivot Keldeo into the field safely like Tornadus-T, Corviknight, and Toxapex are important to keep it healthy as it attempts to wallbreak. Paralysis support from teammates like Clefable and Melmetal can slow down faster foes like Tornadus-T, Aerodactyl, and Cinderace to prevent Keldeo from being revenge killed.

Keldeo is a solid setup sweeper that uses its good Speed and typing to turn common offensive threats and walls into setup fodder, such as Weavile, Ash-Greninja, Mega Scizor, and Slowbro. Keldeo's STAB combination also lets it force out the likes of Gliscor, Mega Scizor, and Landorus-T. Afterwards, it can use Substitute to safely set up Calm Mind or throw out an attack, all while avoiding debilitating status from Pokemon like Toxapex and Heatran. Secret Sword is essential in giving Keldeo a niche over Ash-Greninja, beating Pokemon like Chansey and Ferrothorn after Keldeo accrues enough boosts beforehand. It can also let Keldeo beat setup sweepers like Calm Mind Tapu Fini one-on-one. Keldeo also has a good matchup against rain teams, threatening wallbreakers like Mega Swampert and using Weavile as setup fodder. The Special Defense boost from Calm Mind prevents Clefable from 2HKOing with Moonblast after Leftovers recovery, which lets Keldeo retaliate with a boosted Scald, 2HKOing Clefable. Defensively, Keldeo's typing and Leftovers let it check threats over the course of a game, such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Scald burns also make Tapu Lele and Toxapex easier to wear down over the course of a game. Despite all these benefits, Keldeo can be hard to justify over wallbreakers like Urshifu-R and Ash-Greninja. It is completely walled by the likes of Mega Latias, Tapu Fini, and Toxapex, whereas Urshifu-R can use U-turn on them to gain momentum, and Ash-Greninja can use Spikes to make it harder for Tapu Fini and Toxapex to switch in. Defensive utility with no recovery moves can see it worn down over the course of a game, eventually KOed by Pokemon it needs to check, like Heatran and Weavile. Keldeo lacks immediate power compared to other wallbreakers and is therefore easier to switch into initially, though it can uniquely break through defensive Pokemon like Corviknight and Mega Scizor with enough boosts gained beforehand. Keldeo fits well on bulky offense teams looking for a potential wincon that also has solid defensive utility. Ferrothorn is a fantastic partner for adequately dealing with Tapu Fini and Clefable. It can also set Spikes, which makes Keldeo even more difficult to switch into. Spikes also wears down checks over the course of a game, like Assault Vest Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini, which lack reliable recovery. Weavile is an amazing partner that can Pursuit trap Mega Latias, which Keldeo cannot get past whatsoever. Tapu Lele appreciates Keldeo taking care of Steel-types and can take advantage of Keldeo checks like Mega Latias and Toxapex. Heatran wears down Tapu Fini for Keldeo and appreciates it heavily pressuring Ground-types. Heatran can also make use of Stealth Rock or Toxic to wear down Tapu Fini and Mega Latias, respectively. Sand Tomb Mega Scizor is able to pressure Toxapex for Keldeo, enabling it to clean late-game.

For full USUM 1v1 analyses, you can check out the USUM format page.

Moves Scald is Keldeo's most spammable attack, as it has solid Base Power and has a chance to burn foes, which helps dissuade switch-ins. Secret Sword is Keldeo's primary Fighting STAB option and allows it to bypass special walls such as Chansey. Hydro Pump is a more powerful move and is Keldeo's best option for revenge killing Tapu Koko. Icy Wind hits Pokemon such as Dragonite that resist both of Keldeo's STAB moves and slows down foes to aid in revenge killing; in particular, this is useful for taking on Choice Scarf Latios, since the reduction of Speed will allow Keldeo to outpace it after hitting it on the switch. Hidden Power Electric is another option to deal with the likes of Mantine, Pelipper, and Tapu Fini, but Choice Scarf Keldeo isn't strong enough to make full use of it. Set Details 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are used alongside a Choice Scarf to make Keldeo as fast as possible, which allows it to outspeed threats such as Swift Swim Mega Swampert, Choice Scarf Victini, and Tapu Koko. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Keldeo's damage output and let it hit as hard as possible. 4 EVs are placed into Special Defense to ensure that Porygon2 and Porygon-Z get an Attack boost from Download. Usage Tips Bring Keldeo in on boosted sweepers or faster threats such as Volcarona and Tapu Koko to force them out. Keep entry hazards up whenever possible, as Keldeo relies on the chip damage to wear down the Pokemon it forces out and to pressure its switch-ins. Using Scald on forced switches is generally helpful to spread burns and chip away at opposing checks. Be wary of Choice locking into a weaker move like Icy Wind—the opponent may take advantage of a KOed Pokemon to pivot into a setup sweeper such as Mew, which can shrug off the damage. Keep Keldeo away from paralysis whenever possible, as the halved Speed greatly reduces its effectiveness. Don't use Hydro Pump when Scald or Secret Sword would work just as well, as its low accuracy reduces its reliability. Team Options Greninja is a must-have on nearly any Water-type team, and it appreciates Keldeo taking on faster Pokemon such as Tapu Koko; in return, Greninja can deal with troublesome Poison-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Toxapex. Gyarados serves as an excellent check to Grass-type Pokemon and can act as a potent sweeper when given a free turn against the defensive Pokemon Keldeo forces in. Manaphy is another solid teammate, as it can take on the defensive cores that Choice Scarf Keldeo cannot effectively break such as balanced Poison and Flying teams. Mega Swampert can set up Stealth Rock for Keldeo, making it harder to switch into, and it takes pressure off Keldeo to check Tapu Koko while forcing out the likes of Toxapex. Azumarill puts a lot of pressure on Psychic-type teams and special walls for Keldeo and appreciates the reduced reliance on Aqua Jet for revenge killing. Pelipper handles Grass-type threats such as Mega Venusaur and sets rain to boost the power of Keldeo's Water-type attacks. Mantine can handle special setup sweepers that take advantage of Keldeo's Choice lock such as Volcarona and can clear entry hazards with Defog; it also functions as a defensive pivot and provides a Grass-type neutrality. Empoleon can set Stealth Rock, clear entry hazards to prevent stacking, and function as a Latios answer for Keldeo. Toxapex is neutral to Grass and can freely switch into many attackers; it can also support Keldeo's cleaning with Toxic Spikes. Mega Sharpedo can heavily pressure the Psychic teams that give Keldeo trouble and can weaken offensvie threats to aid Keldeo's revenge killing.

Moves Scald is Keldeo's primary STAB move, hitting most of the metagame for solid damage and can crippling switch-ins with a burn. Secret Sword is a secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to muscle past special walls such as Chansey. Hidden Power Electric hits Pokemon such as Toxapex and Mantine that resist Keldeo's STAB moves but is weaker against neutral targets. Icy Wind allows Keldeo to better handle Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latios and Dragonite. Hydro Pump gives Keldeo a bit of extra power to break switch-ins such as Zapdos and Mew, but it comes at the cost of coverage. Set Details 252 Special Attack EVs, alongside Choice Specs, maximize Keldeo's damage output and turn it into a powerful wallbreaker. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature allow Keldeo to outpace most of the metagame, including threats such as Kyurem-B, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard Y. 4 Special Defense EVs ensure that Download gives an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost to Porygon2 and Porygon-Z. Usage Tips Early-game, bring Keldeo in as often as possible to break down the opponents's defensive core. Scald should be used when feasible to weaken Keldeo's checks and discourage physical attackers; its solid burn chance and 100% accuracy make it highly spammable. Keep entry hazards up when possible to discourage switching and weaken Keldeo's answers. Don't use Hydro Pump unnecessarily, as in many situations, Keldeo's other attacks will suffice, and it has an unfortunate miss chance. Keldeo's high Speed and solid bulk limit opportunities for the foe to revenge kill it and mean it can also function as a decent late-game sweeper, so keeping it healthy until then is often a good idea. Be wary of Choice-locking Keldeo into the wrong move so it is not turned into setup bait; Dragonite, for instance, can freely set up on a Keldeo locked into Hydro Pump or Secret Sword and deal heavy damage to the team. Avoid paralysis when possible, as the loss of Speed makes Keldeo's job much harder. Team Options Choice Scarf Greninja pairs particularly well with this set, as it can take over Keldeo's job as a revenge killer; in return, Keldeo can take on defensive walls such as Chansey and Zapdos that would otherwise give Greninja trouble. Mega Sharpedo appreciates Keldeo's ability to break holes in opposing teams so it can sweep late-game; Sharpedo can also eliminate Keldeo answers such as Mega Venusaur and Slowbro. Gyarados acts as an answer to Grass-type Pokemon that threaten Keldeo, particularly Mega Venusaur, and appreciates Keldeo's removing roadblocks to its sweep. Stealth Rock setters such as Swampert, Seismitoad, and Empoleon are handy for wearing down switch-ins; the first two also function as answers to Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. Pelipper can set rain to boost Water-type attacks, bring Keldeo in safely with U-turn, and take on Grass-type Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Mega Venusaur for Keldeo. Kingdra appreciates Keldeo's wallbreaking ability to break past its answers; in return, Kingdra can take out Mega Venusaur and functions as an excellent cleaner. Volt Switch users such as Lanturn and Rotom-Wash are handy to bring in Keldeo safely; Lanturn also acts as an effective check to Electric-type Pokemon such as Alolan Raichu and can cure paralysis with Heal Bell. Toxapex can switch into offensive threats that force Keldeo out such as Greninja, can reduce the threat of setup, and can support Keldeo's wallbreaking ability with Toxic Spikes. Mantine functions as an answer to special attackers that force Keldeo out such as Choice Specs Kingdra and can remove entry hazards to allow Keldeo to come in multiple times.

Moves Scald is a safe, relatively strong move in general and has a decent chance to burn and cripple Keldeo's switch-ins, such as Zapdos. Secret Sword allows Keldeo to hit special walls such as Chansey for much more damage than its other moves would do. Be careful when using it, though, because there are many physically defensive walls that resist Fighting or can switch into a Secret Sword such as Slowbro and Skarmory. Hidden Power Electric is needed to hit Keldeo's would-be counters in Slowbro, Toxapex, and Mantine. Icy Wind hits the Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite that could otherwise switch into Keldeo's other attacks, as well as having the added benefit of lowering the Speed of an opposing Pokemon. Hydro Pump is an extremely strong alternative that is able to break through most specially defensive walls that do not resist Water, such as Zapdos. Set Details Maximum Special Attack investment is used so that Keldeo can maximize its damage output. Maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Keldeo to outspeed threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Landorus as well as Speed tie with opposing Keldeo. 4 Special Defense EVs prevent Download users like Porygon-Z from getting a boost to their Special Attack. Choice Specs allows Keldeo to break through most of the walls in the metagame, such as Zapdos and Mew, after Stealth Rock damage. Usage Tips Keldeo should be brought in as often as possible to wear down or threaten out the physically defensive Pokemon that wall the majority of Fighting-type teams, such as Skarmory. Scald is a safe move to use in general because of its chance to inflict a burn on Pokemon attempting to switch into Keldeo. Although Hydro Pump is an incredibly powerful wallbreaking move, be careful when using it because of its low PP and shaky accuracy. Spreading burns with Scald and weakening Keldeo's checks with Hydro Pump early-game can allow Keldeo to sweep late-game. Keldeo forces a lot of switches, so you can capitalize on this by double switching to a Pokemon that handles what your opponent attempted to switch into Keldeo. Preserving Keldeo's health is incredibly important, not only because it allows Keldeo to wallbreak throughout the battle, but also because Keldeo's good defensive typing allows it to function as an offensive check to Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Kingdra. Keldeo's coverage moves deal significant damage to their targets such as Slowbro and Mantine, but they are weak otherwise. Because of this, Keldeo should avoid locking itself into one of its coverage moves because otherwise opposing Pokemon such as Double Dance Landorus-T can set up on it. Team Options Almost all Fighting-type Pokemon work well with Keldeo because of its incredible ability to break through physically defensive walls. Choice Scarf Heracross and Terrakion are excellent teammates for Keldeo, as the former can deal with bulky Psychic-types such as Slowbro and the latter with Flying-types like Mantine. They also can revenge kill or threaten out Pokemon that outspeed Keldeo. In return, Keldeo easily deals with Doublade and Skarmory, which otherwise can easily switch into Heracross and Terrakion. Keldeo greatly benefits from Stealth Rock support to break Sturdy on Skarmory and Focus Sash on Pokemon such as Breloom. Infernape is the more offensive of the two options, and it is able to check Grass-types, most notably Celebi, as well as relieve pressure off Keldeo by providing another check to Mega Scizor. Cobalion is the other option and is much bulkier, can safely bring Keldeo in with Volt Switch, and can cripple threats such as Latios with Thunder Wave as well as switch into Latios's Psyshock. Kommo-o and Breloom also appreciate Keldeo's ability to break down physically defensive walls. In return, Kommo-o can wall and set up on one of Keldeo's counters, Mega Venusaur, and Breloom can beat most Water-type Pokemon that could try to switch into Keldeo. Keldeo also resists Fire and Ice, allowing it to switch into some of Breloom's checks, such as Torkoal. Hawlucha is another teammate that can deal with Grass-types, specifically Mega Venusaur, and in return Keldeo handles the Pokemon that wall Hawlucha such as Doublade, allowing Hawlucha to sweep with Swords Dance and Unburden.

Moves Taunt allows Keldeo to stop opposing walls like Mantine and Toxapex from removing its stat boosts with Haze and prevents Pokemon like Mandibuzz from Defogging, using recovery moves, and using status moves to wear it down. Calm Mind boosts Keldeo's wallbreaking power and allows it to take on walls like Celesteela and Zapdos after just one boost. Hydro Pump is Keldeo's most powerful STAB move and is capable of hitting defensive Pokemon like Mega Sableye, Zapdos, and Gliscor very hard. Secret Sword is used as Keldeo's secondary STAB attack that pressures specially defensive Pokemon like Gastrodon and Chansey. Set Details Maximum investment in Speed and Special Attack with a Timid nature allows Keldeo to hit as hard and fast as possible. Waterium Z allows Keldeo to use a powerful nuke in Hydro Vortex that can KO walls like Mega Sableye, Celesteela, and Zapdos. 4 Special Defense EVs cause Download users to boost in Attack rather than Special Attack, which is useful against Download Porygon2, as it allows Keldeo to take more hits from it. Usage Tips Keldeo should ideally be used to blow holes through the enemy team so that its teammates can clean up, so taking out key walls like Mega Sableye and Zapdos is very important. Try to bluff a Choice Specs or Choice Scarf set in certain situations so that you can potentially force out opposing Pokemon, allowing you to get a free turn to set up Calm Mind. This set excels at stopping common walls like Toxapex and Mantine from using Haze to remove stat boosts, recovering health, and using status moves to hinder Keldeo's usefulness. Be sure to use Taunt on an incoming wall so that you can either force it out or KO it more easily. Doing this allows you to deal with Pokemon like Celesteela and Mandibuzz more easily, preventing them from using status moves, allowing Keldeo to get more Calm Mind boosts. You can also do this on naturally forced switches or on passive Pokemon like Mega Sableye that can't do any significant damage to Keldeo. Avoid getting afflicted with any form of status ailment, as they wear down Keldeo throughout the match and can limit the number of times Keldeo can come in. Try to preserve Keldeo's Z-Move for use on a wall like Celesteela that your team struggles to beat, as you don't want to waste it on a Pokemon that could have been KOed by one of Keldeo's teammates. Picking apart defensive cores with Keldeo's Z-Move allows it to become as effective as possible, and this is especially important against types like Flying, which rely on their defensive cores to function properly. Team Options The entire team appreciates Keldeo's ability to stallbreak walls like Toxapex, Mantine, and Celesteela and prevent them from healing or inflicting status ailments. Mega Gallade appreciates Keldeo's ability to take care of Pokemon like Mega Sableye, which otherwise make Gallade's job harder. In return, Mega Gallade breaks down troublesome walls like Mega Venusaur and Jellicent for Keldeo, which usually can't force these Pokemon out. Terrakion works very well with Keldeo, as it can revenge kill threats like Tornadus-T, Mega Pidgeot, and Tapu Koko with a Choice Scarf set. Keldeo in return gets rid of walls like Celesteela and Mega Sableye so that Terrakion can have an easier time cleaning. Cobalion supports Keldeo with Stealth Rock and by slowing down threats like Greninja with Thunder Wave. It also uses its Steel typing and decent defenses to help take hits from Fairy- and Psychic-type attacks from Pokemon like Mega Diancie and Latios for Keldeo. Breloom provides support with its ability to put opposing Pokemon to sleep, allowing Keldeo to find more opportunities to set up Calm Mind. Buzzwole and Heracross both help revenge kill Psychic-types like Celebi and Mega Latios with their Bug-type STAB moves. Buzzwole, in particular, has good coverage moves in Earthquake and Ice Punch, which help get rid of checks to Keldeo like Tapu Koko after Stealth Rock damage and always force out Landorus-T. Heracross, on the other hand, helps Pursuit trap Choice-locked Pokemon like Choice Scarf Victini, which is a threat to Keldeo. Lucario is another wallbreaker that appreciates Keldeo's ability to break through walls like Celesteela and Mantine. In return, it can help take care of Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Mega Diancie for Keldeo.

Moves Hydro Pump is Keldeo's main STAB attack and lets it take on Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Mega Scizor. Secret Sword allows Keldeo to hit key threats such as Ferrothorn and Chansey and is able to hit Water-immune Pokemon such as Mantine and Gastrodon. Calm Mind boosts Keldeo's Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a potent wallbreaker. Taunt allows Keldeo to break walls by preventing them from using their recovery moves and spreading status. Set Details Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment with a Timid nature lets Keldeo hit as hard as possible while Speed tying with Pokemon such as Galvantula. Waterium Z allows Keldeo's Hydro Pump to become Hydro Vortex, which can help it take out Pokemon such as Zapdos after a boost and minor chip damage. Usage Tips When Keldeo forces a switch against Pokemon such as Armaldo, it should take advantage of this by setting up Calm Mind. Keldeo should use Taunt to block walls from recovering off damage and spreading status, allowing it to easily break these walls and use them as setup bait. Keldeo should preserve Hydro Vortex until it can secure an OHKO against a threat such as Clefable. Generally, if Keldeo is going to use Hydro Vortex against a wall, either make sure it is weakened to the point of being KOed or Taunt it before attacking. Keldeo should avoid status at all costs, as all status conditions affect its ability to clean. Keldeo best sets up when all of its checks such as Tapu Koko are gone or when slower checks such as Rotom-Wash are weakened to a point where it can take them on. Keldeo should set up against walls like Toxapex and Mantine in the Water matchup, as it can easily Taunt them, preventing them from being able to wall Keldeo by recovering off its damage and removing boosts with Haze. In the Water matchup it should also set up after threats such as Mega Sharpedo have been removed, as Mega Sharpedo can revenge kill Keldeo with Psychic Fangs. In the crucial matchup against Flying teams, Keldeo should be used to break walls such as Celesteela so Greninja has an easier time sweeping late-game. Team Options All of Keldeo's teammates appreciate its ability to break down walls such as Celesteela with Taunt and act as a powerful setup sweeper that can take on threats such as Zapdos and Hydreigon. Toxapex provides Keldeo with Toxic Spikes support, slowly chipping down Keldeo's checks. It can also act as a switch-in to Grass-type attacks such as Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu's Horn Leech. Choice Scarf Greninja acts as a nice revenge killer for Keldeo, checking key threats such as Mega Diancie, Tapu Koko, and Latios. Mantine provides a Ground-type immunity and Defog support for Keldeo while also acting as a blanket switch-in to strong special attacks such as Latios's Draco Meteor. In return, it appreciates Keldeo's ability to beat an overwhelming majority of hazard setters such as Hippowdon and Ferrothorn, taking pressure off Mantine as the team's Defogger. Electric-immune Pokemon such as Swampert, Mega Swampert, and Gastrodon are essential on any Water team. The former two are the premier Stealth Rock setters for Water teams and are able to phaze setup sweepers with Roar, and while the latter might not have access to Stealth Rock, its access to reliable recovery makes it a much better switch-in to Electric-types. Gastrodon also can use Toxic on Pokemon such as Mantine and Slowbro for Keldeo, giving it an easier time breaking past a few of its checks. Mega Sharpedo forms a dangerous wallbreaking core with Keldeo, as Keldeo can break through Steel-types like Ferrothorn, whereas Mega Sharpedo can take on Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mega Latias for Keldeo. Keldeo also appreciates Mega Sharpedo's ability to act as a cleaner after a few Speed boosts. Rotom-Wash acts as another Defog Pokemon with an immunity to Ground-type attacks and a handy neutrality to Electric-type coverage, allowing it to Defog on Pokemon Mantine can't such as Zapdos. Rotom-Wash is also a fantastic slow pivot that can bring Keldeo in safely with Volt Switch and can give it more opportunities to set up by crippling physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.

Moves Scald's burn chance helps Keldeo stick around longer against physical attackers that would bypass its Special Defense boosts; its low Base Power is offset by Calm Mind. Secret Sword provides great Fighting-type coverage and prevents Chansey from stopping Keldeo's sweep. Hidden Power Ground keeps Keldeo from being stopped cold by Mollux and Plasmanta. Substitute allows Keldeo to set up on Pokemon such as defensive Mega Scizor and specially defensive Jirachi more easily and avoid status from defensive Pokemon, allowing it to build up more boosts. Calm Mind increases Keldeo's longevity and power, letting it sweep effectively. Set Details A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, such as Gliscor, non-Choice Scarf Volkraken, and Kyurem-B. The EV spread allows Keldeo to outspeed slower Pokemon and deal a lot of damage. Life Orb gives Keldeo a considerable damage boost, which helps it handle Pokemon before a Calm Mind boost; it should be used when running Hidden Power Ground. Alternatively, Leftovers increases Keldeo's ability to create more Substitutes and mitigates residual damage, notably against more defensive teams that rely on such damage to pressure Keldeo. Usage Tips Keldeo is helpful on hyper offense and balance teams to stop foes with Calm Mind and with its STAB coverage. Keldeo should set up Calm Mind late-game after its checks and counters are sufficiently weakened. Early-game, Keldeo should be fulfilling an offensive role to wear down the opposing team with Scald. Take opportunities to set up Substitute, as it is a necessity for combating faster Pokemon and makes it safer to use Calm Mind; Scald and Substitute should be used on passive Pokemon like Chansey, non-Giga Drain Pyroak, and non-Encore Fidgit. Team Options Since Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-, Grass-, Electric-, and Fairy-types, Mega Venusaur is an effective teammate thanks to its defensive typing and STAB Grass- and Poison-type attacks. Unaware Clefable stops Pokemon that set up on Keldeo and can use Stealth Rock to stop Talonflame. In addition, it can pass Wishes to Keldeo to help it live longer and can use Heal Bell if it is statused. Ground-types like Garchomp, Colossoil, and Gliscor are vital teammates for this set, as various Electric-types, such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus, are threatening. Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Colossoil are excellent for removing Mollux, which annoys Substitute variants of this set. Unaware Clefable, commonly seen on stall teams, obliterates Keldeo, meaning Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Heatran; Poison-types like Gengar and Mollux; and Fire-types like Heatran and Pyroak are great partners. Flying-types like Talonflame and Tornadus-T are helpful for removing Grass-types like Serperior, Venusaur, Necturna, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss.

Moves Scald's burn chance makes Keldeo annoying and cleans up the opposition late-game thanks to its accuracy. Secret Sword provides Fighting-type coverage and hits specially defensive Pokemon harder than Hydro Pump or Scald. Hydro Pump deals more damage to foes if you prefer higher damage output; it is especially helpful against Aurumoth and Mega Charizard X (both of which Keldeo outspeeds even after they set up), Mega Charizard Y, Mega Crucibelle, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Ground eliminates Mollux and Plasmanta, while Icy Wind slows down foes and targets switch-ins like Mega Altaria and Dragonite. Set Details The EV spread maximizes Keldeo's Speed and damage output. Choice Scarf allows Keldeo to outspeed more foes, several of which would defeat it otherwise, making it a check to Cawmodore, +1 Mega Charizard X, and Kerfluffle. A Timid nature allows Keldeo to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, including Choice Scarf users like Volkraken and Crucibelle. While Modest provides more power, it makes Keldeo lose to Jolly Mega Charizard X and Naviathan after one Dragon Dance. It would also be slower than Choice Scarf base 95+ maximum Speed Pokemon, such as Garchomp and Kyurem-B. Usage Tips Keldeo is most effective late-game when its switch-ins have been worn down, allowing it to clean up with Secret Sword and Scald. Early- and mid-game, Keldeo should be used to revenge kill foes, such as Cawmodore, Mega Charizard X, and Crucibelle, with Hydro Pump, Icy Wind, or Hidden Power Ground. If used early-game, Keldeo should be wary of the foe switching and should not allow it to set up. Scald is the safest option early-game, as its burn on a switch-in allows Keldeo to have an easier time late-game. Team Options Keldeo works best on hyper offense and balance teams to stop Pokemon like Heatran and Colossoil; therefore, Gengar, Mega Manectric, Mega Gardevoir, Kitsunoh, and Latios are good partners. As many Flying-, Psychic-, and Fairy-types defeat Keldeo, Mega Metagross is a helpful partner. Ground-type teammates like Hippowdon, Colossoil, and Excadrill are very helpful for dealing with Electric-types, Mollux, and Plasmanta. Keldeo struggles with bulky Water-types, so Grass- and Electric-type teammates like Mega Venusaur and Plasmanta are very important.

Moves Hydro Pump is key for combating walls such as Clefable, Tomohawk, and Jirachi and is the most powerful move on this set. Hydro Pump's greater power is essential in situations where the lower Base Power of Scald is insufficient to KO the foe. Secret Sword is an excellent secondary STAB option that allows Keldeo to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Colossoil and Chansey as well as Water-resistant Pokemon, such as Ferrothorn. Scald is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move and is used when Keldeo cannot afford to miss Hydro Pump; its burn chance allows Keldeo to wear down Pokemon such as Latios and Ferrothorn, and it is almost always a good move to spam. In the last moveslot, Hidden Power Ground is necessary to get past Mollux and Plasmanta, which resist Secret Sword and are immune to Water. Alternatively, Icy Wind can be used for coverage against Grass-types, such as Necturna, and Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Altaria. Set Details The given EV spread and a Timid nature are needed for Keldeo to hit hard and outspeed as much as possible. Choice Specs turns Keldeo into a frightening attacker, allowing it to 2HKO Pokemon such as Tomohawk and Clefable. Life Orb can be used instead to preserve Keldeo's power and ease its matchup against Mollux and Plasmanta, but the recoil wears it down significantly. Expert Belt can be used over Life Orb to avoid recoil and to bluff a Choice item, but Keldeo hits significantly weaker against neutral targets such as Clefable. Usage Tips Keldeo should be used to break opposing defensive cores. Life Orb and Expert Belt Keldeo have more freedom, as they are able to fight at any point in the match. If the opponent thinks Keldeo is Choice locked, they might send in a counter like Mollux or Plasmanta, in which case you should use Hidden Power Ground. Scald, unless the foe is immune to it, is generally the safest and most spammable move to use early-game, as a potential burn can wear down counters like Mega Venusaur and physical attackers, making it easier for Keldeo to clean up late-game. Team Options Keldeo is good on offensive and balance teams thanks to its type coverage, power, and speed. It cannot fight common Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Tangrowth, and Amoonguss as well as faster Pokemon such as Kerfluffle, so Talonflame is a helpful teammate thanks to its powerful priority Flying-type attacks. Since Keldeo is weak to common special attackers such as Serperior, Raikou, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Diancie, specially defensive teammates with Wish or Healing Wish, like Clefable, Jirachi, Latias, and Sylveon, are effective. Ground-types like Colossoil, Garchomp, and Hippowdon help deal with Electric-types. Colossoil also helps Keldeo against Psychic-types, as it can Pursuit trap them. Garchomp and Hippowdon can check Talonflame, set Stealth Rock, and offer Ground-type coverage if Keldeo does not run Hidden Power Ground. Offensive Grass- and Electric-types like Necturna, Serperior, and Plasmanta are helpful because Keldeo has great difficulty handling bulky Water-types, such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, and Slowbro. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Colossoil, Bisharp, Scizor, and Mega Metagross are great for removing bulky Psychic-type Pokemon, such as Starmie, Latios, and Latias, that wall Keldeo.

Moves Water Spout is a powerful move that is able to 2HKO almost the entire tier at its highest damage output, and it is a very good move with which to revenge kill weakened threats. Secret Sword is Keldeo's main Fighting-type STAB move, being able to hit specially defensive walls like Chansey and Tyranitar much harder than Keldeo's special moves. Steam Eruption is Keldeo's second STAB Water-type move and can inflict burns, which weaken walls and cripple physical attackers. Icy Wind is a decent coverage option that allows Keldeo to hit Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as Serperior and Dragonite super effectively, and it is a nice tool to lower the foe's Speed as well. Hidden Power Electric is another coverage option that lets Keldeo hit Water-type Pokemon such as Gyarados, Slowbro, Starmie, and Azumarill. Finally, Hidden Power Bug is a nice option that is not seen quite often and allows Keldeo to hit bulky Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Mega Slowbro, Latias, and Celebi super effectively. Set Details Choice Scarf enables Keldeo to outspeed faster Pokemon such as Alakazam, Serperior, and Mega Diancie that would otherwise threaten to KO it, allowing it to revenge kill them more easily. The EVs are maxed out in Special Attack and Speed to strengthen Keldeo's offensive capabilities, while a Timid nature is chosen to outspeed as many threats as possible. Usage Tips Latios synergizes really well with Keldeo, as it can remove entry hazards and heal Keldeo with Healing Wish, allowing it to wallbreak more often with Water Spout. They can deal with each other's checks and counters, as Keldeo can take on Dark-type Pokemon while Latios deals with Psychic- and Grass-type Pokemon. Tornadus-T is another great partner for Keldeo, as its Flying typing combined with the ability to safely pivot with U-turn allows it to switch into Keldeo's checks and counters, such as Mega Venusaur and Starmie, multiple times thanks to Regenerator. Keldeo should be used on more offensive teams, as it can act as a useful check to most of the Pokemon that can threaten this playstyle, such as Terrakion and Gengar, although it can be run on balanced teams that need a check to opposing offensive teams. Depending on what it runs, Keldeo can be walled by Grass- and Dragon-types, so it prefers to be paired with Pokemon that can deal with them. For instance, Landorus-T and Kyurem-B are nice options due to their amazing offensive typings that have great synergy with Keldeo's typing. Psychic-types are also a pain for Keldeo to deal with, so running Dark-type Pokemon with Pursuit such as Tyranitar and Weavile is highly recommended, as they let Keldeo have an easier time wallbreaking. Grass-types like Serperior and Ferrothorn pair well with Keldeo as well, as they can deal with bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Azumarill. Entry hazard removal is also useful, as hazards can weaken Keldeo quite quickly, which can decrease its offensive capabilities because it switches in and out quite often. Healing Wish support can also be essential from Pokemon such as Latias, Latios, and Jirachi, as it restores Keldeo's HP and allows Water Spout to deal more damage.

Moves Water Spout is a devastatingly strong STAB move that allows Keldeo to break down many teams, especially in conjunction with Choice Specs. Origin Pulse is another powerful STAB move, that lets Keldeo 2HKO most threats with ease without needing to worry about its HP. Secret Sword is Keldeo's secondary STAB move and lets it hit specially defensive walls such as Chansey and Ferrothorn for more damage. Steam Eruption is Keldeo's secondary Water-type STAB move of choice, and its high accuracy helps Keldeo to secure the KO on weakened Pokemon. Steam Eruption is also able to cripple physical attackers and chip many switch-ins with its high chance of inflicting burns. Vacuum Wave is a great STAB priority option that allows Keldeo to hit faster threats such as Excadrill under sand and Choice Scarf Magnezone and helps Keldeo against Speed ties with Terrakion. Finally, Icy Wind is a nice coverage option that lets Keldeo hit Grass-types and Dragon-types such as Serperior and Dragonite. Hidden Power Bug can be used to hit Psychic-types such as Celebi and Starmie. Scald can also be used over Steam Eruption, as its higher PP helps Keldeo to break down bulkier teams. However, Steam Eruption's greater Base Power makes it the preferred option. Set Details Choice Specs boosts Keldeo's damage output to incredible levels, making it able to 2HKO most of the metagame. Life Orb can also be run to allow Keldeo to switch moves, but the damage loss compared to Choice Specs is quite noticeable and the recoil can wear it down quickly. Additionally, Water Spout should never be used alongside Life Orb. The EVs are maxed out in Special Attack and Speed to increase Keldeo's offensive capabilities. A Timid nature is chosen to let Keldeo outspeed threats such as Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B, allowing it to remain a threat to offensive teams. Usage Tips Keldeo is a reliable wallbreaker, dismantling many powerful cores thanks to its powerful moves and high Special Attack. Keldeo can switch into resisted hits with ease due to its moderate bulk, but it should never be switched in on any attacks if you choose to run Water Spout. Keldeo is best utilized throughout the end of the match, as it can sweep through weakened teams once its checks and counters are gone. However, it can be used earlier on to break through defensive walls, allowing your other team members to sweep more easily. Try to eliminate faster threats such as Thundurus and Serperior that could potentially harm Keldeo before you try to sweep with it. Team Options Latios is a near-perfect partner for Keldeo, as it can deal with Keldeo's checks and counters such as Mega Venausaur, Slowbro, and Latias. Keldeo also deals with common Pursuit trappers like Weavile and Hoopa-U, while Latios can remove entry hazards and heal Keldeo with Healing Wish in return, allowing it to spam Water Spout more often. Bulky Grass- and Water-types such as Mega Venausaur and Gyarados can wall Keldeo extremely well, so it is recommended to run Pokemon that can beat them alongside Keldeo, such as Kyurem-B, Thundurus, and Mega Charizard Y. Tornadus-T is another great partner for Keldeo, as its Flying typing in conjunction with its amazing ability to pivot greatly helps Keldeo fend off Grass-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Celebi. Pursuit trappers such as Weavile and Tyranitar also work well with Keldeo, as they can trap Psychic-types such as Latios, Celebi, and Slowbro that can take one hit from Keldeo and potentially KO it. Heatran is another great Pokemon that works well with Keldeo, as it can deal with Keldeo's checks and counters such as Latias, Talonflame, and Mega Venusaur quite well. Heatran's typing also provides resistances to types such as Grass, Flying, and Psychic that Keldeo is weak to. This set can usually be run on more offensively oriented teams due to its capability of breaking down many defensive cores, that many offensive teams have a difficult time with.

Moves Substitute works well with Calm Mind, as it secures Keldeo against attacks that have the potential to KO it and lets it set up much more easily. It also blocks crippling status conditions from Thunder Wave and Toxic, safeguards Keldeo from the popular Fake Out + Extreme Speed combination, and prevents Chansey from using Transform successfully. Calm Mind boosts Keldeo's wallbreaking capabilities to terrifying levels. It also gives Keldeo surprising amounts of special bulk, letting it survive powerful attacks from strong Pokemon after a couple of boosts. Scald is itsKeldeo's Water-type STAB move of choice, as it possesses a high chance to burn the target, which works well in conjunction with the Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind. Steam Eruption is not used on this set because its low PP does not mesh well with this set's focus on longevity and reliability. Secret Sword is the Fighting-type STAB move, letting Keldeo hit specially defensive walls and opposing Calm Mind users. Set Details Leftovers is the best item to be used on this set, as it can passively recover HP that can be used to create Substitutes, and it also increases Keldeo's longevity. However, a Salac Berry can also be used to boost Keldeo's Speed, which, in conjunction with Calm Mind boosts, can be extremely devastating, though it allows Keldeo to be easily revenge killed by priority users such as Talonflame and Mega Lopunny. The EVs are maxed out in Special Attack and Speed to maximize Keldeo's sweeping capabilities, and Timid is the chosen nature to let Keldeo outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, such as Kyurem-B and Mega Charizard X. Usage Tips Keldeo should only start setting up once its checks and counters are gone or extremely weakened, as it doesn't have any coverage moves to hit them. Keldeo can also be threatened by sound-based moves such as Sylveon's Boomburst and Mega Gardevoir's Hyper Voice, which can bypass Substitutes and OHKO Keldeo. Try to not let Keldeo be weakened too much, as it needs quite a bit of HP to create Substitutes and set up Calm Minds. This set can force many physical attackers out with the threat of Scald. It is also not threatened by passive Pokemon such as Chansey, Mega Sableye, and Klefki because Keldeo can set up on them. All these reasons combined allow Keldeo to easily find an opportunity to set up a Substitute and commence sweeping. However, Keldeo should not try to start setting up if the opposing team has a phazer or a priority user that can end Keldeo's sweep quite abruptly. Team Options Latios is a great option in conjunction with this set, as it checks many Pokemon that wall Keldeo such as Mega Venusaur, Celebi, Latias, and Slowbro, and it can also keep entry hazards off the field, giving Keldeo an easier time sweeping later on during the match. Flying-type Pokemon such as Thundurus and Landorus-T are also great partners for Keldeo, as they can deal with Grass-types like Mega Venusaur and Celebi that completely wall Keldeo. Dark-type Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Weavile are also good teammates that can Pursuit trap bulky Psychic-types that can wall Keldeo such as Latias and Slowbro. Hoopa-U is another Dark-type Pokemon that can break through bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Mega Slowbro and Meloetta easily. Assault Vest Metagross is also another Pursuit user that can be considered, as its great bulk allows it to Pursuit trap key threats such as Latios and Latias, while it is also able to deal with other threats such as Mega Diancie and Mega Venusaur. Fairy-type Pokemon such as Clefable and Klefki are also very useful, as they can deal with Dragon-types like Dragonite and Latias, which can both take Keldeo's STAB moves and threaten to KO it. A physical Thundurus set is another great team option that can break through bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Mega Blastoise, and Azumarill quite easily, remedying Keldeo's lack of coverage for these Pokemon. This set can be used on more balanced teams, as it is one of the best stallbreakers in the metagame; however, it can be run on bulky offense teams as well. Entry hazard setters such as Heatran and Ferrothorn are recommended, as the entry hazards can weaken some of Keldeo's checks and counters, thus allowing it to sweep more easily and efficiently. Toxic Spikes setters such as Gengar and Scolipede are especially valued because Toxic Spikes can wear down bulky Pokemon such as Mega Slowbro and Porygon2, as Keldeo tends to stall behind Substitutes.

Moves This is Keldeo's most viable set, and it uses it very well. Hydro Pump is the chosen Water-type STAB, and it deals a lot of damage to any non-resisting opponent, of which, due to the great neutral coverage of Water-type attacks, there are many. Secret Sword is Keldeo's most reliable Fighting-type STAB attack, and it scores an OHKO on 4 / 0 Mega Kangaskhan. It can also hit opposing Water-types which resist Hydro Pump, like Rotom-W and Ludicolo, as well as hitting Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Quick Guard blocks opposing priority moves such as incoming Fake Out and Talonflame's Brave Bird, which is super effective against Keldeo. Taunt is always a useful move, stopping Protect, Spore, and most importantly Trick Room. Icy Wind is another support option here, as it gives Keldeo a spread attack that slows the opposing Pokemon down, letting Keldeo's ally outspeed them. Finally, Protect is a staple move in Doubles, as it can stall out weather conditions and Trick Room turns, as well as protect Keldeo from any attack while its partner takes its turn. Set Details Keldeo simply maximizes its Special Attack and Speed because it is meant to be hitting as hard as possible and Keldeo and Terrakion speed ties are fairly common. Life Orb is the preferred item for this set, as it allows Keldeo to get several OHKOs it couldn't achieve otherwise. Usage Tips Keldeo should be brought in against Pokemon that it can threaten, such as Heatran, Landorus-T, Mega Kangaskhan, and Bisharp. However, Keldeo should not be played recklessly, and it must be brought in on an expected attack that it resists or after a teammate has fainted, or else Life Orb recoil and switch in damage will build up quickly. If Quick Guard is used over Icy Wind, Keldeo should be mainly used against Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan so its partner can attack without fear of getting flinched. It can also be used to block powerful priority attacks such as Talonflame's Brave Bird, and can stop Prankster Thunder Wave, among other things. However, this often requires proper prediction, as the opponent might expect it and use an attack without priority instead, wasting your turn. If carried, Icy Wind can be used to slow down opposing threats for a partner or to hit both opponents when a Follow Me / Rage Powder supporter like Togekiss or Amoonguss, respectively, is on the field. It can also help Keldeo slow down faster threats such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Choice Scarf Thundurus-T and pick them off afterwards. Once Keldeo has defeated the foes it was meant to check, it can proceed to hit everything as hard as possible. Be careful of Hoopa-U, as although Keldeo outspeeds and hits Hoopa-U hard, Secret Sword is not likely to OHKO even uninvested Hoopa-U, which can easily OHKO back with Hyperspace Hole. As long as its teammates can handle the remaining members of the opposing team, keeping Keldeo alive won't be a major issue. Team Options Because of its ability to counter multiple major Doubles threats, Keldeo can find a spot on almost any team. Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Gourgeist-S make good teammates, as they can switch into common Electric- and Grass-type attacks that are super effective against Keldeo. In particular, they are great for being able to handle Rotom-W, which is probably the most common threat to Keldeo. Electric- and Rock-types are also good teammates, being useful for dealing with Talonflame and other Flying-types that Keldeo is weak to. A notable choice here is Mega Manectric. Before Mega Evolving, it has the ability Lightning Rod to draw in super effective Electric-type attacks for Keldeo. Once it has Mega Evolved, it gains the useful ability Intimidate to weaken physical attackers. It also acts as a good Talonflame switch-in, resisting its priority Brave Bird. Dark-types, such as Bisharp, make good teammates as well, handling Psychic-types for Keldeo. Those with access to Sucker Punch are particularly helpful for dealing with Latios, a very common threat to Keldeo which resists both of its STAB attacks. Fire-types that beat Pokemon like Amoonguss and Venusaur are particularly helpful, as those two resist both of Keldeo's STAB attacks too. Heatran and Rotom-H are especially effective as they also wall Talonflame, though Chandelure, Talonflame, and others are also very effective. Rage Powder / Follow Me support from Amoonguss or Togekiss is a useful asset to Keldeo, redirecting particularly threatening attacks and helping it stay around for longer to check the Pokemon it needs to.

Set Description Reflect allows Keldeo to take on various physical attackers such as Garchomp, Sawk, and Choice Band Snorlax. Water Gem-boosted Hydro Pump does immense damage to neutral and super effective targets such as Genesect and Volcarona. Secret Sword OHKOes non-Chople Berry Tyranitar and gives Keldeo a better matchup versus Snorlax and Scrafty. Taunt provides utility for Keldeo, stopping various setup Pokemon like Calm Mind + Acid Armor Manaphy and Iron Defense + Amnesia Registeel. Icy Wind allows Keldeo to be more consistent against Haxorus and Garchomp. EVs The defensive investment allows Keldeo to defeat Fighting Gem Conkeldurr by setting Reflect, as well as various other physical attackers like Sawk, Haxorus, and Garchomp. The Speed investment allows Keldeo to outspeed Garchomp. Usage Tips Versus Snorlax, Keldeo must guess which set the opponent is using. Choosing to use Reflect versus Choice Band Snorlax wins, but then Keldeo may be blown back by Custap Berry + Belly Drum variants. If Keldeo uses Secret Sword, Choice Band Snorlax has a chance to OHKO it, but Snorlax will not be able to set Belly Drum. Each option is equally precarious. If Snorlax uses Defense Curl, Amnesia, Seismic Toss, or Rest, it is a stall variant, so use Taunt if you have it. Against some physical attackers like Conkeldurr, it always best to set Reflect before attacking. If Keldeo is carrying Icy Wind, it should use it versus Sawk, Haxorus, and Garchomp. If Keldeo is not, it should attack them and hope they are not holding Choice Scarf. Taunt allows Keldeo to act as a blanket check to stall Pokemon. If Keldeo is carrying Taunt, it should be used versus Manaphy, especially if you see it has Mail at Team Preview.

Set Description Keldeo's Water Gem-boosted Hydro Pump is immensely powerful; it OHKOes various Electric-types like Zapdos and Thundurus-T if they lack significant investment in bulk. So, at the teambuilding stage, they have to decide whether defeating Keldeo is worth sacrificing Speed. Secret Sword does consistent damage versus Snorlax and OHKOes non-Chople Berry Tyranitar. Icy Wind allows for Keldeo to be more reliable versus various Choice Scarf users like Haxorus, Sawk, and Garchomp. Taunt allows Keldeo to defeat stall Pokemon such as Manaphy and block Crustle's Shell Smash. EVs 4 Special Defense EVs force Genesect to get an Attack boost from Download instead of a Special Attack boost. Usage Tips In most cases, offensive Keldeo just uses its best damaging move. Use Icy Wind against Sawk, Haxorus, and Garchomp turn one to defeat Choice Scarf variants. Versus Crustle and stall Pokemon like Mail Manaphy, use Taunt.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.

Keldeo is a fast Special Attacker looking to fire off its high Base Power Hydro Pump for significant damage. However, Keldeo struggles to find a place in the metagame, as the tier's best Pokemon either outright wall it, such as Jellicent and Amoonguss, or have a Speed advantage and trade positively against it, such as Latios and Thundurus. Furthermore, there's a plethora of other Water- and Fighting-types that offer greater utility, more favorable offensive matchups, and less reliance on speed control, leaving Keldeo as a mere fringe option for specific offense teams. Life Orb-boosted Hydro Pump OHKOes all Water-weak foes such as Heatran, Excadrill, and Landorus-T. It also 2HKOes nearly the entire unresisted metagame, eliminating frailer foes, such as Scizor and Genesect after Stealth Rock, and bulky foes such as Metagross and Conkeldurr. Secret Sword is the safer option with which to OHKO Tyranitar and Excadrill while also being the main way of damaging Kyurem-B, Politoed, Kingdra, and Ferrothorn. Toxic is Keldeo's best option against Jellicent, which it can't hit otherwise, while Taunt is an option to shut down Jellicent, Amoonguss, and Cresselia's utility options. Keldeo struggles against the faster Latios and gets walled by Jellicent and Amoonguss. As such, Thundurus is a good teammate, because it can paralyze faster foes with Thunder Wave and shut down Amoonguss with Taunt while hitting Jellicent with Thunderbolt. Latios is another common partner, as its Draco Meteor chunks out Keldeo's defensive checks, and Psychic eliminates Amoonguss. Keldeo fares well on sand teams, as it beats Landorus-T and Substitute Heatran, which Tyranitar and Excadrill struggle against. In return, Tyranitar beats Jellicent, Thundurus, and Latios and disrupts rain, while Excadrill and Keldeo form an overwhelming high Speed offensive duo. Lastly, Metagross is an adequate partner, as Keldeo beats its checks, while Metagross beats Latios and uses Substitute against Amoonguss.