Xatu Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Heat Wave is important for hitting Steel-types like Metagross and Escavalier that would otherwise wall Xatu. It's especially helpful for chipping defensive ones like Registeel and Bronzong, as the main reason to run Xatu is to block Stealth Rock from them. U-turn lets Xatu generate momentum, pivoting out of switch-ins such as Mandibuzz, Florges, and Milotic and bringing in wallbreakers. Calm Mind lets Xatu function as a wincon against passive defensive teams, as Magic Bounce lets it circumvent the typical counterplay, notably Toxic and phazing moves such as Whirlwind, that these teams run. Psyshock is used over Psychic to hit Pokemon such as Roserade and Virizion much harder. Set Details 56 Speed EVs are used to outpace Stealth Rock Metagross. Rocky Helmet lets Xatu more effectively block Stealth Rock from defensive users like Registeel and improves its chances against offensive Stealth Rock users such as Metagross. Magic Bounce is extremely important, as without it Xatu can't bounce back hazards and status moves from Pokemon such as Registeel. A Timid nature in conjunction with 216 Speed EVs allows Xatu to outpace every entry hazard setter up through Roserade. 148 EVs from Defense and then HP can be moved over to Special Attack to allow Xatu to OHKO Roserade, but Roserade faints to uninvested Psyshock after a round of Life Orb or some chip damage as is, so it's situational. Usage Tips Use Xatu to block Stealth Rock from Registeel and Bronzong, and keep in mind that if Stealth Rock Metagross is chipped a bit, you can switch in and wear it down with Rocky Helmet while recovering health with Roost until Xatu can remove it with Heat Wave. Xatu can also switch into Roserade lacking Poisonium Z unless chipped, so capitalize on that to block its Spikes. Calm Mind shouldn't be revealed until checks such as Mega Ampharos and Honchkrow are either chipped into range of Xatu's boosted attacks or removed completely. This is because if you reveal Calm Mind, they'll be played much more carefully, making it much harder to make full use of it. Use U-turn to pivot out of walls like Mandibuzz and Milotic that Xatu struggles with and bring in a threatening wallbreaker to deal with them. Take advantage of Xatu's useful defensive typing to switch in and check common threats such as Virizion lacking Stone Edge. Use Roost liberally, as Xatu's mediocre bulk makes it very difficult to switch into offensive entry hazard setters when chipped. Team Options Pokemon that are weak to entry hazards, notably Houndoom, Golisopod, and Swellow, appreciate Xatu's ability to keep them off the field thanks to Magic Bounce and as such make great teammates. Wallbreakers like Ninetales, Flame Orb Machamp, and Roserade appreciate Xatu's U-turn support giving them free turns, as their lackluster bulk makes it difficult to come in otherwise. With their typings and good offensive presence, they support Calm Mind Xatu pretty well, being able to chip its checks and counters. Defensive teammates such as Porygon2 can work in the same way, slowly wearing at the opposition until Xatu can effectively set up Calm Mind. Pokemon like Gardevoir, Shaymin, Florges, and Diancie that struggle greatly with defensive Steel-types appreciate Xatu's ability to completely beat Registeel and Bronzong.

Moves U-turn provides Xatu with the ability to generate momentum by slowly pivoting out and giving a teammate free switches in to take full advantage of dual screens. Thunder Wave gives Xatu a way to punish Pokemon like Latias and Hydreigon, which can be problematic for hyper offensive teams to handle, and allows Xatu to potentially set up another screen against them. However, Xatu should not risk doing this without the benefit of Light Screen unless absolutely necessary, as Latias has a chance to KO it with Devastating Drake and can always do so with Gigavolt Havoc, while Hydreigon can commonly use boosting items such as Choice Specs and Life Orb to KO Xatu. Xatu can also use Thunder Wave to punish key threats like Lucario and Infernape by crippling their Speed and preventing them from using Xatu as a free setup opportunity. Set Details The Speed EVs allow Xatu to outspeed a paralyzed Choice Scarf Hydreigon and give it the opportunity to set up another screen for a teammate to take advantage of. Xatu can also outspeed Adamant Tsareena and everything slower with this investment, which lets it set up screens against other threats like Volcanion, Bewear, and Bisharp that would KO it otherwise. However, Bisharp and Tsareena are both common users of Knock Off, which could detriment the effectiveness of Xatu's screens, so they should only be used as an opportunity to set up screens as a last resort. The Defense investment allows Xatu to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch from full health, as long as Reflect is up after tanking the initial hit. The Special Defense investment in conjunction with a Calm nature allows Xatu to always take a Dark Pulse from unboosted Hydreigon to paralyze it with Thunder Wave. Magic Bounce gives Xatu the unique niche of being able to prevent the opponent from removing its dual screens with Defog when it is on the field, as well as bouncing back entry hazards from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Swampert. Xatu also prevents faster Pokemon from being able to use Taunt on it, which would otherwise prevent Xatu from setting up screens or crippling a foe with Thunder Wave. Usage Tips Xatu's primary role is to set up dual screens to help setup sweepers boost their stats to start breaking or sweeping. Xatu should not look to be the lead in a majority of games due to teams potentially having Pokemon like Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Manectric that can threaten to KO it. Instead, it is best to lead with other suicide leads such as Krookodile that can punish and force out these threats to provide an opportunity for Xatu to set up dual screens against another foe. Xatu should attempt to set up on Pokemon like Celebi and Cobalion that are unable to effectively threaten it with their coverage options. However, Xatu should avoid unnecessary damage whenever possible by setting up screens against more passive Pokemon, such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Chesnaught, to improve its chances of setting up screens again later on in a match. Against bulkier hazard setters like Klefki and Swampert, Xatu can switch into them to reflect back entry hazards, which can be amazing for teammates like Venomoth that do not appreciate switching into hazards and benefit from entry hazards wearing down its foes. However, this should not always be prioritized, as it can waste multiple turns of your screens, creating fewer opportunities for teammates to easily set up. Xatu can also utilize Magic Bounce to bounce back status-inducing moves like Toxic from Pokemon such as Hippowdon and the aforementioned Swampert to cripple them while also using these passive entry hazard users as a free opportunity to set up screens. Once Xatu has set up dual screens, it should prioritize using its slow U-turn to get in partners like Scizor, Feraligatr, and Latias safely so they can take advantage of Xatu's dual screens as much as possible. Thunder Wave should also be utilized to prevent Pokemon like Latias from freely using Xatu as a setup opportunity while also making it easier for a teammate to revenge kill them. Team Options Krookodile is a great partner for Xatu that can act as a suicide lead capable of punishing Electric- and Ghost-types as well as Latias, which Xatu struggles to set screens against. Krookodile can also set up Stealth Rock, which can rack up a lot of damage in conjunction with Xatu using U-turn to chip down Pokemon to help many of the setup users. Krookodile also has Taunt to prevent entry hazards and Defog from Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar, which helps take pressure off Xatu having to switch in to utilize Magic Bounce. Wallbreakers like Latias and Mega Altaria work well with Xatu, as they provide a lot of defensive utility alongside having strong breaking prowess. They also handle Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that can prevent Xatu from setting screens immediately. Scizor is another great partner alongside Xatu, as it appreciates the defense boosts from screens to freely set up with Swords Dance and proceed to sweep or wallbreak. Scizor also helps revenge kill and force out Pokemon like Kyurem and Mamoswine, which Xatu invites and struggles to set up screens against. Sweepers like Linoone and Feraligatr appreciate the additional bulk to set up a lot more easily. Feraligatr in particular has the natural bulk and typing to take advantage of situations like Choice Band Scizor locking itself into Bullet Punch to remove Xatu as a free opportunity to set up a Dragon Dance. Pokemon that can take advantage of Dark-types like Hydreigon make fantastic partners for Xatu. Swords Dance Lucario is a great partner for this reason, as it can gain a Justified boost from a Hydreigon Choice-locked into Dark Pulse and proceed to KO it or force it out. Venomoth appreciates Xatu being able to prevent Stealth Rock from going up, which Venomoth is weak to. Venomoth also appreciates screens providing it with the boost in defense to set up safely; for instance, Venomoth is capable of taking a Choice Band Scizor's Bullet Punch and then KOing in return with Savage Spin-Out.

Moves U-turn allows Xatu to pivot out on predicted checks or counters, as well as predicted Pursuit trappers. U-turn also allows it to pivot out of Pokemon that can threaten or trap it with Pursuit. Roost is used to maintain longevity, as Xatu needs to provide hazard control throughout the game. Night Shade is used to deal consistent damage to opposing Pokemon and helps whittle down bulky walls without recovery moves that set hazards like Uxie and Registeel. Finally, Toxic can be used to chip at Pokemon that attempt to set up on Xatu such as Fletchinder and Braviary or walls like Alomomola, Rhyperior, and Slowking. Set Details Leftovers is used for passive recovery, which paired with Roost allows Xatu to remain as a stable check towards Fighting-types and hazard setters. Colbur Berry can be used instead to mitigate Dark-type damage from moves such as Knock Off and Pursuit. Rocky Helmet can also be used because it helps to cripple physical attackers, which Xatu usually switches easily on due to its bulk. Magic Bounce allows Xatu to provide hazard control and bounce back status ailments as well as moves like Taunt. An Impish nature is used to boost Xatu's Defense without lowering its Attack, which would make U-turn weaker. Maximum HP and Defense EVs are used, as this is a defensive set, while the rest of the EVs are put into Special Defense for extra bulk. Usage Tips Try to switch in Xatu on hazard setters to bounce back hazards. It is very safe to switch Xatu into Pokemon like Uxie and Registeel, as Uxie's only attacking move is a Psychic move, while Registeel only carries Seismic Toss. Therefore, Xatu can easily use Roost on them as well as Night Shade to whittle them down, especially because they have no method of recovery besides Leftovers. Against Diancie and Rhyperior, Xatu should be played more cautiously because of moves like Diamond Storm and Rock Blast. However, if you get a Toxic on Rhyperior, you can spam Roost and win from there. Use U-turn when predicting the opponent to switch into a check to go to an appropriate answer. Use Toxic either on Pokemon that you fear are going to set up on Xatu such as Fletchinder or on bulky walls such as Alomomola and Slowking rather than immediately going for Night Shade. Use Roost when Xatu is low on health, as it needs to healthy to be useful throughout the game. Switch in on Pokemon that you expect to inflict status, such as Alomomola and Jellicent. Try not to lose Xatu until the opposing hazard setter has fainted. Team Options Teammates that appreciate hazard control like Fletchinder, Mega Glalie, Aerodactyl, and Vivillon are excellent teammates, as Xatu offers a form of hazard control on teams that don't want momentum to be sapped. Pokemon that check Dark-types such as Fighting-types, like Medicham, Sawk, and Gurdurr, and Fairy-types, like Aromatisse and Granbull, are good partners. Bulky Fairy-types are also good because they can usually switch into Knock Off. Registeel is a good partner, as it resists Ice- and Rock-type moves while also taking on Electric-types well due to them usually using special attacks. Hazard removers such as Blastoise and Flygon can be used if Stealth Rock does get set up, as Xatu has a hard time getting in with Stealth Rock up.

Xatu's only viable set is meant to support its team to the fullest by blocking hazards and crippling certain threats. Thunder Wave and Toxic both cripple these threats, with Thunder Wave slowing offensive threats such as Heracross and other Choice Scarf users down, and Toxic slowly eating away at the health of bulky Pokemon such as Slowbro and Milotic. Roost restores Xatu's rather low HP, increasing its staying power immensely. U-turn works as a great scouting move that allows you to bring a counter in against opposing threats and create momentum for your team. Psychic provides a STAB attack and can keep Fighting-types at bay, but Night Shade deals 100 points of damage every turn, usually breaking enemy Substitutes. Both are fairly reliable, but should be used with their corresponding nature. The EV spread allows Xatu to outspeed Modest Empoleon, allowing it to Roost before getting hit by Ice Beam, all while maintaining its special bulk. Reflect or Light Screen can also be used to help your team tank hits from either physical or special attacks, but requires Xatu to drop one of its key support moves, reducing their usability. Wish can be used over Roost in order to pass semi-reliable recovery to allies while maintaining self-healing, but won't be passing much due to Xatu's low HP stat, and in order for Xatu to reliably heal itself, it must run Protect as well. Pokemon that can remove threats such as Zapdos and Rhyperior, for example Flygon and Swampert, make good teammates for Xatu, as they allow Xatu to come in more often and not worry about taking powerful STAB attacks. Pokemon that appreciate not having to worry about entry hazards, such as Yanmega or Darmanitan, also make good teammates for Xatu, as they can pull off sweeps without needlessly losing their HP.

While Xatu's other sets focus on using its typing and Magic Bounce defensively, this set uses its decent Special Attack and movepool to defeat nearly every common entry hazard setter in the tier. This set functions much better on offensive teams, as it does not ruin momentum like Blastoise and Hitmontop do and can pose a threat itself. Psyshock functions as Xatu's primary STAB move, as it can defeat many common hazard setters, such as Nidoqueen and Qwilfish. If using a Modest nature, it is the preferred move over Psychic due to its ability to 2HKO offensive Snorlax after Stealth Rock. However, if using a Timid nature, Psychic is the preferred option, as it will always OHKO standard Nidoqueen, unlike Psyshock. Grass Knot is a key move on this set, as it allows Xatu to defeat the two best Stealth Rock setters in the tier: Rhyperior and Swampert. Heat Wave is used for the purpose of severely denting Steel-types as well as OHKOing on the switch. In fact, it is powerful enough to 2HKO Bronzong and 3HKO Registeel 100% of the time. Finally, Roost is used to mitigate Life Orb recoil and potentially Stealth Rock damage that Xatu has taken. Using the given EV spread, Xatu is able to outspeed everything up to maximum Speed base 90s. The choice between a Modest and a Timid nature depends on your personal preference. If outspeeding threats such as Timid Nidoking, Jolly Heracross, and Timid Roserade is essential, then a Timid nature is preferred. If 2HKOing Snorlax after Stealth Rock is mandatory, then a Modest nature takes precedence. U-turn is an option on this set, as it allows Xatu to escape from special walls such as Porygon2 and Umbreon and bring in a Fighting-type partner. However, using U-turn forces Xatu to give up one of its coverage moves or Roost, all of which are vital to this set's success. This set struggles against Empoleon, as it is not 2HKOed by Heat Wave and can 2HKO Xatu at worst with Ice Beam. This set also struggles against certain special walls such as Porygon2 and Umbreon due to Xatu's limited power, as well as common offensive Pokemon such as Zapdos. Therefore, Xatu's best partners are divided into two groups: Pokemon that can deal with these threats, and offensive Pokemon that benefit from the prevention of Stealth Rock. Rhyperior and Swampert can both check offensive Pokemon such as Zapdos, Victini, and Raikou. Offensive Pokemon that benefit from the prevention of Stealth Rock include Yanmega, Victini, Darmanitan, Zapdos, and Weavile. Darmanitan, Zapdos, and Victini in particular benefit from Xatu's ability to lure and defeat Rhyperior and Swampert with Grass Knot.

Xatu is able to completely prevent Ferrothorn, Forretress, Skarmory, Tentacruel, Deoxys-D, and Deoxys-S from setting up any entry hazards. It can make use of these free turns to support its team with Light Screen and Reflect, making it a great choice for offensive and stall teams alike. Its physical bulk, immunity to Ground-type moves, 4x resistance to Fighting, and access to reliable recovery in the form of Roost enable it to tank several physical attacks, which is something that its competitor, Espeon, cannot do. For example, Ferrothorn 2HKOes Espeon with Gyro Ball or Power Whip, but is unable to do the same to Xatu. Its physical bulk enables it to wall even most defensive Groudon, reflecting the Stealth Rock this land behemoth attempts to set up and throwing up a Reflect to tank incoming Stone Edges. Magic Bounce not only reflects hazards, but also status moves such as Taunt, Encore, Whirlwind, and Roar; therefore, with accurate prediction, Xatu makes a nice switch-in to Darkrai's signature Dark Void (although beware of its unreliable 80% accuracy), Taunt from the Deoxys formes, and Whirlwind from Lugia. Such talents are what make it a fantastic stall killer. In the final moveslot, Night Shade provides the most consistent damage, while sun support lets Heat Wave 2HKO the most specially defensive Ferrothorn and OHKO all Forretress once Sturdy is broken. Although Toxic leaves you ineffectual against these two Steel-types, Xatu can still PP stall Ferrothorn, and Toxic allows Xatu to wear down the likes of Ho-Oh, Groudon, and Lugia. Light Clay is obviously the preferred item for a dual screen supporter, but Leftovers is viable to ensure greater longevity against Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball, Groudon's Stone Edge, or Dialga's Draco Meteor. Xatu can also run a set with Wish and U-turn for additional team support. However, its Wishes are rather small due to Xatu's low base HP and this will reduce its longevity. Nonetheless, if such a set is desired, a Relaxed nature and 0 Speed IVs may be used to take a hit before Xatu's teammate is brought in. Xatu works well with anything that dislikes hazards, such as Ho-Oh or Kyogre, or benefits from screens, such as Rayquaza and Cloyster. However, it particularly enjoys Giratina-O and Groudon support. The former can block Forretress's Rapid Spin, and if you are brave, even be switched back for Xatu to nab another layer of hazards. Meanwhile, Groudon provides sun for Giratina-O or Xatu to pound Ferrothorn and Forretress with a boosted Heat Wave. It furthermore checks several of Xatu's biggest threats, including Zekrom, Terrakion, and Tyranitar. Ho-Oh also fits nicely into this combination, taking advantage of the lack of Stealth Rock and the sun from Groudon. With no investment in its paltry base 70 base Special Defense, Xatu is OHKOed by all of Kyogre's attacks and Draco Meteor from any specially offensive Dragon-type. However, correct prediction and Light Screen will allow it to wall Dialga and Choice Scarf Palkia. Both Chansey and Ferrothorn provide excellent support by taking advantage of the lack of hazards while soaking up these troublesome special attacks. Lastly, it should be noted that Dialga, Tyranitar, Deoxys-A, and Offensive Groudon can all set up Stealth Rock, but can also OHKO Xatu. Hence, Xatu requires a fairly high level of prediction to prevent Stealth Rock entirely.

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.

Xatu's good movepool and decent Special Attack make her an ideal user of Choice items, which can turn her into a great revenge killer. Psychic is used for STAB, severely damaging Fighting- and Poison-types, Heat Wave hits Steel-types like Registeel, and Hidden Power Ground hits Drapion, Skuntank, and Houndoom super effectively. Hidden Power Flying can be used for secondary STAB, hitting Grass- and Bug-types harder than Heat Wave, it also provides good neutral coverage. The last slot is reserved for Trick or Shadow Ball; Trick can cripple a troublesome wall and aid a teammate's setup, while Shadow Ball allows Xatu to hit Ghost- and Psychic-types super effectively. Be careful when firing off Psychic with a Choice item, as this gives Dark-types an easy switch in, and makes Xatu incredibly vulnerable to Pursuit and Sucker Punch. With 224 Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and a Choice Scarf, Xatu reaches 468 Speed; this is enough to outrun almost everything in UU, including Choice Scarf Rotom. When using Choice Specs, it's better to use maximum Speed, which allows Xatu to tie with other base 95 Pokemon. As for alternative move choices, Baton Pass may be used in the last slot as it allows Xatu to escape Pursuit users, and it also turns her into a scout Pokemon, revealing the opponent's team and easing prediction. U-turn may also be used to scout the opponent's switch-in, allowing you to switch to an appropriate counter. Chansey and Spiritomb cause problems for Xatu, mainly because of their huge Special Defense and decent typing. Toxic Spikes help wear down both threats, weakening them more with every passing turn they stay in. Qwilfish and Nidoqueen are good choices to set them up, just make sure that your opponent doesn't have a Pokemon who can abuse Guts. Blaziken is another great partner as he is immune to Will-O-Wisp from Spiritomb, takes reduced damage from Dark-type attacks, and can scare Chansey away with Superpower. Finally, Dugtrio can trap Chansey and KO her with STAB Earthquake.

This set uses Calm Mind to boost Xatu's already decent Special Attack, turning her into a dangerous sweeper. Psychic is used for STAB, Heat Wave hits Steel-, Bug-, and Grass-types, and Roost is to recover any HP lost from Life Orb, Stealth Rock, and other extraneous damage. Hidden Power Ground is an option in the last slot as it takes care of Houndoom, Skuntank, and Drapion, who are dangerous threats and wall the rest of this set. The basic premise behind this set is to switch into an opponent who can't deal a lot of damage to Xatu and proceed with Calm Mind; her good typing gives her the opportunity to set up on most Grass-types and the occasional Choiced Fighting-type that lacks a super effective attack. Special walls like Chansey and Clefable give this set difficulty due to Xatu's inability to break through them. A strong Fighting-type such as Hariyama is a good partner for Xatu as he can switch into Rock- and Dark-type moves aimed at Xatu, while Xatu switches into most Psychic-types pretty easily. Hariyama also doesn't mind status if he's running Guts as his ability. Blaziken, Hitmontop, and Toxicroak are good options too. Dark-types such as Spiritomb and Houndoom are also troublesome, making Hitmontop an ideal partner; its STAB Fighting-type attacks, along with priority, Foresight, and Intimidate, will scare away most Dark-type enemies. Toxic Spikes are another answer to bulky walls like Milotic and Slowking, gradually draining them with worsening poison damage. Qwilfish, Nidoqueen, and Cloyster are all reliable users of Toxic Spikes; Nidoqueen is especially helpful as she can switch into Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Xatu. When using any sort of entry hazard, support from a spinblocker is recommended to keep them on the field; this makes Ghost-types such as Mismagius, Spiritomb, and Rotom good choices as teammates; just watch out for overlapping weaknesses with Xatu. Baton Pass is an option in the last slot as it allows Xatu to escape Pursuit users, and passing Calm Mind is always helpful.

Xatu also has access to Baton Pass through Pokemon XD, turning her into a great Calm Mind passer. Her high Speed, access to Roost (which also temporarily removes Xatu's Electric-, Ice-, and Rock-type weakness), and her decent defenses also help. Psychic is useful as it provides good STAB, and gives Xatu something to do in case she gets Taunted. Substitute isn't really important to this set's success as Synchronize will (or should) discourage status users. The main idea of this set is to switch into a resisted attack, set up a boost or two with Calm Mind, and then escape with Baton Pass before the opponent has chance to hit Xatu. 224 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Xatu to outrun positively natured Rotom, escaping before it has chance to hit Xatu with either of its STAB moves. Max HP makes Xatu more bulky, and helps her take hits much better. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense, which helps Xatu switch into physical attackers more easily, especially Fighting-types. Recipients for the boosts are essential teammates. Special attackers such as Milotic and Moltres are good choices as receivers as they are unable to boost their own Special Attack, though Moltres can raise its Speed with Agility. Be careful when using Moltres as it loses half its health upon switching into Stealth Rock, making a Rapid Spinner vital for success. Finally, while Octillery is a strange option, he can be an integral part of a Baton Pass chain; if you pass him some Speed and Special Attack, he'll be breaking through the opponent in no time. Octillery has the added benefit of Suction Cups, making it impossible for the opponent to phaze him out with Roar or Whirlwind. As this set aims to gain as many stat boosts as possible, support from Reflect may be used to raise Xatu's Defense. Uxie, Alakazam, and Grumpig are all excellent options to set it up. Alternatively, Spiritomb and Mismagius may use Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers and cut their Attack in half with a burn.

Xatu is the Jirachi of UU, having access to Wish, U-turn, and STAB Psychic. The idea behind this set is to support Xatu's teammates with Wish and possibly one of the dual screens, then U-turn to another Pokemon who can take advantage of them. Psychic is used for STAB, hitting the likes of Venusaur and Hariyama super effectively. Protect is used in the last slot as it guarantees that Xatu will restore her health with Wish, all the while gaining Leftovers recovery. If you decide to use a screen in the last slot, you may consider Light Clay as Xatu's item to prolong the screen. 224 Speed EVs allow Xatu to reach a Speed stat of 310, outrunning Timid Rotom and all base 90s like Moltres. Max HP gives Xatu the bulk she needs to support her teammates with Wish. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense, helping Xatu with her weaknesses to Pursuit and priority moves like Ice Shard and Shadow Sneak. As this set will be switching a lot, Stealth Rock will take its toll on Xatu, meaning a Rapid Spinner is almost essential to keep her alive. Donphan is an excellent choice for this role as he can switch into Electric- and Rock-type attacks aimed at Xatu, has access to Assurance to hit Ghost-types, and benefits from Wish (as he has no reliable recovery of his own). Hitmontop is another good choice as he can use Foresight to hit Ghost-types, and can switch into Dark- and Rock-type attacks for Xatu.

Xatu is the only Pokemon in UU with access to Light Screen, Reflect, U-turn, and Wish all on the same moveset, making her an ideal dual screener. To make the most of this set, switch into a weak or resisted attack and proceed to set up dual screens, then use either Wish to support Xatu's teammates, or U-turn to escape the battle. Xatu's restistances to Grass- and Fighting-type attacks is very helpful, as is her immunity to Ground-type attacks. Light Clay is the most useful item for this set as it prolongs Xatu's dual screens and gives her teammates more time to set up. This set uses 224 Speed EVs, allowing Xatu to outrun Timid Rotom and all base 90 Pokemon. Maximum HP gives Xatu more bulk, increasing her ability to take hits. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense for extra bulk, which helps Xatu take common physical priority moves like Ice Shard and Shadow Sneak. Setup sweepers can take advantage of the defenses provided by the dual screens. Swords Dancers such as Scyther and Drapion are great options, as they are relatively frail and have massive Attack and high Speed. On the special side, Nasty Plot Mismagius and Calm Mind Alakazam are both dangerous sweepers who are difficult to wall after enough boosts. Dragon Dance Altaria is another good option as she can recover her health with Roost, and has Natural Cure to rid herself of status upon switching out. Alternatively, you may use this time to set up entry hazards with frail Pokemon like Qwilfish, Cacturne, and Cloyster (who isn't frail on the physical side, though Light Screen helps with his poor Special Defense).

Xatu is a pretty horrible Pokemon and this is about all it can do. Switch in on a Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave from something; Synchronize it to them while curing yourself. After this has happened, you have essentially gained a free steal and have crippled that Pokemon.

Xatu puts up a Reflect to protect itself from physical attacks, and then boosts its Special Defense with Calm Mind and attempts to sweep. Reflect and Wish are there to help out the whole team, and they give Xatu a good boost as well.

This is mostly inferior to Celebi in OU, and Hypno / Lunatone outclass it in UU, except that it can also pass Wish. This lets you have Xatu absorb a hit as it passes out to a weakened Pokemon, letting that Pokemon take no damage as it receives the Wish. Unfortunately, Xatu has neither the defenses nor the typing to pull this off effectively. If you are Quiet, you'll likely want to reduce your Speed IVs to 0, so that Xatu is more likely to take the hit than whatever you're passing to.