[OVERVIEW]
Fairy Arceus distinguishes itself from other Arceus formes due to its solid defensive typing, which allows it to check Dragons, Yveltal, Dark Arceus, and other threats. Fairy Arceus supplements its good typing with excellent 120 / 120 / 120 bulk and reliable recovery in the form of Recover. It also has access to an array of support moves, such as Defog, Will-O-Wisp, and Toxic. Unfortunately, Fairy Arceus has very limited initial offensive presence, as Fairy is a mediocre offensive typing in ORAS Ubers due to the presence of many Steel- and Fire-type Pokemon. Fairy Arceus is also checked by some of the metagame's most notable threats, such as Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Primal Groudon. Finally, Fairy Arceus is extremely vulnerable to Shadow Tag. If one chooses to use Fairy Arceus, be prepared to give it the significant support it needs to have a chance of success.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Judgment is mandatory on support Fairy Arceus, as it has no other STAB moves to choose from. Because of Judgment's naturally high 100 Base Power and the 1.2x boost granted by Pixie Plate, Judgment will dent most Pokemon that do not resist it. Recover is crucial for keeping Fairy Arceus healthy throughout the match, allowing it to repeatedly check the Pokemon it needs to. Defog is a good option on Fairy Arceus, as its bulk and Speed enable it to find turns to clear the field of entry hazards. The last moveslot is dependent on team need and personal preference. Toxic can cripple Primal Groudon, a common switch-in to Fairy Arceus, while simultaneously putting a timer on Calm Mind Arceus formes and Primal Kyogre. It also prevents Fairy Arceus from being complete Ho-Oh bait. Will-O-Wisp can be used instead if one prefers to cripple Steel-types such as Klefki and Jirachi. Will-O-Wisp can also shut down Swords Dance Arceus formes such as Extreme Killer and Ground Arceus.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Fairy Arceus to outspeed Jolly Rayquaza, Timid Kyurem-W, and Modest Latios and Latias, all Pokemon that it needs to check in order to justify a team slot. Unfortunately, strong physical attackers such as Adamant Choice Scarf Zekrom and offensive Primal Groudon can 2HKO this spread, so be careful about using this Pokemon as a blanket check to strong physical attackers. An alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Speed while retaining a Timid nature is viable to outspeed Timid Latios and the rare Mega Metagross. The extra Speed is generally not necessary, however.
Usage Tips
========
Early on in the game, it is a good idea to spam Fairy Arceus's status move in an attempt to cripple common switch-ins. If running Toxic, its targets are Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Primal Kyogre, but if running Will-O-Wisp, its targets are Steel-types such as Aegislash, Steel Arceus, Klefki, and Jirachi. If your opponent's best check is not affected by the status move Fairy Arceus is using, consider aggressive double switching in order to avoid giving free turns to your opponent. Additionally, utilize double switches to Pursuit trappers if your opponent has Mega Gengar, as Fairy Arceus is completely helpless against it. If your opponent has a Pokemon that Fairy Arceus is your team's main check to, keeping Arceus healthy with Recover is paramount. Also, avoid status whenever possible; paralysis and Toxic are both devastating to Fairy Arceus, and even regular poison and burns will force it to use Recover more often than it would like to. Stealth Rock setters with a status move are particularly troubling, as they will easily keep the entry hazard up against Fairy Arceus in a one-on-one situation. It is also extremely difficult to fit a cleric onto a team with Fairy Arceus, as this Pokemon does not easily fit onto stall teams that Blissey finds itself on. The other viable clerics are all Fairy-types, which entail a redundant defensive typing that will hurt your team's defensive synergy.
Fairy Arceus should switch in liberally against Mewtwo, as Fairy Arceus check most variants barring Calm Mind Mega Mewtwo Y. Fairy Arceus is a reliable check to most Dragons in the tier and is a fairly safe switch-in to them as long as it is healthy. Use Fairy Arceus's defensive typing to force out Yveltal, Dark Arceus, and other Pokemon Fairy Arceus counters to free up turns to Defog. When attempting to check Dragons, Fairy Arceus will need to use Recover more than Defog most of the time because Dragon-types are capable of dealing enough damage to defeat it if it tries to Defog against them.
Team Options
========
Because this set is extremely vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar, a Pursuit user is recommended. Tyranitar is somewhat redundant defensively in what it checks, such as Mega Salamence and Yveltal, so Mega Scizor and Aegislash are generally better choices for the job. Blissey is a good teammate because it is the only cleric that will easily fit on teams with Fairy Arceus. It can also cover Fairy Arceus's weakness to Primal Kyogre. A solid Ho-Oh check, such as Mega Diancie or defensive Mega Salamence, is necessary because of the free switches Ho-Oh gets on Fairy Arceus. Primal Groudon can handle the Steel-types that trouble Fairy Arceus, switch in on Ho-Oh at least once, and check Primal Kyogre. In return, Fairy Arceus offers a good Mega Salamence and Aqua Tail Rayquaza check, both of which Primal Groudon struggles with. Ho-Oh makes for a good teammate as well because it can harass the Steel-types that wall Fairy Arceus with its powerful Sacred Fire.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgment
move 4: Earth Power / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind gives Fairy Arceus the potential to either break past its own checks or outright sweep your opponent's team. After one Calm Mind boost, Fairy Arceus becomes extremely difficult to break with special attacks. Mega Gengar attempting to revenge kill a Fairy Arceus will be forced to use Destiny Bond, as Sludge Wave cannot OHKO a relatively healthy +1 Fairy Arceus, whereas Earth Power will OHKO in return. Recover is mandatory to replenish health and prolong a potential sweep. It also allows Fairy Arceus to repeatedly check Dragons and other threats it needs to early- to mid-game. Judgment is a reliable STAB move, and after a Pixie Plate and Calm Mind boost it will hit anything hard that doesn't resist it or isn't a dedicated wall. Earth Power is generally the preferred option in the last slot, as it provides terrific coverage with Fairy Arceus's Judgment by hitting Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types super effectively. Primal Groudon and Mega Gengar are particularly important targets. However, Will-O-Wisp is a viable alternative if you're willing to sacrifice sweeping potential in exchange for the ability to cripple most physical sweepers and Lugia with a burn.
Set Details
========
Maximize Fairy Arceus's Speed to outrun Latios, Latias, and Mega Lucario. Maximum Speed investment on Calm Mind Arceus is a good idea in general because setting up a Calm Mind before the foe can strike with a special attack will allow Fairy Arceus to sponge special hits much more easily. The Speed is also useful for Speed tying with other Arceus formes. An alternative spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Spe with a Timid nature is also viable to take physical hits a little bit better while still outrunning Latios and Latias. Finally, Special Attack investment is possible if you want Fairy Arceus to secure OHKOs and 2HKOs after a Calm Mind boost. For example, 252 Special Attack EVs allow Fairy Arceus to 2HKO standard support Primal Groudon with Earth Power most of the time after Stealth Rock, as well as 2HKO Klefki with Earth Power more often than not. If you run Special Attack investment, take it out of HP instead of Speed to retain maximum offensive capabilities.
Usage Tips
========
Use Calm Mind Fairy Arceus defensively early-game to check Dark-types, Latias, Latios, and Dragons. Start being more aggressive setting up Calm Mind later on in the game, once its checks and counters are worn down. When you do start using Calm Mind, make sure to avoid status whenever possible. All status ailments will cripple Fairy Arceus and hinder its sweeping capabilities, especially Toxic. If you have Blissey on your team, you can let Fairy Arceus get afflicted with status early on if you want to land damage on support Primal Groudon or Klefki, but otherwise you should allow the rest of your team to wear down Fairy Arceus's checks. With that said, there is nothing wrong with using Earth Power or Will-O-Wisp in anticipation of a switch to a check, so long as you use Recover often enough to keep Fairy Arceus in good health.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Fairy Arceus can fight back efficiently against many of its checks with a Calm Mind-boosted Earth Power, so it isn't that reliant on team support. There are some ideal partners for it, however. Shadow Ball Mega Gengar makes for a good partner for Calm Mind Fairy Arceus. Mega Gengar with Substitute, Disable, and Shadow Ball can defeat Ho-Oh without sacrificing itself in the process and can dent Steel-types such as Jirachi and Aegislash. Primal Groudon can easily switch into Steel-types healthy enough to wall Fairy Arceus and threaten them with its STAB moves. Lugia is a good partner thanks to its ability to check both Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon for Fairy Arceus, but it is difficult to fit onto the balanced teams that Fairy Arceus will find itself on. Similarly, Blissey isn't easy to fit on balance but provides Fairy Arceus with a much-appreciated cleric, as well as a Primal Kyogre check. A Pursuit user such as Mega Scizor is also appreciated to help deal with Mega Gengar.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Support Fairy Arceus can use Thunder Wave as another means of crippling opposing Arceus and Mewtwo. Unfortunately, it's an unreliable way of dealing with Steel-types, Ho-Oh, and Primal Kyogre, and Primal Groudon is immune to the move. Stone Edge is another option that can deal severe damage to Ho-Oh, but it has no other utility and is almost impossible to find a moveslot for. Roar and Perish Song are other niche options that can support the team but are difficult to justify, especially considering that Fairy Arceus doesn't need either move to check what it needs to check. For the Calm Mind set, the only viable alternative is Fire Blast, which hits Steel-types harder than Earth Power in exchange for a much weaker hit on Primal Groudon. It is also slightly less reliable due to its low 8 PP and average 85% accuracy.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Gengar**: Once Mega Evolved, Mega Gengar easily traps and removes Fairy Arceus with Sludge Wave.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh fears nothing from Fairy Arceus, barring the rare Stone Edge, and it can deal severe damage with its powerful Sacred Fires.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon is trouble for Fairy Arceus, as Swords Dance sets easily blow by it with Precipice Blades, while the support sets can cripple Fairy Arceus with status. However, Fairy Arceus can fight back with either Toxic or Earth Power.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre will always win against Fairy Arceus due to its superior Special Attack and Special Defense stats, in conjunction with the boost Primal Kyogre's STAB moves get from rain. Thunder Wave support sets are also troubling.
**Poison and Steel Arceus**: Although uncommon, both of these Arceus formes easily handle Fairy Arceus courtesy of their typing.
**Other Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Klefki, and Aegislash can cripple Fairy Arceus with status while resisting Judgment. Only Jirachi has reliable recovery, however, and Calm Mind Fairy Arceus can wear them down with repeated Earth Powers.
Fairy Arceus distinguishes itself from other Arceus formes due to its solid defensive typing, which allows it to check Dragons, Yveltal, Dark Arceus, and other threats. Fairy Arceus supplements its good typing with excellent 120 / 120 / 120 bulk and reliable recovery in the form of Recover. It also has access to an array of support moves, such as Defog, Will-O-Wisp, and Toxic. Unfortunately, Fairy Arceus has very limited initial offensive presence, as Fairy is a mediocre offensive typing in ORAS Ubers due to the presence of many Steel- and Fire-type Pokemon. Fairy Arceus is also checked by some of the metagame's most notable threats, such as Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Primal Groudon. Finally, Fairy Arceus is extremely vulnerable to Shadow Tag. If one chooses to use Fairy Arceus, be prepared to give it the significant support it needs to have a chance of success.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Judgment is mandatory on support Fairy Arceus, as it has no other STAB moves to choose from. Because of Judgment's naturally high 100 Base Power and the 1.2x boost granted by Pixie Plate, Judgment will dent most Pokemon that do not resist it. Recover is crucial for keeping Fairy Arceus healthy throughout the match, allowing it to repeatedly check the Pokemon it needs to. Defog is a good option on Fairy Arceus, as its bulk and Speed enable it to find turns to clear the field of entry hazards. The last moveslot is dependent on team need and personal preference. Toxic can cripple Primal Groudon, a common switch-in to Fairy Arceus, while simultaneously putting a timer on Calm Mind Arceus formes and Primal Kyogre. It also prevents Fairy Arceus from being complete Ho-Oh bait. Will-O-Wisp can be used instead if one prefers to cripple Steel-types such as Klefki and Jirachi. Will-O-Wisp can also shut down Swords Dance Arceus formes such as Extreme Killer and Ground Arceus.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Fairy Arceus to outspeed Jolly Rayquaza, Timid Kyurem-W, and Modest Latios and Latias, all Pokemon that it needs to check in order to justify a team slot. Unfortunately, strong physical attackers such as Adamant Choice Scarf Zekrom and offensive Primal Groudon can 2HKO this spread, so be careful about using this Pokemon as a blanket check to strong physical attackers. An alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Speed while retaining a Timid nature is viable to outspeed Timid Latios and the rare Mega Metagross. The extra Speed is generally not necessary, however.
Usage Tips
========
Early on in the game, it is a good idea to spam Fairy Arceus's status move in an attempt to cripple common switch-ins. If running Toxic, its targets are Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Primal Kyogre, but if running Will-O-Wisp, its targets are Steel-types such as Aegislash, Steel Arceus, Klefki, and Jirachi. If your opponent's best check is not affected by the status move Fairy Arceus is using, consider aggressive double switching in order to avoid giving free turns to your opponent. Additionally, utilize double switches to Pursuit trappers if your opponent has Mega Gengar, as Fairy Arceus is completely helpless against it. If your opponent has a Pokemon that Fairy Arceus is your team's main check to, keeping Arceus healthy with Recover is paramount. Also, avoid status whenever possible; paralysis and Toxic are both devastating to Fairy Arceus, and even regular poison and burns will force it to use Recover more often than it would like to. Stealth Rock setters with a status move are particularly troubling, as they will easily keep the entry hazard up against Fairy Arceus in a one-on-one situation. It is also extremely difficult to fit a cleric onto a team with Fairy Arceus, as this Pokemon does not easily fit onto stall teams that Blissey finds itself on. The other viable clerics are all Fairy-types, which entail a redundant defensive typing that will hurt your team's defensive synergy.
Fairy Arceus should switch in liberally against Mewtwo, as Fairy Arceus check most variants barring Calm Mind Mega Mewtwo Y. Fairy Arceus is a reliable check to most Dragons in the tier and is a fairly safe switch-in to them as long as it is healthy. Use Fairy Arceus's defensive typing to force out Yveltal, Dark Arceus, and other Pokemon Fairy Arceus counters to free up turns to Defog. When attempting to check Dragons, Fairy Arceus will need to use Recover more than Defog most of the time because Dragon-types are capable of dealing enough damage to defeat it if it tries to Defog against them.
Team Options
========
Because this set is extremely vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar, a Pursuit user is recommended. Tyranitar is somewhat redundant defensively in what it checks, such as Mega Salamence and Yveltal, so Mega Scizor and Aegislash are generally better choices for the job. Blissey is a good teammate because it is the only cleric that will easily fit on teams with Fairy Arceus. It can also cover Fairy Arceus's weakness to Primal Kyogre. A solid Ho-Oh check, such as Mega Diancie or defensive Mega Salamence, is necessary because of the free switches Ho-Oh gets on Fairy Arceus. Primal Groudon can handle the Steel-types that trouble Fairy Arceus, switch in on Ho-Oh at least once, and check Primal Kyogre. In return, Fairy Arceus offers a good Mega Salamence and Aqua Tail Rayquaza check, both of which Primal Groudon struggles with. Ho-Oh makes for a good teammate as well because it can harass the Steel-types that wall Fairy Arceus with its powerful Sacred Fire.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgment
move 4: Earth Power / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind gives Fairy Arceus the potential to either break past its own checks or outright sweep your opponent's team. After one Calm Mind boost, Fairy Arceus becomes extremely difficult to break with special attacks. Mega Gengar attempting to revenge kill a Fairy Arceus will be forced to use Destiny Bond, as Sludge Wave cannot OHKO a relatively healthy +1 Fairy Arceus, whereas Earth Power will OHKO in return. Recover is mandatory to replenish health and prolong a potential sweep. It also allows Fairy Arceus to repeatedly check Dragons and other threats it needs to early- to mid-game. Judgment is a reliable STAB move, and after a Pixie Plate and Calm Mind boost it will hit anything hard that doesn't resist it or isn't a dedicated wall. Earth Power is generally the preferred option in the last slot, as it provides terrific coverage with Fairy Arceus's Judgment by hitting Steel-, Poison-, and Fire-types super effectively. Primal Groudon and Mega Gengar are particularly important targets. However, Will-O-Wisp is a viable alternative if you're willing to sacrifice sweeping potential in exchange for the ability to cripple most physical sweepers and Lugia with a burn.
Set Details
========
Maximize Fairy Arceus's Speed to outrun Latios, Latias, and Mega Lucario. Maximum Speed investment on Calm Mind Arceus is a good idea in general because setting up a Calm Mind before the foe can strike with a special attack will allow Fairy Arceus to sponge special hits much more easily. The Speed is also useful for Speed tying with other Arceus formes. An alternative spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Spe with a Timid nature is also viable to take physical hits a little bit better while still outrunning Latios and Latias. Finally, Special Attack investment is possible if you want Fairy Arceus to secure OHKOs and 2HKOs after a Calm Mind boost. For example, 252 Special Attack EVs allow Fairy Arceus to 2HKO standard support Primal Groudon with Earth Power most of the time after Stealth Rock, as well as 2HKO Klefki with Earth Power more often than not. If you run Special Attack investment, take it out of HP instead of Speed to retain maximum offensive capabilities.
Usage Tips
========
Use Calm Mind Fairy Arceus defensively early-game to check Dark-types, Latias, Latios, and Dragons. Start being more aggressive setting up Calm Mind later on in the game, once its checks and counters are worn down. When you do start using Calm Mind, make sure to avoid status whenever possible. All status ailments will cripple Fairy Arceus and hinder its sweeping capabilities, especially Toxic. If you have Blissey on your team, you can let Fairy Arceus get afflicted with status early on if you want to land damage on support Primal Groudon or Klefki, but otherwise you should allow the rest of your team to wear down Fairy Arceus's checks. With that said, there is nothing wrong with using Earth Power or Will-O-Wisp in anticipation of a switch to a check, so long as you use Recover often enough to keep Fairy Arceus in good health.
Team Options
========
Calm Mind Fairy Arceus can fight back efficiently against many of its checks with a Calm Mind-boosted Earth Power, so it isn't that reliant on team support. There are some ideal partners for it, however. Shadow Ball Mega Gengar makes for a good partner for Calm Mind Fairy Arceus. Mega Gengar with Substitute, Disable, and Shadow Ball can defeat Ho-Oh without sacrificing itself in the process and can dent Steel-types such as Jirachi and Aegislash. Primal Groudon can easily switch into Steel-types healthy enough to wall Fairy Arceus and threaten them with its STAB moves. Lugia is a good partner thanks to its ability to check both Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon for Fairy Arceus, but it is difficult to fit onto the balanced teams that Fairy Arceus will find itself on. Similarly, Blissey isn't easy to fit on balance but provides Fairy Arceus with a much-appreciated cleric, as well as a Primal Kyogre check. A Pursuit user such as Mega Scizor is also appreciated to help deal with Mega Gengar.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Support Fairy Arceus can use Thunder Wave as another means of crippling opposing Arceus and Mewtwo. Unfortunately, it's an unreliable way of dealing with Steel-types, Ho-Oh, and Primal Kyogre, and Primal Groudon is immune to the move. Stone Edge is another option that can deal severe damage to Ho-Oh, but it has no other utility and is almost impossible to find a moveslot for. Roar and Perish Song are other niche options that can support the team but are difficult to justify, especially considering that Fairy Arceus doesn't need either move to check what it needs to check. For the Calm Mind set, the only viable alternative is Fire Blast, which hits Steel-types harder than Earth Power in exchange for a much weaker hit on Primal Groudon. It is also slightly less reliable due to its low 8 PP and average 85% accuracy.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Gengar**: Once Mega Evolved, Mega Gengar easily traps and removes Fairy Arceus with Sludge Wave.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh fears nothing from Fairy Arceus, barring the rare Stone Edge, and it can deal severe damage with its powerful Sacred Fires.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon is trouble for Fairy Arceus, as Swords Dance sets easily blow by it with Precipice Blades, while the support sets can cripple Fairy Arceus with status. However, Fairy Arceus can fight back with either Toxic or Earth Power.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre will always win against Fairy Arceus due to its superior Special Attack and Special Defense stats, in conjunction with the boost Primal Kyogre's STAB moves get from rain. Thunder Wave support sets are also troubling.
**Poison and Steel Arceus**: Although uncommon, both of these Arceus formes easily handle Fairy Arceus courtesy of their typing.
**Other Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Klefki, and Aegislash can cripple Fairy Arceus with status while resisting Judgment. Only Jirachi has reliable recovery, however, and Calm Mind Fairy Arceus can wear them down with repeated Earth Powers.
[OVERVIEW]
-Very good defensive typing, backed up by excellent 120 / 120 / 120 bulk
-Quality support movepool including Defog, Perish Song and an array of status moves
-Reliable recovery, and excellent Speed stat allows it to use Recover before getting hit more often than not
-Checked by some of the most prominent threats in the metagame, including Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh
-Limited offensive presence
-Mega Gengar bait
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
-Judgment provides a respectably powerful STAB move
-Recover keeps Fairy Arceus healthy and able to repeatedly check threats
-Defog clears hazards, and is a solid option on Fairy Arceus due to its good Speed, bulk, and ability to hard check a good number of threats (allowing it to find free turns to remove hazards from your side of the field)
-Toxic hits Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh with on the switch; also completely ruins Lugia
-Will-O-Wisp hits Jirachi, Aegislash, Ferrothorn, and allows Fairyceus to check Mega Kangaskhan and Extreme Killer Arceus; choice between which status move you use is dependent on team needs but the mons Toxic hits are harder to switch into than the mons Wisp hits
Set Details
========
-EV spread allows Fairy Arceus to outrun Jolly Rayquaza, Timid Kyurem-W, and Modest Latios / Latias
-Pixie Plate is mandatory and gives Judgment a 1.2x boost in power
-Watch out for strong physical attackers, such as Adamant Scarf Zekrom and Adamant Rock Polish Primal Groudon, both of which can 2HKO this spread
-Alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Speed (Timid nature still) is viable to outrun Timid Latios and the rare Mega Metagross while slightly increasing physical bulk; you almost always avoid the 2HKO from Jolly Mega Salamence so long SR is not up.
Usage Tips
========
-Early game, spamming your status move is a good idea to immediately cripple common switch-ins..if the status move you are using does not effect your opponent's best Fary Arceus check, consider double-switching early game (healing with Recover when necessary)
-Checks most Mewtwo variants barring CM mewtwo; switch it into them, especially mewtwo X
-Avoid all status if possible, Toxic puts you on a timer and any Thunder Wave + SR user will keep up SR vs. you in a 1-1 situation. Burn damage adds up, though obviously is the least crippling of all status (fitting a cleric with Fairy Arceus is extremely difficult unless you can squeeze a Blissey onto your team)
-AVOID SHADOW TAG (double switch etc.)
-Use its solid defensive typing to force out Yveltal / Dark Arceus / etc so that you can get free turns to Defog
Team Options
========
-Pursuit user (Aegislash, Mega Scizor...Tyranitar is defensively redundant and not a great idea)
-Blissey to check Primal Kyogre and serve as a cleric
-A solid Ho-Oh check, such as Primal Groudon or Mega Diancie
-Ho-Oh to take advantage of the existence of Ferrothorn / Jirachi / Scizor
-Primal Groudon as a Steel resist / another good Steel switchin / SR setter. It also checks CM Primal Kyogre, which harrasses Fairy Arceus
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgment
move 4: Earth Power / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Multitype
item: Pixie Plate
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
-Calm Mind takes advantage of Fairy Arceus's already good defensive typing and makes it hard to take down with special attacks
-Recover mandatory for longevity
-Judgment is a strong STAB move, boosted by Pixie Plate
-Earth Power offers excellent coverage, hits Primal Groudon and most Steels for super effective damage (Fairy + Ground is excellent although Ho-Oh laughs at you)
-Will-O-Wisp burns Steels and allows you to check some physical threats like EKiller
-Refresh is an option for a mono-attacker that can remove status; walled by a ton but sets up on some mons it walls like Klefki
Set Details
========
-Max out Speed stat to outrun Latio@s and Lucario while getting a Calm Mind up before the opponent can strike...also useful for speed tying other Arceus
-Can run 176 Speed with a Timid nature to invest a little in physical bulk while still outrunning Lati twins; helps tank Zekrom and Primal Groudon a bit better
-Special Attack investment is possible, will provide relevant calcs at +1
Usage Tips
========
-Use it defensively early-game to check Dark types, Lati@s, etc and start being more aggressive setting up Calm Minds mid to late-game once its checks and counters, such as Primal Groudon, are removed or severely worn down
-Whenever you start setting up, avoid status like the plague. Toxic is devastating, and CM Fairy Arceus is adversely affected by Poison, Burn, and Paralysis. If you have a cleric (not very likely bc most of them are fairies), it might be OK letting this get statused early-game if you are sure you can remove it though
-Although it's important to stay healthy enough to check what you're supposed to, there's nothing wrong with dropping an Earth Power every now and then to keep many of its checks on their toes.
Team Options
========
-Mega Gengar can remove Ho-Oh with Destiny Bond. Steeljackal's set (with disable / shadow ball / substitute) can remove it without sacrificing itself in the process. Shadow Ball Gengar can also surprise Aegislash and Jirachi, amongst others.
-Primal Groudon for Steel-types
-Lugia checks Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, but is not easy fitting on balance bc momentum killer and does nothing vs. Steels.
-Blissey to check Primal Kyogre and serve as a cleric, just like for the Support set
-Pursuit trapping for opposing Mega Gengar
-Basically the same as for the Support set, but slightly less reliant on team support because it will typically have Earth Power and is therefore less helpless vs. most of its own checks
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
-Thunder Wave
-Stone Edge
-Roar
-Perish Song
-Fire Blast
Checks and Counters
===================
-Mega Gengar
-Ho-Oh
-Primal Groudon
-Primal Kyogre
-Steel and Poison Arceus
-Miscellaneous Steel types with Toxic (klefki Aegi etc)
-Very good defensive typing, backed up by excellent 120 / 120 / 120 bulk
-Quality support movepool including Defog, Perish Song and an array of status moves
-Reliable recovery, and excellent Speed stat allows it to use Recover before getting hit more often than not
-Checked by some of the most prominent threats in the metagame, including Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh
-Limited offensive presence
-Mega Gengar bait
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
item: Pixie Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
-Judgment provides a respectably powerful STAB move
-Recover keeps Fairy Arceus healthy and able to repeatedly check threats
-Defog clears hazards, and is a solid option on Fairy Arceus due to its good Speed, bulk, and ability to hard check a good number of threats (allowing it to find free turns to remove hazards from your side of the field)
-Toxic hits Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh with on the switch; also completely ruins Lugia
-Will-O-Wisp hits Jirachi, Aegislash, Ferrothorn, and allows Fairyceus to check Mega Kangaskhan and Extreme Killer Arceus; choice between which status move you use is dependent on team needs but the mons Toxic hits are harder to switch into than the mons Wisp hits
Set Details
========
-EV spread allows Fairy Arceus to outrun Jolly Rayquaza, Timid Kyurem-W, and Modest Latios / Latias
-Pixie Plate is mandatory and gives Judgment a 1.2x boost in power
-Watch out for strong physical attackers, such as Adamant Scarf Zekrom and Adamant Rock Polish Primal Groudon, both of which can 2HKO this spread
-Alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 80 Def / 176 Speed (Timid nature still) is viable to outrun Timid Latios and the rare Mega Metagross while slightly increasing physical bulk; you almost always avoid the 2HKO from Jolly Mega Salamence so long SR is not up.
Usage Tips
========
-Early game, spamming your status move is a good idea to immediately cripple common switch-ins..if the status move you are using does not effect your opponent's best Fary Arceus check, consider double-switching early game (healing with Recover when necessary)
-Checks most Mewtwo variants barring CM mewtwo; switch it into them, especially mewtwo X
-Avoid all status if possible, Toxic puts you on a timer and any Thunder Wave + SR user will keep up SR vs. you in a 1-1 situation. Burn damage adds up, though obviously is the least crippling of all status (fitting a cleric with Fairy Arceus is extremely difficult unless you can squeeze a Blissey onto your team)
-AVOID SHADOW TAG (double switch etc.)
-Use its solid defensive typing to force out Yveltal / Dark Arceus / etc so that you can get free turns to Defog
Team Options
========
-Pursuit user (Aegislash, Mega Scizor...Tyranitar is defensively redundant and not a great idea)
-Blissey to check Primal Kyogre and serve as a cleric
-A solid Ho-Oh check, such as Primal Groudon or Mega Diancie
-Ho-Oh to take advantage of the existence of Ferrothorn / Jirachi / Scizor
-Primal Groudon as a Steel resist / another good Steel switchin / SR setter. It also checks CM Primal Kyogre, which harrasses Fairy Arceus
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgment
move 4: Earth Power / Will-O-Wisp
ability: Multitype
item: Pixie Plate
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
-Calm Mind takes advantage of Fairy Arceus's already good defensive typing and makes it hard to take down with special attacks
-Recover mandatory for longevity
-Judgment is a strong STAB move, boosted by Pixie Plate
-Earth Power offers excellent coverage, hits Primal Groudon and most Steels for super effective damage (Fairy + Ground is excellent although Ho-Oh laughs at you)
-Will-O-Wisp burns Steels and allows you to check some physical threats like EKiller
-Refresh is an option for a mono-attacker that can remove status; walled by a ton but sets up on some mons it walls like Klefki
Set Details
========
-Max out Speed stat to outrun Latio@s and Lucario while getting a Calm Mind up before the opponent can strike...also useful for speed tying other Arceus
-Can run 176 Speed with a Timid nature to invest a little in physical bulk while still outrunning Lati twins; helps tank Zekrom and Primal Groudon a bit better
-Special Attack investment is possible, will provide relevant calcs at +1
Usage Tips
========
-Use it defensively early-game to check Dark types, Lati@s, etc and start being more aggressive setting up Calm Minds mid to late-game once its checks and counters, such as Primal Groudon, are removed or severely worn down
-Whenever you start setting up, avoid status like the plague. Toxic is devastating, and CM Fairy Arceus is adversely affected by Poison, Burn, and Paralysis. If you have a cleric (not very likely bc most of them are fairies), it might be OK letting this get statused early-game if you are sure you can remove it though
-Although it's important to stay healthy enough to check what you're supposed to, there's nothing wrong with dropping an Earth Power every now and then to keep many of its checks on their toes.
Team Options
========
-Mega Gengar can remove Ho-Oh with Destiny Bond. Steeljackal's set (with disable / shadow ball / substitute) can remove it without sacrificing itself in the process. Shadow Ball Gengar can also surprise Aegislash and Jirachi, amongst others.
-Primal Groudon for Steel-types
-Lugia checks Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, but is not easy fitting on balance bc momentum killer and does nothing vs. Steels.
-Blissey to check Primal Kyogre and serve as a cleric, just like for the Support set
-Pursuit trapping for opposing Mega Gengar
-Basically the same as for the Support set, but slightly less reliant on team support because it will typically have Earth Power and is therefore less helpless vs. most of its own checks
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
-Thunder Wave
-Stone Edge
-Roar
-Perish Song
-Fire Blast
Checks and Counters
===================
-Mega Gengar
-Ho-Oh
-Primal Groudon
-Primal Kyogre
-Steel and Poison Arceus
-Miscellaneous Steel types with Toxic (klefki Aegi etc)
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