Arceus-Grass

Status
Not open for further replies.

haxiom

God's not dead.
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Arceus-Grass



[QC 2/3] -- Sweep / WreckDra / Nayrz
[GP 2/2] -- Mowtom+The Dutch Plumberjack / Rhythms

[OVERVIEW]

Grass Arceus has an uncommon mono-Grass typing, solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk, and a wide support movepool that allows it to be an effective support Pokemon in the Ubers metagame. However, it has lost its ability to check a lot of powerful threats, as Primal Groudon has a secondary Fire typing, and Primal Kyogre hits harder than regular Kyogre and can run a more effective Calm Mind set; as a result, Grass Arceus's only effective niche in Ubers is being a support Pokemon that can counter Ground Arceus and soft check Primal Kyogre. It is weak to many common Pokemon, namely Mega Gengar, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, which makes teambuilding difficult by mandating strong switch-ins to the latter three, as well as a Pursuit user to deal with Mega Gengar. While Grass Arceus's typing offers a few key resistances, it does not provide it with too many of these and leaves Grass Arceus weak to a lot of attacks. Grass Arceus is also susceptible to Toxic, like most support Arceus formes are.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Recover
move 2: Defog / Toxic
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam / Stone Edge / Toxic
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover offers reliable recovery that allows Grass Arceus to remain healthy throughout the match. Defog supports Grass Arceus's team by removing entry hazards. Grass Knot is the STAB move of choice because it hits most of the Uber tier with 120 Base Power, as most of the Uber Pokemon are heavy; it importantly hits Primal Groudon hard. Judgment is an alternate STAB move option that deals consistent damage, specifically targeting lighter Pokemon in the Ubers metagame such as Mega Diancie. Ice Beam is an important coverage move that hits Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, which both threaten Grass Arceus. Stone Edge can also be used to hit Ho-Oh for 4x super effective damage when it is lured in by Grass Arceus; it also hits Yveltal and Mega Salamence for super effective damage, though it doesn't hit Mega Salamence especially hard. Toxic is a usable status move that wears down Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon and can be used if another teammate can remove entry hazards or if a second attack is not necessary.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment gives Grass Arceus solid mixed bulk, so that it can take physical attacks from Ground Arceus and Primal Groudon lacking a Fire-type move, while also checking Primal Kyogre. 56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed fully invested Adamant Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested in Special Defense to give maximum special bulk, improving Grass Arceus's ability to take Ice Beams and Blizzards from Primal Kyogre. A Calm nature is used because Grass Knot or Judgment is the primary attack and Grass Arceus does not want to sacrifice bulk against anything; even when using Stone Edge, Grass Arceus does not miss out on anything too important with a Calm nature. The use of Meadow Plate with the ability Multitype is mechanically necessary, but it does add a little bit of power to Grass Arceus's STAB moves.

Usage Tips
========

Grass Arceus does not like being pressured by constant damage from status, so try not to let it get hit with a status move, especially Toxic. Try to use any switches Grass Arceus gets by virtue of its typing and bulk to come in and use Defog. When attempting to lure Ho-Oh, many opponents will try to scout for Stone Edge by switching out, so it can be effective to bluff not having Stone Edge by switching out to a Ho-Oh check the first time it comes in on Grass Arceus. In general, use Recover frequently to stay healthy, as Grass Arceus needs a lot of HP left to check certain threats such as Primal Kyogre. Be very careful around Mega Gengar, as it traps and removes Grass Arceus easily. Grass Arceus should not be treated as a Primal Groudon switch-in initially, as it fears Primal Groudon's Fire-type STAB moves, though it can be switched aggressively into both Ground Arceus and Kyogre if it is healthy.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support is very important, as it helps against a lot of the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. In addition to this, Pokemon that check Ho-Oh such as Mega Diancie, Lugia, and Tyranitar are good partners. Similarly, Yveltal checks such as Mega Diancie, Klefki, Xerneas, Clefable, and Tyranitar make for good teammates. Because Grass Arceus primarily functions as a Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus check, additional Primal Groudon checks such as Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence can beat the many variants that Grass Arceus cannot. Additional Primal Kyogre checks are also helpful, as Grass Arceus needs teammates to check Primal Kyogre if it has been weakened beforehand; Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon can all fill this role nicely. Clerics, such as Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie, make for good teammates that can remove status conditions from Grass Arceus, especially Toxic. In a similar vein, Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki are good partners, as they are immune to Toxic and can absorb it for Grass Arceus. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Aegislash are also important partners, as they can trap Mega Gengar before it can trap and remove Grass Arceus. Excadrill is also a good teammate for Grass Arceus because it beats Klefki easily and can Rapid Spin away the Spikes that it sets up on Grass Arceus. Finally, Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon switch into and beat the Steel-types that wall Grass Arceus.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind gives Grass Arceus a way to set up and consequently break down some teams with boosted attacks. Recover provides reliable recovery to keep Grass Arceus healthy so that it can continue to check the Water- and Ground-types that it needs to. Grass Knot is the primary STAB move, as it hits most relevant threats harder than Judgment; however, Judgment can be used for consistency, as it breaks through the less common, lighter Pokemon more easily. Ice Beam hits Mega Salamence and Yveltal for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Calm Mind Grass Arceus functions as a setup Pokemon that greatly pressures balanced teams and checks some Water- and Ground-types. 252 HP EVs maximize mixed bulk so that Grass Arceus can check threats such as Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus; however, it should be noted that Grass Arceus can still be easily overwhelmed by Primal Kyogre with a bit of prior damage. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Grass Arceus to outspeed a large portion of the Ubers metagame around the base 90 to 110 Speed benchmark, while at worst tying with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence. The remaining 4 EVs are put into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Calm Mind on foes that either do not threaten Grass Arceus or are directly threatened by it; however, when going against teams that have strong answers to Grass Arceus, such as Mega Gengar and Ho-Oh, setting up is usually not the ideal play, as Grass Arceus will be immediately forced out. Instead, Grass Arceus can be used to pivot around by double switching to something that beats the opponent's switch-in. Do not allow Grass Arceus to be hit with Toxic, as this reduces its ability to amass Calm Mind boosts and will force it out. Lastly, Grass Arceus is worn down relatively easily, so it needs to be kept in very good health to soft check Primal Kyogre.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support from the likes of Primal Groudon is very important to weaken the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also serves as a Primal Kyogre check alongside Grass Arceus; Latias and Latios fill this role too while also checking Primal Groudon for Grass Arceus. Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, Lugia, and Mega Salamence check Ho-Oh for Grass Arceus. Pursuit support from Tyranitar or Aegislash can remove Mega Gengar, which threatens to stop and KO Grass Arceus. Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie all provide cleric support to remove Toxic and other status conditions from Grass Arceus while also checking Yveltal. Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki also make for good partners because they can absorb Toxic. Excadrill does this as well, and it can also clear entry hazards and beat Klefki.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Grass Arceus has a number of alternate support options; Will-O-Wisp is a possible status move that cripples physical attackers but cannot hit Primal Groudon or Ho-Oh. Thunder Wave is yet another status option that cripples faster threats but again cannot hit Primal Groudon. Earthquake can be used as a coverage move to hit the Steel-types that normally wall Grass Arceus. Earth Power can also be used to hit Primal Groudon harder at the cost of not being able to hit Klefki and Aegislash quite as hard; it should be noted that neither Earthquake nor Earth Power can OHKO Mega Gengar. Finally, Fire Blast is an alternate coverage move that hits Steel-types for super effective damage, especially Ferrothorn and Scizor.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can switch into Grass Arceus with relative ease, and it can OHKO Grass Arceus with its STAB moves. It resists Grass Knot and Judgment, takes very little from Ice Beam, and does not mind Toxic too much because it has Regenerator to heal itself. However, it will take a significant amount of damage from Stone Edge.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar takes little from all of Grass Arceus's common moves and can trap it with Shadow Tag. It can then proceed to use Sludge Wave or Sludge Bomb, which is an easy 2HKO on Grass Arceus, or it can use Perish Song to remove Grass Arceus. It does not like being crippled by the rare Thunder Wave, however, and will be 2HKOed by Earthquake and Earth Power.

**Steel-types**: Due to their resistances to Grass, Ice, and Rock and immunity to Toxic, Steel-types are excellent checks to Grass Arceus. Klefki can Toxic Grass Arceus and proceed to set up Spikes. Ferrothorn can also set up Spikes on Grass Arceus, though it tends to force a stalemate if it lacks the move Toxic. Dialga can Toxic Grass Arceus, set up Stealth Rock, and threaten it with Fire Blast. Genesect and Scizor can both threaten Grass Arceus and gain momentum through U-turn, while the latter can also Toxic it.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal can switch into Grass Arceus and proceed to hit it with a super effective Oblivion Wing, healing itself in the process; however, it does not especially enjoy being hit with Stone Edge or Ice Beam. If it is a defensive variant, it can Toxic Grass Arceus and Taunt it to prevent Recover, status, and Defog, though defensive Yveltal may be crippled by Grass Arceus's Toxic itself.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can switch in on Grass Arceus, outspeed it, and proceed to hit it with a super effective Double-Edge or Return. Mega Salamence is physically bulky enough to tank Stone Edge relatively well, but it takes 4x super effective damage from Ice Beam. If Grass Arceus lacks Ice Beam, Mega Salamence can set up Dragon Dance as well.

**Latias and Latios**: Latias and Latios resist Grass Arceus's Grass Knot and Judgment and do not take too much from Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Calm Mind variants can set up on Grass Arceus, but Latias and Latios both dislike Toxic, as it will greatly reduce their ability to reliably use Defog and continually Recover off damage. They will also be crippled by Thunder Wave.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon can switch into some of Grass Arceus's attacks and threaten it with a sun-boosted STAB Lava Plume, Fire Punch, or Overheat. However, Primal Groudon will be worn down by Toxic, and offensive Primal Groudon variants risk a 2HKO from Grass Knot if they switch in.

**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is a decent check to Grass Arceus, as it can switch in on Grass Knot and Judgment and proceed to either set up Substitute or hit Grass Arceus with a powerful Air Slash that may also make it flinch. Shaymin-S does not take Stone Edge well and cannot take Ice Beam at all, but it can pressure Grass Arceus decently well.

**Flying Arceus**: Due to its typing advantage and natural bulk, Flying Arceus can switch into any of Grass Arceus's attacks and set up with Calm Mind while threatening Grass Arceus with Judgment. It can keep itself healthy with Recover and use Refresh to clear Toxic and other status.

**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus can switch into Grass Arceus and threaten it with a super effective Judgment. It can also set up with Calm Mind, though it does not like Toxic.

**Toxic**: Toxic in general will wear down Grass Arceus turn by turn and will leave it vulnerable to being overwhelmed, while also putting it on a timer and making it more difficult to reliably use Defog.
 
Last edited:
I'd rather see Ice Beam before Stone Edge in slashing, Stone Edge is unreliable and won't even surprise better players bc Stone Edge support Arceus isn't exactly unhead of. hell, your excellent usage tips section covers this reasoning already

Mention Earth Power in OO along with Earthquake, it hits Primal Groudon harder in exchange for not hitting Keys / Aegi as hard (neither OHKOes Mega Gar.

Add Arceus-Ice and Flying in Checks & Counters, they're viable enough to mention unlike Reshiram (aka Fail Dragon) and Bug Arceus.

QC 1/3
 

Inspirited

There is usually higher ground.
is a Contributor Alumnus
I would disperse throughout the analysis the only thing this Arceus can really do, that other mons can't, is be the hardest stop to Groundceus there is while it also can soft checking Primal Kyogre.

QC 2/3
 

haxiom

God's not dead.
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
This is written up and ready for the third QC check.

EDIT: I implemented new analysis format.
 
Last edited:
"Stone Edge can also be used to hit Ho-Oh for 4x super effective damage and can smash Ho-Oh when it is lured in by Grass Arceus"

my brain

I feel Grassceus is a shakier check to Primal Kyogre than the analysis claims it is, cause any chip damage means you lose 1v1 to it (even after SR its a 75% to be 2HKOd by Ice Beam)
Another thing to mention is that the Calm Mind set doesn't check Primal Kyogre well at all, make sure you note that to the reader (Pulse + SR + Ice Beam spam = dead or frozen and you don't come close to OHKOing Kyogre) Sure you can try to CM and Recover as you boost but Kyogre can CM too...not a good match up.

Grassceus is also free Spikes for Klefki which sucks pretty hard, a defog Arceus thats straight up walled by keys is a pain in the ass to deal with, which is why most Grassceus teams i see are Sand based (Excadrill is great for Grassceus for this reason, mention it in Team Options), you seem to have got most of the typical sand mons down in Team Options already so thats cool.

Put the Latis above Groudon in C&C, some Groudon sets are walled while others are not, while Latis will never care and switch in more often.

Good writeup though, implement the changes and call this QC 3/3
 

Mowtom

I'm truly still meta, enjoy this acronym!
is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributor
Amcheck time!

Add
Remove
Comments

Arceus-Grass



[QC 2/3] -- Sweep / WreckDra / Nayrz
[GP 0/2] -- x / x

[OVERVIEW]

Grass Arceus has an uncommon mono-Grass typing, solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk, and a wide support movepool that allows it to be an effective support Pokemon in Ubers. However, it has lost its ability to check a lot of powerful threats, as Primal Groudon has a secondary Fire typing and Primal Kyogre hits harder than regular Kyogre and can run a more effective Calm Mind set;. as As (the sentence was awkwardly long) a result, Grass Arceus' (add apostrophe) only effective niche in Ubers is being a support Pokemon that can counter Arceus Ground Ground Arceus and soft check Primal Kyogre. It is weak to many common Pokemon, namely Ho-Oh, Mega Gengar, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, which makes building difficult by mandating strong switch-ins to Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Yveltal, as well as a Pursuit user to deal with Mega Gengar. While Grass Arceus's (remove the s) typing offers a few key resistances, it does not have too many of these, and leaves leaving Grass Arceus weak to a lot of attacks. It is also susceptible to Toxic, as most support Arceus formes are.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Recover
move 2: Defog / Toxic
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam / Stone Edge / Toxic
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe
nature: Calm

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover offers reliable recovery that allows Grass Arceus to keep healthy throughout a match. Defog supports Grass Arceus's (remove the s) team by removing entry hazards. Grass Knot is the STAB move of choice because it hits most of the Ubers tier with 120 base power, as most of the Pokemon in Ubers are heavy; it importantly, it hits Primal Groudon hard. Judgment is an alternate STAB move option that deals consistent damage, specifically targeting lighter Pokemon in Ubers such as Mega Diancie. Ice Beam is an important coverage move that hits Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, which both threaten Grass Arceus. Stone Edge can also be used to hit Ho-Oh for 4x super effective damage when it is lured in by Grass Arceus; it also hits Yveltal and Mega Salamence super effectively, though it doesn't hit Mega Salamence especially hard. Toxic is a usable status move that wears down Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon and can be used if another teammate can remove entry hazards or if a second attack is not necessary.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment gives Grass Arceus solid mixed bulk, so that it can take physical attacks from Ground Arceus and Primal Groudon if it lacks lacking a Fire-type move (ambiguity), while also checking Primal Kyogre. 56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Adamant 252 Speed Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested in Special Defense to give maximum special bulk, improving Grass Arceus's ability to take Ice Beams and Blizzards from Primal Kyogre. A Calm nature is used because Grass Knot or Judgment is the primary attack, and Grass Arceus does not want to sacrifice bulk against anything; even when using Stone Edge, Grass Arceus does not miss out on anything too important with a Calm Nature. The use of the item Meadow Plate with the ability Multitype is mechanically necessary and does add adds (awkwardly worded) a little bit of power to Grass Arceus's (remove the s) STAB moves.

Usage Tips
========

Grass Arceus does not like being pressured by constant damage from status, so try not to let Grass Arceus it (repetitive) get hit with a status move, especially by Toxic. Try to use any switches Grass Arceus gets by virtue of its typing and bulk to come in and use Defog. When attempting to lure Ho-Oh, many opposing players will try to scout for Stone Edge by switching out, so it can be effective to bluff not having Stone Edge by switching out to a Ho-Oh check the first time it comes in on Grass Arceus. In general, use Recover frequently to stay healthy, as Grass Arceus needs a lot of HP left to check certain threats such as Primal Kyogre. Be very careful around Mega Gengar, as it traps and removes Grass Arceus easily. Grass Arceus should not be treated as a Primal Groudon switch-in initially as it fears Primal Groudon's Fire-type STAB, though it can be switched aggressively into both Ground Arceus and Kyogre if it is healthy.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support is very important, as it helps against a lot of the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. In addition to this, Pokemon that check Ho-Oh such as Mega Diancie, Lugia, and Tyranitar are good partners. Similarly, Yveltal checks such as Mega Diancie, Klefki, Xerneas, Clefable, and Tyranitar make for good teammates. Because Grass Arceus primarily functions as a Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus check, additional Primal Groudon checks such as Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence can beat the many variants that Grass Arceus cannot beat (repetitive). Additional Primal Kyogre checks are also helpful, as Grass Arceus needs teammates to check Primal Kyogre if it has been weakened beforehand; Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon can all fill this role nicely. Clerics, such as Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie make for good teammates that can remove status conditions from Grass Arceus, especially Toxic. In a similar vein, Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki are good parners as they are immune to Toxic and can absorb it for Grass Arceus. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Aegislash are also important partners, because they can trap Mega Gengar before it can trap and remove Grass Arceus. Excadrill is also a good teammate for Grass Arceus because it beats Klefki easily and can Rapid Spin away the Spikes that it Kelfki sets (ambiguity) on Grass Arceus (spikes are on the entire team). Finally, Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon switch into and beat the Steel-types that wall Grass Arceus.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind gives Grass Arceus a way to set up and consequently break down some teams with boosted attacks. Recover provides reliable recovery to keep Grass Arceus healthy so that it can continue to check the Water- and Ground-types that it needs to check. Grass Knot is the primary STAB move as it hits most relevant threats harder than Judgment; however, Judgment can be used for consistency, as it breaks through the less common lighter Pokemon more easily. Ice Beam hits Mega Salamence and Yveltal for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Calm Mind Grass Arceus functions as a set up setup Pokemon that greatly pressures balanced teams and also checks some Water- and Ground-types. 252 HP EVs maximize mixed bulk so that Grass Arceus can check threats such as Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus, though it should be noted that Grass Arceus can still be easily overwhelmed by Primal Kyogre with a bit of prior damage. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Grass Arceus to outspeed a large portion of the Ubers metagame around the 90-110 Base Speed benchmark, while at worst tying with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence. The remaining 4 EVs are put into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Calm Mind on foes that either do not threaten Grass Arceus or are directly threatened by Grass Arceus it (repetitive); however, against opposing teams that have strong answers to Grass Arceus such as Mega Gengar and Ho-Oh, setting up is usually not the ideal play as Grass Arceus will be immediately forced out. Instead, Grass Arceus can be used to pivot around by double switching to something that beats the opponents opponent's switch-in. Do not allow Grass Arceus to be hit with Toxic, because this reduces its ability to amass Calm Mind boosts and will force it out. Lastly, Grass Arceus is worn down relatively easy easily, so it needs to be kept in very good health to soft check Primal Kyogre.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support from the likes of Primal Groudon is very important to weaken the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also serves as a Primal Kyogre check alongside Grass Arceus; Latias and Latios also fill this role while also checking Primal Groudon for Grass Arceus. Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, Lugia, and Mega Salamence check Ho-Oh for Grass Arceus. Pursuit support from Tyranitar or Aegislash can remove Mega Gengar, which threatens to stop and KO Grass Arceus. Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie all provide Cleric support to remove Toxic and other status conditions from Grass Arceus while also checking Yveltal. Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki also make for good partners because they can absorb Toxic. Excadrill does this as well, and it can also clear hazards and beat Klefki.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Grass Arceus has a number of alternate support options; Will-O-Wisp is a possible status move that cripples physical attackers but cannot hit Primal Groudon or Ho-Oh. Thunder Wave is yet another status option that cripples faster threats, but again cannot hit Primal Groudon. Earthquake as a coverage move can be used to hit the Steel-types that normally wall Grass Arceus. Earth Power can also be used to hit Primal Groudon harder at the cost of not being able to hit Klefki and Aegislash quite as hard; it should be noted that neither Earthquake or nor Earth Power can OHKO Mega Gengar. Finally, Fire Blast is an alternate coverage move that hits Steel-types super effectively, especially Ferrothorn and Scizor.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can switch into Grass Arceus with relative ease, and can OHKO Grass Arceus with its STAB moves. It is resistant to Grass Knot and Judgment, takes very little from Ice Beam, and does not mind Toxic too much because it has Regenerator to heal itself. However, it will take a significant amount of damage from Stone Edge.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar takes little from all of Grass Arceus's (remove the s) common moves and can trap it with Shadow Tag. It can then proceed to use Sludge Wave or Sludge Bomb, which is an easy 2HKO on Grass Arceus, or it can use Perish Song to remove Grass Arceus it. It Gengar does not like being crippled by the rare Thunder Wave and will be 2HKOed by Earthquake and Earth Power.

**Steel-types**: Due to their resistances to Grass, Ice, and Rock and immunity to Toxic, Steel-types are excellent checks to Grass Arceus. Klefki can Toxic Grass Arceus and proceed to set Spikes. Ferrothorn can also set Spikes on Grass Arceus, though it tends to force a stalemate if it lacks the move Toxic. Dialga can Toxic Grass Arceus, set up Stealth Rock, and threaten it with Fire Blast. Genesect and Scizor can both threaten Grass Arceus and gain momentum through U-turn, while the latter can also Toxic it.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal switches into Grass Arceus and proceed to hit it with a super effective Oblivion Wing, healing itself in the process; however, it does not especially enjoy being hit with Stone Edge or Ice Beam. If it is a defensive variant, it can Toxic Grass Arceus and Taunt it Grass Arceus to prevent Recover, status, and Defog, though defensive Yveltal may be crippled by Grass Arceus's Toxic itself.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can switch in on Grass Arceus, outspeed it, and then proceed to hit it with a super effective Double Edge or Return, as Aerilate makes the said moves Flying-type and gives them a power boost. Mega Salamence is physically bulky enough to tank Stone Edge relatively well, but takes 4x super effective damage from Ice Beam. If Grass Arceus lacks Ice Beam, it Salamence (ambiguity) can set up Dragon Dance as well.

**Latias and Latios**: Latias and Latios resist Grass Arceus's (remove the s) Grass Knot and Judgment and do not take too much from Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Calm Mind variants can set up on Grass Arceus, but Latias and Latios both dislike Toxic, as it will greatly reduce their ability to reliably use Defog and continually Recover off damage. They will also be crippled by Thunder Wave.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon can switch into some of Grass Arceus's (remove the s) attacks and threaten it with a Sun-boosted STAB Lava Plume, Fire Punch, or Overheat. However, Primal Groudon will be worn down by Toxic, and ofensive Primal Groudon variants risk a 2HKO from Grass Knot if it switches in.

**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is a decent check to Grass Arceus, as it can switch in on Grass Knot and Judgment and proceed to either set up Substitute or hit Grass Arceus with a powerful Air Slash that may also flinch Grass Arceus it. Shaymin-S does not take Stone Edge well and cannot take Ice Beam at all, but it can pressure Grass Arceus decently well.

**Flying Arceus**: Due to its typing advantage and natural bulk, Flying Arceus can switch into any of Grass Arceus's (remove the s) attacks and set up with Calm Mind while threatening Grass Arceus with Judgment. It can keep itself healthy with Recover and use Refresh to clear Toxic and other status.

**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus switches into Grass Arceus and threatens (add the s) it with a super effective Judgment. It can also set up with Calm Mind, though it does not like Toxic.

**Toxic**: Although it is not a specific Pokemon, Toxic in general will wear down Grass Arceus turn per by turn and will leave it vulnerable to being overwhelmed, while also putting it on a timer which makes it more difficult to reliably use Defog.
 
Last edited:

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove
add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
[OVERVIEW]

Grass Arceus has an uncommon mono-Grass typing, solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk, and a wide support movepool that allows it to be an effective support Pokemon in Ubers. However, it has lost its ability to check a lot of powerful threats, as Primal Groudon has a secondary Fire typing and Primal Kyogre hits harder than regular Kyogre and can run a more effective Calm Mind set; as a result, Grass Arceus Arceus's only effective niche in Ubers is being a support Pokemon that can counter Ground Arceus Ground and soft check Primal Kyogre. It is weak to many common Pokemon, namely Mega Gengar, Ho-Oh, Mega Gengar, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, which makes building difficult by mandating strong switch-ins to Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Yveltal, the latter three (cleaner) as well as a Pursuit user to deal with Mega Gengar. While Grass Arceus's typing offers a few key resistances, it does not have provide it with too many of these and leaves Grass Arceus weak to a lot of attacks. It Grass Arceus is also susceptible to Toxic, as most support Arceus formes are.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Recover
move 2: Defog / Toxic
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam / Stone Edge / Toxic
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe
nature: Calm

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover offers reliable recovery that allows Grass Arceus to keep healthy throughout a match. Defog supports Grass Arceus's team by removing entry hazards. Grass Knot is the STAB move of choice because it hits most of the Ubers tier with 120 base power, as most of the Pokemon in Ubers are heavy; it importantly hits Primal Groudon hard. Judgment is an alternate STAB move option that deals consistent damage, specifically targeting lighter Pokemon in Ubers such as Mega Diancie. Ice Beam is an important coverage move that hits Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, which both threaten Grass Arceus. Stone Edge can also be used to hit Ho-Oh for 4x super effective damage when it is lured in by Grass Arceus; it also hits Yveltal and Mega Salamence super effectively, though it doesn't hit Mega Salamence especially hard. Toxic is a usable status move that wears down Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon and can be used if another teammate can remove entry hazards or if a second attack is not necessary.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment gives Grass Arceus solid mixed bulk, so that it can take physical attacks from Ground Arceus and Primal Groudon if it lacks lacking (less ambiguous) a Fire-type move, while also checking Primal Kyogre. 56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed fully invested (I *really* don't like the explicit mention of the number 252, because that sorta implies any investment can be used as a benchmark, whereas the only targets you're allowed to creep are 252 Spe and 0 Spe) Adamant 252 Speed Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested in Special Defense to give maximum special bulk, improving Grass Arceus's ability to take Ice Beams and Blizzards from Primal Kyogre. A Calm nature is used because Grass Knot or Judgment is the primary attack (RC) and Grass Arceus does not want to sacrifice bulk against anything; even when using Stone Edge, Grass Arceus does not miss out on anything too important with a Calm Nature. The use of the item Meadow Plate with the ability Multitype is mechanically necessary, (AC) and but it does add a little bit of power to Grass Arceus's STAB moves.

Usage Tips
========

Grass Arceus does not like being pressured by constant damage from status, so try not to let Grass Arceus it get hit with a status move, especially by Toxic. Try to use any switches Grass Arceus gets by virtue of its typing and bulk to come in and use Defog. When attempting to lure Ho-Oh, many opposing players will try to scout for Stone Edge by switching out, so it can be effective to bluff not having Stone Edge by switching out to a Ho-Oh check the first time it comes in on Grass Arceus. In general, use Recover frequently to stay healthy, as Grass Arceus needs a lot of HP left to check certain threats such as Primal Kyogre. Be very careful around Mega Gengar, as it traps and removes Grass Arceus easily. Grass Arceus should not be treated as a Primal Groudon switch-in initially, (AC) as it fears Primal Groudon's Fire-type STAB moves, though it can be switched aggressively into both Ground Arceus and Kyogre if it is healthy.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support is very important, as it helps against a lot of the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. In addition to this, Pokemon that check Ho-Oh such as Mega Diancie, Lugia, and Tyranitar are good partners. Similarly, Yveltal checks such as Mega Diancie, Klefki, Xerneas, Clefable, and Tyranitar make for good teammates. Because Grass Arceus primarily functions as a Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus check, additional Primal Groudon checks such as Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence can beat the many variants that Grass Arceus cannot beat. (this change of Mowtom's is a tad on the subjective side, but I like it :>) Additional Primal Kyogre checks are also helpful, as Grass Arceus needs teammates to check Primal Kyogre if it has been weakened beforehand; Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon can all fill this role nicely. Clerics, such as Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie, (AC) make for good teammates that can remove status conditions from Grass Arceus, especially Toxic. In a similar vein, Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki are good parners, (AC) as they are immune to Toxic and can absorb it for Grass Arceus. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Aegislash are also important partners, because they can trap Mega Gengar before it can trap and remove Grass Arceus. Excadrill is also a good teammate for Grass Arceus because it beats Klefki easily and can Rapid Spin away the Spikes that it sets up on Grass Arceus. ('setting up Spikes on foe X' in the sense 'using the move while foe X is out' is perfectly fine) Finally, Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon switch into and beat the Steel-types that wall Grass Arceus.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind gives Grass Arceus a way to set up and consequently break down some teams with boosted attacks. Recover provides reliable recovery to keep Grass Arceus healthy so that it can continue to check the Water- and Ground-types that it needs to check. Grass Knot is the primary STAB move, (AC) as it hits most relevant threats harder than Judgment; however, Judgment can be used for consistency, as it breaks through the less common lighter Pokemon more easily. Ice Beam hits Mega Salamence and Yveltal for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Calm Mind Grass Arceus functions as a set up setup Pokemon that greatly pressures balanced teams and also checks some Water- and Ground-types. 252 HP EVs maximize mixed bulk so that Grass Arceus can check threats such as Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus, though it should be noted that Grass Arceus can still be easily overwhelmed by Primal Kyogre with a bit of prior damage. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Grass Arceus to outspeed a large portion of the Ubers metagame around the 90-110 base Speed benchmark, while at worst tying with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence. The remaining 4 EVs are put into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Calm Mind on foes that either do not threaten Grass Arceus or are directly threatened by Grass Arceus it; however, against opposing teams that have strong answers to Grass Arceus such as Mega Gengar and Ho-Oh, setting up is usually not the ideal play, (AC) as Grass Arceus will be immediately forced out. Instead, Grass Arceus can be used to pivot around by double switching to something that beats the opponent's (apostrophe) switch-in. Do not allow Grass Arceus to be hit with Toxic, because this reduces its ability to amass Calm Mind boosts and will force it out. Lastly, Grass Arceus is worn down relatively easy easily, so it needs to be kept in very good health to soft check Primal Kyogre.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support from the likes of Primal Groudon is very important to weaken the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also serves as a Primal Kyogre check alongside Grass Arceus; Latias and Latios also fill this role too (less repetitive) while also checking Primal Groudon for Grass Arceus. Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, Lugia, and Mega Salamence check Ho-Oh for Grass Arceus. Pursuit support from Tyranitar or Aegislash can remove Mega Gengar, which threatens to stop and KO Grass Arceus. Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie all provide cleric support to remove Toxic and other status conditions from Grass Arceus while also checking Yveltal. Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki also make for good partners because they can absorb Toxic. Excadrill does this as well, and it can also clear entry hazards and beat Klefki.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Grass Arceus has a number of alternate support options; Will-O-Wisp is a possible status move that cripples physical attackers but cannot hit Primal Groudon or Ho-Oh. Thunder Wave is yet another status option that cripples faster threats (RC) but again cannot hit Primal Groudon. Earthquake as a coverage move can be used to hit the Steel-types that normally wall Grass Arceus. Earth Power can also be used to hit Primal Groudon harder at the cost of not being able to hit Klefki and Aegislash quite as hard; it should be noted that neither Earthquake or nor Earth Power can OHKO Mega Gengar. Finally, Fire Blast is an alternate coverage move that hits Steel-types super effectively, especially Ferrothorn and Scizor.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can switch into Grass Arceus with relative ease (RC) and can OHKO Grass Arceus with its STAB moves. It is resistant to resists Grass Knot and Judgment, takes very little from Ice Beam, and does not mind Toxic too much because it has Regenerator to heal itself. However, it will take a significant amount of damage from Stone Edge.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar takes little from all of Grass Arceus's common moves and can trap it with Shadow Tag. It can then proceed to use Sludge Wave or Sludge Bomb, which is an easy 2HKO on Grass Arceus, or it can use Perish Song to remove Grass Arceus. It does not like being crippled by the rare Thunder Wave, however, and will be 2HKOed by Earthquake and Earth Power.

**Steel-types**: Due to their resistances to Grass, Ice, and Rock and immunity to Toxic, Steel-types are excellent checks to Grass Arceus. Klefki can Toxic Grass Arceus and proceed to set Spikes. Ferrothorn can also set Spikes on Grass Arceus, though it tends to force a stalemate if it lacks the move Toxic. Dialga can Toxic Grass Arceus, set up Stealth Rock, and threaten it with Fire Blast. Genesect and Scizor can both threaten Grass Arceus and gain momentum through U-turn, while the latter can also Toxic it.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal switches can switch into Grass Arceus and proceed to hit it with a super effective Oblivion Wing, healing itself in the process; however, it does not especially enjoy being hit with Stone Edge or Ice Beam. If it is a defensive variant, it can Toxic Grass Arceus and Taunt it to prevent Recover, status, and Defog, though defensive Yveltal may be crippled by Grass Arceus's Toxic itself.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can switch in on Grass Arceus, outspeed it, and then proceed to hit it with a super effective Double-Edge (add hyphen) or Return, as Aerilate makes the said moves Flying-type and gives them a power boost. Mega Salamence is physically bulky enough to tank Stone Edge relatively well, but it takes 4x super effective damage from Ice Beam. If Grass Arceus lacks Ice Beam, it Mega Salamence can set up Dragon Dance as well.

**Latias and Latios**: Latias and Latios resist Grass Arceus's Grass Knot and Judgment and do not take too much from Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Calm Mind variants can set up on Grass Arceus, but Latias and Latios both dislike Toxic, as it will greatly reduce their ability to reliably use Defog and continually Recover off damage. They will also be crippled by Thunder Wave.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon can switch into some of Grass Arceus's attacks and threaten it with a sun-boosted STAB Lava Plume, Fire Punch, or Overheat. However, Primal Groudon will be worn down by Toxic, and offensive Primal Groudon variants risk a 2HKO from Grass Knot if it switches they switch in.

**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is a decent check to Grass Arceus, as it can switch in on Grass Knot and Judgment and proceed to either set up Substitute or hit Grass Arceus with a powerful Air Slash that may also make it flinch Grass Arceus. Shaymin-S does not take Stone Edge well and cannot take Ice Beam at all, but it can pressure Grass Arceus decently well.

**Flying Arceus**: Due to its typing advantage and natural bulk, Flying Arceus can switch into any of Grass Arceus's attacks and set up with Calm Mind while threatening Grass Arceus with Judgment. It can keep itself healthy with Recover and use Refresh to clear Toxic and other status.

**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus switches can switch into Grass Arceus and threaten it with a super effective Judgment. It can also set up with Calm Mind, though it does not like Toxic.

**Toxic**: Although it is not a specific Pokemon, Toxic in general will wear down Grass Arceus turn per by turn and will leave it vulnerable to being overwhelmed, while also putting it on a timer which makes and making it more difficult to reliably use Defog.
Last edited: Friday at 3:24 PM



GP 1/2
Mowtom, bunch of good changes, but make sure to look over mine as well :)
as for the possessive s after a word ending in s, that's a convention thing. Some conventions use apostrophe + s for all singulars whereas other conventions only use an apostrophe for singulars ending in s, but neither is wrong per se, and Smogon uses an s at all times; in our house you live by our rules, so to speak :>
 
Last edited:

dhelmise

banend doosre
is a Site Content Manageris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Programmeris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Top Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Social Media Head
[OVERVIEW]

Grass Arceus has an uncommon mono-Grass typing, solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk, and a wide support movepool that allows it to be an effective support Pokemon in the Ubers metagame. However, it has lost its ability to check a lot of powerful threats, as Primal Groudon has a secondary Fire typing, (AC) and Primal Kyogre hits harder than regular Kyogre and can run a more effective Calm Mind set; as a result, Grass Arceus's only effective niche in Ubers is being a support Pokemon that can counter Ground Arceus and soft check Primal Kyogre. It is weak to many common Pokemon, namely Mega Gengar, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Salamence, which makes teambuilding (I assume) difficult by mandating strong switch-ins to the latter three, as well as a Pursuit user to deal with Mega Gengar. While Grass Arceus's typing offers a few key resistances, it does not provide it with too many of these and leaves Grass Arceusit weak to a lot of attacks. Grass Arceus is also susceptible to Toxic, as like most support Arceus formes are.

[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Recover
move 2: Defog / Toxic
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam / Stone Edge / Toxic
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 200 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Recover offers reliable recovery that allows Grass Arceus to keep healthy throughout aremain healthy throughout the match. Defog supports Grass Arceus's team by removing entry hazards. Grass Knot is the STAB move of choice because it hits most of the Ubers tier with 120 base power, as most of the Pokemon in UbersBase Power, as most Uber Pokemon are heavy; it importantly hits Primal Groudon hard. Judgment is an alternate STAB move option that deals consistent damage, specifically targeting lighter Pokemon in the Ubers metagame such as Mega Diancie. Ice Beam is an important coverage move that hits Mega Salamence and Rayquaza, which both threaten Grass Arceus. Stone Edge can also be used to hit Ho-Oh for 4x super effective damage when it is lured in by Grass Arceus; it also hits Yveltal and Mega Salamence for super effectively damage, though it doesn't hit Mega Salamence especially hard. Toxic is a usable status move that wears down Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon and can be used if another teammate can remove entry hazards or if a second attack is not necessary.

Set Details
========

Maximum HP investment gives Grass Arceus solid mixed bulk, so that it can take physical attacks from Ground Arceus and Primal Groudon lacking a Fire-type move, while also checking Primal Kyogre. 56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed fully invested Adamant Rayquaza. The rest of the EVs are invested in Special Defense to give maximum special bulk, improving Grass Arceus's ability to take Ice Beams and Blizzards from Primal Kyogre. A Calm nature is used because Grass Knot or Judgment is the primary attack and Grass Arceus does not want to sacrifice bulk against anything; even when using Stone Edge, Grass Arceus does not miss out on anything too important with a Calm Nnature. The use of the item Meadow Plate with the ability Multitype is mechanically necessary, but it does add a little bit of power to Grass Arceus's STAB moves.

Usage Tips
========

Grass Arceus does not like being pressured by constant damage from status, so try not to let it get hit with a status move, especially Toxic. Try to use any switches Grass Arceus gets by virtue of its typing and bulk to come in and use Defog. When attempting to lure Ho-Oh, many opposing playernents will try to scout for Stone Edge by switching out, so it can be effective to bluff not having Stone Edge by switching out to a Ho-Oh check the first time it comes in on Grass Arceus. In general, use Recover frequently to stay healthy, as Grass Arceus needs a lot of HP left to check certain threats such as Primal Kyogre. Be very careful around Mega Gengar, as it traps and removes Grass Arceus easily. Grass Arceus should not be treated as a Primal Groudon switch-in initially, as it fears Primal Groudon's Fire-type STAB moves, though it can be switched aggressively into both Ground Arceus and Kyogre if it is healthy.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support is very important, as it helps against a lot of the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. In addition to this, Pokemon that check Ho-Oh such as Mega Diancie, Lugia, and Tyranitar are good partners. Similarly, Yveltal checks such as Mega Diancie, Klefki, Xerneas, Clefable, and Tyranitar make for good teammates. Because Grass Arceus primarily functions as a Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus check, additional Primal Groudon checks such as Latias, Latios, Giratina-O, and Mega Salamence can beat the many variants that Grass Arceus cannot. Additional Primal Kyogre checks are also helpful, as Grass Arceus needs teammates to check Primal Kyogre if it has been weakened beforehand; Latias, Latios, and Primal Groudon can all fill this role nicely. Clerics, such as Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie, make for good teammates that can remove status conditions from Grass Arceus, especially Toxic. In a similar vein, Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki are good partners, as they are immune to Toxic and can absorb it for Grass Arceus. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Aegislash are also important partners, because they can trap Mega Gengar before it can trap and remove Grass Arceus. Excadrill is also a good teammate for Grass Arceus because it beats Klefki easily and can Rapid Spin away the Spikes that it sets up on Grass Arceus. Finally, Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon switch into and beat the Steel-types that wall Grass Arceus.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Grass Knot / Judgment
move 4: Ice Beam
item: Meadow Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Calm Mind gives Grass Arceus a way to set up and consequently break down some teams with boosted attacks. Recover provides reliable recovery to keep Grass Arceus healthy so that it can continue to check the Water- and Ground-types that it needs to check. Grass Knot is the primary STAB move, as it hits most relevant threats harder than Judgment; however, Judgment can be used for consistency, as it breaks through the less common, (AC) lighter Pokemon more easily. Ice Beam hits Mega Salamence and Yveltal for super effective damage.

Set Details
========

Calm Mind Grass Arceus functions as a setup Pokemon that greatly pressures balanced teams and checks some Water- and Ground-types. 252 HP EVs maximize mixed bulk so that Grass Arceus can check threats such as Primal Kyogre and Ground Arceus, though; (Add semicolon) however, it should be noted that Grass Arceus can still be easily overwhelmed by Primal Kyogre with a bit of prior damage. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Grass Arceus to outspeed a large portion of the Ubers metagame around the 90-110 basebase 90 to 110 Speed benchmark, while at worst tying with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence. The remaining 4 EVs are put into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Set up Calm Mind on foes that either do not threaten Grass Arceus or are directly threatened by it; however, when going against opposing teams that have strong answers to Grass Arceus, (AC) such as Mega Gengar and Ho-Oh, setting up is usually not the ideal play, as Grass Arceus will be immediately forced out. Instead, Grass Arceus can be used to pivot around by double switching to something that beats the opponent's switch-in. Do not allow Grass Arceus to be hit with Toxic, because this reduces its ability to amass Calm Mind boosts and will force it out. Lastly, Grass Arceus is worn down relatively easily, so it needs to be kept in very good health to soft check Primal Kyogre.

Team Options
========

Stealth Rock support from the likes of Primal Groudon is very important to weaken the Flying-types that threaten Grass Arceus, especially Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also serves as a Primal Kyogre check alongside Grass Arceus; Latias and Latios fill this role while too also checking Primal Groudon for Grass Arceus. Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, Lugia, and Mega Salamence check Ho-Oh for Grass Arceus. Pursuit support from Tyranitar or Aegislash can remove Mega Gengar, which threatens to stop and KO Grass Arceus. Clefable, Xerneas, Blissey, and Mega Diancie all provide cleric support to remove Toxic and other status conditions from Grass Arceus while also checking Yveltal. Steel-types such as Aegislash, Skarmory, Mega Metagross, and Klefki also make for good partners because they can absorb Toxic. Excadrill does this as well, and it can also clear entry hazards and beat Klefki.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Grass Arceus has a number of alternate support options; Will-O-Wisp is a possible status move that cripples physical attackers but cannot hit Primal Groudon or Ho-Oh. Thunder Wave is yet another status option that cripples faster threats but again cannot hit Primal Groudon. Earthquake can be used as a coverage move can be used to hit the Steel-types that normally wall Grass Arceus. Earth Power can also be used to hit Primal Groudon harder at the cost of not being able to hit Klefki and Aegislash quite as hard; it should be noted that neither Earthquake nor Earth Power can OHKO Mega Gengar. Finally, Fire Blast is an alternate coverage move that hits Steel-types for super effectively damage, especially Ferrothorn and Scizor.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can switch into Grass Arceus with relative ease, and it can OHKO Grass Arceus with its STAB moves. It resists Grass Knot and Judgment, takes very little from Ice Beam, and does not mind Toxic too much because it has Regenerator to heal itself. However, it will take a significant amount of damage from Stone Edge.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar takes little from all of Grass Arceus's common moves and can trap it with Shadow Tag. It can then proceed to use Sludge Wave or Sludge Bomb, which is an easy 2HKO on Grass Arceus, or it can use Perish Song to remove Grass Arceus. It does not like being crippled by the rare Thunder Wave, however, and will be 2HKOed by Earthquake and Earth Power.

**Steel-types**: Due to their resistances to Grass, Ice, and Rock and immunity to Toxic, Steel-types are excellent checks to Grass Arceus. Klefki can Toxic Grass Arceus and proceed to set up Spikes. Ferrothorn can also set Spikes up on Grass Arceus, though it tends to force a stalemate if it lacks the move Toxic. Dialga can Toxic Grass Arceus, set up Stealth Rock, and threaten it with Fire Blast. Genesect and Scizor can both threaten Grass Arceus and gain momentum through U-turn, while the latter can also Toxic it.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal can switch into Grass Arceus and proceed to hit it with a super effective Oblivion Wing, healing itself in the process; however, it does not especially enjoy being hit with Stone Edge or Ice Beam. If it is a defensive variant, it can Toxic Grass Arceus and Taunt it to prevent Recover, status, and Defog, though defensive Yveltal may be crippled by Grass Arceus's Toxic itself.

**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can switch in on Grass Arceus, outspeed it, and proceed to hit it with a super effective Double-Edge or Return. Mega Salamence is physically bulky enough to tank Stone Edge relatively well, but it takes 4x super effective damage from Ice Beam. If Grass Arceus lacks Ice Beam, Mega Salamence can set up Dragon Dance as well.

**Latias and Latios**: Latias and Latios resist Grass Arceus's Grass Knot and Judgment and do not take too much from Stone Edge or Ice Beam. Calm Mind variants can set up on Grass Arceus, but Latias and Latios both dislike Toxic, as it will greatly reduce their ability to reliably use Defog and continually Recover off damage. They will also be crippled by Thunder Wave.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon can switch into some of Grass Arceus's attacks and threaten it with a sun-boosted STAB Lava Plume, Fire Punch, or Overheat. However, Primal Groudon will be worn down by Toxic, and offensive Primal Groudon variants risk a 2HKO from Grass Knot if they switch in.

**Shaymin-S**: Shaymin-S is a decent check to Grass Arceus, as it can switch in on Grass Knot and Judgment and proceed to either set up Substitute or hit Grass Arceus with a powerful Air Slash that may also make it flinch. Shaymin-S does not take Stone Edge well and cannot take Ice Beam at all, but it can pressure Grass Arceus decently well.

**Flying Arceus**: Due to its typing advantage and natural bulk, Flying Arceus can switch into any of Grass Arceus's attacks and set up with Calm Mind while threatening Grass Arceus with Judgment. It can keep itself healthy with Recover and use Refresh to clear Toxic and other status.

**Ice Arceus**: Ice Arceus can switch into Grass Arceus and threaten it with a super effective Judgment. It can also set up with Calm Mind, though it does not like Toxic.

**Toxic**: Although it is not a specific Pokemon, Toxic in general will wear down Grass Arceus turn by turn and will leave it vulnerable to being overwhelmed, while also putting it on a timer and making it more difficult to reliably use Defog.

GP 2/2
 

haxiom

God's not dead.
is a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Implemented; two things though.

While Grass Arceus's typing offers a few key resistances, it does not provide it with too many of these and leaves Grass Arceusit weak to a lot of attacks.
I didn't do this because the subject of the sentence is Grass Arceus's typing. However, if you meant for this then let me know.

Primal Groudon also serves as a Primal Kyogre check alongside Grass Arceus; Latias and Latios fill this role while too also checking Primal Groudon for Grass Arceus.
This was an implementation error, I meant to put "too" after "role". Does this work, or should I omit it anyways?

Rhythms
 

dhelmise

banend doosre
is a Site Content Manageris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Programmeris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Top Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Social Media Head
Implemented; two things though.


I didn't do this because the subject of the sentence is Grass Arceus's typing. However, if you meant for this then let me know.


This was an implementation error, I meant to put "too" after "role". Does this work, or should I omit it anyways?

Rhythms
the former, just leave "Grass Arceus"

the latter, "do the change you originally meant to do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top