Gen 8 OU
Haxorus @ Choice Band / Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Outrage
- Poison Jab
- Close Combat / First Impression
I think Haxorus is quite an underrated Pokemon in OU, given how defensively inclined the tier is, which gives it lots of opportunities to come in and punch holes in the enemy's team. With its massive Attack stat, it can brute force its way through defensive teams. Dragon Claw is sufficiently strong Dragon STAB and your most reliable move, while Outrage destroys defensive teams which don't have anything to revengekill Haxorus after it is locked in. Poison Jab is the best coverage for Fairies because it hits Clefable and Tapu Fini super effectively, which Iron Head doesn't do. Close Combat is honestly not too important, it's just sort of overkill format Steel types which get worn down by Dragon moves very quickly. Close Combat is used for Ferrothorn, Heatran and Corviknight. First Impression is strong priority. Choice Band is for breaking power, but Choice Scarf can surprise faster mons like Weavile, Dtagapult, and Zeraora. Haxorus definitely is not an easy Pokemon to use, but you can do serious damage if you use him well. On the topic of using him to his fullest potential:
Here are the best teammates for Haxorus
Choice Band Haxorus appreciates having a safety net against Pokemon such as Dragapult and Weavile who can be brought in after Haxorus gets a kill. Thus, defensive switchins like Tyranitar and Blissey (for Pult) and Tapu Fini and Toxapex (for Weavile) are good for a defensive backbone.
Stealth Rock support is massively useful in helping Haxorus KO bulky Pokemon. Landorus-T, for this reason and for others, is one of Haxorus's best teammates.
Choice Band Haxorus also appreciates having strong, fast Pokemon like Dragapult and Weavile, or priority users like Rillaboom, Urshifu-R, and the rare Extreme Speed Dragonite to revenge kill the walls it has beat down with its powerful attacks.
Pivots with U-turn, Volt Switch, or Teleport such as Landorus-T, the Slow twins, Tornadus-T and Chansey / Blissey are great teammates for their ability to get Haxorus on the field safely and for providing additional defensive support.
Heatran and Melmetal are great partners as they can check Fairy types which will switch into Dragon Claw.