Overview
########
Boasting amazing stats across the board, with a ridiculous base 170 Attack, solid 120 Special Attack, decent Speed, and great bulk, Kyurem-B proves to be a force to be reckoned with in OU. It most commonly utilizes a Substitute set with mixed Fusion Bolt / Ice Beam / Earth Power for coverage, which devastates defensive and offensive teams alike giventhanks to its immense power. This set alone tears apart much of common OU defensive and balanced teams with ease, but that's not all. Kyurem-B also has great versatility, being able to utilize the strongest Outrage in OU, having Roost to keep itself healthy, and even being able to use a defensive set to handle top OU threats. ItHowever, Kyurem-B isn't without its flaws, was it has crippling weaknesses to Stealth Rock, Fighting, Steel, Fairy, and Dragon, as well as an only decent Speed stat; however, d. Despite all this, Kyurem-B shines as one of OU's preeominent attackers that is a threat to every team.
Specially Based Mixed Attacker
########
name: Specially Based Mixed Attacker
move 1: Ice Beam
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Roost / Outrage
item: Life Orb
nature: Mild / Rash
evs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Moves
========
Basically, this is the same moveset as the Substitute attacker, but with Roost over Substitute. Ice Beam is a devastating STAB weaponmove that brings many physically bulky Pokemon to their knees, especially bulky Grass- and Ground-types, achieving feats such as 2HKOing Ferrothorn. Fusion Bolt smashes apart Water-types and most of the Fairy-types, including Sylveon, Togekiss, Azumarill, and Mega Gardevoir. Earth Power finishes out Kyurem-B's coverage by dealing with various Fire-, Electric-, and Steel-types, most significantly Heatran and Rotom-W. Roost keeps Kyurem-B healthy, mitigating Life Orb and possible entry hazard damage, in addition to lettallowing it more reliablyto utilize its decent hit-taking capabilities on the special side more reliably. Meanwhile, Outrage lets it break through Chansey, enhancing its destructive capabilities against stall teams greatly at the cost of longevity.
Hidden Power Fire can be run in the last slot if desired. Hidden Power Fire is mainly used for hitting Scizor super effectively, and OHKOes Ferrothorn instead of 2HKOing with Ice Beam. Focus Blast has the same power against Ferrothorn and murders Tyranitar, a big pain for Kyurem-B in general.
Set Details
========
The EVs provide enough Speed to outrun Adamant Excadrill and maximize Special Attack as it is the focus of this set, with the remaining EVs dumped into Attack for a powered-up Fusion Bolt or potential Outrage. Choice of power-boosting nature comes down to whether tanking special or physical attacks better is more important. An Expert Belt can be run to bluff some sort of Choice variant, which is a logical conclusion if Kyurem-B lacks a Life Orb or Leftovers, and allow Kyurem-B to surprise Pokemon that come in to resist an attack that Kyurem-B is "locked into." Then, it can surprise the foe by switching attacks, likely taking it out. Unfortunately, this makes it both slightly weaker against targets hit super effectively and rather weak against neutral targets, so it is typically inferior to Life Orb. Once again, a Haban Berry to take on Dragon-type foes or Chople Berry for Fighting-type ones can work, but the loss of power hurts more than needing to switch out against such Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
You get this Kyurem-B in the same way as you get in every other set: switching into resisted attacks. Aggressively sSwitch it in whenever you find an opportunity and just throw out attacks. S and something is bound towill get hurt. Many opponents will attempt to scout Kyurem-B's moveset by switching around and luring various attacks. The best course of action is to predict opposing switch-ins and punish them with the appropriate attack, catching the opponent off guard and giving you an advantage. Roost when Kyurem-B starts to get low on health. This helpmakes it easier for Kyurem-B to switch in later and take on revenge killers aiming to finish it off with priority attacks.
Team Options
========
Pretty much anything that appreciates a weakened team will love this Kyurem-B, which boasts excellent special coverage and power, as a teammate. Terrakion, in particular, enjoys its support, as Kyurem-B can remove virtually all of its counters, including Jellicent, Hippowdon, Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Aegislash. Defog support is necessary, even with Roost, as hazards really put a damper on Kyurem-B's hit-taking ability and thus ease of switching in. Latios makes a stellar teammate for this purpose, as it can use Defog and aids in tearing apart teams with its powerful Draco Meteors. Alternatively, Rapid Spin Excadrill can be runused as a hazard remover.
Physically Based Mixed Attacker
########
name: Physically Based Mixed Attacker
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Iron Head / Earth Power / Dragon Claw
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 56 SpA / 200 Spe
nature: Lonely / Naughty
Moves
========
Outrage is the main eost important movent on this set; it's almost like an easy button in that if you want something dead, it will do the job. It also rips apart Blissey and Chansey, two of the best counters to the typical Kyurem-B. However, due to the lock-in, you can't just go around spamming it. Fusion Bolt takes the role of a spammable move due to its solid pBase Power and coverage, wrecking Pokemon likesuch as Sylveon, Manidibuzz, and Manaphy with ease. Ice Beam mainly hits Ground-types, especially Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon, and does a good chunk to Ferrothorn. Iron Head is generally preferred in the last slot to make Kyurem-B the best wallbreaker possible, 2HKOing Clefable and OHKOing Sylveon. Earth Power has the niche of smashing Rotom-W as well as various Fire- and Steel-type Pokemon, most notably Heatran. Dragon Claw is another option if Heatran is not of particular concern, providing Kyurem-B with a reliable STAB option in lieu of Outrage's lock-in. Dragon Claw still 2HKOes Rotom-W, and Fusion Bolt does a significant chunk to Rotom-W, so forgoing Earth Power isn't that much of a loss. Hidden Power Fire is yet another option in the last slot to OHKO Ferrothorn if desired.
Set Details
========
The Speed EVs allow Kyurem-B to outrun Adamant Excadrill, and full Attack investment boosts physical power, the main focus of this set. The remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to soup uptrengthen Ice Beam. The choice between Lonely and Naughty for the nature is entirely based on a preference for Kyurem-B to tank special or physical attacks better. Haban Berry is a good alternative in the item slot if you want to have a fighting chance against Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and other faster Dragon-types. Chople Berry also works to take Fighting-type attacks from the likes of Keldeo and Terrakion. The major downside of both items is that they don't boost Kyurem-B's power like Life Orb does, which should always be the main priority of this set.
Usage Tips
========
Basically, you'll want to get this in on any move it resists and start firing off Fusion Bolts, your most powerful and reliable attack with this set. If an opposing switch-in is obvious, you may want to predict it, depending on the scenario, to take it out and prevent the foe from Life Orb stalling Kyurem-B with no repercussions. Use your coverage moves as necessary. Outrage is the move to use against Blissey and Chansey, as well as in scenarios where you don't really care what dies, but want something dead. It's really that powerful against everything that's not a physically defensive Steel-type or Fairy-type.
Preserve Kyurem-B if there's any wall in particular you want to get rid of, as it can do the majority of cases ib most can dof the jobtime. This might sound like an obvious point, but many players will sack Kyurem-B—their wallbreaker—prematurely before it has completed its goals. Kyurem-B can also clean if you remove its checks. If the opponent only has a couple blocks that prevent Kyurem-B from going on a rampage, aim to remove those and Kyurem-B will not disappoint late-game with its coverage and power.
Team Options
========
Virtually anything that's a sweeper will enjoy this Kyurem-B's presence, as it is the best wallbreakers and hole punchers in the game. Think Lucario, Mega Tyranitar, Garchomp, etc. Special sweepers will appreciate the removal of Chansey, too, which this set can surprise with an Outrage. Growth Mega Venusaur in particular makes for an excellent partner, capitalizing on the removal of Chansey and other special walls whilst tanking Fighting-type attacks aimed at Kyurem-B with ease. Kyurem-B doesn't need much support on its own, but it definitely does require a Defog user, as hazards in conjunction with Life Orb damage will wear it down quickly. Mandibuzz, Latias, Latios, and Mega Scizor can fill this role handily; which one you choose depends on your team's specific needs. Alternatively, you can use Rapid Spin Excadrill.
Substitute Attacker
########
name: Substitute Attacker
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Earth Power
item: Leftovers
nature: Mild / Rash
evs: 56 HP / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Moves
========
Substitute blocks Kyurem-B from status, Leech Seed (this screws over Mega Venusaur, Trevenant, and Gourgeist), priority, and revenge killers, easing prediction immensely and making it overall more difficult for the foe to deal with Kyurem-B. Ice Beam is the strong STAB attack on this set, dishing out heavy damage to all but resists and specially bulky foes whilst eliminating common defensive Ground-, Grass-, and Flying-type foes, even felling Mega Venusaur because Teravolt ignores Thick Fat. Fusion Bolt dispatches Water-types, such as Gyarados, Azumarill, and Manaphy, and does the most damage of any move to Sylveon and Assault Vest Conkeldurr. Earth Power rounds out the coverage by nailing Heatran, Rotom-W, Aegislash, Bisharp, and Mega Mawile, among various other Fire- and Steel-type foes.
A physically biased set with Dragon Claw over Earth Power and Attack investment is an option if Chansey and Conkeldurr are of particular concern,.
Set Details
========
The HP EVs ensure Kyurem-B has an HP number that grants 101 HP Substitutes, which ensures that its Substitutes are not broken by Seismic Tosses from Chansey, while not causing it to take more damage from Stealth Rock. From there, it has enough Speed to outrun Adamant Excadrill with the remaining EVs maxing out its special attacking capabilities. If Mega Garchomp is of particular concern, then 232 EVs can be invested in Speed at the expense of Special Attack to outrun it. You can run a Mild nature if you'd prefer to take special hits from the likes of Manaphy a bit better, or a Rash nature if attacks from Pokemon like Gyarados are of particular concern.
Usage Tips
========
Getting in Kyurem-B is pretty easy; it has a number of nice resistances, including Electric, Water, and Grass, and generally has pretty good bulk. Once you get an opportunity to switch in, set up a Substitute and proceed to fire off attacks as appropriate. Kyurem-B is one of the scariest attackers in the game, period. Behind a Substitute, it's just that much more difficult to deal with. You want to err on the side of caution against possible status or Leech Seed users, as getting hit with either is extremely crippling to Kyurem-B, so definitely Substitute in those scenarios. However, don't waste them; if the opponent can simply break your Substitute after you set it up, then you've just wasted a quarter of Kyurem-B's health for nothing. It can be worth it to scout, though.
This Kyurem-B set doesn't really have the brute force to break through stall teams, struggling with common stalwarts of such teams, including Chansey and Clefable. Instead, it should focus on setting up Substitutes on forced switches versuswhen playing against offensive and balanced teams, seeking to hit their less bulky members hard with its excellent coverage.
Team Options
========
Defog support is a must because hazards limit Kyurem-B's longevity immensely. Because of this, Latios makes an excellent partner, forming a devastating offensive duo with Kyurem-B that can ravage opposing teams. Rapid Spin Excadrill also makes for a solid choice. Running an offensive Steel-type, such as Bisharp, Iron Head Aegislash, or Scizor, helps against pesky Clefable and Sylveon. As these Pokemon carry powerful physical attacks, they can also threaten Blissey and Chansey, meaning they can eliminate virtually all counters to this Kyurem-B. Finally, Pokemon prone to being walled by common defensive Pokemon in general, such as Terrakion and Keldeo, will love the wallbreaking support Kyurem-B provides. With their counters eliminated, it is often easy for these Pokemon to overwhelm opposing teams.
Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Fusion Bolt
move 4: Ice Beam / Iron Head
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 252 Atk / 32 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Naughty / Naive
Moves
========
Outrage is pretty much the only move this Kyurem-B will use in many battles. Its sheer power is often needed, often, to take out threats. Dragon Claw is a safer option in the early- to mid-game, especially when Outrage can't be risked. Fusion Bolt hits certain Pokemon like Keldeo and Mega Gyarados for large damage without resorting to Outrage. Ice Beam is filler in the last slot to OHKO Landorus-T. Iron Head is an option to 2HKO Clefable, which is otherwise a perfect counter to this set.
Set Details
========
The EVs maximize Kyurem-B's physical attacking capabilities and allow it to outrun Adamant Choice Scarf Landorus-T, the rest dumped into Special Attack to pump up Ice Beam a little bit. If Iron Head is chosen, shift those EVs into HP for a bitad of bulk. A Naughty nature is best for this set to deal out actual large damage. Naive is a viable option to outrun Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Excadrill, but moreoverst importantly, +1 Adamant Mega Charizard X. Their Defense-reducing alternatives (Lonely and Hasty, respectively) can be run if a better switch-in to common Electric- and Water-types is desired, but tanking priority attacks is of more concern to this set due to its heightened Speed.
Usage Tips
========
This Kyurem-B differs drastically from others in that it isn't really so much of a wallbreaker, but a revenge killer with some surprise factor to it that lets it smack a lot of faster Pokemon that try to revenge kill it with Outrage. Outrage is pretty much the only move that this set will use in most cases; the power is just too necessary to secure kills. Be wary of using it around Fairy-types, naturally, and try and hide the fact that it's a Choice Scarf variant, as this can allow for numerous surprise KOs. The other moves on the set are generally rather unimpressive as far as power is concerned, so they should only be used in situations where you are sure that they cannot be taken advantage of.
Team Options
========
As far as teammates go, taking care of Fairy-types, most notably Clefable and Azumarill, is a must, or the Outrage spam this Kyurem-B pursues will end in disaster. Steel-types, such as Bisharp and Scizor (especially bulky Swords Dance Mega variants), are most proficient at this role. Entry hazards and powerful attackers, such as Choice Band Azumarill and Mega Pinsir, can also aid in wearing them down to the point where they are not longer threats. Opposing bulky Steel-types, such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor, can also prove debilitating. Attackers like Keldeo and Latios can keep pressure on them. Keeping opposing entry hazards off the field is also a must; Excadrill and Latios are your best bets for this role.
Choice Band
########
name: Choice Band
move 1: Outrage
move 2: Fusion Bolt
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Iron Head / Dragon Claw
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 Atk / 56 SpA / 200 Spe
nature: Lonely / Naughty
Moves
========
On this set, Outrage is the main emovent, steamrolling foes like they're nothing thanks to Kyurem-B's Choice Band-supplemented base 170 Attack. However, due to the lock-in, you can't just go around spamming it, especially with the prevalence of Fairy-types. Fusion Bolt is useful for that purpose and demolishes Water-types, almost every OU Fairy, Skarmory, and Mandibuzz. The remaining two moves are basicalmostly filler, but have their uses. Ice Beam might look out of place on a Choice Band set, but 2HKOing Hippowdon and OHKOing Landorus-T and Gliscor is no small feat; and although Outrage might do the same thing, Ice Beam lacks the debilitating lock-in. Iron Head is typically preferred in the last slot due to it outright slaughtering Clefable. Dragon Claw can also be run as the attack that you use when you need the STAB power, for whatever reason, but don't want to suffer a lock-in. Often, resorting to Outrage or using Fusion Bolt is a better option, but Dragon Claw has its uses. Freeze Shock is a usable alternative, achieving insane feats like OHKOing Ferrothorn, but has a charge turn that allows the opponent to play around it fairly easily. However, due to its insane STAB-boosted power, you can be assured that whatever you do hit will get hurt.
Set Details
========
The EVs are pretty simple; 200 Speed EVs ensures you at least tie opposing neutral-natured Kyurem-B, while full Attack investment gives it the most possible power. A Lonely nature provides an Attack boost to make Kyurem-B even more powerful whilst preserving its Special Attack and Special Defense, ensuring its Ice Beam isn't too weak and granting it more switch-in opportunities.
Usage Tips
========
Kyurem-B has a number of resistances and solid bulk; utilizes these traits to bring it in whenever you can and start firing off attacks. If the opponent has a Fairy- or physically bulky Steel-type, Fusion Bolt will usually do the job to ensure their death— unless it's Ferrothorn, which Outrage has a good chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock. If these Pokemon are removed, Outrage is a good option. It's basically an easy button; if you want something dead, click it. However, in addition to possible targets it might be ineffective against, you also have to be wary of potential revenge killers, such as Scizor, Garchomp, or Latios. Assess whether it's worth it to take out the Pokemon you're up against and sacrifice Kyurem-B, or if you'd rather switch it out and bring it back in later. In these scenarios, Dragon Claw should be your attack of choice. It's still boosted by STAB, and has decent BP, so it's powerful enough. Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Hippowdon will typically try to scout for Ice Beam, so attempt to lure them into thinking that your Kyurem-B doesn't carry it by using Dragon Claw in the first encounter. This will make them think they can switch in later with ease, at which point you can KO with Ice Beam without having to resort to Outrage in order to take them out.
This set might seem largely out of place in the presence of other sets, but boasts a couple advantages. First off, its physical power is through the roof; it is literally guaranteed to hurt something with its physical attacks. The main downside is the inability to switch moves, which allows other Kyurem-B to adapt and handle a variety of different Pokemon that switch into it. However, none can match this Kyurem-B in terms of power, which is the whole purpose of using it.
Team Options
========
A Defog user is pretty important, as hazards—especially Stealth Rock—take a massive toll on Kyurem-B's switch-in capabilities. You'll also want a way to get past Ferrothorn other than banking on the chance to 2HKO with Outrage after Stealth Rock. For this reason, Life Orb Hidden Power Fire Latios and Latias make for stellar teammates. The choice between the two depends on whether you prioritize power or bulk, which varies depending on your team. Either way, a dual Dragon strategy, especially with Kyurem-B's ability to destroy Fairies, does wonder in breakings down opposing teams with great ease. A Pokemon like Choice Band Talonflame, Mega Scizor, or Mega Tyranitar can clean up the scraps of saithe aforementioned weakened teams.
Other Options
########
A physically based variant of the Substitute attacker set with Dragon Claw over Earth Power can work, but the lack of Earth Power really blows coverage-wise, so you're generally better off with the given set or the physically based mixed set that boasts full coverage. Choice Scarf Kyurem-B was a nice revenge killer in BW, but the introduction of other Pokemon, such as Talonflame, better suited to a revenge killing role, Fairy-types that can easily take its STAB Dragon-type attacks, return of Genesect to OU, and how restricted Kyurem-B is without the ability to switch moves have made it fall from favor. Another set that has fallen from favor is Substitute + Hone Claws with Roost and Dragon Tail. First offly, Fairy-types stop this set in its tracks. More significantly, Defog users threaten to remove the hazards this set relies on to deal truly significant damage. These factors in combination with the lack of coverage and power make this set an inferior option this generation. An Assault Vest might seem like a good option to take special attacks even better, but Leftovers and Roost recovery are a major factor as to why bulky Kyurem-B works so well, and offensive sets would rather run a Life Orb to boost their power.
Checks and Counters
########
**Super effective priority**: Bullet Punch from (Mega) -Scizor and Mach Punch from Conkeldurr and Breloom can fell slightly weakened Kyurem-B if it's not behind a Substitute.
**Mixed walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey, Umbreon, Ferrothorn, specially defensive Tyranitar, Assault Vest Conkeldurr, Assault Vest Excadrill, and Cofagrigus that have good mixed bulk handle the Substitute set well. AHowever, all of them except Excadrill are felled by Outrage, though, and Excadrill cannot handle Choice Band-boosted Outrage at all.
**Fast Fighting- and Dragon-types**: Latios, Latias, Terrakion, Keldeo, and Garchomp can all revenge kill Kyurem-B, forcing it out or killfainting it if it's locked into Outrage and not hiding behind a Substitute.
**Stealth Rock**: Kyurem-B's weakness to Stealth Rock means that if you can keep it up, it loses 25% of its HP upon switching in. This limits its number of switch-in opportunities and wears it down extremely fast, making it easier to handle overall.
**Status**: Prankster Will-O-Wisp from the likes of Mega Banette and Sableye limits Kyurem-B's potency to an extent due to neutering Fusion Bolt and Outrage. Non-Prankster Will-O-Wisp users are generally KOed or would rather attack it, so they're not very significant. Toxic makes it die realfaint extremely fastquickly if it stays in, wearing it down especially quickly with Life Orb and possible Stealth Rock damage. Paralysis makes it much easier to deal with, too, as it allows the large range of Pokemon outsped by Kyurem-B to hit it first.
**Fairy-types**: PIn particularly, physically defensive Sylveon and Clefable are immune to Outrage and generally handle Kyurem-B well. Both wall the Substitute and specially based mixed sets with ease, and Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can even hit it behind its Substitute because Hyper Voice ignores it. IHowever, invested Fusion Bolt, especially from Choice Band variants, sends them packing, however.