Articuno

Articuno is quite an odd Pokemon in terms of typing and stat spread. Despite having a great offensive typing in Ice / Flying, Articuno's highest stats are Special Defense and Defense. However, Articuno is able to use this effectively in RU thanks to the tier's lack of solid specially bulky Pokemon capable of resisting its STAB types. Freeze-Dry is the biggest tool in Articuno's arsenal, as this unique Ice-type move allows Articuno to significantly pressure the likes of Alomomola and Slowking. Articuno's solid Speed is great in a tier where most wallbreakers hang around the base 70 and base 80 range, and Articuno happens to perform well against all of them thanks to its good offensive typing and raw bulk. Access to reliable recovery in Roost only helps to ensure Articuno can take repeated powerful neutral attacks. It also has access to nice support options in Heal Bell and Haze, which are not that common in RU, and Articuno has the bulk to pull off such a set. Articuno's most glaring issue is a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock in a tier with plenty of reliable users and limited options for entry hazard removal. As good as Articuno's typing is offensively, it's about as bad defensively with only one resistance or immunity Articuno can reliably take advantage of in Grass. Its vulnerability to Steel-types, such as Registeel, Magneton, and Escavalier, only makes it harder to use, as these are very good and common Pokemon in the tier. Articuno can be a very good Pokemon, but it must be supported very well to get the most out of it.