[Furai]

Arceus Overview Renovation

Approved by bojangles. Art by Yilx.

Introduction

Arceus. The Pokemon that created all. Writing His analyses took the Ubers C&C section quite a while, but something went wrong. Many users (1, 2) have complained that Arceus's overviews are just not statisfying. Most overviews do not include information about the metagame or the form.
So, this is why we all are here: like the Checks and Counters Project of OU, we are going to reconstruct each Arceus overview. Be as professional as possible! Provide as much competitive information as you can about the metagame and the form, spice up your prose, and follow the guidelines!

A Few Guidelines....

• Refer to Arceus as He or His. Since Arceus is referred as the God of Pokemon, he deserves this reference. This is only valid to the overview, though, but that's what we are here for anyway!
• Some retention of the unique flavor of previous overviews is still desired without compromising the competitive information. To address this, it is suggested that each overview has a flavorful beginning and ending sentence. Competitive information is required in between. Some flavor can be added into the competitive information at the discretion of the writer and Quality Control.
• Refrain from using common clichés, such as:
  • Underestimate (x pokemon) at your risk.
  • (Pokemon x) should always be considered when building a team / when a certain niche needs to be filled.
  • Despite its shortcomings, (Pokemon x) is a great Pokemon if played to its advantages / strengths / played well.
  • Refer to this page for more information.
• Try to write at least 8 sentences. Try to include as much content as possible, but be concise - this is an overview after all. Try not to mention obvious information that everyone knows such as "Arceus has solid 120 Base Stats across the board" and "has a great support/offensive movepool". Note that Normal Arceus is the only exception, as it is the base form. Showing its stats can be useful, but not necessary.
• Though this is optional, it would help us greatly if you gave comments regarding your overview such as what you changed and why, any competitive or structure concerns (flavor, how it flows, etc.).
• Any nitpicks are welcomed! Feel free to post your stuff and I will add them! Your opinion is important, be it as a reader or as a writer.

Overviews: What needs to be fixed?

Arceus-Bug By TrollFreak

It is most unwise to underestimate the capabilities of Arceus, for even when in the guise of a lowly Bug-type, ravaged by Stealth Rock, He cannot be squashed! Although disbelievers may ponder the choice of such a humble forme, Bug Arceus shows all as His STAB Bug-type attacks cause even Mewtwo, Darkrai, Tyranitar, Latias, and Latios to fall. But once His remarkable display ends, the inferiority of His forme is all but revealed. His offensive STAB is literally resisted by most of His Fire-, Fighting-, Flying-, Ghost-, Poison-, and Steel-type creations. He also has horrible weaknesses to Fire-, Flying-, and Rock-type attacks, only slightly redeemed by His resistances to Fighting-, Grass-, and Ground-type attacks. Yet do not be lulled into a sense of false security; it is undeniable that even as a humble insect, Arceus's prowess is unparalleled.

- Arceus Bug can OHKO Mewtwo and Darkrai at +0, most forms can't. Since Arceus Bug will go all out Offensive, he can even smash Defensive Mewtwo in one hit. Arceus Bug is a good check to Darkrai and Mewtwo. ( You mentioned Psychic and Dark but maybe mention both Mewtwo and Darkrai because they are common ) trickroom √
- Agree with trickroom but one thing about the overview is that the overview should reflect that Bug Arceus is the WORST Arceus forme and should never really be used except for exceptional cases or soemthing. No euphemisms please. barry4ever √


Arceus-Dark By Furai, with revisions by Superimp

When the light fails, cower at the presence of His Dread Plate as the darkness obscures the stars. There will be no respite from the embodiment of primal fear, for none are immune to the terror of His STAB Dark-type attacks. Even the perceptive Latios is blinded in dismay, caught within a net of darkness where struggle is in vain. Soon stall will stand alone amidst a growing sea of shadow, struggling to hold off a boosting foe who is unassailable by status. His numerous Ghost- and Psychic-type creations will be silenced by the incoming tide; even the might of Mewtwo is quenched through the use of His support set. But although many of His creations have lost the faintest shard of hope, those that have purged their inner demons have managed to come to light. Brave warriors such as Ho-Oh, Tyranitar, and His Bug-, Fighting-, and Steel-type creations will keep the forces of Dark Arceus at bay, preserving the existence of stall. But if you believe the authority of light has triumphed over darkness, then you are sadly mistaken; you can no more defeat the darkness than a Sunkern can reach for the stars.

- No Mewtwo mention. √
- With the rise of Ferrothorn, Dark Arceus might not really take out stall teams by himself anymore, or at least with the use of Refresh. Dialga, Skarmory, Tyranitar, Excadrill and Terrakion are also rising in usage, hampering his sweeping process. trickroom √


Arceus-Dragon By Superimp

Donning His mystical Draco Plate, Arceus commands the battlefield with utter regality. Reigning above all else, the authority of His Swords Dance and Calm Mind set is simply supreme. No words can express the awe and wonder that His nearly unresisted Judgment or Outrage invokes, as they rain down upon the numerous Dragon-types that litter the Uber tier. Although the brute force of some of His draconian brethren surmounts even Him, fear not as superior Speed and overall bulk allows Him to set up with greater ease. Even His creation Lugia, unfaltering wall to the many Dragon-types, struggles to harm Him with its puny Ice Beams. Dragon Arceus’s typing also gifts Him with excellent resistances to Electric-, Fire-, Grass-, and Water-type attacks. However, it is a double-edged sword in a battlefield filled with mighty Dragon- and Ice-type attacks. Kneel in honor of your deity else suffer His Judgment.

- No mention of Calm Mind. √
- Rayquaza and Salamence mention. √ (draconian brethren)
- Mention how Dragon Arceus can hit even harder than either Dialga or Palkia after one Calm Mind on the special side. Good to say, Salamence and Rayquaza will hit harder than Dragon Arceus initially so you mention the bulk is that important, such as when tanking Lugia's Ice Beam. trickroom √


Arceus-Electric By Furai, with revisions by Superimp

In the midst of cataclysmic bolts of lightning and the crackling sound of thunder, Arceus in His Zap Plate shows the mortals who Zeus is. It is no bolt from the blue that His energized state is one of His most offensive formes. Wielding the jaw-dropping power of STAB Electric-type attacks, Electric Arceus hurls Thunderbolts or Thunders under rain to devastating effect. Even His mighty creations Ho-Oh, Kyogre, and Lugia slink away in terror of His malevolent storm. Yet with such striking offense, His defense is but a tinge of a zap. His resistances to Flying- and Steel-type attacks lack potential, while a common weakness to Ground-type attacks will prove most diverting. Dialga, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar, prevalent among His creations, require Focus Blast to be annihilated, leaving Him with either less coverage or no Recover. Still, it is most imprudent to obstruct the path of the voltaic one, or else a wicked streak of lightning will be the last thing you shall ever see.

- More relevant stuff to mention, Electric Arceus is one of the few CM Arceus which can beat Ho-Oh / Kinda difficult to fit Electric Arceus in / Ferrothorn makes it less good. barry4ever √


Arceus-Fighting By Superimp

Defending the principles of honor, nobility, and integrity, Arceus in His Fist Plate is the eternal standard of justice. In a metagame so full of creations such as Darkrai, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar, The Original One has at last come to judge them for their wrongs. Even the prevalent Dialga, ruler of time, halts at His approach; the coverage of His virtuous STAB Fighting-type attacks is terrible to endure. Any mono-attacker utilizing Bug-, Dark-, or Rock-type attacks will flee before Fighting Arceus’s approach, for they realize that defeat is all but inevitable. Yet even though His fighting spirit can win many battles, He can win the ultimate victory with the use of a support set. His attacks ring true against His alter ego Normal Arceus. Make no mistake, only His Flying-, Ghost-, Poison-, and Psychic-type creations have the forthrightness to face Him in battle. For Arceus Himself is judge; both vengeance and salvation will be delivered on that inescapable Day of Judgment.

- A mention on how well this Arceus beats the mono Dark- and Rock-attackers, which can easily tear Stall-teams apart. √
- Mention that this is possibly the most anti metagame Arceus variant thanks to taking on Ferrothorn easily. Also give a mention to the fact that Arceus fighting can take on ExtremeKiller with consumate ease with a bit of bulk and wow. barry4ever √


Arceus-Fire By Superimp

Do not anger Arceus when He sears as brightly as His Flame Plate, lest you be consumed in His flaming inferno. Blazing with an offense that few formes can rival, Fire Arceus can unleash STAB Fire-type attacks to incinerate the opposition. Although His fiery creations Ho-Oh and Reshiram have dual STABs and outclass even Him in firepower, He has superior initial Speed and viable access to both Recover and Calm Mind. Yet in the thrill of intense battle, His defense begins to suffer. Reckless in devouring attack, the completely enraged Arceus takes no heed to avoid the crippling Stealth Rock, and is left with terrible weaknesses to Water-, Ground-, and Rock-type attacks. His scorching forme is also reliant on the sun to reach the height of His fury, something quickly quenched by the sea titan Kyogre. Nevertheless, if you anger Arceus into a burning rage, His all-consuming flames will leave you as nothing more than a mere wisp of smoke in the wind.

- Reshiram mention. √
- No sun mention at all. √


Arceus-Flying By Furai, with revisions by Superimp

Hark the hallowed voices that cry from The Original One, as He descends from the heavenly Hall of Origin as holy as His Sky Plate. Soaring above the Spikes and Toxic Spikes bound to mortal lands below, Arceus pronounces His Judgment to be heard from the heavens. The Uber tier stands silent before Him, for none are immune against nearly unresisted STAB Flying-type attacks. Although His creations Ho-Oh and Shaymin-S have dual STABs and advantageous abilities to contest for the offensive supremacy of the sky, only He can viably use Calm Mind to reach heights beyond the limits of which can be seen. Yet even Flying Arceus can fall from the heavens. A weakness to Stealth Rock proves a great obstacle for His overall well-being. Though He resists Bug-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks and heeds no Ground-type attack, without the purity that comes from within a Calm Mind, the saintly Arceus plummets like a falling star in face of common Electric-, Ice-, and Rock-type attacks. Cry not in despair, for when the time comes when the heavens finally open, His Judgment shall come as swiftly as the tempest of a thousand gales.

- √


Arceus-Ghost By Superimp

Emerging from the shadows with the eeriness of His Spooky Plate, the spirit of Arceus haunts His creations. None can truly discern His mysterious plans, for with the ability to assume almost any role, He is perhaps the most versatile and unpredictable forme of them all. Horrifying can He be with His unnerving Calm Mind and Swords Dance set, as even Giratina, Lugia, and Latias fall back into darkness. Yet in a more supportive role, the spectral Arceus watches ever so silently. For His intangibility renders Normal- and Fighting-type attacks all for naught; feeble and futile will the attempts be to spin against He who cannot be seen. All the same, even the elusive Ghost Arceus cannot evade all. His intangibility comes back to haunt Him, for He only resists the uncommon Bug- and Poison-type attacks in return for weaknesses to common Ghost- and Dark-type attacks. But alas, there is nothing to be feared from the darkness; it is the shadow of Arceus that is to be feared.

- More emphasis on the Calm Mind set. √
- A sentence about the Swords Dance set. √
- Looks good but mention how it forms the best glue for most teams which need a ghost type. Its a spinblocker / offensive pivot / tank / setup sweeper all rolled into one. barry4ever √


Arceus-Grass By barry4ever, with revisions by Superimp

Behold the artistic masterpiece that is Arceus as He springs to life in His Meadow Plate. In one of the most supportive formes, Grass Arceus has the gift to check both His creations Groudon and Kyogre. He has marvelous resistances to Electric-, Grass-, Ground-, and Water-type attacks, allowing Him to act as a brilliant defensive pivot in rain. His utility knows no bounds as He can check many of His threatening creations, notably Palkia, Rayquaza, and Zekrom. Regrettably, His talent in defense is not reflected in His offense as His STAB Grass-type attacks have dismal coverage. His natural forme leaves Him particularly vulnerable to the many entry hazards and phazers in Ubers. His weaknesses to Bug-, Fire-, Flying-, Ice-, and Poison-type attacks are of no help to His defense. Cherish the nature around you for it is but a manifestation of the wonderful art from The Creator.

- No mention of Kyogre √
- One of the best Support Arceus versions √
- Spikes fodder shrang √


Arceus-Ground By Superimp

From the lowest chasm comes Arceus with His Earth Plate as He takes on the nature of the land itself. Electric-type moves fail to harm Him with His grounded immunity. A resistance to Stealth Rock preserves His mighty bulk. Combined, there is no finer counter to His creation Zekrom than He. Arceus-Ground rises to the highest cliff to smite down the opposition with His Swords Dance or Calm Mind set while He also stands as a sturdy wall with His Supporter set. He can act as an impressive offensive pivot in rain due to His typing. Though disbelievers might say His creation Groudon has mastery of the land through greater physical defense and Drought, Arceus in His imposing forme holds the higher ground through His superior overall bulk, speed, and Recover. However, His earthly state leaves Him vulnerable to the common Water-, Ice-, and Grass-type attacks which plague the land, hindering His effectiveness considering the usage of the sea titan Kyogre. Hold your ground when the Lord of the Earth marches past with footsteps that make the very world shake.

- Groudon is only the epitome of physical walling. Also the sun Groudon brings make it more useful as a supporter. Ground Arceus is more useful in Swords Dancing with much higher Speed and Special Defense. trickroom √
- Heh, still a lot of flavor in this, a bit too much for my liking but w/e. But some which needs to be certainly added: instead of giving a flavor mention to his electric immunity, it'd be better to mention that Ground Arceus is a magnificent offensive pivot on Rain teams due to its Electric resist and on the whole has good synergy with the members on ubers rain offense. barry4ever √


Arceus-Ice By Superimp

Returning from the desolate wastelands of afar, Arceus shows His frigid side, His heart as cold as the Icicle Plate He bears. In perhaps the most offensively inclined forme of them all, Ice Arceus takes no prisoners in the kill-or-be-killed world of Ubers. His STAB Ice-type attacks have excellent coverage, taking down most Dragon-, Ground-, Flying-, and Grass-types that stand before Him. He benefits from not only hail but also rain and sun, a feat few formes of His can rival. Although Kyurem-W and Kyurem-B have dual STABs and drastically increased power, Ice Arceus has superior Speed and the ability to utilize Calm Mind. However, in His frosty guise, Arceus cannot boast of a strong defensive typing as a weakness to Stealth Rock limits His potential. His cold decision has rid Him of any resistance save one of Ice and grants Him horrible weaknesses to Rock-, Fighting-, Fire-, and Steel-type attacks. Even so, if one has the misfortune to face Ice Arceus in battle, unless your body is as solid as steel or your soul as searing as the sun, you might never again feel the warmth of a new day.

- No mention of how good Ice- STAB is in Ubers. √
- Can utilize the very common rain Kyogre provides for His-self, nullifying its Fire- weakness √


Arceus-Normal By Superimp

After the pre-battle tintinnabulation is complete, please stare in pure, unadulterated horror and ominous presentiment at what is unequivocally the best Pokemon in the entire game. His stats unrivaled, His versatility is unmatched. His potential remains unlimited. He has transcended beyond mere typing, for Multitype allows Him to assume any of the seventeen types that He so desires. Even then, His purest forme remains seated upon His throne. Whether wiping His creations from the fabric of existence as Extreme Killer, or standing as their resolute guardian by virtue of Wallceus, the God of Pokemon knows no bounds. Dare not incur Arceus's divine wrath, or else the consequences shall be severe and merciless, and life shall become but an evanescent wisp.

- No mention of Extreme Killer. √
- Even though Arceus is known as one of the most threatening Pokemon in the tier, it can be a phenomenal wall: Wallceus. √
* You can mention even when they are so many walls in the Ubers tier, Arceus can easily differentiate himself from them. Arceus is faster than all of them and has a wider movepool. Only one who can use Perish Song. trickroom √


Arceus-Poison By Chou Toshio and Superimp

The Creator oozes with the scum and filth He has deemed you to be with His Toxic Plate. The repulsive entrance of Arceus-Poison onto the battlefield consumes all Toxic Spikes, a feat where few are viable in the tier of Ubers. This act alone makes Him a fantastic supporter. The virtue of His typing grants Him immunity to Toxic which allows Him to set up on Blissey and Chansey with impunity. However, His STAB Poison-type attacks are revolting offensively with horrid coverage. This leaves Him inferior to other formes on an offensive front. Though His typing resists Bug- and Fighting-type attacks, His weaknesses to Ground- and Psychic-type attacks reduce His defensive nature considerably. Beware the filth of this virulent master lest the oncoming tide of grime swallow you whole.

- Mention that it is capable of easily setting up on Chansey and Blissey thanks to its Poison typing -> Toxic resistance √


Arceus-Psychic By Mr.lol, with revisions by Superimp

Nothing is impossible when Arceus attaches His Mind Plate. Unlike any other forme, STAB Psyshock allows His paranormal Calm Mind set to strike special walls and Calm Mind users where they are weakest; not even Blissey or Chansey can withstand His telekinetic onslaught. Although Mewtwo, genetic abomination born from mortals, has offenses that surpass even Him, His better bulk allows Him to set up with greater ease. In fact, Psychic Arceus can prove an extraordinary utility counter to that very same Mewtwo, for He is more than capable of repelling its obscene might. He also easily deals with Deoxys-A and His Fighting-type creations. Disappointingly, His resistances to Fighting- and Psychic-type attacks end there, for He cringes at the sight of Bug-, Dark-, and Ghost-type attacks. His STAB Psychic-type attacks are also appalling offensively, forcing Him to rely on the inaccurate Focus Blast for coverage. Regardless, the feats of The Original One are still beyond the mind, beyond imagination, beyond reality.

- More emphasis on Mewtwo √
- The only form that can bypass Chansey with Psyshock (+1 easily 2HKOes after SR) √


Arceus-Rock By Superimp

Legends tell of a Pokemon that can draw unimaginable power from the Stone Plate. A primordial Pokemon so pure in heart that even the magnificent Ho-Oh humbles itself before it. For this is none other than the tried and true Rock Arceus, who is capable of being both offensive and defensive with ease. His strength is undisputed; STAB Rock-type attacks are incredibly solid against potent threats such as Kyurem-W, Reshiram, and Rayquaza. His Special Defense has outstanding potential; in the midst of sandstorm, even Choice Specs Draco Meteor from Kyurem-W is easily weathered. However, the most timeless of Pokemon can still show some age. Despite a Special Defense boost under sandstorm, His numerous weaknesses to Water-, Ground-, Grass-, Fighting-, and Steel-type attacks are easy to take advantage of. The frequent weather changes by Groudon and Kyogre can also be quite the nuisance. But let it be known that Arceus knows both the beginning and the end; He is what legends are made from.

- A Rayquaza mention should do it √


Arceus-Steel By Superimp

When The Creator clads Himself in His Iron Plate, listen to the sound of the silver trumpets that herald His coming. There is no other forme that is as resilient as He. In His impenetrable armor, Arceus is equipped with a total of eleven resistances, most notably Dragon-, Ice-, Normal-, Ghost-, and Rock-type attacks. Stealth Rock leaves but a scratch on His polished exterior due to His resistance, preserving His formidable bulk. Poison-type attacks are futile against His durability, rendering Toxic or the presence of Toxic Spikes ineffective. All together, Arceus-Steel can run a sturdy Swords Dance or Calm Mind set, setting up with ease even against Blissey and Chansey. Ironically, His STAB Steel-type attacks are resisted by many of His creations, reducing His offensive capabilities. His armor also fails to protect Him from the common Fighting-, Ground-, and Fire-type attacks. Gaze before the metallic sheen of His refined forme in awe of His iron will.

- Mention that while Steel- STAB hits common Dragon- Pokemon, it is resisted by plenty of common Pokemon: Kyogre, Palkia, Dialga; while that is true, Arceus Steel is still excellent since it does not care about other pokes resisting it anyway since it can setup nonchalantly. Mention that it can take on Normal Arceus and is on the whole a great stallbreaker. barry4ever √
- No mention of Arceus-Steel being immune to Toxic Spikes and resistant to Stealth Rock? Arceus Steel can also set up on Blissey or Chansey easily even when they have Snatch. trickroom √


Arceus-Water By Furai

Wielding both the power to create and destroy, Water Arceus much like His Splash Plate has many meanings. On the one hand, He much prefers rain as the power of His STAB Water-type attacks are augmented to terrifying levels; access to both Swords Dance and Calm Mind allow Him to wash all but the strongest away. Yet on the other hand, unlike His creations Kyogre and Manaphy, Arceus can function under sun thanks to His excellent defensive synergy and Recover. Indeed, He is not only capable of being an incredibly good answer to opposing Kyogre, but also to the impressive might of Reshiram or Kyurem-W. Although His multifaceted forme lacks the sheer power of Kyogre and Palkia, nor the instant recovery of Manaphy, His torrential Speed dwarfs them in comparison. There are certain aspects, however, that remain clear. His weaknesses to Electric- and Grass-type attacks, most notably the common Thunder, will always prove to be an annoyance. But much like the waters, there is no knowing what Arceus can do; you may either be cleansed in spirit or drowned under waters without end.

- More emphasis on how Water Arceus works outside of rain √
- Mention that it's a good switch into Kyogre, which can work in any weather, but it's only a check; Scarf Thunder 2HKOes, RestTalk CMs on you, and offensive CM wins. trickroom √
- Mention that while it might be counter intuitive Arceus water has very good functional and type synergy on sun teams and forms one of the most reliable Kyogre checks. Since a clever Kyogre user can easily take Palkia out with repeated Thunders / hazards / blah blah, Scarf Palk weak as fuck etc etc. barry4ever √