Overview
########
In the treacherous tier of Ubers, the importance of having a quality Arceus forme that can synergize with your team cannot be understated. For this reason, picking the horrendous Bug Arceus is strongly discouraged. Not only does this Arceus lack offensive presence, it also has a glaring weakness to Stealth Rock and a terrible defensive typing that leaves it with common weaknesses. Due to its Stealth Rock weakness and bad typing, it cannot effectively run a support set. Likewise, a Calm Mind set is walled by too many Pokemon in this metagame, including Ho-Oh and Lugia, leaving a Swords Dance set as its only viable option. Not all is lost for Bug Arceus, as it can beat Darkrai after it has put something to sleep and serve as a decent Ho-Oh lure. While this hardly makes up for its negatives, Bug Arceus is at least satisfying to win with.
Swords Dance "Sweeper"
########
name: Swords Dance "Sweeper"
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Iron Head
item: Insect Plate
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Bug Arceus to reach an impressive 678 Attack stat after just one turn of setup, and its excellent 120 / 120 / 120 defenses give it opportunities to set up a Swords Dance throughout the match. X-Scissor is not a very powerful move by Ubers standards but is Bug Arceus's best STAB option. Be warned that Bug hits very few viable Ubers for super effective damage and is a poor attacking type. Earthquake hits the Fire-and Steel-types that resist X-Scissor very hard and can hit Fairy-types fairly hard as well.
Stone Edge is usually the best option for the last slot, as it OHKOes Ho-Oh and hits Yveltal and Lugia hard after a Swords Dance boost. However, Iron Head can be used to hit Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. The former can set up a Geomancy against any Bug Arceus lacking Iron Head, so it is not a terrible option despite the lack of coverage it offers otherwise. If your team has an answer to Xerneas, such as Aegislash, then Stone Edge is the better option. Bug Arceus has other moves that it can run, but they are usually poor options. Recover extends Bug Arceus's longevity but significantly reduces its coverage, making it far easier to wall. Extreme Speed makes Bug Arceus harder to revenge kill and can theoretically be used to sweep late-game. However, Extreme Speed is very weak, even after a Swords Dance boost. Like Recover, Extreme Speed also strips Bug Arceus of valuable coverage.
Set Details
========
Bug Arceus runs a standard Swords Dance set, albeit one far less threatening than that of most other Arceus formes. Simply max out its Attack and Speed stats and use a Jolly nature to Speed tie other Arceus formes. One can opt for a spread with 212 Speed and an Adamant nature to outrun base 100s such as Palkia and Mega Kangaskhan. The increase in power is generally not worth giving up Speed ties with support Arceus formes though, as they can cripple variants using this spread with Will-O-Wisp far more reliably.
Usage Tips
========
Though this set is technically classified as a sweeper, the reality is that it is more likely to lure in and kill a troublesome threat than it is to actually clean. It simply does not have the power nor the typing to consistently sweep opposing teams. However, you do have a decent chance to catch unsuspecting Ho-Oh and Heatran off-guard with Stone Edge and Earthquake, respectively. If your opponent attempts to check Bug Arceus like any other Swords Dance Arceus — with Skarmory or physically defensive Yveltal for example — Bug Arceus is going to have a hard time because it does not have a way of powering through physical walls. Naturally, one should remove or severely weaken anything that can wall Bug Arceus before bringing it in to set up a Swords Dance.
The number of Pokemon Bug Arceus can freely set up on is very limited. It can set up on standard Calm Mind Grass Arceus, as well as Groudon lacking a phazing move, Thunder Wave, Stone Edge, and Fire Punch. Most Groudon carry at least one of these moves, however, though if Groudon is badly weakened Bug Arceus can eat a Stone Edge, set up, and take it out if need be. Other than that, Bug Arceus has an awful time finding free turns to set up on. Also, be careful of switching Bug Arceus directly into an offensive Pokemon, as most powerful attacks and all status cripple it. In an emergency, it can come in on a predicted Earthquake, but that's about it.
Team Options
========
The first thing to consider when using Bug Arceus is a Defog user to remove Stealth Rock. Bug Arceus has a much better chance of actually accomplishing something if it does not have 25% of its health stripped from simply switching in. Skarmory has mediocre synergy with Bug Arceus as they share a weakness to Fire attacks (and both dislike Kyogre), so Giratina-O and Lugia are the best options. Bug Arceus also appreciates status absorbers to help deal with Will-O-Wisps. If Bug Arceus is burned, it is rendered completely useless for the rest of the match assuming you do not have a cleric. Gliscor and Heatran can easily switch in on status moves aimed at Bug Arceus.
Consider using a Pokemon that can break down the Giratina formes, as Bug Arceus cannot touch them. Darkrai, Kyurem-W, and Xerneas can all deal heavy damage to them. Darkrai and Kyurem-W also help with opposing Lugia. Another Pokemon that has relatively good synergy with Bug Arceus is Dialga, as the latter resists Rock and Flying moves while the former resists Fighting moves. Stealth Rock support is very important when using Bug Arceus, as it needs the chip damage due to its only average power.
Other Options
########
Outrage is an option on the Swords Dance set to nail the Giratina formes. Unfortunately, Outrage gives Xerneas and Fairy Arceus free setup opportunities and has mediocre synergy with Bug Arceus's STAB move, so it isn't recommended. Substitute blocks status and Dragon Tail but takes away a crucial coverage move. Bug Arceus can technically run a Calm Mind set, but it is easily walled by a variety of Ubers such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Dialga. This is because Bug Arceus can only afford to run one coverage move along with Judgment, Recover, and Calm Mind, and Bug-type Judgment itself has terrible coverage in Ubers. Likewise, a support set with Defog is outclassed by almost every other Arceus forme due to Bug Arceus's bad defensive typing and glaring Stealth Rock weakness.
Checks & Counters
########
Bug Arceus is one of the easier Swords Dance Arceus formes to check, but it can still get around some of its checks with the right move. Defensive counters include the following:
**Lugia**: Lugia is a pain for Bug Arceus to deal with, as it lives a +2 Stone Edge even after Stealth Rock and can phaze Arceus away. If Multiscale is intact, Lugia can even Toxic Arceus before phazing it out.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory hard counters Bug Arceus, as it fears absolutely nothing Bug Arceus uses and can easily phaze it out.
**Giratina Formes**: Giratina and Giratina-O are almost as reliable as Skarmory, but fear a +2 Outrage. Fortunately, Bug Arceus rarely runs Outrage, and Giratina can easily burn it or phaze it out.
**Physically Defensive Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor avoids the 2HKO from a +2 Earthquake and can stall Bug Arceus out with Roost after crippling it with Toxic.
**Heatran**: Heatran walls all variants lacking Earthquake and strikes back with Lava Plume.
**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes, such as Rock and Fire, will in general beat Bug Arceus unless they are weak to Bug-type moves as Bug Arceus cannot hit them hard enough to outdamage Recover once it has been burned.
**Ground / Flying Types**: Both Gliscor and Landorus-T avoid the 2HKO from a +2 Stone Edge and easily wear down Bug Arceus with Toxic.
**Bulky Fairies**: Fairy Arceus, Xerneas, and to a lesser extent Sylveon can all easily combat Bug Arceus unless it carries Iron Head.
**Physically Defensive Yveltal**: Yveltal survives a +2 Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and OHKOes Bug Arceus back with Foul Play.
**Niche Checks**: Physically Defensive Sableye, Quagsire, and non-Mega Gyarados are example of niche options that give Bug Arceus a very hard time.
Even if your team lacks one of the many defensive checks to Bug Arceus, it can be beaten through offensive measures.
**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S 2HKOes Bug Arceus with Air Slash but fears Stone Edge.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Because Bug Arceus seldom runs Extreme Speed, powerful Choice Scarf users such as Kyogre and Terrakion can revenge kill it.
**Blaziken**: Blaziken destroys Bug Arceus with Flare Blitz and it can switch in safely on any move other than Earthquake.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar outruns and traps Bug Arceus, but it fears Earthquake. Only use this against weakened Arceus, however.
Skeleton
########
In the treacherous tier of Ubers, the importance of having a quality Arceus forme that can synergize with your team cannot be understated. For this reason, picking the horrendous Bug Arceus is strongly discouraged. Not only does this Arceus lack offensive presence, it also has a glaring weakness to Stealth Rock and a terrible defensive typing that leaves it with common weaknesses. Due to its Stealth Rock weakness and bad typing, it cannot effectively run a support set. Likewise, a Calm Mind set is walled by too many Pokemon in this metagame, including Ho-Oh and Lugia, leaving a Swords Dance set as its only viable option. Not all is lost for Bug Arceus, as it can beat Darkrai after it has put something to sleep and serve as a decent Ho-Oh lure. While this hardly makes up for its negatives, Bug Arceus is at least satisfying to win with.
Swords Dance "Sweeper"
########
name: Swords Dance "Sweeper"
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Iron Head
item: Insect Plate
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Bug Arceus to reach an impressive 678 Attack stat after just one turn of setup, and its excellent 120 / 120 / 120 defenses give it opportunities to set up a Swords Dance throughout the match. X-Scissor is not a very powerful move by Ubers standards but is Bug Arceus's best STAB option. Be warned that Bug hits very few viable Ubers for super effective damage and is a poor attacking type. Earthquake hits the Fire-and Steel-types that resist X-Scissor very hard and can hit Fairy-types fairly hard as well.
Stone Edge is usually the best option for the last slot, as it OHKOes Ho-Oh and hits Yveltal and Lugia hard after a Swords Dance boost. However, Iron Head can be used to hit Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. The former can set up a Geomancy against any Bug Arceus lacking Iron Head, so it is not a terrible option despite the lack of coverage it offers otherwise. If your team has an answer to Xerneas, such as Aegislash, then Stone Edge is the better option. Bug Arceus has other moves that it can run, but they are usually poor options. Recover extends Bug Arceus's longevity but significantly reduces its coverage, making it far easier to wall. Extreme Speed makes Bug Arceus harder to revenge kill and can theoretically be used to sweep late-game. However, Extreme Speed is very weak, even after a Swords Dance boost. Like Recover, Extreme Speed also strips Bug Arceus of valuable coverage.
Set Details
========
Bug Arceus runs a standard Swords Dance set, albeit one far less threatening than that of most other Arceus formes. Simply max out its Attack and Speed stats and use a Jolly nature to Speed tie other Arceus formes. One can opt for a spread with 212 Speed and an Adamant nature to outrun base 100s such as Palkia and Mega Kangaskhan. The increase in power is generally not worth giving up Speed ties with support Arceus formes though, as they can cripple variants using this spread with Will-O-Wisp far more reliably.
Usage Tips
========
Though this set is technically classified as a sweeper, the reality is that it is more likely to lure in and kill a troublesome threat than it is to actually clean. It simply does not have the power nor the typing to consistently sweep opposing teams. However, you do have a decent chance to catch unsuspecting Ho-Oh and Heatran off-guard with Stone Edge and Earthquake, respectively. If your opponent attempts to check Bug Arceus like any other Swords Dance Arceus — with Skarmory or physically defensive Yveltal for example — Bug Arceus is going to have a hard time because it does not have a way of powering through physical walls. Naturally, one should remove or severely weaken anything that can wall Bug Arceus before bringing it in to set up a Swords Dance.
The number of Pokemon Bug Arceus can freely set up on is very limited. It can set up on standard Calm Mind Grass Arceus, as well as Groudon lacking a phazing move, Thunder Wave, Stone Edge, and Fire Punch. Most Groudon carry at least one of these moves, however, though if Groudon is badly weakened Bug Arceus can eat a Stone Edge, set up, and take it out if need be. Other than that, Bug Arceus has an awful time finding free turns to set up on. Also, be careful of switching Bug Arceus directly into an offensive Pokemon, as most powerful attacks and all status cripple it. In an emergency, it can come in on a predicted Earthquake, but that's about it.
Team Options
========
The first thing to consider when using Bug Arceus is a Defog user to remove Stealth Rock. Bug Arceus has a much better chance of actually accomplishing something if it does not have 25% of its health stripped from simply switching in. Skarmory has mediocre synergy with Bug Arceus as they share a weakness to Fire attacks (and both dislike Kyogre), so Giratina-O and Lugia are the best options. Bug Arceus also appreciates status absorbers to help deal with Will-O-Wisps. If Bug Arceus is burned, it is rendered completely useless for the rest of the match assuming you do not have a cleric. Gliscor and Heatran can easily switch in on status moves aimed at Bug Arceus.
Consider using a Pokemon that can break down the Giratina formes, as Bug Arceus cannot touch them. Darkrai, Kyurem-W, and Xerneas can all deal heavy damage to them. Darkrai and Kyurem-W also help with opposing Lugia. Another Pokemon that has relatively good synergy with Bug Arceus is Dialga, as the latter resists Rock and Flying moves while the former resists Fighting moves. Stealth Rock support is very important when using Bug Arceus, as it needs the chip damage due to its only average power.
Other Options
########
Outrage is an option on the Swords Dance set to nail the Giratina formes. Unfortunately, Outrage gives Xerneas and Fairy Arceus free setup opportunities and has mediocre synergy with Bug Arceus's STAB move, so it isn't recommended. Substitute blocks status and Dragon Tail but takes away a crucial coverage move. Bug Arceus can technically run a Calm Mind set, but it is easily walled by a variety of Ubers such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Dialga. This is because Bug Arceus can only afford to run one coverage move along with Judgment, Recover, and Calm Mind, and Bug-type Judgment itself has terrible coverage in Ubers. Likewise, a support set with Defog is outclassed by almost every other Arceus forme due to Bug Arceus's bad defensive typing and glaring Stealth Rock weakness.
Checks & Counters
########
Bug Arceus is one of the easier Swords Dance Arceus formes to check, but it can still get around some of its checks with the right move. Defensive counters include the following:
**Lugia**: Lugia is a pain for Bug Arceus to deal with, as it lives a +2 Stone Edge even after Stealth Rock and can phaze Arceus away. If Multiscale is intact, Lugia can even Toxic Arceus before phazing it out.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory hard counters Bug Arceus, as it fears absolutely nothing Bug Arceus uses and can easily phaze it out.
**Giratina Formes**: Giratina and Giratina-O are almost as reliable as Skarmory, but fear a +2 Outrage. Fortunately, Bug Arceus rarely runs Outrage, and Giratina can easily burn it or phaze it out.
**Physically Defensive Mega Scizor**: Mega Scizor avoids the 2HKO from a +2 Earthquake and can stall Bug Arceus out with Roost after crippling it with Toxic.
**Heatran**: Heatran walls all variants lacking Earthquake and strikes back with Lava Plume.
**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes, such as Rock and Fire, will in general beat Bug Arceus unless they are weak to Bug-type moves as Bug Arceus cannot hit them hard enough to outdamage Recover once it has been burned.
**Ground / Flying Types**: Both Gliscor and Landorus-T avoid the 2HKO from a +2 Stone Edge and easily wear down Bug Arceus with Toxic.
**Bulky Fairies**: Fairy Arceus, Xerneas, and to a lesser extent Sylveon can all easily combat Bug Arceus unless it carries Iron Head.
**Physically Defensive Yveltal**: Yveltal survives a +2 Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and OHKOes Bug Arceus back with Foul Play.
**Niche Checks**: Physically Defensive Sableye, Quagsire, and non-Mega Gyarados are example of niche options that give Bug Arceus a very hard time.
Even if your team lacks one of the many defensive checks to Bug Arceus, it can be beaten through offensive measures.
**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S 2HKOes Bug Arceus with Air Slash but fears Stone Edge.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Because Bug Arceus seldom runs Extreme Speed, powerful Choice Scarf users such as Kyogre and Terrakion can revenge kill it.
**Blaziken**: Blaziken destroys Bug Arceus with Flare Blitz and it can switch in safely on any move other than Earthquake.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar outruns and traps Bug Arceus, but it fears Earthquake. Only use this against weakened Arceus, however.
Skeleton
Overview
########
-fck yes
-seriously don't use this unless you want to troll the ladder, it has virtually no niche in this metagame
-does beat Darkrai after it has slept something since X-Scissor OHKOs
SET NAME
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Iron Head
ability: Multitype
item: Insect Plate
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
-Swords Dance allows Bug Arceus to reach 678 attack in just one turn of setup, but even with 120 defenses its typing and SR weakness make it harder to set up with than other SD Arceus formes
-X-Scissor is obligatory STAB, but Bug is a poor attacking type in Ubers
-Earthquake allows Bug Arceus to hits Steels such as Heatran and Dialga
-Stone Edge is preferred to nail Ho-Oh and other Flying types, but Iron Head hits Fairies hard while still hitting the Kyurem formes (without Iron head, Bug Arceus is Xerneas bait)
-Extremespeed isn't good because Bug Arceus needs all the coverage it can get, but it does 2HKO Shaymin-S at +2
-Same thing with Recover
Set Details
========
-Max out attack and speed, and use a Jolly nature to speed tie other Arceus formes
-Adamant can hit a little harder but is easier to burn with support Will-O-Wisp Arceus
Usage Tips
========
-This set will be really inconsistent depending on what moveset it runs and how your opponent plays it...Bug Arceus has many counters on paper but He has the movepool to bypass some of them (EQ for Heatran, Stone Edge for Ho-Oh, etc)
-However, Bug God is powerless to bypass all of His checks & counters in one set, so team support to remove the remaining checks before bringing Bug Arceus in is needed
-Can set up on Grass Arceus lacking Will-O-Wisp (CM Grassy) and Groudon/Hippowdon lacking a phasing and status move...Groudon also must lack Fire Punch
Team Options
========
-Status absorber such as Gliscor or Heatran for stray Will-O-Wisps
-Something to break down the Giratina's like Xerneas, since Bug Arceus really cannot touch them
-Defog support; Skarmory synergizes poorly with Bug Arceus so Lugia or Giratina-O might be your best bets
-Darkrai and Kyurem-W help with opposing Lugia
-Dialga has relatively good synergy as it resists Rock-and-Flying moves while Bug Arceus resists Fighting moves aimed at Dialga
Other Options
########
-Calm Mind set is bad and should feel bad
-Outrage Bug Arceus nails the Giratina formes, but gives Xerneas and Fairy Arceus a free switchin
-Substitute can block staus moves but reduces precious coverage
-Support set is outclassed by practically every other Arceus form
Checks & Counters
########
-Lugia
-Giratina formes
-Skarmory
-Mega Scizor
-Heatran (without EQ)
-Rock Arceus
-Most other support arceus with Will-O-Wisp, such as Fairy Arceus
-Ho-Oh would be the #1 counter but Stone Edge lures make Ho-Oh sad in general
-Gliscor
-Arceus-Fire
-Shaymin-S
-Physically Defensive Yveltal
-Choice Scarf users with a super-effective move, such as Scarf Terrakion
-Blaziken (mega and regular)
-MegaGengar if it lacks Earthquake
-Regular Gyarados
-Sableye (meh Pokemon)
########
-fck yes
-seriously don't use this unless you want to troll the ladder, it has virtually no niche in this metagame
-does beat Darkrai after it has slept something since X-Scissor OHKOs
SET NAME
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Iron Head
ability: Multitype
item: Insect Plate
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
-Swords Dance allows Bug Arceus to reach 678 attack in just one turn of setup, but even with 120 defenses its typing and SR weakness make it harder to set up with than other SD Arceus formes
-X-Scissor is obligatory STAB, but Bug is a poor attacking type in Ubers
-Earthquake allows Bug Arceus to hits Steels such as Heatran and Dialga
-Stone Edge is preferred to nail Ho-Oh and other Flying types, but Iron Head hits Fairies hard while still hitting the Kyurem formes (without Iron head, Bug Arceus is Xerneas bait)
-Extremespeed isn't good because Bug Arceus needs all the coverage it can get, but it does 2HKO Shaymin-S at +2
-Same thing with Recover
Set Details
========
-Max out attack and speed, and use a Jolly nature to speed tie other Arceus formes
-Adamant can hit a little harder but is easier to burn with support Will-O-Wisp Arceus
Usage Tips
========
-This set will be really inconsistent depending on what moveset it runs and how your opponent plays it...Bug Arceus has many counters on paper but He has the movepool to bypass some of them (EQ for Heatran, Stone Edge for Ho-Oh, etc)
-However, Bug God is powerless to bypass all of His checks & counters in one set, so team support to remove the remaining checks before bringing Bug Arceus in is needed
-Can set up on Grass Arceus lacking Will-O-Wisp (CM Grassy) and Groudon/Hippowdon lacking a phasing and status move...Groudon also must lack Fire Punch
Team Options
========
-Status absorber such as Gliscor or Heatran for stray Will-O-Wisps
-Something to break down the Giratina's like Xerneas, since Bug Arceus really cannot touch them
-Defog support; Skarmory synergizes poorly with Bug Arceus so Lugia or Giratina-O might be your best bets
-Darkrai and Kyurem-W help with opposing Lugia
-Dialga has relatively good synergy as it resists Rock-and-Flying moves while Bug Arceus resists Fighting moves aimed at Dialga
Other Options
########
-Calm Mind set is bad and should feel bad
-Outrage Bug Arceus nails the Giratina formes, but gives Xerneas and Fairy Arceus a free switchin
-Substitute can block staus moves but reduces precious coverage
-Support set is outclassed by practically every other Arceus form
Checks & Counters
########
-Lugia
-Giratina formes
-Skarmory
-Mega Scizor
-Heatran (without EQ)
-Rock Arceus
-Most other support arceus with Will-O-Wisp, such as Fairy Arceus
-Ho-Oh would be the #1 counter but Stone Edge lures make Ho-Oh sad in general
-Gliscor
-Arceus-Fire
-Shaymin-S
-Physically Defensive Yveltal
-Choice Scarf users with a super-effective move, such as Scarf Terrakion
-Blaziken (mega and regular)
-MegaGengar if it lacks Earthquake
-Regular Gyarados
-Sableye (meh Pokemon)
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