GP: 2/2 (GatoDelFuego / Legitimate Username)
QC: 3/3 (Fireburn / Blue Jay / polop )
Penis Dragon
Such Girth
Wow
Colonel M's Palkia skeleton
Overview
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Several factors collectively establish Palkia among the highest ranks of the Ubers roster. Firstly, a 4x resistance to Water-type moves gives Palkia an unrivaled role as a Kyogre check. Neutrality to most types and only two weaknesses in Dragon- and Fairy-type moves is a nice plus for it. Secondly, a good base 100 Speed lets Palkia outpace the numerous base 90-99 Speed Pokemon that populate the tier. Lastly, Palkia's great base 150 Special Attack complemented by quality STAB moves and necessary coverage confer huge offensive prowess on it. As far as support goes, Palkia has a usable movepool comprising status, phazing, and Rest. This, in tandem with a good base 120 Special Defense, allows it to use a defensive set to good effect. Unfortunately, the newly introduced Fairy-types are the bane of Palkia's existence, with a key offensive threat in Geomancy Xerneas being able to use it as setup fodder. Offensive powerhouses such as Mega Blaziken and Mega Mewtwo X are other newcomers that can overwhelm Palkia with their superior Speed and sheer damage output. Additionally, the generation shift saw the loss of permanent weather, and all Palkia's commonly used attacking options bar Spacial Rend have had their Base Power nerfed. All in all though, Palkia's blend of typing, Speed, and power makes it one of the most defining Pokemon in Ubers with few, if any, real flaws.
Standard
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name: Standard
move 1: Rest
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Spacial Rend
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Rest, being Palkia's only means of recovery, grants it more longevity, especially against Kyogre and support Arceus formes; it works particularly well in tandem with cleric support and Leftovers recovery. This move is very important on Palkia as it goes a long way in letting it stand up to the aforementioned Pokemon throughout the course of the match. Toxic is Palkia's means of wearing down bulky opponents such as Lugia; the cumulative nature of Toxic damage will overwhelm these Pokemon if they lack any means of status removal. In conjunction with Rest, this allows Palkia to beat most support Arceus formes one-on-one. Hydro Pump is a powerful STAB move that hits most opponents neutrally for respectable damage and can function as a nuke of sorts under rain. If its PP and accuracy are problematic, Surf is a weaker, more accurate option, but the power drop is quite significant, especially if you choose to invest in Palkia's Special Attack. Spacial Rend complements Hydro Pump excellently, with Ferrothorn being the only commonly seen Pokemon in Ubers that resists both moves. Dragon-types such as both Giratina formes and opposing Palkia that resist Palkia's Water-type STAB moves are conveniently hit super effectively. Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used in this slot to take down problematic Steel-types, mainly Ferrothorn and Scizor. Thunder Wave is a third possible option, giving Palkia access to a second status move that is situationally more useful than Toxic. For example, Thunder Wave can cripple any Geomancy Xerneas that attempts to get ahead of itself and set up on Palkia.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature makes the best of Palkia's base 100 Speed, which gives it a very valuable niche. With maximum investment, Palkia can outrun and pick off positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon; it also handily outspeeds the newly introduced Xerneas and Yveltal. The remaining EVs can be invested in one of two stats. Using 252 Special Attack EVs maximizes the power of Palkia's moves, allowing it to secure KOs on Pokemon such as Giratina-O and Ho-Oh with its STAB moves and hit foes much harder in general. Alternatively, the EVs can be invested in HP, letting Palkia stomach Judgment from support Arceus formes and survive its Rest turns more comfortably, albeit at the cost of increased damage output. Leftovers is really the only viable item choice on this Palkia set, as it gives Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and taking hits. For example, Judgment from a type-neutral 0 SpA support Arceus is guaranteed a 3HKO on 252 HP / 0 SpD Palkia, but only has a 19% chance to do so when factoring in Leftovers recovery. Leftovers is also effective in tiding Palkia through its Rest turns.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Palkia in on Kyogre, especially early- to mid-game, in order to scout its set and minimize damage done to the team. It is likely to be the only Pokemon on your team that is 4x resistant to Water-type moves, so make full use of that. Don't get cocksure with predictions until late-game, when you might then want to capitalize on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams from Choice Specs/Choice Scarf Kyogre by switching into other teammates that can take the hit better. That being said, do not rashly switch Palkia in on Pokemon with relatively powerful unboosted STAB moves, especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview; you don't want it to be unable to check Kyogre when it needs to. For example, it is a bad idea switching Palkia into Landorus-T's Earthquake, even if you can force it out afterwards, because Palkia will now be in possible KO range of Kyogre's Thunder and will be forced to use Rest.
Speaking of Rest, Palkia finds itself in a precarious situation while asleep. As it lacks Sleep Talk, this set is next to useless while asleep and is not especially bulky, so minimize unnecessary damage/status inflicted on Palkia such that it does not have to incapacitate itself by using Rest. The move should only ever be used as a means of status removal and shrugging off damage incurred from switching in on Kyogre, in order to let it continue to do just that. As a final caveat regarding Rest, keep in mind that Pressure in conjunction with Rest allows Palkia to outstall specially defensive Kyogre, so if you see one on the opposing team, your usage of the move should be targeted at ultimately outlasting it. Lastly, similar to how it checks Kyogre, this Palkia can put type-neutral support Arceus formes on a timer with Toxic backed up by Rest. Note that it cannot switch into Judgment comfortably unless it is running 252 HP EVs, so keep that in mind when contemplating switching it in.
Team Options
========
This Palkia is a very self-sufficient Pokemon, supporting one's team more than it requires support. Still, certain Pokemon are necessary teammates to have, and others are useful partners. First, include teammates to deal with Fairy-types. Steel-types such as Klefki, Scizor, and Jirachi are good choices, as is Ho-Oh. Cleric support is also much-appreciated, working brilliantly with Rest. Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia. A Ground-type to handle Choice Scarf Zekrom is nice, as it is very dangerous as a revenge killer. Groudon is a good option, as is Landorus-T and Gliscor. These Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which is an important entry hazard to have active and which can check threatening Pokemon like Ho-Oh. It is good to note that a Ground-type, along with the Fairy-type clerics mentioned before, puts Zekrom users in an unsavory situation where they have to predict accurately with Zekrom's STAB moves or risk wasting a turn. It is also nice to have a teammate to take advantage of Blissey, a hard counter to Palkia. Ho-Oh can do this, as do powerful physical attackers like Mega Mewtwo X. Regarding Mewtwo, having good switch-ins to it and its Mega Evolutions are required, as they can switch in on this set in a pinch and threaten Palkia greatly with their superior Speed and powerful STAB moves. Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with Mega Mewtwo X, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo Y and Life Orb Mewtwo. Finally, it is recommended to have an Arceus forme of your own to deal with opposing Palkia; Fairy and Ghost Arceus are good for this purpose and can also help with Mewtwo. Mega Gengar deserves a mention as a blanket check to a fair few Pokemon that plague Palkia, namely Fairy-types, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey that are not carrying a Shed Shell.
Offensive
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name: Offensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Spacial Rend
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Dragon Tail / Thunder / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Lustrous Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is a strong STAB move; boosted by Lustrous Orb and coming off base 150 Special Attack, it hits even neutral targets considerably hard, and rain support skyrockets its damage output. Spacial Rend is Palkia's choice of a Dragon-type STAB move, complementing Hydro Pump in providing excellent neutral coverage. It is consistent, fairly powerful, can be used under any weather, and also hits opposing Palkia, Giratina, and Rayquaza super effectively. Fire Blast is mandatory coverage against the numerous Steel-types in Ubers, notably Ferrothorn, which resists both of Palkia's STAB moves. Dragon Tail phazes switch-ins to Palkia such as Blissey and support Arceus formes, racking up chip damage on these Pokemon. It is also very useful for temporarily preventing setup from Calm Mind Arceus formes and Extreme Killer Arceus, Pokemon that this Palkia set is very vulnerable to due to its inability to boost its stats and relative frailty. Note that Dragon Tail is unable to phaze Fairy-type setup sweepers, notably Geomancy Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. Thunder can be used in this slot to hit Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia super effectively. While its 30% chance of paralysis should not be counted on, it is high enough to be significant. Thunder Wave is an excellent third option for crippling Arceus switch-ins and overeager Geomancy Xerneas or Calm Mind Arceus formes. Surf can be used if Hydro Pump's accuracy is a problem, but the power drop is significant. Draco Meteor can be used over Spacial Rend as a stronger Dragon-type move that notably ensures a KO on opposing Assault Vest Palkia, has a 75% chance to KO 0 HP Groudon outright after it has taken Stealth Rock damage, and proves situationally more useful against Arceus switch-ins. However, the Special Attack drop can be taken advantage of by opportunistic setup sweepers, making the consistency of Spacial Rend generally more appreciated.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment with a Timid nature makes the best of Palkia's good Speed tier and lets it hit as hard as possible. Lustrous Orb gives Palkia's STAB moves a much-welcomed 1.2x power boost with no drawbacks. Leftovers can also be used to give Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and increasing its longevity somewhat. Haban Berry is an interesting option to consider, allowing Palkia a surefire means of beating opposing Palkia one-on-one. Note that Dragon-type attacks are much less prominent this generation, reducing Haban Berry's utility and making it largely a sub-optimal item choice.
Usage Tips
========
Make full use of Palkia's 4x resistance to Water-type moves by switching it into Kyogre, especially early- to mid-game. Don't get cocksure with predictions until late-game, where you might then want to capitalize on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams by switching into other teammates. Note that unlike other Palkia sets, offensive Palkia has no means of recovery and will get worn down quickly, hence it is advised to actively predict the opponent's switches and double switch Palkia in so as to preserve its limited health. Also, do not be rash in switching Palkia into Pokemon with moderately powerful unboosted STAB moves or those that can cripple it with status, especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview. While it is on the field, Palkia's STAB Hydro Pump is a very abusable move; spam it when Palkia can force the opposing Pokemon out, especially if the opponent's Arceus forme is unrevealed and they do not have an obvious Palkia check like Blissey or Sylveon. This is a good way to get the opponent to reveal their Arceus forme early-game as few other Pokemon are really able to stomach offensive Palkia's assaults. If Dragon Tail is used, it is a nice move to throw out against predicted switch-ins, phazing them for residual damage. This is enhanced if entry hazards are on the field; for this reason, Palkia appreciates Spikes support from its teammates in addition to the requisite Stealth Rock. Using Thunder Wave to cripple switch-ins is also a good idea. Lastly, note that Palkia's moves are quite weather-dependent. Hydro Pump and Thunder function optimally under rain, while Fire Blast can be used in any weather but. Try to manipulate the weather to your advantage with Palkia's teammates for optimum effectiveness of its moves. Spacial Rend is a consistent and powerful move that you can sling around under any weather.
Team Options
========
As with standard Palkia, offensive Palkia is very self-sufficient, but some teammates are necessary to have, while it appreciates the presence of others. Firstly, teammates to deal with Fairy-types are a must. Steel-types such as Scizor and Klefki can do this, and these two in particular also fit with the more offensive motif of teams one would like to use this Palkia on. Next, Ground-types are useful for dealing with Choice Scarf Zekrom. Groudon is a good teammate, as is Landorus-T and Gliscor. These Pokemon also have access to Stealth Rock, which checks dangerous Pokemon like Ho-Oh and racks up residual damage on switch-ins, which is very nice considering Palkia's ability to force switches. Kyogre is another good teammate as its Drizzle gives Hydro Pump a large 1.5x power boost and makes Thunder 100% accurate. Spamming Water-type moves is a pretty effective way of softening up teams and a strategy in itself, hence having two users of powerful Water-type moves is a good way to go. Having a support Arceus forme is good for dealing with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid candidates for the role as they also help with Mewtwo, another potent offensive threat. Mega Gengar can remove Fairy-types, support Arceus formes, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey that are not carrying a Shed Shell, facilitating a Palkia cleanup. It is important to note that given this Palkia's relative frailty and lack of recovery, your other team members should be able to pressure Kyogre decently well such that it does not get to switch in too freely. You should also be able to ensure that common Calm Mind Arceus formes such as Electric, Ghost, and Fairy Arceus do not get out of hand and accrue too many Calm Mind boosts.
Specially Defensive
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name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Surf
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
Surf is this set's most consistent mono-attacking option, hitting most Pokemon neutrally and possessing 100% accuracy as well as high PP, unlike most of Palkia's other moves. Super effective coverage against Ground-types, Ho-Oh, and Heatran is a nice plus. Toxic, especially when coupled with Rest, allows Palkia to pressure and win one-on-one against many common support Arceus formes such as Ghost, Water, and Rock Arceus. Rest gives Palkia the longevity it needs; it is a necessity on this set, which prioritizes staying power over offensive presence. Sleep Talk allows Palkia to spread Toxic even while asleep and basically prevents it from being completely helpless during its Rest turns. Spacial Rend or Fire Blast can be used in the fourth slot; the former lets Palkia hit Giratina formes hard, and the latter, Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. Dragon Tail can also be used in this slot to ensure that Calm Mind Arceus that have already accrued boosts when Palkia switches in do not overwhelm it, especially if Palkia has already taken prior damage. Dragon Tail can also stave off Extreme Killer Arceus in the interim.
Set Details
========
252 EVs are invested in both HP and Special Defense to maximize Palkia's special bulk; this works well with Palkia's good base 120 Special Defense and neutrality to most types. To illustrate Palkia's impressive bulk, this set takes a maximum of 29% from Choice Scarf Kyogre's Thunder, while Judgment from a type-neutral 0 Special Attack support Arceus does a maximum of 30%. Leftovers is a mandatory item to prolong Palkia's lifespan and let it survive its Rest turns.
Usage Tips
========
This Palkia is a prime check to Kyogre and should be switched in aggressively against it. With its EV spread, Toxic, and Rest, this Palkia now fares well against most common support Arceus barring Fairy and Poison Arceus, so switch it in on those as well. As mentioned, Judgment from a type-neutral 0 SpA Arceus does a maximum of 30%, meaning that this Palkia can switch in far more comfortably against support Arceus than any other Palkia set. Aside from this though, try not to let Palkia sustain any unnecessary damage, as Rest isn't exactly reliable recovery and Palkia should be as healthy as possible in order to tackle the listed threats, of which checks to are in short supply. Letting it get hit by Earthquake/Psystrike/Brave Bird unnecessarily will leave it too crippled to perform its role effectively later in the game.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support should be employed in order to make the best of this set's ability to deal with common Defogging support Arceus. Stealth Rock also checks Ho-Oh, which otherwise threatens this set greatly. Ground-types such as Landorus-T are good Stealth Rock setters that can also handle Zekrom well. Next, teammates to deal with Fairy-types are required. Heatran and Scizor fill this role, as can Ho-Oh and Mega Gengar. Cleric support is much-appreciated. You will find that Fairy-types are friend as much as foe; Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia and wall the Dragon-type attacks that this set is vulnerable to. It is necessary to have a good switch-in to Mewtwo and its Mega Evolutions as they threaten Palkia massively with their superior Speed and powerful attacks. As with other sets, Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with Mega Mewtwo X, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo Y and Life Orb Mewtwo. Again, it is advised to have an Arceus forme of your own to take on opposing Palkia; Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid choices that also put in work against Mewtwo. Finally, checks to strong physical attackers/sweepers are required. The aforementioned Landorus-T can check Ho-Oh and Swords Dance Ground Arceus, while Ghost Arceus and Giratina-O can handle Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Mewtwo X, and physically defensive Ho-Oh helps against Blaziken and opposing Ho-Oh.
Choice Specs
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name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump hits very hard with Choice Specs equipped, doing 57%-68% to 252 HP Arceus and severely damaging most other neutral targets. Draco Meteor backed by Choice Specs packs nuclear power, but note that the Special Attack drop can be capitalized on, though Choice Specs Palkia is by and large a hit-and-run Pokemon anyway. Spacial Rend is a weaker but far more consistent Dragon-type STAB move and has certain important functions on this set, such as pressuring type-neutral Arceus switch-ins very effectively. Once any opposing Fairy-types have been taken care of, Spacial Rend is also an awesome move for Palkia to clean up with late-game. Fire Blast handles Steel-types, notably Ferrothorn. It also allows Palkia a surefire means of getting past Grass Arceus under neutral or sunny weather, and is Palkia's best attacking option in sun. Thunder can also be used in this slot, hitting Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia. The power boost from Choice Specs allows Thunder to damage these Pokemon severely such that they cannot stall Palkia out by healing off the damage.
Set Details
========
252 EVs are invested in both Speed and Special Attack to let Palkia hit as hard and fast as possible. This EV spread is quite straightforward and non-negotiable. Choice Specs is the point of the set, allowing Palkia to pressure/beat some of its would-be checks in support Arceus formes and bulky Fairy-type switch-ins.
Usage Tips
========
Spam Hydro Pump most of the time, as it 2HKOes practically all neutral targets barring Blissey, and will punish type-neutral Arceus formes that attempt to switch in. Try having rain active when doing this; the power boost is very significant. In sunny weather, Fire Blast replaces Hydro Pump as your best bet at damaging stuff in general, and once Fairy-types are out of the picture, Spacial Rend is your go-to move to spam. Note that it is important to ensure Fairy-types are no longer an issue before using Spacial Rend loosely, as a simple switch into one of them can reverse your momentum. Having entry hazards up is also a great way to further pressure switch-ins and soften up the opposing team for a cleanup by another teammate or Palkia itself; Spikes support is again much-appreciated. Try as much as possible to bring Palkia in via double switches or as a revenge killer; like offensive Palkia, this Palkia is quite frail with no means of recovery, and its main aim is still checking Kyogre on teams that use it. You should also try as much as possible to steer clear of status, which is also very debilitating for this set; paralysis destroys its Speed advantage and burn/poison wears away at it. Lastly, be mindful of your moves' remaining PP throughout the match, as being locked into and spamming a move drains PP rapidly, not to mention that the ubiquity of Pressure in Ubers exacerbates this issue.
Team Options
========
If anything, a solid answer to Fairy-types is more necessary than ever here due to this set's inability to switch moves. As with the offensive set, Scizor and Klefki are good examples of such teammates. Mega Gengar is another great teammate in this regard. Again, Ground-types are useful for dealing with Choice Scarf Zekrom. Groudon and Landorus-T are good teammates that also have access to Stealth Rock, which checks dangerous Pokemon like Ho-Oh and racks up residual damage on switch-ins, which is very nice considering Palkia's ability to force switches. Kyogre is nice to have as well, as its Drizzle ability gives Hydro Pump a large 1.5x power boost and makes Thunder 100% accurate. Spamming Water-type moves is a pretty effective way of softening up teams and a strategy in itself, hence having two users of powerful Water-type moves is a good way to go. A support Arceus forme is good for dealing with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid candidates for the role as they also help with Mewtwo. Checks to physically-based revenge killers and Extreme Killer Arceus are required; the aforementioned Ghost Arceus and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo X, Blaziken, and Extreme Killer Arceus. Finally, it is important to ensure that common Calm Mind Arceus such as Electric, Ghost, and Fairy Arceus do not get out of hand and accrue too many Calm Mind boosts.
Other Options
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A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set can be run. This set has lost much of its appeal this generation; this is mainly attributed to the opportunity cost of not using one of the other sets. The presence of Fairies severely impairs the effectiveness of spamming unboosted Dragon-type moves. As a revenge killer, it faces tough competition from Choice Scarf Kyogre and Zekrom, as well as new options in Xerneas and Yveltal. It still retains a niche due to its elevated Speed tier and can act as a glue of sorts due to its typing and Speed, as well as being a good measure against Sticky Web teams, but it is an overall lackluster set that generally accomplishes little relative to Palkia's other sets. Assault Vest can be used on the offensive set. This allows Palkia to weather special attacks, especially from the likes of Kyogre, much more comfortably, but the inability to use non-damaging moves must be taken into account. Notably, this leaves Palkia very susceptible to Geomancy Xerneas. More importantly, the inability to use Rest or Toxic means Palkia loses a very important niche in checking support Arceus formes, which are very prevalent in the tier this generation. An offensive Trick Room set can be used with a Quiet nature. This allows Palkia to outspeed anything above 184 Speed under Trick Room; this works nicely with its great coverage and high Special Attack. However, this is somewhat counterproductive given Palkia's good Speed tier. This set should really only be used if one's team has multiple members that benefit from Trick Room. Focus Punch can be fit on the fourth slot of the offensive set to deal with Blissey, but this is extremely situational and should only be considered if one's team has huge problems with the pink blob. Chesto Berry can be used to let Palkia pull off a free Rest, but its one-off nature is generally inferior to the long-term reliability Leftovers provides. Finally, Roseli Berry on offensive Palkia can let it stomach an unboosted Judgment or Moonblast in a pinch, but is not very useful as Palkia finds itself unable to beat many healthy Fairy-types anyway.
Checks & Counters
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**Fairy-types**: These are a pain for Palkia to get around as they are immune to its Dragon-type STAB moves. Fairy Arceus, with its superior Speed and good natural bulk, takes 46-54% from a Lustrous Orb-boosted Hydro Pump in neutral weather, meaning that it can switch into one comfortably enough and proceed to force Palkia out with the threat of a super effective Judgment. Note that if it does not use Recover, it will be hard-pressed to switch into Palkia again. Xerneas does not like switching into Palkia, but one-on-one, it can KO Palkia with a STAB Moonblast or set up Geomancy on it. Bulkier Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Clefable can stall Palkia out of Hydro Pump PP with Wish and Protect and proceed to overwhelm it with their STAB moves. These Pokemon also often carry Heal Bell, with which they can cure themselves and their teammates from Palkia's Toxic.
**Blissey**: The pink blob is a prime counter to offensive variants of Palkia. With its gargantuan Special Defense, reliable recovery in Softboiled/Wish, access to Toxic, and Heal Bell/Natural Cure to remove status, Blissey is guaranteed to beat offensive Palkia in a one-on-one situation and can switch in on all variants quite handily. Unfortunately, a Palkia using Rest can outstall Blissey in a one-on-one situation, factoring in Pressure.
**Type-Neutral Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes that take neutral damage from Palkia's attacks can check it, provided that it is not raining. These consist of Electric, Ghost, Fighting, Poison, Dark, and Psychic Arceus. They can all switch in on any of Palkia's moves and overcome it with Recover and Judgment. Electric and Ghost Arceus are commonly seen using Calm Mind sets; these are more threatening as they can set up Calm Mind on Palkia if it chooses to stay in. However, note that most Arceus formes are vulnerable to status, and while they can generally overcome offensive Palkia, they will fall to specially defensive Palkia one-on-one. Extreme Killer Arceus can set up a Swords Dance on all Palkia and threaten a sweep afterward.
**Mewtwo**: STAB Psystrike from Mewtwo or Mega Mewtwo Y targets Palkia's weaker Defense stat and will cleanly 2HKO it, or even outright KO if Palkia has taken minimal prior damage (252 SpA Psystrike from Mega Mewtwo Y with a Timid nature does 70-81% to offensive Palkia). STAB Low Kick from Mega Mewtwo X is even more damaging, doing a minimum of 81% to offensive Palkia. While none of them can switch into Palkia's STAB moves comfortably, they can all do so in a pinch. Mega Mewtwo Y, being the most specially bulky, is not 2HKOed by Hydro Pump from 0 SpA Palkia and has the easiest time switching in. Regardless, all of them are especially deadly as revenge killers.
**Dialga**: The only Dragon-type that takes neutral damage from opposing Dragon-type moves, specially defensive Dialga can take two Spacial Rends and KO back with Draco Meteor. Other variants of Dialga can live a Spacial Rend comfortably and KO back as well.
**Shadow Tag**: Mega Gengar can trap Palkia and force a double KO with Destiny Bond; this is especially detrimental for the Palkia user as they lose their Kyogre check, hence Mega Gengar deserves mention as something Palkia must look out for as it can be extremely threatening especially if paired with Pokemon like Kyogre. Gothitelle, albeit rare, can trap and set up on specially defensive Palkia. Wobbuffet can trap and KO offensive Palkia with Mirror Coat, or Encore specially defensive Palkia into a support move that can then be taken advantage of.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Zekrom and Choice Scarf Xerneas stand out among these, as they are relatively commonly seen and can OHKO Palkia with their STAB moves. Mega Blaziken with Protect is also very dangerous. Other lesser-seen Choice Scarf users such as Dialga and Yveltal are threatening as well. Mega Kangaskhan can use a combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch to take 77-91% off of 0 HP / 0 Def Palkia before it can react, while slower Palkia variants are KOed by Fake Out + Return, even with 252 HP EVs invested. Life Orb Yveltal can hit offensive Palkia for 59-69% with a Life Orb Dark Aura-boosted Sucker Punch before it can react.
The following checks are inconsistent as they are quite weather-dependent:
**Water Arceus**: Water Arceus checks Palkia reliably only in sunny weather, as Thunder from offensive Palkia can 2HKO it (although it can just barely avoid this with investment in Special Defense), and its 30% paralysis chance is too high to be ignored. In addition, Palkia is 4x resistant to its STAB Judgment. Calm Mind Water Arceus with Refresh is much more dangerous, as it can accrue multiple boosts while shrugging off damage and status with Recover and Refresh, eventually overwhelming Palkia. It can also set up on specially defensive Palkia, unlike most other Arceus formes.
**Lugia**: Barely avoiding the 2HKO from Thunder, Lugia theoretically checks Palkia in neutral and sunny weather with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Thunder's poor accuracy. However, Thunder's 30% paralysis rate coupled with the fact it is inadvisable for Lugia to be EVed to outspeed offensive Palkia means it is a shaky check at best and should only ever be counted on under sun.
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus can check offensive Palkia only in rainy weather, and can beat it one-on-one in neutral weather. However, specially defensive Palkia will be able to come out on top.
**Ferrothorn**: The iron durian is only able to check Palkia with a combination of Leech Seed and Protect if it is raining; Fire Blast being 4x effective on it prevents it from doing so in any other weather, although it is worth noting that Palkia only carries Fire Blast on offensive sets.
QC: 3/3 (Fireburn / Blue Jay / polop )
Penis Dragon
Such Girth
Wow
Colonel M's Palkia skeleton
Overview
########
Several factors collectively establish Palkia among the highest ranks of the Ubers roster. Firstly, a 4x resistance to Water-type moves gives Palkia an unrivaled role as a Kyogre check. Neutrality to most types and only two weaknesses in Dragon- and Fairy-type moves is a nice plus for it. Secondly, a good base 100 Speed lets Palkia outpace the numerous base 90-99 Speed Pokemon that populate the tier. Lastly, Palkia's great base 150 Special Attack complemented by quality STAB moves and necessary coverage confer huge offensive prowess on it. As far as support goes, Palkia has a usable movepool comprising status, phazing, and Rest. This, in tandem with a good base 120 Special Defense, allows it to use a defensive set to good effect. Unfortunately, the newly introduced Fairy-types are the bane of Palkia's existence, with a key offensive threat in Geomancy Xerneas being able to use it as setup fodder. Offensive powerhouses such as Mega Blaziken and Mega Mewtwo X are other newcomers that can overwhelm Palkia with their superior Speed and sheer damage output. Additionally, the generation shift saw the loss of permanent weather, and all Palkia's commonly used attacking options bar Spacial Rend have had their Base Power nerfed. All in all though, Palkia's blend of typing, Speed, and power makes it one of the most defining Pokemon in Ubers with few, if any, real flaws.
Standard
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name: Standard
move 1: Rest
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Spacial Rend
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Rest, being Palkia's only means of recovery, grants it more longevity, especially against Kyogre and support Arceus formes; it works particularly well in tandem with cleric support and Leftovers recovery. This move is very important on Palkia as it goes a long way in letting it stand up to the aforementioned Pokemon throughout the course of the match. Toxic is Palkia's means of wearing down bulky opponents such as Lugia; the cumulative nature of Toxic damage will overwhelm these Pokemon if they lack any means of status removal. In conjunction with Rest, this allows Palkia to beat most support Arceus formes one-on-one. Hydro Pump is a powerful STAB move that hits most opponents neutrally for respectable damage and can function as a nuke of sorts under rain. If its PP and accuracy are problematic, Surf is a weaker, more accurate option, but the power drop is quite significant, especially if you choose to invest in Palkia's Special Attack. Spacial Rend complements Hydro Pump excellently, with Ferrothorn being the only commonly seen Pokemon in Ubers that resists both moves. Dragon-types such as both Giratina formes and opposing Palkia that resist Palkia's Water-type STAB moves are conveniently hit super effectively. Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used in this slot to take down problematic Steel-types, mainly Ferrothorn and Scizor. Thunder Wave is a third possible option, giving Palkia access to a second status move that is situationally more useful than Toxic. For example, Thunder Wave can cripple any Geomancy Xerneas that attempts to get ahead of itself and set up on Palkia.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature makes the best of Palkia's base 100 Speed, which gives it a very valuable niche. With maximum investment, Palkia can outrun and pick off positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon; it also handily outspeeds the newly introduced Xerneas and Yveltal. The remaining EVs can be invested in one of two stats. Using 252 Special Attack EVs maximizes the power of Palkia's moves, allowing it to secure KOs on Pokemon such as Giratina-O and Ho-Oh with its STAB moves and hit foes much harder in general. Alternatively, the EVs can be invested in HP, letting Palkia stomach Judgment from support Arceus formes and survive its Rest turns more comfortably, albeit at the cost of increased damage output. Leftovers is really the only viable item choice on this Palkia set, as it gives Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and taking hits. For example, Judgment from a type-neutral 0 SpA support Arceus is guaranteed a 3HKO on 252 HP / 0 SpD Palkia, but only has a 19% chance to do so when factoring in Leftovers recovery. Leftovers is also effective in tiding Palkia through its Rest turns.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Palkia in on Kyogre, especially early- to mid-game, in order to scout its set and minimize damage done to the team. It is likely to be the only Pokemon on your team that is 4x resistant to Water-type moves, so make full use of that. Don't get cocksure with predictions until late-game, when you might then want to capitalize on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams from Choice Specs/Choice Scarf Kyogre by switching into other teammates that can take the hit better. That being said, do not rashly switch Palkia in on Pokemon with relatively powerful unboosted STAB moves, especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview; you don't want it to be unable to check Kyogre when it needs to. For example, it is a bad idea switching Palkia into Landorus-T's Earthquake, even if you can force it out afterwards, because Palkia will now be in possible KO range of Kyogre's Thunder and will be forced to use Rest.
Speaking of Rest, Palkia finds itself in a precarious situation while asleep. As it lacks Sleep Talk, this set is next to useless while asleep and is not especially bulky, so minimize unnecessary damage/status inflicted on Palkia such that it does not have to incapacitate itself by using Rest. The move should only ever be used as a means of status removal and shrugging off damage incurred from switching in on Kyogre, in order to let it continue to do just that. As a final caveat regarding Rest, keep in mind that Pressure in conjunction with Rest allows Palkia to outstall specially defensive Kyogre, so if you see one on the opposing team, your usage of the move should be targeted at ultimately outlasting it. Lastly, similar to how it checks Kyogre, this Palkia can put type-neutral support Arceus formes on a timer with Toxic backed up by Rest. Note that it cannot switch into Judgment comfortably unless it is running 252 HP EVs, so keep that in mind when contemplating switching it in.
Team Options
========
This Palkia is a very self-sufficient Pokemon, supporting one's team more than it requires support. Still, certain Pokemon are necessary teammates to have, and others are useful partners. First, include teammates to deal with Fairy-types. Steel-types such as Klefki, Scizor, and Jirachi are good choices, as is Ho-Oh. Cleric support is also much-appreciated, working brilliantly with Rest. Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia. A Ground-type to handle Choice Scarf Zekrom is nice, as it is very dangerous as a revenge killer. Groudon is a good option, as is Landorus-T and Gliscor. These Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which is an important entry hazard to have active and which can check threatening Pokemon like Ho-Oh. It is good to note that a Ground-type, along with the Fairy-type clerics mentioned before, puts Zekrom users in an unsavory situation where they have to predict accurately with Zekrom's STAB moves or risk wasting a turn. It is also nice to have a teammate to take advantage of Blissey, a hard counter to Palkia. Ho-Oh can do this, as do powerful physical attackers like Mega Mewtwo X. Regarding Mewtwo, having good switch-ins to it and its Mega Evolutions are required, as they can switch in on this set in a pinch and threaten Palkia greatly with their superior Speed and powerful STAB moves. Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with Mega Mewtwo X, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo Y and Life Orb Mewtwo. Finally, it is recommended to have an Arceus forme of your own to deal with opposing Palkia; Fairy and Ghost Arceus are good for this purpose and can also help with Mewtwo. Mega Gengar deserves a mention as a blanket check to a fair few Pokemon that plague Palkia, namely Fairy-types, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey that are not carrying a Shed Shell.
Offensive
########
name: Offensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Spacial Rend
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Dragon Tail / Thunder / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Lustrous Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is a strong STAB move; boosted by Lustrous Orb and coming off base 150 Special Attack, it hits even neutral targets considerably hard, and rain support skyrockets its damage output. Spacial Rend is Palkia's choice of a Dragon-type STAB move, complementing Hydro Pump in providing excellent neutral coverage. It is consistent, fairly powerful, can be used under any weather, and also hits opposing Palkia, Giratina, and Rayquaza super effectively. Fire Blast is mandatory coverage against the numerous Steel-types in Ubers, notably Ferrothorn, which resists both of Palkia's STAB moves. Dragon Tail phazes switch-ins to Palkia such as Blissey and support Arceus formes, racking up chip damage on these Pokemon. It is also very useful for temporarily preventing setup from Calm Mind Arceus formes and Extreme Killer Arceus, Pokemon that this Palkia set is very vulnerable to due to its inability to boost its stats and relative frailty. Note that Dragon Tail is unable to phaze Fairy-type setup sweepers, notably Geomancy Xerneas and Fairy Arceus. Thunder can be used in this slot to hit Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia super effectively. While its 30% chance of paralysis should not be counted on, it is high enough to be significant. Thunder Wave is an excellent third option for crippling Arceus switch-ins and overeager Geomancy Xerneas or Calm Mind Arceus formes. Surf can be used if Hydro Pump's accuracy is a problem, but the power drop is significant. Draco Meteor can be used over Spacial Rend as a stronger Dragon-type move that notably ensures a KO on opposing Assault Vest Palkia, has a 75% chance to KO 0 HP Groudon outright after it has taken Stealth Rock damage, and proves situationally more useful against Arceus switch-ins. However, the Special Attack drop can be taken advantage of by opportunistic setup sweepers, making the consistency of Spacial Rend generally more appreciated.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment with a Timid nature makes the best of Palkia's good Speed tier and lets it hit as hard as possible. Lustrous Orb gives Palkia's STAB moves a much-welcomed 1.2x power boost with no drawbacks. Leftovers can also be used to give Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and increasing its longevity somewhat. Haban Berry is an interesting option to consider, allowing Palkia a surefire means of beating opposing Palkia one-on-one. Note that Dragon-type attacks are much less prominent this generation, reducing Haban Berry's utility and making it largely a sub-optimal item choice.
Usage Tips
========
Make full use of Palkia's 4x resistance to Water-type moves by switching it into Kyogre, especially early- to mid-game. Don't get cocksure with predictions until late-game, where you might then want to capitalize on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams by switching into other teammates. Note that unlike other Palkia sets, offensive Palkia has no means of recovery and will get worn down quickly, hence it is advised to actively predict the opponent's switches and double switch Palkia in so as to preserve its limited health. Also, do not be rash in switching Palkia into Pokemon with moderately powerful unboosted STAB moves or those that can cripple it with status, especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview. While it is on the field, Palkia's STAB Hydro Pump is a very abusable move; spam it when Palkia can force the opposing Pokemon out, especially if the opponent's Arceus forme is unrevealed and they do not have an obvious Palkia check like Blissey or Sylveon. This is a good way to get the opponent to reveal their Arceus forme early-game as few other Pokemon are really able to stomach offensive Palkia's assaults. If Dragon Tail is used, it is a nice move to throw out against predicted switch-ins, phazing them for residual damage. This is enhanced if entry hazards are on the field; for this reason, Palkia appreciates Spikes support from its teammates in addition to the requisite Stealth Rock. Using Thunder Wave to cripple switch-ins is also a good idea. Lastly, note that Palkia's moves are quite weather-dependent. Hydro Pump and Thunder function optimally under rain, while Fire Blast can be used in any weather but. Try to manipulate the weather to your advantage with Palkia's teammates for optimum effectiveness of its moves. Spacial Rend is a consistent and powerful move that you can sling around under any weather.
Team Options
========
As with standard Palkia, offensive Palkia is very self-sufficient, but some teammates are necessary to have, while it appreciates the presence of others. Firstly, teammates to deal with Fairy-types are a must. Steel-types such as Scizor and Klefki can do this, and these two in particular also fit with the more offensive motif of teams one would like to use this Palkia on. Next, Ground-types are useful for dealing with Choice Scarf Zekrom. Groudon is a good teammate, as is Landorus-T and Gliscor. These Pokemon also have access to Stealth Rock, which checks dangerous Pokemon like Ho-Oh and racks up residual damage on switch-ins, which is very nice considering Palkia's ability to force switches. Kyogre is another good teammate as its Drizzle gives Hydro Pump a large 1.5x power boost and makes Thunder 100% accurate. Spamming Water-type moves is a pretty effective way of softening up teams and a strategy in itself, hence having two users of powerful Water-type moves is a good way to go. Having a support Arceus forme is good for dealing with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid candidates for the role as they also help with Mewtwo, another potent offensive threat. Mega Gengar can remove Fairy-types, support Arceus formes, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey that are not carrying a Shed Shell, facilitating a Palkia cleanup. It is important to note that given this Palkia's relative frailty and lack of recovery, your other team members should be able to pressure Kyogre decently well such that it does not get to switch in too freely. You should also be able to ensure that common Calm Mind Arceus formes such as Electric, Ghost, and Fairy Arceus do not get out of hand and accrue too many Calm Mind boosts.
Specially Defensive
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name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Surf
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
Surf is this set's most consistent mono-attacking option, hitting most Pokemon neutrally and possessing 100% accuracy as well as high PP, unlike most of Palkia's other moves. Super effective coverage against Ground-types, Ho-Oh, and Heatran is a nice plus. Toxic, especially when coupled with Rest, allows Palkia to pressure and win one-on-one against many common support Arceus formes such as Ghost, Water, and Rock Arceus. Rest gives Palkia the longevity it needs; it is a necessity on this set, which prioritizes staying power over offensive presence. Sleep Talk allows Palkia to spread Toxic even while asleep and basically prevents it from being completely helpless during its Rest turns. Spacial Rend or Fire Blast can be used in the fourth slot; the former lets Palkia hit Giratina formes hard, and the latter, Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor. Dragon Tail can also be used in this slot to ensure that Calm Mind Arceus that have already accrued boosts when Palkia switches in do not overwhelm it, especially if Palkia has already taken prior damage. Dragon Tail can also stave off Extreme Killer Arceus in the interim.
Set Details
========
252 EVs are invested in both HP and Special Defense to maximize Palkia's special bulk; this works well with Palkia's good base 120 Special Defense and neutrality to most types. To illustrate Palkia's impressive bulk, this set takes a maximum of 29% from Choice Scarf Kyogre's Thunder, while Judgment from a type-neutral 0 Special Attack support Arceus does a maximum of 30%. Leftovers is a mandatory item to prolong Palkia's lifespan and let it survive its Rest turns.
Usage Tips
========
This Palkia is a prime check to Kyogre and should be switched in aggressively against it. With its EV spread, Toxic, and Rest, this Palkia now fares well against most common support Arceus barring Fairy and Poison Arceus, so switch it in on those as well. As mentioned, Judgment from a type-neutral 0 SpA Arceus does a maximum of 30%, meaning that this Palkia can switch in far more comfortably against support Arceus than any other Palkia set. Aside from this though, try not to let Palkia sustain any unnecessary damage, as Rest isn't exactly reliable recovery and Palkia should be as healthy as possible in order to tackle the listed threats, of which checks to are in short supply. Letting it get hit by Earthquake/Psystrike/Brave Bird unnecessarily will leave it too crippled to perform its role effectively later in the game.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard support should be employed in order to make the best of this set's ability to deal with common Defogging support Arceus. Stealth Rock also checks Ho-Oh, which otherwise threatens this set greatly. Ground-types such as Landorus-T are good Stealth Rock setters that can also handle Zekrom well. Next, teammates to deal with Fairy-types are required. Heatran and Scizor fill this role, as can Ho-Oh and Mega Gengar. Cleric support is much-appreciated. You will find that Fairy-types are friend as much as foe; Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia and wall the Dragon-type attacks that this set is vulnerable to. It is necessary to have a good switch-in to Mewtwo and its Mega Evolutions as they threaten Palkia massively with their superior Speed and powerful attacks. As with other sets, Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with Mega Mewtwo X, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo Y and Life Orb Mewtwo. Again, it is advised to have an Arceus forme of your own to take on opposing Palkia; Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid choices that also put in work against Mewtwo. Finally, checks to strong physical attackers/sweepers are required. The aforementioned Landorus-T can check Ho-Oh and Swords Dance Ground Arceus, while Ghost Arceus and Giratina-O can handle Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Mewtwo X, and physically defensive Ho-Oh helps against Blaziken and opposing Ho-Oh.
Choice Specs
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name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Hydro Pump hits very hard with Choice Specs equipped, doing 57%-68% to 252 HP Arceus and severely damaging most other neutral targets. Draco Meteor backed by Choice Specs packs nuclear power, but note that the Special Attack drop can be capitalized on, though Choice Specs Palkia is by and large a hit-and-run Pokemon anyway. Spacial Rend is a weaker but far more consistent Dragon-type STAB move and has certain important functions on this set, such as pressuring type-neutral Arceus switch-ins very effectively. Once any opposing Fairy-types have been taken care of, Spacial Rend is also an awesome move for Palkia to clean up with late-game. Fire Blast handles Steel-types, notably Ferrothorn. It also allows Palkia a surefire means of getting past Grass Arceus under neutral or sunny weather, and is Palkia's best attacking option in sun. Thunder can also be used in this slot, hitting Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia. The power boost from Choice Specs allows Thunder to damage these Pokemon severely such that they cannot stall Palkia out by healing off the damage.
Set Details
========
252 EVs are invested in both Speed and Special Attack to let Palkia hit as hard and fast as possible. This EV spread is quite straightforward and non-negotiable. Choice Specs is the point of the set, allowing Palkia to pressure/beat some of its would-be checks in support Arceus formes and bulky Fairy-type switch-ins.
Usage Tips
========
Spam Hydro Pump most of the time, as it 2HKOes practically all neutral targets barring Blissey, and will punish type-neutral Arceus formes that attempt to switch in. Try having rain active when doing this; the power boost is very significant. In sunny weather, Fire Blast replaces Hydro Pump as your best bet at damaging stuff in general, and once Fairy-types are out of the picture, Spacial Rend is your go-to move to spam. Note that it is important to ensure Fairy-types are no longer an issue before using Spacial Rend loosely, as a simple switch into one of them can reverse your momentum. Having entry hazards up is also a great way to further pressure switch-ins and soften up the opposing team for a cleanup by another teammate or Palkia itself; Spikes support is again much-appreciated. Try as much as possible to bring Palkia in via double switches or as a revenge killer; like offensive Palkia, this Palkia is quite frail with no means of recovery, and its main aim is still checking Kyogre on teams that use it. You should also try as much as possible to steer clear of status, which is also very debilitating for this set; paralysis destroys its Speed advantage and burn/poison wears away at it. Lastly, be mindful of your moves' remaining PP throughout the match, as being locked into and spamming a move drains PP rapidly, not to mention that the ubiquity of Pressure in Ubers exacerbates this issue.
Team Options
========
If anything, a solid answer to Fairy-types is more necessary than ever here due to this set's inability to switch moves. As with the offensive set, Scizor and Klefki are good examples of such teammates. Mega Gengar is another great teammate in this regard. Again, Ground-types are useful for dealing with Choice Scarf Zekrom. Groudon and Landorus-T are good teammates that also have access to Stealth Rock, which checks dangerous Pokemon like Ho-Oh and racks up residual damage on switch-ins, which is very nice considering Palkia's ability to force switches. Kyogre is nice to have as well, as its Drizzle ability gives Hydro Pump a large 1.5x power boost and makes Thunder 100% accurate. Spamming Water-type moves is a pretty effective way of softening up teams and a strategy in itself, hence having two users of powerful Water-type moves is a good way to go. A support Arceus forme is good for dealing with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are solid candidates for the role as they also help with Mewtwo. Checks to physically-based revenge killers and Extreme Killer Arceus are required; the aforementioned Ghost Arceus and Giratina-O can handle Mega Mewtwo X, Blaziken, and Extreme Killer Arceus. Finally, it is important to ensure that common Calm Mind Arceus such as Electric, Ghost, and Fairy Arceus do not get out of hand and accrue too many Calm Mind boosts.
Other Options
########
A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set can be run. This set has lost much of its appeal this generation; this is mainly attributed to the opportunity cost of not using one of the other sets. The presence of Fairies severely impairs the effectiveness of spamming unboosted Dragon-type moves. As a revenge killer, it faces tough competition from Choice Scarf Kyogre and Zekrom, as well as new options in Xerneas and Yveltal. It still retains a niche due to its elevated Speed tier and can act as a glue of sorts due to its typing and Speed, as well as being a good measure against Sticky Web teams, but it is an overall lackluster set that generally accomplishes little relative to Palkia's other sets. Assault Vest can be used on the offensive set. This allows Palkia to weather special attacks, especially from the likes of Kyogre, much more comfortably, but the inability to use non-damaging moves must be taken into account. Notably, this leaves Palkia very susceptible to Geomancy Xerneas. More importantly, the inability to use Rest or Toxic means Palkia loses a very important niche in checking support Arceus formes, which are very prevalent in the tier this generation. An offensive Trick Room set can be used with a Quiet nature. This allows Palkia to outspeed anything above 184 Speed under Trick Room; this works nicely with its great coverage and high Special Attack. However, this is somewhat counterproductive given Palkia's good Speed tier. This set should really only be used if one's team has multiple members that benefit from Trick Room. Focus Punch can be fit on the fourth slot of the offensive set to deal with Blissey, but this is extremely situational and should only be considered if one's team has huge problems with the pink blob. Chesto Berry can be used to let Palkia pull off a free Rest, but its one-off nature is generally inferior to the long-term reliability Leftovers provides. Finally, Roseli Berry on offensive Palkia can let it stomach an unboosted Judgment or Moonblast in a pinch, but is not very useful as Palkia finds itself unable to beat many healthy Fairy-types anyway.
Checks & Counters
########
**Fairy-types**: These are a pain for Palkia to get around as they are immune to its Dragon-type STAB moves. Fairy Arceus, with its superior Speed and good natural bulk, takes 46-54% from a Lustrous Orb-boosted Hydro Pump in neutral weather, meaning that it can switch into one comfortably enough and proceed to force Palkia out with the threat of a super effective Judgment. Note that if it does not use Recover, it will be hard-pressed to switch into Palkia again. Xerneas does not like switching into Palkia, but one-on-one, it can KO Palkia with a STAB Moonblast or set up Geomancy on it. Bulkier Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Clefable can stall Palkia out of Hydro Pump PP with Wish and Protect and proceed to overwhelm it with their STAB moves. These Pokemon also often carry Heal Bell, with which they can cure themselves and their teammates from Palkia's Toxic.
**Blissey**: The pink blob is a prime counter to offensive variants of Palkia. With its gargantuan Special Defense, reliable recovery in Softboiled/Wish, access to Toxic, and Heal Bell/Natural Cure to remove status, Blissey is guaranteed to beat offensive Palkia in a one-on-one situation and can switch in on all variants quite handily. Unfortunately, a Palkia using Rest can outstall Blissey in a one-on-one situation, factoring in Pressure.
**Type-Neutral Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes that take neutral damage from Palkia's attacks can check it, provided that it is not raining. These consist of Electric, Ghost, Fighting, Poison, Dark, and Psychic Arceus. They can all switch in on any of Palkia's moves and overcome it with Recover and Judgment. Electric and Ghost Arceus are commonly seen using Calm Mind sets; these are more threatening as they can set up Calm Mind on Palkia if it chooses to stay in. However, note that most Arceus formes are vulnerable to status, and while they can generally overcome offensive Palkia, they will fall to specially defensive Palkia one-on-one. Extreme Killer Arceus can set up a Swords Dance on all Palkia and threaten a sweep afterward.
**Mewtwo**: STAB Psystrike from Mewtwo or Mega Mewtwo Y targets Palkia's weaker Defense stat and will cleanly 2HKO it, or even outright KO if Palkia has taken minimal prior damage (252 SpA Psystrike from Mega Mewtwo Y with a Timid nature does 70-81% to offensive Palkia). STAB Low Kick from Mega Mewtwo X is even more damaging, doing a minimum of 81% to offensive Palkia. While none of them can switch into Palkia's STAB moves comfortably, they can all do so in a pinch. Mega Mewtwo Y, being the most specially bulky, is not 2HKOed by Hydro Pump from 0 SpA Palkia and has the easiest time switching in. Regardless, all of them are especially deadly as revenge killers.
**Dialga**: The only Dragon-type that takes neutral damage from opposing Dragon-type moves, specially defensive Dialga can take two Spacial Rends and KO back with Draco Meteor. Other variants of Dialga can live a Spacial Rend comfortably and KO back as well.
**Shadow Tag**: Mega Gengar can trap Palkia and force a double KO with Destiny Bond; this is especially detrimental for the Palkia user as they lose their Kyogre check, hence Mega Gengar deserves mention as something Palkia must look out for as it can be extremely threatening especially if paired with Pokemon like Kyogre. Gothitelle, albeit rare, can trap and set up on specially defensive Palkia. Wobbuffet can trap and KO offensive Palkia with Mirror Coat, or Encore specially defensive Palkia into a support move that can then be taken advantage of.
**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Zekrom and Choice Scarf Xerneas stand out among these, as they are relatively commonly seen and can OHKO Palkia with their STAB moves. Mega Blaziken with Protect is also very dangerous. Other lesser-seen Choice Scarf users such as Dialga and Yveltal are threatening as well. Mega Kangaskhan can use a combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch to take 77-91% off of 0 HP / 0 Def Palkia before it can react, while slower Palkia variants are KOed by Fake Out + Return, even with 252 HP EVs invested. Life Orb Yveltal can hit offensive Palkia for 59-69% with a Life Orb Dark Aura-boosted Sucker Punch before it can react.
The following checks are inconsistent as they are quite weather-dependent:
**Water Arceus**: Water Arceus checks Palkia reliably only in sunny weather, as Thunder from offensive Palkia can 2HKO it (although it can just barely avoid this with investment in Special Defense), and its 30% paralysis chance is too high to be ignored. In addition, Palkia is 4x resistant to its STAB Judgment. Calm Mind Water Arceus with Refresh is much more dangerous, as it can accrue multiple boosts while shrugging off damage and status with Recover and Refresh, eventually overwhelming Palkia. It can also set up on specially defensive Palkia, unlike most other Arceus formes.
**Lugia**: Barely avoiding the 2HKO from Thunder, Lugia theoretically checks Palkia in neutral and sunny weather with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Thunder's poor accuracy. However, Thunder's 30% paralysis rate coupled with the fact it is inadvisable for Lugia to be EVed to outspeed offensive Palkia means it is a shaky check at best and should only ever be counted on under sun.
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus can check offensive Palkia only in rainy weather, and can beat it one-on-one in neutral weather. However, specially defensive Palkia will be able to come out on top.
**Ferrothorn**: The iron durian is only able to check Palkia with a combination of Leech Seed and Protect if it is raining; Fire Blast being 4x effective on it prevents it from doing so in any other weather, although it is worth noting that Palkia only carries Fire Blast on offensive sets.
Overview
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Standard
########
name: Standard
move 1: Rest
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Spacial Rend / Fire Blast / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Offensive
########
name: Offensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Spacial Rend
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Dragon Tail / Thunder / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Lustrous Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Surf
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Choice Specs
########
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Set Details
========
========
========
Other Options
########
Checks & Counters
########
**Blissey**: The pink blob is the best hard answer to Palkia one can get. With its gargantuan Special Defense, reliable recovery in Softboiled/Wish, access to Toxic, and Heal Bell/Natural Cure to remove status, Blissey is guaranteed to beat offensive Palkia in a one-on-one situation and can switch in on all variants quite handily.
**Fairy-types**: These are a pain for Palkia to get around as they are immune to its Dragon-type STAB moves. Fairy Arceus, with its superior speed and good natural bulk, takes 46%-54% from a Lustrous Orb Hydro Pump in neutral weather, meaning it can switch into one comfortably enough and proceed to force Palkia out with the threat of a super effective Judgment. Xerneas does not like switching into Palkia, but one-on-one, it can KO Palkia with STAB Moonblast or set up a Geomancy on it. Bulkier Fairy-types like Sylveon and Clefable can stall Palkia out of Hydro Pump PP with Wish and Protect, and proceed to overwhelm it with their STAB moves. These also often have a means of status removal with which they can cure themselves and their teammates from Palkia's Toxic.
**Type-Neutral Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes that take neutral damage from Palkia's attacks can check it provided it is not raining. These consist of Electric, Ghost, Fighting, Dark, and Psychic Arceus. They can all switch into any of Palkia's moves and overcome it with Recover and Judgment. Electric and Ghost Arceus are commonly seen using Calm Mind sets; these are more threatening as they can set up Calm Mind on Palkia if it chooses to stay in. However, note that most Arceus formes are vulnerable to status, and while they can generally overcome offensive Palkia, they will fall to specially defensive Palkia one-on-one. Extreme Killer Arceus can set up a Swords Dance on all Palkia and threaten a sweep afterward.
**Mewtwo**: STAB Psystrike from Mewtwo or Mega Mewtwo Y targets Palkia's weaker Defense stat and will cleanly 2HKO it, or even KO outright if Palkia has taken minimal prior damage (252 SpA Psystrike from Mega Mewtwo Y with a Timid nature does 70%-81% to offensive Palkia). STAB Low Kick from Mega Mewtwo X is even more damaging, doing a minimum of 81% to offensive Palkia. While none of them can switch into Palkia's STAB moves comfortably, they can all do so in a pinch. Mega Mewtwo Y, being the most specially bulky, is not 2HKOed by Hydro Pump from 0 Special Attack Palkia and has the easiest time switching in. Regardless, all of them are especially deadly as revenge killers.
**Dialga**: The only Dragon-type that takes neutral damage from other Dragon-type moves, specially defensive Dialga can take 2 Spacial Rends and KO back with Draco Meteor. Other variants of Dialga can take a Spacial Rend comfortably and KO back as well.
**Shadow Tag**: Mega Gengar can trap Palkia and force a double KO with Destiny Bond; this is especially detrimental for the Palkia user as he loses his Kyogre check, hence Mega Gengar deserves mention as something Palkia must look out for as it can be extremely threatening especially if paired with Pokemon like Kyogre. Gothitelle, albeit rare, can trap and set up on specially defensive Palkia. Wobbuffet can trap and KO offensive Palkia with Mirror Coat, or Encore specially defensive Palkia into a support move that can then be taken advantage of.
**Revenge Killing**: Choice Scarf Zekrom and Choice Scarf Xerneas stand out among these, as they are relatively commonly seen and can 1HKO Palkia with their STAB moves. Mega Blaziken with Protect is also very dangerous. Other lesser-seen Choice Scarf users like Dialga and Yveltal are threatening as well. Mega Kangaskhan can use a combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch to take 77%-91% off 0 HP / 0 Def Palkia before it can react, while slower Palkia variants are KOed by Fake Out + Return even with 252 HP EVs invested. Life Orb Yveltal can take 59%-69% off offensive Pakia with a Life Orb, Dark Aura-boosted Sucker Punch, so be watchful of that as well.
The following checks are inconsistent as they are quite weather-dependent:
**Water Arceus**: Water Arceus checks Palkia reliably only in sunny weather, as Thunder from offensive Palkia can 2HKO it (although it can just barely avoid this with investment in Special Defense), and its 30% paralysis chance is too high to be ignored. Also, Palkia is 4x resistant to its STAB Judgment. Calm Mind Water Arceus with Refresh is much more dangerous, as it can accrue multiple boosts while shrugging off damage and status with Recover and Refresh, eventually overwhelming Palkia. It can also set up on specially defensive Palkia, unlike most other Arceus formes.
**Lugia**: Barely avoiding the 2HKO from Thunder, Lugia theoretically checks Palkia in neutral and sunny weather, with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Thunder's poor accuracy. However, Thunder's 30% Paralysis rate, coupled with the fact it is inadvisable for Lugia to be EVed to outspeed offensive Palkia, mean it is a shaky check at best and should only ever be counted on under sun.
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus can check offensive Palkia only in rainy weather, and can beat it one-on-one in neutral weather. Specially defensive Palkia will come out on top of it, though.
**Ferrothorn** The steel durian is only able to check Palkia with a combination of Leech Seed and Protect if it is raining; Fire Blast being 4x effective on it prevents it from doing so in any other weather, although it is worth noting that Fire Blast Palkia is not ubiquitous and only always encountered on offensive sets.
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- Unique typing gives it a 4x water resistance and an unrivalled role as a Kyogre check. Neutrality to most types and only 2 weaknesses is a nice plus.
- Base 100 Speed lets it outpace the numerous base 90-99s that populate Ubers
- Great Base 150 SpA complemented by quality STABs and the necessary coverage moves confer huge offensive prowess on it
- This blend of typing, speed, and power make it one of the most defining Pokemon of the tier with few, if any real flaws. Functions as a glue to many teams
- Has a usable support movepool comprising status, phazing, and Rest. This, in tandem with a good base 120 SpD, allow it to use a defensive set to good effect
- The newly introduced Fairies are not good news for it. (Geomancy) Xerneas stands out among these as a key threat
- All its commonly used attacking options bar Spacial Rend got nerfed
- Can still be exploited by threats with superior power and speed, with a couple of new additions in Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Blaziken
Standard
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name: Standard
move 1: Rest
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Hydro Pump / Surf
move 4: Spacial Rend / Fire Blast / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
- Being its only means of recovery, Rest grants Palkia more longevity especially against Kyogre and support Arceus formes; it works particularly well in tandem with cleric support and Leftovers. This move is very important as it goes a long way in letting Palkia overcome the aforementioned Pokemon, which are very popular this generation.
- Toxic is Palkia's means of wearing bulky opponents down; the cumulative nature of Toxic damage will overwhelm these Pokemon if they lack a means of status removal. In conjunction with Rest, this allows Palkia to win 1v1 vs most support Arceus formes.
- Hydro Pump is a powerful STAB move that hits most opponents neutrally for respectable damage and can function as a nuke of sorts under rain. If its PP and accuracy are problematic, Surf is a weaker, more accurate option, but the power drop is quite significant.
- Spacial Rend complements Hydro Pump excellently; Ferrothorn is the only commonly seen Pokemon in Ubers that resists both moves. Dragon-types such as Giratina formes and opposing Palkia that resist Palkia's STAB Water-type moves are hit super effectively.
- Alternatively, Fire Blast can be used to roast problematic Steel-types, predominantly Ferrothorn and Scizor.
- Thunder Wave is a third possible option in this slot, giving Palkia access to a second status move that is situationally more useful than Toxic. For example, Thunder Wave is useful for crippling Geomancy Xerneas that try to get ahead of themselves and set up on Palkia.
Set Details
========
- Max Spe with a Timid nature to make the best of Palkia's Speed tier, which gives it an extremely valuable niche. With maxed out Speed, Palkia can outrun and pick off positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon, and also conveniently outspeeds the newly introduced Xerneas and Yveltal. This can let Palkia do things like cripple non-Choice Scarfed Xerneas with Thunder Wave before it can move.
- The remaining EVs can be invested in one of two stats. Investing 252 EVs in Special Attack maximises the power of Palkia's moves, allowing it to secure KOs on Pokemon like Giratina-O and Ho-Oh with its STAB moves and hit foes much harder in general. Alternatively, the EVs can be invested in HP, letting Palkia stomach Judgment from support Arceus formes + survive its Rest turns more comfortably at the cost of its damage output.
- Leftovers is really the only viable item choice on this Palkia set, as it gives Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and taking hits (calcs w regard to Judgment), and is very effective in letting Palkia survive its Rest turns.
Usage Tips
========
- Switch Palkia in on Kyogre, especially early-midgame, to scout its set and minimise damage done to the team. It's likely going to be the only thing that's 4x Water-resistant on your team; make use of that. Don't get cocksure with predictions till lategame, when you might then want to capitalise on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams by switching into other Pokemon
- Don't switch Palkia in rashly on Pokemon with relatively powerful unboosted STAB moves especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview, you don't want it to be unable to check Kyogre when you need it to. For example, it's a bad idea switching Palkia into Landorus-T's Earthquake, even if you can force it out afterward, because Palkia will now be in KO range by any of Kyogre's moves and will be forced to use Rest.
- With regard to the above point, this set aims to use Rest sparingly, as a means of status removal and shrugging off damage incurred from switching in on Kyogre, so it can continue to do just that. This Palkia is next to useless while asleep, and is not especially bulky, so minimise unecessary damage done to Palkia such that it does not have to incapacitate itself by using Rest.
- Similar to how it checks Kyogre, this Palkia can put type-neutral support Arceus formes on a timer by using Toxic in conjunction with Rest. Note that it cannot switch into Judgment comfortably unless it is running 252 HP EVs, so keep that in mind when contemplating switching it in.
Team Options
========
- This Palkia is a very self-sufficient Pokemon and requires relatively little team support... with that said, many Pokemon are good teammates to have
- Teammates to deal with Fairies are required. Steel-types like Scizor and Heatran are good choices, as is Ho-Oh
- Cleric support is much-appreciated as it works great in conjunction with Rest. Fairy-types are friend as much as foe: Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia
- A Ground-type is good to deal with (Scarf) Zekrom, which can come in to revenge kill Palkia. Groudon is a good option, as are Landorus-T/Gliscor. These can also set SR, and Groudon brings sun that boosts Palkia's Fire Blast
- Have a teammate(s) that can take advantage of Blissey, a hard counter to Palkia. Ho-Oh does this, as do powerful physical attackers like MMX
- Have a good switch in to all Mewtwo; they threaten Palkia massively with superior Speed and powerful STAB moves. Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with MMX, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle MMY/LO Mewtwo
- An Arceus of your own is good to deal with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are good for this purpose; these also help with Mewtwo
- Mega Gengar can remove Fairies, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey not carrying Shed Shell
Offensive
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name: Offensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Spacial Rend
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Dragon Tail / Thunder / Thunder Wave
ability: Pressure
item: Lustrous Orb / Leftovers
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
- Hydro Pump is strong STAB; boosted by Lustrous Orb and coming off base 150 SpA it hits neutral targets considerably hard. Rain skyrockets its damage output.
- Spacial Rend is Palkia's second STAB option, complementing Hydro Pump in providing excellent neutral coverage; it also hits opposing Palkia, Giratina, and Rayquaza super effectively and is a consistent, fairly powerful move.
- Fire Blast is mandatory coverage against the numerous Steel-types in the tier, notably Ferrothorn, which resists both of Palkia's STABs.
- Dragon Tail phazes switch-ins such as Blissey and support Arceus, racking up residual hazard damage. It is also very useful for preventing setup from the likes of Calm Mind Arceus formes and Extreme Killer Arceus which this Palkia set is vulnerable to due to its inability to boost its stats and relative frailty. Note that Dragon Tail is unable to phaze Fairies, notably Geomancy Xerneas
- Thunder hits Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia super effectively. While the 30% chance of paralysis should not be counted on, it is high enough to be significant.
- Thunder Wave is excellent for crippling Arceus switch-ins and overeager Geomancy Xerneas/CM Arceus formes
- Surf can be used if Hydro Pump's accuracy is a problem but the power drop is significant
- Draco Meteor can be used over Spacial Rend as a stronger Dragon-type move that notably ensures a KO on opposing Assault Vest Palkia, can KO 0 HP Groudon outright (37.5% chance, 75% after SR), and proves situationally more useful against opposing Arceus switch-ins; however, the SpA drop can be taken advantage of by opportunistic setup sweepers. The consistency of Spacial Rend is generally more appreciated.
Set Details
========
- Max Spe and SpA with a Timid nature to make the best of its Speed tier and hit as hard as possible.
- Lustrous Orb gives Palkia's STABs a much-welcomed power boost (calcs)
- Leftovers gives Palkia more wiggle room in switching in and increases its longevity somewhat
- Haban Berry can be used to allow Palkia to beat other Palkia 1v1, although in a metagame where Dragon-type attacks are less prominent, this is now a suboptimal item choice
Usage Tips
========
- Switch Palkia in on Kyogre, especially early-midgame, to scout its set and minimise damage done to the team. It's likely going to be the only thing that's 4x Water-resistant on your team; make use of that. Don't get cocksure with predictions till lategame, when you might then want to capitalise on predicted Thunders/Ice Beams by switching into other Pokemon
- Don't switch Palkia in rashly on anything else especially if you see Kyogre in Team Preview, you don't want it to be unable to check Kyogre when you need it to. For example, it's a bad idea switching Palkia into Landorus-T's Earthquake, even if you can force it out afterward, because Palkia will now be in KO range by any of Kyogre's moves.
- Spam Palkia's STAB Hydro Pump when it can force something out, especially if the opponent's Arceus form is unrevealed and he does not have an obvious Palkia check (Blissey, Sylveon) in Team Preview. This can be a good way to get the opponent to reveal his Arceus form early game as few other things are really able to stomach Palkia's STAB Hydro Pump. Using Thunder Wave to catch these Arceus on the switch is also a good idea
- Palkia's moves are quite weather-dependent. Hydro Pump and Thunder are best used under rain, while Fire Blast can be used in any weather but. Try to manipulate the weather to your advantage with your teammates for optimum effectiveness.
Team Options
========
- Palkia is a very self-sufficient Pokemon with its blend of power, coverage, and speed, such that it requires relatively little team support... with that said, many Pokemon are good teammates to have
- Teammates to deal with Fairies are required. Steel-types like Scizor and Heatran are good choices, as is Ho-Oh
- A Ground-type is good to deal with (Scarf) Zekrom, which can come in to revenge kill Palkia. Groudon is a good option, as are Landorus-T/Gliscor. These can also set SR, and Groudon brings sun that boosts Palkia's Fire Blast
- Kyogre is a good teammate as Drizzle gives Hydro Pump a 1.5x power boost + makes Thunder 100% accurate (mention how water spam is pretty effective this gen and having 2 users of powerful Water-type moves is a good thing)
- Have a teammate(s) that can take advantage of Blissey, a hard counter to Palkia. Ho-Oh does this, as do powerful physical attackers like MMX
- Have a good switch in to all Mewtwo; they threaten Palkia massively with superior Speed and powerful STAB moves. Fairy Arceus and Xerneas can deal with MMX, while Yveltal and Giratina-O can handle MMY/LO Mewtwo
- Answers to common support Arceus formes like Fairy, Water, Grass, and Ghost, and answers to common CM Arceus like Electric, Ghost, and Fairy are required
- An Arceus of your own is good to deal with opposing Palkia. Fairy and Ghost Arceus are good for this purpose; these also help with Mewtwo
- Mega Gengar can remove Fairies, support Arceus formes, Extreme Killer Arceus, and Blissey not carrying Shed Shell, aiding a Palkia cleanup late-game
Specially Defensive
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name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Surf
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Pressure
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm
Moves
========
- Surf is this set's most consistent mono-attacking option, hitting most Pokemon neutrally and possessing 100% accuracy as well as high PP, unlike most of Palkia's other moves. Super effective coverage on Grounds/Ho-Oh/Heatran is nice
- Toxic, in tandem with Rest, allows Palkia to pressure (and win 1v1) many common support Arceus formes such as Rock, Water, and Ghost Arceus
- Rest gives Palkia the longevity it needs; it is a necessity on this set, which prioritises staying power over offensive presence.
- Sleep Talk allows Palkia to spread Toxic even while asleep and basically prevents it from being completely helpless during its Rest turns
- Spacial Rend or Fire Blast can be used in slot 4; notably, the former lets it hit Giratina formes and the latter, Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Scizor.
- Dragon Tail could be run in slot 4 as well, to ensure CM Arceus that have already accrued boosts when you switch in do not overwhelm you, especially if Palkia has already taken prior damage.
Set Details
========
- The EV spread maximises Palkia's special bulk and works well with Palkia's neutrality to most types. Scarf Kyogre is doing a maximum of 29% to this set with Thunder. Judgment from a type-neutral 4 SpA Arceus does a maximum of 30%
- Leftovers is a mandatory item to prolong Palkia's lifespan and let it survive its Rest turns
Usage Tips
========
- This is a prime check to Kyogre, so switch it in aggressively against that
- With its EV spread, Toxic, and Rest, Palkia now fares well against most common support Arceus barring Fairy Arceus, so switch it in against these as well. Judgment from a type-neutral 4 SpA Arceus does a maximum of 30%, so this Palkia can be switched in much more aggressively against support Arceus than standard Palkia. Hazard support should be employed to further pressure switchins
- Try not to let Palkia sustain any unecessary damage otherwise, as Rest isn't exactly reliable recovery and Palkia should be as healthy as possible to tackle the listed threats, of which checks to are in short supply. Letting it get hit by Earthquake/Psystrike/Brave Bird unecessarily will leave it too crippled to perform its role effectively later in the game
Team Options
========
- Hazard support to make the best of this set's ability to deal with common support Arceus. SR also checks Ho-Oh, which is otherwise a threatening Pokemon to this set
- Teammates to deal with Fairies: Steels, Ho-Oh, Mega Gengar
- Cleric support is much-appreciated as it works great in conjunction with Rest. Fairy-types are friend as much as foe: Sylveon and Xerneas are reliable clerics that can also handle opposing Palkia and wall Dragon-type attacks this set is vulnerable to
- Ground-type to handle Zekrom
- Checks to Mewtwo and its Mega Evolutions
- Check to opposing Palkia; again, a support Arceus form is good
- A check to strong physical attackers/sweepers is required. Landorus-T can check Extreme Killer/SD Groundceus and also set SR + handle Zekrom. Ghost Arceus/Giratina-O can handle Ekiller + Mewtwo
Choice Specs
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name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Specs
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
- Hydro Pump hits very hard with Choice Specs equipped; doing 57%-68% to 248 HP Arceus. Having no immunities, it is Palkia's most spammable move
- Draco Meteor is a nuke but the SpA drop can be capitalised upon, though Palkia is by and large a hit-and-run Pokemon anyway
- Spacial Rend is a weaker, more consistent Dragon STAB and has certain important functions on this set, such as pressuring Grass Arceus switch-ins very effectively.
- Fire Blast handles Steel-types, notably Ferrothorn. It also allows Palkia to get past Grass Arceus under neutral or sunny weather
- Thunder hits Kyogre, Water Arceus, and Lugia. The power boost from Specs makes it very damaging against these Pokemon, hence making it a rather useful move on this set
Set Details
========
- Maximum Spe and SpA with a Timid nature to hit as hard and fast as possible. This spread is fairly straightforward and non-negotiable
- Choice Specs allows Palkia to pressure/beat some of its would-be checks, notably support Arceus formes and bulky Fairies
========
- Spam Hydro Pump most of the time as it 2HKOs practically all neutral targets barring Blissey and will punish type-neutral Arceus formes that attempt to switch in. Try to have rain active when doing this; the power boost is very significant
- Having hazards up is also a great way to further pressure switch-ins and soften up the opponent's team for a cleanup by a sweeper/Scarfed Pokemon
- Dragon spam is no longer as effective as it used to be; a simple switch into a Fairy-type can reverse your momentum. Be prudent in spamming Spacial Rend/Draco Meteor
- Under sun, spamming Fire Blast would be the way to go over Hydro Pump spam
- Try to bring it in via double switches; this set's main aim is still to check Kyogre and it is not wise to let it sustain unecessary damage. Status is also very debilitating for this set; paralysis destroys its speed advantage and burn/poison wears away at it
========
- (very much a cp of the above 2 sets)
- If anything, a solid answer to Fairies is more necessary than ever here due to this set's inability to switch moves. Aegislash and Heatran are good examples of such teammates. Mega Gengar is another great teammate in this regard
Other Options
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- Choice Scarf: A Choice Scarf set with the same moveset as the Choice Specs set can be run. This set has lost much of its appeal this gen, predominantly due to the opportunity cost of not using one of the other sets. The presence of Fairies severely impairs the effectiveness of spamming Scarf Dragon-type moves. As a revenge killer, it faces tough competition from Scarf Kyogre and Zekrom, as well as new options in Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal. It still retains a niche due to its speed tier, can act as a glue of sorts due to its typing and speed, as well as being a good measure against Sticky Web teams, but is a lackluster set overall
- Assault Vest on the offensive set. This allows Palkia to weather special attacks especially from the likes of Kyogre much more comfortably, but the inability to use non-damaging moves must be taken into account. Notably, this leaves Palkia very susceptible to Geomancy Xerneas. More importantly, the inability to use Rest or Toxic means Palkia loses a very important niche in checking support Arceus formes, which are very prevalent in the tier this generation.
- An offensive Trick Room set can be used with a Quiet nature. This allows Palkia to outspeed anything above 212 Speed under Trick Room; this works nicely with its great coverage and high Special Attack. However, this is somewhat counterproductive given Palkia's good speed tier. This set should really only be used if one's team has multiple members that benefit from Trick Room
A physical set with Aqua Tail, Outrage, Spacial Rend, and Fire Blast to surprise and beat Blissey and bulky Fairies. It must be understood that the opportunity cost of using this set is very large- Focus Punch on the offensive set to deal with Blissey
- Roseli Berry
- Chesto Berry
Checks & Counters
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**Blissey**: The pink blob is the best hard answer to Palkia one can get. With its gargantuan Special Defense, reliable recovery in Softboiled/Wish, access to Toxic, and Heal Bell/Natural Cure to remove status, Blissey is guaranteed to beat offensive Palkia in a one-on-one situation and can switch in on all variants quite handily.
**Fairy-types**: These are a pain for Palkia to get around as they are immune to its Dragon-type STAB moves. Fairy Arceus, with its superior speed and good natural bulk, takes 46%-54% from a Lustrous Orb Hydro Pump in neutral weather, meaning it can switch into one comfortably enough and proceed to force Palkia out with the threat of a super effective Judgment. Xerneas does not like switching into Palkia, but one-on-one, it can KO Palkia with STAB Moonblast or set up a Geomancy on it. Bulkier Fairy-types like Sylveon and Clefable can stall Palkia out of Hydro Pump PP with Wish and Protect, and proceed to overwhelm it with their STAB moves. These also often have a means of status removal with which they can cure themselves and their teammates from Palkia's Toxic.
**Type-Neutral Arceus Formes**: Arceus formes that take neutral damage from Palkia's attacks can check it provided it is not raining. These consist of Electric, Ghost, Fighting, Dark, and Psychic Arceus. They can all switch into any of Palkia's moves and overcome it with Recover and Judgment. Electric and Ghost Arceus are commonly seen using Calm Mind sets; these are more threatening as they can set up Calm Mind on Palkia if it chooses to stay in. However, note that most Arceus formes are vulnerable to status, and while they can generally overcome offensive Palkia, they will fall to specially defensive Palkia one-on-one. Extreme Killer Arceus can set up a Swords Dance on all Palkia and threaten a sweep afterward.
**Mewtwo**: STAB Psystrike from Mewtwo or Mega Mewtwo Y targets Palkia's weaker Defense stat and will cleanly 2HKO it, or even KO outright if Palkia has taken minimal prior damage (252 SpA Psystrike from Mega Mewtwo Y with a Timid nature does 70%-81% to offensive Palkia). STAB Low Kick from Mega Mewtwo X is even more damaging, doing a minimum of 81% to offensive Palkia. While none of them can switch into Palkia's STAB moves comfortably, they can all do so in a pinch. Mega Mewtwo Y, being the most specially bulky, is not 2HKOed by Hydro Pump from 0 Special Attack Palkia and has the easiest time switching in. Regardless, all of them are especially deadly as revenge killers.
**Dialga**: The only Dragon-type that takes neutral damage from other Dragon-type moves, specially defensive Dialga can take 2 Spacial Rends and KO back with Draco Meteor. Other variants of Dialga can take a Spacial Rend comfortably and KO back as well.
**Shadow Tag**: Mega Gengar can trap Palkia and force a double KO with Destiny Bond; this is especially detrimental for the Palkia user as he loses his Kyogre check, hence Mega Gengar deserves mention as something Palkia must look out for as it can be extremely threatening especially if paired with Pokemon like Kyogre. Gothitelle, albeit rare, can trap and set up on specially defensive Palkia. Wobbuffet can trap and KO offensive Palkia with Mirror Coat, or Encore specially defensive Palkia into a support move that can then be taken advantage of.
**Revenge Killing**: Choice Scarf Zekrom and Choice Scarf Xerneas stand out among these, as they are relatively commonly seen and can 1HKO Palkia with their STAB moves. Mega Blaziken with Protect is also very dangerous. Other lesser-seen Choice Scarf users like Dialga and Yveltal are threatening as well. Mega Kangaskhan can use a combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch to take 77%-91% off 0 HP / 0 Def Palkia before it can react, while slower Palkia variants are KOed by Fake Out + Return even with 252 HP EVs invested. Life Orb Yveltal can take 59%-69% off offensive Pakia with a Life Orb, Dark Aura-boosted Sucker Punch, so be watchful of that as well.
The following checks are inconsistent as they are quite weather-dependent:
**Water Arceus**: Water Arceus checks Palkia reliably only in sunny weather, as Thunder from offensive Palkia can 2HKO it (although it can just barely avoid this with investment in Special Defense), and its 30% paralysis chance is too high to be ignored. Also, Palkia is 4x resistant to its STAB Judgment. Calm Mind Water Arceus with Refresh is much more dangerous, as it can accrue multiple boosts while shrugging off damage and status with Recover and Refresh, eventually overwhelming Palkia. It can also set up on specially defensive Palkia, unlike most other Arceus formes.
**Lugia**: Barely avoiding the 2HKO from Thunder, Lugia theoretically checks Palkia in neutral and sunny weather, with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Thunder's poor accuracy. However, Thunder's 30% Paralysis rate, coupled with the fact it is inadvisable for Lugia to be EVed to outspeed offensive Palkia, mean it is a shaky check at best and should only ever be counted on under sun.
**Grass Arceus**: Grass Arceus can check offensive Palkia only in rainy weather, and can beat it one-on-one in neutral weather. Specially defensive Palkia will come out on top of it, though.
**Ferrothorn** The steel durian is only able to check Palkia with a combination of Leech Seed and Protect if it is raining; Fire Blast being 4x effective on it prevents it from doing so in any other weather, although it is worth noting that Fire Blast Palkia is not ubiquitous and only always encountered on offensive sets.
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