Kapu-Fala Movesets & Wettbewerbs-Sets

Set Details Choice Scarf Tapu Lele is an absolute offensive demon, capable of sweeping unprepared teams with its powerful STAB moves while doing quite a bit of damage throughout a match. Psyshock nails specially bulky Pokemon like Assault Vest Tornadus-T, Galarian Slowking, and Blissey. Focus Blast provides important coverage for Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran. A Modest nature is preferred over Timid to do as much damage as possible; however, a Timid nature can be run to outpace +2 Necturna, +2 Galarian Moltres, Arctozolt under hail, and +1 Colossoil and at worst Speed tie opposing Tapu Lele. Offensive pivots like Dragapult, Urshifu-R, and Victini are great teammates, as they can safely pivot Tapu Lele in with U-turn while appreciating the holes it punches in opposing walls. They also all pressure the bulky Steel-types Tapu Lele struggles with, letting it more freely fire off its powerful Psychic-type STAB moves. Victini additionally enjoys Tapu Lele's Psychic Surge powering up Expanding Force. On a similar note, defensive pivots like Slowbro, Tornadus-T, and Landorus-T can safely get Tapu Lele in to start wallbreaking or sweeping. Entry hazard support from Astrolotl, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Garchomp helps Tapu Lele break through bulky foes like Heatran and Galarian Slowking. Astrolotl and Garchomp notably can switch into Heatran, while Ferrothorn can take care of Weavile seeking to revenge kill Tapu Lele. Corviknight and Colossoil can remove opposing entry hazards, which hurt Tapu Lele's longevity. Corviknight is a particularly notable teammate, as it can pivot Tapu Lele in with U-turn on both Venomicon formes.

Set Details When equipped with Choice Specs, Tapu Lele becomes an incredibly threatening juggernaut that is capable of heavily denting, if not outright OHKOing, most foes. Psyshock is useful for pressuring Blissey and Galarian Slowking; however, it can be dropped for Thunder to hit Corviknight and Slowking harder. Focus Blast is required coverage for hitting Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran. A Modest nature lets Tapu Lele hit as hard as possible; however, a Timid nature lets Tapu Lele outspeed Colossoil and Adamant Pajantom. Many teammates appreciate the raw power Choice Specs Tapu Lele provides. Dragapult, Kartana, and Victini are excellent offensive teammates that can take advantage of Tapu Lele putting a dent in bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran. Victini, in particular, is notable, as Tapu Lele allows it to run Expanding Force to hit Toxapex, while Dragapult can pivot Tapu Lele in with U-turn. Defensive pivots like Landorus-T and Tornadus-T can provide Tapu Lele with a free switch, making up for its lackluster bulk. Entry hazards make Tapu Lele's task of breaking through Heatran and Ferrothorn much easier; accordingly, Spikes setters like Astrolotl and Ferrothorn and Stealth Rock users like Heatran and Garchomp are great additions. Astrolotl, in particular, is notable, as it can switch into defensive Heatran and pressure Ferrothorn with Fire Lash, while Ferrothorn consistently switches into any Weavile seeking to revenge kill Tapu Lele. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon like Corviknight or Colossoil is equally important, as Tapu Lele can be chipped over time by the Spikes Ferrothorn sets on it. Colossoil notably can switch into Heatran as well as Dragapult's Shadow Ball.

Psychic is Tapu Lele's main STAB attack and takes on Poison-types such as Dragalge, Toxapex, and Nidoking, and, with the help of Psychic Terrain, it is capable of picking off neutral targets such as Mamoswine and Cinderace after minor chip damage. Moonblast allows Tapu Lele to take on Dragon-types such as Kyurem, Garchomp, Hydreigon, and Latios. Focus Blast deals damage to Steel-types such as Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, as well as Tyranitar. Thunderbolt hits Mantine and Celesteela. A Timid nature and 252 EVs in Speed make Tapu Lele as fast as possible, and a Choice Scarf allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Excadrill, non-Choice Scarf Dragapult, Zeraora, and Tapu Koko. Tapu Lele is used best as a late-game cleaner; Azumarill and Tapu Bulu are phenomenal partners to weaken the enemy team in preparation. Azumarill is helpful against Steel- and Fire-types, such as Celesteela, Heatran, Victini, and Cinderace, while Tapu Bulu can break through Electric-, Ground-, and Water-types such as Rotom-W, Swampert, Hippowdon, and Mantine. Klefki is another excellent supporting partner thanks to its plethora of excellent utility moves; Spikes contributes majorly to weakening the opposing team, Thunder Wave cripples faster Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion, Keldeo, and Urshifu-R, and dual screens support makes it even more difficult for opposing threats to handle Tapu Lele, especially late-game. Clefable is a decent support option because it can provide Stealth Rock to weaken the opposing team. Clefable can also use Knock Off to rid bulky Pokemon such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn of their passive recovery, meaning these Pokemon get worn out after multiple switches, and threaten them with Flamethrower. Mimikyu is an excellent revenge killer and one-time blanket check to most Pokemon thanks to its ability Disguise, and it is helpful against Psychic teams, which benefit from Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain. Tapu Koko can take on Flying-types such as Celesteela and Mantine for Tapu Lele and pivot it in with Volt Switch. Togekiss can help against Steel-types such as Celesteela and Ferrothorn with Flamethrower. Togekiss also provides Heal Bell support against status conditions such as paralysis and Toxic poison and can use Defog. Galarian Weezing is excellent against opposing Fairy-type teams, and it provides Toxic Spikes for Tapu Lele to break through bulky Pokemon such as Porygon2 even better.

Psychic nukes physically defensive walls like Amoonguss, while Moonblast deals with a myriad of Dark- and Dragon-types such as Mandibuzz, Dragonite, Latios, and Latias. Focus Blast deals significant damage to Steel- and Dark-types such as Ferrothorn, Melmetal, Heatran, and Tyranitar, which are otherwise solid checks to Tapu Lele. Thunderbolt can break through bulky Water- and Flying-types such as Slowking, Slowbro, and Celesteela, letting this set wreck Water and Flying teams with the combination of Psychic and Thunderbolt. Shadow Ball can be used over Thunderbolt to help against Ghost-types like Aegislash as well as foes like Jirachi, attempting to switch in on Tapu Lele's other attacks. It also greatly helps in the Psychic mirror matchup. Avoid consistently switching into attacks so Tapu Lele can be kept healthy to wallbreak. If Psychic Terrain or a Fairy-type STAB move is mandatory for a battle, then Tapu Lele should always be kept alive. Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Tapu Lele to outspeed Nidoking and Duraludon, while Choice Specs makes it a fearsome wallbreaker. All teammates appreciate Tapu Lele's wallbreaking capabilities and benefit from its Psychic Terrain. Victini is an excellent partner for Tapu Lele, as it can break through specially defensive foes such as Blissey as well as Steel-types like Celesteela, Aegislash, and Ferrothorn with V-create, while Tapu Lele has Focus Blast to deal with Heatran. Slowbro is a great physical wall that resists Fire-type attacks such as Cinderace's Pyro Ball and Victini's V-create for Tapu Lele while guaranteeing it safe entry with Teleport. Slowbro can also carry Thunder Wave, slowing down foes like Volcarona and Hydreigon for Tapu Lele. Jirachi provides Stealth Rock support, slows down foes like Nihilego and Hydreigon with Thunder Wave, has the combination of Serene Grace and Iron Head to slowly wear down foes, and brings Tapu Lele in safely with U-turn. Additionally, a Choice Scarf set lets Jirachi outspeed threats like Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan and non-Choice Scarf Dragapult, which are huge threats to Tapu Lele. Celebi is an alternative Stealth Rock setter over Jirachi thanks to its part-Grass typing, allowing it to force out Water- and Ground-types like Swampert, Seismitoad, Hippowdon, and Excadrill, the latter being a big threat for Psychic teams. Additionally, it can absorb status aliments with Natural Cure, provide U-turn and Healing Wish support, and use Recover for great longevity. Latias is able to remove problematic entry hazards such as Sticky Web, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth Rock for Tapu Lele with Defog while providing a natural immunity to Ground-type attacks like Sand Rush Excadrill's Earthquake, Nidoking's Earth Power, and Garchomp's Earthquake. It can also provide Healing Wish support. Alakazam is a dedicated revenge killer that can KO an abundance of threats such as Choice Scarf Weavile, Barraskewda, Scolipede, and Drapion with its high Speed tier, Counter, Focus Sash, and Magic Guard, which prevents any form of residual damage, making it more effective in this role.

Psychic is Tapu Lele’s main STAB option, giving it a strong attack boosted by Psychic Terrain to threaten the likes of Urshifu-R and Amoonguss. Psyshock can be run to deal with Calm Mind Tapu Fini better but at the cost of some Base Power. Moonblast which hits Pokemon such as Zygarde and Kyurem-B harder and helps deal with foes Psychic can't hit neutrally like Incineroar. In conjunction with Psychic, it gives Tapu Lele the ability to hit every type at least neutrally besides Steel. Taunt shuts down Trick Room setters such as Diancie and Porygon2 and stops redirection from Pokemon such as Blastoise. Furthermore, it also allows Tapu Lele to stop Pokemon such as Calm Mind Tapu Fini from setting up on it. Tapu Lele can also use Taunt on Tailwind setters such as Mew and Zapdos, but this is difficult, as they generally outspeed it. Protect keeps Tapu Lele safe while its partner uses speed control, and it also allows Tapu Lele to scout moves. The given EV spread allows Tapu Lele to outspeed Choice Band Zygarde and avoid the 2HKO from Thousand Arrows with a Sitrus Berry. A Sitrus Berry is used to increase Tapu Lele’s longevity during matches, letting it last long enough to provide Terrain support. An Eject Button can also be used to preserve it while also maintaining momentum, allowing it to bring in its teammates with ease. If running Eject Button, Tapu Lele should shift its Defense EVs to Special Attack. Tapu Lele can take on a more offensive role with Pixie Plate, using a spread of 212 HP / 144 SpA / 152 Spe and a Timid nature to OHKO Zygarde. However, this makes Tapu Lele less effective at pivoting in and out.

Tapu Lele is a powerful wallbreaker that becomes even more threatening with a Speed donation from gods like Zamazenta-C and Pheromosa. Choice Specs greatly increases its damage output, while Choice Scarf gives Tapu Lele unparalleled Speed, helping it make use of a more average Speed donation like from Yveltal. Terrain-boosted Psychic is its strongest attack, hitting Pokemon like Nidoking and Buzzwole for super effective damage and having good neutral damage against common defensive Pokemon like Clefable and Rotom-W. Moonblast offers good coverage versus gods like Giratina and Yveltal and receivers like Weavile. Focus Blast bypasses would-be checks like Heatran and Ferrothorn that resist its STAB combination. Tapu Lele has several options for its last moveslot. Psyshock is its best move against specially defensive stalwarts like Ho-Oh and Assault Vest Tangrowth, while Thunderbolt gives it a perfectly accurate option to hit Corviknight and Skarmory. Lastly, Future Sight allows Tapu Lele to support its teammates like Dhelmise and Pheromosa even if the opponent has a reliable check to Tapu Lele like Necrozma-DM. Tapu Lele should be paired with a god with high base Speed, such as Pheromosa, Zamazanta-C, or Mewtwo, to make the most of its powerful Special Attack. Since Steel-types resist its STAB combination and can often take advantage of its Choice-lock hyphen, teammates that punish Steel-types like Magnezone and Nidoking make great partners. Slow pivots like Corviknight and Slowbro make great teammates, as they allow Tapu Lele to enter the field safely. Its lackluster bulk makes its non-Choice Scarf sets easily forced out by revenge killers like Tapu Koko and Choice Scarf Kartana, so defensive Pokemon like specially defensive Landorus-T and Skarmory make good teammates. Wallbreakers like Victini and Nidoking appreciate Tapu Lele softening up checks and potentially providing Future Sight support. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Skarmory and Landorus-T can help chip down its checks. Finally, Tapu Lele enjoys entry hazard removal from teammates like Corviknight and Landorus-T to help it switch in more easily and more often.

Calm Mind Tapu Lele is a great wallbreaker with a great STAB combination only stopped by Steel-types. However, Focus Blast can solve this problem with ease. Calm Mind gives it the power to pressure defensive pivots like Heatran, Galarian Slowking, and Mega Scizor and overwhelm them. Its Speed tier is quite handy, allowing it to outspeed the likes of Landorus-T, Mega Garchomp, and Excadrill, but it misses out on Urshifu-R, Volcarona, Garchomp, and Victini. This, and Tapu Lele's mediocre bulk, makes revenge killing it pretty easy, making it hard to outright sweep. Psychic can break down physically defensive walls like Clefable and Gliscor, while Psyshock focuses more on hitting specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Chansey. Both are very strong thanks to Psychic Terrain's boost. Moonblast provides a reliable way of hitting Dark-types like Ash-Greninja, Weavile, and Hydreigon that are immune Psychic, and it's stronger while outside of Psychic Terrain. Focus Blast allows Tapu Lele to hit annoying Steel-types and, with Fightinium Z, it can nuke the likes of Corviknight, Mega Tyranitar, and Mega Scizor without risking a miss. Psychium Z can also be run with Psyshock for an extremely powerful Z-Move to take down both physically and specially defensive walls, creating rather big holes in defensive teams, and notably preventing Unaware Clefable from using Calm Mind to stop Tapu Lele in its tracks. Calm Mind Tapu Lele fits well on bulky offense teams, but it can also be used on offense. Magnezone, Heatran, Mega Garchomp, and Mega Mawile can break down Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Corviknight, and Mega Scizor that can take on Tapu Lele's STAB moves well, especially enabling Psychium Z sets. Tapu Lele's summoned Psychic Terrain strengthens attacks from teammates like Mega Medicham and Psychic Volcarona. It also protects teammates like Mega Garchomp, Volcarona, and Mega Gyarados from revenge killers with priority like Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Ash-Greninja, letting them set up and sweep much more easily. A sturdy defensive backbone is appreciated against physical threats such as Kartana, Weavile, and Garchomp that revenge kill Tapu Lele well. Corviknight and Zapdos can do well to pivot into some of the aforementioned threats, along with generating momentum with U-turn and Volt Switch, respectively.

Tapu Lele’s decent special bulk, in tandem with an Assault Vest, allows it to sponge incoming special attacks and respond with devastating force. Focus Blast can easily dispose of Heatran and Magnezone while also dealing the most damage to Melmetal and Mega Tyranitar. Alternatively, Nature’s Madness can wear down a variety of targets, such as the aforementioned Heatran and Melmetal, while also crippling Pokemon like Victini, Chansey, Corviknight, and Gliscor. Hidden Power Fire lets Tapu Lele significantly damage Mega Scizor, as well as beat Ferrothorn without relying on Focus Blast’s shaky accuracy. 216 Speed EVs outpace Timid Heatran and the HP EVs avoid the 3HKO from Chansey's Seismic Toss. Assault Vest lets Tapu Lele tank hits from the like of Heatran, Clefable, Tapu Koko, Slowbro, and Greninja. Assault Vest Tapu Lele is a great fit on offensive teams that need a special sponge that doesn’t give up momentum. While it’s capable of breaking through them on its own, this set appreciates Pokemon who can break Steel-types, so Heatran, Garchomp, Kyurem, and Mega Lopunny are ideal teammates. The former two are also solid Stealth Rock setters, which can aid Tapu Lele in breaking down an opposing team. Tapu Lele is physically frail, and thus checks to various physical attackers like Rocky Helmet Garchomp and Landorus-T are excellent teammates. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Landorus-T can bring Tapu Lele in unscathed while also chipping the opposing team into the range of its attacks. Late-game cleaners such as Volcarona and Choice Scarf Kartana appreciate Tapu Lele crippling walls like Corviknight and Toxapex so they can sweep more easily. Hawlucha deserves special mention, using Terrain and a Psychic Seed to trigger Unburden, and it can defeat the Steel-types that annoy Tapu Lele, such as Heatran and Corviknight.

Choice Scarf Tapu Lele is a fantastic revenge killer and late-game cleaner, that is able to revenge kill almost every offensive threat in the metagame including the likes of Mega Garchomp, Mega Lopunny, and Ash-Greninja. In the late-game, when its checks like Heatran, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn are weakened, its Speed tier and great STAB combination lets it sweep opposing teams. However, its relative lack of power means that it misses out on OHKOs on the likes of defensive Landorus-T and offensive Heatran, and it can struggle to break through Pokemon like Corviknight, Galarian Slowking, and Blissey. Focus Blast lets it pressure Steel-types that can tank its STAB moves such as Heatran and Ferrothorn, though it cannot OHKO them. Future Sight can let Tapu Lele's teammates like Urshifu-RS, Mega Lopunny, and Weavile break through their checks like Toxapex and Tangrowth, and these Pokemon can often take advantage of Tapu Lele's checks like Heatran and Blissey to fire off attacks. Aromatherapy can be used to help relieve teammates from status conditions in longer games. Hidden Power Fire can be run in the last slot to 2HKO Mega Scizor while providing an accurate option to hit other Steel-types like Ferrothorn. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele fits best on offense and bulky offense teams that can offensively pressure its checks and allow it to sweep late-game while also appreciating its cleaning potential and great Speed. It is annoyed by Steel-types like Corviknight, Mega Scizor, and Heatran, so Pokemon that can lure or take advantage of these like Fightinium Z Kartana, Sand Tomb Mega Scizor, Heatran, and Victini are good partners for it. Magnezone deserves a special mention, as it is able to trap and remove some of these Steel-types. Wallbreakers like Kartana, Choice Band Weavile, and Mega Medicham can soften up the opposing team to let Tapu Lele clean up in the late-game. Defensive pivots like Landorus-T, Corviknight, and Slowbro can help Tapu Lele come in safely. Due to its tendency to force a lot of switches, it appreciates having entry hazard support from the likes of Heatran, Greninja, Ferrothorn, and Garchomp.

Choice Specs Tapu Lele is a terrifying wallbreaker, being able to leave large holes in many defensive teams. However, being Choice locked makes it easier to take advantage of, especially given its middling Speed tier and physical bulk. Psychic lets Tapu Lele break through walls like Clefable, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor, as well as hitting most foes harder than Psyshock. Psyshock allows Tapu Lele to break down specially defensive behemoths such as Blissey and Chansey. Moonblast hits Dark-types Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves cannot such as Greninja, Mega Sableye, and Hydreigon, along with being a more powerful STAB move outside of Psychic Terrain. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn, which can take on Tapu Lele's STAB moves decently. Hidden Power Fire can nail Aegislash and Mega Scizor and is more reliable, but losing Focus Blast eliminates Tapu Lele's main way to significantly damage Heatran. A Modest nature can be used over Timid for more wallbreaking prowess, like 2HKOing Mega Scizor and Corviknight with Focus Blast, but it leaves Tapu Lele outsped by a lot more Pokemon such as Kyurem, opposing Tapu Lele, and Mega Garchomp. Choice Specs Tapu Lele fits on bulky offense primarily, and it appreciates Pokemon that can let it in safely like Corviknight, Landorus-T, Tapu Koko, and Rillaboom using U-turn or Volt Switch. Mega Tyranitar, Mega Mawile, and Clefable can chip down Steel-types like Heatran, Corviknight, and Ferrothorn greatly for Tapu Lele to effectively break down teams. Mega Medicham and Volcarona enjoy Psychic Terrain boosting their Psychic-type attacks, and setup sweepers in Volcarona, Kommo-o, and Mega Charizard X enjoy being protected from revenge killers with priority such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Ash-Greninja. Tapu Lele also needs support in a strong defensive backbone due to its average Speed letting Garchomp, Kartana, Weavile, and Greninja outpace it, and its poor bulk making it vulnerable to Mega Scizor and Heatran. Corviknight and Rotom-W can help check the various aforementioned threats while keeping up momentum to get Tapu Lele in repeatedly.

Tapu Lele is a strong setup sweeper. Triage gives Draining Kiss +3 priority, providing Tapu Lele with a powerful priority move that also consistently recovers health and helps offset Life Orb recoil. Draining Kiss also revenge kills strong sweepers such as Terrakion. Psyshock deals heavy damage to specially defensive Pokemon like Blissey and RegenVest Swampert. Calm Mind helps Tapu Lele set up and break through sturdy special walls such as Heatran; since Tapu Lele relies heavily on Draining Kiss, it often needs a boost to do enough damage to sweep. Focus Blast heavily damages Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn that resist Tapu Lele's other moves. Thunderbolt is another option to hit Pokemon like Corviknight and Tapu Fini for super effective damage while being perfectly accurate; however, they are still hit hard by Tapu Lele's other coverage moves. 112 Speed EVs outspeed Modest Heatran. Powerful wallbreakers such as Terrakion, Cinderace, and Dhelmise enjoy Tapu Lele's ability to clean once they have weakened the defensive core. Tapu Lele often struggles to break through specially defensive pivots like RegenVest Jirachi and Regenerator Genesect, so Terrakion, Heatran, and Cinderace make good teammates to deal with them. Tapu Lele appreciates reliable entry hazard setters such as Mold Breaker Heatran to wear down its switch-ins. Tapu Lele has a hard time against faster Pokemon that resist Draining Kiss such as Talonflame, Cinderace, and Genesect, as well as other priority users that can take a hit and OHKO back like Triage Tapu Bulu and Grassy Surge Dhelmise. Bulky defensive teammates such as Tapu Fini and Dauntless Shield Mew can reliably switch into these threats. Due to its relative frailty, Tapu Lele enjoys having slow pivots such as Corviknight and Blissey to bring it safely onto the field. Tapu Lele also struggles against Psychic Surge users, the most common being Azelf, and enjoys having teammates that can override Psychic Terrain such as Grassy Surge Zarude.

Sheer Force Tapu Lele is one of the most powerful wallbreakers in the metagame and can break through many of the common specially defensive switch-ins, including Blissey and Heatran. Sheer Force and Life Orb boost its already high power without taking recoil. Tapu Lele does not have many reliable switch-ins and can often attack without predicting, as the switch-in will still be KOed by the appropriate coverage move on the next turn. Moonblast is its strongest STAB move and deals significant damage to neutral targets like Mew and Zapdos. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage and 2HKOes Blissey after minor chip damage. A secondary STAB move in Psychic is useful to hit Pokemon like Volcarona and Volt Absorb Moltres that can wall other variants of this set; with Psyshock, Tapu Lele is able to 2HKO RegenVest Landorus-T and more reliably hit Blissey. Thunderbolt provides better coverage against Pokemon like Corviknight and Tapu Fini, while Energy Ball threatens to OHKO RegenVest Swampert after minor chip damage. A Modest nature is necessary to improve damage rolls against the likes of Blissey, Heatran, and Ferrothorn. Tapu Lele pairs well with strong physical attackers such as Galarian Zapdos and Talonflame, as they help break through dedicated special switch-ins that Tapu Lele invites in, such as RegenVest Jirachi. In return, Tapu Lele capitalizes on their physically defensive checks like Mew and Toxapex. Tapu Lele has no way of recovering HP and is prone to chip damage from entry hazards, so it appreciates reliable Defoggers such as Corviknight, Mandibuzz, and Tapu Fini on its team. These Pokemon double as sturdy defensive checks to revenge killers like Zarude and Barraskewda that threaten to outspeed and OHKO Tapu Lele. Wandering Spirit Corviknight is an especially helpful partner, as it can potentially take away Jirachi's Regenerator, allowing Tapu Lele to break through the next time it comes in. Tapu Lele also cannot come in on any attacks due to its frailty, so it appreciates slow pivots like Landorus-T, Blissey, and the aforementioned Corviknight to bring it in safely.

Moonblast is Tapu Lele's strongest and most reliable STAB move, notably threatening a 2HKO on physically defensive Ferrothorn, Corviknight, and Mew, as well as an OHKO on Mandibuzz, thanks to the boosts from Tinted Lens and Pixie Plate. Psyshock is a great secondary STAB move that hits Blissey and Assault Vest Pokemon like Swampert on their weaker Defense stat and is the best option against Heatran. With its Tinted Lens-boosted attacks already hitting every Pokemon in the metagame at least naturally, Tapu Lele is able to utilize Nature's Madness and Taunt, which together can cause huge disruption to slower teams: Nature's Madness guarantees damage even on the sturdiest checks such as RegenVest Jirachi, while Taunt targets Pokemon like Chansey and Blissey to deny their recovery. Tapu Lele thrives on balance and bulky offense teams in need of a way to break down bulky defensive cores. It pairs well with strong wallbreakers like Zygarde-10%, Cinderace, and Pixilate Tapu Koko that can clean up after Tapu Lele punches holes in the opposing team. The former two also OHKO Tapu Lele's checks like Jirachi and Heatran, while inviting in physically defensive Pokemon like Dauntless Shield Mandibuzz and Kommo-o, which Tapu Lele can capitalize on; the latter greatly appreciates Tapu Lele weakening Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Heatran. Moreover, these Pokemon can cover up Tapu Lele's mediocre Speed that leaves it vulnerable to faster Pokemon like Terrakion. Tapu Lele also requires a strong defensive core to back up its frailty, so Pokemon like Mew and Blissey are largely necessary teammates. These Pokemon are also great slow pivots that can bring in Tapu Lele to wallbreak safely. Vaporeon deserves special mention as a defensive pivot, as its ability to safely pass gargantuan Wishes allows Tapu Lele to be played more aggressively against Pokemon like Swampert and Blissey, where it can come in on them to trade damage and heal later in the game. With no recovery options on its own, Tapu Lele also appreciates Defoggers like Corviknight and Mandibuzz to reliably remove entry hazards and bring it in via U-turn.

With Psychic being boosted by a terrain, Tapu Lele makes a competent offensive threat that doesn't have to worry about priority attacks. Thunderbolt is important coverage, hitting Celesteela, who otherwise walls Tapu Lele. Psyshock lets Tapu Lele hit Pokemon that have softer physical defense such as Raikou harder. Shadow Ball punishes Metagross and Cresselia switch-ins, and hits a lot of Pokemon neutrally in general. Focus Blast is Tapu Lele's best hope at dealing severe damage to Ferrothorn and Heatran, but isn't a particularly reliable move, and is a notoriously poor move while Dynamaxed. Modest is Tapu Lele's best nature for damage output, but Timid is a reasonable alternative if outspeeding Jolly Landorus-T is a must, and it also lets Choice Scarf Tapu Lele outspeed Jolly Pheromosa. Items Choice Scarf pairs very well with Psychic Terrain, letting Tapu Lele deal massive damage to fast threats without worrying about potential priority attacks. Choice Specs makes Tapu Lele a better wall breaker, notably being able to 2HKO defensive Tapu Fini with Psyshock under Psychic Terrain. Life Orb not only lets Tapu Lele switch up its attacks, but makes it a better Dynamaxer. Just note that most of it's coverage will remove Psychic Terrain.

Moves Psychium Z-boosted Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB option, and, boosted with the help of Psychic Terrain, it is able to obliterate swaths of metagame threats such as offensive Mega Charizard X, Landorus-T, and non-Choice Scarf Porygon-Z. Psyshock can be run in order to hit specially defensive Pokemon that are physically frail, such as Chansey, as well as outdamaging threats that can raise their Special Defense, such as opposing Tapu Lele and Clefable, in exchange for a slightly weaker Shattered Psyche. Moonblast is Tapu Lele's secondary STAB option, able to hit pesky Dark-types such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Sableye, and Krookodile, which are immune to Shattered Psyche, as well as Psychic-types that resist Tapu Lele's Shattered Psyche, such as Choice Specs Necrozma. Reflect, when boosted with Psychium Z, allows Tapu Lele to easily take attacks from some of the heavier physical hitters in the game, such as Mega Gyarados, specially defensive Mega Charizard X, Donphan, Golem, and Zygarde as well as Flail Mega Lopunny. Taunt shuts down other setup or stall Pokemon, such as Jumpluff, Stored Power Necrozma, and Type: Null. Calm Mind is paramount in beating bulky special attackers such as Tapu Fini, Primarina, and slow Mega Charizard Y, allowing Tapu Lele to tank their powerful attacks and OHKO them back. Skill Swap can be run to turn the opposing Pokemon's abilities against them in a few matchups, such as against certain Sturdy users such as Magnezone, Mirror Coat Avalugg, and mixed Carracosta; Volt Absorb Pokemon such as Charge Zeraora; and Unaware Pokemon such as Clefable and Quagsire. Skill Swap also turns riskier matchups against Pokemon like Crustle into guaranteed wins as opposed to Taunt, which relies on proper prediction. Set Details 96 HP and 188 Defense EVs allow Tapu Lele to tank Giga Impact from Mega Lopunny and Flare Blitz from Mega Charizard X as well as take special attacks more reliably, such as tanking bulky Tapunium Z Tapu Fini's Guardian of Alola followed by Brine after two Special Defense boosts from Calm Mind as well as Flyinium Z-boosted Hurricane from Dragonite. Normally, Pokemon have to prepare for both Fake Out followed by Giga Impact from Mega Lopunny; however, as Psychic Terrain blocks priority moves, this is unnecessary. 224 Speed EVs allow Tapu Lele to outspeed Landorus-T as well as Pokemon such as Normalium Z Porygon-Z and Adamant Mega Charizard X. Tapu Lele can run a specially defensive spread of 252 HP / 60 Def / 196 SpD and a Calm nature in order to take a Blast Burn from Mega Charizard Y as well as other special attacks from fast threats, such as a Hyper Beam from Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and a Hydro Cannon from Choice Specs Greninja. However, this set will be outsped by threats that Tapu Lele can normally easily deal with, such as Landorus-T, Normalium Z Porygon-Z, Vivillon, and Smeargle, as well as sacrifice consistency against physical threats such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Charizard X. Tapu Lele can also choose to invest any amount of EVs into its Special Attack, letting it beat several specially defensive checks such as Electrium Z Togekiss, Clefable, Charge Zeraora, and Pyukumuku. Usage Tips Tapu Lele is powerful, even without Special Attack investment, but it will still fight Pokemon who can avoid being OHKOed. Sturdy and Multiscale attackers, such as Donphan, Golem, and physical Dragonite, and bulky special attackers such as Tapu Fini and special Dragonite, will require setup with either Z-Reflect or Calm Mind. Mega Charizard X normally runs two different spreads: offensive and specially defensive. Against offensive Mega Charizard X, use Shattered Psyche immediately, whereas against specially defensive Mega Charizard X, the correct play is to use Z-Reflect turn one, followed by repeated Psychic. Team Options Tapu Lele is naturally weak to Steel- and Poison-type Pokemon, and due to this, moderately fast Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Garchomp serve as excellent partners for Tapu Lele for their ability to hit these Pokemon super effectively and tank their attacks. In return, Tapu Lele can threaten bulky Water- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, Dragonite, and opposing Landorus-T, which all give Ground-type Pokemon trouble. Tapu Lele also appreciates Pokemon that can offensively threaten opposing Steel-types and shrug off the damage done by Poison-type Pokemon, meaning that Steel-, Fire-, and Fighting-type Pokemon can all work well as teammates. Magearna, Aegislash, Mega Metagross, both Mega Charizard formes, Mega Blaziken, and Kommo-o can all threaten several prominent Steel-types while crushing Poison-types like Naganadel and Nihilego. In return, Tapu Lele can beat Mega Charizard X, bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Primarina, and Tapu Fini, and most Ground-type Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, Landorus-T, and Zygarde. Tapu Lele also has issues with highly specially defensive Pokemon such as Meloetta, Chansey, Mega Slowbro, and Electrium Z Togekiss. Thus, Pokemon such as Aegislash, Magnezone, and Celesteela, which can all utilize Metal Sound to beat such Pokemon, all serve well as partners for Tapu Lele. In exchange, Tapu Lele can beat the Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon that threaten these Pokemon, namely Mega Charizard X, Landorus-T, and Donphan.

Moves Psyshock in tandem with Calm Mind allows Tapu Lele to overwhelm Chansey, turning it into an effective stallbreaker. Focus Blast is run with Fightinium Z to heavily chunk Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn. When backed up by a Calm Mind boost, All-Out Pummeling can even overwhelm weakened Steel-types that aren't weak to Fighting, such as Celesteela and Magearna. If Tapu Lele chooses to run Psychium Z instead of Fightinium Z, Hidden Power Fire should be used instead of Focus Blast to hit Ferrothorn reliably. Set Details Fightinium Z gives Tapu Lele access to a 190-Base Power All-Out Pummeling, allowing Tapu Lele to overwhelm Steel-types; additionally, it is much more reliable than having to hit Focus Blast against Heatran and Ferrothorn thanks to its improved accuracy. Psychium Z is an option instead of Fightinium Z, as it allows Tapu Lele to blow past Tangrowth while being almost as strong as All-Out Pummeling against Steel-types thanks to Psychic Surge. A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Landorus-T and Speed tie with Kyurem-B and opposing Tapu Lele. Usage Tips Calm Mind should primarily be used to break through slow bulky teams that often leave opportunities for Tapu Lele to do so. Fightinium Z should be used to weaken Steel-types like Celesteela and Magearna for teammates like Mega Mawile and Mega Alakazam. Due to Tapu Lele's relative frailty, it should be brought in via VoltTurn support or aggressive switches. You can try to bluff a Choice item against teams with Dark- and Steel-types to surprise them with Moonblast and All-Out Pummeling, respectively. It should be noted that because Tapu Lele is not running a Choice item, it has the freedom to switch up moves, allowing it to attack what is in front of it, though it is still important to use the appropriate coverage move if a faster Pokemon like Weavile is anticipated to switch in. Team Options Pokemon like Mega Mawile, Mega Alakazam, Magearna, and Aurumoth appreciate Tapu Lele's ability to weaken Steel-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela to ultimately sweep or break through the rest of the team. Pivots such as Tornadus-T and Mega Crucibelle, which also appreciate Tapu Lele's ability to weaken Steel-types, are particularly good partners to get Tapu Lele into play safely. It's particularly nice to pair Tapu Lele with Spikes setters like Ash-Greninja, Greninja, Ferrothorn, and Arghonaut, as Spikes heavily punish switches, which Tapu Lele will often force.

Moves Although Psyshock hits Chansey's weaker defense, it doesn't do enough, so Psychic is still preferred as a generally stronger option. Focus Blast hits Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn. Nature's Madness allows Tapu Lele to chunk other Steel-types like Celesteela and Magearna, while Hidden Power Fire can be chosen for a more reliable option against Steel-types that take more damage from it like Ferrothorn and Kitsunoh. Set Details A Choice Scarf allows Tapu Lele to outspeed Pokemon like +1 Speed Aurumoth and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Most notably, however, it massively improves Tapu Lele's matchup against offensive teams at the cost of its matchup against bulkier teams. Usage Tips Thanks to Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele is incredibly fast, allowing it to clean up easily against offensively inclined teams after some prior chip damage. However, be wary of locking yourself into Psychic if a Dark-type is present on the opposing team, as doing this will leave Tapu Lele susceptible, being unable to touch them. Instead, Tapu Lele should use coverage moves. Considering Tapu Lele's general lack of damage output from its Psychic-type moves, it's best to try and weaken Steel-types with Focus Blast, Nature's Madness, and Hidden Power Fire. Team Options Because of Tapu Lele's lacking damage output, it'll need Spikes support from Pokemon like Greninja, Ferrothorn, and Ash-Greninja to pick up KOes late-game. Considering that Choice Scarf Tapu Lele generally lacks the power to plow through Steel-types, Pokemon that can check them like Heatran are good teammates. Alternatively, you could even elect to use Mega Latios, which reliably checks Heatran and together with Tapu Lele can overwhelm Ferrothorn. In a similar vein, Magnezone can take care of Steel-types like Magearna and Ferrothorn. Another option is Mega Alakazam, particularly with Knock Off, as it can constantly wear down Steel-types and cripple them by removing their items.

Moves Although having both Psychic and Psyshock on the set may look weird, they serve vastly different purposes. Notably, Psychic deals insane amounts of damage to Pokemon like Landorus-T, while Psyshock can 3HKO specially defensive Steel-types like Celesteela, Heatran, and Magearna and 2HKO Chansey. Hidden Power Fire does a lot to other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, while being more reliable than Focus Blast. Additionally, Focus Blast's ability to break through Heatran isn't really needed with Psyshock already doing a lot to it. Set Details Choice Specs turns Tapu Lele into a frightening wallbreaker that is capable of breaking through specially defensive Steel-types with the sheer force behind its Psychic-type attacks. A Timid nature is run to outspeed Landorus-T as well as Aurumoth and Speed tie with Kyurem-B and opposing Tapu Lele. Usage Tips Tapu Lele has a very good matchup against bulkier teams, being capable of overwhelming traditional Psychic-type answers relatively easily. Against these types of teams, it should seek to pave the way for another teammate early- to mid-game with its Psychic-type attacks. However, it should be noted that bulkier teams commonly carry a combination of a Steel- and Dark-type Pokemon to pivot around Tapu Lele, so prediction is necessary. This is especially important if the opposition has a Pursuit trapper like Weavile or Mega Tyranitar, which can heavily punish Tapu Lele locked into one of its Psychic-type moves, so make sure to use Moonblast if they're predicted to switch in. In similar vein, if Tapu Lele does choose to lock itself into a Psychic-type move and the opponent doesn't switch in their Dark-type, it must switch out the next turn. Against more offensive teams, Tapu Lele can be used to take a hit from Pokemon like Choice Specs Greninja thanks to its decent Special Defense stat and retaliate. Team Options Pivots like Magearna, Tornadus-T, and Mega Crucibelle can bring Tapu Lele into play, as its generally lacking bulk leaves a lot to be desired when trying to switch in. Additionally, Tornadus-T tends to draw in passive Pokemon, which Tapu Lele can take advantage of, while Magearna and Mega Crucibelle appreciate Tapu Lele's ability to weaken Steel-types. Since Choice Specs Tapu Lele forces an absurd number of switches, Spikes support from Pokemon like Greninja, Ash-Greninja, Arghonaut, and Ferrothorn is optimal to maximize the benefit from this. Greninja can also lure and take out Pokemon like Celesteela and Magearna thanks to its wide movepool. Pokemon like Magnezone and Heatran, which can each pressure Steel-types very well, will enable Tapu Lele to play much more comfortably, not having to worry about using Hidden Power Fire as much as it would otherwise.

Moves Psychic does around 50% to Primal Groudon and neutral support Arceus sets and is Tapu Lele's strongest move. Keep in mind that being locked into Psychic leaves Tapu Lele vulnerable to Dark-types such as Arceus-Dark and Yveltal. Psyshock can be run instead and performs with much the same function. However, Tapu Lele loses the aforementioned 2HKOs in exchange for hitting Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre harder. Moonblast hits Dark-types, which are immune to Psychic, and does more damage to Dragon-types, and no Pokemon is immune to it. A notable target is Yveltal, which is OHKOed if it runs an offensive set and 2HKOed with a defensive one. Aromatherapy provides cleric support, which is useful on offensive teams to remove status. Hidden Power Fire is arguably Tapu Lele's best option for hitting Steel-types. However, most of them have the bulk to easily absorb it if they aren't already at low HP. Keep in mind that this move is weak against any other target and usually a bad idea to stay locked into. Nature's Madness can be run over Aromatherapy or Hidden Power Fire. However, keep in mind that it is impossible to get KOs if Tapu Lele is locked into it and it is overall less effective on this set than on the other set. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Tapu Lele to maximize its damage output and outspeed neutral-natured Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal as well as a neutral-natured +1 Rayquaza while Speed tying with Jolly sets. Choice Scarf turns Tapu Lele into an effective revenge killer that has the perk of being practically immune to priority, allowing it to beat threats such as Mega Lucario, Rayquaza, and Marshadow regardless of its current HP. Usage Tips Utilize this set to beat fast but frail Pokemon that would otherwise end up being an annoyance for your team such as Marshadow, setup sweepers with priority, and +1 124 Speed Mega Salamence. Tapu Lele's lack of bulk means switching it into offensive moves is a risk. Try to switch on predicted priority moves, on moves that don't deal damage such as Recover or a Dragon-type move, or after another Pokemon faints. The support set can be faked, which can end up surprising many would-be offensive checks such as Marshadow and netting a KO. However, keep in mind that this set can be revealed by Psychic Terrain lasting only 5 turns. Keep in mind that when you're using this set with a team designed around Psychic Terrain, sacrificing Tapu Lele too early can end badly. Tapu Lele makes a great anti-lead to Mega Sableye, being able to force it out in the lead matchup without letting it Mega Evolve; however, this set fares worse against stall teams in general due to its inability to switch moves and lack of the offensive power to blow through them with a single attack. Team Options The loss of three Psychic Terrain turns hurts your team's ability to take advantage of it. However, a Psychic Terrain core is still possible and allows the typical partners to operate more freely. For example, Deoxys-A can run Extreme Speed without it being a useless move most of the time. Pokemon that fit with the above set also work with this set; however, they may be played differently. For example, Magearna has some pressure taken off of it, as Tapu Lele tends to beat Yveltal and Xerneas one-on-one provided it uses the correct moves, and a Ground-type teammate should be switched in more, as this set is even worse against Steel-types. This set typically fits on Psychic Terrain builds that would appreciate a decently powerful Fairy-type revenge killer but can't spare a slot for Choice Scarf Xerneas. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele can be run on its own without building around Psychic Terrain, but Xerneas is usually the better pick for its superior bulk and better coverage on its primary STAB move. Choice Scarf makes Tapu Lele lose the ability to check foes like Chansey, Blissey ,and Lugia, so checks to those kinds of threats should be run as well. This set's ability to revenge kill powerful priority users lets it support its team by removing foes such as Marshadow and even boosted Mega Lucario provided Tapu Lele doesn't get KOed coming in, something even Choice Scarf Xerneas has trouble with.

Moves Psychic benefits from Psychic Surge and is Tapu Lele's strongest neutral attack, 2HKOing Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes hit neutrally by it after Stealth Rock, and most Xerneas. Moonblast hits Dark-types like Yveltal, which are immune to Psychic, and Dragon-types like Rayquaza, Ultra Necrozma, and Giratina-O harder than Psychic would. Nature's Madness hits bulky threats that take little damage from Tapu Lele's other attacks like Steel-types, Chansey, Blissey, and Ho-Oh, providing more chip damage for Tapu Lele's partners. Taunt blocks setup, entry hazard stacking, recovery, and Defog, which is useful at shutting down support Pokemon and more passive threats. Taunt can also be used on the recovery turn for Nature's Madness targets, but be careful of threats that can KO Tapu Lele back such as Ho-Oh and defensive Necrozma-DM. Set Details The EVs and nature maximize Special Attack and Speed, as investing in defenses isn't worth it and Tapu Lele wants to outspeed as much as possible. Terrain Extender gives Tapu Lele three more Psychic Terrain turns that it and its team can utilize. Usage Tips As stated earlier, Tapu Lele is frail, causing it to get 2HKOed or OHKOed by a lot of strong neutral attacks, so be careful switching it in. If you don't have an idea of what foe is going to come in, Nature's Madness is the simple solution, as it hits anything for 50% and no Pokemon are immune to it. Utilize Taunt and Nature's Madness to cripple and force out passive threats with few ways to deal direct damage such as Lugia, Chansey, and Blissey. If Tapu Lele's partner can sweep the opposing team, you can sacrifice Tapu Lele to ensure Psychic Terrain is up and to give its partner a chance to come in. Remember that Tapu Lele's main job is to support its team with Psychic Surge. While Tapu Lele's physical bulk is terrible, it actually has enough special bulk to take a decent hit or two. For example, with no investment, Tapu Lele survives a Dark Pulse from Timid 252 SpA Life Orb Yveltal after Stealth Rock. Tapu Lele is one of the best anti-leads versus Mega Sableye, preventing it from Mega Evolving due to possessing Fairy STAB moves and being immune to Fake Out, making it much harder for the opponent to bring it in later. This set also has good matchups versus a lot of stall Pokemon in general due to Taunt combined with Nature's Madness ignoring their bulk. Team Options Tapu Lele cores usually only work on offensive builds due to lack of overall bulk and the offensive power awarded by Psychic Terrain; however, your build is usually different depending on which partner you choose due to them having specific checks unique to eachother. Fast and powerful Psychic-types make obvious partners, with the ideal ones being Deoxys-A with its massive attacking stats, Psychic STAB moves, and vulnerability to priority and Ultra Necrozma with its overwhelmingly powerful Z-Move and access to Swords Dance and Calm Mind. Other partners can be used, however; the only prerequisite is having a powerful Psychic-type STAB move. Sticky Web works wonders with Psychic Terrain, robbing the slowed Pokemon of their priority attacks and giving you a better chance to sweep. If you are not running Sticky Web, Magearna is almost a required teammate due to it providing a hard answer to Xerneas and Yveltal. Primal Groudon beats Ferrothorn, specially defensive Necrozma-DM, Magearna, Celesteela, and Skarmory, while Arceus-Ground beats offensive Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Mega Lucario, Steel-types that Tapu Lele and its partners would want gone. Mega Salamence checks physical threats and Ground-types without Ice coverage both offensively and defensively with Intimidate and can threaten to sweep with Dragon Dance or remove entry hazards with Defog. Other fast but frail Pokemon can benefit from the priority-nullifying properties of Psychic Terrain. However, it should be said that building too much around Psychic Surge can hamper your team if Tapu Lele is KOed early. U-turn support is not required but can be useful for getting Tapu Lele in unscathed. Bulky Fairy-types pair well with Tapu Lele and its typical partners, as they can take hits from Yveltal and KO back.

Moves Psychic is Tapu Lele's strongest STAB move, and it is very threatening with Life Orb and the Psychic Terrain boost. Moonblast threatens Dark-types, such as Krookodile and Mandibuzz, which take no damage from Psychic. It also hits Dragon-types such as Garchomp super effectively. Notably with Life Orb, Moonblast does a lot of damage to Alolan Muk switch-ins, which typically feel quite safe against Tapu Lele. Protect is to protect Tapu Lele and help it with positioning against strong physical attackers. Thunderbolt does damage to Celesteela. With the extra damage boost from Life Orb, most Celesteela are threatened with a 2HKO. Alternatively, Dazzling Gleam provides a strong spread move, thanks to the Life Orb damage boost. There are tons of situational moves: Energy Ball is useful for Gastrodon, Shadow Ball hits Metagross and opposing Tapu Lele, and so forth. While these moves aren't exactly the most generally useful, they are situationally useful to cover the team's weaknesses. Set Details Psychic Surge is its only released ability, boosts Psychic-type STAB moves, and removes opposing Terrain. Tapu Lele is highly customizable in its EV spreads and has two main options: fast and bulky. Faster spreads take advantage of Life Orb Tapu Lele's ability to act as a coverage attacker. The EV spread maximizes damage output and speed. 188 HP / 4 Def / 148 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe with a Timid nature allows Tapu Lele to outspeed Modest maximum Speed Arcanine and Tapu Lele, lets it survive Tapu Bulu's Wood Hammer outside of Grassy Terrain, and minimizes Life Orb recoil. 108 HP / 4 Def / 220 SpA / 12 SpD / 164 Spe hits same Speed threshold but only invests in enough bulk to survive Focus Sash Nihilego's Sludge Bomb while also minimizing Life Orb recoil. Bulkier spreads can also be used, but heavy defensive investment is counterintuitive because Life Orb will eat into the defensive investment. Usage Tips Life Orb Tapu Lele enjoys being able to consistently deal a high amount of damage without relying on the single-turn burst of Psychium Z. Life Orb Tapu Lele appreciates the Terrain control with Psychic Terrain to consistently deal a high amount of neutral damage over multiple turns with Psychic. Still, its other moves can do a lot of damage outside of Psychic Terrain thanks to Life Orb. Life Orb provides good damage on its coverage moves such as Thunderbolt, which 2HKOes Tapu Fini and Celesteela. This allows Life Orb Tapu Lele to act as a good coverage attacker. Alternatively, using Dazzling Gleam lets Tapu Lele act as a general attacker, with a way to spread damage for teammates and pick up double KOs with a strong spread move. Team Options Arcanine provides Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp support, letting Tapu Lele avoid the OHKO from strong physical moves such as Celesteela's Heavy Slam. It can also use Flamethrower to threaten Steel-types such as Celesteela and Kartana, which can beat Tapu Lele. Garchomp and Krookodile are strong Ground-types that threaten Alolan Muk and Nihilego. Kartana synergizes fairly well with Tapu Lele in addition to the two teammates mentioned above. Garchomp, Krookodile, and Kartana all appreciate Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt's ability to heavily dent Celesteela. Tapu Koko provides a speed safety net, is faster than threats such as Kartana and Nihilego, and threatens Celesteela with heavy damage. Faster cleaners such as Tapu Koko and Kartana appreciate Life Orb-boosted Dazzling Gleam's ability to spread a lot of damage and put foes in their KO range.

Moves Psychic is a STAB move boosted by Psychic Terrain and hits everything very hard, especially with Psychium Z. Moonblast threatens Dark-types, such as Krookodile and Mandibuzz, which can waste the Shattered Psyche by switching in thanks to their immunity. It also hits Dragon-types such as Garchomp super effectively. Protect is used to protect Tapu Lele and help it with positioning against strong physical attackers. The last moveslot is extremely customizable. Taunt denies Trick Room and Tailwind from the likes of Porygon2 and Mandibuzz, respectively. Substitute takes advantage of Protects and switches forced by the threat of a fast OHKO from Shattered Psyche. Reflect and Light Screen are options that also similarly take advantage of Protects and switches, and they let Tapu Lele support the team after it has does its job of inflicting heavy damage on the opposing team. Set Details Psychic Surge is its only released ability, and it boosts Psychic-type STAB moves and removes opposing Terrain. Psychium Z is the item of choice that allows Tapu Lele to pick up OHKOs against bulky Pokemon, such as Arcanine and Tapu Fini, in Psychic Terrain (note that because of Snarl and Misty Terrain, this does not happen very often). Tapu Lele is highly customizable in its EV spreads and has 2 main options: bulky and fast. Bulkier spreads with a Modest nature and heavy HP and Defense investment take advantage of Tapu Lele's ability to score OHKOs and shore up its defenses. With bulkier spreads such as 164 HP / 92 Def / 252 SpA, it is possible for Tapu Lele to avoid a 2HKO from Garchomp's Earthquake, but it will be slower than opposing Arcanine, Tapu Lele, and Krookodile. With even higher defensive investment, it is possible for Tapu Lele to survive stronger physical attacks as Kartana's Smart Strike, but this sacrifices a large amount of damage output. 28 HP / 44 Def / 228 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe is a faster spread that lets Tapu Lele score the OHKO on most bulky Arcanine before Snarl lowers its Special Attack, or use Reflect / Light Screen before the opponent uses an attack. 228 Special Attack EVs let Tapu Lele OHKO maximum HP Tapu Fini and Araquanid in Psychic Terrain. 28 HP and 44 Defense EVs let Tapu Lele take a Liquidation from Araquanid. Usage Tips Use the high burst damage output of Psychium Z + Psychic as a wallbreaking tool against hard-to-KO Pokemon such as Porygon2. The threat of a fast KO can put slower teams in a pinch, but defensive teams should have a way to absorb the Shattered Psyche with the likes of Celesteela and Alolan Muk. Watch out to not blow the Z-Move on a potential Alolan Muk switch-in or a Protect. Instead, try to pair it with a partner that can take advantage of the free turns given by these switches and Protects. It is even possible for Tapu Lele to take advantage of these free turns for its own, with Substitute or other supportive moves. Terrain control goes to slower Pokemon, so Tapu Fini and Tapu Bulu will usually take control of the Terrain if you lead with Tapu Lele against them, reducing its damage output severely. Against offensive teams, do not worry too much about keeping Psychic Terrain intact unless they are reliant on priority moves—the damage boost on Shattered Psyche is often overkill against frail Pokemon such as Tapu Koko. However, against bulky Pokemon such as Arcanine and Tapu Fini, Psychic Terrain's damage boost is quite helpful, if not necessary. Taunt on Tapu Lele lets it match up well against full Trick Room teams that rely on Fake Out + Trick Room setup. Team Options Arcanine provides Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp support, augmenting Tapu Lele's defensive investments. Intimidate support lets it avoid the OHKO from strong super effective physical moves and shrug off weaker physical attacks with ease. Arcanine can also use Flamethrower to threaten Steel-types such as Celesteela and Kartana, which can beat Tapu Lele. Garchomp is a strong Ground-type that threatens Alolan Muk and Nihilego. Krookodile provides Intimidate as well as using Ground-type moves to KO Alolan Muk and Nihilego. Kartana synergizes fairly well with Tapu Lele in addition to Garchomp and Krookodile. Tapu Fini does not have notable typing synergy with Tapu Lele, but it synergizes with many of Tapu Lele's aforementioned teammates and will not go down to physical moves as easily as Tapu Lele. Tapu Koko provides a speed safety net, is faster than threats such as Kartana and Nihilego, and threatens Celesteela with heavy damage. Keep Terrain in mind as you play, especially if you're running another island guardian, as Shattered Psyche needs the Psychic Terrain boost to be a wallbreaking threat against insanely bulky Pokemon like Tapu Fini and Porygon2.

Moves Psychic is Tapu Lele's strongest STAB move, which is important for a Choice Scarf user that can easily outspeed and OHKO offensive Pokemon. Moonblast threatens Dark-types, such as Krookodile and Mandibuzz, which take no damage from Psychic. It also hits Dragon-types such as Garchomp super effectively. Dazzling Gleam is a fast spread move that cleans up weakened foes and spreads chip damage, and it cleans up late-game. Tapu Lele is extremely customizable with its last moveslot. Hidden Power Fire will pick up the surprise OHKO against Assault Vest Kartana. Thunderbolt does damage to Celesteela, but do note that Tapu Lele cannot 2HKO it depending on its Special Defense investment. There are tons of situational moves, including Energy Ball for Gastrodon and Shadow Ball for Metagross; while not exactly generally useful, these moves can see use to shore up weaknesses against them. Set Details Psychic Surge is its only released ability; it boosts Psychic-type STAB moves and removes opposing Terrain. The EV spread allows Tapu Lele to outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured Pheromosa and maximizes Special Attack. The remaining HP and Defense EVs let it avoid the OHKO from Araquanid's Liquidation. With a Timid nature, Tapu Lele instead will outspeed maximum Speed positive-natured Pheromosa, as well as providing more insurance versus opposing Choice Scarf users. Running a Modest nature with a spread of 180 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 68 Spe gives you a bulkier alternative that outspeeds most unboosted Pokemon, such as Tapu Koko. Usage Tips Psychic Terrain activating reveals Tapu Lele's Speed against other Pokemon with abilities that announce itself. Keep in mind that if you are leading with Tapu Lele against Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Salamence, your opponent will see that Tapu Lele is faster than those Pokemon and thus easily deduce that you are running Choice Scarf. Leading with Tapu Lele with an offensive partner such as Pheromosa will put your opponent under offensive pressure, as both Pokemon will go before the opponent's and threaten to KO the foes before they can move. Tapu Lele also pairs well with more defensive teams that appreciate its ability to outspeed and OHKO Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Groundium Z Garchomp, and Fightinium Z Pheromosa before they do irreparable damage to your defensive core. If your opponent does not have a way to tell whether Tapu Lele is holding a Choice Scarf, it is possible to pick up surprise KOs early on in the game. Alternatively, use Choice Scarf Tapu Lele's high Speed to clean up late-game—it can OHKO offensive Pokemon like 0 HP Tapu Koko with Psychic in Psychic Terrain. Due to Tapu Lele's high Speed, switch it in if you really want the Terrain control, such as when you suspect a Fake Out from an opposing Pokemon or you want to clear opposing Terrain in order to use a sleep move against Tapu Koko or Tapu Fini. Team Options This set works well in offensive teams. Offensive Pokemon appreciate the priority immunity on top of the chip damage Tapu Lele can spread. Pheromosa + Tapu Lele and Gengar + Tapu Lele are examples of hyper offensive cores that appreciate Tapu Lele's ability to deny moves such as Fake Out. Z-Move Pheromosa can also KO most Trick Room users, which is helpful to this Tapu Lele set. There are other hyper offensive Pokemon that synergize with Tapu Lele. Aerodactyl is an example of a Pokemon that might not necessarily synergize well with Tapu Lele but can support the remainder of the offensive team. Torkoal + Lilligant + Tapu Lele can clear the field against Tapu Fini and Tapu Koko, letting Lilligant use Sleep Powder more freely. Raichu + Tapu Koko + Tapu Lele does struggle a bit against bulkier teams that resist Psychic and Electric moves, but it is still common enough to note. Bulkier teams also appreciate Choice Scarf Tapu Lele acting as a speed safety net and picking off offensive Pokemon before they move. Alolan Muk in particular appreciates Tapu Lele's ability to pick up swift KOs against to threatening Ground-types, such as Garchomp and Krookodile. Other bulky Pokemon such as Krookodile and Tapu Fini also appreciate Tapu Lele's ability to catch out opposing Kartana or Tapu Koko before they move.

Psychic is Tapu Lele's powerful STAB of choice, while Moonblast deals more damage when Psychic Terrain is gone and smashes through Dark-types. Thunderbolt deals good damage to Celesteela, while Hidden Power Ground slams Heatran. Shadow Ball deals good damage to Aegislash (though watch out for Weakness Policy) and can pick off Mega Metagross under Tailwind or Trick Room. Taunt can be good against Trick Room set up. Psychium Z lets Tapu Lele unleash its powerful Z-Psychic, which is powerful enough to OHKO fast Assault Vest Landorus-T. If you're especially desperate to take out Amoonguss, it also OHKOes through Payapa Berry. Life Orb lets Tapu Lele deal more consistent damage. Most notably, it gives Modest Tapu Lele a 75% chance to OHKO maximum HP Heatran. A Modest nature gives Tapu Lele more power, but a Timid nature is useful for outspeeding Landorus-T that lack a Choice Scarf, and Modest Mega Charizard Y. Bulkier spreads are viable if using Psychium Z. Pay attention to when Psychic Surge comes up against other Pokemon with activation abilities, as this will reveal what Pokemon is faster. This is especially handy for revealing if Landorus-T has a Choice Scarf if using Timid Tapu Lele. Consider pairing Tapu Lele with Pokemon that defeat Steel-types, since Tapu Lele can't cover them all with one moveset. Celesteela, Heatran, Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Focus Sash Bisharp are important ones to consider defeating. Intimidate support comes in handy to help patch up Tapu Lele's mediocre Defense stat. Mega Metagross deserves special mention as a teammate, since Psychic Terrain gives Zen Headbutt a ton of power, and Psychic Surge reveals if Landorus-T has a Choice Scarf or not.

Choice Scarf allows Tapu Lele to blast through fast threats with Psychic. Moonblast is great for OHKOing Mega Salamence and Hydreigon. Dazzling Gleam gives Tapu Lele a spread attack, which can clean up late game despite being relatively weak. Hidden Power Ground 2HKOes Heatran, while Thunderbolt does reasonable damage against Celesteela. Note that because of how activation abilities work, leading with Tapu Lele will often reveal that it has a Choice Scarf if sent out against slower Pokemon with activation abilities such as Tapu Koko or Choice Scarf Landorus-T. A Timid nature ensures that Tapu Lele outspeeds Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T, but a Modest nature does give it more power. Steel-types such as Celesteela, Mega Metagross, and Heatran are especially problematic since Tapu Lele locks itself into moves, so consider pairing Tapu Lele with Pokemon that give them trouble.

Moves Psychic is Tapu Lele's strongest and most spammable STAB move, capable of reliably nabbing KOs and keeping threats at bay. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with additional coverage for Dragon- and Dark-type targets such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde, and Hoopa-U, and it is stronger than Psychic when Psychic Terrain is inactive, making it more useful in some cases such as when a different island guardian is expected to come in later on in a match. Dazzling Gleam gives Tapu Lele a decent spread option that is useful for late-game cleaning or attempts to spread some chip damage to the opposing team. The last moveslot is flexible, with Nature's Madness being a solid choice to prime Tapu Fini's partner for knockouts when none of its other attacks would suffice and Hidden Power Fire providing Tapu Lele with an option to reliably chunk Ferrothorn and knock out Kartana. Shadow Ball is also usable here, as it offers the most damage on Mega Metagross and hits other Tapu Lele harder than any other move. Set Details Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature is used to maximize Tapu Lele's offensive potential with a Choice Scarf, notably allowing it to get the jump on Deoxys-A and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Psychic Surge lets Tapu Lele set Psychic Terrain upon coming in, powering up its Psychic-type attacks immensely. Usage Tips This particular Tapu Lele set works well on teams that need a Speed controller, as it is very capable of pressuring a majority of the offensive threats in the metagame. With its ability to outrun the entire unboosted metagame with a Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele should be utilized in a way wherein it can apply as much pressure as it can. With destructive power in its Psychic-type attacks and the Speed boost from the Choice Scarf, Tapu Lele is adept at picking off faster, frailer foes with even just little chip damage beforehand. Its high Speed also lends it the ability to be useful as a revenge killer and cleaner; in particular, once any Pokemon that resist or are immune to Psychic-type attacks are removed, Tapu Lele can simply mop up opposing teams with Psychic. Using Tapu Lele as a lead can be a good way to seize initiative and apply pressure from the get-go, utilizing its ability to threaten a good portion of the metagame with the power of its STAB moves alone. However, watch out, as Psychic Surge can activate first over normally faster abilities, such as Salamence's Intimidate and Tapu Koko's Electric Surge, removing any surprise factor and revealing key information the opponent can take advantage of. Similarly, leading with Tapu Lele against other island guardians can be quite problematic, as they override Psychic Surge, taking away much of Tapu Lele's power and forfeiting initiative early on. In addition, Tapu Lele isn't easily capable of switching in later on to regain control of Terrain against Tapu Koko and Tapu Bulu. On that note, using the Psychic Terrain that comes with Psychic Surge to support teammates is recommended; blocking Fake Out and Extreme Speed for partners to safely attack can be key, and boosting the power of teammate Psychic-types can prove to be very devastating for foes. Team Options The team Tapu Lele is on should be prepared for handling opposing Trick Room due to Tapu Lele working poorly in it; sturdy defensive Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Zapdos can hold out long enough for it to expire, Taunt users can stop it from getting set up entirely, and threats that can apply immense pressure to setters such as Hoopa-U and Groundium Z Zygarde can work for dealing with it. Checks to Mega Metagross are a must, as it walls Tapu Lele and takes advantage of Psychic Terrain; pressuring it with Choice Scarf Landorus-T is an option, though a more reliable route is packing a Steel-type that can deal with it such as Aegislash or Heatran. Generally, partners that can break through Steel-types are recommended; Fire-types, such as Mega Charizard Y and Heatran, and Ground-types, such as Landorus-T and Zygarde, work well in this regard. Pairing Tapu Lele with other Psychic-types such as Hoopa-U, Mega Metagross, and Deoxys-A for destructive offense can also prove to be very effective.

Moves Psychic and Psyshock are simply powerful STAB moves and are largely interchangeable; however, Psyshock is generally preferred over Psychic, as the ability to break through foes running Calm Mind, Misty Seed, or Psychic Seed such as Zapdos is much more valuable than Psychic's 10 more Base Power, especially considering that the power of Psyshock is high enough regardless. The exception to this rule is when making use of Psychium Z, as you always want to opt for the strongest possible Shattered Psyche. Moonblast provides Tapu Lele with a strong way to hit Dark-types such as Hoopa-U and Tyranitar as well as a way to utterly demolish Dragon-types such as Zygarde and Kyurem-B. Moonblast also works as as a stronger attack in cases when Psychic Terrain is not on the field. Taunt is useful for stopping any setup from foes that can take a blow. Ally Switch can potentially allow Tapu Lele's partner a free turn if it catches the opponent off guard while providing a way for Tapu Lele to boost its Speed by 2 stages with Z-Ally Switch. Protect allows Tapu Lele to defend itself, stalling out field conditions and allowing it to safely pass a turn as a teammate acts or switches in. Set Details A fairly straightforward spread of maximum Speed and Special Attack investment is used in order to let Tapu Lele outrun and threaten as much as it can, getting a Speed tie with Kyurem-B and opposing Tapu Lele in addition to getting the jump on non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Life Orb is simply used to make Tapu Lele's blows much more harder to stomach, though at the cost of recoil, while Psychium Z can be used if the ability to put out one large burst of damage is desired. Psychic Surge allows Tapu Lele to set Psychic Terrain by switching in, boosting its Psychic-type blows. Usage Tips Offensive Tapu Lele particularly excels at devastating foes, even those that resist its attacks, with its powerful Psychic-type attacks and should be used as a way of punching holes in the opponent's team. Tapu Lele is especially useful early on in a game, as its power enables it to break down even resistant threats, limiting their defensive capabilities later on in the game and allowing Tapu Lele's teammates to have an easier time pressuring the opposing team. As the endgame draws closer, Tapu Lele can become a lethal finisher by claiming KOs with little chip damage beforehand, though its middling Speed can prove to be a bit of a concern. On a related note, using speed control, Tailwind in particular, in conjunction with Tapu Lele is especially recommended, as this lets Tapu Lele apply maximum pressure, taking advantage of the newfound ability to outrun most foes to raze an opposing team. In cases where Tapu Lele is against a setup user that it can't immediately KO, it is a good idea to use Taunt on it to prevent any momentum loss. One should also look out for situations where Psychic Terrain can prove useful not only for Tapu Lele but also for its teammates; with its ability to block priority attacks on grounded teammates, one can make Fake Out a non-factor, for example, making Tapu Lele a good lead against leads that use the support move. One can also boost the power of STAB Psychic-type moves from teammates such as Deoxys-A and Mega Metagross to much higher levels, amping up the pressure they can apply considerably. Still, one should exert caution when it comes to switching Tapu Lele in; with its frailty and with Life Orb taking its toll, Tapu Lele should only be switched only at times when it's truly needed, such as when Psychic Terrain is required or when the situation is particularly safe like when coming in on a predicted weak blow or when a teammate gets KOed. Team Options As this Tapu Lele variant is geared towards breaking the opposing team, answers to Steel-types, the best switch-ins to Tapu Lele, are recommended. Fire- and Ground-types such as Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, Landorus-T, and Zygarde work best in this regard. Tapu Lele also appreciates pivots that it can fall back onto when it gets threatened; switch-ins for Mega Metagross are very important in particular, as well as answers to strong attackers such as Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, and Tapu Koko. A variety of Pokemon can serve as an answer to some but not all of them, with Psychic Seed Zapdos decent at checking them barring Mega Charizard Y and Tyranitar dependable at taking them on except Mega Metagross, among others. Seeing as Tapu Lele fits well on offensive teams, upping the ante with another Psychic-type Pokemon is recommended, as they can also take advantage of the Psychic Terrain; Deoxys-A becomes a nightmare to take on, as its Psycho Boost become pretty much untankable, Mega Metagross is capable of checking numerous threats, as it also threatens hefty damage with Zen Headbutt, and Hoopa-U gains a boost to its already powerful Psychic-type STAB attack that can't be defended against. Speed control support is very effective with Tapu Lele, as it lets it become a much bigger threat; Tailwind setters such as Zapdos, Hydreigon, and Mega Salamence fit the bill for this one.

Moves Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack; it can threaten many common offensive Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Terrakion with an OHKO and deals heavy damage to almost any switch-in, while Psyshock trades raw power for the ability to hit specially defensive Pokemon and thus better deal with the likes of Blissey, opposing Calm Mind users, and specially defensive Magearna. Moonblast is a weaker secondary STAB attack that allows Tapu Lele to handle Dark-type Pokemon such as Yveltal and Weavile as well as deal additional damage to the likes of Zygarde. Nature's Madness removes half of the foe's HP, allowing Tapu Lele to wear down or cripple would-be switch-ins such as Magearna without having to activate Diancite and give up Psychic Surge. Calm Mind is another option that boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Special Defense to allow it to break most defensive teams and decrease the need to predict switches. Shadow Ball hits Lunala, Mew, and Necrozma-DM hard, but it deals little damage unless it hits super effectively. Focus Blast hits Steel-type Pokemon, deals solid damage to Blissey, and rounds out Tapu Lele's perfect coverage if used alongside Shadow Ball, but it is generally inferior to the above options. Set Details Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and allows it to take on priority users such as Extreme Speed Zygarde and Entei despite its paper-thin defenses. Diancite increases Tapu Lele's Special Attack and Speed at the cost of its defenses and gives it the excellent Magic Bounce ability after Mega Evolving, which gives Tapu Lele free opportunities to switch in against many defensive Pokemon and allows it to better take on Toxic or Confide Blissey. 252 Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and Diancite's additional 60 Base Speed allow Tapu Lele to outpace almost the entire unboosted metagame and a large portion of its setup sweepers, particularly threatening offensive Pokemon such as Kartana. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Tapu Lele's damage output. Usage Tips When using Tapu Lele to revenge kill boosted Altarianite Zygarde, attempt to make sure it is not running a Jolly nature with Return; any other set at +1 can be beaten, but Jolly Return will simply OHKO Tapu Lele and continue the sweep largely unimpeded. Once Tapu Lele Mega Evolves, its chance to sweep offense is on a timer; while it is still a very effective Pokemon, Tapu Lele outside of Psychic Terrain is far easier to switch into or revenge kill. For this reason, it can often be worthwhile to refrain from Mega Evolving until necessary. Use Nature's Madness to hit would-be switch-ins, as it ignores type resistances and can cripple checks like Magearna and Double Dance Necrozma-DM that lack reliable recovery. If you need to boost, attempt to do so on passive Pokemon such as Blissey, on Pokemon Tapu Lele forces out such as Terrakion, or on weak special attackers such as support Arceus formes and Manectite Mew. Tapu Lele is too frail to readily switch in, but in a pinch, it can come in on an Extreme Speed or Fighting-type attack pre-Mega Evolution or on status moves such as Toxic post-Mega Evolution. Team Options Ho-Oh switches into and takes on most of the Steel-type Pokemon that give Tapu Lele trouble, such as Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Aggronite Mew. In return, Tapu Lele punishes reckless Stealth Rock plays and can take on annoying threats such as Terrakion for Ho-Oh. Despite the clash between Extreme Speed and Psychic Terrain, Entei makes a great partner for Tapu Lele; it can take on annoying Steel-type Pokemon and takes pressure off Tapu Lele to revenge kill Altarianite Zygarde, while in return Tapu Lele gives the defensive Pokemon that like to switch into Entei trouble. Stealth Rock users such as Primal Groudon, Terrakion, Shuckle, and Landorus-T are great for wearing down switch-ins such as Mew and breaking Lunala's Shadow Shield for Tapu Lele. Darkrai appreciates Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain, which allows it to take on opposing Pixilate Extreme Speed users with ease, and enjoys Tapu Lele's ability to put pressure on Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Magearna; in return, Darkrai takes on Pokemon like Mew that give Tapu Lele trouble and can weaken their shared checks to let Tapu Lele clean. Azelf and Ultra Necrozma appreciate the boost to their Psychic-type attacks that Tapu Lele provides; the latter also enjoys protection from Pixilate Extreme Speed, which would otherwise readily revenge kill it. Pivots such as Magearna, Yveltal, Mandibuzz, and Gliscor are handy to get Tapu Lele in safely, as it has difficulty switching into even resisted attacks.

Moves Calm Mind boosts Tapu Lele's Special Attack to absurd levels, allowing it to OHKO even bulky Pokemon such as support Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Ho-Oh after a single boost. Psychic is Tapu Lele's primary STAB attack and allows it to blow past essentially every Pokemon that does not resist it. Moonblast hits Dark- and Psychic-type Pokemon and gives Tapu Lele a slightly stronger STAB option after Psychic Terrain runs out. Psyshock hits specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey, Ho-Oh, and Sablenite Magearna for extra damage. Focus Blast is another option to deal with Steel-type Pokemon a bit better, but it is weaker than Tapu Lele's Psychic-type attacks against almost all Pokemon. Set Details Psychic Surge powers up Tapu Lele's Psychic-type moves, even after it Mega Evolves, and makes it almost impossible to switch into. Lucarionite boosts Tapu Lele's Speed and Special Attack stats and grants it the ability Adaptability, which increases the power of its STAB moves. 252 Speed EVs and Lucarionite allow Tapu Lele to outpace essentially every defensive Pokemon and many offensive ones. Usage Tips Bring Tapu Lele in on Pokemon it forces out, such as Gliscor, Toxapex, and Altarianite Zygarde. While Sticky Web is invaluable against offense, most bulky teams are slow enough that Tapu Lele can do without it. If there's a chance Tapu Lele may be forced to switch out, it can be advantageous to refrain from Mega Evolving to keep Psychic Surge for later on. Don't be afraid to set up against teams with Magearna; at +1, Tapu Lele can 2HKO even Sablenite Magearna if they don't use Pain Split, and Tapu Lele is specially bulky enough to take a hit at +1 Special Defense readily. It can sometimes be a good idea to sacrifice Tapu Lele to allow another Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma to sweep an opposing team without being revenge killed by Extreme Speed users. Team Options Shuckle can set Sticky Web for Tapu Lele, allowing it to outpace almost the entire metagame and aid it in sweeping past offensive teams. Azelf can deal with annoying Steel-type Pokemon with Fire Blast, is a huge benefit in Sticky Web mirror matches, and appreciates the extra power on Psyshock for taking on Blissey and Ho-Oh once it Mega Evolves. Tapu Lele can also force the opponent to switch in and weaken shared checks for Azelf such as Lunala and Blue Orb Magearna. Terrakion deals with special walls that might otherwise annoy Tapu Lele such as Ho-Oh and can use Taunt to prevent Defog or recovery. Primal Groudon checks the likes of Aggronite Mew and Magearna for Tapu Lele and can set Stealth Rock to break Lunala's Shadow Shield. Tapu Lele, meanwhile, can take on Dragon-type Pokemon such as Giratina and Zygarde-C that give Primal Groudon trouble. Other Psychic-type Pokemon such as Ultra Necrozma and Choice Specs Lunala appreciate the power boost from Psychic Terrain, and can in turn aid in wearing down their shared answers such as Magearna. Ho-Oh is useful for dealing with Steel-type Pokemon that Tapu Lele cannot readily break, such as Necrozma-DM and Aggronite Mew.

Psychic is Tapu Lele's most powerful STAB attack, perfect for taking advantage of Psychic Terrain. Moonblast is a good secondary STAB attack, slamming Dark-types and dealing more damage to Garchomp and Mega Salamence. Shadow Ball deals the most damage to Aegislash, though note that it won't be anywhere near enough to KO it and will activate Weakness Policy if its healthy enough to survive. It also deals good damage to opposing Tapu Lele and 2HKOes Mega Metagross. Hidden Power Fire 2HKOes Ferrothorn, while Psyshock deals more damage to Pokemon with lower Defense stats such as Chansey. Thunderbolt is a good option if Celesteela is a big problem for your team. Focus Blast does as much to Ferrothorn as Hidden Power Fire and deals massive damage to Heatran, but it does have a 30% chance to miss. If Heatran is a big problem, Hidden Power Ground can be used. Choice Scarf makes Tapu Lele a fantastic revenge killer, especially since Psychic Terrain makes it immune to priority. A Modest nature is usually the best for maximizing power, but a Timid nature lets Choice Scarf Tapu Lele outspeed Naive Pheromosa and common Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Rotom-Wash, as well as neutral Speed base 100s such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Blaziken, and the Mega Charizard family if Tapu Lele loses its Choice Scarf. Steel-types are the most consistent problem for Tapu Lele, so any team that makes use of it should carry some checks for them. Consider pairing Tapu Lele with Pokemon that appreciate priority being blocked, such as Blaziken, Pheromosa, or Garchomp. Note that Psychic Terrain will block priority from your own team as well.

Choice Specs makes Tapu Lele extremely powerful, with Psychic dealing over 40% to even Aegislash! Moonblast is a reliable secondary STAB attack that defeats most Dark-types. Shadow Ball blasts through Mega Metagross and 2HKOes opposing Tapu Lele, while Hidden Power Fire roasts Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Psyshock allows Tapu Lele to 2HKO Chansey, which would normally counter this set. Thunderbolt is the most Tapu Lele can do to Celesteela. Focus Blast hits Ferrothorn and Heatran hard with one move, but it does miss 30% of the time. This Tapu Lele excels as a wallbreaker, especially when given Stealth Rock support to make Pokemon that resist its attacks even riskier to switch in, since many still take nearly 50% from Psychic. This Tapu Lele tends to do best early in the game, where it can deal massive damage to clear the way for other sweepers. To further up Tapu Lele's threat level, Pokemon that pass Speed boosts such as Blaziken make it extremely difficult to revenge kill.

Psychic is Tapu Lele's most powerful STAB attack, being extremely powerful under Psychic Terrain. Psyshock is less powerful, but it deals more damage to Mimikyu and Chansey and gives Tapu Lele a good matchup against stall when paired with Taunt. Moonblast is a good secondary STAB attack that deals massive damage to Dark-types and deals more damage to Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Mega Salamence, and Dragonite. Shadow Ball is the best Tapu Lele can do to Aegislash and opposing Tapu Lele, while Hidden Power Fire is a better option for hitting a wider variety of Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Celesteela. Focus Blast is a bit risky, but in addition to slamming Ferrothorn, it also hits Heatran hard. The last slot tends to work well for a support move. Taunt is excellent at shutting down defensive Pokemon that Tapu Lele may have trouble breaking otherwise, such as Cresselia and Porygon2. Calm Mind makes Tapu Lele very powerful, although sweeping with it shouldn't be a priority, since Tapu Lele isn't that fast. Calm Mind is best used for breaking through defensive cores, which can lead to other teammates sweeping. Nature's Madness works well in situations where your opponent has multiple Tapu Lele checks and which coverage move to click is unclear. If Tapu Lele is holding Assault Vest, the last slot will need to be either Nature's Madness or another coverage move such as Hidden Power Fire. Psychium Z lets Tapu Lele unleash a very powerful Shattered Psyche, which is so strong that it's capable of OHKOing maximum HP Porygon2 before a boost! Focus Sash can help Tapu Lele get around its physical fragility. With this intact, Tapu Lele can revenge kill new threats such as Mega Salamence and Mega Gengar. Assault Vest takes advantage of Tapu Lele's decent special bulk. Consider an EV spread of 76 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 108 SpD / 68 Spe with a Modest nature for this variant, as this guarantees survival against Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt-based Gigavolt Havoc, and nearly guarantees survival against Volcarona's +1 Fire Blast-based Inferno Overdrive while still outspeeding Adamant Breloom. A Modest nature is usually the best option for boosting Tapu Lele's power, but a Timid nature ensures that Tapu Lele outspeeds Landorus-T that lack Choice Scarf. When using Tapu Lele, consider Pokemon that benefit from blocked priority, such as Blaziken, Garchomp, and Mega Gengar.