Minority
Numquam Vincar
QC Checks: Nayrz / Hack / Fireburn
GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.
[OVERVIEW]
The best single forme of a Pokemon in Ubers, Primal Groudon has become nigh mandatory on teams. Its absurd number of viable options along with the insane role compression it provides, both offensively and defensively, make it a Pokemon that few teams elect not to use. Primal Groudon is also notable for checking big threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh. Blessed with very high offensive stats and solid physical bulk, Primal Groudon is considered to be the best and most common setter of Stealth Rock in the tier. Additionally, Primal Groudon has great options for boosting Speed and Attack in Rock Polish and Swords Dance, which makes it one of the most dangerous offensive threats around. Its immunity to Water- and Electric-type attacks give Primal Groudon built-in defensive synergy, while its immunity to burns makes it impossible for foes to neuter Primal Groudon's physical attacks. Primal Groudon does have some shortcomings, however, such as being stuck in an average Speed tier and having a relatively low Special Defense stat when uninvested. Primal Groudon also lacks any options for instant recovery and has its item slot restricted to the Red Orb, leaving it with few options for recovering health. Primal Groudon's primary weakness, Ground, is also a common offensive type in the tier. While Primal Groudon is far from unbeatable, it should be feared for the offensive and defense behemoth that it is.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Lava Plume / Rock Slide
move 4: Roar / Thunder Wave / Dragon Tail
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Primal Groudon can set Stealth Rock rather easily thanks to its high bulk and ability to force out a variety of Pokemon. Precipice Blades 2HKOes standard Xerneas and inflicts higher damage than Earthquake, which is important in a tier where many Pokemon are physically bulky. Lava Plume, supported by STAB and Desolate Land, deals strong damage to many Ground-immune targets, eases prediction, and can burn Pokemon such as Lugia and support Arceus formes, which makes them much easier to break in the long run. Rock Slide hits a variety of Ground-immune targets; it cannot burn like Lava Plume and runs off the Attack stat, but it OHKOes Ho-Oh.
Roar phazes Xerneas and several other setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Swords Dance Arceus, and the rarer Calm Mind Arceus. It has other utility in being able to cause additional passive damage when the opponent switches to a Primal Groudon check. Thunder Wave is best used with Rock Slide, as the combination of moves does well against a variety of Ground-immune targets due to paralysis combined with the flinch rate of Rock Slide. Thunder Wave is also used to remove the Speed advantage of setup sweepers such as Xerneas and Mega Salamence. Similar to Roar but unable to phaze Xerneas, Dragon Tail has the benefit of smacking Latios, Latias, and Giratina-O switch-ins while still being able to phaze other setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence and Arceus formes. Toxic is worthwhile, as several Primal Groudon switch-ins such as Lugia, support Arceus, and Giratina-O cannot function properly when badly poisoned.
Set Details
========
Due to having a naturally low Special Defense, this Primal Groudon set runs maximum Special Defense investment. This special bulk is helpful against key threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Diancie. A Sassy nature is to be used with Lava Plume so that both offensive stats are left intact, as Speed is less important. If not using Lava Plume, the preferred nature becomes Careful. An Impish nature can be used to further boost Primal Groudon's physical bulk; this can be situationally helpful against threats such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and opposing Primal Groudon.
Usage Tips
========
Primal Groudon has no method of recovery and requires efficient play, especially since it is used to check several big threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh but fails to do so when damaged. Stealth Rock needs to be set early, but not at the expense of being reckless. Lava Plume is one of the most readily clicked moves here, since it covers a variety of Primal Groudon switch-ins and spreads burns. Assume that Primal Groudon is slower than the opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon, since this set runs no investment and this Speed tier often invests. While Primal Groudon checks Ho-Oh, it does not want to switch into it, especially if it isn't running an Impish nature or Rock-type coverage. Be wary of Toxic as Primal Groudon switches in, especially against Pokemon like Klefki.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, Latios, and Latias that are able to Defog and provide a Ground immunity naturally pair well with Primal Groudon. Ho-Oh is a strong partner for this defensive Stealth Rock set due to the potency of Ho-Oh balance, Ho-Oh's ability to sponge a variety of special attacks, and its Ground immunity. Other Ground-immune teammates such as Lugia and Yveltal can make good partners on a balance team. Certain Fairy-types such as Klefki, Xerneas, and Mega Diancie provide a switch-in to Primal Groudon checks such as Latios, Latias, and Giratina-O. An appropriate Arceus forme should be run with this particular Primal Groudon, such as Water Arceus, Extreme Killer Arceus, or Swords Dance Ground Arceus. Mega Gengar is a strong partner choice that reaps the benefits of Primal Groudon status spam via Hex. Mega Sableye is handy for bouncing Toxic back at several common Primal Groudon checks. A Toxic immunity or Steel-type in general is useful for protecting Primal Groudon from being poisoned. Aromatherapy and Heal Bell from Xerneas or Diancie are options for removing status from Primal Groudon, while Wish or Healing Wish from Shaymin-S or Latias can give Primal Groudon an additional breath in battle.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Dragon Tail / Fire Punch
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 236 Atk / 44 SpD / 76 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Primal Groudon can serve as a setter of Stealth Rock for a variety of offense arrangements thanks to its natural bulk and offensive potency. Precipice Blades is preferred for maximum damage output and can 2HKO physically bulky Xerneas, can 2HKO maximum Defense Primal Kyogre, and can OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't invest in Defense. Dragon Tail smacks several common Primal Groudon switch-ins and forces them back out such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, and support Arceus. Fire Punch cannot phaze or hit the above threats quite as hard, but it is more consistent than Dragon Tail, eases prediction, and is the only option on this set that can destroy Skarmory and Bronzong. Fire Punch also has the benefit of being almost as strong as Precipice Blades versus neutral targets while being accurate. Stone Edge OHKOes Ho-Oh and deals high damage to most other Ground-immune Pokemon. Rock Tomb can still OHKO Ho-Oh and has the benefit of lowering the Speed of opposing Pokemon by one stage, which is very useful against certain switch-ins such as Mega Salamence and Latios.
Set Details
========
76 Speed EVs beat everything up to uninvested Xerneas and Yveltal. 152 HP EVs with 44 Special Defense EVs maximize the amount of HP Primal Groudon can run with the remaining EVs while still surviving a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. This also is enough to survive a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted to Attack: 236 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature can let Primal Groudon 2HKO physically bulky Xerneas, 2HKO maximum Defense Primal Kyogre, and OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't invest in Defense. An EV spread of 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spe with an Adamant nature sacrifices some Speed investment while still retaining Attack in order to raise the HP stat enough to where it still survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas but has the benefit of higher physical bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Lack of recovery, use as a setter of Stealth Rock, and use as a check to Pokemon such as Xerneas and Primal Kyogre require that Primal Groudon be played with minimal risk. Stealth Rock is best set when Primal Groudon forces a switch. Dragon Tail should be used when the opponent attempts to bring in a Defogger or thinks they have forced a switch and will set up. If you're using Fire Punch, it is generally a safe option when you are not sure what Pokemon the opponent will switch to, as it deals good damage against a variety of targets. By using Rock Tomb on the opponent's switch, Pokemon such as Latios can now be dispatched by Primal Groudon before they have a chance to attack.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon with a Ground immunity such as Mega Salamence, Latios, Giratina-O, and Rayquaza synergize well with this Primal Groudon set. Ho-Oh works well with this set on a bulky offense team and covers some of Primal Groudon's weaknesses to special attacks and Ground-type attacks. The appropriate Arceus forme to pair with this Primal Groudon is one that utilizes Swords Dance or another offensive technique. A Fairy-type such as Xerneas, Mega Diancie, or Klefki is desired in order to check offensive Dragon-types that threaten Primal Groudon. An offensive Ghost- or Dark-type such as Mega Gengar, Darkrai, or Yveltal can threaten key components of balanced or stall teams. Lastly, Shaymin-S can provide a Ground immunity and soft check a variety of Pokemon that threaten Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Swords Dance / Dragon Claw
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 32 SpD / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish offsets Primal Groudon's lackluster Speed and turns it into one of the most dangerous setup sweepers in the tier. Precipice Blades is the preferred Ground-type STAB move, as it maximizes damage output and meets several key KOs. Although it can be difficult to set up both Swords Dance and Rock Polish, Swords Dance provides Primal Groudon with the offensive power to break certain defensive threats that Rock Polish alone cannot trump. Dragon Claw hits several Primal Groudon checks such as Latios, Latias, Giratina-O, and Flygon. Stone Edge hits most Ground-immune Pokemon for high damage such as Ho-Oh, Lugia, Mega Salamence, and Yveltal. Rock Slide can be used as Rock-type coverage for its better accuracy and flinch rate. Fire Punch's low Base Power is mitigated by STAB and Desolate Land, and the move works in lieu of Rock-type coverage to take out Ground-immune Steel-types while still hitting most other Ground-immune targets hard.
Set Details
========
252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize damage output and allow Primal Groudon to OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't run Defense investment, OHKO defensive Primal Kyogre with Precipice Blades at +2, and OHKO standard Mega Salamence with Stone Edge when at +1. 56 Speed EVs are used so that Primal Groudon will be faster than base 90 Choice Scarf users when at +2. The remaining EVs maximize physical bulk while still enabling Primal Groudon to survive +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock; the physical bulk is also sufficient to survive a +1 Adamant Double-Edge from Mega Salamence after Steath Rock. An EV spread of 208 Atk / 144 SpD / 156 Spe with an Adamant nature makes +2 Primal Groudon faster than +1 252 Mega Salamence and standard +2 Xerneas. This EV spread still survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Steath Rock. An EV spread of 248 HP / 204 Atk / 56 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used with a set that features Swords Dance for higher mixed bulk. This spread also survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Steath Rock and a +1 Adamant Mega Salamence Double-Edge after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Setting up Rock Polish or Swords Dance is best when forcing a switch. Setup can be accomplished without forcing a switch due to Primal Groudon's natural bulk, but this should only be done when the ensuing trade is assured to be beneficial. If using both Rock Polish and Swords Dance, set up one first on a forced switch and then boost the other stat while surviving the ensuing attack. Focus on checking opposing threats without letting this set sponge attacks so that Primal Groudon has enough bulk to set up or keep from being revenge killed. If this set is used as the wincon, focus on pressuring the opposing Pokemon that need to be damaged or eliminated in order for Primal Groudon to successfully clean.
Team Options
========
An offensive Stealth Rock setter is a mandatory partner with this set, with some examples including Deoxys-S, Dialga, Excadrill, Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, and Mega Aerodactyl. An offensive teammate with a Ground immunity such as Mega Salamence or Rayquaza is desired to offset Primal Groudon's weakness to Ground. The appropriate Arceus forme to pair with Rock Polish Primal Groudon is one that runs Swords Dance or one that runs another form of offensive set. An offensive Fairy-type such as Xerneas or Mega Diancie is desired for the immunity to Draco Meteor and ability to keep offensive Dragon- and Dark-types in check. An offensive Ghost- or Dark-type such as Mega Gengar, Darkrai, or Yveltal is effective for pressuring defensive components of certain teams.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock + Swords Dance
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Precipice Blades
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Jolly
evs: 168 Atk / 144 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This Primal Groudon set functions as both an entry hazard setter and a stallbreaker by offsetting its low natural Speed with high investment. Swords Dance doubles Primal Groudon's Attack, allowing it to 2HKO most Pokemon in the tier. Precipice Blades is the best STAB move for this set, as it maximizes damage output. The remaining slot is used for Rock-type coverage to hit Ground-immune targets. Stone Edge is preferred for its higher power. Rock Slide can also be used due to being slightly more consistent and this Primal Groudon being fast enough to make use of the flinch effects.
Set Details
========
196 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature are sufficient to outspeed fully invested base 90 Speed Pokemon and below. 144 Special Defense EVs are used in order to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted into the Attack stat. An EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature maximizes Primal Groudon's Speed and runs more Attack at the cost of not meeting the +2 Xerneas benchmark.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used on balance or bulky offense teams that need to combine a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker into one teamslot. Set up Stealth Rock when forcing a switch, and set it early. This Primal Groudon can also bluff a support set or an offensive Stealth Rock set so long as it hasn't revealed Swords Dance yet. Set up Swords Dance against an incoming Defog Arceus or if you manage to force a switch while Stealth Rock is up. If a Pokemon that can successfully Defog against this set even when it is boosted is going to switch in, double switch to a Pokemon that won't allow it to Defog. In order to function as a check to Pokemon such as Geomancy Xerneas, this Primal Groudon must remain healthy.
Team Options
========
An alternative setup sweeper such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, or Mega Salamence pairs well with this set and serves to increase a team's ability to strip down opposing defensive cores. Ground-immune or Water-resistant teammates such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O provide Primal Groudon with needed support against common Ground-type attacks and against Primal Kyogre. Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Mega Diancie are partners that are able to check Dragon-types that threaten Primal Groudon. A Steel-type such as Jirachi or Ferrothorn is able to simultaneously serve as a check to Latios and Xerneas. Jirachi can support Primal Groudon with Wish, while Ferrothorn benefits from this Primal Groudon's ability to take down anti-entry hazard cores employed by passive teams. Ferrothorn also supports Primal Groudon by being able to handle Primal Kyogre well. Offensive Ghost- or Dark-types such as Mega Gengar, Giratina-O, Darkrai, and Yveltal can check certain offensive Psychic-types and also stallbreak well. A secondary Xerneas check such as Ho-Oh, Klefki, or Bronzong is also desired, as this Primal Groudon doesn't have much room for taking damage without losing its ability to check Xerneas.
[SET]
name: Paradancer
move 1: Thunder Wave
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Precipice Blades
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rather than boosting Speed or running high investment in the Speed stat, this set uses Thunder Wave to gain the Speed advantage against opposing threats. The move also has use against Primal Groudon switch-ins such as Latios, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza and is used to check Xerneas. Swords Dance allows Primal Groudon to deal massive damage against Pokemon such as support Arceus, Lugia, Primal Kyogre, and Pokemon that typically fall short of being OHKOed by unboosted Primal Groudon. Rock Slide is used as the coverage move, which hits most Ground-immune targets well. Combined with the paralysis induced by Thunder Wave, the flinch rate of Rock Slide makes it difficult for targets to move successfully. Precipice Blades is the strongest Ground-type STAB move available and meets important KOs against some of the aforementioned threats.
Set Details
========
EVs maximize the Attack stat and the 12 Speed EVs make Primal Groudon faster than Mega Diancie before Mega Evolution. The remaining EVs maximize mixed bulk and allow Primal Groudon to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock and a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock. An EV spread of 152 HP / 236 Atk / 44 SpD / 76 Spe with an Adamant nature sacrifices some Attack investment in order to outspeed uninvested Xerneas and Yveltal. This spread also lets Primal Groudon survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock and a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
This set functions less as a wincon and more as an intermediate wallbreaker, so focus on dismantling cores with Thunder Wave and +2 boosted attacks. Thunder Wave combined with Primal Groudon's bulk can be used to emergency check a variety of setup sweepers when facing offense teams. Focus on paralyzing faster defensive Pokemon first and setting up Swords Dance later. With their Speed advantage eliminated, Primal Groudon can break through several Pokemon when at +2 Attack.
Team Options
========
Since this Primal Groudon set doesn't have room for Stealth Rock, an alternate setter such as Dialga, Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, Excadrill, or Bronzong is required. An alternative setup sweeper such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Salamence, or Rayquaza can greatly benefit from this Primal Groudon's ability to weaken their checks. Pokemon that are immune Ground and resist Water such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O cover Primal Groudon's most exploitable weaknesses. A secondary Xerneas check such as Ho-Oh, Klefki, or Bronzong is desired, as this Primal Groudon can be worn down and left unable to check Xerneas on its own. Zekrom is useful for threatening physically defensive Pokemon such as Water Arceus and Lugia as well as threaten Mega Salamence and Primal Kyogre. A Healing Wish user such as Latias or Shaymin-S can give Primal Groudon a second chance to bust through the opposing team.
[SET]
name: Mixed Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Precipice Blades
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Mild
evs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 144 SpD / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set utilizes Primal Groudon's large Special Attack in conjunction with the Speed-boosting effects of Rock Polish to create a setup sweeper that is effective against a variety of typical Primal Groudon checks. With maximum Special Attack investment and the effects of Desolate Land, Fire Blast deals more damage than Precipice Blades on this set. Fire Blast is notable for usually OHKOing defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock, dealing upwards of 87% against Ground Arceus, and 2HKOing Lugia after Stealth Rock. Dragon Pulse usually OHKOes Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock, and it 2HKOes Giratina-O, Latios, and Flygon. Precipice Blades is used handle Primal Kyogre, Blissey, and Rock-types.
Set Details
========
56 Speed EVs ensure that Primal Groudon is faster than Choice Scarf base 90 Pokemon after using Rock Polish. 252 Special Attack EVs with a Mild nature maximize the damage output of Fire Blast and Dragon Pulse. The nature is chosen as Mild so that it does not impair the damage output of Precipice Blades. 144 Special Defense EVs allow Primal Groudon to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted into Attack.
Usage Tips
========
This set is only to be used for certain offense teams that appreciate its ability to beat certain otherwise solid Primal Groudon checks. Precipice Blades should be used to bluff a physical set or one that isn't highly invested in offensive stats. Setting up is best when forcing a switch against a Steel-type. While it can also be done when not forcing a switch thanks to Primal Groudon's natural bulk, this should only be done when necessary. This set is not really intended to check big threats except when absolutely necessary, so teammates should sponge attacks instead so that Primal Groudon has enough bulk to set up or keep from being revenge killed.
Team Options
========
An offensive Stealth Rock setter such as Deoxys-S, Dialga, Excadrill, Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, or Mega Aerodactyl is required, as this Primal Groudon does not have room for the move. An additional entry hazard setter, one that can lay Spikes or Toxic Spikes, is especially helpful for breaking down threats for this set. A Ground-immune teammate such as Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, or Shaymin-S helps cover Primal Groudon's weakness to Ground. Offensive Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Mega Diancie help cover Latios, and Ghost- or Dark-types such as Mega Gengar, Ghost Arceus, Darkrai, and Yveltal help threaten the physically defensive backbones of teams.
[SET]
name: Rest
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Lava Plume
move 4: Precipice Blades / Roar
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Sassy / Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rest is Primal Groudon's best method of recovering HP on its own. Passive teams often rely on poison or other residual damage to take down Primal Groudon, making this set a potential stallbreaker. Sleep Talk is used so that Primal Groudon's sleeping turns aren't a total loss. Lava Plume hits several Ground-immune targets well and spreads burns that are irritating for several common Primal Groudon checks. Precipice Blades is the primary STAB move, dealing solid damage against Pokemon such as Primal Kyogre, opposing Primal Groudon, Steel-types, and Rock-types despite the Attack stat being uninvested. Roar is used to prevent the opposing Pokemon from boosting stats. It also allows this set to phaze Geomancy Xerneas consistently. Stone Edge can also be used as a coverage move, primarily for teams that struggle against Ho-Oh, but it also has use against some other Ground-immune targets.
Set Details
========
The maximum Special Defense investment offsets Primal Groudon's lackluster natural special bulk. This investment is also helpful against key threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Diancie. A Sassy nature is to be used with Lava Plume so that both offensive stats are left intact, as Speed isn't especially important for this set. If you're not using Precipice Blades, the preferred nature becomes Calm. An Impish nature can be used to further boost Primal Groudon's physical bulk; this can be situationally helpful against threats such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and opposing Primal Groudon.
Usage Tips
========
This Primal Groudon should be played similarly to the defensive Stealth Rock set, except that it doesn't have to worry quite as much when it comes to taking damage, since it can recover with Rest. Use this set to sponge status against Pokemon that rely on Toxic alone to break Primal Groudon. Understand that a sleeping Primal Groudon is mostly useless even with Sleep Talk; this can be reduced to a single turn by Resting and then creating an opening for cleric use. Maintain enough breathing room to Rest again by burning sleep turns against Pokemon that can't deal much damage to Primal Groudon while it is immune to Toxic.
Team Options
========
A reliable defensive Stealth Rock setter such as Tyranitar is a must for teams that utilize this Primal Groudon set. A Ground-immune Pokemon such as Lugia, Mega Salamence, Latios, or Latias is also needed for proper defensive support. A support Arceus is typically paired with this set, one example being Water Arceus. Mega Sableye pairs well with Primal Groudon, as it can handle several Primal Groudon checks, can bounce entry hazards, and fits well on defensive teams. A backup check to Primal Kyogre is greatly desired if this set forgoes running Precipice Blades, as the only thing Primal Groudon can do against it is Roar. Spikes support from Ferrothorn, Skarmory, or Klefki pairs well when this set runs Roar to rack up residual damage. A cleric is a good idea so that Primal Groudon can be awakened and spend fewer turns wasted when asleep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A support Groudon with Leftovers as the item and a physically defensive EV spread can be used to check Swords Dance Arceus and offer sun support, but it is almost always inferior to Primal Groudon. Overheat is an interesting move option that deals high damage thanks to Primal Groudon's Fire typing and Desolate Land, but it is usually inferior to Lava Plume or a move such as Fire Blast that doesn't drop Special Attack. Eruption can deal a significant amount of damage to several common Primal Groudon switch-ins when it has EV investment behind it, but it becomes useless once Primal Groudon takes on damage and lacks the ability to burn targets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Lugia**: Immune to Ground-type moves with Multiscale and substantial physical bulk, Lugia is able to check most Primal Groudon sets well and can stall it out with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Ice Beam.
**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can lower Primal Groudon's Attack stat with Intimidate, is Ground immune, and has solid physical bulk. Offensive sets can set up Dragon Dance and hit Primal Groudon hard with boosted attacks while defensive sets can Defog away Stealth Rock and chip at Primal Groudon.
**Ground Arceus**: Able to switch into most of Primal Groudon's moves and outspeed it, Ground Arceus can smack Primal Groudon hard with Earthquake or Judgment.
**Water Arceus and Dragon Arceus**: These support Arceus formes invest heavily in Defense, resist Primal Groudon's Fire-type moves, can Defog away Stealth Rock, and can stall several Primal Groudon sets out with Toxic + Recover.
**Latios and Latias**: The Eon twins are faster than Primal Groudon, hold an immunity to Ground and a resistance to Fire, can Defog, and can deal significant damage with Draco Meteor.
**Giratina-O**: Giratina-O is immune to Ground and resists Fire-type moves. In return, it can Defog away Primal Groudon's Stealth Rock or hit it with Draco Meteor or Earthquake.
**Rayquaza**: Typically faster than Primal Groudon, Rayquaza is immune to Ground-type moves and can deal significant damage to Primal Groudon with Earthquake. Due to Air Lock, Rayquaza can strike Primal Groudon with Water-type moves.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can nullify Desolate Land with its ability Primordial Sea, allowing it to OHKO Primal Groudon with Water-type attacks, but only if it has come into play after Primal Groudon has.
**Landorus-T**: Landorus-T can lower Primal Groudon's Attack with Intimidate, is faster than Primal Groudon, and can deal heavy damage to it with Earthquake.
**Flygon**: Flygon can easily take most conventional moves run by Primal Groudon and in return can Defog away Stealth Rock and stall out Primal Groudon with Toxic and Roost.
**Mega Slowbro**: With a combination of very high Defense, Toxic, Slack Off, and Iron Defense, Mega Slowbro can stall out certain Primal Groudon sets.
**Yveltal and Shaymin-S**: While they cannot switch into Primal Groudon very comfortably, Yveltal and Shaymin-S are faster than Primal Groudon, are immune to Ground-type attacks, and can deal heavy damage against it.
**Skarmory and Bronzong**: Due to Levitate, Skarmory and Bronzong can check Primal Groudon sets that do not opt to run Fire-type coverage.
**Groudon**: A physically defensive Groudon can effectively check some Primal Groudon sets, but it is weak to Fire-type coverage.
GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.
[OVERVIEW]
The best single forme of a Pokemon in Ubers, Primal Groudon has become nigh mandatory on teams. Its absurd number of viable options along with the insane role compression it provides, both offensively and defensively, make it a Pokemon that few teams elect not to use. Primal Groudon is also notable for checking big threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh. Blessed with very high offensive stats and solid physical bulk, Primal Groudon is considered to be the best and most common setter of Stealth Rock in the tier. Additionally, Primal Groudon has great options for boosting Speed and Attack in Rock Polish and Swords Dance, which makes it one of the most dangerous offensive threats around. Its immunity to Water- and Electric-type attacks give Primal Groudon built-in defensive synergy, while its immunity to burns makes it impossible for foes to neuter Primal Groudon's physical attacks. Primal Groudon does have some shortcomings, however, such as being stuck in an average Speed tier and having a relatively low Special Defense stat when uninvested. Primal Groudon also lacks any options for instant recovery and has its item slot restricted to the Red Orb, leaving it with few options for recovering health. Primal Groudon's primary weakness, Ground, is also a common offensive type in the tier. While Primal Groudon is far from unbeatable, it should be feared for the offensive and defense behemoth that it is.
[SET]
name: Defensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Lava Plume / Rock Slide
move 4: Roar / Thunder Wave / Dragon Tail
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Sassy / Careful
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Primal Groudon can set Stealth Rock rather easily thanks to its high bulk and ability to force out a variety of Pokemon. Precipice Blades 2HKOes standard Xerneas and inflicts higher damage than Earthquake, which is important in a tier where many Pokemon are physically bulky. Lava Plume, supported by STAB and Desolate Land, deals strong damage to many Ground-immune targets, eases prediction, and can burn Pokemon such as Lugia and support Arceus formes, which makes them much easier to break in the long run. Rock Slide hits a variety of Ground-immune targets; it cannot burn like Lava Plume and runs off the Attack stat, but it OHKOes Ho-Oh.
Roar phazes Xerneas and several other setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Swords Dance Arceus, and the rarer Calm Mind Arceus. It has other utility in being able to cause additional passive damage when the opponent switches to a Primal Groudon check. Thunder Wave is best used with Rock Slide, as the combination of moves does well against a variety of Ground-immune targets due to paralysis combined with the flinch rate of Rock Slide. Thunder Wave is also used to remove the Speed advantage of setup sweepers such as Xerneas and Mega Salamence. Similar to Roar but unable to phaze Xerneas, Dragon Tail has the benefit of smacking Latios, Latias, and Giratina-O switch-ins while still being able to phaze other setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence and Arceus formes. Toxic is worthwhile, as several Primal Groudon switch-ins such as Lugia, support Arceus, and Giratina-O cannot function properly when badly poisoned.
Set Details
========
Due to having a naturally low Special Defense, this Primal Groudon set runs maximum Special Defense investment. This special bulk is helpful against key threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Diancie. A Sassy nature is to be used with Lava Plume so that both offensive stats are left intact, as Speed is less important. If not using Lava Plume, the preferred nature becomes Careful. An Impish nature can be used to further boost Primal Groudon's physical bulk; this can be situationally helpful against threats such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and opposing Primal Groudon.
Usage Tips
========
Primal Groudon has no method of recovery and requires efficient play, especially since it is used to check several big threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Ho-Oh but fails to do so when damaged. Stealth Rock needs to be set early, but not at the expense of being reckless. Lava Plume is one of the most readily clicked moves here, since it covers a variety of Primal Groudon switch-ins and spreads burns. Assume that Primal Groudon is slower than the opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon, since this set runs no investment and this Speed tier often invests. While Primal Groudon checks Ho-Oh, it does not want to switch into it, especially if it isn't running an Impish nature or Rock-type coverage. Be wary of Toxic as Primal Groudon switches in, especially against Pokemon like Klefki.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, Latios, and Latias that are able to Defog and provide a Ground immunity naturally pair well with Primal Groudon. Ho-Oh is a strong partner for this defensive Stealth Rock set due to the potency of Ho-Oh balance, Ho-Oh's ability to sponge a variety of special attacks, and its Ground immunity. Other Ground-immune teammates such as Lugia and Yveltal can make good partners on a balance team. Certain Fairy-types such as Klefki, Xerneas, and Mega Diancie provide a switch-in to Primal Groudon checks such as Latios, Latias, and Giratina-O. An appropriate Arceus forme should be run with this particular Primal Groudon, such as Water Arceus, Extreme Killer Arceus, or Swords Dance Ground Arceus. Mega Gengar is a strong partner choice that reaps the benefits of Primal Groudon status spam via Hex. Mega Sableye is handy for bouncing Toxic back at several common Primal Groudon checks. A Toxic immunity or Steel-type in general is useful for protecting Primal Groudon from being poisoned. Aromatherapy and Heal Bell from Xerneas or Diancie are options for removing status from Primal Groudon, while Wish or Healing Wish from Shaymin-S or Latias can give Primal Groudon an additional breath in battle.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Dragon Tail / Fire Punch
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Tomb
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 152 HP / 236 Atk / 44 SpD / 76 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Primal Groudon can serve as a setter of Stealth Rock for a variety of offense arrangements thanks to its natural bulk and offensive potency. Precipice Blades is preferred for maximum damage output and can 2HKO physically bulky Xerneas, can 2HKO maximum Defense Primal Kyogre, and can OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't invest in Defense. Dragon Tail smacks several common Primal Groudon switch-ins and forces them back out such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, Giratina-O, and support Arceus. Fire Punch cannot phaze or hit the above threats quite as hard, but it is more consistent than Dragon Tail, eases prediction, and is the only option on this set that can destroy Skarmory and Bronzong. Fire Punch also has the benefit of being almost as strong as Precipice Blades versus neutral targets while being accurate. Stone Edge OHKOes Ho-Oh and deals high damage to most other Ground-immune Pokemon. Rock Tomb can still OHKO Ho-Oh and has the benefit of lowering the Speed of opposing Pokemon by one stage, which is very useful against certain switch-ins such as Mega Salamence and Latios.
Set Details
========
76 Speed EVs beat everything up to uninvested Xerneas and Yveltal. 152 HP EVs with 44 Special Defense EVs maximize the amount of HP Primal Groudon can run with the remaining EVs while still surviving a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. This also is enough to survive a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted to Attack: 236 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature can let Primal Groudon 2HKO physically bulky Xerneas, 2HKO maximum Defense Primal Kyogre, and OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't invest in Defense. An EV spread of 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spe with an Adamant nature sacrifices some Speed investment while still retaining Attack in order to raise the HP stat enough to where it still survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas but has the benefit of higher physical bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Lack of recovery, use as a setter of Stealth Rock, and use as a check to Pokemon such as Xerneas and Primal Kyogre require that Primal Groudon be played with minimal risk. Stealth Rock is best set when Primal Groudon forces a switch. Dragon Tail should be used when the opponent attempts to bring in a Defogger or thinks they have forced a switch and will set up. If you're using Fire Punch, it is generally a safe option when you are not sure what Pokemon the opponent will switch to, as it deals good damage against a variety of targets. By using Rock Tomb on the opponent's switch, Pokemon such as Latios can now be dispatched by Primal Groudon before they have a chance to attack.
Team Options
========
Offensive Pokemon with a Ground immunity such as Mega Salamence, Latios, Giratina-O, and Rayquaza synergize well with this Primal Groudon set. Ho-Oh works well with this set on a bulky offense team and covers some of Primal Groudon's weaknesses to special attacks and Ground-type attacks. The appropriate Arceus forme to pair with this Primal Groudon is one that utilizes Swords Dance or another offensive technique. A Fairy-type such as Xerneas, Mega Diancie, or Klefki is desired in order to check offensive Dragon-types that threaten Primal Groudon. An offensive Ghost- or Dark-type such as Mega Gengar, Darkrai, or Yveltal can threaten key components of balanced or stall teams. Lastly, Shaymin-S can provide a Ground immunity and soft check a variety of Pokemon that threaten Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Swords Dance / Dragon Claw
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 32 SpD / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish offsets Primal Groudon's lackluster Speed and turns it into one of the most dangerous setup sweepers in the tier. Precipice Blades is the preferred Ground-type STAB move, as it maximizes damage output and meets several key KOs. Although it can be difficult to set up both Swords Dance and Rock Polish, Swords Dance provides Primal Groudon with the offensive power to break certain defensive threats that Rock Polish alone cannot trump. Dragon Claw hits several Primal Groudon checks such as Latios, Latias, Giratina-O, and Flygon. Stone Edge hits most Ground-immune Pokemon for high damage such as Ho-Oh, Lugia, Mega Salamence, and Yveltal. Rock Slide can be used as Rock-type coverage for its better accuracy and flinch rate. Fire Punch's low Base Power is mitigated by STAB and Desolate Land, and the move works in lieu of Rock-type coverage to take out Ground-immune Steel-types while still hitting most other Ground-immune targets hard.
Set Details
========
252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize damage output and allow Primal Groudon to OHKO opposing Primal Groudon that don't run Defense investment, OHKO defensive Primal Kyogre with Precipice Blades at +2, and OHKO standard Mega Salamence with Stone Edge when at +1. 56 Speed EVs are used so that Primal Groudon will be faster than base 90 Choice Scarf users when at +2. The remaining EVs maximize physical bulk while still enabling Primal Groudon to survive +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock; the physical bulk is also sufficient to survive a +1 Adamant Double-Edge from Mega Salamence after Steath Rock. An EV spread of 208 Atk / 144 SpD / 156 Spe with an Adamant nature makes +2 Primal Groudon faster than +1 252 Mega Salamence and standard +2 Xerneas. This EV spread still survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Steath Rock. An EV spread of 248 HP / 204 Atk / 56 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used with a set that features Swords Dance for higher mixed bulk. This spread also survives a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Steath Rock and a +1 Adamant Mega Salamence Double-Edge after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Setting up Rock Polish or Swords Dance is best when forcing a switch. Setup can be accomplished without forcing a switch due to Primal Groudon's natural bulk, but this should only be done when the ensuing trade is assured to be beneficial. If using both Rock Polish and Swords Dance, set up one first on a forced switch and then boost the other stat while surviving the ensuing attack. Focus on checking opposing threats without letting this set sponge attacks so that Primal Groudon has enough bulk to set up or keep from being revenge killed. If this set is used as the wincon, focus on pressuring the opposing Pokemon that need to be damaged or eliminated in order for Primal Groudon to successfully clean.
Team Options
========
An offensive Stealth Rock setter is a mandatory partner with this set, with some examples including Deoxys-S, Dialga, Excadrill, Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, and Mega Aerodactyl. An offensive teammate with a Ground immunity such as Mega Salamence or Rayquaza is desired to offset Primal Groudon's weakness to Ground. The appropriate Arceus forme to pair with Rock Polish Primal Groudon is one that runs Swords Dance or one that runs another form of offensive set. An offensive Fairy-type such as Xerneas or Mega Diancie is desired for the immunity to Draco Meteor and ability to keep offensive Dragon- and Dark-types in check. An offensive Ghost- or Dark-type such as Mega Gengar, Darkrai, or Yveltal is effective for pressuring defensive components of certain teams.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock + Swords Dance
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Precipice Blades
move 4: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Jolly
evs: 168 Atk / 144 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This Primal Groudon set functions as both an entry hazard setter and a stallbreaker by offsetting its low natural Speed with high investment. Swords Dance doubles Primal Groudon's Attack, allowing it to 2HKO most Pokemon in the tier. Precipice Blades is the best STAB move for this set, as it maximizes damage output. The remaining slot is used for Rock-type coverage to hit Ground-immune targets. Stone Edge is preferred for its higher power. Rock Slide can also be used due to being slightly more consistent and this Primal Groudon being fast enough to make use of the flinch effects.
Set Details
========
196 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature are sufficient to outspeed fully invested base 90 Speed Pokemon and below. 144 Special Defense EVs are used in order to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted into the Attack stat. An EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature maximizes Primal Groudon's Speed and runs more Attack at the cost of not meeting the +2 Xerneas benchmark.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used on balance or bulky offense teams that need to combine a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker into one teamslot. Set up Stealth Rock when forcing a switch, and set it early. This Primal Groudon can also bluff a support set or an offensive Stealth Rock set so long as it hasn't revealed Swords Dance yet. Set up Swords Dance against an incoming Defog Arceus or if you manage to force a switch while Stealth Rock is up. If a Pokemon that can successfully Defog against this set even when it is boosted is going to switch in, double switch to a Pokemon that won't allow it to Defog. In order to function as a check to Pokemon such as Geomancy Xerneas, this Primal Groudon must remain healthy.
Team Options
========
An alternative setup sweeper such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, or Mega Salamence pairs well with this set and serves to increase a team's ability to strip down opposing defensive cores. Ground-immune or Water-resistant teammates such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O provide Primal Groudon with needed support against common Ground-type attacks and against Primal Kyogre. Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Mega Diancie are partners that are able to check Dragon-types that threaten Primal Groudon. A Steel-type such as Jirachi or Ferrothorn is able to simultaneously serve as a check to Latios and Xerneas. Jirachi can support Primal Groudon with Wish, while Ferrothorn benefits from this Primal Groudon's ability to take down anti-entry hazard cores employed by passive teams. Ferrothorn also supports Primal Groudon by being able to handle Primal Kyogre well. Offensive Ghost- or Dark-types such as Mega Gengar, Giratina-O, Darkrai, and Yveltal can check certain offensive Psychic-types and also stallbreak well. A secondary Xerneas check such as Ho-Oh, Klefki, or Bronzong is also desired, as this Primal Groudon doesn't have much room for taking damage without losing its ability to check Xerneas.
[SET]
name: Paradancer
move 1: Thunder Wave
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Precipice Blades
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Adamant
evs: 244 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rather than boosting Speed or running high investment in the Speed stat, this set uses Thunder Wave to gain the Speed advantage against opposing threats. The move also has use against Primal Groudon switch-ins such as Latios, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza and is used to check Xerneas. Swords Dance allows Primal Groudon to deal massive damage against Pokemon such as support Arceus, Lugia, Primal Kyogre, and Pokemon that typically fall short of being OHKOed by unboosted Primal Groudon. Rock Slide is used as the coverage move, which hits most Ground-immune targets well. Combined with the paralysis induced by Thunder Wave, the flinch rate of Rock Slide makes it difficult for targets to move successfully. Precipice Blades is the strongest Ground-type STAB move available and meets important KOs against some of the aforementioned threats.
Set Details
========
EVs maximize the Attack stat and the 12 Speed EVs make Primal Groudon faster than Mega Diancie before Mega Evolution. The remaining EVs maximize mixed bulk and allow Primal Groudon to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock and a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock. An EV spread of 152 HP / 236 Atk / 44 SpD / 76 Spe with an Adamant nature sacrifices some Attack investment in order to outspeed uninvested Xerneas and Yveltal. This spread also lets Primal Groudon survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock and a +1 Double-Edge from Adamant Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
This set functions less as a wincon and more as an intermediate wallbreaker, so focus on dismantling cores with Thunder Wave and +2 boosted attacks. Thunder Wave combined with Primal Groudon's bulk can be used to emergency check a variety of setup sweepers when facing offense teams. Focus on paralyzing faster defensive Pokemon first and setting up Swords Dance later. With their Speed advantage eliminated, Primal Groudon can break through several Pokemon when at +2 Attack.
Team Options
========
Since this Primal Groudon set doesn't have room for Stealth Rock, an alternate setter such as Dialga, Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, Excadrill, or Bronzong is required. An alternative setup sweeper such as Swords Dance Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Salamence, or Rayquaza can greatly benefit from this Primal Groudon's ability to weaken their checks. Pokemon that are immune Ground and resist Water such as Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O cover Primal Groudon's most exploitable weaknesses. A secondary Xerneas check such as Ho-Oh, Klefki, or Bronzong is desired, as this Primal Groudon can be worn down and left unable to check Xerneas on its own. Zekrom is useful for threatening physically defensive Pokemon such as Water Arceus and Lugia as well as threaten Mega Salamence and Primal Kyogre. A Healing Wish user such as Latias or Shaymin-S can give Primal Groudon a second chance to bust through the opposing team.
[SET]
name: Mixed Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Precipice Blades
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Mild
evs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 144 SpD / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
This set utilizes Primal Groudon's large Special Attack in conjunction with the Speed-boosting effects of Rock Polish to create a setup sweeper that is effective against a variety of typical Primal Groudon checks. With maximum Special Attack investment and the effects of Desolate Land, Fire Blast deals more damage than Precipice Blades on this set. Fire Blast is notable for usually OHKOing defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock, dealing upwards of 87% against Ground Arceus, and 2HKOing Lugia after Stealth Rock. Dragon Pulse usually OHKOes Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock, and it 2HKOes Giratina-O, Latios, and Flygon. Precipice Blades is used handle Primal Kyogre, Blissey, and Rock-types.
Set Details
========
56 Speed EVs ensure that Primal Groudon is faster than Choice Scarf base 90 Pokemon after using Rock Polish. 252 Special Attack EVs with a Mild nature maximize the damage output of Fire Blast and Dragon Pulse. The nature is chosen as Mild so that it does not impair the damage output of Precipice Blades. 144 Special Defense EVs allow Primal Groudon to survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas after Stealth Rock. The remaining EVs are slotted into Attack.
Usage Tips
========
This set is only to be used for certain offense teams that appreciate its ability to beat certain otherwise solid Primal Groudon checks. Precipice Blades should be used to bluff a physical set or one that isn't highly invested in offensive stats. Setting up is best when forcing a switch against a Steel-type. While it can also be done when not forcing a switch thanks to Primal Groudon's natural bulk, this should only be done when necessary. This set is not really intended to check big threats except when absolutely necessary, so teammates should sponge attacks instead so that Primal Groudon has enough bulk to set up or keep from being revenge killed.
Team Options
========
An offensive Stealth Rock setter such as Deoxys-S, Dialga, Excadrill, Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, or Mega Aerodactyl is required, as this Primal Groudon does not have room for the move. An additional entry hazard setter, one that can lay Spikes or Toxic Spikes, is especially helpful for breaking down threats for this set. A Ground-immune teammate such as Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, or Shaymin-S helps cover Primal Groudon's weakness to Ground. Offensive Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Mega Diancie help cover Latios, and Ghost- or Dark-types such as Mega Gengar, Ghost Arceus, Darkrai, and Yveltal help threaten the physically defensive backbones of teams.
[SET]
name: Rest
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Lava Plume
move 4: Precipice Blades / Roar
item: Red Orb
ability: Desolate Land
nature: Sassy / Calm
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rest is Primal Groudon's best method of recovering HP on its own. Passive teams often rely on poison or other residual damage to take down Primal Groudon, making this set a potential stallbreaker. Sleep Talk is used so that Primal Groudon's sleeping turns aren't a total loss. Lava Plume hits several Ground-immune targets well and spreads burns that are irritating for several common Primal Groudon checks. Precipice Blades is the primary STAB move, dealing solid damage against Pokemon such as Primal Kyogre, opposing Primal Groudon, Steel-types, and Rock-types despite the Attack stat being uninvested. Roar is used to prevent the opposing Pokemon from boosting stats. It also allows this set to phaze Geomancy Xerneas consistently. Stone Edge can also be used as a coverage move, primarily for teams that struggle against Ho-Oh, but it also has use against some other Ground-immune targets.
Set Details
========
The maximum Special Defense investment offsets Primal Groudon's lackluster natural special bulk. This investment is also helpful against key threats such as Xerneas, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Diancie. A Sassy nature is to be used with Lava Plume so that both offensive stats are left intact, as Speed isn't especially important for this set. If you're not using Precipice Blades, the preferred nature becomes Calm. An Impish nature can be used to further boost Primal Groudon's physical bulk; this can be situationally helpful against threats such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and opposing Primal Groudon.
Usage Tips
========
This Primal Groudon should be played similarly to the defensive Stealth Rock set, except that it doesn't have to worry quite as much when it comes to taking damage, since it can recover with Rest. Use this set to sponge status against Pokemon that rely on Toxic alone to break Primal Groudon. Understand that a sleeping Primal Groudon is mostly useless even with Sleep Talk; this can be reduced to a single turn by Resting and then creating an opening for cleric use. Maintain enough breathing room to Rest again by burning sleep turns against Pokemon that can't deal much damage to Primal Groudon while it is immune to Toxic.
Team Options
========
A reliable defensive Stealth Rock setter such as Tyranitar is a must for teams that utilize this Primal Groudon set. A Ground-immune Pokemon such as Lugia, Mega Salamence, Latios, or Latias is also needed for proper defensive support. A support Arceus is typically paired with this set, one example being Water Arceus. Mega Sableye pairs well with Primal Groudon, as it can handle several Primal Groudon checks, can bounce entry hazards, and fits well on defensive teams. A backup check to Primal Kyogre is greatly desired if this set forgoes running Precipice Blades, as the only thing Primal Groudon can do against it is Roar. Spikes support from Ferrothorn, Skarmory, or Klefki pairs well when this set runs Roar to rack up residual damage. A cleric is a good idea so that Primal Groudon can be awakened and spend fewer turns wasted when asleep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A support Groudon with Leftovers as the item and a physically defensive EV spread can be used to check Swords Dance Arceus and offer sun support, but it is almost always inferior to Primal Groudon. Overheat is an interesting move option that deals high damage thanks to Primal Groudon's Fire typing and Desolate Land, but it is usually inferior to Lava Plume or a move such as Fire Blast that doesn't drop Special Attack. Eruption can deal a significant amount of damage to several common Primal Groudon switch-ins when it has EV investment behind it, but it becomes useless once Primal Groudon takes on damage and lacks the ability to burn targets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Lugia**: Immune to Ground-type moves with Multiscale and substantial physical bulk, Lugia is able to check most Primal Groudon sets well and can stall it out with a combination of Toxic, Roost, and Ice Beam.
**Mega Salamence**: Mega Salamence can lower Primal Groudon's Attack stat with Intimidate, is Ground immune, and has solid physical bulk. Offensive sets can set up Dragon Dance and hit Primal Groudon hard with boosted attacks while defensive sets can Defog away Stealth Rock and chip at Primal Groudon.
**Ground Arceus**: Able to switch into most of Primal Groudon's moves and outspeed it, Ground Arceus can smack Primal Groudon hard with Earthquake or Judgment.
**Water Arceus and Dragon Arceus**: These support Arceus formes invest heavily in Defense, resist Primal Groudon's Fire-type moves, can Defog away Stealth Rock, and can stall several Primal Groudon sets out with Toxic + Recover.
**Latios and Latias**: The Eon twins are faster than Primal Groudon, hold an immunity to Ground and a resistance to Fire, can Defog, and can deal significant damage with Draco Meteor.
**Giratina-O**: Giratina-O is immune to Ground and resists Fire-type moves. In return, it can Defog away Primal Groudon's Stealth Rock or hit it with Draco Meteor or Earthquake.
**Rayquaza**: Typically faster than Primal Groudon, Rayquaza is immune to Ground-type moves and can deal significant damage to Primal Groudon with Earthquake. Due to Air Lock, Rayquaza can strike Primal Groudon with Water-type moves.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can nullify Desolate Land with its ability Primordial Sea, allowing it to OHKO Primal Groudon with Water-type attacks, but only if it has come into play after Primal Groudon has.
**Landorus-T**: Landorus-T can lower Primal Groudon's Attack with Intimidate, is faster than Primal Groudon, and can deal heavy damage to it with Earthquake.
**Flygon**: Flygon can easily take most conventional moves run by Primal Groudon and in return can Defog away Stealth Rock and stall out Primal Groudon with Toxic and Roost.
**Mega Slowbro**: With a combination of very high Defense, Toxic, Slack Off, and Iron Defense, Mega Slowbro can stall out certain Primal Groudon sets.
**Yveltal and Shaymin-S**: While they cannot switch into Primal Groudon very comfortably, Yveltal and Shaymin-S are faster than Primal Groudon, are immune to Ground-type attacks, and can deal heavy damage against it.
**Skarmory and Bronzong**: Due to Levitate, Skarmory and Bronzong can check Primal Groudon sets that do not opt to run Fire-type coverage.
**Groudon**: A physically defensive Groudon can effectively check some Primal Groudon sets, but it is weak to Fire-type coverage.
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