[OVERVIEW]
* Arceus-Dark's pure Dark typing, reliable recovery, and high all-around stats let it check threatening Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Lunala, Ultra Necrozma, and Mega Mewtwo Y, as well as Yveltal to an extent.
* Access to utility options such as Stealth Rock and coverage moves like Ice Beam allows it to provide valuable utility and take on threats such as Zygarde-C without fear of being trapped by Shadow Tag, thanks to threatening Mega Gengar and Gothitelle with its super effective STAB Judgment.
* A STAB attacking type with no immunities also lets it pull off a mono-attacking Calm Mind set with Refresh, which can function as both a status absorber and potential sweeper.
* However, Arceus-Dark suffers from a weakness to common Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Magearna and is threatened by Fighting-types such as Marshadow.
* It also faces competition from other support Arceus formes such as Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water, which can take on other prominent threats such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh by virtue of their typings, and from Yveltal, which can check most of what Arceus-Dark can while offering a stronger offensive presence, a Ground immunity, and the freedom to run a different Arceus forme.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Stealth Rock
item: Dread Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Judgment lets Arceus-Dark check Ghost- and Psychic-types by damaging them super effectively and deals solid damage to most Pokemon that do not resist it. Being able to break through both Mega Gengar and Gothitelle grants Arceus-Dark an edge over other support Arceus formes.
* Recover keeps Arceus-Dark healthy throughout the match.
* Ice Beam allows Arceus-Dark to check Yveltal, Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza. Unlike other potential checks, Arceus-Dark distinguishes itself with its ability to avoid being trapped and KOed by opposing Shadow Tag users.
* Toxic lets Arceus-Dark punish opposing support Arceus formes, Xerneas, Ho-Oh, and Yveltal while also limiting opposing setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Arceus-Ground. It also allows Arceus-Dark to stall out some threats such as physical Primal Kyogre and offensive Yveltal by repeatedly using Recover to rack up Toxic damage.
* Stealth Rock can be run if no other teammate can find room for it or to allow teammates such as Primal Groudon to opt for sweeping-oriented sets. Arceus-Dark makes for a decent setter, as it can easily find free turns to set Stealth Rock and threaten certain Defog users such as Giratina-O and Mega Salamence.
* Defog is an option in the last slot to remove entry hazards for teammates, but despite Arceus-Dark's ability to defeat trappers, which are commonly employed to remove Defog users, it has a poor matchup against most Stealth Rock setters.
* Will-O-Wisp instead of Toxic allows Arceus-Dark to cripple Steel-types, particularly Mega Lucario and Necrozma-DM, but Toxic is typically preferred for its greater utility against most targets, particularly Fairy-types, most bulky setup sweepers, and defensive foes.
Set Details
========
* 96 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Arceus-Dark to outspeed everything up to and including maximum Speed base 100s, most notably Yveltal, Lunala, and Rayquaza.
* 252 HP EVs maximize Arceus-Dark's bulk.
* The remaining EVs are invested in Defense to help Arceus-Dark take strong physical attacks such as Necrozma-DM's Searing Sunraze Smash, Zygarde-C's +1 Tectonic Rage, and Mega Salamence's Double-Edge.
* 144 EVs can be shifted from Defense to Special Attack if running Stealth Rock, guaranteeing a 2HKO with Judgment on physically defensive Mega Sableye. However, the lower physical bulk means that Arceus-Dark's matchup against threats such as Z-Move Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C becomes shakier; the former two have a chance to OHKO Arceus-Dark after Stealth Rock with Searing Sunraze Smash and +1 Adamant Double-Edge, respectively.
Usage Tips
========
* Switch Arceus-Dark into threats that it checks, such as Lunala, Zygarde-C, and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Use Recover liberally to keep Arceus-Dark healthy enough to take on these foes again.
* Be wary of opposing Fairy-types, as they can easily switch into Arceus-Dark and proceed to set up, use utility moves, or simply fire off super effective attacks. If necessary, try to limit their switch-in opportunities by setting up entry hazards, catching them with Toxic, or double switching to teammates such as Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to take their momentum.
* Swords Dance Necrozma-DM and Outrage Ultra Necrozma can overwhelm Arceus-Dark, so attempt to scout Necrozma-DM's set before taking it on or rely on teammates such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh to discourage Necrozma-DM from setting up Swords Dance.
* Although Arceus-Dark can switch into most offensive Yveltal variants and win the duel, sets carrying Taunt or Toxic can be problematic for Arceus-Dark to face, especially when the moves are paired together. Taunt denies Arceus-Dark's usage of Recover, allowing Yveltal to either significantly weaken Arceus-Dark with constant Oblivion Wings or ensure that any residual damage, such as from Yveltal's own Toxic, lasts. Generally, Arceus-Dark prefers to switch into Yveltal on a resisted Dark-type move, which can be accomplished through pivoting in order to bait Yveltal into attacking teammates that are weak to its Dark-type moves.
* Yveltal carrying all three of Taunt, Toxic, and Roost can easily stall out Arceus-Dark with Toxic damage while healing off Ice Beams if it is not badly poisoned itself. If this is the case, attempt to inflict Yveltal with Toxic, either from a teammate or from Arceus-Dark. If Arceus-Dark is carrying Toxic, try to avoid Taunt in order to threaten Yveltal with Toxic. If it cannot, then aim to limit Yveltal's free switches in with Stealth Rock instead.
* Additionally, be wary of switching into Yveltal sets with U-turn, as continuous U-turns can wear down Arceus-Dark to the point where it is too weakened to take on threats it would usually check.
* If possible, scout Zygarde-C's set before recklessly switching Arceus-Dark in, as it does not enjoy taking a Glare from defensive variants without cleric support.
* Avoid recklessly using Judgment if Lucario is present on the opposing team, as Lucario can break through certain checks to it with the Attack boost from Justified. Similarly, Stealth Rock and Toxic must be used with caution against teams with Mega Sableye or Mega Diancie.
* Arceus-Dark can set Stealth Rock on free turns, but avoid over-committing to using Stealth Rock unless the opposing Defog user is knocked out or cannot deal with Arceus-Dark.
* Thanks to its high mixed bulk, a healthy Arceus-Dark can function as a backup check to weakened sweepers such as mixed Rock Polish Primal Groudon, but it will likely lose most of its health doing so.
Team Options
========
* Support Arceus-Dark fits best on balance and defensive teams looking for a reliable and trap-resistant check to Ghost-, Psychic-, and Dragon-types. Most Pokemon that can escape or overpower Shadow Tag users can be paired with Arceus-Dark to form a team with a defensive backbone that doesn't fear Gothitelle.
* Necrozma-DM and Magearna can both switch into Fairy-types for Arceus-Dark and appreciate it taking on Zygarde-C and opposing Necrozma. Necrozma-DM and Magearna also appreciate Arceus-Dark checking Fire Blast Mega Mewtwo Y, Lunala, and in Necrozma-DM's case, Yveltal.
* Primal Groudon checks Fairy-types, checks Primal Kyogre, and helps Arceus-Dark take on Necrozma-DM. In return, Arceus-Dark can use Ice Beam to take on Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Yveltal. Stealth Rock Arceus-Dark can also free up offensive Primal Groudon variants to focus on sweeping rather than setting the entry hazard.
* Mega Gengar can trap and dispose of unboosted Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, removing what is likely the opponent's primary check to Arceus-Dark, and can also revenge kill Necrozma-DM variants that manage to break through Arceus-Dark. In return, Arceus-Dark can switch into Yveltal, Zygarde-C, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Deoxys-A.
* Ho-Oh can check Fairy types, Mega Lucario, and Marshadow without Rock Tomb and helps Arceus-Dark against threats such as Yveltal and Deoxys-A, being able to pivot into them and bait out a resisted attack that Arceus-Dark can switch into. Ho-Oh can also help defeat Necrozma-DM and appreciates Arceus-Dark being able to cover the possibility of Ultra Necrozma. With Ice Beam, Arceus-Dark also takes on Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, all of which can threaten Ho-Oh.
* Toxapex can check Fairy- and Fighting-types, especially Marshadow and Mega Lucario, and use them as fodder to set up Toxic Spikes, which can punish further attempts they make to switch into Arceus-Dark. Toxapex benefits from Arceus-Dark checking Zygarde-C and Psychic-types, such as Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Blissey and Chansey can take on Xerneas, support Arceus formes carrying Toxic, and specially oriented Primal Kyogre and provide cleric support with Heal Bell. They value Arceus-Dark's ability to take on Mega Mewtwo Y, Yveltal carrying Taunt or Knock Off, and Lunala carrying Psyshock and its capacity to check various threatening physical attackers such as Necrozma-DM and Ultra Necrozma.
* Choice Scarf Xerneas can provide cleric support with Aromatherapy and check Marshadow and Outrage Ultra Necrozma for Arceus-Dark, while Arceus-Dark checks Necrozma-DM and Mega Gengar and alleviates pressure from Xerneas in taking on Yveltal, Zygarde-C, and Rayquaza.
* Both Giratina formes can switch into Primal Groudon to remove hazards with Defog and value Arceus-Dark's ability to take on Yveltal and Ghost-types other than Marshadow.
* Lugia can blanket check setup sweepers that can break through Arceus-Dark, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Outrage Ultra Necrozma, while Arceus-Dark deals with Yveltal, Ghost-types, and Necrozma-DM. Lugia can drop Ice Beam because Arceus-Dark carries the move, allowing Lugia to free up a moveslot to take on other threats.
* Mega Sableye shuts down most passive walls that Arceus-Dark struggles with, thanks to Magic Bounce reflecting status moves such as Toxic, Leech Seed, and hazards. If running a physically defensive EV spread, Mega Sableye also checks most Fighting-types, most notably Life Orb Marshadow.
* Arceus-Dark's pure Dark typing, reliable recovery, and high all-around stats let it check threatening Ghost- and Psychic-types such as Lunala, Ultra Necrozma, and Mega Mewtwo Y, as well as Yveltal to an extent.
* Access to utility options such as Stealth Rock and coverage moves like Ice Beam allows it to provide valuable utility and take on threats such as Zygarde-C without fear of being trapped by Shadow Tag, thanks to threatening Mega Gengar and Gothitelle with its super effective STAB Judgment.
* A STAB attacking type with no immunities also lets it pull off a mono-attacking Calm Mind set with Refresh, which can function as both a status absorber and potential sweeper.
* However, Arceus-Dark suffers from a weakness to common Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Magearna and is threatened by Fighting-types such as Marshadow.
* It also faces competition from other support Arceus formes such as Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water, which can take on other prominent threats such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh by virtue of their typings, and from Yveltal, which can check most of what Arceus-Dark can while offering a stronger offensive presence, a Ground immunity, and the freedom to run a different Arceus forme.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Toxic / Stealth Rock
item: Dread Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Judgment lets Arceus-Dark check Ghost- and Psychic-types by damaging them super effectively and deals solid damage to most Pokemon that do not resist it. Being able to break through both Mega Gengar and Gothitelle grants Arceus-Dark an edge over other support Arceus formes.
* Recover keeps Arceus-Dark healthy throughout the match.
* Ice Beam allows Arceus-Dark to check Yveltal, Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza. Unlike other potential checks, Arceus-Dark distinguishes itself with its ability to avoid being trapped and KOed by opposing Shadow Tag users.
* Toxic lets Arceus-Dark punish opposing support Arceus formes, Xerneas, Ho-Oh, and Yveltal while also limiting opposing setup sweepers such as Calm Mind Arceus-Ground. It also allows Arceus-Dark to stall out some threats such as physical Primal Kyogre and offensive Yveltal by repeatedly using Recover to rack up Toxic damage.
* Stealth Rock can be run if no other teammate can find room for it or to allow teammates such as Primal Groudon to opt for sweeping-oriented sets. Arceus-Dark makes for a decent setter, as it can easily find free turns to set Stealth Rock and threaten certain Defog users such as Giratina-O and Mega Salamence.
* Defog is an option in the last slot to remove entry hazards for teammates, but despite Arceus-Dark's ability to defeat trappers, which are commonly employed to remove Defog users, it has a poor matchup against most Stealth Rock setters.
* Will-O-Wisp instead of Toxic allows Arceus-Dark to cripple Steel-types, particularly Mega Lucario and Necrozma-DM, but Toxic is typically preferred for its greater utility against most targets, particularly Fairy-types, most bulky setup sweepers, and defensive foes.
Set Details
========
* 96 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Arceus-Dark to outspeed everything up to and including maximum Speed base 100s, most notably Yveltal, Lunala, and Rayquaza.
* 252 HP EVs maximize Arceus-Dark's bulk.
* The remaining EVs are invested in Defense to help Arceus-Dark take strong physical attacks such as Necrozma-DM's Searing Sunraze Smash, Zygarde-C's +1 Tectonic Rage, and Mega Salamence's Double-Edge.
* 144 EVs can be shifted from Defense to Special Attack if running Stealth Rock, guaranteeing a 2HKO with Judgment on physically defensive Mega Sableye. However, the lower physical bulk means that Arceus-Dark's matchup against threats such as Z-Move Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C becomes shakier; the former two have a chance to OHKO Arceus-Dark after Stealth Rock with Searing Sunraze Smash and +1 Adamant Double-Edge, respectively.
Usage Tips
========
* Switch Arceus-Dark into threats that it checks, such as Lunala, Zygarde-C, and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Use Recover liberally to keep Arceus-Dark healthy enough to take on these foes again.
* Be wary of opposing Fairy-types, as they can easily switch into Arceus-Dark and proceed to set up, use utility moves, or simply fire off super effective attacks. If necessary, try to limit their switch-in opportunities by setting up entry hazards, catching them with Toxic, or double switching to teammates such as Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to take their momentum.
* Swords Dance Necrozma-DM and Outrage Ultra Necrozma can overwhelm Arceus-Dark, so attempt to scout Necrozma-DM's set before taking it on or rely on teammates such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh to discourage Necrozma-DM from setting up Swords Dance.
* Although Arceus-Dark can switch into most offensive Yveltal variants and win the duel, sets carrying Taunt or Toxic can be problematic for Arceus-Dark to face, especially when the moves are paired together. Taunt denies Arceus-Dark's usage of Recover, allowing Yveltal to either significantly weaken Arceus-Dark with constant Oblivion Wings or ensure that any residual damage, such as from Yveltal's own Toxic, lasts. Generally, Arceus-Dark prefers to switch into Yveltal on a resisted Dark-type move, which can be accomplished through pivoting in order to bait Yveltal into attacking teammates that are weak to its Dark-type moves.
* Yveltal carrying all three of Taunt, Toxic, and Roost can easily stall out Arceus-Dark with Toxic damage while healing off Ice Beams if it is not badly poisoned itself. If this is the case, attempt to inflict Yveltal with Toxic, either from a teammate or from Arceus-Dark. If Arceus-Dark is carrying Toxic, try to avoid Taunt in order to threaten Yveltal with Toxic. If it cannot, then aim to limit Yveltal's free switches in with Stealth Rock instead.
* Additionally, be wary of switching into Yveltal sets with U-turn, as continuous U-turns can wear down Arceus-Dark to the point where it is too weakened to take on threats it would usually check.
* If possible, scout Zygarde-C's set before recklessly switching Arceus-Dark in, as it does not enjoy taking a Glare from defensive variants without cleric support.
* Avoid recklessly using Judgment if Lucario is present on the opposing team, as Lucario can break through certain checks to it with the Attack boost from Justified. Similarly, Stealth Rock and Toxic must be used with caution against teams with Mega Sableye or Mega Diancie.
* Arceus-Dark can set Stealth Rock on free turns, but avoid over-committing to using Stealth Rock unless the opposing Defog user is knocked out or cannot deal with Arceus-Dark.
* Thanks to its high mixed bulk, a healthy Arceus-Dark can function as a backup check to weakened sweepers such as mixed Rock Polish Primal Groudon, but it will likely lose most of its health doing so.
Team Options
========
* Support Arceus-Dark fits best on balance and defensive teams looking for a reliable and trap-resistant check to Ghost-, Psychic-, and Dragon-types. Most Pokemon that can escape or overpower Shadow Tag users can be paired with Arceus-Dark to form a team with a defensive backbone that doesn't fear Gothitelle.
* Necrozma-DM and Magearna can both switch into Fairy-types for Arceus-Dark and appreciate it taking on Zygarde-C and opposing Necrozma. Necrozma-DM and Magearna also appreciate Arceus-Dark checking Fire Blast Mega Mewtwo Y, Lunala, and in Necrozma-DM's case, Yveltal.
* Primal Groudon checks Fairy-types, checks Primal Kyogre, and helps Arceus-Dark take on Necrozma-DM. In return, Arceus-Dark can use Ice Beam to take on Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Yveltal. Stealth Rock Arceus-Dark can also free up offensive Primal Groudon variants to focus on sweeping rather than setting the entry hazard.
* Mega Gengar can trap and dispose of unboosted Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, removing what is likely the opponent's primary check to Arceus-Dark, and can also revenge kill Necrozma-DM variants that manage to break through Arceus-Dark. In return, Arceus-Dark can switch into Yveltal, Zygarde-C, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Deoxys-A.
* Ho-Oh can check Fairy types, Mega Lucario, and Marshadow without Rock Tomb and helps Arceus-Dark against threats such as Yveltal and Deoxys-A, being able to pivot into them and bait out a resisted attack that Arceus-Dark can switch into. Ho-Oh can also help defeat Necrozma-DM and appreciates Arceus-Dark being able to cover the possibility of Ultra Necrozma. With Ice Beam, Arceus-Dark also takes on Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, all of which can threaten Ho-Oh.
* Toxapex can check Fairy- and Fighting-types, especially Marshadow and Mega Lucario, and use them as fodder to set up Toxic Spikes, which can punish further attempts they make to switch into Arceus-Dark. Toxapex benefits from Arceus-Dark checking Zygarde-C and Psychic-types, such as Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Blissey and Chansey can take on Xerneas, support Arceus formes carrying Toxic, and specially oriented Primal Kyogre and provide cleric support with Heal Bell. They value Arceus-Dark's ability to take on Mega Mewtwo Y, Yveltal carrying Taunt or Knock Off, and Lunala carrying Psyshock and its capacity to check various threatening physical attackers such as Necrozma-DM and Ultra Necrozma.
* Choice Scarf Xerneas can provide cleric support with Aromatherapy and check Marshadow and Outrage Ultra Necrozma for Arceus-Dark, while Arceus-Dark checks Necrozma-DM and Mega Gengar and alleviates pressure from Xerneas in taking on Yveltal, Zygarde-C, and Rayquaza.
* Both Giratina formes can switch into Primal Groudon to remove hazards with Defog and value Arceus-Dark's ability to take on Yveltal and Ghost-types other than Marshadow.
* Lugia can blanket check setup sweepers that can break through Arceus-Dark, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Outrage Ultra Necrozma, while Arceus-Dark deals with Yveltal, Ghost-types, and Necrozma-DM. Lugia can drop Ice Beam because Arceus-Dark carries the move, allowing Lugia to free up a moveslot to take on other threats.
* Mega Sableye shuts down most passive walls that Arceus-Dark struggles with, thanks to Magic Bounce reflecting status moves such as Toxic, Leech Seed, and hazards. If running a physically defensive EV spread, Mega Sableye also checks most Fighting-types, most notably Life Orb Marshadow.
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