Xatu
Mystic Pokémon
Once it begins to meditate at sunrise, the entire day will pass before it will move again.
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Competitive
Strategy Overview
Xatu is gifted with the ability Magic Bounce, which allows it to act as a solid anti-entry hazard pivot and gives it an effective immunity to status moves such as Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Taunt. It also boasts reliable recovery in Roost, which helps alleviate some of its weaknesses and ensure it stays healthy throughout the match to continue pivoting into common entry hazard setters such as Mesprit and Garbodor. Additionally, a rather colorful movepool, with many support and offensive options alike, allows Xatu to fulfill a number of roles, from a Calm Mind user to a U-turn pivot to even an offensive set. All of these factors make Xatu a staple on more balanced teams, where it acts as the team's main source of entry hazard control. However, its bulk isn't exactly amazing, even with investment, and its typing leaves it susceptible to many common attacking types such as Dark, Ghost, and Rock. Its Dark weakness is particularly troublesome, as it leaves it vulnerable to Pursuit, making it liability in some matchups, especially if it’s not running any Defense investment. Said typing also causes Xatu to falter against certain Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and Piloswine, meaning it’s not always reliable at keeping hazards at bay.
Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc