What makes a move set a good move set?

Question

I'm looking at all of these move set questions\answers and I know there isn't a real good answer to my question. It depends on the type of Pokemon and how you want it built. However, is there a "general" set up for a balanced Pokemon? I'm not talking about specific moves but more move types\categories.

Answer 1

A moveset should be fitting to your team obviously, and work well with the role of the pokemon. The best movesets compliment not only the pokemon's type and stats, but also its teammates and abilities.

 Typically with offensive pokemon, you want a powerful move of the same type as the pokemon to make it even stronger. You also want moves that cover several types of pokemon, so it can take on different enemies. This explains why Earthquake is so popular, since it covers a wide range of pokemon and has no real negative side effects. Conversely, Dark only covers two types of pokemon, and isn't as diverse, making it less effective to take on multiple pokemon. A offensive moveset may also have stat boosting moves and moves to cover either that pokemon's weaknesses, or common threats and counters to that pokemon.
 Defensive pokemon on the other hand tend to have moves to keep themselves alive, such as roost and recover. Their goal is more a war of attrition rather than brute force, so they usually have maybe one attacking move to avoid the move taunt, but there's no point in sweeping attacks due to their low offensive stats. They also have stalling moves like substitute and protect that serve as a safeguard from enemy fire. They also depend on passive damage such as toxic poison, weather damage, and leech seed. Defensive pokemon are also great with status moves like thunder wave and Will-O-Wisp to make the opponent easier targets for the sweeper to take out. 
A good pokemon will have several diverse moves that suit the needs and strengths of that pokemon. In short, the best way to a pokemon is to be ready for anything. Like the old saying goes, "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Comments

So what would you consider the Pokemon whose moves are mostly status effects like the "powder" family that many grass type have?  Would that fall under defense or offense?  I find Pokemon who have nothing but "powders" hard to use since a Pokemon can only have one negative effect at a time.

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Yes, those are pretty bad, just stick to one powder. Or better yet use Toxic for bad poison. You can, however, inflict many minor status conditions like confusion, attraction, leech seed, weather effects etc.

Answer 2

First, Hyper Beam is terrible, I have to mention that. Too many noobs think it's good because it's powerful but you have to rest on the next turn, therefore it's basically half the power.

Generally, good moves are the most powerful ones of their type with good accuracy and little or no bad side effects.

So Thunderbolt is usually considered better than Thunder. Something like Hi jump Kick or even Brick Break may be considered better than Superpower or Close Combat.

Good moves will not be predictable. For example, Dig or Fly allows the opponent to switch to a pokemon that can resist the move.

They will also take advantage of your best attack stat. For example Weavile's attack is way better than special attack, so don't go using Ice Beam; Ice Punch turns out more powerful. Some pokemon are mixed sweepers so use both physical and special moves.

Finally, a good moveset for an offensive pokemon will cover many types. Don't use all grass moves for example. You'll find Ground, Ice and Fighting a lot because those cover the most pokemon.

Comments

Specs Porygon-Z Adaptdability 252 SP Attack EVS Modest Nature can use Hyper Beam.

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BTW, did you know that this Porygon-Z can potentially OHKO a Blissey with Hyper Beam?

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Of course, it is famous for that. But let's see it OHKO Evolution Stone Chansey.

Answer 3

A good moveset is determined by a multitude of things. It all depends on what works best. Stats are a huge factor in determining what a good moveset is. You want to give a Pokemon something that works well with the stats it has. Ability can also have some part in a good moveset. If a move works well with an ability, then you should get it. Typing is a huge factor, as you'll usually want STAB and moves that cover weaknesses. Perfect type coverage is nice. The moves themselves are a huge factor, you want moves that work well together, and aren't repetitive (no multiple STABs of same type usually) and if a move is not available to many Pokemon, that is also usaully a good move to have.

Comments

If you have a dual type Pokemon, would it be ok to have a STAB of each kind or still limit it to one STAB?

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Have a STAB of each kind if it works well. Sometimes it doesn't though. For example, you won't want many attacking moves on say a Shuckle seeing as it isn't an attacker. Also, sometimes the STAB coverage is repetitive, like Charizard, so in a case like that you'll only want one STAB.