Ubers Arceus-Bug

[Nixon73]

A very solid pick for an Arceus form, if you are a Goth team expecting a Goth matchup. Hopefully this is never a thing.

[OVERVIEW]

* While otherwise inferior to other Stealth Rock Arceus formes, most notably Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as to various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four-moveslot syndrome.
* However, Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively. It also renders Arceus-Bug vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar due to its resistance to Judgment.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus formes, Xerneas, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic.
* Arceus-Bug's competition as a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using on most serious teams.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible but very limited niche in the Ubers metagame.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as an entry hazard setter.
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM, 2HKO offensive Yveltal and Necrozma-DM sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C and Rayquaza by threatening a 2HKO and OHKO, respectively, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence on a predicted switch. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* 144 EVs in Special Attack allow Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye, stopping teams with Magic Bounce from keeping Stealth Rock off their field. The investment also enables Arceus-Bug to 2HKO offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
* 96 EVs in Speed allow Arceus-Bug to outspeed up to base 100 Pokemon, notably including Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, Necrozma, and Rayquaza, as well as uncommon attackers such as Palkia and Zekrom.
* The remaining bulk investment allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock up repeatedly throughout the match.
* Alternatively, full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground and gives it a chance to set Stealth Rock even against base 120s that can KO it such as Mega Salamence.
* An EV spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe can be used to allow Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde, and Necrozma-DM.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double-switch, the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish threats to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as its weakness to the hazard makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Be careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is easily worn down with hazard and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a very effective partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of Arceus-Bug's best counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners because they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
* Tyranitar can cover many of Arceus-Bug's weaknesses, as it can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks and use Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing it.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even with a Timid nature. Earthquake also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Mega Lucario, Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
* A physical sweeping set using Swords Dance and X-Scissor powered with Buginium Z can be run as an offensive check to Psychic- and Dark-types that is capable of surprising some of Arceus-Bug's usual counters with physical coverage. However, Arceus-Bug's terrible defensive typing limits its setup opportunities, and it becomes rather weak once its Z-Move is used, making this set generally ineffective in practice.

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types, which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and they often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove entry hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance with relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Shaymin-S can usually inflict enough flinches on Arceus-Bug to kill it with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispose of Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug other than the rare Fire Blast.

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblasts.

**Fire-type Coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus formes commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

 

[Sk3no]

I'm pretty sure that's a Kyurem-White set instead of an Arceus-Bug set.

 

[Nixon73]

This is ready for QC (shoutouts to Serial EKiller for cool sets in Set Details)
Clarifying here before it's brought up that I didn't mention Will-O-Wisp bc I don't think its worth a mention even in OO. Bug beats or has a good matchup against Zygarde, Groundceus, and DM, and does a better job of handling the other things like MLuke with Fire Blast, although ofc will implement if QC want it.

 

[Lotus]

CKW is John

AM checked only halfway through because my device is going to die soon

[OVERVIEW]

* Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120/120/120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four moveslot syndrome. Would just say bugceus has 4 moveslot syndrome - details can be discussed in Moves section imo. I would put something like 'Forgoing A results in B' or similar.
* This is where an issue of bugceus' typing and inability to afford for coverage arises - mention how many mons can take advantage of bugceus in general (mgar / pdon / xern / mluc) and possibly add how individual problems about forgoing each move can make bugceus a fodder for other threats.
* Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team, and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus, Xerneas, Giratina-O, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic. I would also mention bugceus' matchup against SR users is horrendous - pdon / dm / dialga / etc. It is generally an underwhelming mon as a hazard setter in this regard.
* Arceus-Bug's competition for a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using in any serious team.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible niche in the Ubers metagame.


[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

I would honestly use the spread that 2HKOs Mega Sableye. There is a very little reason to run max speed when you lose to mmence / mluc, both of which your current spread aims to outspeed. Ice Beam solves issue with the former but mmence user will always scout anyway. Rockceus is already deadweight in stall matchups and I would say the only feasible way this thing can even be used is just having an ability to set rocks against sableye (in a similar vein to rockceus which uses a spread that 2HKOs msab). This mon is also very shaky check to SD groundceus considering +2 stone edge KOs after SR.

After all QC will decide upon this.

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in, and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as a hazard setter. I would specifically add that running SR on this mon helps pdon run different sets - otherwise the reader will be 'if bugceus' niche is a bulky SR setter why not just use defensive pdon'
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM and 2HKO offensive Yveltal sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so that it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover is Arceus-Bug's recovery move, allowing it to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock back up throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C by threatening a 2HKO, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence and Rayquaza on a predicted switch-in. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* Full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground, and allows it a chance to set Rocks even faced with Base 120's that can KO it.
* Full investment in HP increases Arceus-Bug's bulk and allows it to keep Stealth Rock up throughout the match.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.
* A spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe allows Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde and Necrozma-DM.
* A spread of 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe allows Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye and thus set up Stealth Rock in an otherwise hard matchup, while still retaining the ability to outspeed vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde and Necrozma-DM. It also allows Arceus-Bug a guaranteed 2HKO on offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
-> This is the spread I was referring to earlier. This should be the main set imo

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double-switch, the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish a threat to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as the weakness makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is trivial to wear down with hazards and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a near-necessary partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users. This does mean that Arceus-Bug is overall a good Pokemon only for a Gothitelle team expecting to be matched against a Gothitelle team, so its viability is heavily dependent on that of Gothitelle's.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of its worst counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets. Emphasize that flying-types are harshly punished every time they switch in. This is especially vital if bugceus lacks ice beam.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners as they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug, and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge-killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
- Add tyranitar somewhere - it checks flying-types, switches into fire-type moves, and it can run defensive set to trap mgar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage, and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even running a Timid Nature. It also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario, again despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.
* Will-O-Wisp

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance in relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Skymin can usually flinch Arceus-Bug enough times to kill it with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic, and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake, and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispatch with Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split, or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug.

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except the use of Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblast.

**Fire-type coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus sets commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

 

[Nixon73]

CKW is John

AM checked only halfway through because my device is going to die soon

Sorry that it took me so long to see this! I implemented most of this, ty for pointing out stuff like Rayquaza/Tyranitar which I completely forgot.
I also do agree that the MSab set should be the main one. I went with max speed after QC turned down a similar set for Arc-Rock, but then QC changed its mind there so I'll use it here too.

On the couple things I left out:
I don't think WoW is viable on Arceus-Bug even as an OO option. Its usually run to beat stuff like offensive DM and Arc-Ground, which Arceus-Bug beats regardless (or loses to regardless, for a few Arc-Ground sets), and it can cover the other stuff like MLuke better with Fire Blast.
I also don't think that losing to hazard setters is worth an overview mention. Losing to Defoggers is a problem bc if something switches into you when you set a hazard and defogs while you switch out then you effectively failed to set hazards. Being scared out by hazard setters doesn't compromize the setter role any more than being scared out by sweepers or pivots.

 

[Lotus]

On the couple things I left out:
I don't think WoW is viable on Arceus-Bug even as an OO option. Its usually run to beat stuff like offensive DM and Arc-Ground, which Arceus-Bug beats regardless (or loses to regardless, for a few Arc-Ground sets), and it can cover the other stuff like MLuke better with Fire Blast.
I also don't think that losing to hazard setters is worth an overview mention. Losing to Defoggers is a problem bc if something switches into you when you set a hazard and defogs while you switch out then you effectively failed to set hazards. Being scared out by hazard setters doesn't compromize the setter role any more than being scared out by sweepers or pivots.

I suppose Will-O-Wisp just can't fit.
Also I just realized Bug hits DM neutrally... don't know what I was thinking. Sorry for confusion.

 

[Nixon73]

I suppose Will-O-Wisp just can't fit.
Also I just realized Bug hits DM neutrally... don't know what I was thinking. Sorry for confusion.

Lol don't apologize. ty for the (good) AM I just wanted to address all of it (so QC could see reasoning too).

 

[Nayrz]

I'd turn down the notch a little on describing the mons viability - we gotta keep it realistic and admit that its niche is effectively non existent.

The beginning point in Team Options is... whack. I wouldn't describe that kinda situation at all. SR Arceus-Bug is ok vs Goth + Magic Bounce (you can 1v1 a Diancie if it switches into Judgment), but sucks against things like Gengar or well... most of the metagame.

Good detail otherwise considering the mon we are working with.

QC 1/3

 

[Nixon73]

I'd turn down the notch a little on describing the mons viability - we gotta keep it realistic and admit that its niche is effectively non existent.

The beginning point in Team Options is... whack. I wouldn't describe that kinda situation at all. SR Arceus-Bug is ok vs Goth + Magic Bounce (you can 1v1 a Diancie if it switches into Judgment), but sucks against things like Gengar or well... most of the metagame.

Good detail otherwise considering the mon we are working with.

QC 1/3

I have added a couple more generic "this is shitty" disclaimers to the overview and reduced Gothitelle to a good teammate. Implemented and ty for check!

 

[Cynara]

* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

worth noting this also OHKO's Mega Lucario w/ the analysis spread.

A Swords Dance set with buginium-z is possible to mention in oo, like its not the worst Arceus-bug set in the world, but the targets it can set up on are severely limited, the most notable being Support Groundceus.

This is great for such an awful mon however.

QC: 2/3

 

[Serial]

great work, not even i could handle this shitmon's analysis
QC: 3/3

 

[Nixon73]

great work, not even i could handle this shitmon's analysis
QC: 3/3

Thanks for the check! Also wanted to say congrats on making QC, you've given me a lot of great advice when making analyses before so I'm excited to write with you!

 

[Fireflame]

Remember to post in the queue next time

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

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[OVERVIEW]

* While otherwise inferior to other Stealth Rock Arceus formes, most notably Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as having various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four-(AH)moveslot syndrome.
* Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively. It also renders it Arceus-Bug vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar due to it's its resistance to Judgment.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team,(RC) and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus formes, Xerneas, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic.
* Arceus-Bug's competition for as a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using in on most serious teams.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible but very limited niche in the Ubers metagame.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in,(RC) and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as an entry hazard setter.
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip at anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM and 2HKO offensive Yveltal sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so that it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover is Arceus-Bug's recovery move, allowing it to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock back up throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C and Rayquaza by threatening a 2HKO and OHKO, respectively, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence on a predicted switch-in switch. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* 144 EVs in Special Attack allow Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye, preventing teams with Magic Bounce from keeping Stealth Rock off their field. It The investment also provides a guaranteed enables Arceus-Bug to 2HKO on offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
* 96 EVs in Speed allow Arceus-Bug to outspeed up to base 100 Pokemon, notably including Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, Necrozma, and Rayquaza, as well as uncommon attackers such as Palkia and Zekrom.
* The remaining bulk investment allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock up repeatedly throughout the match.
* Alternatively, full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground,(RC) and allows gives it a chance to set Rocks Stealth Rock even faced with against base 120's 120s that can KO it such as Mega Salamence.
* An EV spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe can be used to allow Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde,(AC) and Necrozma-DM.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double-switch, the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish a threat to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as the weakness to the hazard makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Be careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is trivial to wear once worn down with hazards hazard and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a very effective partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of its worst Arceus-Bug's best counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners as because they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug,(RC) and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge-(RH)killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
* Tyranitar can cover many of Arceus-Bug's defensive weaknesses, as it can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks,(RC) and use Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing it.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage,(RC) and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even running a Timid nature. It Earthquake also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario,(RC) again despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Mega Lucario, Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn,(AC) and Mega Scizor.
* A physical sweeping set using Swords Dance and X-Scissor powered with Bugnium-(RH)Z can be run as an offensive check to Psychic- and Dark-types that is capable of surprising some of Arceus-Bug's usual counters with physical coverage. However, Arceus-Bug's terrible defensive typing limits its setup opportunities, and it becomes rather weak once its Z-Move is used, making this set generally ineffective in practice.

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types,(AC) which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and they often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove entry hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance in with relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Skymin Shaymin-S can usually flinch Arceus-Bug enough times to kill it with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic,(RC) and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake,(RC) and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispatch with dispose of Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split,(RC) or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory,(AC) Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug other than the rare Fire Blast (I mean I think this warrants a mention).

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except the use of Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblasts.

**Fire-type Coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus sets formes commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

GP 1/2

 

[Nixon73]

Remember to post in the queue next time

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen

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[OVERVIEW]

* While otherwise inferior to other Stealth Rock Arceus formes, most notably Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as having various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four-(AH)moveslot syndrome.
* Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively. It also renders it Arceus-Bug vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar due to it's its resistance to Judgment.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team,(RC) and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus formes, Xerneas, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic.
* Arceus-Bug's competition for as a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using in on most serious teams.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible but very limited niche in the Ubers metagame.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in,(RC) and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as an entry hazard setter.
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip at anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM and 2HKO offensive Yveltal sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so that it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover is Arceus-Bug's recovery move, allowing it to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock back up throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C and Rayquaza by threatening a 2HKO and OHKO, respectively, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence on a predicted switch-in switch. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* 144 EVs in Special Attack allow Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye, preventing teams with Magic Bounce from keeping Stealth Rock off their field. It The investment also provides a guaranteed enables Arceus-Bug to 2HKO on offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
* 96 EVs in Speed allow Arceus-Bug to outspeed up to base 100 Pokemon, notably including Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, Necrozma, and Rayquaza, as well as uncommon attackers such as Palkia and Zekrom.
* The remaining bulk investment allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock up repeatedly throughout the match.
* Alternatively, full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground,(RC) and allows gives it a chance to set Rocks Stealth Rock even faced with against base 120's 120s that can KO it such as Mega Salamence.
* An EV spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe can be used to allow Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde,(AC) and Necrozma-DM.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double-switch, the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish a threat to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as the weakness to the hazard makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Be careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is trivial to wear once worn down with hazards hazard and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a very effective partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of its worst Arceus-Bug's best counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners as because they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug,(RC) and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge-(RH)killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
* Tyranitar can cover many of Arceus-Bug's defensive weaknesses, as it can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks,(RC) and use Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing it.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage,(RC) and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even running a Timid nature. It Earthquake also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario,(RC) again despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Mega Lucario, Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn,(AC) and Mega Scizor.
* A physical sweeping set using Swords Dance and X-Scissor powered with Bugnium-(RH)Z can be run as an offensive check to Psychic- and Dark-types that is capable of surprising some of Arceus-Bug's usual counters with physical coverage. However, Arceus-Bug's terrible defensive typing limits its setup opportunities, and it becomes rather weak once its Z-Move is used, making this set generally ineffective in practice.

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types,(AC) which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and they often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove entry hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance in with relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Skymin Shaymin-S can usually flinch Arceus-Bug enough times to kill it with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic,(RC) and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake,(RC) and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispatch with dispose of Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split,(RC) or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory,(AC) Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug other than the rare Fire Blast (I mean I think this warrants a mention).

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except the use of Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblasts.

**Fire-type Coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus sets formes commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

GP 1/2

Implemented, ty for check!

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

* While otherwise inferior to other Stealth Rock Arceus formes, most notably Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as having to various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four-moveslot syndrome.
* However, Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively. It also renders Arceus-Bug vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar due to its resistance to Judgment.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus formes, Xerneas, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic.
* Arceus-Bug's competition as a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using on most serious teams.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible but very limited niche in the Ubers metagame.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as an entry hazard setter.
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM, (AC) and 2HKO offensive Yveltal and Necrozma-DM sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover is allows Arceus-Bug's recovery move, allowing it to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C and Rayquaza by threatening a 2HKO and OHKO, respectively, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence on a predicted switch. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* 144 EVs in Special Attack allow Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye, preventing stopping teams with Magic Bounce from keeping Stealth Rock off their field. The investment also enables Arceus-Bug to 2HKO offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
* 96 EVs in Speed allow Arceus-Bug to outspeed up to base 100 Pokemon, notably including Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, Necrozma, and Rayquaza, as well as uncommon attackers such as Palkia and Zekrom.
* The remaining bulk investment allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock up repeatedly throughout the match.
* Alternatively, full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground and gives it a chance to set Stealth Rock even against base 120s that can KO it such as Mega Salamence.
* An EV spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe can be used to allow Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde, and Necrozma-DM.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double switch, (RH) the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish a threat threats to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as its weakness to the hazard makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Be careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is easily worn down with hazard and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a very effective partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of Arceus-Bug's best counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners because they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
* Tyranitar can cover many of Arceus-Bug's weaknesses, as it can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks and use Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing it.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even running with a Timid nature. Earthquake also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Mega Lucario, Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
* A physical sweeping set using Swords Dance and X-Scissor powered with Bugnium Buginium Z can be run as an offensive check to Psychic- and Dark-types that is capable of surprising some of Arceus-Bug's usual counters with physical coverage. However, Arceus-Bug's terrible defensive typing limits its setup opportunities, and it becomes rather weak once its Z-Move is used, making this set generally ineffective in practice.

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types, which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and they often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove entry hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance with relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Shaymin-S can usually inflict enough flinches on Arceus-Bug enough times to kill finish it off with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispose of Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug other than the rare Fire Blast.

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblasts.

**Fire-type Coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus formes commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

 

[Nixon73]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

* While otherwise inferior to other Stealth Rock Arceus formes, most notably Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Bug's ability to hit Psychic-types super effectively gives it a niche as a Stealth Rock setter that can avoid being trapped by Gothitelle.
* Solid 120 / 120 / 120 bulk allows Arceus-Bug to leverage its limited resistances to check a few prominent attackers, such as Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
* Access to Toxic to threaten passive Pokemon, as well as having to various alternative punish options such as Stone Edge for Ho-Oh and Will-O-Wisp for Steel-types, allows Arceus-Bug to somewhat handle some of its many checks depending on the set, although this is harshly limited by four-moveslot syndrome.
* However, Arceus-Bug's atrocious defensive typing allows prominent Flying- and Fire-types such as Mega Salamence, Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Rayquaza to hit it super effectively. It also renders Arceus-Bug vulnerable to being trapped by Mega Gengar due to its resistance to Judgment.
* A weakness to Stealth Rock badly compromises Arceus-Bug as a support Arceus forme, forcing it to lose 25% of its health every time it tries to take a hit for its team and almost requiring it to be run with Defog support.
* As a Stealth Rock user, Arceus-Bug is hard to justify given its terrible matchup against most of the tier's Defoggers, such as support Arceus formes, Xerneas, and especially Ho-Oh, all of which it cannot punish beyond Toxic.
* Arceus-Bug's competition as a bulky Stealth Rock setter, especially from Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Fairy, makes it drastically outclassed in most situations and hard to justify using on most serious teams.
* However, Arceus-Bug has its notable niche as a bulky Stealth Rock setter that can last throughout the match and will not be trapped by Gothitelle. In a metagame or specific game in which Gothitelle is the expected matchup, Arceus-Bug does become a valid option for archetypes that require a bulky Stealth Rock setter, giving it a tangible but very limited niche in the Ubers metagame.

[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Recover
move 4: Toxic / Ice Beam
item: Insect Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 16 Def / 144 SpA / 96 Spe

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

* Stealth Rock damages enemy Pokemon when they switch in and provides Arceus-Bug with its niche as an entry hazard setter.
* Judgment is a reliable STAB move that will chip anything that doesn't resist it. It notably allows Arceus-Bug to break free of Gothitelle's trapping, 3HKO offensive Necrozma-DM, (AC) and 2HKO offensive Yveltal and Necrozma-DM sets, and break Substitute from Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C so it can manage offensive sets with Toxic.
* Recover is allows Arceus-Bug's recovery move, allowing it to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock throughout the match.
* Toxic is Arceus-Bug's only real punish option against the long list of Pokemon it cannot otherwise threaten, notably including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, support Arceus formes, and Xerneas. It is especially notable as Arceus-Bug's main way of punishing Defog users.
* Ice Beam can be used to better check Zygarde-C and Rayquaza by threatening a 2HKO and OHKO, respectively, while also allowing Arceus-Bug to OHKO Mega Salamence on a predicted switch. It also slightly improves the matchup against Arceus-Ground.

Set Details
========

* 144 EVs in Special Attack allow Arceus-Bug to 2HKO Mega Sableye, preventing stopping teams with Magic Bounce from keeping Stealth Rock off their field. The investment also enables Arceus-Bug to 2HKO offensive Necrozma-DM after Stealth Rock.
* 96 EVs in Speed allow Arceus-Bug to outspeed up to base 100 Pokemon, notably including Yveltal, Xerneas, Zygarde, Necrozma, and Rayquaza, as well as uncommon attackers such as Palkia and Zekrom.
* The remaining bulk investment allows Arceus-Bug to stay healthy and set Stealth Rock up repeatedly throughout the match.
* Alternatively, full investment in Speed allows Arceus-Bug to better check targets such as Arceus-Ground and gives it a chance to set Stealth Rock even against base 120s that can KO it such as Mega Salamence.
* An EV spread of 248 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe can be used to allow Arceus-Bug to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Rock Tomb, allowing it to serve as a more solid check, while still outspeeding vital Pokemon such as Yveltal, Zygarde, and Necrozma-DM.
* Insect Plate is used to form Arceus-Bug and provide it with a reliable STAB option in Judgment.

Usage Tips
========

* Arceus-Bug should set Stealth Rock at the earliest free turn it can get, then focus on spreading status or using coverage moves to annoy the opponent.
* Play Arceus-Bug conservatively so long as the opponent has a Defogger still in play. Once the enemy Defogger is down, Arceus-Bug can be played more recklessly if needed.
* If you see Gengar on the opposing lineup, make setting Stealth Rock a priority before it can transform. Once Mega Gengar is in play, avoid sending out Arceus-Bug unless you plan to double switch, (RH) the opposing Defogger is down, or Mega Gengar is chipped enough for Arceus-Bug to handle it.
* If you have a coverage or status move to punish a threat threats to Arceus-Bug, try to hit them on the switch rather than staying in on them, as Arceus-Bug still lacks a way to debilitate or OHKO its checks.
* Avoid switching into Stealth Rock unless your Defogger has fainted, as its weakness to the hazard makes it easy for Arceus-Bug to be overwhelmed.
* Be careful to avoid status, especially poison, as Arceus-Bug is easily worn down with hazard and status damage.

Team Options
========

* Gothitelle is a very effective partner for Arceus-Bug, as its terrible matchup against all of the tier's Defoggers would otherwise make it unviable as a Stealth Rock user, while Gothitelle excels at trapping the tier's Defog users.
* Defensive Zygarde-C is an excellent partner for Arceus-Bug, as it can switch into both of Arceus-Bug's best counters in Mega Salamence and Ho-Oh.
* Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can benefit from Arceus-Bug as a partner, as it frees up these typical Stealth Rock setters to run offensive sets.
* Giratina-O and Defog Mega Salamence are good partners because they can switch into the Fire-type attacks that Primal Groudon may aim at Arceus-Bug and provide Defog support for Arceus-Bug to manage its Stealth Rock weakness.
* A solid revenge killer such as Choice Scarf Xerneas or Life Orb Marshadow helps mitigate the extent to which Arceus-Bug is setup bait for dangerous sweepers.
* Arceus-Bug doesn't enjoy being poisoned, so a good Toxic absorber such as Magearna, Facade Mega Salamence, Ferrothorn, or Necrozma-DM makes a good partner.
* Tyranitar can cover many of Arceus-Bug's weaknesses, as it can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks and use Pursuit to trap Mega Gengar.


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

* Stone Edge can be run as a way to punish Ho-Oh, which is otherwise capable of easily switching into Arceus-Bug and OHKOing it.
* Earthquake can be used to prevent Mega Gengar from trapping Arceus-Bug without serious chip damage and is its best option to attack Mega Gengar even running with a Timid nature. Earthquake also nets a nice 2HKO on Mega Lucario despite running a Timid nature. However, this attack is fairly useless against other targets.
* Fire Blast allows Arceus-Bug to hit Steel-types other than Necrozma-DM, notably including Mega Lucario, Magearna, Celesteela, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.
* A physical sweeping set using Swords Dance and X-Scissor powered with Bugnium Buginium Z can be run as an offensive check to Psychic- and Dark-types that is capable of surprising some of Arceus-Bug's usual counters with physical coverage. However, Arceus-Bug's terrible defensive typing limits its setup opportunities, and it becomes rather weak once its Z-Move is used, making this set generally ineffective in practice.

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

**Flying-types**: Arceus-Bug's most prominent checks are Flying-types, which hit it super effectively and are hard for Arceus-Bug's team to switch into. Ho-Oh and Mega Salamence easily force Arceus-Bug out by threatening to OHKO, and they often run Defog, which allows them to constantly switch into Arceus-Bug and remove entry hazards when it sets them up. Rayquaza threatens to OHKO Arceus-Bug with Dragon Ascent and can set up Dragon Dance with relative safety on Arceus-Bug. Less common Flying-types also have a good matchup: Shaymin-S can usually inflict enough flinches on Arceus-Bug enough times to kill finish it off with super effective Air Slash, while Arceus-Flying shrugs off Toxic with Refresh and sets up on Arceus-Bug.

**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon has nothing to fear from Arceus-Bug bar Toxic and can switch in to set up Stealth Rock or use devastating Fire-type attacks that Arceus-Bug's team is then forced to switch into.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves bar the rare Earthquake and easily walls repeated uses of Judgment. While sets vary on whether they Taunt Arceus-Bug and 3HKO it while it cannot Recover, burn it and 2HKO with a powered-up Hex, or simply remove it with Perish Song or Destiny Bond, all common variants of Mega Gengar can dispose of Arceus-Bug.

**Steel-types**: With the very notable exception of offensive Necrozma-DM, Steel-types can easily switch into any of Arceus-Bug's moves and threaten it in various ways. Defensive Necrozma-DM can set up Stealth Rock on Arceus-Bug and then Toxic stall it to death, healing the damage from Judgment with Morning Sun. Magearna fears nothing from Arceus-Bug, and while it cannot threaten it with any devastating moves, it can easily heal up on it using Pain Split or Volt Switch to a check that Arceus-Bug is then unable to Toxic on the switch. Mega Lucario can easily tank Arceus-Bug's Judgment and set up Swords Dance as it switches. Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor can set up Spikes, Defog, or Leech Seed while fearing nothing from Arceus-Bug other than the rare Fire Blast.

**Xerneas**: Xerneas fears nothing from Arceus-Bug except Toxic, allowing it to set up Geomancy, Defog hazards, or threaten it with powerful Moonblasts.

**Fire-type Coverage**: Due to the popularity of Necrozma-DM, various Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and some support Arceus formes commonly carry Fire-type coverage that can hit Arceus-Bug super effectively.

**Status Spreaders**: Pokemon that run Toxic, notably including support Arceus formes, are able to force Arceus-Bug out by threatening it with debilitating status.

Implemented, thanks for the check!