Ubers Arceus-Electric

aurora

GODQUAZA
is a Contributor to Smogonis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus


[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Electric's pure Electric typing makes it the only Arceus forme that has a good matchup against both Primal Kyogre and most Flying-types. Importantly, this means that Arceus-Electric is one of the few Calm Mind Arceus formes that can muscle past Ho-Oh. Good overall bulk and a Steel resistance also allow it to serve as a solid check to Mega Lucario. While Arceus-Electric competes heavily with Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock for a teamslot, these Arceus formes can neither check Mega Lucario nor offensively check both Primal Kyogre and Flying-types, giving it a small niche in Ubers.

However, a weakness to Ground-type moves makes Arceus-Electric extremely vulnerable to both Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, which are ubiquitous in Ubers. Arceus-Electric also has issues functioning as a Calm Mind Arceus forme. It cannot run a mono-attacking set with Refresh due to such a set being completely walled by several of the best Pokemon in the tier, which renders it extremely vulnerable to Toxic; unfortunately, Toxic is very common on more defensive teams, which Calm Mind Arceus formes are supposed to be able to beat. These flaws mean that Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock are often chosen over Arceus-Electric. Both of these Arceus formes can also offensively check Flying-types yet, crucially, actually function with only one attacking move, allowing them to use Refresh and serve as much more reliable Calm Mind users in general. Do not use Arceus-Electric unless you require its specific qualities, as it is usually outclassed.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Zap Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind increases Arceus-Electric's Special Attack and Special Defense, making it very difficult to break with special attacks while simultaneously boosting its offensive presence. Judgment is a powerful and accurate STAB move that 2HKOes all Primal Kyogre and almost always OHKOes offensive Ho-Oh and Yveltal if Stealth Rock is up. Ice Beam gives Arceus-Electric excellent neutral coverage when combined with Judgment, allowing it to OHKO all Mega Salamence and Rayquaza after one round of Stealth Rock damage. It also gives Arceus-Electric a means of chipping away at Primal Groudon and does reasonable damage to Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C, which would all completely wall Arceus-Electric otherwise. Recover allows Arceus-Electric to keep itself healthy throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in HP maximizes Arceus-Electric's overall bulk, letting it switch into things it is supposed to check more safely. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Timid nature lets Arceus-Electric Speed tie with maximum Speed Arceus formes, as well as the uncommon Jolly Mega Salamence.

Usage Tips
========

Arceus-Electric shouldn't attempt to boost with Calm Mind until its many checks, such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, have been removed by its teammates; otherwise, Arceus-Electric will just become setup fodder. Be careful when hard switching Arceus-Electric into Pokemon it checks. Pokemon locked into Flying-type moves, such as Choice item Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Rayquaza, are fair game. However, Life Orb Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and mixed Rayquaza, among others, can do massive damage to Arceus-Electric with their powerful, neutrally effective STAB attacks, and being forced to Recover off damage incurred is a huge drain to momentum, as this invites in Pokemon that can beat Arceus-Electric. Some Pokemon, such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, might even be carrying Earthquake, which Arceus-Electric cannot switch into at all, so be sure to scout for these coverage moves before switching Arceus-Electric into play too recklessly. It is important to play Arceus-Electric conservatively around bulkier teams. Switching it into these teams directly is extremely risky, as Arceus-Electric is very vulnerable to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh. Arceus-Electric can be played more recklessly in the later phase of a match once its checks have been removed or worn down. Feel free to set up with Calm Mind and take full advantage of Arceus-Electric's good overall coverage when the time is right.

Team Options
========

Checks to Primal Groudon, such as Zygarde-C and Giratina-O, are mandatory teammates. Giratina-O provides additional utility with its Ground immunity and ability to Defog away Toxic Spikes, which otherwise threaten Arceus-Electric with crippling status. Primal Groudon itself makes a very useful teammate, as it can set Stealth Rock to allow Arceus-Electric to more easily dispatch of Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also assists Arceus-Electric in checking Primal Kyogre. If it is chosen as a teammate, running a Fire-type move on Primal Groudon is advised, as this allows it to deal with Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric. Arceus-Ground checks are also necessary. Zygarde-C can check Swords Dance variants, while defensive Primal Kyogre serves as a solid blanket check. Buzzwole is also a solid choice as an Arceus-Ground check; Arceus-Electric can return the favor through its resistance to Flying-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Blissey, Clefable, or Xerneas can alleviate Arceus-Electric's vulnerability to Toxic; in return, Arceus-Electric checks Mega Lucario. Dugtrio is an interesting teammate, as it can trap and OHKO Primal Groudon, greatly improving Arceus-Electric's ability to function. However, Dugtrio provides no defensive synergy whatsoever, which can make it difficult to fit. Yveltal offers both a Ground immunity and a means of checking Mega Gengar, which can threaten Arceus-Electric with the combination of Destiny Bond and Taunt. Mega Lucario can break through Blissey, Chansey, and Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric, giving it some breathing room against bulkier teams.

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

An offensive Calm Mind set that eschews Recover for Earth Power and HP investment for Special Attack investment can be used. This lets Arceus-Electric hit Primal Groudon much harder. However, this renders Arceus-Electric worse at checking what it is supposed to check, makes switching it in even more difficult, and severely cuts into its overall durability due to a lack of Recover and bulk. An offensive support set that replaces Calm Mind with Toxic can also be considered, as Primal Groudon is loath to switch into Toxic. Unfortunately, this removes any possibility of Arceus-Electric breaking through teams late-game. Running Electrium Z over Zap Plate gives Arceus-Electric a powerful Gigavolt Havoc. However, Tapu Koko is a far better user of Gigavolt Havoc. Finally, mono-attacking sets that opt for Refresh over Ice Beam are almost completely unusable, as they are totally walled by the omnipresent Ground-types of Ubers.

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

**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune to Judgment and can often respond to Arceus-Electric's weak Ice Beams with super effective STAB moves. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground Speed ties with Arceus-Electric and OHKOes it with Tectonic Rage. Defensive Arceus-Ground is a shakier check but can still stomach Ice Beam and hit Arceus-Electric with Toxic. Primal Groudon takes neutral damage from Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Fire typing, allowing it to either use Arceus-Electric as setup bait or do severe damage to it with Precipice Blades. Sand Rush Excadrill can outspeed Arceus-Electric in sand and OHKO after one round of Stealth Rock damage. Lead Excadrill can even win one-on-one matchups against Arceus-Electric, as it 2HKOes Arceus-Electric with Earthquake; Arceus-Electric does not come close to 2HKOing Excadrill with Ice Beam in return if it has not boosted and needs very high rolls to do so even after a boost.

**Special Walls**: Blissey and Chansey completely wall Arceus-Electric and can Toxic stall it with ease. Clefable ignores Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts thanks to Unaware, allowing it to PP stall Arceus-Electric.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn resists Judgment and takes pitiful damage from Ice Beam. It can Toxic stall Arceus-Electric in conjunction with Leech Seed or set up Spikes on it.

**Toxic**: Arceus-Electric's significant vulnerability to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh allows Pokemon it would otherwise beat, such as defensive Ho-Oh, Dialga, Toxapex still holding its Wacan Berry, and Arceus-Water, to cripple it for the rest of the match.

**Magearna**: Magearna can stomach a Judgment and proceed to steal Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts with Heart Swap, crippling it.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar that carry Destiny Bond and Taunt can defeat Arceus-Electric. Taunt prevents Arceus-Electric from using Calm Mind or Recover, forcing it to attack Mega Gengar, which can then force a trade with Destiny Bond. However, it cannot safely switch into Judgment.
 
Last edited:

Minority

Numquam Vincar
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I'd put like an offensive support set in OO, like something with Toxic / Recover / Judge / Beam. MM2X might not be totally necessary in C&C.


QC 1/3
 
* arceus-electric's ground-type weakness is extremely debilitating; ho-oh and mega salamence, in particular, sometimes run earthquake, worsening its ability to check them
rarer than "sometimes" if you ask me. i'd probably just go with the more simple option of mentioning the common grounds this mon has to deal with and note potential ground coverage as a usage tip or something.

QC 2/3
 

aurora

GODQUAZA
is a Contributor to Smogonis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
I already have scouting for Ground-type coverage in Usage Tips anyway so I just changed the relevant point in the Overview. I'll have this written up in the next two days.
 
[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Electric's pure Electric typing makes it the only Arceus forme that has a good matchup against both Primal Kyogre and most Flying-types. Importantly, this means that Arceus-Electric is one of the few Calm Mind Arceus formes that can muscle past Ho-Oh. Good overall bulk and a Steel resistance also allow it to serve as a solid check to Mega Lucario. While Arceus-Electric competes heavily with Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock for a teamslot, these Arceus formes can neither check Mega Lucario nor offensively check both Primal Kyogre and Flying-types, giving it a small niche in Ubers.

However, a weakness to Ground-type moves makes Arceus-Electric extremely vulnerable to both Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, which are ubiquitous in Ubers. Arceus-Electric also has issues functioning as a Calm Mind Arceus forme. It cannot run a mono-attacking set with Refresh due to such a set being completely walled by several of the best Pokemon in the tier, which renders it extremely vulnerable to Toxic; unfortunately, Toxic is very common on more defensive teams, which Calm Mind Arceus formes are supposed to be able to beat. These flaws mean that Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock are often chosen over Arceus-Electric. Both of these Arceus formes can also offensively check Flying-types yet, crucially, actually function with only one attacking move, allowing them to use Refresh and serve as much more reliable Calm Mind users in general. Do not use Arceus-Electric unless you require its specific qualities, as it is usually outclassed.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Zap Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind increases Arceus-Electric's Special Attack and Special Defense, making it very difficult to break with special attacks while simultaneously boosting its offensive presence. Judgment is a powerful and accurate STAB move that 2HKOes all Primal Kyogre and almost always OHKOes offensive Ho-Oh and Yveltal if Stealth Rock is up. Ice Beam gives Arceus-Electric excellent neutral coverage when combined with Judgment, allowing it to OHKO all Mega Salamence and Rayquaza after one round of Stealth Rock damage. It also gives Arceus-Electric a means of chipping away at Primal Groudon and does reasonable damage to Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C, which would all completely wall Arceus-Electric otherwise. Recover allows Arceus-Electric to keep healthy throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in HP maximizes Arceus-Electric's overall bulk, letting it switch into things it is supposed to check more safely. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Timid nature lets Arceus-Electric Speed tie with maximum Speed Arceus formes, as well as the uncommon Jolly Mega Salamence.

Usage Tips
========

Arceus-Electric shouldn't attempt to boost with Calm Mind until its many checks, such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, have been removed by its teammates; otherwise, Arceus-Electric will just become setup fodder. Be careful when hard switching Arceus-Electric into Pokemon it checks. Pokemon locked into Flying-type moves, such as Choiced Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Rayquaza, are fair game. However, Life Orb Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and mixed Rayquaza, among others, can do massive damage to Arceus-Electric with their powerful, neutrally effective STAB attacks, and being forced to Recover off damage incurred is a huge drain to momentum, as this invites in Pokemon that can beat Arceus-Electric. Some Pokemon, such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, may even be carrying Earthquake, which Arceus-Electric cannot switch into at all, so ensure to scout for these coverage moves before switching Arceus-Electric into play too recklessly. It is important to play Arceus-Electric conservatively around bulkier teams. (RP); (ASC) switching it into these teams directly is extremely risky, as Arceus-Electric is very vulnerable to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh. Arceus-Electric can be played more recklessly in the later phase of a match once its checks have been removed or worn down. Feel free to set up with Calm Mind and take full advantage of Arceus-Electric's good overall coverage when the time is right.

Team Options
========

Checks to Primal Groudon are mandatory teammates. (RP), (AC) such as Zygarde-C and Giratina-O can both check Primal Groudon, (AC) are mandatory teammates. (combined the sentences) Giratina-O provides additional utility with its Ground immunity and ability to Defog away Toxic Spikes, which otherwise threaten Arceus-Electric with crippling status. Primal Groudon itself makes a very useful teammate, as it can set Stealth Rock to allow Arceus-Electric to more easily dispatch of Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also assists Arceus-Electric in checking Primal Kyogre. If it is chosen as a teammate, running a Fire-type move on Primal Groudon is advised, as it this (clarity) allows it to deal with Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric. Arceus-Ground checks are also necessary. Zygarde-C can check Swords Dance variants, while defensive Primal Kyogre serves as a solid blanket check. Buzzwole is also a solid choice as an Arceus-Ground check; Arceus-Electric can return the favor through its resistance to Flying-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Blissey, Clefable, (AC) or Xerneas can alleviate Arceus-Electric's vulnerability to Toxic; in return, Arceus-Electric checks Mega Lucario. Dugtrio is an interesting teammate, as it can trap and OHKO Primal Groudon, greatly improving Arceus-Electric's ability to function. However, Dugtrio provides no defensive synergy whatsoever, which can make it difficult to fit. Yveltal offers both a Ground immunity and a means of checking Mega Gengar, which can threaten Arceus-Electric with the combination of Destiny Bond and Taunt. Mega Lucario can break through Blissey, Chansey, and Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric, giving it some breathing room against bulkier teams.

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

An offensive Calm Mind set that eschews Recover for Earth Power and HP investment for Special Attack investment can be used. This lets Arceus-Electric hit Primal Groudon much harder. However, this renders Arceus-Electric worse at checking what it is supposed to check, makes switching it in even more difficult, and severely cuts into its overall durability due to a lack of Recover and bulk. An offensive support set that replaces Calm Mind with Toxic can also be considered, as Primal Groudon is loathe to switch into Toxic. Unfortunately, this removes any possibility of Arceus-Electric breaking through teams in the late-game. Running Electrium Z over Zap Plate gives Arceus-Electric a powerful Gigavolt Havoc. However, Tapu Koko is a far better user of Gigavolt Havoc. Finally, mono-attacking sets that opt for Refresh over Ice Beam are almost completely unusable, as they are totally walled by the omnipresent Ground-types of Ubers.

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

**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune to Judgment and can often respond to Arceus-Electric's weak Ice Beams with super effective STAB moves. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground Speed ties with Arceus-Electric and OHKOes it with Tectonic Rage. Defensive Arceus-Ground is a shakier check but can still stomach Ice Beam and hit Arceus-Electric with Toxic. Primal Groudon takes neutral damage from Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Fire typing, allowing it to either use Arceus-Electric as setup bait or do severe damage to it with Precipice Blades. Sand Rush Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Electric in sand after one round of Stealth Rock damage. Lead Excadrill can even win one-on-one matchups against Arceus-Electric, as it 2HKOes Arceus-Electric with Earthquake; Arceus-Electric does not come close to 2HKOing Excadrill with Ice Beam in return if it has not boosted and needs very high rolls to do so even after a boost.

**Special Walls**: Blissey and Chansey completely wall Arceus-Electric and can Toxic stall it with ease. Clefable ignores Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts thanks to Unaware, allowing it to PP stall Arceus-Electric.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn resists Judgment and takes pitiful damage from Ice Beam. It can Toxic stall Arceus-Electric in conjunction with Leech Seed or set up Spikes on it.

**Toxic**: Arceus-Electric's significant vulnerability to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh allows Pokemon it would otherwise beat, such as defensive Ho-Oh, Dialga, Toxapex still holding its Wacan Berry, and Arceus-Water, to cripple it for the rest of the match.

**Magearna**: Magearna can stomach a Judgment and proceed to steal Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts with Heart Swap, crippling it.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar that carry Destiny Bond and Taunt can defeat Arceus-Electric. Taunt prevents Arceus-Electric from using Calm Mind or Recover, forcing it to attack Mega Gengar; (RSC) Mega Gengar, (AC) who can then force a trade with Destiny Bond. However, Mega Gengar it cannot safely switch into Judgment.
 
Last edited:

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
used most of above, ty!
GP 1/2

[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Electric's pure Electric typing makes it the only Arceus forme that has a good matchup against both Primal Kyogre and most Flying-types. Importantly, this means that Arceus-Electric is one of the few Calm Mind Arceus formes that can muscle past Ho-Oh. Good overall bulk and a Steel resistance also allow it to serve as a solid check to Mega Lucario. While Arceus-Electric competes heavily with Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock for a teamslot, these Arceus formes can neither check Mega Lucario nor offensively check both Primal Kyogre and Flying-types, giving it a small niche in Ubers.

However, a weakness to Ground-type moves makes Arceus-Electric extremely vulnerable to both Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, which are ubiquitous in Ubers. Arceus-Electric also has issues functioning as a Calm Mind Arceus forme. It cannot run a mono-attacking set with Refresh due to such a set being completely walled by several of the best Pokemon in the tier, which renders it extremely vulnerable to Toxic; unfortunately, Toxic is very common on more defensive teams, which Calm Mind Arceus formes are supposed to be able to beat. These flaws mean that Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock are often chosen over Arceus-Electric. Both of these Arceus formes can also offensively check Flying-types yet, crucially, actually function with only one attacking move, allowing them to use Refresh and serve as much more reliable Calm Mind users in general. Do not use Arceus-Electric unless you require its specific qualities, as it is usually outclassed.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Zap Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind increases Arceus-Electric's Special Attack and Special Defense, making it very difficult to break with special attacks while simultaneously boosting its offensive presence. Judgment is a powerful and accurate STAB move that 2HKOes all Primal Kyogre and almost always OHKOes offensive Ho-Oh and Yveltal if Stealth Rock is up. Ice Beam gives Arceus-Electric excellent neutral coverage when combined with Judgment, allowing it to OHKO all Mega Salamence and Rayquaza after one round of Stealth Rock damage. It also gives Arceus-Electric a means of chipping away at Primal Groudon and does reasonable damage to Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C, which would all completely wall Arceus-Electric otherwise. Recover allows Arceus-Electric to keep healthy throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in HP maximizes Arceus-Electric's overall bulk, letting it switch into things it is supposed to check more safely. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Timid nature lets Arceus-Electric Speed tie with maximum Speed Arceus formes, as well as the uncommon Jolly Mega Salamence.

Usage Tips
========

Arceus-Electric shouldn't attempt to boost with Calm Mind until its many checks, such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, have been removed by its teammates; otherwise, Arceus-Electric will just become setup fodder. Be careful when hard switching Arceus-Electric into Pokemon it checks. Pokemon locked into Flying-type moves, such as Choiced item Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Rayquaza, are fair game. However, Life Orb Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and mixed Rayquaza, among others, can do massive damage to Arceus-Electric with their powerful, neutrally effective STAB attacks, and being forced to Recover off damage incurred is a huge drain to momentum, as this invites in Pokemon that can beat Arceus-Electric. Some Pokemon, such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, may even be carrying Earthquake, which Arceus-Electric cannot switch into at all, so be sure ensure to scout for these coverage moves before switching Arceus-Electric into play too recklessly. It is important to play Arceus-Electric conservatively around bulkier teams. (RP); (ASC) switching (optional) it into these teams directly is extremely risky, as Arceus-Electric is very vulnerable to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh. Arceus-Electric can be played more recklessly in the later phase of a match once its checks have been removed or worn down. Feel free to set up with Calm Mind and take full advantage of Arceus-Electric's good overall coverage when the time is right.

Team Options
========

Checks to Primal Groudon are mandatory teammates. (RP), (AC) such as Zygarde-C and Giratina-O can both check Primal Groudon, (AC) are mandatory teammates. (combined the sentences) Giratina-O provides additional utility with its Ground immunity and ability to Defog away Toxic Spikes, which otherwise threaten Arceus-Electric with crippling status. Primal Groudon itself makes a very useful teammate, as it can set Stealth Rock to allow Arceus-Electric to more easily dispatch of Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also assists Arceus-Electric in checking Primal Kyogre. If it is chosen as a teammate, running a Fire-type move on Primal Groudon is advised, as it this (clarity) allows it to deal with Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric. Arceus-Ground checks are also necessary. Zygarde-C can check Swords Dance variants, while defensive Primal Kyogre serves as a solid blanket check. Buzzwole is also a solid choice as an Arceus-Ground check; Arceus-Electric can return the favor through its resistance to Flying-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Blissey, Clefable, (AC) and Xerneas can alleviate Arceus-Electric's vulnerability to Toxic; in return, Arceus-Electric checks Mega Lucario. Dugtrio is an interesting teammate, as it can trap and OHKO Primal Groudon, greatly improving Arceus-Electric's ability to function. However, Dugtrio provides no defensive synergy whatsoever, which can make it difficult to fit. Yveltal offers both a Ground immunity and a means of checking Mega Gengar, which can threaten Arceus-Electric with the combination of Destiny Bond and Taunt. Mega Lucario can break through Blissey, Chansey, and Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric, giving it some breathing room against bulkier teams.

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

An offensive Calm Mind set that eschews Recover for Earth Power and HP investment for Special Attack investment can be used. This lets Arceus-Electric hit Primal Groudon much harder. However, this renders Arceus-Electric worse at checking what it is supposed to check, makes switching it in even more difficult, and severely cuts into its overall durability due to a lack of Recover and bulk. An offensive support set that replaces Calm Mind with Toxic can also be considered, as Primal Groudon is loath loathe to switch into Toxic. Unfortunately, this removes any possibility of Arceus-Electric breaking through teams in the late-game. Running Electrium Z over Zap Plate gives Arceus-Electric a powerful Gigavolt Havoc. However, Tapu Koko is a far better user of Gigavolt Havoc. Finally, mono-attacking sets that opt for Refresh over Ice Beam are almost completely unusable, as they are totally walled by the omnipresent Ground-types of Ubers.

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

**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune to Judgment and can often respond to Arceus-Electric's weak Ice Beams with super effective STAB moves. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground Speed ties with Arceus-Electric and OHKOes it with Tectonic Rage. Defensive Arceus-Ground is a shakier check but can still stomach Ice Beam and hit Arceus-Electric with Toxic. Primal Groudon takes neutral damage from Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Fire typing, allowing it to either use Arceus-Electric as setup bait or do severe damage to it with Precipice Blades. Sand Rush Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Electric in sand after one round of Stealth Rock damage. Lead Excadrill can even win one-on-one matchups against Arceus-Electric, as it 2HKOes Arceus-Electric with Earthquake; Arceus-Electric does not come close to 2HKOing Excadrill with Ice Beam in return if it has not boosted and needs very high rolls to do so even after a boost.

**Special Walls**: Blissey and Chansey completely wall Arceus-Electric and can Toxic stall it with ease. Clefable ignores Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts thanks to Unaware, allowing it to PP stall Arceus-Electric.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn resists Judgment and takes pitiful damage from Ice Beam. It can Toxic stall Arceus-Electric in conjunction with Leech Seed or set up Spikes on it.

**Toxic**: Arceus-Electric's significant vulnerability to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh allows Pokemon it would otherwise beat, such as defensive Ho-Oh, Dialga, Toxapex still holding its Wacan Berry, and Arceus-Water, to cripple it for the rest of the match.

**Magearna**: Magearna can stomach a Judgment and proceed to steal Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts with Heart Swap, crippling it.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar that carry Destiny Bond and Taunt can defeat Arceus-Electric. Taunt prevents Arceus-Electric from using Calm Mind or Recover, forcing it to attack Mega Gengar; (RSC) Mega Gengar, (AC) who (should be which, but otherwise fine!) can then force a trade with Destiny Bond. However, Mega Gengar it cannot safely switch into Judgment.
 

GatoDelFuego

The Antimonymph of the Internet
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Aurora

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Electric's pure Electric typing makes it the only Arceus forme that has a good matchup against both Primal Kyogre and most Flying-types. Importantly, this means that Arceus-Electric is one of the few Calm Mind Arceus formes that can muscle past Ho-Oh. Good overall bulk and a Steel resistance also allow it to serve as a solid check to Mega Lucario. While Arceus-Electric competes heavily with Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock for a teamslot, these Arceus formes can neither check Mega Lucario nor offensively check both Primal Kyogre and Flying-types, giving it a small niche in Ubers. lol this is such a sentence. A-electric has this 1 niche. It competes with these other 2 formes, but they cannot do its niche. Giving it a niche. (nothing wrong u did tho lol)

However, a weakness to Ground-type moves makes Arceus-Electric extremely vulnerable to both Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground, which are ubiquitous in Ubers. Arceus-Electric also has issues functioning as a Calm Mind Arceus forme. It cannot run a mono-attacking set with Refresh due to such a set being completely walled by several of the best Pokemon in the tier, which renders it extremely vulnerable to Toxic; unfortunately, Toxic is very common on more defensive teams, which Calm Mind Arceus formes are supposed to be able to beat. These flaws mean that Arceus-Ice and Arceus-Rock are often chosen over Arceus-Electric. Both of these Arceus formes can also offensively check Flying-types yet, crucially, actually function with only one attacking move, allowing them to use Refresh and serve as much more reliable Calm Mind users in general. Do not use Arceus-Electric unless you require its specific qualities, as it is usually outclassed.

[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Ice Beam
move 4: Recover
item: Zap Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind increases Arceus-Electric's Special Attack and Special Defense, making it very difficult to break with special attacks while simultaneously boosting its offensive presence. Judgment is a powerful and accurate STAB move that 2HKOes all Primal Kyogre and almost always OHKOes offensive Ho-Oh and Yveltal if Stealth Rock is up. Ice Beam gives Arceus-Electric excellent neutral coverage when combined with Judgment, allowing it to OHKO all Mega Salamence and Rayquaza after one round of Stealth Rock damage. It also gives Arceus-Electric a means of chipping away at Primal Groudon and does reasonable damage to Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C, which would all completely wall Arceus-Electric otherwise. Recover allows Arceus-Electric to keep itself healthy throughout the match.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in HP maximizes Arceus-Electric's overall bulk, letting it switch into things it is supposed to check more safely. Maximum Speed investment alongside a Timid nature lets Arceus-Electric Speed tie with maximum Speed Arceus formes, as well as the uncommon Jolly Mega Salamence.

Usage Tips
========

Arceus-Electric shouldn't attempt to boost with Calm Mind until its many checks, such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, Ferrothorn, and Blissey, have been removed by its teammates; otherwise, Arceus-Electric will just become setup fodder. Be careful when hard switching Arceus-Electric into Pokemon it checks. Pokemon locked into Flying-type moves, such as Choice item Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Rayquaza, are fair game. However, Life Orb Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and mixed Rayquaza, among others, can do massive damage to Arceus-Electric with their powerful, neutrally effective STAB attacks, and being forced to Recover off damage incurred is a huge drain to momentum, as this invites in Pokemon that can beat Arceus-Electric. Some Pokemon, such as Ho-Oh, Mega Salamence, and Rayquaza, may might even be carrying Earthquake, which Arceus-Electric cannot switch into at all, so be sure to scout for these coverage moves before switching Arceus-Electric into play too recklessly. It is important to play Arceus-Electric conservatively around bulkier teams. Switching it into these teams directly is extremely risky, as Arceus-Electric is very vulnerable to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh. Arceus-Electric can be played more recklessly in the later phase of a match once its checks have been removed or worn down. Feel free to set up with Calm Mind and take full advantage of Arceus-Electric's good overall coverage when the time is right.

Team Options
========

Checks to Primal Groudon, such as Zygarde-C and Giratina-O, are mandatory teammates. Giratina-O provides additional utility with its Ground immunity and ability to Defog away Toxic Spikes, which otherwise threaten Arceus-Electric with crippling status. Primal Groudon itself makes a very useful teammate, as it can set Stealth Rock to allow Arceus-Electric to more easily dispatch of Ho-Oh. Primal Groudon also assists Arceus-Electric in checking Primal Kyogre. If it is chosen as a teammate, running a Fire-type move on Primal Groudon is advised, as this allows it to deal with Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric. Arceus-Ground checks are also necessary. Zygarde-C can check Swords Dance variants, while defensive Primal Kyogre serves as a solid blanket check. Buzzwole is also a solid choice as an Arceus-Ground check; Arceus-Electric can return the favor through its resistance to Flying-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Blissey, Clefable, or Xerneas can alleviate Arceus-Electric's vulnerability to Toxic; in return, Arceus-Electric checks Mega Lucario. Dugtrio is an interesting teammate, as it can trap and OHKO Primal Groudon, greatly improving Arceus-Electric's ability to function. However, Dugtrio provides no defensive synergy whatsoever, which can make it difficult to fit. Yveltal offers both a Ground immunity and a means of checking Mega Gengar, which can threaten Arceus-Electric with the combination of Destiny Bond and Taunt. Mega Lucario can break through Blissey, Chansey, and Ferrothorn for Arceus-Electric, giving it some breathing room against bulkier teams.

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

An offensive Calm Mind set that eschews Recover for Earth Power and HP investment for Special Attack investment can be used. This lets Arceus-Electric hit Primal Groudon much harder. However, this renders Arceus-Electric worse at checking what it is supposed to check, makes switching it in even more difficult, and severely cuts into its overall durability due to a lack of Recover and bulk. An offensive support set that replaces Calm Mind with Toxic can also be considered, as Primal Groudon is loath to switch into Toxic. Unfortunately, this removes any possibility of Arceus-Electric breaking through teams in the late-game. Running Electrium Z over Zap Plate gives Arceus-Electric a powerful Gigavolt Havoc. However, Tapu Koko is a far better user of Gigavolt Havoc. Finally, mono-attacking sets that opt for Refresh over Ice Beam are almost completely unusable, as they are totally walled by the omnipresent Ground-types of Ubers.

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

**Ground-types**: Ground-types are immune to Judgment and can often respond to Arceus-Electric's weak Ice Beams with super effective STAB moves. Swords Dance Arceus-Ground Speed ties with Arceus-Electric and OHKOes it with Tectonic Rage. Defensive Arceus-Ground is a shakier check but can still stomach Ice Beam and hit Arceus-Electric with Toxic. Primal Groudon takes neutral damage from Ice Beam thanks to its secondary Fire typing, allowing it to either use Arceus-Electric as setup bait or do severe damage to it with Precipice Blades. Sand Rush Excadrill can outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Electric in sand and OHKO after one round of Stealth Rock damage. Lead Excadrill can even win one-on-one matchups against Arceus-Electric, as it 2HKOes Arceus-Electric with Earthquake; Arceus-Electric does not come close to 2HKOing Excadrill with Ice Beam in return if it has not boosted and needs very high rolls to do so even after a boost.

**Special Walls**: Blissey and Chansey completely wall Arceus-Electric and can Toxic stall it with ease. Clefable ignores Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts thanks to Unaware, allowing it to PP stall Arceus-Electric.

**Ferrothorn**: Ferrothorn resists Judgment and takes pitiful damage from Ice Beam. It can Toxic stall Arceus-Electric in conjunction with Leech Seed or set up Spikes on it.

**Toxic**: Arceus-Electric's significant vulnerability to Toxic due to its lack of Refresh allows Pokemon it would otherwise beat, such as defensive Ho-Oh, Dialga, Toxapex still holding its Wacan Berry, and Arceus-Water, to cripple it for the rest of the match.

**Magearna**: Magearna can stomach a Judgment and proceed to steal Arceus-Electric's Calm Mind boosts with Heart Swap, crippling it.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar that carry Destiny Bond and Taunt can defeat Arceus-Electric. Taunt prevents Arceus-Electric from using Calm Mind or Recover, forcing it to attack Mega Gengar, which can then force a trade with Destiny Bond. However, it cannot safely switch into Judgment.

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