[X] My Assistant

[Tochukaso]

Click for Pokedex page.
Type: Electric
Trait: Static: When a Pokémon makes contact with Ampharos, it has a 30% chance of being Paralyzed

Strengths and Weaknesses


Stats: 90 HP/ 75 Atk/ 75 Def/ 115 SpA/ 90 SpD/ 55 Spd

Presumed Tier: Under Used

Moveset 1: Choice Specs
Ampharos @ Choice Specs
Nature: Modest
Trait: Static
EVs: 28 HP/ 252 SpA/ 228 Spd or 120 HP/ 252 SpA/ 136 Spd
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- HP Ice/ HP Grass
- Signal Beam

Ampharos got a plethora of new tricks this generation, the most notable being Focus Blast. Thunderbolt is for obvious STAB. Focus Blast hits Aggron and the many other steel types running rampant in UU. HP Ice can be used to hit Altaria in UU and the dragons with a 4x weakness to Ice in OU. HP Grass is mainly for Quagsire/Swampert who resist/ are neutral to the other three attacks. The last spot is mainly filler; Signal Beam can be used to hit Grumpig and Hypno for super effective damage.

The first EV spread gives you 203 speed, allowing you to outrun those Pokemon sitting at 202 and using Agility. The other spread allows you to outrun Rhyperior, even though you shouldn't be staying anyway.

Moveset 2: Support
Ampharos @ Leftovers
Nature: Modest
Trait: Static
EVs: 28 HP/ 252 SpA/ 228 Spd or 120 HP/ 252 SpA/ 136 Spd
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast/ HP Ice/ HP Grass
- Thunder Wave
- Light Screen/ Reflect/ Heal Bell

This set utilizes Ampharos's (slightly below average) supporting capabilities. The first two moves are obvious, Thunder Wave helps Ampharos's low speed and supports the team. Light Screen and Reflect are obviously for support. Heal Bell is available through purification in XD: Gale of Darkness and allows you to heal your entire team of status problems.

Moveset 3: Choice Band
Ampharos @ Choice Band
Nature: Adamant
Trait: Static
EVs: 28 HP/ 252 Atk/ 228 Spd or 120 HP/ 252 Atk/ 136 Spd
- Focus Punch
- Thunderpunch
- Body Slam
- Fire Punch

With this set Ampharos reaches a respectable 409 Atk. Focus Punch is to hit Aggron and Bastiodon and Thunderpunch is for STAB. Body Slam provides paralysis support that helps with Ampharos's speed. Fire Punch is to hit Viloplume and Meganium who attempt to wall you.

Moveset 4: 3rd Gen Standard
Ampharos @ Leftovers
Nature: Quiet
Trait: Static
EVs: 252 Atk / 216 SAtk / 40 HP
- Focus Punch
- Heal Bell/ Substitute
- HP Grass/ Ice
- Thunderbolt

A mixed Cleric set. Focus Punch is once again for the Steel/ Rock types that stand in your way. Heal Bell supports the team and cures your team of any status conditions that stand in the way of your sweep. HP Grass or Ice are for type coverage; the latter creating a pseudo-bolt beam. Thunderbolt is for STAB.

Other Options:
Discharge can be used on any set over Thunderbolt to provide paralysis support yet still remain on the offensive.

Charge Beam can be used for boosting Special Attack.

Thunder can be used to provide paralysis support and has higher base power, but the accuracy is unnerving.

EVs:
The spreads posted are those that seem to work the best. EVs for Ampharos are mainly focused into SpA, HP, and Speed. Speed EVs can be added or taken away to outrun specific threats.

Counters:
Quagsire/ Swampert counter any set that doesn't contain HP Grass. Blissey doesn't take too much from Focus Blast, but needs to be wary of Focus Punch. Other Electric types can be used to wear down Ampharos. Gligar/Gliscor can beat sets using HP Grass.

Opinion
Ampharos has enough options to pull off a number of sets, and will remain a decent threat in the UU environment. Use in OU will most likely be minimal, doomed to "fun" and "favorite" teams. In OU, it is outclassed by Raikou. Raikou has superior speed and special defense. However, Ampharos has access to a number of physical options not available to Raikou.