Overview
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Archeops is a very interesting Pokemon, it has a lot of pros and a lot of cons that affect is very greatly. Archeops is complimented with terrific dual attacking stats and a very extensive movepool with moves such as Earth Power, Stone Edge, and the ever so handy Knock Off. Despite all of these traits there are a lot of things that cause Archeops to not be the ou level titan that it appears to be. Such traits include the infamous ability Defeatist which cut's Archeops' amazing attacking stats in half which is not very good, it also has paper thin defenses which do not go very well especially when in tandem with Defeatist.
Acrobatics
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name:Acrobatics
move 1: Acrobatics
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Knock Off / U-Turn
item: n/a
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Naive
Moves
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Archeops unfortunately, has to rely on itemless Acrobatics for the strongest possible Flying-type STAB making it unable to hold an item such as Life Orb or a choice item. On the bright side a 110 Base Power attack is very promising hitting Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Virizion, and Gallade for Super-effective damage. Stone Edge allows Archeops to nail Fire-types like Moltres and Delphox while also getting a STAB boost, however this can be substituted for Head Smash which is fifty percent stronger than Stone Edge and hits as strong as a non-Defeatist Rock Slide when in Defeatist range. Earth Power is a very good move allowing Archeops to hit common switch-ins such as Doublade, Cobalion, and Rhyperior super effectively. The fourth moveslot depends on what pokemon you want Archeops to beat. Knock off allows Archeops to bypass Pokemon such as Mismagius and Slowking. U-Turn is a good option as Archeops' terrific attacking stats make it a terrific pivot allowing to force lots of switches and U-Turn on said switch ins. Roost increases the longevity of Archeops and will get you out of Defeatist range should you be below 50% health, it is also very handy in conjunction with head smash as you are able to Roost off the recoil.
Set Details
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The EV spread allows Archeops to hit like a truck and be incredibly fast. A naive nature is used to gain even more speed while not lowering either attack stats. The speed boost allows you to outspeed common threats such as Timid Delphox, Jolly Cobalion, and Jolly Virizion. The lack of an item allows Acrobatics to be 110 base power.
Usage Tips
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Archeops is best used as a wallbreaker, breaking pokemon such as the previously mentioned Rhyperior and Amoonguss, however it can also be a solid late game cleaner due to its blistering speed. It is advised that Pokemon like Choice Scarf Emboar and Jolteon be removed before bringing in Archeops as they can come in a ruin Archeops' day via Wild Charge and Thunderbolt respectively.
Team Options
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Dual screeners such as Uxie and Meowstic-M in order so give Archeops the ability to grant Archeops a lot more switch in opportunities. Slow U-turn or Volt Switch users such as Eelektross and Clawitzer to provide safe chances to bring Archeops in. Subpass Jolteon is especially good as it allows Archeops to come in on everything bar Infiltrator Pokemon and Sound moves. Specially based Grass and Electric-Types to beat Alomomola such as Jolteon and Calm Mind Virizion are appreciated. Pokemon who can beat Registeel such as Dugtrio or Swords Dance Virizion, with Dugtrio also being able to trap and kill Jolteon.
Other Options
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An all out special attacker special attacker set might seem appealing but not using Archeops' terrific attack stat is not advised. Archeops has access to the coveted Defog along with no incompatibilities but it is simply to frail for this role. Choice Items can be utilized with switcheroo however Archeops does not really like to be locked into one move. Heat Wave can be used to do additional damage to Doublade and Cobalion along with Escavalier but hitting Rhyperior is very important hence why Archeops runs Earth Power. Earthquake can also be used to hit Registeel harder however it hits Doublade and Rhyperior for significantly less Damage. Hone Claws can be used with Stone Edge to boost both the accuracy of Stone Edge and boost Archeops' Attack stat to jaw dropping levels however Archeops is to fragile to utilize this. A suicide lead set of Stealth Rock, Taunt, Tailwind and a Endeavor can be used to a great amount of success but not utilizing the sheer power of Archeops is a mistake. Agility can be used to outspeed the entire tier after a boost which can be very beneficial. Crunch can be used to have a chance to OHKO Mega Banette after Stealth Rock but not removing an item is kind of disappointing. The final option is Hidden Power Ice can hit Gligar who is one of the best switch ins to Archeops.
Checks & Counters
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**Alomomola**: Alomomola can take Archeops' all day while wishing back it's health. It can also beat Archeops one on one.
**Registeel**: Registeel is a pain for Archeops, sponging all of the things Archeops can throw at it and can retaliate with a Thunder Wave.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users and faster Pokemon such as Emboar and Jolteon can outspeed Archeops and hit it with a Wild charge and Thunderbolt respectively
**Specially Defensive Rhyperior**: Specially defensive Rhyperior will take every hit Archeops tries to throw at it and retaliate with a Rock Blast.
**Gligar**: Gligar is a terrific check being able to take every kind of hit bar a Hidden Power Ice.
**Status**: Status ruins Archeops' day specifically burns and paralysis so users especially Mega Banette and Whimsicott can check archeops.
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