QC checks: steelphoenix / Sweep / Nayrz
GP checks: GatoDelFuego / The Dutch Plumberjack
Three-hundred and seventy-eight
________________
[OVERVIEW]
Dragon Arceus has a niche as an Arceus forme that compresses a Fire-type resistance and the ability to check Mega Salamence into one Pokemon. Though Water Arceus can boast the same utility, Dragon Arceus's STAB type differs and allows it to hit Mega Salamence, Primal Groudon, and Mega Gengar and break Ho-Oh's Substitutes with only a single moveslot, whereas Water Arceus would require two moveslots; this means that it is easy to justify as a Defogger on teams that need its qualities. Due to rarely being utilized, Dragon Arceus can be a highly unexpected threat, meaning that your opponent might sacrifice their checks to it if Arceus's type is not revealed. Although Calm Mind Dragon Arceus is for the most part outclassed by Calm Mind Latios and Latias, which have a potent secondary STAB type that helps them break past Blissey and Primal Kyogre, its formidable bulk, which allows it to check Mega Salamence, and array of coverage options can make it worthwhile to use over Latios, Latias, and other Arceus formes as a Calm Mind sweeper. However, Dragon as an offensive typing is also not great, with Fairy- and Steel-types being common and effective checks. As a defensive typing, Dragon is a mixed bag; while super effective Judgment can keep opposing Dragon-types at bay, they can KO Dragon Arceus in return, and Dragon Tail Primal Groudon can be an annoyance. It also trades a resistance to Ice for a resistance to Electric when compared to Water Arceus, making its synergy with Primal Groudon a little less noticeable. Although defensive Dragon Arceus is a great check to support Primal Groudon, it must be paired with something that can check offensive Primal Groudon, and it has poor type synergy with traditional checks to offensive Primal Groudon such as Latias, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence, which can somewhat restrict teambuilding. Dragon Arceus is also hampered by being affected by all types of entry hazards and by all non-volatile status conditions, reducing its ability to bring much defensive synergy to a team. The primary reason Dragon Arceus is not preferred over Water Arceus is because it can compound weaknesses to common Ice- and Fairy-type attacks; however, the role compression its Dragon typing offers lets it serve as a Defogger on balanced and bulky offensive teams that can be difficult to exploit.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Recover
move 4: Defog
item: Draco Plate
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
nature: Bold
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Judgment is an all-purpose STAB attack that notably breaks Ho-Oh's Substitutes and can KO Mega Salamence. Toxic weakens the staying power of opposing support Arceus, Calm Mind Arceus, Ho-Oh, and Primal Groudon. Although the latter is hit rather hard by Judgment, Dragon Arceus will have a much easier time Recover stalling Primal Groudon if it has been badly poisoned; it can also annoy certain Fairy-type switch-ins such as Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. Will-O-Wisp can be run to ease the matchup against Steel-types such as Klefki, Ferrothorn, and Jirachi, which Dragon Arceus would otherwise do nothing to, and lets Dragon Arceus function as a physical check to Swords Dance Arceus for its team. It can be afforded as long as Ho-Oh is checked well by Dragon Arceus's teammates and that Toxic lures for Primal Groudon are used alongside it. Recover is a staple on any bulky Arceus forme, letting Dragon Arceus heal itself intermittently throughout the match to check threats such as Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon when needed to. Defog gives Dragon Arceus utility in clearing entry hazards, especially considering that it has an overall good matchup against the most common Stealth Rock user, Primal Groudon, and Judgment's neutral coverage allows for the use of it with very few repercussions.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate lets Arceus become Dragon Arceus and makes Judgment a Dragon-type attack that gives it the ability to compress a way of hitting both Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon. 248 HP EVs maximize bulk while minimizing entry hazard damage, and 56 Speed EVs allow Dragon Arceus to outspeed Adamant Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested into Defense with a Bold Nature in order to let Dragon Arceus check Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon. The investments into HP and Defense hit impressive benchmarks, as they make it so that Dragon Arceus has only a 12.5% chance to be 2HKOed by Adamant Mega Salamence's Return after Stealth Rock damage, survives +1 Adamant Mega Salamence's Double Edge after Stealth Rock damage, and is not 2HKOed by Primal Groudon's fully invested Precipice Blades.
Usage Tips
========
Before the match, formulate a plan during Team Preview in which you make priority of what you will need to check with Dragon Arceus, as it can be easily overloaded between checking Primal Groudon, Mega Salamence, and Ho-Oh. Switch Dragon Arceus into Pokemon that it can check, such as Primal Groudon, and spread status. Monitor health closely to let Dragon Arceus sponge hits, use Recover often, and avoid status moves, especially against a team with a Mega Diancie or Mega Sableye on it. Additionally, avoid giving free turns to Fairy-types at all costs, as Pokemon such as Klefki and Xerneas can set Spikes or set up on Dragon Arceus. Use Dragon Arceus as bait to these Pokemon and aggressively double switch your Fairy-type punishes or checks to buy free turns.
Team Options
========
Checks and punishers to Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Klefki are appreciated, making Ho-Oh, Mega Gengar, Klefki, and Excadrill good teammates. Mega Diancie checks are the most dire of teammates to Dragon Arceus, as it can endlessly find free turns on Dragon Arceus to set up Stealth Rock, use Heal Bell, or boost with Calm Mind. Specially defensive Primal Groudon, Aegislash, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn all make for good switch-ins to it; Mega Diancie lures such as Flash Cannon Klefki can be useful as well. Specially defensive Primal Kyogre with Roar deserves a special mention as a teammate to Dragon Arceus, as it can switch into virtually any special attack that is super effective against Dragon Arceus, check Magic Bounce users such as Mega Diancie and Mega Sableye, and phaze a boosted Geomancy Xerneas. Dragon Arceus is able to check support Primal Groudon, but it struggles against offensive Primal Groudon that carry boosting moves such as Rock Polish and or Swords Dance. Lugia, defensive Yveltal, Skarmory, and Landorus-T are all able to check at least one or at most two variants of offensive Primal Groudon; however, if your team can afford having multiple Dragon-types, Mega Salamence, Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Charti Berry Rayquaza are options as well. Dragon Arceus carrying Will-O-Wisp needs teammates that can lure in Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh to hit them with Toxic, such as Aegislash and Klefki. As for teammates that benefit from Dragon Arceus running Will-O-Wisp, Gothitelle stands out because of how it appreciates Dragon Arceus's ability to bait and cripple Steel-types, letting Gothitelle run a different support move aside from Tickle that synergizes better with Dragon Arceus, such as Thunder Wave, which can trap Defog Latias and Latios and other Dragon-types that threaten Dragon Arceus, such as Dialga and Palkia.
When teambuilding with Dragon Arceus, try to lean your team more towards bulky offense when choosing between it and Water Arceus. Water Arceus tends to fit more naturally on stall teams because they can make up for the compromises that it has to make with move choices. Dragon Arceus's Judgment compresses moveslots which makes for builds that are more proactive than anything that opts for Water Arceus.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Recover
item: Draco Plate
evs: 248 Hp / 8 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind is the best boosting move for Dragon Arceus that allows it to assume an offensive role, as Judgment is a special move and more safe to throw around than Outrage. Recover prevents Dragon Arceus from being worn down throughout a match and aids it in using Calm Mind. Fire Blast hits most Steel-types that resist Dragon Arceus's Judgment, such as Klefki, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Aegislash, and Skarmory. Judgment is the strongest special STAB attack available to Dragon Arceus that is also reliable. Thunder can be used to hit Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, Lugia, Water Arceus, Skarmory, and Tentacruel while still dealing neutral damage to most Steel-types. Earth Power is an option to hit Dialga, Klefki, Aegislash, and a few other Steel-types. Flash Cannon can also be used to OHKO Mega Diancie without a boost; it also hits other Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Fairy Arceus, and Clefable.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate turns Arceus into Dragon Arceus and makes Judgment a Dragon-type STAB move while boosting its power. 248 HP EVs are used to increase Dragon Arceus's overall bulk in order to more effectively use Recover and set up Calm Mind. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Dragon Arceus to at best Speed tie with maximum Speed Mega Salamence and opposing maximum Speed Arceus. The remaining 8 EVs are used to boost the Defense stat, letting Dragon Arceus check Mega Salamence better in a pinch. Alternatively, just 176 Speed EVs allow Dragon Arceus to outspeed 110 base Speed Pokemon such as Latias, Latios, and Gengar, while the remaining 84 EVs can be invested into Special Attack to ensure that Rayquaza and Mega Salamence are OHKOed by Judgment after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Dragon Arceus should be kept hidden for as long as possible. If your opponent doesn't know that you have it, they are more likely to play their Fairy- and Steel-types aggressively after they have fulfilled their primary purpose; this makes it much easier for Dragon Arceus to get surprise sweeps late in a match. Keeping Dragon Arceus hidden goes hand-in-hand with keeping it healthy, which is especially important if you intend to use it as a secondary check to threats such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza. Only at full HP does Dragon Arceus always survive a +1 Adamant Mega Salamence Return after Stealth Rock; however, even at maximum HP, Dragon Arceus only survives maximum Attack Double-Edge if there are no entry hazards present. Dragon Arceus can only afford to run a single moveslot for coverage, so taking this moveslot into consideration is of high importance. Effort should be placed on teammates eliminating the threats that Dragon Arceus cannot bypass rather than focusing on the ones it can. For example, if Dragon Arceus is running Fire Blast, ensuring that Skarmory is removed is not as important as ensuring that Clefable is removed. This means you should make plays that apply pressure to Clefable while perhaps making more defensive plays against Skarmory.
It is usually a poor choice to set up Calm Mind if the opponent still has a Pokemon that can counter Dragon Arceus; this leads to wasted turns because Dragon Arceus is forced to switch right after setting up Calm Mind. When in a situation where Dragon Arceus is able to set up several Calm Minds, always keep its HP at a comfortable level so that it isn't knocked out by a surprise critical hit or Speed tie. Dragon Arceus is susceptible to burns, poison, and paralysis. Both burns and poison severely reduce Dragon Arceus's longevity, and paralysis robs Dragon Arceus of its Speed, which is one of its greatest advantages compared to other Dragon-types.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon performs well against Fairy- and Steel-types, both of which resist Dragon Arceus's Judgment. Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate defensive Fairy-types that Dragon Arceus has trouble breaking through, such as Fairy Arceus, Clefable, and Xerneas. Although Ho-Oh mandates entry hazard removal, it can smash the Fairy- and Steel-types that pressure Dragon Arceus. Dialga can take down Steel- and Fairy-types as well, with its STAB Flash Cannon cutting through Pokemon such as Clefable and Fire Blast knocking out Steel-types. Klefki is an excellent setter of Spikes, which helps wear down the opposing team for a Dragon Arceus sweep; it also serves as a check to Xerneas. Other entry hazard setters such as Tentacruel are also good partners, as entry hazards deal residual damage and wear down Dragon Arceus's checks. Pivots that can check Fairy-types, such as Mega Scizor, Genesect, Jirachi, and Mega Mawile, provide safe switch-ins for Dragon Arceus. Entry hazard removal is useful, as Dragon Arceus is affected by all types of entry hazards, but make sure that you are not simultaneously running a suicide entry hazard lead and a Defogger.
It is worth noting that Calm Mind Dragon Arceus should be built with using a balanced mindset; cover the bigger threats of the metagame using direct answers to them, but keep in mind that this variant of Dragon Arceus is a soft check to Mega Salamence and support Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: 378 (Swords Dance)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Tail / Extreme Speed
item: Draco Plate
ability: Multitype
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This offensive set makes use of Swords Dance, possibly allowing Dragon Arceus to clean late in a match and surprising its usual checks and counters with more coverage moves and hitting with physical attacks rather than special ones. Outrage is the strongest physical STAB attack available to Dragon Arceus; while it is powerful and accurate, its locking effect means that it should not be used until enemy Fairy-types have been eliminated. Earthquake is used for the Steel-types that resist Outrage, although it also hits other targets such as Primal Groudon. Iron Tail gives Dragon Arceus a method of hitting Fairy-types hard, being able to deal upwards of 75% to the bulkiest Fairy-types around when at +2. Extreme Speed is an option instead of Iron Tail that gives some utility in priority and a method of blowing past weakened revenge killers. Overheat and Fire Blast are options that can hit some defensive threats such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Skarmory.
Set Details
========
A Draco Plate is the necessary held item to transform into Dragon Arceus (RC) and slightly boosts the power of Outrage. 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature are used to maximize Dragon Arceus's Speed, allowing it to beat relevant base 110 Speed threats and Speed tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. 252 Attack EVs are necessary to fully raise Dragon Arceus's damage output. The remaining 4 EVs are placed into Defense to ensure that Genesect gets a Special Attack boost from Download.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Dragon Arceus should be treated as a late-game cleaner to capitalize on both the use of Outrage and its unexpected nature. +2 Iron Tail is very strong and can be used as an intermediate wallbreaking method to clear away defensive Fairy-types in the middle of a match. Dragon Arceus can then clean at a later time when other threats have been eliminated or damaged enough for it to break through; note that using Dragon Arceus to immediately wallbreak has the cost of revealing the set. Iron Tail is strong enough to deal massive damage to even defensive Xerneas and Fairy Arceus, but not enough to OHKO them from full health. Don't underestimate Outrage's power; it hits significantly harder than Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and is able to OHKO defensive Yveltal and 248 HP Arceus after Stealth Rock when at +2. Entry hazards often make the difference for ensuring OHKOs with Dragon Arceus, as they help to whittle down the foe into KO range. For these reasons, maintaining an entry hazard advantage can justify aggressive play from other teammates in order to help ensure that Dragon Arceus can clean later on. Stay away from burns and paralysis; the former cripples Dragon Arceus to the point where it will struggle to clean, (AC) and the latter gives up Dragon Arceus's Speed advantage, making it significantly easier to revenge kill.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon offensively checks just about every Pokemon that Dragon Arceus can't break past. Primal Groudon also offers a switch-in for Fairy-type moves on an offensive team and can set Stealth Rock. Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate defensive Fairy-types and Arceus formes, which are common threats that can prevent an Dragon Arceus sweep. Suicide or offensive entry hazard setters help Dragon Arceus secure a variety of KOs and fit well on an offensive team; Deoxys-S, Dialga, Forretress, Greninja, and Mega Aerodactyl are some examples. An offensive Xerneas check is mandatory to provide a switch-in to Fairy-type attacks and to prevent a Geomancy sweep. Ho-Oh is a good partner due to its ability to offensively check Fairy- and Steel-types, but do not use it if using a suicide hazard lead, as using Ho-Oh mandates entry hazard removal. Ho-Oh alone can justify a bulky offensive build, in which a longer-lasting Spikes setter such as Klefki is recommended.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stone Edge can be used on the support set to KO Ho-Oh, but crippling it with Toxic is usually enough to suppress it. Surf can be used to OHKO offensive Mega Diancie after a boost and hits Ho-Oh slightly harder than Judgment would while overall making for decent neutral coverage; however, it makes Dragon Arceus unable to touch Ferrothorn. Ancient Power can be used to hit Ho-Oh super effectively and possibly gift Dragon Arceus a sweep against weakened offensive teams. Will-O-Wisp is a option to run on the Calm Mind set to cripple common Steel-type switch-ins, but it is usually better to have Fire Blast, which can outright OHKO several Steel-types. Sludge Bomb is an option on the Calm Mind set to hit Fairy-types hard and spread poison; however, it leaves Dragon Arceus unable to touch Steel-types. Spacial Rend can be used on the Calm Mind set to exchange 5% accuracy for a high critical hit rate, though the move's lower PP means that it is usually not worth it. Iron Head and Poison Jab are options instead of Iron Tail on the Swords Dance set due to their higher accuracy and secondary effects, but the drop in power is significant.
Checks & Counters
===================
**Mega Diancie and Klefki**: Mega Diancie is immune to Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and bounces back status moves, while Klefki is immune to Toxic and can cripple Dragon Arceus with Toxic of its own.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Fairy Arceus, Clefable, and Mega Mawile are immune to Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and can retaliate with STAB-boosted super effective moves.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types resist Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and are immune to Toxic, although they dislike Will-O-Wisp and fear Fire Blast from Calm Mind Dragon Arceus and Earthquake from Swords Dance variants. Common Steel-types include Dialga, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Genesect, Jirachi, Aegislash, and Skarmory.
**Blissey**: Blissey takes pitiful damage from Dragon Arceus's neutral Judgment and can use Heal Bell to cure all status ailments inflicted by Dragon Arceus while being able to cripple it with Toxic. It is defeated by Swords Dance variants, however.
**Lugia**: Lugia can switch into both of Dragon Arceus's offensive sets and proceed to poison it with Toxic or phaze it with Whirlwind. Lugia dislikes Toxic from the support set, however.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh has the special bulk to comfortably switch into Calm Mind Dragon Arceus and hit back with a powerful Brave Bird or aim for a burn with Sacred Fire. Standard Ho-Oh cannot afford to come into Dragon Arceus's Outrage and can be Toxic stalled by support Dragon Arceus, however.
**Choice Scarf Zekrom and Kyurem-W**: Both Choice Scarf Zekrom and Kyurem-W are able to revenge kill each of Dragon Arceus's sets. However, they cannot switch directly into Dragon Arceus in fear of its Dragon-type STAB move.
**Fast Attackers**: Fast attackers such as Darkrai, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A can effectively check Dragon Arceus due to their superior Speed stats and power. Mewtwo can set up Calm Mind or use Taunt against Dragon Arceus to stop it from Defogging; Darkrai is able to put it to sleep with Dark Void and proceed to boost with Nasty Plot; and Deoxys-A can obliterate it with Psycho Boost or a super effective Ice Beam. Each of these Pokemon including all of the Mewtwo formes are fast and powerful enough to revenge kill Dragon Arceus, though they cannot comfortably switch into any of its attacks and dislike Toxic from support Dragon Arceus.
**Cloyster**: Cloyster can deal significant damage to Dragon Arceus with Icicle Spear; however, it cannot switch into Judgment and loses if its Focus Sash is not intact.
**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus can defeat Dragon Arceus one-on-one due to its typing advantage.
GP checks: GatoDelFuego / The Dutch Plumberjack
Three-hundred and seventy-eight
________________
Taken from Hack (Skeleton found: here)
Original analysis by Minority Suspect
Original analysis by Minority Suspect
[OVERVIEW]
Dragon Arceus has a niche as an Arceus forme that compresses a Fire-type resistance and the ability to check Mega Salamence into one Pokemon. Though Water Arceus can boast the same utility, Dragon Arceus's STAB type differs and allows it to hit Mega Salamence, Primal Groudon, and Mega Gengar and break Ho-Oh's Substitutes with only a single moveslot, whereas Water Arceus would require two moveslots; this means that it is easy to justify as a Defogger on teams that need its qualities. Due to rarely being utilized, Dragon Arceus can be a highly unexpected threat, meaning that your opponent might sacrifice their checks to it if Arceus's type is not revealed. Although Calm Mind Dragon Arceus is for the most part outclassed by Calm Mind Latios and Latias, which have a potent secondary STAB type that helps them break past Blissey and Primal Kyogre, its formidable bulk, which allows it to check Mega Salamence, and array of coverage options can make it worthwhile to use over Latios, Latias, and other Arceus formes as a Calm Mind sweeper. However, Dragon as an offensive typing is also not great, with Fairy- and Steel-types being common and effective checks. As a defensive typing, Dragon is a mixed bag; while super effective Judgment can keep opposing Dragon-types at bay, they can KO Dragon Arceus in return, and Dragon Tail Primal Groudon can be an annoyance. It also trades a resistance to Ice for a resistance to Electric when compared to Water Arceus, making its synergy with Primal Groudon a little less noticeable. Although defensive Dragon Arceus is a great check to support Primal Groudon, it must be paired with something that can check offensive Primal Groudon, and it has poor type synergy with traditional checks to offensive Primal Groudon such as Latias, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence, which can somewhat restrict teambuilding. Dragon Arceus is also hampered by being affected by all types of entry hazards and by all non-volatile status conditions, reducing its ability to bring much defensive synergy to a team. The primary reason Dragon Arceus is not preferred over Water Arceus is because it can compound weaknesses to common Ice- and Fairy-type attacks; however, the role compression its Dragon typing offers lets it serve as a Defogger on balanced and bulky offensive teams that can be difficult to exploit.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Recover
move 4: Defog
item: Draco Plate
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
nature: Bold
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Judgment is an all-purpose STAB attack that notably breaks Ho-Oh's Substitutes and can KO Mega Salamence. Toxic weakens the staying power of opposing support Arceus, Calm Mind Arceus, Ho-Oh, and Primal Groudon. Although the latter is hit rather hard by Judgment, Dragon Arceus will have a much easier time Recover stalling Primal Groudon if it has been badly poisoned; it can also annoy certain Fairy-type switch-ins such as Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. Will-O-Wisp can be run to ease the matchup against Steel-types such as Klefki, Ferrothorn, and Jirachi, which Dragon Arceus would otherwise do nothing to, and lets Dragon Arceus function as a physical check to Swords Dance Arceus for its team. It can be afforded as long as Ho-Oh is checked well by Dragon Arceus's teammates and that Toxic lures for Primal Groudon are used alongside it. Recover is a staple on any bulky Arceus forme, letting Dragon Arceus heal itself intermittently throughout the match to check threats such as Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon when needed to. Defog gives Dragon Arceus utility in clearing entry hazards, especially considering that it has an overall good matchup against the most common Stealth Rock user, Primal Groudon, and Judgment's neutral coverage allows for the use of it with very few repercussions.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate lets Arceus become Dragon Arceus and makes Judgment a Dragon-type attack that gives it the ability to compress a way of hitting both Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon. 248 HP EVs maximize bulk while minimizing entry hazard damage, and 56 Speed EVs allow Dragon Arceus to outspeed Adamant Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested into Defense with a Bold Nature in order to let Dragon Arceus check Mega Salamence and Primal Groudon. The investments into HP and Defense hit impressive benchmarks, as they make it so that Dragon Arceus has only a 12.5% chance to be 2HKOed by Adamant Mega Salamence's Return after Stealth Rock damage, survives +1 Adamant Mega Salamence's Double Edge after Stealth Rock damage, and is not 2HKOed by Primal Groudon's fully invested Precipice Blades.
Usage Tips
========
Before the match, formulate a plan during Team Preview in which you make priority of what you will need to check with Dragon Arceus, as it can be easily overloaded between checking Primal Groudon, Mega Salamence, and Ho-Oh. Switch Dragon Arceus into Pokemon that it can check, such as Primal Groudon, and spread status. Monitor health closely to let Dragon Arceus sponge hits, use Recover often, and avoid status moves, especially against a team with a Mega Diancie or Mega Sableye on it. Additionally, avoid giving free turns to Fairy-types at all costs, as Pokemon such as Klefki and Xerneas can set Spikes or set up on Dragon Arceus. Use Dragon Arceus as bait to these Pokemon and aggressively double switch your Fairy-type punishes or checks to buy free turns.
Team Options
========
Checks and punishers to Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Klefki are appreciated, making Ho-Oh, Mega Gengar, Klefki, and Excadrill good teammates. Mega Diancie checks are the most dire of teammates to Dragon Arceus, as it can endlessly find free turns on Dragon Arceus to set up Stealth Rock, use Heal Bell, or boost with Calm Mind. Specially defensive Primal Groudon, Aegislash, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn all make for good switch-ins to it; Mega Diancie lures such as Flash Cannon Klefki can be useful as well. Specially defensive Primal Kyogre with Roar deserves a special mention as a teammate to Dragon Arceus, as it can switch into virtually any special attack that is super effective against Dragon Arceus, check Magic Bounce users such as Mega Diancie and Mega Sableye, and phaze a boosted Geomancy Xerneas. Dragon Arceus is able to check support Primal Groudon, but it struggles against offensive Primal Groudon that carry boosting moves such as Rock Polish and or Swords Dance. Lugia, defensive Yveltal, Skarmory, and Landorus-T are all able to check at least one or at most two variants of offensive Primal Groudon; however, if your team can afford having multiple Dragon-types, Mega Salamence, Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Charti Berry Rayquaza are options as well. Dragon Arceus carrying Will-O-Wisp needs teammates that can lure in Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh to hit them with Toxic, such as Aegislash and Klefki. As for teammates that benefit from Dragon Arceus running Will-O-Wisp, Gothitelle stands out because of how it appreciates Dragon Arceus's ability to bait and cripple Steel-types, letting Gothitelle run a different support move aside from Tickle that synergizes better with Dragon Arceus, such as Thunder Wave, which can trap Defog Latias and Latios and other Dragon-types that threaten Dragon Arceus, such as Dialga and Palkia.
When teambuilding with Dragon Arceus, try to lean your team more towards bulky offense when choosing between it and Water Arceus. Water Arceus tends to fit more naturally on stall teams because they can make up for the compromises that it has to make with move choices. Dragon Arceus's Judgment compresses moveslots which makes for builds that are more proactive than anything that opts for Water Arceus.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Recover
item: Draco Plate
evs: 248 Hp / 8 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind is the best boosting move for Dragon Arceus that allows it to assume an offensive role, as Judgment is a special move and more safe to throw around than Outrage. Recover prevents Dragon Arceus from being worn down throughout a match and aids it in using Calm Mind. Fire Blast hits most Steel-types that resist Dragon Arceus's Judgment, such as Klefki, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Aegislash, and Skarmory. Judgment is the strongest special STAB attack available to Dragon Arceus that is also reliable. Thunder can be used to hit Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, Lugia, Water Arceus, Skarmory, and Tentacruel while still dealing neutral damage to most Steel-types. Earth Power is an option to hit Dialga, Klefki, Aegislash, and a few other Steel-types. Flash Cannon can also be used to OHKO Mega Diancie without a boost; it also hits other Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Fairy Arceus, and Clefable.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate turns Arceus into Dragon Arceus and makes Judgment a Dragon-type STAB move while boosting its power. 248 HP EVs are used to increase Dragon Arceus's overall bulk in order to more effectively use Recover and set up Calm Mind. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Dragon Arceus to at best Speed tie with maximum Speed Mega Salamence and opposing maximum Speed Arceus. The remaining 8 EVs are used to boost the Defense stat, letting Dragon Arceus check Mega Salamence better in a pinch. Alternatively, just 176 Speed EVs allow Dragon Arceus to outspeed 110 base Speed Pokemon such as Latias, Latios, and Gengar, while the remaining 84 EVs can be invested into Special Attack to ensure that Rayquaza and Mega Salamence are OHKOed by Judgment after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Offensive Dragon Arceus should be kept hidden for as long as possible. If your opponent doesn't know that you have it, they are more likely to play their Fairy- and Steel-types aggressively after they have fulfilled their primary purpose; this makes it much easier for Dragon Arceus to get surprise sweeps late in a match. Keeping Dragon Arceus hidden goes hand-in-hand with keeping it healthy, which is especially important if you intend to use it as a secondary check to threats such as Mega Salamence and Rayquaza. Only at full HP does Dragon Arceus always survive a +1 Adamant Mega Salamence Return after Stealth Rock; however, even at maximum HP, Dragon Arceus only survives maximum Attack Double-Edge if there are no entry hazards present. Dragon Arceus can only afford to run a single moveslot for coverage, so taking this moveslot into consideration is of high importance. Effort should be placed on teammates eliminating the threats that Dragon Arceus cannot bypass rather than focusing on the ones it can. For example, if Dragon Arceus is running Fire Blast, ensuring that Skarmory is removed is not as important as ensuring that Clefable is removed. This means you should make plays that apply pressure to Clefable while perhaps making more defensive plays against Skarmory.
It is usually a poor choice to set up Calm Mind if the opponent still has a Pokemon that can counter Dragon Arceus; this leads to wasted turns because Dragon Arceus is forced to switch right after setting up Calm Mind. When in a situation where Dragon Arceus is able to set up several Calm Minds, always keep its HP at a comfortable level so that it isn't knocked out by a surprise critical hit or Speed tie. Dragon Arceus is susceptible to burns, poison, and paralysis. Both burns and poison severely reduce Dragon Arceus's longevity, and paralysis robs Dragon Arceus of its Speed, which is one of its greatest advantages compared to other Dragon-types.
Team Options
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Primal Groudon performs well against Fairy- and Steel-types, both of which resist Dragon Arceus's Judgment. Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate defensive Fairy-types that Dragon Arceus has trouble breaking through, such as Fairy Arceus, Clefable, and Xerneas. Although Ho-Oh mandates entry hazard removal, it can smash the Fairy- and Steel-types that pressure Dragon Arceus. Dialga can take down Steel- and Fairy-types as well, with its STAB Flash Cannon cutting through Pokemon such as Clefable and Fire Blast knocking out Steel-types. Klefki is an excellent setter of Spikes, which helps wear down the opposing team for a Dragon Arceus sweep; it also serves as a check to Xerneas. Other entry hazard setters such as Tentacruel are also good partners, as entry hazards deal residual damage and wear down Dragon Arceus's checks. Pivots that can check Fairy-types, such as Mega Scizor, Genesect, Jirachi, and Mega Mawile, provide safe switch-ins for Dragon Arceus. Entry hazard removal is useful, as Dragon Arceus is affected by all types of entry hazards, but make sure that you are not simultaneously running a suicide entry hazard lead and a Defogger.
It is worth noting that Calm Mind Dragon Arceus should be built with using a balanced mindset; cover the bigger threats of the metagame using direct answers to them, but keep in mind that this variant of Dragon Arceus is a soft check to Mega Salamence and support Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: 378 (Swords Dance)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Outrage
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Tail / Extreme Speed
item: Draco Plate
ability: Multitype
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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This offensive set makes use of Swords Dance, possibly allowing Dragon Arceus to clean late in a match and surprising its usual checks and counters with more coverage moves and hitting with physical attacks rather than special ones. Outrage is the strongest physical STAB attack available to Dragon Arceus; while it is powerful and accurate, its locking effect means that it should not be used until enemy Fairy-types have been eliminated. Earthquake is used for the Steel-types that resist Outrage, although it also hits other targets such as Primal Groudon. Iron Tail gives Dragon Arceus a method of hitting Fairy-types hard, being able to deal upwards of 75% to the bulkiest Fairy-types around when at +2. Extreme Speed is an option instead of Iron Tail that gives some utility in priority and a method of blowing past weakened revenge killers. Overheat and Fire Blast are options that can hit some defensive threats such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Skarmory.
Set Details
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A Draco Plate is the necessary held item to transform into Dragon Arceus (RC) and slightly boosts the power of Outrage. 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature are used to maximize Dragon Arceus's Speed, allowing it to beat relevant base 110 Speed threats and Speed tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. 252 Attack EVs are necessary to fully raise Dragon Arceus's damage output. The remaining 4 EVs are placed into Defense to ensure that Genesect gets a Special Attack boost from Download.
Usage Tips
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Swords Dance Dragon Arceus should be treated as a late-game cleaner to capitalize on both the use of Outrage and its unexpected nature. +2 Iron Tail is very strong and can be used as an intermediate wallbreaking method to clear away defensive Fairy-types in the middle of a match. Dragon Arceus can then clean at a later time when other threats have been eliminated or damaged enough for it to break through; note that using Dragon Arceus to immediately wallbreak has the cost of revealing the set. Iron Tail is strong enough to deal massive damage to even defensive Xerneas and Fairy Arceus, but not enough to OHKO them from full health. Don't underestimate Outrage's power; it hits significantly harder than Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and is able to OHKO defensive Yveltal and 248 HP Arceus after Stealth Rock when at +2. Entry hazards often make the difference for ensuring OHKOs with Dragon Arceus, as they help to whittle down the foe into KO range. For these reasons, maintaining an entry hazard advantage can justify aggressive play from other teammates in order to help ensure that Dragon Arceus can clean later on. Stay away from burns and paralysis; the former cripples Dragon Arceus to the point where it will struggle to clean, (AC) and the latter gives up Dragon Arceus's Speed advantage, making it significantly easier to revenge kill.
Team Options
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Primal Groudon offensively checks just about every Pokemon that Dragon Arceus can't break past. Primal Groudon also offers a switch-in for Fairy-type moves on an offensive team and can set Stealth Rock. Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate defensive Fairy-types and Arceus formes, which are common threats that can prevent an Dragon Arceus sweep. Suicide or offensive entry hazard setters help Dragon Arceus secure a variety of KOs and fit well on an offensive team; Deoxys-S, Dialga, Forretress, Greninja, and Mega Aerodactyl are some examples. An offensive Xerneas check is mandatory to provide a switch-in to Fairy-type attacks and to prevent a Geomancy sweep. Ho-Oh is a good partner due to its ability to offensively check Fairy- and Steel-types, but do not use it if using a suicide hazard lead, as using Ho-Oh mandates entry hazard removal. Ho-Oh alone can justify a bulky offensive build, in which a longer-lasting Spikes setter such as Klefki is recommended.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Stone Edge can be used on the support set to KO Ho-Oh, but crippling it with Toxic is usually enough to suppress it. Surf can be used to OHKO offensive Mega Diancie after a boost and hits Ho-Oh slightly harder than Judgment would while overall making for decent neutral coverage; however, it makes Dragon Arceus unable to touch Ferrothorn. Ancient Power can be used to hit Ho-Oh super effectively and possibly gift Dragon Arceus a sweep against weakened offensive teams. Will-O-Wisp is a option to run on the Calm Mind set to cripple common Steel-type switch-ins, but it is usually better to have Fire Blast, which can outright OHKO several Steel-types. Sludge Bomb is an option on the Calm Mind set to hit Fairy-types hard and spread poison; however, it leaves Dragon Arceus unable to touch Steel-types. Spacial Rend can be used on the Calm Mind set to exchange 5% accuracy for a high critical hit rate, though the move's lower PP means that it is usually not worth it. Iron Head and Poison Jab are options instead of Iron Tail on the Swords Dance set due to their higher accuracy and secondary effects, but the drop in power is significant.
Checks & Counters
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**Mega Diancie and Klefki**: Mega Diancie is immune to Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and bounces back status moves, while Klefki is immune to Toxic and can cripple Dragon Arceus with Toxic of its own.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Fairy Arceus, Clefable, and Mega Mawile are immune to Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and can retaliate with STAB-boosted super effective moves.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types resist Dragon Arceus's STAB attack and are immune to Toxic, although they dislike Will-O-Wisp and fear Fire Blast from Calm Mind Dragon Arceus and Earthquake from Swords Dance variants. Common Steel-types include Dialga, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Genesect, Jirachi, Aegislash, and Skarmory.
**Blissey**: Blissey takes pitiful damage from Dragon Arceus's neutral Judgment and can use Heal Bell to cure all status ailments inflicted by Dragon Arceus while being able to cripple it with Toxic. It is defeated by Swords Dance variants, however.
**Lugia**: Lugia can switch into both of Dragon Arceus's offensive sets and proceed to poison it with Toxic or phaze it with Whirlwind. Lugia dislikes Toxic from the support set, however.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh has the special bulk to comfortably switch into Calm Mind Dragon Arceus and hit back with a powerful Brave Bird or aim for a burn with Sacred Fire. Standard Ho-Oh cannot afford to come into Dragon Arceus's Outrage and can be Toxic stalled by support Dragon Arceus, however.
**Choice Scarf Zekrom and Kyurem-W**: Both Choice Scarf Zekrom and Kyurem-W are able to revenge kill each of Dragon Arceus's sets. However, they cannot switch directly into Dragon Arceus in fear of its Dragon-type STAB move.
**Fast Attackers**: Fast attackers such as Darkrai, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A can effectively check Dragon Arceus due to their superior Speed stats and power. Mewtwo can set up Calm Mind or use Taunt against Dragon Arceus to stop it from Defogging; Darkrai is able to put it to sleep with Dark Void and proceed to boost with Nasty Plot; and Deoxys-A can obliterate it with Psycho Boost or a super effective Ice Beam. Each of these Pokemon including all of the Mewtwo formes are fast and powerful enough to revenge kill Dragon Arceus, though they cannot comfortably switch into any of its attacks and dislike Toxic from support Dragon Arceus.
**Cloyster**: Cloyster can deal significant damage to Dragon Arceus with Icicle Spear; however, it cannot switch into Judgment and loses if its Focus Sash is not intact.
**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus can defeat Dragon Arceus one-on-one due to its typing advantage.
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