Hippowdown can switch into Zacian, tank any move then switch out with Eject Button, unlike TTar. It's to be a reliable check to stop Zacian rampage.
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Metagame Sword and Shield Data and Speculation
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Dam!!! Whatever this game maybe be missing that still look cool AF... shame for missing up on kaiju Groudon tho
bigtalk
Banned deucer.
I just had an interesting idea I wanted to post here: what if people ran Protect on Zacian instead of SD / a fourth attack?
If you think about it, the only way of revenge killing Zacian is going to be via scarfers due to its insanely high Speed. So if you simply run Protect, you can limit their usefulness by scouting what move they lock into and then switching to the appropriate wall to handle that move. Take for example Ditto-- if they click anything that's not Close Combat / Fire Fang against you, then you just stay in and KO them back. If they do, then you just switch to something like Toxapex. So even if Ditto turns out to be very common in order to deal with Zacian (which I think it will be given how things have been going over in OU recently), with Protect, it's going to be impossible to get any mileage of it as long as you have a switch-in to any given move.
Other applications of Protect could include wasting Dynamax turns (if Ditto decides to Dynamax, which temporarily removes its Choice item constraint) and wasting driller's sand turns.
If you think about it, the only way of revenge killing Zacian is going to be via scarfers due to its insanely high Speed. So if you simply run Protect, you can limit their usefulness by scouting what move they lock into and then switching to the appropriate wall to handle that move. Take for example Ditto-- if they click anything that's not Close Combat / Fire Fang against you, then you just stay in and KO them back. If they do, then you just switch to something like Toxapex. So even if Ditto turns out to be very common in order to deal with Zacian (which I think it will be given how things have been going over in OU recently), with Protect, it's going to be impossible to get any mileage of it as long as you have a switch-in to any given move.
Other applications of Protect could include wasting Dynamax turns (if Ditto decides to Dynamax, which temporarily removes its Choice item constraint) and wasting driller's sand turns.
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So, in the search of a check of Zacian, I found this...
Better Torkoal (Arcanine) @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- Morning Sun
- Filler (idk, maybe Dragon Pulse, Protect, etc)
Yeah, the biggest problem with this is that you're using Arcanine on Ubers, but this is probably the best answer to Zacian that you'll have:
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 133-157 (34.6 - 40.8%) -- 58.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 100-118 (26 - 30.7%) -- 2.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Arcanine Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 170-204 (52.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Non-CC can barely touch it, while Arcanine can use WoW to burn it, has recovery and can 2HKO it back. It's vulnerable to hazards, so Heavy-Duty Boots is also an option. Another drawback could be Morning Sun being weakened by the sand. This is just what I wanted to say, you could consider this if you're REALLY struggling with it, maybe (probably) it won't be good, but it's there, and it can also be used on a emergency against things like Zamazenta, Necrozma-DM, Marshadow, and Zekrom, this is better than Torkoal at least.
Better Torkoal (Arcanine) @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- Morning Sun
- Filler (idk, maybe Dragon Pulse, Protect, etc)
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 133-157 (34.6 - 40.8%) -- 58.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 100-118 (26 - 30.7%) -- 2.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Arcanine Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 170-204 (52.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Non-CC can barely touch it, while Arcanine can use WoW to burn it, has recovery and can 2HKO it back. It's vulnerable to hazards, so Heavy-Duty Boots is also an option. Another drawback could be Morning Sun being weakened by the sand. This is just what I wanted to say, you could consider this if you're REALLY struggling with it, maybe (probably) it won't be good, but it's there, and it can also be used on a emergency against things like Zamazenta, Necrozma-DM, Marshadow, and Zekrom, this is better than Torkoal at least.
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bigtalk
Banned deucer.
Nice find :o I don't think you should scoff at your own idea just because it's a perceived unmon. I have seen some OU stall builds use this in the past to wall Mega Mawile, and it does a great job at that provided rocks aren't up. However, you would probably always want to run Heavy-Duty Boots on it.So, in the search of a check of Zacian, I found this...
Yeah, the biggest problem with this is that you're using Arcanine on Ubers, but this is probably the best answer to Zacian that you'll have:
Better Torkoal (Arcanine) @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- Morning Sun
- Filler (idk, maybe Dragon Pulse, Protect, etc)
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 133-157 (34.6 - 40.8%) -- 58.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arcanine: 100-118 (26 - 30.7%) -- 2.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Arcanine Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 170-204 (52.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Non-CC can barely touch it, while Arcanine can use WoW to burn it, has recovery and can 2HKO it back. It's vulnerable to hazards, so Heavy-Duty Boots is also an option. Another drawback could be Morning Sun being weakened by the sand. This is just what I wanted to say, you could consider this if you're REALLY struggling with it, maybe (probably) it won't be good, but it's there, and it can also be used on a emergency against things like Necrozma-DM, Marshadow, and Zekrom, this is better than Torkoal at least.
I think Zamazenta's basic form will be decent Scarfed. It can outspeed and chip Zacian and Eternatus, it outspeeds and probably OHKOes Sand Rush Excadrill, and most importantly it does not have a Ground weakness.
It also occurred to me that, with everything as fast as it is, Trick Room Bronzong partnered with non-Sand Rush Excadrill could be very dangerous. Bronzing tanks a hit from unboosted Crunch on Zacian or switches in on Excadrill's EQ, can explode or otherwise sac itself. Excadrill then underspeeds and OHKOes Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, and most opposing Excadrill. As an added benefit, deals with Ditto nicely aswell.
You could also get away with running Sand Rush and Dynamaxing into Max Rockfall on the turn Trick Room would wear off to continue your sweep, at the risk of being shut down by an opponent's early Sandstorm.
It also occurred to me that, with everything as fast as it is, Trick Room Bronzong partnered with non-Sand Rush Excadrill could be very dangerous. Bronzing tanks a hit from unboosted Crunch on Zacian or switches in on Excadrill's EQ, can explode or otherwise sac itself. Excadrill then underspeeds and OHKOes Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, and most opposing Excadrill. As an added benefit, deals with Ditto nicely aswell.
You could also get away with running Sand Rush and Dynamaxing into Max Rockfall on the turn Trick Room would wear off to continue your sweep, at the risk of being shut down by an opponent's early Sandstorm.
Hippowdon seems to be one of the only safe switches into Zacian. Running Hippo + Exca gives you both a safe switch and a way to beat it (Hippo EQ only does like 70% uninvested, its best option if it switches into SD is to Roar and hope for the best)
T-Tar makes your team even weaker to Zacian since it's the freest switch in the tier. If you're using T-Tar and Exca to beat Zacian, you need a THIRD Pokemon who will actually be able to tank a +3 play rough
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This is the best set for Zamazenta imo
Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dauntless Shield
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Crunch
- Psychic Fangs
- Play Rough
This checks Sand Rush Excadrill (which is a formidable Zacian check in sandstorm), checks Eternatus with Psychic Fangs, checks Aegislash with Crunch and checks Dragapult with Play Rough. Not having Ground and Fire weakness is a huge benefit imo. It's also very fast with 138 base speed and still quite bulky with Dauntless Shield.
Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dauntless Shield
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Crunch
- Psychic Fangs
- Play Rough
This checks Sand Rush Excadrill (which is a formidable Zacian check in sandstorm), checks Eternatus with Psychic Fangs, checks Aegislash with Crunch and checks Dragapult with Play Rough. Not having Ground and Fire weakness is a huge benefit imo. It's also very fast with 138 base speed and still quite bulky with Dauntless Shield.
Gimmicky antimeta sets:
Bronzong @ Life Orb
Levitate
252 HP/92 Def/160 SpA (I think I have these numbers right; this is EV'd to always survive Zacian's Crunch, and incidentally also always survives Specs Eternatus Flamethrower before burn damage)
Quiet nature
- Trick Room
- Explosion
- Psychic/Stealth Rock (Psychic mostly as a way of dealing with Hero Zamazenta, which is otherwise a problem for this strategy)
- Steel Beam
Excadrill @ Life Orb (Sash is an option with SR; without hazards or Life Orb, Excadrill can't guarantee the KO on uninvested Eternatus without going Dynamax)
Sand Rush
252 Atk/248 Spe/8 Def
Adamant nature
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Rock Tomb
- Rapid Spin
Send in Bronzong, either at the start of the match or on a Ground move. Use TR. Next turn if still alive, use Explosion if above 60% health, or Steel Beam if below that, dealing some damage to whatever's in and giving Excadrill a free switch. Send in Excadrill as a revenge killer, which will now underspeed Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, opposing Excadrill and Ditto while also OHKOing them all with Earthquake. This is primarily useful in that Trick Room generally offers a defense against Ditto countersweeps, and thus has some utility beyond this particular gimmick.
The Excadrill build has a lot of variation, and could run Mold Breaker if it wants to ensure it's not sped up by opposing sand mons and to just end its sweep after 3 turns. But Sand Rush enables it to go Dynamax on the final turn of TR (the exact timing isn't important) and use Max Rockfall to get the Sand Rush speed buff while also probably tanking whatever is currently in. For most teams, Exca is your best Dynamax option, so little opportunity cost, and it survives everything except for Close Combat from either Zacian or Zamazenta. From here, continue your sweep.
Rapid Spin is mostly filler, but you could use it with Jolly as a non-Dynamax way to outspeed an incoming Zacian, at the risk of no longer underspeeding opposing Excadrill during TR.
Bronzong @ Life Orb
Levitate
252 HP/92 Def/160 SpA (I think I have these numbers right; this is EV'd to always survive Zacian's Crunch, and incidentally also always survives Specs Eternatus Flamethrower before burn damage)
Quiet nature
- Trick Room
- Explosion
- Psychic/Stealth Rock (Psychic mostly as a way of dealing with Hero Zamazenta, which is otherwise a problem for this strategy)
- Steel Beam
Excadrill @ Life Orb (Sash is an option with SR; without hazards or Life Orb, Excadrill can't guarantee the KO on uninvested Eternatus without going Dynamax)
Sand Rush
252 Atk/248 Spe/8 Def
Adamant nature
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Rock Tomb
- Rapid Spin
Send in Bronzong, either at the start of the match or on a Ground move. Use TR. Next turn if still alive, use Explosion if above 60% health, or Steel Beam if below that, dealing some damage to whatever's in and giving Excadrill a free switch. Send in Excadrill as a revenge killer, which will now underspeed Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, opposing Excadrill and Ditto while also OHKOing them all with Earthquake. This is primarily useful in that Trick Room generally offers a defense against Ditto countersweeps, and thus has some utility beyond this particular gimmick.
The Excadrill build has a lot of variation, and could run Mold Breaker if it wants to ensure it's not sped up by opposing sand mons and to just end its sweep after 3 turns. But Sand Rush enables it to go Dynamax on the final turn of TR (the exact timing isn't important) and use Max Rockfall to get the Sand Rush speed buff while also probably tanking whatever is currently in. For most teams, Exca is your best Dynamax option, so little opportunity cost, and it survives everything except for Close Combat from either Zacian or Zamazenta. From here, continue your sweep.
Rapid Spin is mostly filler, but you could use it with Jolly as a non-Dynamax way to outspeed an incoming Zacian, at the risk of no longer underspeeding opposing Excadrill during TR.
Did anyone mention Toxapex as an actual Zacian check?
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 120-141 (39.4 - 46.3%) -- 31.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock (3KO if Black Sludge)
+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 142-168 (46.7 - 55.2%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO
Although with Sand or any kind of chip damage, that's a clean 2KO.
It can survive 1 hit of *not Wild Charge* in a pinch. But If you hard switch Pex into +1 Zacian, you can Haze and then begin haze/scalding until they die. Zacian can run Wild Charge, but that means its not beating Aegislash or Steelix. It means you're running 2 checks for 1 'mon, both shaky, but its the best to do until Zacian is banned.
Also, Scarf Dugtrio is a surefire way to revenge Zacian, but you need to use the teamslot and a dynamax to win.
252+ Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 344-408 (105.8 - 125.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
On teams without a ground immunity, Dynamax dugtrio may actually be a bit scary. However, you lose the ability to dynamax against your opponent's potential dynamax sweeper.
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 120-141 (39.4 - 46.3%) -- 31.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock (3KO if Black Sludge)
+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 142-168 (46.7 - 55.2%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO
Although with Sand or any kind of chip damage, that's a clean 2KO.
It can survive 1 hit of *not Wild Charge* in a pinch. But If you hard switch Pex into +1 Zacian, you can Haze and then begin haze/scalding until they die. Zacian can run Wild Charge, but that means its not beating Aegislash or Steelix. It means you're running 2 checks for 1 'mon, both shaky, but its the best to do until Zacian is banned.
Also, Scarf Dugtrio is a surefire way to revenge Zacian, but you need to use the teamslot and a dynamax to win.
252+ Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 344-408 (105.8 - 125.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
On teams without a ground immunity, Dynamax dugtrio may actually be a bit scary. However, you lose the ability to dynamax against your opponent's potential dynamax sweeper.
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i know a lot here are thinking about banning the 2 legendaries but I think we could, as I think GF will in official vgc in the future, ban only the 2 items (the crowned versions) the fairy/fighting duo is a lot better countered and inline with other ubers even in showdown... that will open a lot of builds for them and possibilities for the counters.
how megaRay was banned but not Ray perse
Zacian gets, and can feasibly run, Psychic Fangs:
+1 252 Atk Zacian Psychic Fangs vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 182-216 (59.8 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
What nature is this? Adamant or jolly?
In every case what nature are you guys thinking? Adamant could help secure some 1 and 2 HKO , is anyone for who more speed could help? Even in the non crowned form?
Jolly. Adamant is displayed as 252+ Attack.
Oh yeah, I’m on mobile and missed this... anyway would love if you took a look at my edited previous post about a possible adamant
I know this is probably Ubers meta only and not OU, but...
Inteleon is more of a threat in OU than people expect.
Pretty good coverage for its weaknesses- Snipe Shot, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse/Shadow Ball, Air Slash.
A good SpA of 125 and a 120 base Speed that only a couple things in Galar OU can beat.
Give it Scope Lens, make it a special sweeper and give it Focus Energy.
Wait until its HA is officially released, then use Sniper.
One Focus Energy and all of its moves 100% crit if it has Scope Lens. If not, Snipe Shot still permacrits with Focus Energy.
If this thing is bumped down to UU or UUBL, it's going to be a menace.
If it's kept in OU, it's a potent sweeper but not Uber-worthy.
Inteleon is more of a threat in OU than people expect.
Pretty good coverage for its weaknesses- Snipe Shot, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse/Shadow Ball, Air Slash.
A good SpA of 125 and a 120 base Speed that only a couple things in Galar OU can beat.
Give it Scope Lens, make it a special sweeper and give it Focus Energy.
Wait until its HA is officially released, then use Sniper.
One Focus Energy and all of its moves 100% crit if it has Scope Lens. If not, Snipe Shot still permacrits with Focus Energy.
If this thing is bumped down to UU or UUBL, it's going to be a menace.
If it's kept in OU, it's a potent sweeper but not Uber-worthy.
Eternatus can't max, so Max Ooze doesn't apply there.Predictions for National Dex Ubers
Zacian Crowned Form
There isn't much I can add to what has been said; Zacian is out-of-the-world strong. As a matter of fact, Jolly Zacian has slightly higher raw power than Adamant Life Orb Mega Rayquaza after the boost from Intrepid Sword, while also having access to Swords Dance, 148 Speed and a resistance to Stealth Rock. I do want to add that it might be interesting to run Adamant on Zacian-Crowned. It still creeps base 130s by 1 point and will only lose out on Zamazenta-Crowned, Base Zacian and MMY. In exchange, it gains a lot more KO's after hazards than Jolly would have. Below are a bunch of calculations that demonstrate this and how it generally fares against the metagame. For now, the only Pokemon I can see checking this are fully defensive PDon, Lugia, Defensive Arceus-Fire and Ditto. However, none of those can switch in.,
Zacian Hero of Many Battles FormJolly Swords Dance:
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon-Primal: 205-242 (50.7 - 59.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Groudon-Primal: 265-312 (77.7 - 91.4%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 323-381 (81.1 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 323-381 (96.4 - 113.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Fairy Aura Xerneas: 445-525 (97.5 - 115.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 338-402 (80.4 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 566-668 (88.9 - 105%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Arceus-Fairy: 364-429 (81.9 - 96.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fairy: 285-336 (64.1 - 75.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arceus: 384-453 (100.7 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Kyogre-Primal: 348-409 (86.1 - 101.2%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO (+3 Wild Charge obviously OHKO’s)
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ho-Oh: 464-546 (111.5 - 131.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ho-Oh: 394-464 (111.2 - 131%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 295-348 (83.5 - 98.5%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 352-416 (84.8 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 414-488 (86.6 - 102%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
Both Jolly and Adamant OHKO’s standard Ferrothorn with Close Combat/Fire Fang without boosts
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Giratina: 570-672 (113 - 133.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 252 Def Giratina-Origin: 426-504 (96.5 - 114.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Scizor-Mega: 296-352 (86 - 102.3%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 340-402 (101.7 - 120.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 320-378 (105.2 - 124.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 180-212 (43.2 - 50.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (is an OHKO after SR, +3 Play Rough does not achieve this feat)
+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 304-358 (93.8 - 110.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 246-290 (75.9 - 89.5%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252 Atk Zacian Psychic Fangs vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Poison: 360-424 (81 - 95.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fire: 254-299 (57.2 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Adamant Swords Dance:
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon-Primal: 226-266 (55.9 - 65.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Groudon-Primal: 291-343 (85.3 - 100.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 356-419 (89.4 - 105.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 356-419 (106.2 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Fairy Aura Xerneas: 490-577 (107.4 - 126.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 372-440 (88.5 - 104.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 620-732 (97.4 - 115%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Arceus-Fairy: 399-469 (89.8 - 105.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fairy: 313-369 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Kyogre-Primal: 381-448 (94.3 - 110.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO (+3 Wild Charge obviously OHKO’s)
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ho-Oh: 508-598 (122.1 - 143.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ho-Oh: 432-510 (122 - 144%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 324-382 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
(Mewtwo needs 72 Def EVs to avoid OHKO in base form from +1 Adamant Play Rough without factoring Stealth Rock in)
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 388-458 (93.4 - 110.3%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 454-536 (94.9 - 112.1%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
Both Jolly and Adamant OHKO’s standard Ferrothorn with Close Combat/Fire Fang without boosts
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 252 Def Giratina-Origin: 468-552 (106.1 - 125.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Scizor-Mega: 324-384 (94.1 - 111.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 332-392 (102.4 - 120.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 272-320 (83.9 - 98.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Psychic Fangs vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Poison: 396-466 (89.1 - 104.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
Defensive Calcs
S Rank
Primal Groudon OHKO’s with uninvested Precipice Blades and even uninvested Lava Plume
252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 246-290 (75.6 - 89.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Gengar-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 142-168 (43.6 - 51.6%) -- 9% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Yveltal Heat Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 265-315 (81.5 - 96.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
A+ Rank
228+ Atk Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 236-278 (72.6 - 85.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Marshadow Spectral Thief vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 316-373 (97.2 - 114.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO (in the event of Scarf Marshadow vs. +3 Zacian)
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 220-261 (67.6 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Earth Plate Arceus-Ground Judgment vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 270-318 (83 - 97.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
A Rank
+2 252+ SpA Xerneas Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 256-302 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Salamence-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 230-272 (70.7 - 83.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Kyogre-Primal Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian in Heavy Rain: 226-267 (69.5 - 82.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Ho-Oh Sacred Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 290-344 (89.2 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO (Scarf Ho-Oh)
0 Atk Ho-Oh Sacred Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 240-284 (73.8 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (Defensive Ho-Oh)
+6 252+ Atk Life Orb Arceus Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 312-367 (96 - 112.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
A- Rank
252 SpA Mewtwo-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 290-342 (89.2 - 105.2%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 249-294 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Ditto OHKO’s with Close Combat/Fire Fang if it copies Zacian after a Swords Dance
SD Life Orb hits harder than Jolly SD Zacian-Crowned, but is outdamaged by Adamant SD Zacian-Crowned. It does have its merits from a defensive perspective. For example, it lives everything PDon can throw at it, with the exception of positive-natured Overheat. It also takes on Zygarde, Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Ho-Oh (with the exception of Band Brave Bird) and MMY more reliably, since it isn’t weak to one of their STAB/coverage moves. In exchange however, it can’t take Xerneas’ Moonblast and Yveltal’s Oblivion Wing anymore and makes itself a bit more prone to Necrozma DM, MGar and Toxic shenanigans. It also can't afford to run Adamant.
Choice Band is also an appealing option for its ability to 2OHKO the entire metagame with a set of Play Rough, Close Combat, Wild Charge and Crunch, which makes it the most formidable breaker Pokemon has to offer. It does require some prediction, but I certainly do see a lot of potential.
Eternatus
Although not having the widest of movepools, Eternatus certainly has the tools and stats to be relevant. It can go fully offensive with Agililty + 3 Attacks (which has snowballing potential thanks to Max Ooze), use a TSpikes + Recover set to check the likes of Marshadow, non-Band Ho-Oh, POgre etc. and support teammates like Hex MGar and Zygarde or simply run 3 Attacks + Recover. Its typing also allows it to act as a Toxic sponge. Toxic Spikes in general has proved to be one of the deadliest moves in Ubers, and having a reliable setter will have influential consequences on the metagame.
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Primal Groudon likes the addition of 2 Steel legendaries without EQ and a Poison legendary, generally having the upper hand against the three of them. It stays uncontested in the Stealth Rock role and will most likely continue to compress roles as good as it has always done.
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Assuming mega's will be allowed in National Dex Ubers, Mega Gengar will be a force to be reckoned with due to the addition of Nasty Plot in its movepool. It can now simply trap a passive foe, set up once or twice and continue to murder the opposition. The removal of Pursuit also does it huge favours, as it can simply switch out of Marshadow and Tyranitar now.
A boosted Zygarde also retains an upper hand against the three newly introduced legends. With a reliable Toxic Spiker in the game, it can now easily cheese through its supposed checks. Should like the new meta
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Necrozma gets a new toy in Dragon Dance. I'm not sure whether Dragon Dance has any merits over SD, but it does at least free up a slot on Double Dance/SD + Trick Room, which can be used for coverage or recovery instead. It does need to run Jolly though, in order to prevent Marshadow from getting to +1 Atk and Spe.
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All three of Defensive Ho-Oh, Lugia and Defensive Lunala got buffed tremendously due to the addition of Heavy Duty Boots, an item that allows you to negate entry hazards. All three of them also have a positive matchup against Zamazenta, Eternatus, and depending on coverage Zacian too.
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Support Arceus forms will likely opt to invest more in Defense than Speed in order to take on Zacian properly, with Mega Lucario probably vanished from the VR.
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Both do not like the addition of Zacian and Zamazenta, with Xerneas not appreciating Eternatus either. Yveltal will at least have access to LO Heat Wave to fight back, but Xerneas does not have that luxury. However, Zacian will probably opt out of Behemoth Blade and uninvested Zamazenta is narrowly OHKO'd by +2 Moonblast, so not all is bad for the deer.
The box legends can't either.
Yep they can't.
Probably because a) Zacian and Zamazenta are the heroes that STOPPED Eternatus (the source of Maxing) by being able to resist said max energy or whatever, and b) there is no way in hell anyone is using Eternamax for themselves.
Yeah, never ignore stuff just because it isn't "main meta". Inteleon much?
Yeah even rillaboom for that matter, everyone rushing for cinderace but with libero not in sight and electro ball being Spa (courtchange still is to be seen on how meta develops) while Rilla have solid stats and power despite the typing (that can even counter but flying I think)
Rillaboom: surprisingly buff tank
Cinderace: expectedly powerful, Greninja all over again
Inteleon: surprisingly good critsweeper- give him Focus Energy and Snipe Shot permacrits. Give him Focus Energy and Scope Lens and EVERYTHING permacrits.
same difference, you're not running cc or crunch for steels / aegislash
but it also hits etern so eh
Adamant is viable, but runs the risk of losing the opposing Zacian matchup and, for after Home is released, also gets outsped by Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM.
pretty much... how would you rank them excluding the HA?
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