Dragonium Haxorus MOTW

Pokémon Moveset Of The Week

"Deemed Punishable by Death"
Pokemon: Haxorus
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Mold Breaker
Item: Dragonium Z
EV Spread: 4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spe

- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Poison Jab
- Outrage

Guten Tag, Freunde! MG's back with another MOTW, this time with a fan-favorite Pokémon from Unova, Haxorus! Ever since Haxorus came around, nearly everyone has liked the axe-headed dragon. However, its mediocre Speed and defenses have left Haxorus in UU. But that, as we all know, certainly doesn't mean it isn't usable!

The EV spread is standard among physical Pokémon, running max Attack and Speed in order to be the most efficient possible. Now, the set I'm showcasing is a bit of a twist on the OR/AS wallbreaker/stallbreaker set (so if this is on Smogon I apologize!). This Haxorus runs Adamant and Swords Dance over Jolly and Dragon Dance because it's not meant to clean up; it's meant to punch holes. As such, Outrage is your STAB move. Paired with Dragonium Z, a +2 Haxorus makes a lot of things turn tail; not much can take a Z-Outrage. Earthquake and Poison Jab help to cover what Haxorus cannot hit with its Outrage, namely Steel- and Fairy-type opponents. And, if you're facing a Grass-type opponent, a 2x super-effective Poison Jab power-ties a neutral Outrage, so remember that when deciding on your move.

As for teammates, this Haxorus greatly appreciates faster teammates that can help it get past other fast Pokémon, as it lacks the speed boosting of Dragon Dance in favor of Swords Dance's +2 Attack buff. I run it with Choice Scarf Heracross with Guts, and it works fairly well. It also appreciates allies that can absorb hits, as Haxorus doesn't have the greatest bulk and is weak to the common Fairy and Dragon types. Steel-type Pokémon like Heatran and Skarmory assist greatly in this. Lastly, Haxorus needs a teammate to take out things that don't fear any of its moves, like Skarmory or Celesteela. Partners that fill this, like Tapu Koko or Heatran, work very well. Sticky Web, while not needed, can assist setting up due to removing a few faster Pokémon that could end your reign of terror. Lastly, do remember this set does not run a Lum Berry, so be wary of Scald and Will-O-Wisp coming from the other team.

One more note on setting up this Haxorus: because this set does not run anything to increase its Speed stat, it's easiest to set up when it's switched in on something that will get out as soon as possible or on a double-switch. Faster Pokémon on the opponent's side, especially those capable oh OHKOing your Haxorus, need to be taken out ASAP in order for Haxorus to do its job effectively.

And that's all for this Haxorus! I hope you all have a fun time using it! See you around!

Written By: Mega Grievous